Alan D West Photography

Happy New Year !!!!

2012-01-01T09:03:00.001Z

So 2012 is here ! A lot has gone on in 2011 and the general feeling I get from looking at social networks site is that most people are glad to see the back of 2011 and are looking forward to 2012.

Personally yes there have been some bad things about 2011 but there have been some good moments.

The Royal Wedding for example was a great occasion showing how we can do big events on London, millions of people saw this event on television and the streets were packed so something must have been good about it.

I am looking forward to 2012 with eager anticipation, I want to take my photography to a new level this year having achieved what I anted to achieve in 2011, that was getting myself published which I did in Gossip magazine.

Gossip Magazine Christmas edition

I must say although there were several good events that I photographed last year I still did not manage to do enough photography during the year to be happy with. So this year more events, more projects and more published work.

Anyway with the Beer With The Big Dog on the 13th I am sure the year will get off with a good start.

Happy New Year everyone !!!!

It's Over .....

2011-12-29T09:13:00.001Z

Christmas that is, and now everyone is looking forward to the New Years celebrations. Well why not in these time I guess there are a lot of us who get depressed by the stories on the news of Credit Crunch, Bankers, Riots etc. So why shouldn't we have a celebration to look forward to?

I hope that whatever you decide to do by way of celebration os fun and safe.

2012 promises to be a big year for London with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympic Games, I am not sure that I am looking forward to all of the madness that comes with them though, the tube drivers striking for example (haven't announced any yet but I am sure they will try to hold the city to ransom again)

So what am I going to get up to in the New Year, well on the 21st Jan I have a studio booked in Liverpool for a shoot. I am looking for models/people to fill slots available during the day. This is an opportunity to get yourself into a studio and get some cool head shots/fashion or whatever you want for your portfolio. If interested you should get in touch.

I hope to progress further with my work and look forward to many new and exiting challenges in 2012.

I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and would like to leave by mentioning some people who I have worked with this year and have enjoyed the work and company.

www.be-boutique.co.uk

Amanda Harrington's become the fase

Enjoy your celebrations, be safe and arrive in 2012 full of optimism and ambition.

Last one before Christmas.

2011-12-16T12:31:00.000Z

Today is my last day at work before the Christmas break so thought I would say a few thank you's.

During the year I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting some exception individuals, people who have inspired me , helped me and sometimes hindered me however it is to all of you that I wish a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Would like to say a particular thanks to those people how have helped progress my photography.

I set out a target at the beginning of the year to get some work published in 2011 and I am pleased to say that this looks to have been achieved, I am waiting for issues of Gossip, Lifestyle and Man about Town to come out with images from one of the events I attended, the launch of Amanda Harringtons become the fase.

Looking forward to working with these guys again in the new year and who knows what else might come of it.

Would like to wish Sam and the be-boutique.co.uk team best wishes and good luck for the New Year I know they will do well.

So best wishes to you all and lets hope that 2012 brings us all luck and plenty of work to enjoy.

Be-Boutique.co.uk II and Amanda Harrington

2011-11-29T16:05:00.000Z

After the success of the first Be-Boutique.co.uk shoot I was asked if I would do another. My immediate response was Yes of course. The first had been fun, this time we made a change of studio. I wanted something with a little more light and a better environment (windows ate least). So we headed for the Liverpool Studio Hire on Saturday 26th November.

With my trusty sidekick in tow (Mick) we arrived at the studio and started setting up the lights etc. Located in Victoria street Liverpool it was light and airy.

The whole day went well with us managing to wrap the shoot with plenty of time to spare. I would like to say thanks to the team involved, it was like it had all been planned !!!

Even the team look like they had fun !!!

Heres a couple of shots from the day.

Bothe models sarah and Megan perfumed admirably during the day, it was a real pleasure to work with them again.

The evening before I went to do a little pap work at the Palm Sugar bar in Liverpool One where the launch of the Are you the Fase (yes it is how it is supposed to be spelled) was taking place. The competition is open to the North West of England with the aim of winning £10,000 plus many other prizes.

The evening was a social affair even Amanda and some of the cast from the new TV show on E4 Desperate Scousewives grace us with their presence. With the shoot for Be-Boutique.co.uk the next day I decided on an early night, it certainly looked like not could have got messy.

Anyway heres a few pics from the night.

I hopefully have some shoots lined up in the next month so keep in touch.

Be-Boutique.co.uk, Pippa Langhorne

2011-11-28T19:11:00.001Z

A couple of months ago I did a shoot for an aquaintance in Liverpool. It was a Fashion show shoot with a theme of Liverpool v Essex. The concept was that there would be designers from both Liverpool and Essex showcasing their designs. The twist being that some of the case of TOWIE (The only way is Essex) would be present. The evening turned out to be just the same as any other fashion show I have attended over the last few years, few celebrities (if you can call them that) and a series of let downs and poor organisation.

A couple of good things did come out of evening, the first was that I got to spend time with some of my family and also met Pippa Langhorne of Britain's Got Talent fame who invited me to shoot at her 21st birthday party.

This event was help on The Yacht, a moored boat at Temple Pier on the Thames. It was an enjoyable evening from which I got some very nice shots. The above shot is the birthday girl herself with her dad.

Another good thing to come out of the evening was meeting Hannah Robinson who was one of the event organisers however zoo departed the company due to artistic differences. It was Hannah who put me in touch and requested my services for a shoot with Be-Boutique.co.uk , a new website that was ready to launch but needed some more shots of the clothing lines.

We have just completed our second shoot for the website and it has been live for about three weeks not with some success. Sales seem to be increasing and certainly we have enjoyed our shoots.

I thought I would post a couple of the images from the first shoot to show you some of the range.

Chantelle Tagoe wearing a Pinderalla dress available at be-boutique.co.uk

Megan Williams in a Pinderalla dress available at be-boutique.co.uk

Been a while.

2011-05-05T12:16:00.000+01:00

Haven't been on here for a while due to work commitments and other activities. So the world has changed, Prince William got married, and Bin Laden was found. Both of these events in the space of three days, what will news reporters be doing for the rest of the year, I really can't see anything topping that of course unless England win the Rugby World Cup that is !!

Anyway on the photography side I had a shoot with Kasia at St Katherine's dock London on the 22nd April as previously blogged. It was a very pleasant day great sunshine and I think the shoot was enjoyed by all, a big thanks to Ana Popescu for the makeup.

Here is a few images from the day:

Three different images three different looks.

Immediately after the shoot I headed over to Paris on the Eurostar and onto Avignon for a weeks R & R in a little place called Villedieu it was a great week of total relaxation. We took a couple of walks and mainly just relaxed. As is the norm I took a few snaps, here is one of a little village called Seguret which is supposed to be one of the prettiest villages i the whole of France.

I hope you like, until next time TTFN

Shoot Tomorrow

2011-04-21T11:36:00.000+01:00

Have a shoot lined up for tomorrow, am going to do some more outdoor work (weather permitting) with the lovely Kasia

Raally looking forward to it as we have a makeup artist all lined up. It will be my last shoot before I go on holiday.

Jarrel

2011-04-09T09:51:00.001+01:00

Had a good shoot yesterday with Jarrel at the Studio Time studio. With the exception of some outdoor shots this is the first time I have shot in a studio with a male model.

I have to say it was a lot easier than I thought. No egos at all and just a good all round shoot. Here are some samples from the shoot.

You know were to go for the rest.

Barbecoa and Hyde park

2011-04-04T09:25:00.000+01:00

Have to say that Jamie Oliver Restaurants do not let you down. On Saturday I took Binsa to the newest of Jamies restaurants in London, Barbecoa , described as a celebration between fire and food, all I can say the food was wonderful. On arrival we were met with pleasant warm and friendly smiles. We were shown to our table with a magnificent view of St Pauls Cathedral (we could practically hear the choir singing).

The food we had was simply delicious, with the service being second to none. When asked what wines the waitress would recommend for our meals I was pleasantly surprised to get a knowledgeable response and we took the advice. The wine was wonderful if a little on the pricey side.

All in all a very pleasant experience with excellent food and company.

On Sunday I had arranged a shoot with Victoria, a new make up artist who is looking to get more work and experience. The model was Elisabeth, Victorias flat mate which made it a lot easier for her as she already knew skin tones etc.

Anyway the shoot was an outdoor shoot and I think we had a good time and got some really nice images as you can see from the sample below. If you want to see the whole range of images we shot then please go to my website AlanDWest Photography.

More From Todays London March

2011-03-26T19:09:00.000Z

Streets of London

2011-03-26T18:54:00.000Z

Took a walk around London today after I had a cancellation for a shoot.

London is a truly amazing place not least because today the weather was very pleasant and oh yes there was the Anti Cuts demonstration. Anyway the images below are from todays little jaunt.

Studio Time Shoot Cancelled

2011-03-18T19:02:00.000Z

Well arrived at the studio today for a shoot with Amie only to find that a Power company who was working outside had cut through the cable and we had no power.

Waited until 3:30 to see if it would come back on, which it didn't, in the meantime played around with a single SB900 and daylight.

End result as below:

There is a plan to reschedule the shoot again with Amie so hopefully there will be more to come.

Studio Time Shoot Tomorrow

2011-03-17T16:13:00.002Z

Well this week has me returning to the Studio Time studios for another Portfolio Shoot this time with an "Alternative" model Amie . I am looking forward to it and wonder what outfits she will be bringing.

What a week.

2011-03-15T15:36:00.003Z

WOW what a week, I don't mean work wise.

It seems that more and more often we are waking up to news reports of one disaster after another. I am sure that you are seeing the reports and distressing images coming out of Japan. I don't believe that any of us living in London can truly imagine what it is like to lose everything in a matter of hours. Our thoughts must go out to these people.

It really amuses me when I see facebook profile messages the like of "it is so unfair ..." when they can't get the new iphone or blackberry, take a look at the news buddy now that is unfair !!!

Well this week has me returning to the Studio Time studios for another Portfolio Shoot this time with an "Alternative" model Amie . I am looking forward to it and wonder what outfits she will be bringing.

Anyway whilst you go about your daily task and moan about your commute think of others less fortunate than you,

Rankin Again

2011-03-04T19:09:00.000Z

Thought I would share this short video of Rankin at work again. Show what you can do with a simple setup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWPTrYnRVnw

Great Shoot

2011-02-19T10:16:00.000Z

Had a great shoot at Studio Time in London Fields yesterday. Thanks to all involved. Here are a few of the images taken hope you like them and feel free to comment.

Voices of Haiti - Jeremy Cowart

2011-02-14T18:36:00.003Z

I am subscribed to Kelby training videos and came across a couple of courses by American Photographer Jeremy Cowart. He is well known for his celebrity shots, so after going to his website I found that the guy is more than a celebrity snapper.

Have a look at the attached video to see some of the excellent work this guy does.

Voices of Haiti

You can catch more from Jeremy Cowart at his website

Grey skys in London

2011-02-13T09:48:00.000Z

Well work this week has been a bit of a pain, of course I refer to the day job not the photography (although there hasn't been too much of that either). The grey sky of London is getting me down a bit . I am definitely looking forward to the arrival of Spring when it will be a time to get out and about again.

This week I have an afternoon shooting Model Portfolios with Studio Time Photography which I am looking forward to.

I have been working on some images from last year so I thought I would share them with you. I hope you all have a good week.

Something from a while ago.

2011-02-05T18:38:00.000Z

This was taken a while ago on a photo shoot with the Trained Eye team. Thought I would share.

Boxing Shoot

2011-01-30T10:14:00.000Z

So the location was a Boxing club, it is only fitting that there should be some boxing themed images from it. The gym was quite tight in places meaning that there were areas that were hard to light . I made the most of what we had and tried to light accordingly.

Todays Shoot

2011-01-29T19:13:00.000Z

Had a good shoot today, hats off to the girls, it was freezing and they did well to keep going.

Getting Ready

2011-01-27T19:48:00.001Z

I am rather excited about the shoot on Saturday. I really don't know what to expect - Is that good? or does it mean I am unprepared. I have been in touch with Louise today and I think that she is excited also.

We have loads of ideas buzzing around our heads, lets hope we can get them into the camera and come out of the whole experience with a positive outcome.

One image we are trying to replicate will be this one:

It is a Joe McNally shot, I will be trying to get a boxing equivalent hopefully. I can see it in my head lets hope it comes out OK.

Anyway was rather disappointed that the Hobby/McNally tour does not have any UK dates yet, was rather looking forward to another day with Joe.

More to come .......

Getting Ready For Saturday

2011-01-25T14:23:00.001Z

On Saturday I will be shooting Louise Dugard, West Drayton based model. We will be shooting in a Boxing club not far from where I live.

This shoot has been organised for a number of weeks now and I am really looking foorward to getting it started. I have been constantly thinking of possible images to take or try some of which might test muy lighting knowldege, however, how do we learn? We make mistakes and then try again.

I hope to be able to post soome of the images soon after the event.

New Challenges

2011-01-20T08:24:00.001Z

As I write this I am travelling under Tower Bridge London. My daily commute, certainly beats being stuck underground in the tube with darkness and too many people.

Quite a nice relaxing way to start the day. So what are my new challenges, firstly I have a big decision to make, should I extend my contract for a further 3 months or move to pastures new?

Secondly I have to start taking more pictures and the challenge is getting and time. I have a few things in mind so watch this space.

Anyway my new Lowell iLight turned up the other day so I will try and get some practice in this weekend.

Have a good day.

The Convention

2011-01-15T09:38:00.001Z

Had a great day the SWPP Convention yesterday. Attended three seminars by very different Photographers and also enjoyed a session in the evening with Damian McGillicuddy and took a couple of shots . Here are the shots taken during the day. The lighting for the shots was setup by the instructors and we were then allowed to get a couple of shots. The first shot was taken during a session with Anthony Cava a Canadian photographer based out of Ontario, using a video light a simple yet effective lighting solution being used more and more for portrait and wedding photography.

The second shot was taken at the session with Damian and his team. I have had the opportunity to go to a few workshops with him and find them fun and intuitive. I learn something new every time I go. This was taken with tow lights one speed-light behind Ulorin Vex which had a bare bulb bounce attachment and the key light being another speed-light with a Damian McGillicuddy beauty dish attached.

I hope you like the images.

SWPP

2011-01-13T20:57:00.000Z

Attending the SWPP tomorrow and will be having a workshop with Damien McGillicuddy. Looking forward to attending some seminars and learning loads.

Rankin BBC2 8th January 2011

2011-01-09T09:28:00.000Z

For those Photographers who might have missed the programme last night here is the link.

Rankin BBC 2

Sartorialist Video and First week back at work

2011-01-08T08:54:00.001Z

So the first week of the new year is over, work was a little slow this week but with transport issues it seems to have been a full one even though it was only four days.

Have been in conversation with a model who wants to do a fitness shoot in a local boxing gym. Looks like it is going ahead on the 29th. Must do some research of images etc.

Haven't had my camera out this week so must do better.

Interesting video on the Sartorialist blog so thought I would share it with you. Have a good one.

First Day Back 2011

2011-01-04T19:45:00.000Z

WOW, well that was a day to forget. The journey this morning was awful with one delay after the next. At least the actual work part wasn't too bad and the journey home was pretty good.

I hope you had a good first day back, I am hoping that my journey hasn't set the tone for the year, although with TFL who knows.

Back to work

2011-01-03T10:17:00.001Z

Am back to work tomorrow, how quick has the Christmas break gone and how little have I actually done? We were supposed to go the Belgium for Christmas but that got cancelled due to the weather. So have pretty much just hung around the house, did go for a couple of nice walks , yesterday to Richmond park. Great place to walk with the Deer and the rest of the wildlife.

Not looking forward to getting up early for my commute in the morning but have a couple of things to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Saturday sees our annual visit to the Albert Hall for the Cirque De Soleil show Totem. I also have the Liverpool versus Everton tickets in the middle of the month.

On the 14th I will be attending the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) Convention at the Novotel hotel Hammersmith where I am booked in for a class with Mr McGillicuddy again. Wonder what he has up his sleeve this year.

Hope you all had a good New Year and that 2011 is kind to you.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T17:05:00.000Z

So 2010 is nearly over, what has it brought? Personally it has brought me the opportunity to progress and develop (excuse the pun) my photography skills, still a long way to go but practice makes perfect.

I have met some great people over the last year and worked with a few of them, and hope to work with others un the coming year.

I hope that anyone who reads this has a good New Year and they get everything they wish for, personally just one bug lottery win would be nice!!!

Happy New Year and good luck for 2011.

Portugal 2003

2010-12-30T14:24:00.000Z

Now that the cold weather has been around for a while here in the UK I looked through some of my pics to find something from a warmer time and can across this shot of a tram in Lisbon . The trip to Portugal was a long weekend or a short week whichever way you look at it. I found the city to be very engaging and loved the public transport system.

First Solo Studio Shoot 2010

2010-12-29T17:55:00.000Z

This shot is one taken from my first solo studio shoot. The studio was the MAD studios in Chesham where the lovely Rebecca Amy (From Birkenhead) was visiting.

I took this using a Lencarta Ringflash, which I have now purchased and intend to use in anger in the New Year.

Scott Kelby and Joe McNally from Nikon

2010-12-29T09:45:00.001Z

Scott Kelby and Joe McNally from Nikon

Found this interview and thought I should share it . I attended a 1 day seminar with Joe McNally in London back in September. It was a superb day watching how he builds the image. I would recommend a visit to any of his seminars to anyone.

Debbie

2010-12-28T11:07:00.000Z

Took this shot at a studio in Liverpool. The model is my niece Debbie, she was a little nervous at the start but grew into the shoot as it progressed.

More 2010

2010-12-27T13:50:00.000Z

A few more images from 2010. Taken at a workshop with the Trained Eye Team in bucks.

2010 Work

2010-12-26T08:50:00.002Z

Thought I would share some of the images produced in 2010. These images were taken on a day workshop with Damien McGillicuddy it was a great day at Oddballs Hotel and Restaurant in Chester. Hope you like the images.

Merry Christmas to all.

2010-12-25T15:36:00.000Z

Have received some lovely presents for Christmas fro Santa Claus in many guises. Thanks to all and Merry Christmas.

Decisions

2010-12-24T08:21:00.004Z

Up early this morning, must be getting excited about Christmas.... Well have decided that I must increase my photography work in the New Year. This means plenty of planning and ideas, must try and organise more shoots in the London area.

Merry Christmas to all.

2010-12-23T22:21:00.002Z

It has been a while so I thought I would just come on here and wish you all a merry christmas.

Busy Few Days

2010-05-25T15:34:00.001+01:00

Off to Liverpool tomorrow for a shoot in the evening and then to Chester on Friday for a workshop with Damien McGillicuddy (again)

Studio Time

2010-05-09T09:14:00.001+01:00

Sorry I haven't been online for a while, anyway have had a good couple of shoots over last few months with Studio Time www.studiotimephoto.com Learned a great deal about lighting, Flash Meters etc and met some really nice people (A few not so nice but thats life) Anyway hope to be blogging more now as I have a couple of things coming up.

The weekend has come and gone.....

2010-01-17T19:57:00.000Z

Well where did that go? The weekend started very well with a nice few hours in the company of Damian McGillicuddy. A down to earth photographer who tells you how it is.

Some very professional models and some good shots taken.

This is Charlie E. Very natural model who you can see a lot more of on Damian's website.

The coming week

2010-01-09T16:37:00.000Z

This week promises to be eventful in one way or another. The Intro To Fashion is in danger of being postponed due to weather..!

The day job is proving to be challenging at the moment, so hopefully the Beer With the Big Dog (McGillicuddy) will still go ahead to allow me to get out and about with the camera.

Have been jotting down a few questions to ask him and am looking forward to watching a master at work.

First day back.

2010-01-04T18:03:00.000Z

Well, glad that is over, first day back in my day job.

Received my joining instructions from the Trained Eye http://www.thetrainedeye.co.uk/

Am really looking forward to the day doing the intro to fashion course.

A New Year

2010-01-01T18:28:00.000Z

Well Christmas is over and the New Year is here. Happy 2010 to all.

Up and coming:

I have another shoot with the Trained Eye team on the 12th. This time it is Introduction to fashion.

On the 15th I will be attending a 3 hour workshop Damien McGillicuddy at the SWPP in Hammersmith.

Best Wishes and a Happy New Year to all.

Christmas in Gembloux

2009-12-22T20:10:00.000Z

With all this weather and wintry conditions I am off to Belgium in the morning. Hope you have a good Christmas and see you in the New Year. Lets hope 2010 is a fantastic year for all.

Weekend in Liverpool

2009-12-17T20:07:00.001Z

Had a great weekend in Liverpool. Shame about the football result but hey ho.

A couple of shots at home

2009-12-06T18:35:00.000Z

After doing the housework I spent the rest of the day playing with flash. A shot of Binsa can be found on my website under portfolios.

Another Course Booked

2009-11-29T09:49:00.000Z

Have booked the "Intro to Fashion" course with the Trained Eye on the 12th Jan 2010.

Another Busy Week

2009-11-14T08:22:00.000Z

This week has really flown by. Unfortunately no photography just the day job. The weather in London is wet and windy. Visitors from Belgium arriving by Eurostar around midday.

A week doing the day job

2009-11-06T11:02:00.001Z

This week has all been about doing my day job. Not the best but it pays for my Photography.

I have been able to sort out some of the images from last Fridays shoot with the TrainedEye guys you can see them on my website by following this link. http://www.alandwestphotography.com/ and go to portfolios - Portraits.

Not sure about what to do this weekend might get some time to practice out and about.

A day out on Southbank

2009-10-30T21:22:00.002Z

Had a great day on the Southbank of London. Thanks to David, Unity, Rachel and Jonny for their experience and their patience. But most of all thanks to Binsa for my birthday present. XXX

A day out in London on the South Bank

2009-10-29T18:22:00.002Z

Off for a day tomorrow so going into London for a day of Funky Portraits...

Back to the day job

2009-10-27T18:29:00.000Z

Back to the day job so far this week. Looking forward to my day with the Trained Eye team on Friday. Funky Portraits can't wait.

Finished Travelling for the weekend

2009-10-25T21:54:00.000Z

Back from Liverpool, dropped my brother back home in Gloucester and am now back in London. Great match and a fantastic result. Sabine has returned from Belgium so happy days.

Another Wet Day

2009-10-24T08:52:00.000+01:00

Off to Gloucester today to visit my brother. Camera is staying at home as I will be travelling to Liverpool tomorrow for the Liverpool v Man U match. A lot of travelling in the next few days.

I am looking forward to next Friday when I will be attending a Funky Portraits course on the South Bank in London.