Give the Gift of Education this Christmas

A little bit of education goes a long way!

Owning a new camera or one that you have had for a long time can be a daunting prospect if you don’t know quite how to use it!

Do you just leave it on automatic and hope for the best? Do you want to experiment, or are you fearful that you’ll not be able to get back to where you started? These are all things I hear time and time again and it’s what keeps you stuck in a place that prevents you from enjoying your camera and exploring your creativity to give great results.

Over the years I found time in my busy schedule to teach small groups of enthusiasts how to understand their cameras better, but have found that not everyone has the same camera and their knowledge differs. This is why I offer one-to-one masterclasses to help you get the best out of your camera and to build your confidence too. Starting with taking control of your camera rather than the camera making all the technical decisions.

This education stands you in good stead and like anything new it has to be practised regularly. Once you feel a little more accomplished you can graduate onto learning more to build your confidence to create professional-looking images from the classes offered below. The rest, as they say, is up to you.

Your choices:

A. One two-hour class - £185 includes theory and practical tuition with printed guidance to refer to.

B. Set of four two-hour classes - £695 to reinforce theoretical knowledge and to explore a variety of photo-shoot options, such as portraits, animals and landscape using flash and different lighting techniques too, classes are tailored to your specific needs.

C. One day class, eight hours - £750 tailored to your requirements, includes downloading and post-production too.

If this sounds like something that appeals to you or as a gift for the enthusiast in your life then please do get in touch on 01883 722282 or email or visit this link to our website to find out a little more.

A little bit of education goes a very long way…

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Be Thankful, Today and Everyday

Today on Thanksgiving I have taken a moment to reflect and to think what does ‘Thanksgiving’ mean to me?

Well, what does it mean to me, as I ponder on this moment?

I have never really, really stopped to think, until now that is, as I embark on my seventh decade…

It’s not just about being thankful for all the very small things we take for granted like the air we breathe and the water we drink - both of which we wouldn’t exist without - but just thankful for being alive and to know we are in control of our thoughts and where they take us…

• The freedom to take control to exist as we see fit.

• Each moment is precious and fleeting, enjoy each one because we won’t know when our last will come.

• Our emotional and physical health is our best friend.

• Strive to be the best version of yourself as you’ll never stop learning during the process.

• Love and nurture the connections you have with your family and friends as these are the essence of our emotional well-being.

• Immerse yourself in what brings you pleasure.

• Be open to new possibilities.

• Do not fear the unknown, embrace it.

• There is no time for destructive negativity.

• Be thankful for the simple pleasures that money cannot buy.

• Smile often, laughter is the best medicine.

What a difference it has made to me today to have stopped and taken a few precious minutes to still my overthinking and racing mind and to say to myself…

“you can stop now, you can’t control every single outcome and predict the future, but what you can do is… go confidentially knowing that you, and only you, are the author of your future, don’t miss the joyous present as your future is built on this very foundation”

What are your thoughts for today and every day? Take half an hour to stop and write down what ‘Thanksgiving’ means to you, you will be very glad you did… I know I am.

With love and laughter, thank you for taking the time to read this.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

The Importance of a Professional Headshot by Stella Scordellis

I am often asked why is it so important to get the right headshot.

If you want to be taken seriously in the competitive professional world to attract suitable clients, then you have to look approachable and professional in your headshot, taken by a professional who understands the process of creating this.

I have been photographing people for over 40 years, for so many different reasons and occasions. From wedding days to the birth of a new arrival, from first days at school to graduations and so the story of life goes.

In this day and age, it’s all too easy to get a friend to take a photograph on a phone or perhaps fumble around and do it yourself, but that’s not what it’s about, it’s about capturing the professional you.

The wrong smile, tilt of the head or expression in your eyes can all give a different meaning to the one you wish to convey. My experience and relaxed approach will help you feel comfortable during your photo-shoot.

Follow this link to the headshot part of the website and this link to location headshots.

Your photo-shoot can either take place at your home, workplace or my pop-up studio at various locations in Oxted. To make a booking email me at stella@smscreativephotgraphy.co.uk or call on 01883 722282.

Thanks

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

The Art of Picture Framing by Stella Scordellis

Believe it or not, there is an art to picture framing - be it cherished photographs, valued artworks, limited editions, canvases and treasured needlepoints, documents or even a priceless signed premier league football shirt.

It can be too easy to just use any old frame that’s to hand or something ready-made that doesn’t quite fit for now with the intention to change it at a later date, which never seems to come…

This is where the art of picture framing comes in and my professional and creative eye, which intuitively knows what works best to display your artworks for your home or workspace.

Part of my work as a photographer is the presentation of the images I create and by using this skill it has taken me further afield to work with you for your personal or commercial artworks for framing.

For over 20 years I have collaborated with a team of skilled craftspeople to deliver a bespoke picture framing service to suit your lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be the photographs you have commissioned me to take, it can be anything that you value and feel deserve the best presentation, from contemporary to traditional and anything in-between.

Simply call me on 01883 722282 or email stella@smscreativephotography.co.uk to arrange for me to visit you at your home or workplace for a one-off piece or more. I’ll come equipped with a variety of frame mouldings, mount card colours, Art Glass and lots of creativity to take the pressure away from you.

This link to the Picture Framing section on the website tells you a little more.

Thank you.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Exciting Times Ahead for SMS Creative Photography

Exciting news for SMS Creative Photography following on from my January blog about my changes for 2019.

As many of you know I started my photography business on the high street here in Oxted on 10th February 1997. Since then I have forged so many wonderful relationships with you, photographing your weddings, your children and families and other wonderful life and business events, because of you my business has grown beyond my wildest dreams and my commissions have taken me far and wide and continue to evolve with diversity.

As previously mentioned my own family have flown the nest and other exciting opportunities beckon, that I now find myself in a position to change the way I work and to move my lovely business off the high street and adapt with the 21st century to work remotely, read on to find out more…

My passion for my work as a photographer is pulling me in different exciting directions with continued local commissions and photographing at events such as the British Grand Prix. Further afield I will be embarking on my role as a cruise ship speaker, to enlighten and entertain passengers with presentations about photographing at the British Grand Prix 2018 and other commissions in the world of Formula One and high profile motoring events. My first cruise will be later this year, travelling worldwide once or twice a year on luxury ocean liners such as Fred.Olsen, Cunard and Royal Caribbean to name a few, I will keep you posted about my activities.

As a result of this, I will be giving up my premises to allow a new and exciting business to enjoy the town in August 2019.

So this isn't au revoir, arrivederci or even goodbye, it's just a different way of working where I can use my time and expertise more efficiently and above all continue to deliver a personal and professional service and keep a foothold in the town at a new location as and when required.

I have been very fortunate to have been invited to have the use of a meeting room during the week at The Investment Boutique by my lovely customers Richard Arris and Helena Bakunowicz, who took over the premises opposite the Oxted Little Waitrose store last year, The Investment Boutique is a trading name of Raymond James Investment Services Limited.
Richard and Helena had their spacious new office refurbished to a very high standard last September and I thank them for this opportunity. I am very much looking forward to being able to arrange appointments for post location photo-shoot viewings here and a pop-up studio too, with the added benefit of on-site parking, what more could I ask for! I will also be exhibiting some limited edition photographs on their walls.

The studio phone number will remain the same and I am happy to visit you in the comfort of your own home for photo-shoots and consultations about any projects you may have in mind that you would like to discuss.

I will be increasing my online media presence to keep you updated with my activities and will, of course, continue with my blogs for both SMS Creative Photography and the other branch of my business ‘Stella’ www.stellascordells.com which has been growing steadily in the background over the past 6 years with lifestyle and commercial commissions outside of Oxted.

Please feel free to follow me on my social media platforms; Instagram @stellasms & @stellascordellis - Twitter @stellasms and Facebook SMSCreativePhotography and SScordellis

Thank you for your much-valued custom over the years, I can’t wait to start this new and exciting chapter with you.

 Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Mother's Day Gift - Exclusive Bluebell Photoshoot

Surprise your mum with a Mother’s Day voucher to enjoy with the family next month!

The bluebells are beginning to flower and soon the woodlands will be filled with a carpet of fragrant smelling wonderful wild flowers.

This is one of our most popular times of year, with exciting photo-shoots for returning families and to welcome new ones too.

Try not to miss this opportunity because the bluebells are in flower for only a limited time and are at their best for no more than two to three weeks, from past experience this is usually late April early May but does vary depending on the weather.

It’s time to enjoy the experience of a bluebell photo-shoot so do get in touch so I can reserve your time and place - simply call the studio on 01883 722282 or even better come and say hello at the studio, our opening hours as below.

We can personalise a gift voucher just for your mum to let her know just how special and valued she is, go on you know she’ll love it!

Follow this link to our ‘Bluebells’ page where you can find out more.

STUDIO OPENING HOURS

Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm and Saturday 10 am - 3 pm

Thank you I look forward to photographing you!

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.