See Me Exposure Award 2015

See|Me Exposure Award 2015: Finalist!

Earlier this year I entered the annual See|Me Exposure Award, and I did it on a whim. I never planned or intended to enter, but I had an image that I thought was excellent, and then I received an email about the competition and thought "Why not?".

So I submitted and forgot all about it.

Next thing I know I have an email saying it has been selected as a finalist in the "Black & White Collection" and will be displayed in The Louvre, Paris.

Now I am quite cynical so didn't take this on face value. In fact I emailed back and asked if they were telling me that my art would DEFINITELY be on display in this world renown art gallery. Back came the reply "Yes, and you will receive certification to this effect".

That was it! I told my family, who were thrilled for me! My partner said we should have a copy printed and display it. So we did.

People who have seen it have asked if I am going to sell prints. After some thought I decided to have a Limited Edition print run of 150.

75 Small

70 Medium

5 Large.

People started pre-ordering before I had my meeting with my printers.

I have always believed that art should be shared, and that everyone should have the opportunity to own their own piece of art. That is why the prints start at £70. All prints are mounted, but not framed. Each is signed by me, numbered, certified by the printers as a genuine of the print run and was displayed in The Louvre on 13th July 2015 as a finalist in the See|Me Exposure Award 2015.

NEW YORK – Part 1

I have a confession to make.

I am an adrenalin junkie.

That in itself is unremarkable, however, combine that with my abject fear (actually it's terror) of heights and my love of cultural travel (not your 2 week package holiday in Majorca eating fish and chips) and you may be able to start seeing my problem. PLANES!

Now I am not one to allow my fears to stop me doing what, or going where, my heart desires. You simply need to see my photos from Snowdon (walked up and back down) or from Tryfan to know this. I cannot convey in a blog the intense terror that ran through my body doing these walks, or recall how many times by body froze – to paralysed with fear to continue. I cannot tell you how I eventually managed to talk myself round in to continuing. Or the intensity of the pure relief as we completed the walks and returned to bottom, which caused me to sag to the ground sobbing.

Adam & Eve, Tryfan, Snowdonia:
© Pauline A Yates Photography: All Rights Reserved

Until 27^th August 2013 I had never been out of Europe. The thought of a long haul flight was unbearable, plus why would I want to go “State-side”? There was nothing there I couldn't find on a driving holiday across Europe, or if I must – a short haul flight, which involved sobbing the whole flight.

But then, suddenly, something extremely appealing was in the US, in fact in New York. Right then New York was exactly where I wanted to be.

Excuse Me! …

On 27^th August 2013 I left my home and travelled to Heathrow. Now my “coping strategy” for my short haul flights was not to think about it. Which works right up until you are in the departure lounge, then you are face-to-face with your fear. So I sat there, bolt upright in my little plastic chair, trembling all over, with my fellow passengers eyeing me with suspicion. The boarding time comes and goes, my trembling increases -

• “Why aren't they boarding us?”
•  “Why are they all just stood there chatting?”

Then the voice comes over the tannoy “Sorry for the delay. We are carrying out additional security checks on the plane.” …... Wha!!!!???

• There is something wrong with the plane? 
• Had there been a threat detected? 
• Was there an issue with the battery?
• Had the engine covers come off? 

I texted my loved ones to tell them all I loved them (seriously, I did!)

The thoughts that race through the terrified traveller's mind upon hearing this are inexhaustible. I admit that if it hadn't of been for my excellent reason for travelling to New York I would have got back on the bus and gone home right there and then.

As it turned out the cleaning and checking crew were short staffed. Rather than it taking 10 people one hour to carry out the work, it took 5 people two hours. I know this news may have angered other passengers, but a message of;

"Ladies and gentlemen - there will be a delay in boarding due to staff shortages on the cleaning and checking crew"

Would have been far more preferable to me than;

“Sorry for the delay. We are carrying out additional security checks on the plane.”

An hour later than scheduled, the staff board a rather shaken, tear soaked passenger with the promise that the cabin crew would keep an eye on me. As good to their word, they did. Eventually, tired from the early start, the raw emotion, and the sobbing, I fell asleep. I completely missed the food, which given the experience returning to the UK, I was glad I did. The plane landed in it's usual fashion, with the non-religious passenger gripping the seat tightly, praying to which ever god that was listening, that the plane would not only touchdown but stop without hitting the building. I finally released my grip, stopped praying and opened my eyes when the plane stopped. I'd done it! I had flown across the Atlantic and I was now in New York. Again I texted my loved ones to tell them I had landed safely.

… And breathe! 

Next was the security to get in to the USA - which was easier than I anticipated. I had no stamp in my passport from anywhere, you no longer get them travelling through Europe as a European citizen. The bemused security guard asked if I had ever been to the US - “No, my first time out of Europe” I said cheerfully – the adrenalin rush was now kicking in. I cleared security and retrieved my bags. Now I needed a taxi … sorry … cab. I headed for the exit doors and as they parted there stood my reason for flying long haul – the man I love – a wonderful surprise end to my flight. (I do wonder how long it took his ribs to recover from the hug).

The departure delay, and the entire flight, and that niggling reminder that “you have to do it all again” was wholeheartedly worth it. Would I fly long haul again? If my man was with me, or waiting for me at my destination? Yes, I would.

Awww … nice blog … but aren't you a photographer?

I know – this is supposed to be a photographer's blog, and not some personal “Dear Diary”, but this is all in context I promise. Without the reason for the flight I would not have travelled to New York, and therefore, not challenged myself to take an alternative view of those iconic landmarks. You can't pre-prep for a travel shoot in New York if you have never been there before. We all have preconceptions - good or bad - in both cases these are likely to be completely wrong.

For a photographer, and most other people, New York is iconic. From “that" photo of Grand Central Station to the views of the city from the Empire State Building it has “all been done before”, so what do you do?

Grand Central Station:
© Pauline A Yates Photography: All Rights Reserved

I discovered that the first ever trip you ever make to New York you should consider “a reccy”, because it appeals to each person in a different way, and you won't know this until you get there. The lighting in such a built up city is also different, it takes time to adapt, even for a seasoned pro. I was thrilled to see so many Art Deco buildings. In fact the General Electric building was very prominent from the hotel we were in. You will see things you didn't expect to see, and discover that landmarks don't look as they do in the photos; mainly due to the changing cityscape.

General Electric Art Deco Building:
© Pauline A Yates Photography: All Rights Reserved

The hunt for Strawberry Fields in Central Park actually took 2 journeys. The park isn't signposted internally and there is very little in the way of maps in the park. I eventually learned to use google maps on my phone while in the hotel to plan my day and route, saved it and then referred to it (Data Roaming turned off) as required. This does require some map reading and orienteering skills.

Imagine:
© Pauline A Yates Photography: All Rights Reserved

Also – don't forget the hidden gems of New York, such as the Unisphere and New York Pavillion in Flushing Meadows (Men in Black I), Baseball!! (you have to attend at least one baseball game. WARNING FOR VEGGIES OR THOSE WHO DON'T EAT RED MEAT: Only the nachos can be served without meat, and you'll get a funny look when you ask for that. It's all red meat at a baseball game).

Unisphere at Flushing Meadows:
© Pauline A Yates Photography: All Rights Reserved

For those who like their architecture make sure you go to the churches scattered across the city. Locals will tell you about St Patrick's, but this can be very busy and shoot opportunities limited. I chose to look elsewhere and was completely blown away by St Vincent's, and St Thomas's has an incredible backdrop to the alter. Be aware that photographs can only be taken at certain times of the day. Check out their websites and plan accordingly.

St Vincent's on Lexington Ave:
© Pauline A Yates Photography: All Rights Reserved

Don't be worried about New York rain ruining your plans. I sat for an hour under some scaffolding waiting for the rain to pass and got some stunning images of New Yorkers getting on with their day – roll with it.

Yellow Cab in the rain:
© Pauline A Yates Photography: All Rights Reserved

What did I discover?

Like all travel it should be personal. Throw away the guide books, feel the place you are visiting, live it, breathe it. The phrase “Travel broadens the mind” was not simply conjured out of thin air. I had preconceived ideas about New York; some of those ideas were borne out, others were completely smashed. On the day I landed, after dropping my bags at the hotel, I hit the streets to get my bearings, get a feel for the layout … and track down food! I had no guide book and no plan – the best way I know to get a feel for where I am.

What I discovered was …

• New York is not all chrome and steel, there is beauty, history and culture there.
• All New Yorkers are not aggressive; I had some lovely chats to people who weren't trying to sell me anything, or provide a service.

To be fair the only thing I struggled with was the food, but this is what happens when you don't eat red meat, you don't have an overly sweet-tooth, you love a variety of fresh fruit and veg, and you decide to travel to New York … but that's another story .. Next project - “A Foodie In New York”?

Sensor Cleaning

NOTE: - READ WHOLE ARTICLE THEN CLEAN

While I was researching a sensor loupe I came across a review of a related, excellent product I have used for years. The review read:

"...If you use too much liquid it dries as very obvious spots; too little liquid and you have visible smears. Despite using the recommended liquid and, in the end, all the swabs I never got a sensor I was even vaguely happy ..."

This has happened to me, but purely due to my own inexperience. I mean - sensor cleaning - how hard can it be? Right?

Well, it's not hard, but it is tricky.

Before you start make sure you have the right equipment

I use the following

     from Visible Dust

• 1.0x Orange Swabs
• 1.0x Green Swabs
• VDust fluid
• Dust Snapper
• Quasar Sensor Loupe

     from Giotto 

• Q.Ball Air Blower

A micro-fiber cloth (any will work)

And a lens/sensor brush (make unknown, bought it years ago)

Check you need to clean. f/22 shows up dust and debris best. shoot a light coloured ares (the ceiling works well here)

Now to the cleaning - REMEMBER follow manufacturers guidelines

As the review quoted above said - too much cleaning fluid = spots, however, too little does not cause smears. Smears are mainly caused by swabs being reused. Think about a piece of kitchen roll, you use it to wipe up some spilt red wine, and now you use the same piece of kitchen roll to remove a spill on your cream carpet. What's going to happen? You're going to transfer the red wine and make matters worse. So the solution is simple - use a swab, then bin it! Using 3 swabs to clean a sensor properly is much cheaper than trying to clean the sensor with just one swab and introducing smears.

For the record the one time I introduced smears like this it took 8 swabs to clean up my mess!

Smears can also be caused by the swab coming in to contact with the wall around the sensor. Oil or debris are picked up and transfered as you 'clean'.

There are many excellent guidelines and "How-To's" out there, but my favourite is;

http://visibledust.com/help_troubleshooting.php

(Select "Wet Cleaning Manual (pfd)")

My Technique

Using my sensor loupe I examine the mirror (very carefully!! Watch your eyes!!) and the sensor.

I then conduct a dry clean (blower & brush) of the mirror and sensor. Sometimes I have to use a dry swab on the mirror to remove stubborn specks.

I like to lean my camera downover allowing debris I brush or blow out to fall naturally on the Dust Snapper.

With a sensor loupe you can also spot fine hairs caught in the seams of the camera. You don't have to remove these as they shouldn't interfere with images. However if, like me, you can't stand ANY debris around your mirror and sensor these can be removed with a pair of tweezes and a VERY steady hand. If you are no good at Operation it's best to avoid doing this.

Now check again with the sensor loupe. If there is still evidence of debris present this is the time to wet clean.

1. I take a swab and add 2 drops of fluid towards the bottom of the swab, but still on the flat of the swab. I don't squeeze the bottle, I allow the drops to fall naturally. I find this avoides over saturation
2. In one movement run the swab over the sensor. Take the loupe and view. If the sensor is clear then your done (give yourself a round of applause). 
3. If specks can still be seen throw away the used swab and repeat the above steps until the sensor is clean.

If smears do appear do not panic. You can rectify it, but you must be patient and repeat the steps. All that has happened is that one of the swabs has had some debris on it. It happens to the best of us. You may need to buy additional fluid (such as Visible Dust's Smear Away)

Once the sensor is clean replace the lens and take another photo on f/22 - Yay!! It's clean!!

Now go and shoot!!

I don't want to clean!

It can be daunting to clean your own sensor. Some local camera shops and photography groups run workshops to demonstrate sensor cleaning. My "local" is WEX

If you still don't want to clean your own sensor, then you can contact your local photography store and ask them to recommend someone, or you can contact the manufacturer for their cleaning service.

A local reputable cleaner will probably need your camera for 24hrs and cost around £50. Using the manufacturer's service means your camera may have to be sent away for a longer period of time and may be significantly more costly.

In summary ...

The best of us get debris in our cameras. There is no way to stop it, but there are ways to limit it.

• When cleaning your camera, clean your lenses too, with the same care and dilligence.
• When changing lenses use a blower to ensure both the lens and the chamber are clear.
• As you change the lens point the camera down over (limiting debris 'falling in' to the camera)
• Regularly check the state of the mirror and sensor by taking a photo at f/22 on a light coloured back ground (ceiling shots).

"Can't You Do My Photos For Free? I'm A Struggling ...."

So back to the other question."Can't you do my photos for free? I am an upcoming model/singer/performer/actor, so you'll get loads of coverage".

In the last 72 hours I have honestly had 6 requests like this. Each one was met with a firm no, and an explanation of why. Of those six people two have bookings for a shoot with me.

Here is why I say no;

All over the internet you will see images which - on the whole read

"I am an artist. This does not mean I will work for free, I have bills to pay. Thank you for understanding"

Or pages giving a blow by blow account of why photographers charge.

Citation example 

While very true and extremely accurate these often fall on deaf ears, so I tend to get the individual to think about what they are asking me.

Career Investment

To do my job I invested heavily in camera bodies, lenses, insurance, software, computers, lighting equipment, storage cards, advertising, web presence, vehicle ... the list goes on. I spent years of my 'spare time' honing my skills, getting out there and talking to people, and working on my portfolio. In one case I even faced a fear and appeared on national TV.

For each and every one of us we must invest something in our own careers if we are to succeed. Be that time, money, effort or, in most cases, all of the above. I then ask what they are willing to invest in their career. Often I am met with;

• 'I have spent x years studying' - me too. 
• 'I have very little money' - me too
• 'All the other photographers I've spoken to will, but I like your work best' - ask yourself why my work is more appealing
• 'But you'll get loads of coverage' - In which magazine/art gallery/etc will that be?

Some times the person making the request calls me back, hours, days or even weeks later, telling me that they have thought about what I have said and am I still available to do the work - paid. 

Reasonable Enough

I consider myself quite reasonably priced. I don't display my prices on my site for one simple reason, I like to try and be as accommodating as possible for every budget. For example I did a very local wedding for £450 - a single photographer, venue in walking distance, and a handful of images on CD. The bride and groom were ecstatic. They had 2 weddings to pay for, one in the UK and one in the bride's home country. The wedding abroad was the 'big' one, so they wanted to keep UK costs to a minimum - no reception, no honeymoon, just simple service followed by the flight abroad. 

So, before you ask a photographer to do something for free for your career ask yourself this - What are you willing to invest in your career? And what returns do you expect to see on your investments?

"My Friend Has A Camera, So Why Should I Pay You?"

A frequently asked question, and ranks alongside "I am a young actor/model/singer/performer and have limited funds. Can't you just do the shots and give them to me? You'll get loads of exposure" (we'll address this question later)

This is a true account of a wedding which recently took place. It was sent to me by another photographer;

“A good friend of mine went to a wedding last Friday. The wedding was for 40 people, cost around £4200 for the venue. The bride spent over £1500 on a Charlotte Balbier wedding gown, she had a Jenny Packham hairpiece and amulet, she wore Jimmy Choo shoes of more than £1000.

The cake was “Amazing” and apparently there were “flowers and huge swags everywhere”. The earrings cost “an arm and a leg”. There was a horse-drawn carriage and fireworks at the end of the day.

However, the couple decided they didn't need a wedding photographer as a 'friend' had a camera and could do the job. First of all the camera battery died during the vows, but it was ok as she had a spare. Unfortunately she was using a 'cheap and cheerful' CF card which became corrupted leaving only 23 images available from the 'thousands' taken. All 23 images are of the flowers.”

This couple are left with no photographs of the people who shared their wedding day, but they do have some lovely photos of some flowers they once bought.

Moral of the tale?

Professional photographers offer a 'professional service', and as with every professional service there are charges. Those charges are there for very good reasons, but ask yourself this - “What price memories?” because in the end photographs are memories made tangible.

Back ...

Months of work, research and general rushing around has made sure that I haven't had any time to blog.

Finally last week I took some time out and got myself back on track.

Sitting in a rural garden in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by apple trees, watching a red kite circle overhead soon relaxed me, mind body and soul. In that garden I found my drive again.

Now I have two new book projects in the pipeline with target publishing dates of 2014 and 2015.

If you would like to be involved in these books then please contact me. I am looking for;

• Service personnel who served in any war/conflict in the last 100 years
• Family of service personnel who served in the last 100 years
• People with no military ties, but who have vivid memories of any war/conflict in the last 100 years
• Women working in 'male dominated' roles (mechanics, engineers, plumbers, etc)
• Pioneering women; those who were 'the first' in their field - i.e. first female firefighter in London
• Stay at home dads
• Males in 'female dominated' roles (Nurses, childcarers, etc)
• Pioneering males; those who were 'the first' in their field - i.e. first male midwife in Newcastle
• People born on the following dates;
• 11th November 1918
• 2nd September 1945
• 12th November 1975
• 9th November 1989
• 2nd December 1999

Interested? Contact books

..Additional ..

I have finally got round to adding my Twitter and Business Facebook links to the bottom of the main page.

And tidying up my links, Contact Me and, About pages. It really had been a long time since I looked at any of those :(. Hopefully the contact me page now works (it seemed to have stopped).

Right - back to the photography :)

Websites Can Stump Even The I.T Literate

May be I should have targeted to write once a month, I seem to be able to manage that :)

I finally got some new photos to add to the "For Sale" gallery. I logged in to the server only to find everything had changed, the layout, the formatting, everything. Something which should have taken minutes took considerably longer, as I attempted to find visibility options, sales options, etc.

Finally managed the upload and now there are images of the two robins which live in my garden available.

However I still need to figure out how to add a new gallery to the website so I can load more of my wildlife photography.

In the year of the Dragon

"Tigers should enjoy an energetic year on the business and career front and sweaty days spent stalking wildebeest on the Savannah are likely to be well rewarded. If you can, try and channel some of your creative energy into learning new skills; your get up and go attitude will drive you to success making it the perfect year to take up that course on emergency first aid for antelopes."

So then .... On the first day of the Year of the Dragon, this Wood Tiger received a phone call informing her that she had made it through to the next round of the BBC show "Show Me The Monet".

Fingers crossed for the final stage :)