Tuesday 22 December 2009

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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Thursday 17 December 2009

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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Monday 14 December 2009

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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Friday 11 December 2009

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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Wednesday 9 December 2009

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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Monday 7 December 2009

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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Friday 4 December 2009

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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Thursday 3 December 2009

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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Tuesday 1 December 2009

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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Monday 30 November 2009

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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Friday 27 November 2009

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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Thursday 26 November 2009

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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Wednesday 25 November 2009

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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Tuesday 24 November 2009

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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Friday 20 November 2009

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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Thursday 19 November 2009

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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Wednesday 18 November 2009

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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Tuesday 17 November 2009

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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Thursday 12 November 2009

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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Wednesday 11 November 2009

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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Friday 23 October 2009

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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Wednesday 21 October 2009

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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Monday 19 October 2009

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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Friday 16 October 2009

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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Thursday 15 October 2009

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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Wednesday 14 October 2009

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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Friday 9 October 2009

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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Thursday 8 October 2009

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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Tuesday 6 October 2009

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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Friday 2 October 2009

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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Thursday 1 October 2009

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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Monday 28 September 2009

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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Friday 25 September 2009

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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Thursday 24 September 2009

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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Tuesday 22 September 2009

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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Friday 18 September 2009

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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Thursday 17 September 2009

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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Wednesday 16 September 2009

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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Tuesday 15 September 2009

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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Monday 14 September 2009

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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Friday 11 September 2009

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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Thursday 10 September 2009

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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Wednesday 9 September 2009

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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Tuesday 8 September 2009

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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Friday 4 September 2009

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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Thursday 3 September 2009

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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Wednesday 2 September 2009

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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Tuesday 1 September 2009

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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Monday 31 August 2009

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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Friday 28 August 2009

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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