Valentine’s Day Special Offer:

Visit our studio in February to purchase a voucher or book a photoshoot to receive 10% off for a romantic photoshoot, or family portrait presented in a ‘Memory Box’.

The ‘Memory Box’ includes a studio photoshoot for £301.50 and 4. 10” x 8” finished photographs mounted individually for the box - usual cost £335.

Alternatively, you can book a location photoshoot with 4. 10” x 8” finished photographs mounted individually for the box for £369 - usual cost £410.

Terms & Conditions apply - this offer is valid during February 2018 only and is non-transferable, photoshoots are for the month of February and March only.

Stella

Local Business Showcase - W.W. Warner Antiques

This month, my showcase features W.W. Warner Antiques, a wonderful and beautifully rare local porcelain, pottery and glass dealer. 

Meissen Bottger Teapot

I am proud to say that I have been working with W.W. Warner Antiques, photographing their beautiful porcelain pottery and glass since 2010. 

Bow Fortune Teller

W.W. Warner Antiques are located in the small Kent village of Brasted, just a short train-ride from London, and have been dealing in porcelain, pottery and glass for over 50 years.

The majority of their stock consists of ceramics from the 16th to 19th centuries, with particular emphasis on 18th and 19th century British porcelain, including the Chelsea, Derby and Worcester factories. They also have a substantial collection of Continental porcelain including pieces of Meissen and Sevres.

W.W. Warner Antiques’ Managing Partner is Chris Jowitt, who has been involved with the business for over 20 years and prides himself on providing an excellent service to his clients. Chris regularly advises and sells to renowned museums, and is happy to provide a restoration service and valuations.

Tournai Madonna and Christ Child

Coming next…..

In our March newsletter we will be ‘In Conversation’ with Chris Jowitt to learn more about his work.

Chris worked with Cometa Warner, wife of the original founder, Walter Warner, who ran a successful shop in London, before retiring to Kent. Cometa handed over the business fully to Chris in 2000 and since then he has managed and built the Warner brand. Chris will give us his unique perspective on this unique business and industry.

Stella

My February inspiration:

This month, I am taking inspiration from the woodlands during the bluebell season, mid- April to early May.

This bluebell area is one of the landscapes featured in a book that I am creating for a local family. 

I love the lighting early in the morning and late afternoon - especially the way it casts a different shade of blue on the bluebells. I tend to go for backlighting so the light is more controllable. 

My favourite lens to use is my trusted Nikon 70-200mm. There is a tranquility amongst the bluebells that I don’t feel at any other times of the year and a wonderful scent which is more prominent in the morning. As a result, the families I photograph always manage to engage with the setting and feel at ease.

Stella

Out and about: London Classic Car Show 15 - 18 February 2018

I am thrilled to be photographing the London Classic Car Show again this year. I love this show because it celebrates beautiful sleek cars and their exquisite culture and nostalgia.

In 2017 the show celebrated the 70th anniversary of Ferrari and showcased some of the rarest roadgoing Ferrari’s ever constructed.

963 Ferrari 250 GTO once owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason sold in 2013 for £52 million, making it the world's most expensive car. He bought the car in 1977 for £35,000 - what a great return!

This year the show is featuring ‘getaway cars’ and ‘specials’ which are described as ‘unique beasts’ with rare designs.  Alongside this will be a display of the cars and trophies of Formula 1 icon Nigel Mansell CBE.

If you are planning to attend please let me know, I’d love to see you there.

Stella

To read my blog about the London Classic Car Show 2017 please click here

New for 2018! Stella Books: Family

I am proud to launch a new range of the original ‘Stella Books’, focused on capturing family life. 

My ‘Stella Books’ Collections started in 2012 when I was commissioned to photograph collectors prized-possessions around the world which included cars, motorcycles and houses.  A selection of my original books are featured on www.stellascordellis.com.

All too often, family photos today live on our computers and phones. Time goes so fast, and we quickly build up treasured and personal images that live virtually and are rarely enjoyed. This is why, I have expanded my range of 'Stella Books' to capture family life. My new offer gives families the opportunity to portray daily life and special occasions over time and in different settings. 

The book can be compiled either on a one-off shoot, or I could work with a family through the seasons. It is a perfect surprise for a big birthday, or wedding anniversary and I believe it is a truly priceless offer.

Stella Books: Family is presented on the highest quality Mohawk Superfine paper and leather bound with the option to emboss or monogram.

Stella

Celebrating 21 Years of SMS Creative Photography

1997

2017

Now, onto 2018. I am already working on so many new projects that it is difficult to know where to start!  I always look at the New Year as a blank canvas for my business, where I take time to consider new ventures and inspiration. 

The first important milestone for 2018 is the celebration of a very special anniversary. On Saturday 10 February, it will be 21 years since I opened my SMS Creative Photography studio on Oxted high street. I am proud to have served the Oxted community for 21 years and would like to invite you to raise a glass with me, if you are in the area on the 10th.   

Of course, during this time we have seen so much change. What has remained the same, however, is our united passion for our family and our friends, and our enjoyment of sharing and celebrating special moments. I look forward to being here for you all for another 21 years!

Stella