Jodie: Botanic babe

I photographed the stunning Jodie Osborn in Southport's Botanic Gardens on Wednesday.  I stuck to my new year's resolution of shooting in full manual mode, and I was not disappointed with the results.  Below are my two favourite shots of the day. 

Although never having done any modelling before, Jodie was a natural and a pleasure to work with.  I'm already lining up for another shoot with her, and am confident my other photographer friends will be knocking on her door too!

Thanks Jodie, for making what I do an absolute pleasure!  See my website for the rest of the pictures from the shoot - http://www.lefebvre.org.uk/ - click Image Gallery, then Portraits.

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!

Manchester Portraits: Kim and Vicky

Kim and Vicky are two young sisters living over Manchester way.  I have known Kim for many years through work as we are ex-colleagues, and have met her sister Vicky several times on nights out.  Kim has a little boy who is nearly 2 and Vicky has just had a little baby boy within the last 3 months.  I was very honoured to go over and do some portrait shots as a surprise Christmas present for their Mum.

Rest of the pictures are up at my website, http://www.lefebgvre.org.uk/, click Image Gallery, Portraits.

Inspirations: Paul Marbrook

This is going to be the first of the occasional series of blogs about some of the people I have met along my journey into photography.  The first one I am dedicating to Paul Marbrook.  I first met Paul on one of the Walkabout sessions organised by the great Jo Rutherford (more on her in another post!).

Paul is one of those people that you can't help but like.  He is very approachable and friendly, offered me lots of good tips and advice and was quite happy to talk about some of the big dos and dont's he had discovered along his journey.  He is also the person who introduced me to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, without which I am quite sure I would not be where I am today.  So hats off to you Paul - quite an eye-opener that one!

Known affectionately by some of the regular models as TP or Tall Paul - something I am sure which is to do with his not insignificant stature, Paul is over 6' tall and what I would describe as ruggedly good-looking - a bit of a rogue maybe - you know what I mean.  He often sports some designer stubble and I seem to remember when I first met him if he was there as a photographer or also as a model too - sorry Paul!

Paul describes himself as a "lifestyle portrait photographer" and is one of the old school - or would be if it weren't for digital.  He has a love of the standard prime lenses and this shows through in some of the breathtaking pictures he produces.  His pictures have the most beautiful blurred backgrounds with jaw-dropping colour and bokeh, yet the main focus of the picture is pin-sharp and beautifully focused.  His recent images of the gamer girl are a good example of these:
http://www.paulmarbrookphotography.com/gamer-on-in-middlewich/

See more of Paul and some his quite frankly stunning imagery at his site http://www.paulmarbrookphotography.com/

Cheers Paul, it is a great honour and pleasure to know you and to have had the privilege to work with you - and here's hoping we can do some more of that soon.   :-)
John