Pet Photography Award
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on March 3rd, 2010
This image of Doogle our Cocker Spaniel was given a ‘gold award’ in the SWPP February image competition. All gold award images are put forward to the ‘Photographer of the Year’ judging next January.
With this image, I used a single speedlite fitted with a stofen omnibounce diffuser and a small softbox (without diffusion panel) directly in front of Doogle at about 45 degrees to give a nice contrasty sheen on his black fur. In front of a black backdrop I had Doogle sit while I placed a treat near his front paws. He is reasonably well trained and I knew he would look at the treat and then glance up at me without moving his head waiting for the command to grab it. This gave the “pose” I was aiming for that brings his ears and nose together while his eyes are clearly the focal point of the image.
I could have made a “cute” dog photograph, but I like dark and dramatic pet portraits so I emphasised the darkness by adding the negative space above Doogle’s head. It also leaves plenty of space for typesetting – for a motivation poster perhaps? 
Doogle the Cocker Spaniel
Having had one of last year’s pet portraits come in as a runner up in the annual awards, and with a run of three gold awards in a row for November, January and February (there was no competition in December) I am allowing myself a bit of optimism for this year! Now I have to work at submitting another image. I have the chance to photograph ten German Shepherd puppies together, so perhaps that will be the next project – I think I might try for “cute and cuddly” this time though
If you would like a pet portrait of your dog – or cat, mouse, monkey… get in touch using the link for the contact form to the right or call us on 0141 416 5141.
Edinburgh Castle Wedding
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on February 22nd, 2010
One of the most romantic wedding venues in Scotland is Edinburgh Castle. There are several areas within the castle grounds that couples can marry, the most intimate of which is St. Margaret’s Chapel. The chapel is one of the oldest intact buildings in Scotland and is only large enough to hold a few guests but around the chapel are assorted museums, barracks and open spaces. Anyone who has visited the castle will know that the views over Edinburgh and beyond are fantastic given the right weather and fortunately the early fog lifted and left us with clear blue skies for the wedding of David and Claire.
Even getting there was a bit of an adventure, with me and Matt driving underneath the castle through the ‘military’ tunnel and parking right between two of the castle’s big canons – who said parking in Edinburgh was difficult?
The lovely bride Claire and her father were escorted into the chapel by a piper – which seemed to conjour up a few dozen more tourists. All part of getting married in Edinburgh!
After the ceremony, we took our time taking photographs outside the chapel near Mons Meg – an absolutely huge canon looking out over Edinburgh City – and then in several scenic spots around the grounds as we headed towards the Great Hall. The hall was not available for us to photograph in, but we were guided along by the very helpful Sandra to a room in the Royal Residence with a grand fireplace. Although the fire wasn’t real, the warmth inside was very welcome.
Dancing in the Royal Residence
Having taken our shots inside with some more passing tourists for company, we finished off our Edinburgh Castle wedding with some photographs next to the canons before heading for the reception venue at Howie’s Restaurant in Waterloo Place.
Kissing at Edinburgh Castle
Kissing over the Cannon
If you would like to find out more about booking us for your wedding photography in Edinburgh, whether it’s in a castle or not, then please get in touch. You can contact us using either our wedding enquiry form or by calling 0141 416 5141 – we also provide wedding photography in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland of course.
Wedding at Cumbernauld Baptist Church
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on February 13th, 2010
Congratulations to David and Grace who married at the Baptist Church in Carbrain, Cumbernauld on 5th February 2010. It was lovely to share your big day with you.
At the church
At the reception
Alfie the Collie gets a photoshoot
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on February 4th, 2010
I thought I would give the new camera a test before our first wedding of the year and since Alfie, our collie-cross from Dogs Trust, hasn’t modelled for a while I thought he would make a good subject. I went for my preferred black backdrop to emulate the moody style of Rembrandt’s paintings.
Lighting a white dog is different than lighting a black dog, so lighting a white dog with black markings needed a little bit of planning to get the best result. Set-up was two speedlites with small soft boxes, main light straight in front of Alfie at about 45degrees and the other to the right and behind. This gave a nice exposure for the white fur while providing enough light to reflect off the shiny dark areas.
If you would like a pet shoot for your own dog, cat, horse or monkey then give us a call.
Camping Guidebook Images
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on February 4th, 2010
Rowardennan Camp Site
The TimeOut camping guide book featuring our photographs from Loch Lomond is now available to buy. It looks like a useful guide book if you are camping in the UK, so if you get it have a look out for our images on pages 3, 277, 287 and 288. One of the images from the shoot (not included in the book) won a gold award in pictorial category last year.
Wedding Fayre in Glasgow
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on January 13th, 2010
Stuart Walker Photography will be at the forthcoming Great Western Wedding Fair at OranMor in Glasgow. We will have a selection of our albums and prints there and will be available to offer advice to couples on wedding photography. The wedding fayre is being organised by the Myesthenia Gravis Association.
Hope to see you there!
Sunday 31st January 2010
12pm-4pm, OranMor, Glasgow
A fantastic opportunity to view some fabulous and original products for the discerning bride-to-be.
£5 entry, £15 for four (tickets on door)
Music at the Glasgow Art Club
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on December 29th, 2009
Back in November we had the pleasure of attending a night of music and mulled wine at the Glasgow Art Club on Bath Street. What a fantastic venue! So much atmosphere and perfect for the evening event. Thanks to all the performers for allowing the unrestricted photography (band shots are so much easier with well positioned flash).
Looking forward to the wedding we are photographing there in 2010.
Cute Puppy Photography
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on December 29th, 2009
Our youngest pet photography subject so far is Holly, a Cocker Spaniel puppy just a few weeks old. It is always important to ensure the welfare of animals during photography sessions, especially at such a young age, and Holly enjoyed playing with us and her ‘big brother’ Giles during the short photoshoot at her new home.
Everyone say ‘awwww!’
To book an ‘at home’ pet portrait session contact us on 0141 416 5141 or using the general contact form.
Qualified Wedding Photographer
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on December 9th, 2009
Today I have been confirmed as a Licentiate of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (LSWPP). What this means is that I am now officially recognised as a qualified member of the society. The licentiate was granted following successful submission of a panel of 20 wedding images. Three highly qualified judges assess the panel for technical skill and quality.
Although not every good wedding photographer chooses to become ‘qualified’ it does add an element of reassurance for clients that the photographer has reached a certain level of proficiency and demonstrates that they are committed to developing their skills.
I would like to thank all of my clients for choosing me as their photographer and enabling me to build up a successful business in these challenging times. Particular mention should be made about the couples who’s wedding images formed the submitted licentiate panel. These images are shown here.
The featured wedding couples are: Stuart & Diane, Nathan & Nikki, Andrew & Beatriz, Drew & Lauren, Tom & Jessica, Colin & Maekhala, James & Helen, Mike & Joanne, Mark & Julie, Adam & Lorra, Chris & Joanne and Neil & Kerry – along with guests.
Tanzania Charity Prize Draw
Posted by Stuart Walker in photography on December 6th, 2009
We are proud to support the charity organisation Toawema by offering our ‘at home’ portrait service as a prize in their monthly draw. Toawema means “give well” in Swahili and the purpose of the charity is to help provide access to education and medical care for the people of Tanzania. The great thing about this is that you are supporting a worthy cause while having the chance to win some fantastic prizes!
Our prize contribution is an ‘at home’ portrait photo shoot session for either people or pets and includes a 12×8″ print. All images taken during the photo session are uploaded to a password protected online gallery and various other prints and photo gifts are available to order from there. If the prize winner is located in Glasgow, Edinburgh or elsewhere within a 30 mile radius of our base in Cumbernauld then travel costs are included too – any travel outside this area is charged at a standard rate of 40p/mile.
The prize draw is normally held on the last Thursday of each month, although it will be earlier in December this year to not coincide with Christmas.
Of course you don’t have to enter the prize draw to take advantage of our great deals on our portrait photography. We are also offering an ‘at home’ portrait session for £40 including a 10×8″ print. Contact us now to book your session – you can also call us on 0141 416 5141.
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