Year end musings

Well 2010 is nearly over and what a year it has been.  I was made redundant, setup my own business and decided to go pro as a photographer.  I have met so many wonderful and interesting people this year, it has been a real ride.

I am really looking forward to 2011.  Lots of people to photograph, lots of new techniques to learn, but mostly looking forward to all the new people I will meet and friends I will make.  I love what I do, why oh why did I not do this earlier?

To everyone I have met this year, clients, models, make-up artists and fellow photographers, I wish you a Happy New Year and health and happiness for 2011.

John x

Inspirations: Jo Rutherford

What can you say about Jo Rutherford that hasn't been said many a time before?  This lady has possibly had more effect on the lives and careers of local photographers, models and make-up artists than anyone else I can think of.

I met Jo through the Scouts - we were both at one of their Waterside Lodge Dragonboat racing events, and we both had our trademark Canon white lenses on our cameras.  I remember her coming bounding over to chat to me, friendly, outgoing and full of enthusiasm.  At the next event she mentioned the walkabouts - the third one was happening at Waterside Lodge and would I like to come along?  I nearly bit her arm off...

It was a fantastic opportunity - I met so many people, got to try studio setups and photograph models in many varied situations.  There were make-up artists and a professional model was on hand to offer tips and advice to both the models and the photographers.  Some of the attendees had come from miles away, hundreds of miles in at least one case, such was the draw of this event being organised by Jo.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, Jo gave me the push and confidence I needed just as I was being made redundant to start offering my photography services professionally.  She even got me started in wedding photography which led to my first wedding portfolio.  I really don't think I would be where I am today without Jo.

Jo, you are an absolute star.  I know there are many, many people who will agree with that, and it really doesn't cover just how much love there is for you in so many people that come to your walkabouts and that you have photographed over the years.  You are kind, selfless, generous, super talented and just so damn lovely that I am genuinely proud to say I know you and have worked with you. 

Please, if you have read this, take the time to visit Jo's blog and website for some of her beautiful and stunning images.
http://jorutherfordphotography.blogspot.com/
http://www.jorutherfordphotography.co.uk/

On location photo shoot with Fara

I had the pleasure of photographing the lovely model Fara Elizabeth yesterday.  The remit was to create some wintery photos before she had to leave Southport with work commitments.  We decided to go to Hesketh Park and the Botanic Gardens and see what we could come up with...

The rest of the photos are up on my website http://www.lefebvre.org.uk/, click Image Gallery, Portraits and you will see Fara's album.

Winter frost

By 'eck it's been cold lately!  Southport has been under the grip of quite a frost, several degrees below zero, cold enough to freeze the sea on the beach and the marine lake.  I ventured out with my camera when I had the chance and got a few shots.

These were taken in my garden

This was the view of my neighbour's tree, completely white from the freezing fog the night before

Then I headed into town and decided to take my camera with me.  I knew the Marine Lake was frozen so wnated to get a couple of pictures.

This unfortunately is the mindless vandalism done whilst the lake has been frozen.  Dozens of the bridge handrail supports kicked onto the ice.

and these are some very brave / very foolish lads - walking on thin ice!  Rather them than me!