Thursday 25 February 2010

A gruffalo! Why, didn't you know?


I was at the Scottish Book Trust yesterday for the launch of Meet Our Authors which is sponsored by Scottish Friendly. Meet Our Authors is a digital resource of first-class online content featuring the world’s best children's authors, accessible to children and young people nationwide.

I wanted a really simple photograph which summed up the story so after all the other photographers had left I set up this picture with a wee girl from a local primary and The Gruffalo. The expression on the girls' face makes the picture. And the client was delighted.
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Tuesday 23 February 2010

Let There Be Light


I took these photographs of former First Minister of Scotland Henry McLeish speaking at the Royal College of Nursing Conference in Glasgow this morning.

The image on the left is taken using no flash and just the hotel conference facility lights which result in a colour cast on the skin and the background branding looking purple instead of blue. The picture also has a flat feel to it.

The photograph on the right was taken just seconds later but lit using two remote flashes which help to give a more natural tone to the skin and lifts the speaker from the background.

When photographing conferences, award ceremonies and events I always take my own lighting along so that I have full control of how the stage or podium is going to be lit.
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Wednesday 17 February 2010

Make Up Artist to the Stars


Hollywood make up artist Graham Johnston dropped in to Edinburgh recently for a photoshoot to launch exclusive personal make up sessions at the David Calder Studio in Edinburgh's West End.

The BAFTA nominated artist recently worked on The Lovely Bones as stylist and make up artist to Rachel Weisz and has also worked on Bridget Jones's Diary, Death Defying Acts and Trainspotting.
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Tuesday 16 February 2010

Shell Springboard


A South Yorkshire based business with an innovative idea for tackling climate change recently won an award of £40,000 from Shell Springboard, a programme designed to promote the growth of the low carbon economy in the UK. Pictured is Bob Smith, CEO at Pulse Tidal Ltd at the award ceremony in Edinburgh. More info here.
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Monday 15 February 2010

The Carvers Daughter


Master craftsman John Donaldson spent the last 5 years carving replica heads for the ceiling of the King’s Inner Hall at Stirling Castle. The 37 heads were commissioned by Historic Scotland as part of a £12 million renovation of the Royal Palace. The original heads were rescued when the palace roof collapsed in the 18th century but one head was destroyed by fire. This left John without a subject for the remaining head so he decided to use his daughter Fiona as a model.

The 37 heads are on display at Stirling Castle until the 21st February, after which they are to be painted before being mounted on the ceiling of the Royal Chapel. See more images here.
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Friday 12 February 2010

Snowdrops by Starlight


The Cambo Estate near Kingsbarns in Fife comes alive for the next two weeks after being transformed as part of the Snowdrops by Starlight event. Visitors can wander through the grounds whilst being enchanted by the sights and sounds of this magical wonderland. More information here.

And details of VisitScotland's White campaign can be found here.
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Wednesday 10 February 2010

Shepherd's Delight


A recent image from the Nick Nairn Cookschool food photography shoot for Spectrum Magazine. There are more images on my Facebook page and you can follow the recipe here.
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Monday 8 February 2010

Farewell to Homecoming


Last week saw the final event of Homecoming Scotland 2009 - a thank you party for stakeholders and event organisers from all over Scotland. The event took place in Oran Mor in Glasgow and included entertainment from Mauchline Burns Club, the Birnam Quartet and singer Dougie MacLean (above).

Dougie wrote the song 'Caledonia' which was used throughout the year of Homecoming.

Often at these types of events the lighting looks great for the audience but isn't really suitable for photography purposes. I always use a couple of off-camera flashguns to create an interesting lighting effect whilst also maintaining the atmosphere of the occasion. In the picture above I have used two flashes on stands at either side of the stage to light the singer. They are controlled from the main flash on my camera which allows me to raise or lower the level of light. When photographing singers I also like to capture them doing something interesting 'off mic' which I think leads to more engaging image.
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Tuesday 2 February 2010

Free Photography Services Brochure


The new online photography services brochure is packed with stunning images, client testimonials and information on how I can help you with your photography solutions.

'Of all the freelance photographers that I could call on in Scotland - Rob McDougall remains firmly at the top of my list. He is creative and professional. If I could use him every day - I would. He is everything that you want in a photographer - and a little bit more.'

Kayt Turner, Picture Editor, Spectrum Magazine

Click on the image above to view the new brochure in a web browser. It's just like a magazine - you can flick through each page. The areas of speciality covered are;

  • Events, Conferences & Award Ceremonies
  • Commercial Photography
  • Public Relations
  • Interiors, Food and Products
  • Portraits
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