I made a second visit to Capbreton this morning to photograph the fantastic jetty and lighthouse there. The jetty is so fantastic in detail both up close and in the distance, I hope you like it, more to come
Today I think we have seen every kind of weather going (apart from snow thankfully!) From an amazing sunrise (photos to follow soon) to tranquil lakes this morning (see previous post) and finished off with the most amazing stormy seas and skies this evening just down the road overlooking Milady Beach south of Biarritz… I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
A fantastic sunset last night followed by an amazing dawn then onto the lakes, how peaceful does this look?!
Biarritz, most famous for it’s surf beaches, was displaying in full glory last night with a fantastic sunset across Milady Beach, let’s hope the surf stays for the world championship next week.
Today I had my first assessment by the British Institute of Professional Photographers and I am pleased to tell you I have been awarded the Licentiateship Distinction for my panel of 20 images and working profile. This is a great achievement for me and I wanted to share the good news!
Photography Monthly have started a new feature on their website detailing photography courses and holidays and See Life Through The Lens are delighted to have been invited on board with it’s very own web page http://www.photographymonthly.com/Tips-and-Techniques/Photography-Courses/See-Life-Through-The-Lens
John Gallantry, a good friend of mine and someone who taught me everything I know as a Dive Master sadly passed away on the 31st August 2010 leaving behind his gorgeous wife Lorraine, another photographer and diver and their children Ryan and Kelly.
John was a fantastic diver, hugely experienced and keen to pass on his knowledge to others. A year ago he was told to give up diving after suffering from a heart attack and without the second most important passion in his life (after lorraine) decided he wanted to take up photography.
I was priviledged to help him learn the basics of photography and spent a fantastic evening with him and Lorraine down at Hengistbury Head helping them with their photography. He was such a keen learner and it was fantastic watching him as the light changed when he worked the location getting more and more excited with his results as the evening progressed.
Photography develops (excuse the pun!) so quickly into a passion and to be able to be a part of John and Lorraine’s passion for an evening is something that will never leave me, he gave me so much of his knowledge and to be able to share a little of mine with him was a great way of thanking him for all his support and help over the years.
RIP John, gone but never forgotten
Many thanks to Andy Reed for taking the photographs
I was lucky enough to “meet” Mark through Hugyfot underwater camera housings and have followed his progress with the mantas closely, hoping one day to be able to go out to Equador as a volunteer to help them with their fantastic Manta conservation project. News this week is great with the success of tagging the first Manta in these waters… For more read Mark’s Blog http://eyemocean.blogspot.com/2010/09/making-history-with-mantas.html
In this feature I ask my favourite top photographers the top ten questions burning in my mind! If you have any questions you would like to ask top photographers, please email me helen@seelifethroughthelens.com
This month I caught up with Guy Collier, best known for his amazing wedding photography images, but Guy is so much more, he manages to really capture the essense of the person he photographs as you will see from his favourite image.
When did you get your first camera and what was it?
Various stuff I mucked about with but my first real camera was a Nikon D70 in 2005.
When you started out, what were you taking photographs of?
Everything – Animals, trees, plants. Rubbish really, until I started shooting people.
When and how did you become a Pro Photographer?
I used to have a proper job in IT but was made redundant. It was a case of ‘if not now then never’ and it seems to have worked out ok!
What’s your “don’t leave home without” camera accessory?
Nikkor 50mm f1.4
What is your favourite photo subject / location?
People, usually at weddings. Otherwise my daughter as I document her growing up.
Why?
There is so much going on at weddings usually and so many opportunities to capture moments.
God, that’s a tough one. At the moment, this photo of Jess. It absolutely nails her personality
Where / what would you most like to photograph that you haven’t done yet?
Professionally, I’d love to shoot an American wedding in California. The light over there looks stunning, and they have ceremonies outdoors! If only we could do that here. Some of the restrictions in place are ludicrous.
Personally, something documenting my local area, I haven’t found it yet though…..
Who inspires you?
Photojournalist greats – Elliott Erwitt, James Nachtwey, Tom Stoddart, Paolo Pellegrin, Sebastiao Salgado. Latterly the incredible ‘Days with my Father’ by Phillip Todelano. There are so many.
What’s the best bit of advice you have ever been given and by whom?
Don’t copy. Be aware of ‘the rules’ but not a slave to them. Have a thick skin, not everyone will like what you do. Be true to what you want to shoot. Don’t fake it.
Teaming up with Yoyo Divers in Southampton to offer a great opportunity to capture stunning underwater images. Please call Helen on 07866 440740 for more information
