Portrait and Social photographer Milton Keynes : ThatPhotoPlace.co.uk

Nice comments on a photo shoot

2011-12-03T23:39:00.001Z

It's nice to know that your efforts are appreciated. A few months ago I did a group photo shoot and worked with several models during the day. Most of them were new to me so I had a bit of fun getting to know them and the style of photos they were happy doing.

It's always a bit nerve wracking when you meet a model, experienced or not for the first time as you are both nervous and unsure of the implied boundaries between you. What style does she like or is suitable for. How does she pose, is she comfortably with me, etc.

On a group shoot you only have about 400 minutes to get some shots and I always find that it takes at least 30 minutes for the initial unease between you to smooth out and start to get good photos.

On this particular shoot there was one model who was a delight to work with from the off. We both somehow gelled right from the start and I got some very nice shots. A lot more than I would have done for a first time shoot.

After the shoot I processed the images and sent her a CD of the best ones that she could use for her portfolio and on Facebook, etc.

We chatted for a bit on Facebook about the photos and then she asked if I'd like to do some more shoots with her. She lived a fair way from me so I'd not relay considered asking her before but the thing that swung it for me was her comment ...

I am looking for a photographer who will pay me for a shoot who have a fantastic imagination and whos images are amazing...well you fit both.....
I need A WOW shot...something unique and special

That threw me for a bit but then I thought why not? So tomorrow she is coming down, I've hired a local studio as they have a Christmas Grotto set up as well as several other sets so I'm looking forward to an intersting session with her.
Sexy Santo photos coming up...

2011-11-26T23:58:00.001Z

Well a busy few weeks completely redesigning my website using Wordpress so now it automatically adds all my posts from here, So I shan't be updating on here very much.

Pop on over to the site and take a look Its www.thatphotoplace.co.uk

2011-11-04T13:58:00.001Z

Well, I have been rather busier lately, My health is still a problem and I've resigned myself to the fact that I've got to take things easier now can only do a few occasional jobs.

In the mean time, I've bee creating a new website from scratch using Wordpress. There is still quite a bit to do with it, as always with these things, but I'm fairly satisfied wit the look and feel of it.

One thing I like is that it automatically imports and posts made on here into the site blog pages, so from now on I advise you to go there to pick up posts as I shall not be updating this blog.

Head on over to http://www.thatphotoplace.co.uk and see what you think.

Thanks all

Derek

Back on the road again

2011-10-24T00:25:00.001+01:00

Hi,

Things haven't been as good as they could have been this year. I was ill in January with heart problems and although I'm much better now, my workload has had to be very much reduced.

I can't stand for long periods as I get gout and very breathless, so I've had to take stock of what is now achievable and regretfully have to give up photographing weddings.
Instead I'm now concentrating on portraits, makeovers, boudoir, cheesecake and similar styles of photos.

Take a look at some of the stuff here and visit my new site, which should be up and running at the end of October, or just email me at sales@thatphotoplace.co.uk Tel: 07986422272

Milton Keynes Photographer's work shown in local press

2011-06-16T10:20:00.001+01:00

I was asked by the Milton Keynes Theatre District if I would photograph the Mascot Olympics that took place in June.

Glad to oblige I found it a much more thrilling day out than I had imagined. I had planned on just being there for a couple of hours, but in the end I stayed till the prize giving at the end.

The mascots came from all over the country and were real fun, larking about and not taking anything seriously. Several times I was playfully jostled and at one stage the MK Lightnings Polar Bear attempted to eat my camera , complete with long telephoto lens. Later on the tried the same trick with the commentators microphone. Mayhem ensued all day with various things done by the mascots to entertain the crowd. All of them were great hits with the children.

Most of the photos of the day are on my flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/db_fotos/sets/72157626970798322/. Prints are available for sale on request.

Don't look round, there's a dragon behind you.

The Theatre District ran a large piece on their web site http://www.theatre-district.co.uk/news/latest/Page57/

There was a small piece in the MK News

I also covered an earlier photo call for the pre event publicity, which included some of my images
http://www.mkweb.co.uk/miltonkeynescommunity/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=78111

Destination Milton Keynes also included a picture in their pre event publicity http://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/News/Latest_News/mascot_olympics_2011

New Work

2011-06-10T22:46:00.004+01:00

I've been busy over the past few weeks with some TFCD shoots for local models, several charity photo shoots and some shoots for Willen Hospice to help publicise the Midnight Moo Charity Walk and the Mascot Olympics

Here are a few samples

Florence Moo meets some of the local sponsors

Pre event photos for Mascot Olympics in MK Theatre District
This picture has been used by several local publications as publicity for the event; including Destination Milton Keynes, MK Web and the Theatre District

Florence Moo out and about meeting one of the people that Willen Hospice helps at home

Pin up photo shoot for a young local model

Go Kart racing day at Daytona Raceway in aid of Hospitality Action, organised by the Catering Equipment Suppliers’ Association

Group photo shoot for several photographers and models in Northamptonshire

Willen Hospice 30th Anniversary Ball at MK Dons Stadium

Georgina is a new young model that I have worked with to help build up her portfolio

A very enjoyable wedding at New Bradwell

Derek gets another award

2011-03-02T22:58:00.000Z

The SWPP awarded Derek Silver in the February 2011 monthly competition in the Glamour and Beauty category.

Photo restoration

2011-02-10T16:07:00.002Z

I was asked by a Facebook contact if I could do a restoration job and convert an old print into an enlargement for her dad's 60th Birthday.
Quite a simple job to remove some dust and scratches from the scan she had (original photo was lost 'somewhere'), colour the phone box and ball and increase the contrast a bit.

If you have old family photos laying about that you would like us to take a look at, please get in touch.

Another winner

2010-12-07T14:37:00.000Z

The SWPP runs a weekly wedding photo competition on its forum with the winner each week getting to choose the next weeks subject. All SWPP members can vote for their choice of the entries. This weeks subject was Bridal Corset and my entry scored the highest with 26.9% of the total votes.

We've been busy.....

2010-11-15T22:01:00.000Z

.... photographing lots of wedding dresses for an auction catalogue.

Ruth's Floral Design Studio got a batch of wedding dresses from a wedding shop that went out of business a while ago. They have been selling these for a while but need the room for other purposes, so are planning to hold an auction to clear the remainder of the stock.

We were asked to photograph the dresses for the catalogue so over the last couple of weekends we have been busy with 5 local models photographing each of the dresses. This involved shooting front, back and details of each of the 40 or so dresses that ranged is sizes from 8 upwards. (hence needing 5 girls of varying sizes.)

A bit of a production line ensued with one model being helped into a dress and coming into the studio to be photographed while the other girl was changing. Each days session lasted about 3 hours and then there was the processing of the images to do.

The girls were all volunteers and we are very grateful for Calli, Maddie, Melissa, Sally and Maria for their time and enthusiasm. They will probably be asked to do it all again to model the dresses for the catwalk show at the auction.

Of course, we couldn't resist taking a few shots using some creative lighting to bring out the details on the dresses and for use in show publicity.

If you want to purchase any of the dresses prior to the auction you can view them at Ruth's at 13 Stratford Road, Wolverton

Wolverton invaders

2010-10-24T23:20:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 23rd October 2010 aliens from another world invaded Wolverton in Milton Keynes.
Actually, it was two very serious re-enactors in Star Wars costumes dressed as Darth Vader and a StormTrooper.
They caused quite a stir in the streets and market place as they walked about with our photographers in tow. It was all a stunt to publicise our studio and get a few people in to be photographed with the characters.

By the Agora shopping centre

Chatting with a young fan

Darth Vader on the Stratford Road

Taking a hostage in the Square

Time for a bite to eat, difficult with those visors on

OK, When's the next transport ship back?

Very many thanks to Peter Brebner as the StormTrooper and Jeff Collett as Darth Vader.

The magic of memories

2010-10-01T16:37:00.003+01:00

I'm not one to advertise other peoples products very much, but I came across this one today and I just had to share it. It's an advert made by Kodak and was last shown on American TV about 5 years ago

Although quite long, at about 6 minutes, it's a thought provoking look at mans' history seen though photographs. All those faded images from holidays past, the newspaper images that invoke a passion, Wedding and baby photos that make us smile or shed a tear, all of these show that pictures must be treasured for our future and the future of generations to come.

Don't just dismiss them as 'just a photo'. Who knows what memories they will produce later in life, or the look of wonder in a small child. Your young baby will never look the same tomorrow as it does today. How many times do you say, "I wish I'd got a photo of that"?

Don't put it off any longer, get your camera out, book a photo session, get your photos sorted out into albums, post them on the Internet. Get them off your computer, Give then life.

Referrals

2010-09-29T12:35:00.001+01:00

We'd like to give you something back

If you like our work and recommend us to your friends, you will get a small reward when they have a session with us.
Just get in touch and we'll send you some of our referral cards to give to them.

Note that the reward will only be given for fully paid sittings and confirmed wedding bookings.

Lovely Ellie in the studio

2010-09-11T11:40:00.001+01:00

We had the pleasure of photographing young Ellie a few days ago. We always enjoy photographing our younger customers and have fun playing with our large collection of toys and crawling after them as they explore the studio. Mum's and dads are welcome to join in as well.

Sessions are only £60 for 2 friends or a family of 2 adults + 2 children. Additional people are £15 each.

Storm Trooper takes over the studio

2010-08-29T14:53:00.000+01:00

We had a very enjoyable day on Saturday photographing a Star Wars Storm Trooper in full kit.

Like all true re-enactors, these guys take it very seriously and Peter has made this replica suit as close as possible to how they were made for the films. He was a very nice guy to talk too and Derek (with his background in scale model making) had lots in common, swapping techniques, etc.

Lots of photos to sort through but here is a sneak peek at one of them.

Portrait prices

2010-08-23T23:15:00.002+01:00

We just released a new pricing structure for our portrait shoots.

Just £75 for a full one hour photoshoot for one or two persons, or a family of 2 adults and 2 children.
Additional people are £15 each.

Makeover experience

2010-08-16T16:11:00.001+01:00

Deluxe VIP Makeover Portrait package

An unforgettable session, where you will be the star, including Hair & Make Up by our in-house stylist
A longer session in our studio when you‘ll have the opportunity to change outfits and try a variety of poses
If you like you can make it a themed session, boudoir, pin-up, vintage, etc. If you have some props, then bring them along and we’ll have some fun.

Discounts can be arranged if you bring some of your friends and turn it into a party.

A few days later you will be invited back to the studio to review the best images from your session, receive a framed enlargement and slideshow to show your friends along with a CD of the photos, to email or put on social networking sites

Prints in a variety of formats and styles can be purchased at special prices

All for the special price of £175.00

Portfolio session with make up

This is for a more extensive portfolio, showing differing moods, outfits and detail shots as required by you. This includes the Make up Artist on hand throughout and includes two complete styles of hair and make-up during the session £220.00

Additional charges may be made for extensive make-up, body paint, etc. by arrangement with the Make up Artist.

Note that the hair styling on either of these is not a full salon experience and will only cover restyling your hair as it is now; i.e. no cutting, washing, etc. Any product used during these sessions will be at additional cost.

We use an independent stylist so require at least two weeks notice for either of these sessions as they are dependant on the stylist being available on the dates required.

If more extensive hair, nails and make-up is required we have an arrangement with Arcana Salons in Crownhill or Shenley Brook End where you can have whatever you require and then come to our studio for your photos.

I hope that this answers your questions but if you require any more information then please get in touch.

Babies First Year Package

2010-06-09T12:19:00.002+01:00

Three photo sessions in our studio to document the rapid development of your new babies first year.

£60 is payable at the first sitting to cover the first and reserve the second sitting and a further £60 at the second sitting to cover both the second and third sittings. The total you will have to pay is only £120.

The first sitting should take place as soon as practical after the birth. The second sitting should ideally be when baby is between 3-6 months old and the third between 8-12 months old.

From each sitting you will receive a free print and the images on disk for you to put on Facebook or email to your friends and family. After the third sitting we will produce a free triple frame with your favourite photo from each session.

This offer can be extended for further sittings on an annual basis.

Ring us now on 07986 422272 or 07801 138408 to book the date for your first session.

ThatPhotoPlace.co.uk have a studio in Milton Keynes offering baby, child and family portraits as well as wedding, fashion and makeover photography. We also offer services to commercial, web page and corporate clients.

Why do photographers charge what we do?

2010-04-06T13:25:00.001+01:00

People always ask why we professional photographers charge so much. After all anyone can buy a digital camera and do it, can't they? Well no they can't. We have a lot of overheads that the amateur doesn't and there is years of training and experience to take into account as well.

Nedine Backman O'Brien, who runs Fera Photography has given us permission to link to her blog article; which is one of the best explanations of why we charge what we do. Read it and be surprised, but perhaps understand some more about the difference between the amateur and professional photographer

Blog Article: Why do photographers charge what we do?

People arn't printing pictures any more

2010-03-18T13:32:00.003Z

It has become a sad fact (or progress, depending on how you look at it) that now more people look at photos on Facebook and other social networks than print them out.

This article gives more information on this new trend.

It also seems to be that people are more than happy with a soft, blurry picture taken with a mobile phone in the pub or nightclub than a professional studio photo, possibly because they don't realise how exciting and vibrant a well exposed, sharp print can look. It's similar to looking at Old Master paintings in a book and then going to an art gallery to see the original. The difference can be quite stunning.

Imagine looking at your photo on a 2" screen on a mobile phone and then at the same as 24"x36" canvas wrap. It's like comparing an old banger to a Formula 1 racing car.

Do yourself, and those around you, a massive favour and book yourself into our studio for a wonderful experience and be amazed at the resulting photos you will get in return.

Great fancy dress party shoot

2010-02-03T20:25:00.003Z

We were asked to photography a birthday party last Saturday. All the guests were asked to come in 80's style fancy dress. We set up a small studio in the house and photographed all of the guests having fun.

This one is my particular favourite.

New range of Japanese mini Photograph albums launched

2009-12-13T11:39:00.003Z

We've just launched a new range of Japanese mini albums. They will make ideal portrait albums, parent & bridesmaid albums or as a Thank you gift to your special friends.

Three types are available,
Mini - which takes 10 5"x4" inch prints in a 6"x6" Cover and is available in Black / Ivory / Pink / Blue / Navy / Red

Origami - this is a fold out concertina type 6"x6" album taking 14 5"x4" prints and is available in Ivory / Pink / Blue / Navy

Both of the above have a 3.5"x3.5" print inset into the cover. The leaves can be in black or ivory. and they come in a neat white box

A larger 9"x9" Overlay album is also available with 20 sides to take a mixture of 7"x5", 5"x4" or 3.5"x3.5" prints. These are available in Black/ Ivory / Pink / Blue / Red all with black overlays

Published article in Photo Pro Magazine

2009-12-05T14:06:00.002Z

After the success of our recent event photography at the Cinderella Ball at the MK Dons Stadium, we were asked to edit an article that was destined for Photo Pro Magazine. It describes our usage of the System Insight loan of the HiTi WiFi enabled Dye Sublimation printers we used.

It's always nice to get your name in the press and Photo Pro is, as its name describes, one of the top UK based magazines for the Professional Photographer. We've already had a good number of favourable comments from fellow photographers. It is a great boost for our new studio and the facilities we can offer people in the area.

Nice comments from recent customers

2009-11-13T16:53:00.003Z

We must be doing something right for our customers!

Two recent sittings have commented on how nice and friendly we are. "Nothing like those other photographers", was how one put it.

We like to make all our customers feel very special and relaxed by talking with them and making the sessions fun for them and their children, if they bring them. There are no set poses we like to "go with the flow" and see what inspires us and the sitters.

Last nights couple had brought their three children along, who were dressed to the nines, but mum & dad were in their work clothes. We invited them back for a free sitting with a selection of various clothes for all of them so that we can try out different styles.

So if you want to come to the studio for a free sitting (extended offer till the end of December) bring along the family with a selection of clothes to wear, formal, informal, jeans and T shirts if that makes you more comfortable. Prepare to have some fun and let us produce some memorable photos that you will cherish.

Video of the Cinderella Ball photos

2009-11-05T23:13:00.006Z

Just uploaded a video presentation of some of the Cinderella Ball photos. Hard work but exciting time and we are looking forward to photographing more events this Christmas: D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKagY9vAnvU

YouTube slideshow

2009-11-03T23:00:00.001Z

Just put a slideshow of one of our young clients up on YouTube. Madison is a 14 month old girl with attitude, she wasn't interested in photography and didn't respond to the camera, Graeme or Derek or even her parents. She just wanted to run about the studio and play with some of the toys we have.

Cinderella ball

2009-11-01T11:39:00.000Z

What a day we had on Friday. We were one of the photographers selected to cover the Cinderella Ball at the MK Dons Stadium in Milton Keynes.

This event was organised by Debbie of Arcana Salons to raise money for Cancer research UK.

Our task, with another photographer, was to photograph the 400+ guests as they came into the venue. Lots to do in a short space of time.

With help from an event supplier that Graeme used to work with, we were able to try out some new radio linked printers, so that we could shoot and send the pictures straight from camera to the printer and a finished print could be placed in the people hand in a few seconds. Generally the system worked well with a few minor lock-ups and minor glitches but we worked them hard and they delivered superb prints. With a little work on the software they could be unbeatable and considerable easier, and cheaper, to use than rival systems.

It was a very long day, with breaking down our studio, transporting everything to the venue and setting up and testing taking up to about 5pm. 10 volunteer helpers then came in and had an introduction to the workflow and we were off. We were able to release the volunteers at about 10pm as it had gone quiet, but then there was a flurry of revellers who wanted more pictures. We finally switched everything off at about 12.30 am and packed the two cars by 1.30. Graeme and myself were only fit for our beds by then but Saturday morning had us back in the studio setting up for a shoot at 1pm. Saturday afternoon was spend dozing on the settee before editing the ball pictures and posting them on the web. Time for bed about 12.30am.
Tuesday, Graeme will be driving back down to Southampton to return the printers and other gear.

And who said photographers have an easy life??

To see the photos, go to the Cinderella Ball page on our web site. http://www.thatphotoplace.co.uk/index.php?p=1_14_Cinderella-Ball

Trial of new Wireless event printers

2009-10-20T17:03:00.002+01:00

We picked up one of the new HiTi wireless event printers and universal wi-fi digital camera transmitters from System Insight yesterday.

We have been asked to put it through it's paces and use at the upcoming Cinderella Ball on 30th Oct. Another 2 sets are being sent to us, so that we can give them a good test.
Initially the system looks very promising.