A Little Bit of Joy

The 2009 Christmas Card which was originally a commission from Scotland on Sunday's Spectrum Magazine last year and appeared on the front cover of the magazine.

A very Merry Christmas to present and future clients and warm wishes for 2010.
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Happy Birthday. To Me.

I am 3 years old. Well, my freelance professional photography business is. Three years ago I left the bosom of The Scotsman group to set out on my own and I haven't looked back. It's been an amazing three years working with clients such as Historic Scotland, Homecoming Scotland, The MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival and various PR companies all over the UK.

The photography business is very competitive but I believe that the key to success is to provide an excellent service, resulting in a high quality product built upon long lasting relationships with clients. Most of the clients I had in day one are still with me. Sincere thanks to present and future clients. Here's to the next 3 years!
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Toy Story

It's always great to see your work in print and I was delighted when flicking through the Saturday papers to come across The Scotsman magazine and find that they had used one of my photographs on the front cover. The picture was taken about a month ago and was part of a commission on the toy department at the John Lewis store in Edinburgh.
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Santa's Little Helper

Gaby Souter from The Scotsman Magazine spent a day in the toy department of the John Lewis store in Edinburgh recently to learn about the big sellers in the run up to Christmas.
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Boys Night In

Scotland's top model and former Miss Scotland Stephanie Willemse gets ready to welcome guests to Jane Davidson's annual Boys Night In - a special boys only shopping event held at the exclusive Peter Johnston's Edinburgh Townhouse.
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Happy Birthday

Falkirk based international company Redeem, leaders in recovery, refurbishment and recycling of consumer electronic devices celebrated their 10th Anniversary at the weekend with a party at The Falkirk Wheel. Guests from all over the world were greeted by a piper in full Highland Dress.

The shot was tricky to capture and I had to use a tripod to ensure that the lights and logo on the wheel were sharp, then add some off camera flash to pull the piper out of the picture. The light rain helped with reflections on the ground.
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Heather the Weather

I have been working my way through the girls from the BBC. First it was Sally Magnusson, then Jackie Bird and last night it was Scotland's favourite weather girl Heather Reid. I am of course talking about hosts for The Green Energy Awards. Heather did a great job at The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. Congratulations to all the winners!
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The Famous Lorraine Kelly

Scottish television star Lorraine Kelly celebrated her 50th birthday recently and to commemorate the event Famous Grouse and VisitScotland got together to produce a one off bottling of The Famous Lorraine Kelly. Slainte!
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The Final Fling

Last night saw the curtain fall on Homecoming Scotland 2009 with a series of St Andrew's Day events in appropriately enough, St Andrews. It's been quite a year and as official photographer for Homecoming I have covered events the length and breadth of Scotland.

So it is appropriate that the final image I shot was of the Son et Lumiere - images of the history of Scotland and the story of Saint Andrew projected onto the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. More images here.

My favourite photograph from the year was taken on the launch weekend in Dumfries and shows a small girl holding a lantern on front of the Homecoming logo. You can see it here.
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Homecoming Live: In Pictures

Homecoming Live took over the SECC in Glasgow in Friday night with an array of Scottish bands and artists which included Deacon Blue, Twin Atlantic, Idlewild, Teenage Fanclub, King Creosote and Midge Ure. The concerts kicked off a weekend of celebrations to mark the end of Homecoming Scotland 2009. More pictures here.
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Who ate all the Pies?

I did. Well, a couple anyway. Celebrity Irish chef Paul Rankin was a the new Sainsbury's superstore at Braehead near Glasgow recently to promote his new range of luxury pies which include peppered venison and mushroom. I have to confess that I was given a box of pies to take home and I can safely report that they were delicious. And Paul was a top guy as well.
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Shooting with Innis & Gunn

Edinburgh based brewers Innis & Gunn recently produced their 5 millionth bottle of beer. To publicise the event I was commissioned to produce press and corporate images of Dougal Sharp, renowned brewer and owner of Innis & Gunn.
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The Big Ticket

Culture Minister Mike Russell launched the Historic Scotland Free Weekend at Stirling Castle yesterday. To celebrate St Andrew's Day and the finale weekend of Homecoming Scotland 2009, Historic Scotland are throwing open the doors of 47 of their properties for free. To find a property near you text 'WEEKEND' to 84118 or visit the HS site.

Both Edinburgh and Stirling Castles are also free on St Andrew's. How many properties can you visit on one weekend?
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Santa's Little Helper

Gillian Burke, owner of Ollie & Forbes photographed for Scotland on Sunday's Spectrum Magazine. Ollie & Forbes is a new online retailer based in Edinburgh specialising in contemporary children's toys presented in jute bags.
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Sir Jackie Stewart

Scottish racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart OBE dropped by the Famous Scots exhibition at the Scotland'sPeople centre in Edinburgh this morning to see the story of his life and family tree. The Formula 1 champion in the final Famous Scot in the series and the exhibition runs until 31st Dec 2009.

Previous people featured include Billy Connolly Brian Cox and Tilda Swinton. The exhibition is part of Homecoming Scotland 2009.
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Radio Forth Awards

Sugababes, Spandau Ballet, The Noisettes and Amy Winehouse's goddaughter Dionne Bromfield were among the big names who appeared at the seventh annual Radio Forth Awards at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh yesterday.

The Awards celebrate the best in music, sports and entertainment and also honour local heroes from communities in and around Edinburgh.

More photographs on the Forth One website here.
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Little Comets

Little Comets lead singer Robert Coles performs at the Jewel & Esk college last night as part of a tour aimed at giving music students the opportunity to stage their own concert. The Newcastle based band took to the stage alongside current and former students.
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The Dalmore Oculus

Whisky consultant Marin Green from Bonhams examines The Dalmore Oculus, a rare and unique bottle of precious whisky assembled from some of the most exceptional whiskies of the past 140 years. The whisky is part of Bonhams auction which takes place tomorrow and is expected to fetch between £15,000 - £20,000.
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David Calder

I first met David Calder a couple of years ago when I photographed him for his weekly fitness column in Scotland on Sunday's Spectrum Magazine. When David set up his new fitness, wellness and therapy studios in Edinburgh's West End I was delighted when he commissioned me to provide images for his website and advertising.
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Caledonia clears Perth Concert Hall

Back to work after a couple of weeks off and straight to Perth for the finale concert of Dougie MacLean's Perthshire Amber festival which ended with the Caledonia concert. I must say it's always a joy to photograph Dougie and get the chance to listen to some great music at the same time keeps those back to work blues at bay.

The show ended with a star studded line up onstage to sing Dougie's most famous song - Caledonia complete with pyrotechnics during the last verse. Unfortunately the smoke set off the automatic fire alarms and the hall had to be cleared before the cast could perform the final number of Auld Lang Syne. Rock and roll.
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I Shall Be Redeemed

" A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it." Edward Steichen.

The first thing most people say to me when I am about to take a portrait of them is that they hate having their photograph taken. You can usually tell within the first 30 seconds of meeting them if you are going to click with them and produce some great shots which capture their personality. Some people take longer than others but most end up having enjoyed the experience more than they thought they would.

The job of a portrait photographer isn't just to set up the lights or operate the camera - it's about putting people at ease and connecting with them, even for a short period of time. You can tell by looking at a portrait, the relationship the sitter has had with the photographer for that brief moment when the image was made. What happens on both sides of the camera is evident in the final image.

Jamie Rae is the Chief Executive Officer of Redeem, an international leader in recovery, refurbishment and recycling of consumer electronic devices. Photographed at the company headquarters in Falkirk.
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Ollie and Forbes and Twitter

The power of social media. I found a new client recently (or they found me) through using Twitter. For the past six months I have been posting tips, comments and links to my website and PhotoBlog. Edinburgh based on-line children's gift service Ollie & Forbes began to follow me and before long commissioned me to carry out product photography for their website which goes live early next month.

Client Quote:

'Just a quick note to say thank you very much for the photo's, they are great!! Really appreciate all your hard work. We have just done a test upload and they look fantastic, so pleased!'

Gillian Burke
Owner
Ollie & Forbes
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The Journey Starts Here

I shot this portrait of Grant Rumbles, Chief Executive officer of Exova - a worldwide company which provides testing services for industry - a few months back. The portrait was taken in Grant's office which I temporarily transformed into a studio using a black background, studio lights and reflectors.

The shoot was commissioned by Edinburgh based White Light Media who create fantastic magazines for the private and public sector which includes The Exova Magazine which has just been published.
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Orkney Venus Tour starts at Edinburgh Castle

It may sound like a heavy metal band but in fact The Orkney Venus is the earliest human figure ever found in Scotland and is going on display at Edinburgh Castle until the 1st November.
Photographed this morning at the Castle is seven year old Afra Manicini. Kids go free to the exhibition and the castle if they say the magic word 'Orkney' when they arrive.
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One from the Vaults

Hamish Martin, Managing Director of Inverarity Vaults based just outside Biggar who produce whisky and import fine wines from all over the world. I was commissioned to produce corporate images of the staff for PR and press use.
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The Homecoming Sessions

The Homecoming Traditional Music Sessions have been running all over Scotland since March this year and continue until November. This one too place at Jenny Ha's pub on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh last night. More information on upcoming sessions can be found here.

It was a bit tricky to photograph the session as the pub was pretty dark so I lit the interior with a couple of remote flashes to make the image a bit more punchy. I rarely use direct flash and prefer off-camera flash to produce more interesting photographs.
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St Andrews Community Hospital

St Andrews Community Hospital in Fife bathed in blue sky yesterday. I love October when the sun often strong, the shadows long and the sky blue. These exterior shots were commissioned by the construction company to demonstrate how the building related to the surroundings.
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Chaaaaaarge!

I was at Craigmillar Castle near Edinburgh yesterday shooting the cover for a guidebook. It was an all day shoot which involved four models and was great fun, if hard work. It made me think about the role of the photographer in an assignment like this. The photographer has to have many skills such as director, stylist, lighting techician as well as thinking about the technical requirements from a photography point of view; ISO, shutter speed, depth of field... And of course working closely with the client to achieve the look and feel of the image required. This is why I love being a photographer.
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Having a Ball

Primary Six teacher Graham Mackay Bruce and professional singer Ceri-Ann Gregory brought the house down at the recent Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Homecoming Ball at the Shearton Hotel. This is the second year I have photographed the fundraiser which aims provide life changing bursaries fo children from all backgrounds.

Client quote: 'I got the CD today and the photos look great - Thanks so much!'
Suzi Grimes, Development Coordinator, ESMS
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Four Seasons in One Day

Challenging shoot for Historic Scotland at Skara Brae in Orkney yesterday which involved horizontal rain, sleet and hailstones. The job was to produce images for use on visitor guides and advertising. The models were fantastic - Mike also works as a Bryan Ferry tribute singer and Linda is a former Miss Scotland and Tennents Lovely!
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Urquart Castle

Urquart Castle early in the morning with the mist rising from Loch Ness. Perfect day for capturing images for a new range of Historic Scotland brochures and visitor guides.
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Arowana Restaurant

Arowana Japanese restaurant which is situated inside the Omni Centre, Edinburgh. Photographed for The Scotsman Magazine. Read Gaby Souter's restaurant review here.
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Homecoming Scotland Finale

Glad to see that some my photographs have been used in the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations brochure which was launched this week. I have been involved with Homecoming all year, documenting events the length and breadth of Scotland. The closing weekend around St Andrews night should be fantastic with concerts taking place all over the country. Download your copy of the guide here.
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The Pavilion, Inverleith

The showflat of the new Pavilion Apartments by CALA homes at Inverleith in Edinburgh, exquisitely furnished by Jeffries Interiors.
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St Andrews Community Hospital

St Andrews Community Hospital in Fife which is officially opened today and integrates local hospital facilities with GP practices and pharmacy all in one building. Great use of colour.
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Photocard No 3

Relax! Your photography is in safe hands. TV health expert Amanda Hamilton photographed on Yellowcraigs beach is the subject for Photcard number 3. If you would like a card just send me an email and I will post one to you: info@robmcdougall.com
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Photocard No 2

Photography good enough to eat. The second of eight photocards highlighting recent photography projects this time on the theme of food photography. If you would like a card just send me an email and I will post one to you: info@robmcdougall.com
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New Photocards Launched

Today sees the launch of eight new photocards. Each of the cards features recent work; the first being Famous Faces. How many can you name? If you would like a card just send me an email and I will post one to you: info@robmcdougall.com
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I Shot the Law (yers)

Corporate portraits for top UK law firm McGrigors. My portable studio means that any boardroom of office can be turned into a photographic studio resulting in less disruption for your staff.
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Maximum Exposure

Karen Campbell, Chief Executive Maxim Office Park - the largest speculatively built scheme in the UK, located adjacent to the M8 East-West corridor in Central Scotland.
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And the Winner is...

Congratulations to regular clients Weber Shandwick, VisitScotland, 3x1 Public Relations and Wave PR who have all been nominated for this year's CIPR awards. Good luck!
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Grand Designs

Interior photography for Bryant Homes - one of Britain's biggest house builders. The house featured is a Westbourne located in Glenrothes, Fife.
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A Year at The Mill - Edinburgh

The Mill, created by Miller Genuine Draft marked a year of supporting Scotland's emerging music scene at a landmark gig in Edinburgh recently. Established band The Ads (front) lend some support to up and coming band OK Social Club.
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Caledonia Whisky Launch

Scottish singer-songwriting icon Douglie MacLean was at the Edradour Distillery in Perthsire recently for the launch of his Caledonia Whisky with First Minister Alex Salmond. The name of the new whisky is taken from the title of one of his most famous songs which also featured in the advert for Homecoming Scotland 2009.
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Scotland's Top Model Cruises into Town

Scotland's Top Model Lauren Tempany became a mannequin for the day when she helped launch Cruise's new flagship ladieswear store on Edinburgh's George Street. Also in the window was a life size was mannequin made entirely from wax.
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Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival

Budding film makers Robyn Clarke (9) and Lochlann Gargan (7) help launch the Mental Health Arts & Film Festival which features over 200 events across Scotland ranging from dance, music, poetry to film making workshops. The festival runs from the 1st-22nd October.

Client Quote:

"These are brilliant! Thanks so much for your patience."

Pamela Clarke
Marketing Lead | Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival
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MGEITF DAY THREE HIGHLIGHTS

The final day of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival saw Matt Wells chair a live podcast on all things media, Evan Davies examined TV on demand and Sky News Political Editor Adam Boulton challenged the leaders of the UK's political parties to take part in live debates before the next General Election.

Click on the image for a detailed view.

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MGEITF DAY TWO HIGHLIGHTS

Day Two of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival kicked off with the Post MacTaggart Q & A with James Murdoch while Ant & Dec took part in The Alternative MacTaggart. Peter Andre talked about The Next Chapter post Katie Price and Ross Kemp gave a fascinating Masterclass on his Gangs documentaries. Big Brother presenter Davina McCall chaired a session entitled Surviving Reality TV and the day culminated in the Channel of the Year Awards hosted by the very funny Michael McIntyre.

My brief was to provide images which were uploaded to the MGEITF website immediately after or even during the various sessions and photocalls. They were then made available for press to download for publication.

Click on the image for a detailed view.
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MGEITF DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS

Friday highlights of the 2009 MediaGuradian Edinburgh International Television Festival which included Ant and Dec hosting TV's Got Talent which Jimmy Carr, Amanda Holden and Louis Walsh. Other highlights an appearance from The Wire creator David Simon, comedian Frank Skinner, Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarckson and The James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture given by James Murdoch. Click on the image for a larger view.
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A Year at The Mill

The Mill, created by Miller Genuine Draft, marked a year of supporting Scotland's emerging music scene with a landmark gig in Glasgow last night. Pictured are (back row) Glasgow based We Were Promised Jetpacks and Some Young Pedro from Lauder and St Boswells. Another gig takes place in Edinburgh next week. More info here.
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