Mark Dolman Photography

New Wedding Photography Rates for 2012

2012-01-18T17:56:00.000Z

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES 2012

All wedding packages include the following:

Pre wedding consultation meeting
Professional image retouching and colour balanced
You get to choose your best images for the album
Password protected online gallery
Share images online to Facebook & Twitter
High Res CD on images
DVD, PC, iPod, iPhone compatable Slide Show

ALBUM PACKAGES START FROM £600 (INC VAT)

15% DISCOUNT APPLIES FOR WEEKDAY AND OUT OF SEASON BOOKINGS

High Season May to August - Low Season September to April

If you can not find a package you like below then why not request a package made to your exact requirements. Fill in the online form by clicking the button left and recieve a personalised quote via email.

Package 1

3 hours photography coverage
20 Page A4 Story Book Album
CD containing 60 of the best images

Package 2

Pre wedding / Engagement photo session
8 hours photography coverage
40 Page 12'x12' Story Book Album
250 images on a CD
50 Thank You Cards

Package 3

8 hours photography coverage
50 Page 12'x12' Story Book Album
2 x Mini Parent / Guest Albums
Hard back Preview book of all images
250 images on a CD with copyright permission to print for personal use
50 Thank You Cards
50 Personalised postage stamps for cards
Large Signing Canvas
Pre wedding photo session for signing canvas

What amazing achievements will you have in 2012

2012-01-09T11:13:00.000Z

I can not believe its nearly 2 years on since attending a course with Julia Boggio High and in this time I have given up the day job and now running a successful photography business and loving every minute. In this short time my major achievements include photographing 25 weddings, 100s of celebrity images sold around the world and met Sir Richard Branson, Lady Gaga and the lovely Kyle Minogue. Just loving my life right now and so excited about what the future will bring. Thank you Julia Boggio High you changed my life forever.

http://www.juliaboggiohigh.com/blog/2010/05/12/alumni-class-of-may-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-2508

My Top 10 tips on how to prepare for a photoshoot

2011-07-10T01:16:00.001+01:00

Everyone is welcome at Mark Dolman studios and we work with everyday people to celebrities. Our aim is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed but preparation is key. To help you get the best results from your studio photo shoot here are my top 10 tips on things to do before your photo shoot

1: Have an early night

2: Manicure your nails and try to avoid coloured nails. Well polished clear nails always look best

3: Wash your hair and try not to put in too many products if we are styling your hair

4: If having a makeover come without make-up as we will only have to remove it

5: Plan your wardrobe and don't worry too much about creasing as we have an iron in the studio

6: Avoid tight fitting clothes, especially leggings with the elastics at the bottom

7: Avoid self tanning it never looks good and we can always give you a virtual tan if you really don't like your white legs

8: If you shave then do it 2 days before your shoot to give the skin time to repair

9: Look after your skin an moisturise the day before and drink plenty of water

10: Leave you spots, we all get them and trying to cover up just makes things worse and we are very skilled and removing spots and blemishes

http://www.markdolmanstudios.co.uk/modelling-tips

The best online gallery provider a photographer needs

2011-07-01T15:51:00.001+01:00

Its been one month of using Zenfolio to host my client images online and I must say I am very impressed so far. Its very easy to use and can be modified to exactly how you like it to look. What I also love is the ability to make a quick collection of your best images, create a slide show and embed in to other web sites with in seconds. Take a free trial and if you like it use this promo code 141-6N3-DJ6 for a discount on your annual subscription.

http://markdolman.zenfolio.com/

Makerover Party studio photo shoot

2011-06-29T02:46:00.003+01:00

This weekend we gave 9 amazing girls a birthday party to remember. Below are the comments from Sue who organised the photo shoot for her 15 year old daughter and her friends.

"Goodness me – what a result!! So many gorgeous photos to choose from!!!!!! Apparently done nothing but talk about it all day today at school and were watching as you were loading the photos.

Thanks again for a wonderful day – the girls had an amazing time and please thank your partner and of course Tina (Makeup Artist) who is a miracle worker!!"

If you are looking for a new idea for a teen birthday party, hen party or just an occasion to get the girls together then get in touch for a full professional makeover from a very talented artist to the stars and quality photographs to choose online for professional prints, frames and photo books.

Click here for more information on our photo shootsIn association with Monaco Makeup Academy we offer Makeover Parties for large groups in our 300 sq ft studio in Kings Langley Hertfordshire with easy access from London, Watford, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead and surrounding Home Counties, just 2 mins for M25 Junction 20.

A good photo is the secret to success

2011-06-07T00:15:00.001+01:00

I have been working with Hayley the Creative Director at Ciente Salon of Berkhamstead (www.ciente.co.uk) for a number of months now and our first project together was to shoot Ciente's hair styles for the Redken NYC 2011 awards competition with top stylists Joseph Wielgomas and Simon Sparks.

The first round of the Redken NYC competition was judged on the images submitted, styled and directed by Hayley and shot in a secret location in Berkhamstead. I am very pleased to say that Ciente was nominated in two categories with Joseph winning his category for the Southern Region. The National finals Redken TRIBE11 judging day will take part on 12th September 2011. For more information go to http://redkenevents.co.uk/tribe-11/

2011 is becoming such an exciting year for me so stay tuned as there will be a lot more coming your way via this blog.

Chesham pre wedding photo shoot

2011-06-06T14:48:00.000+01:00

Even on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Chesham my camera still seams to capture bright vibrant images of this lovely couple Eddie and Theresa on their pre wedding photo session and we even had time for an ice cream. Well done guys and looking forward to your big day later this year.

Are your photos safe online

2011-05-25T23:14:00.002+01:00

Ask yourself this question how safe are your personal photos ? Where are they stored and will you be able to even find them in 10 years time. Ok so you may have filled up your Facebook Photos page with all your favourite photos and have a copy on your PC but are they safe. Facebook or any other free online system will never gurantee they can keep your images safe.

What you should know about Facebook is when you post your images online you give them full and non exclusive writes to use your images for what ever reason they want. See text below from Facebook's Terms and Conditions

"you grant us a non-exclusive, transferable, sub-licensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use any IP content that you post on or in connection with Facebook ("IP License")."
http://www.facebook.com/terms.php

The same goes for TWITTER ! you give the rights to your images to Twitter to use them. Now there is another catch here, Twitter has signed an agreement with World Entertainment News one of the worlds largest celebrity picture databases where if you were to republish any celebrity image found on Twitter you could be liable to pay royalty fees to WENN.
Now you may not think this would ever effect you but it does happen. I noticed a plubication by a leading national newspaper that published Twitter images of the Royal wedding from what apeared to be peoples camera phones and credited Twitter as the supplier of theses images. SO why dont they pay pay you the photographer instead. Anyone can send news worthy images to a picture agency. I send images to www.wenn.com but watch some of the others especially Big Pictures also known as Mr Paparrazzi they never pay you. I sumbitted images that were printed in the Daily Mail and The Sun newspapers and never got a penny.

Another one to watch is Flickr, see their Terms below

With respect to Content you elect to post for inclusion in publicly accessible areas of Yahoo! Groups or that consists of photos or other graphics you elect to post to any other publicly accessible area of the Services, you grant Yahoo! a world-wide, royalty free and non-exclusive licence to reproduce, modify, adapt and publish such Content

To recap copywrite stays with the person creating the image but when you post your images online you give the rights to for the online service to use your images anyway they like.

Find the best vintage desinger fashion in London at The Merchant 24

2011-05-14T14:07:00.000+01:00

Last night was the launch of a new pop-up store at The Merchant 24 Notting Hill's trendiest Pre-Owned high end designer boutique. A Hotspot for luxury bargains where you can buy and sell through the store.
This months pop store was show cased by Georgios Carabellas the man behind one of the coolest design and fashion concept stores of Athens: thissionrevisited2
View a slide show of the event at The Merchant 24
Photos by Mark Dolman http://www.markdolman.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Merchant-24/153359941340812

Was the Royal Wedding security over done ?

2011-05-03T11:27:00.001+01:00

The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was a success with regard to security but was it over done. Watching the proceedings through 3 lines of police officers did hamper my attempts to get a clear view but then witnessing some idiot chaining himself to the railing of Westminster Abbey at 6am in the morning I thought ok the police do know what they are doing and help keep these crazy people out of harms way.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1381817/Royal-Wedding-security-Scotland-Yard-breathe-sigh-relief-53-arrested.html

When is the best time to get married

2011-04-20T16:14:00.000+01:00

April 2011 is clearly the new month to get married with sunny days and blossoms on the trees make for a great backdrop to any wedding.

Big congratulations to Michael and Fatemeh on getting married this week at The Bury, Hemel Hempstead. One of the hottest days of the year so far with stunning pink blossoms out in full bloom on the trees made it so easy to create some beautiful images. Wishing this happy couple and all their lovely guest all the best of luck. Full slide show available by clicking here

New workflow

2011-03-24T22:42:00.000Z

This week I have introduced Photo Mechanics to my workflow. This inexpensive product is saving me hours of time to import images, select and organise for editing then quickly convert RAW files to JPEG within minutes and upload to display proofs for my clients immediately after the shoot.
Before Photo Mechanics I would import in to Aperture to do my file conversation and set meta data which took time to process and the larger the shoot the long importing takes and rendering images can be slow as the library grows. I found with Photo Mechanics importing is as fast as you can get the data from camera to disk and rendering is immediate. For the final images I still use Aperture for light correction, cropping and straightening.
I then use Photoshop for fine retouching and the final process with OnOne Software to add special effects, boost colour and tones. All projects are uploaded and hosted to my web site in a password protected album hosted by The Image File and one of the really great features is clients can choose the resolution for the download depending on what they want to use the image for to save them the hassel of downloading a large file and then having to resize it themselves.

2011-03-23T14:35:00.000Z

Picture me Perfect with Arbonne

As a photographer skin care and the products used on the skin is a very important part of my business. The pitfalls of shinny skin or too much makeup trying to cover up an impurity or just makeup that fades or runs is an everyday hazard of my job.

I was so impressed with the Arbonne products I have become an independent consultant to show my friends and family how they too can create an extra income just by using Arbonne for themselves and showing their friends. Its so very simple to do and now selling what so ever is needed just a recommendation.

Top Tips for New Businesses

2011-02-16T06:40:00.000Z

BT SCAM This is Customer Street www.btcustomerstreet.com

I have had a BT Customer street web site for a year and my contract ends in March 2011. This site has brought me zero business and the only inquires via the 0845 number have been more sales calls selling more SEO rubbish. If you are a new business I would highly recommend staying clear of BT Customerstreet they do not care about your business and if you complain the site is not performing then they offer you a web developer for a mere £500 to create a new site for you. Their sales staff know nothing about your industry despite their claims. I am a new photography business and every penny counts and must see a return on my investments. I have decided to stop paying as they have not delivered any new business leads despite their claims on the phone. New businesses should stay well clear of these kind of directories they will put you out of business and don't give a hoot.

Dont just take my word for it check out the 229 complaints on this website http://www.btcomplaint.com/2009/01/bt-customerstreet.html#comment-form

Also check out http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=1081011

SEO is a scam do it yourself

Do not take cold calls from online marketing companies. Have them send you some information and take time to digest and research the company. Read all the TCs twice.

IF you have been conned then complain out load to the world so everyone else can hear about it and not get trapped.

The London Weekly Best of London Awards 2010

2011-02-06T23:54:00.000Z

Friday I covered The London Weekly Best of London Awards with special guests Lembit Opik and Caprice Bourret presenting awards to best hotel, best bank, best London attractions.

Lembit Opik and Merily McGivern.

Caprice Bourret

Performing on stage was the new teen sensation band Krushd. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/user/krushdno1#p/a/u/0/MrMldQfI23g I wish them all the luck and hope we see them in the top 10 soon.

Krushd

What to do in Notting Hill London

2011-02-04T08:32:00.000Z

This week I photographed February's First Wednesdays event in Notting Hill W11 London. This is a regular spot for me where a series of art, design and fashion houses put on launches, exclusive collaborations and one-off events on the first Wednesday of each month, with many of the area’s galleries and design studios keeping their doors open until 9pm, you won’t be stuck for ways to spend your evening. These evenings are a great way to view art and fashion and to personally meet the designers and artists socialize and have a glass of champagne with the gallery owners. This truly is the ultimate shopping experience and everyone makes you feel very special. See this link to find out more about attending http://www.webwindowsdesign.co.uk/firstwednesday

This Wednesday I started at Salon Contemporary with new works from Sarah Gwyer and Ben Young. Salon Contemporary is no ordinary art dealer they are true innovators and bring new talent to the market for us to enjoy and are the originators of the First Wednesday events. The gallery director Samir Ceric said they are about to go through a refit so be sure to check out the new design and layout in March.

A short walk from Salon is Twenty 8 Twelve and pictured below are some of their latest designs and as quoted by the Guardian “The essence of cool, modern London dressing” says it all.

An unmissable spot to visit is Wolf and Badger for cutting edge fashion, jewelery and accessories. So if you are looking for an unusual gift this is the place to find that special something.

At Wolf and Badger I had the privilege to meet Heidi Chan designer of vintage retro and uber cool sunglasses. Her glasses are mentioned in last months Metro "Accessories of the Moment" and Heidi has just launched her designs in Harvey Nichols.


Heidi Chan

The Merchant 24 is London's trendiest and most luxurious high end designer consignment boutique. Well worth seeing their amazing art, fashion and lovely people in the Boutique that all make it hard to leave this charming place.

First Wednesday February

2011-02-04T07:45:00.001Z

First Wednesday February
Originally uploaded by Mark Dolman Photography

Images of February's West London First Wednesdays Notting Hill event.
Photos from Salon Contemporary, Twenty 8 Twelve, Wolf and Badger, The Merchant.

Wedding at Tottenham Hotspur

2011-02-01T14:03:00.000Z

One of the most unusual weddings I photographed in 2010 was at Tottenham Hotspur FC. What a privilege it was to be part of Alison and Ricks day and see the Hall of Fame and walk through that famous tunnel. Rick and Alison had a very large guest list that could only be accommodated in a football stadium and then transported by 3 Route Master Buses to the reception on the River Thames. With a large group and major logistics involving a tug boat to load the wedding cake on to the river cruiser the whole day went with out any major incidents and they had a beautiful sunny day followed by one of the best evening sites of London I have ever seen. Click Here to see Alison and Ricks Wedding Album

Wedding at Oakley Court Hotel Windsor

2011-01-31T01:50:00.000Z

This week we delivered another fine example of our Story Book Wedding album design for Simon and Deborah who married in Windsor Town Hall with their reception at the very grand and beautiful Oakley Court Hotel. Click Here to see the album

Photo shoot at SWPP

2011-01-16T03:03:00.000Z

Yesterday I had the chance to shoot with the legend that is Damian McGillcuddy. Using some very simple low cost lighting setups we got some amazing results in no time at all. This has really changed my thinking on what location lighting solution I would go for now. Especially on wedding shoots where you need to move fast and using a couple of Speedlights is going to make things a whole lot easier to work with. The first image below was shot with one speedlight and using some good metering skills. I think I have become lazy since my HND training days trusting my technology too much so I have dusted of my light meeter today and testing my portable lighting with my new skills. The second shot below was taken with one light behind Ulorin and a beauty dish in front at 90 degrees to use the rim light. This is a nice little trick. Big applause to Ulorin Vex for being a super model on such a cold night. www.ulorinvex.com

Must see TV program for every Photographer

2011-01-07T15:58:00.000Z

This is a must see TV program for any budding photographer Saturday 8th Jan 2011 BBC 2

Rankin, the UK's leading fashion photographer, reveals the rich history of Hollywood photography and how its most influential and enduring images were created. From Hollywood's golden age, epitomised by gorgeous images of screen goddesses Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich to brooding shots of Marlon Brando; from the unparalleled allure of pictures of Marilyn Monroe to iconic black and white stills of Charlie Chaplin, Rankin immerses himself in the art of the Hollywood portrait and explores the vital role it has played in both the movie business and our continuing love affair with movie stars.
To understand how the image makers of Hollywood created these iconic photographs, Rankin recruits a cast of leading Hollywood actors to help him recreate some of the most important - including Leslie Mann (Knocked Up, 40 Year Old Virgin); Selma Blair (Legally Blonde, Cruel Intentions), British actor Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters, Dylan Thomas's biopic The Edge of Love); actor extraordinaire Michael Sheen (The Damned United, Frost/Nixon), and living Hollywood legend Jane Russell.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xhdwc

Snow Pictures are a big hit

2010-12-19T22:44:00.000Z

After the recent snow fall this weekend and canceling my appointments I ventured to the end of my road with camera in hand and was confronted to a town in grid lock. The main route out of Chesham was completely blocked as car drivers struggled up the hill on the A416 road to Amersham. What made matters worse was an articulated lorry tried to navigate past the stricken cars and got stuck in the middle of the road blocking both carriageways for over an hour.

Many cars were abandoned and some people took refuge overnight in Chesham Town FC. One car driver missed a friends wedding and a van driver delivering sandwiches gave anyway snacks to the stricken drivers as he was too late to make his deliveries. I had an egg and bacon, lovely thank you guys. 24hours later there are still cars abandoned on the side of the road so who knows what Monday morning will bring.

Photos were posted on http://www.cheshampeople.co.uk/pictures/Chesham-Snow-Day/pictures-10396809-detail/pictures.html A recent mention on twitter from #cheshampeople reported my pictures have been viewed 350 hits so far.

@Cheshampeople Cheshampeople

@MrMarkDolman thanks for the new pics, will let you know how many hits Mon. Last ones viewed more than 350 times now!

Organising my business

2010-12-18T13:22:00.000Z

After many months of testing and reading ways to manage my studio sessions and wedding photography workflow I have found the answer with Studio Cloud. This online application is perfect for any photographer of any size. I use it for my accounts, invoicing, marketing, calendars, contacts. Everything you need to run your business is here and you can use all the above features with their free edition. Check it out today so glad i did as I nearly purchased some very expensive account software.

Snow Pictures from Chesham today

2010-12-17T16:05:00.000Z

A performance that needs to be seen

2010-12-03T15:07:00.000Z

The March Performance Group is an amazing art performance that just needs to be experienced and can not be explained or photographed to give them justice. The images below were taken in Silvia Nayla showroom and in Tiny Robot bar on 1 December First Wednesday event.
For more details see http://marchperformancegroup.blogspot.com/

Latest Event at Notting Hills First Wednesdays

2010-12-03T14:55:00.000Z

Images by Mark Dolman Photography from this weeks First Wednesday event in Salon Contemporary Notting Hill with performance from the stunning Akleriah performance group. These events are a must see and total delight for anyone in need of some inspiration.

www.firstwednesdays.co.uk

Creative collaborations and late night openings throughout West London every first Wednesday of the month.'

Photocall Ben Grimes at Hermès J’aime Mon Carré launch party

2010-11-19T19:54:00.002Z

This weeks photo call at the stylish event to launch 2 new pop stores in London for Hermès J’aime Mon Carré was attended by style icons Henry Holland, Ben Grimes, Lulu Kennedy, Beatrix Ong and celebrities Eliza Doolittle and a guest apearance from Nicolo Festa, Xfactor 2010 contestant.
See Ben Grimes below wearing a Christopher Kane design as seen in this week Grazia
Grazia Fashion: Everyone’s Wearing Christopher Kane’s Cruise Collection!

Ben Grimes

Eliza Doolittle

Photo Call with Myleene Klass for Fairy Make a Wish Campaign

2010-11-16T22:45:00.000Z

Sunday 14th Nov 2010 Myleene Klass and Fairy joined forces to support Make a Wish foundation.

Read the full article at Daily Mail
http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/

Event - Invincible Live & Unplugged

2010-10-30T16:31:00.000+01:00

Last night was the launch of Invincible Live & Unplugged with some of the latest acts NVS, Twee and The Eezy, SOS and Hogan. See a slide show of the event Click Here

New Studio in Amersham

2010-10-27T20:24:00.000+01:00

We are excited to announce today Mark Dolman Photography has teamed up with Busy Pictures of Amersham to utilise their new photo studio facilities. This spacious location includes full Heating and Air Conditioning, Make-Up Area, Mens & Womens Changing Rooms with Shower, Viewing Room, and Reception Area.

Busy Pictures is a family run business in Amersham Buckinghamshire, offering a wide range of products including Printing, Framing, and a Photography Studio. For more information goto www.busypictures.co.uk

My First News Paper

2010-10-22T21:05:00.000+01:00

Here is my first ever News Paper publication with the lovely Nadine Coyle leaving for LA back in August, if only everyday was like this one ahh the good old days :-)

Going Freelance

2010-10-22T20:56:00.000+01:00

Hello readers its been a while since my last update and I have been busy learning the tricks of the trade to be a freelance News Photographer aka Paparazzi, aka to quote one celeb a fxxxxx xxxx xxxxx.
We all have our own opinion on this type of work but I only do day work and try and use a long lens to keep out of there way. But sometimes we have to get close and so far most celebs have been really accommodating. My passions in life are motorcycles and photography and this job combines both passions. I guess I could be a motorcycle photographer but my whole photographic work is based on people. I you are thinking of getting into this type of work I would save up as you will need professional kit and have amazing patience as there is a lot of waiting from hours to days to get the right shot. Funny really I shy away from landscapes and nature photography and as they spend days and month trying to get the perfect shot which didn't appeal to me. Even stranger still when I studied photography I vowed never to do weddings and would never become a paparazzi because I was an artist. Well artists spend most of there life poor and usually get famous when they die, so I can not wait that long so here I am
Please have a look below at some of the images from the last two months and some of them have been published

Filming of Midsomer Murders Series 14 Episode 1

2010-07-27T01:25:00.000+01:00

Spotted the new episode of Midsomer Murders being filmed on Windsor bridge yesterday and no more Mr or is it Sir John Nettles.
With plains flying over every 2 minutes and people walking by they had to stop filming and retake many times which gave me the chance to sneak in and take these pics. No more

Arrive in style

2010-07-18T23:52:00.000+01:00

Had a test flight in JetRanger helicopter this weekend and not only is it a totally amazing experience these birds are very affordable and I would recommend any stylish couple planning a wedding to have a look. For not much more cash you can hire a helicopter instead of the usual white roller, that is probably a modern day copy of the real thing and built on a london cab chassis with a Nissan diesel engine.
Check out www.hhhelicopters.co.uk for an amazing experience and wow your guests.

New Album Supplier for 2010

2010-07-11T15:09:00.000+01:00

We are proud to announce Mark Dolman Photography are using Sim2000 Imaging albums which we have chosen for there high quality finish with superb photographic heavy weight paper. Above all the Sim2000 team are very helpful and provide a very fast turn around when needed. Based just 30 minutes away from our studio means we can personally collect albums and maintain a personal relationship with our primary supplier.
Book a viewing appointment with us and we can show you examples of a complete wedding using Sim2000 albums.

Hooray for Colour

2010-07-06T20:08:00.000+01:00

Of all the kit I have purchased this year the Colour Checker is the most simple yet most effective bit of kit ever. From all the years experience I have colour correcting TV screens, monitors and printers it seams so simple but never thought the cost warranted something your can easily adjust in Photoshop which ends up being just trial and error in the end. With a colour checker you get consistent results every time. I love this little bit of plastic Hooray for Colour !!
My new colour checker modelled brilliantly by my next door neighbour THANKS :-)
Go and buy one today

Wedding Photographer I have become

2010-07-06T19:26:00.000+01:00

Since starting out in photography back in 2004 I have managed to avoid weddings as I felt there is little creativity involved, long days and not much money to be made in a saturated market. In 2009 a very old friend persuaded me to photograph her wedding while I was kind of not doing much photography and the day job was taking over my life. After buying a new camera and lenses I was ready for the challenge. I found I really enjoyed the interaction with all the many varied people at a wedding and it really did test my skills and found I had to be very creative adapting to the Welsh rain that poured on me all day. But what was to come was the living hell that stole my summer of 2009 with hours and hours of editing and re-editing. In the end we created a master piece thanks to my partner Heike.

After the buzz of the wedding and the album was delivered I decided to rethink my whole photography technique, workflow, equipment, suppliers, network of support. 2010 I have invested the equivalent of an average four door family saloon car into a new Mac, software, more lens and a second camera body but the most important investment is training. Technically I am up to the job (but still learning) but the training I received from Julia Boggio High really put me on the right path with insights into how she manages and plans a wedding shoot. Below our class was show cased for Photopro Magazine

While there are many courses that tell your how to shoot a wedding very few tell you how you should run a wedding photography business which is what counts and make life a lot more fun.

2010 so far is full of varied weddings, not one of them the same and looking forward the second half challenge as things are going to get busy here at Mark Dolman Photography.

If you are thinking about becoming a wedding photographer think hard, plan it and get help as after the investment you are committed and for me I love being at weddings and creating gorgeous images.

Say No to Model Agency Fees

2010-01-11T21:55:00.000Z

In a BBC News report today a modelling agency was named and shamed because they charged around £800 for a portfolio with the aim to supply them with work. Guys don't be fooled by agencies like this if they ask for money then walk away. There are plenty of good agencies out there and I am happy to recommend them if you need help finding the right agency for the type of modelling career you are looking for. In addition to an agency self promotion is always key and a great way to get experience and get further work, for example modelmayhem and star now are very good networking sites. But be careful as with all social networking be responsible and make sure you are talking to a reputable photographer and check out his professional associations with professional bodies. If in doubt always bring a chaperon to a shoot or meeting.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/the_p_word/newsid_10000000/newsid_10002900/10002929.stm

Your freedom and rights are under attack

2009-07-22T18:44:00.000+01:00

Did you know the police have powers to stop and search your camera, mobile phone or any device really to look for terrorist material. If things do not change then you could be arrested one day for attempting to take a snap of your nan outside the prison she just got out of and having her sent straight back in again. But seriously below are your rights so you best delete all those pictures you don't want other people to see on your phone.

Metropolitan police advice

Section 43
Officers have the power to view digital images on a camera or mobile phone when they are searching a person under S43. This would be done to establish if they have in their possession images that may constitute evidence of their involvement in terrorism.

Section 44
When searching a person under S44, officers have the power to view digital images on a camera or mobile phone in order to establish if they could be used in connection with terrorism. Items that an officer reasonably suspects is intended to be used in connection with terrorism.

Section 58 (a)
Any officer arresting someone for photographing a police officer, under S58(a), must be able to demonstrate a reasonable suspicion that the image is likely to be useful to a terrorist. It should not ordinarily be considered appropriate for this law to be used in the course of normal policing, including protests as, without more, there is no link to terrorism.

The National Policing Improvement Agency
If officers reasonably suspect that photographs are being taken as part of hostile terrorist reconnaissance, an arrest or search under S43 can be considered. Film and memory cards may be seized, but officers do not have a legal power to delete images or destroy film.
Although images may be viewed as part of a search, to preserve evidence when cameras or other devices are seized, officers should not normally attempt to examine them. Cameras and other devices should be left in the state they were found and forwarded to appropriately trained staff for forensic examination.
Source: The Met, July 2009; ACPO/NPIA, 2008

My Canon to Fuji Film experiance

2009-07-22T12:39:00.000+01:00

Earlier this year I moved from Canon to Fuji, my reasoning was that I had to update my ageing 350D Rebal that has served me well for many years plus I had a wedding shoot looming and needed to up my game. I had used Fuji at Uni and was always impressed with the depth and range of colour the Fuji chips created. And after many hours of research I decided on the Fuji S5 Pro. The stock lens that came with it was an ok all rounder but what really has impressed me is the Sigma f1.4 50mm. I love to shallow deapth of field and the ability to take photos in low light without flash. So I am now hooked and having to invest in all Nikon lenses now sorry Canon I was loyal for many years but the focusing on Nikon is so much better than the EOS system.
So check out my site where the model portfolio is all taken on Fuji with Nikon lenses.