Past and Present Photography

Rachel at six months and 18 years

Another before and after photograph, this time of Rachel and her mum Carey, the first shot was taken at their home on the living room floor with available window light when she was just 6 months old. This was taken before I opened my business here in Oxted and my inspiration to get premises to work from. It really made me realise how much I wanted to work more with people to create photographs that would mean so much more in years to come that were natural and relaxed.

Today Rachel and Carey had an update of that shot to celebrate Rachel's 18th Birthday, this time in the studio. I just love it, don't you agree they look amazing and Carey hasn't changed one bit.

Past and Present Photography

The first picture was taken with a Nikon 35mm camera and 70mm lens using TriX Pan black and white 36 exposure film.

The second picture was taken digitally using a Nikon D700 and 70mm- 200mm lens.

In this digital age it's worth looking at this comparison to see how far photography has come and just goes to show how important it is to capture the moment print it and frame it.

To capture the present to create the past for future generations....

Thanks

Stella

Past and Present Photography

Chloe, Then and Now! Past and Present Photography

When I opened SMS Creative Photography in February 1997 I had the pleasure of photographing lots of  children and families, amongst these families was Chloe. That was in August 1997 when she was just four years old,  I got to meet Chloe again last Saturday for an update on that photograph but this time for her 21st birthday. Wow! I think you'll agree she looks beautiful, what a stunner!

The thing I love about my work is that I get to meet and take photographs of all sorts of interesting people to capture a moment in time. Chloe's grandmother came in with her on both occasions and wanted to capture her on this landmark birthday.

This just goes to show how important it is to capture and print these images for quiet reflection.

Recently we have had commissions to restore old photographs some as old as one hundred and twenty years to reproduce prints for family archives so current generations can have several generations of their families framed to be part of their everyday lives and to share copies to preserve the original. This has been fascinating to see how photography has evolved over the years and how family members can look so similar two generations apart.

With the current age of digital photography we are all so familiar with capturing a moment and sharing it via social media or just storing it on our hard drives that they very rarely get printed which leaves me a little concerned that future generations will miss out on that "suitcase full of old photographs" to rummage through, something that I'm sure we can all share in doing.

This is my quote:-

 "To capture the present, to create the past, for future generations..."

Thank you very much for reading

Stella

Sunny Barbados

During a recent commission to Barbados I took some time out to absorb the rays, it was hot humid and beautiful, the Caribbean sea like a warm luxurious bath, what more can I say the photographs speak for themselves.

Whilst I was in relaxed mode not only did I eat some amazing food I also got to visit some stunning hotels. I can vouch for the food in all of them, you won't be disappointed.

If you are looking to stay in a contemporary small chic all inclusive hotel try The SoCo Hotel in Hastings or something with a little more rustic charm the Club Barbados on the west coast. A little further up the coast line you'll get to The Mango Bay  Mr. Johnson the general manager is a wonderful host. There are so many options from renting a house on the beach to the prestigious 5 diamond luxury of the Sandy Lane  if you want to be treated like royalty in sumptuous surroundings for the holiday of a lifetime.

Sunny Barbados

Thanks

Stella

Night Time Photography Class Westminster London

Last night I took a small group of ladies out to my Night Time Photography Classwhere I teach how to take photographs in low lighting conditions. As you can see from the few below that Chris took, the results are brilliant, well done to her!! You too can take photographs like this, all you need is a sturdy tripod and a DSLR camera with a memory card of at least 8mb as we use predominantly RAW files. My next class is on Monday 14th October and is fully booked with more classes to follow so keep an eye out for forthcoming dates or register your interest on the website.

Pictures from my Night Time Photography Class Westminster London taken by the students.

Thanks

Stella

Autumn Family Location Shoot

I love this time of year when the weather is chilly in the morning but still warm during the day with plenty of sunshine to remind us summer is just behind us, and ideal time for a Autumn Family Location Shoot. The days are getting shorter and the leaves are turning different shades of reds, yellows, browns and greens, so captivating. A perfect time to get your cameras out and experiment photographing at different times of day. I find the best time to photograph is early morning just as the sun is coming up you get some amazing light with the morning mist. Experiment using different lenses and don't be afraid to change your exposure to get different effects and lie on the ground to get different angles too. The afternoon sun is also great if you want to get some back light seeping through the trees just remember to put in your diary to have an Autumn Family Location Shoot.

We aren't short of locations here in Surrey especially in Oxted a picturesque backdrop for your family location shoot, ideal to furnish your walls and choose some for Christmas gifts too!

Autumn Family Location Shoot selection of photographs.

Happy shooting, make the most of the good weather over the weekend.

Stella

Goodwood Revival 2013

On Friday I headed off suitably dressed to experience Goodwood Revival 2013 with my new found enthusiasm for Classic Cars and all they have to offer.  I wasn't disappointed, it was like heading back in time with cars from a variety of eras and the majority of people dressed in a vintage style from the 30's, 40's 50's and even 60's and the stalls were equipped with enough nostalgia to make me feel like I was playing a bit part in a romantic movie. I think you'll agree from a few of the photographs that I have taken, it was well worth going to.

Thanks

Stella