some more favorites

Well, as I was asked to I had better do it, eh?

Many of you have asked to see more favorites, so as a special treat, here is a post full of them!

First, as he was so popular, some more of Marty. Jane collected her latest collection with her sister Lisa on tuesday, I was in late after the late finish on monday with the seminar (sorry Jane and Lisa) They were both waiting outside the shop at 1015, looking in Garnish's window.... The first picture is of Marty and his cousin, and I just love his expression..

This on above is exactly what Jane had, In it's full 24 inch x 24 inch size it looks absolutely incredible. I am going to do one for display I am that happy with it. 

This next one is actually from last year, but Natalie, who's kids it is, came again yesterday to have the twins final cherub session and viewed these from the previous session again.. We photograph alot of feet here at Avant Photographic

I get some more together for next week.. I promise.....

regards

Phil

MPA Seminar

On monday I opened my studio to the SE region of the MPA for a seminar for professional photographers to come to learn how I operate my business. As a dedicated member of the SE regions committee I volunteered my services and was amazed by the turn out. In total we had 23 full time professional photographers in the studio, including Doug Brown and his wife Sheila. Doug won last years UK Family Portrait Photographer of the Year Award. a massive achievement and very well deserved.

As well as Doug and Sheila, there were colleagues who have been in the business for 20 years or more, including Graham Scott and Bruce Neville. both fully accomplished and award winning photographers in their own right. but last but not least, the largest name by far present on the day was world renowned Eastbourne based wedding photographer PETER PRIOR

Peter has won over 50 national and Regional awards for his incredible wedding photography, including 2008 SE MPA Portrait Photographer of the year and 2007 Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine Wedding Photographer of the Year. To say it was a little intimidating is indeed a massive understatement. However,  the day had to go on, and they were here to hear my presentation and to see recent examples of my work and to learn tips for their own businesses from me!

I am greatful for the thanks i received. here are a few quotes from some of the emails I received:

Just want to say a big thank you for yesterday we both had a really great time. It was lovely to meet you....... great topics and interesting conversation. 

Kind regards

Sheila & Doug

www.kent-wedding-photographer.com

Many thanks for an excellent day yesterday, Phil –  you were truly a breath of fresh air.

I look forward to seeing lots of new born pics on your web site later in the summer. 

With all my best wishes to you and to Hayley.. 

Christina 

Christina Chelmick Photographer

www.christinachelmick.com

Thank you Phil Burrowes for the seminar 

A massive thank you to Phil Burrowes for such a fantastic day. He showed us all what made him 'Cherubs Photographer of the Year 2008' SE Region 

Phil  put a lot of effort into his seminar and the comments that came back included 'A proper seminar with very useful information for real world photographers' and the way the majority of people sat scribbling down hints, tips and poses etc showed how well it was received. 

Phil gave his time and studio completely free of charge and created an opportunitity for us to all to network together. If there is anybody else who would consider being so kind then please contact me. 

The studio was packed full and the buffett lunch was superb. Phil officially finished at 5pm but questions and chatting went way past 6pm and then most of us went over the road to the Dolphin pub for a drink and then something to eat. 

Thank you to everybody who supported this seminar and a again - Thank you Phil. 

Dave Cosens

SE Chairman 

www.photogenicimages.com

Thank you so much everybody who came and for the messages of support and thanks.

here's to the next one!

Phil

Recent fave

So this is a image of Grace and Olivia.. They were my first ever clients almost 2 years ago.

It was great to photograph them again, and this time with Mum! The girls have grown so much, and it really highlighted how much I have achieved in such a short time. 

The funny thing was, when Rebekah first came to Avant, the studio had just been painted. Easter weekend was spent refreshing the paint work so again, Rebekah had to endure the smell of fresh paint..

As my customers you a re always welcome to return to the studio. Please don't hesitate to contact me to ask for a session. I'm happy to oblige...

Thanks for bringing the girls back to the studio Rebekah.

Wanted: Booking agent/receptionist...

Fancy working at Avant Photographic?

seriously...

Phil is looking for a member of staff to help book in all the enquiries.. This is not cold calling, but genuine enquiries that need booking in. 

I am looking for someone to call clients between 10 am and 1 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. There may be other tasks that I will need help on, but if you are interested, please call me or email as soon as possible for immediate start.

My thought is this would suit someone who drops the kids off at school or nursery in the morning, comes here for a few hours then home to pick the kids up?? It's a fun job, talking to people, and telling them all about how much fun it is having portraits done at Avant Photographic... 

But please, call me if you are interested...

01323 738 566 or email me phil@avantphotographic.com

I look forward to hearing from you...

many thanks

Phil

Spicer Hallfield

Unfortunately one of the longest serving photographic frame and album suppliers, as well as supplying other photography peripherals, Spicer Hallfield, has gone into administration this morning. The news comes as quite a shock, and I for one will be sad to see them go, if they cannot find a new buyer..?

Unfortunately, several of my recent customers chose to have their portraits framed in SH frames.. I am frantically trying to get these supplied, and have it on good authority that these will be supplied without issue next week... I hope...

I am going to call all customers who have frames on order from SH to inform them and will remain in touch with any news as i hear it. 

NO OTHER ORDERS ARE EFFECTED IN ANYWAY BY THIS AND IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ME TODAY, YOUR ORDER IS NOT EFFECTED

Kodak Portrait Awards 2009

We are still taking bookings for the kodak awards 2009. 

see below for details on how to enter.

Remember, you could stand to win £1000 as the winner of this years award...?

details..

Argh! Look at Marty!

Marty, my cherub photographer of the year 2008 winning image model, came in again for a shoot today. WOW has he changed. He is still really photogenic and we got some incredible images on wednesday..

Its his expressions, he gives such a look. It's the something different and unique that I love to capture. Kids are a whole lot more than just smiles... If I can bring out and shoot the entire range and not just a smile for nana i am very happy..

Thanks for bringing him in again Jane.. It was great to see you again.

Family Portrait

I. LOVE. THIS. PHOTO.

This is Debbie and her boys..

She wasn't keen on having her portraits done, as is usually the case with Mum's!! but i persuaded her and with a little encouragement from her friend who came along we eventually got this shot. I sat Debbie with her boys and coaxed her eldest into position. Gently calling the boys names got them to look up, and I captured this shot. It's incredible, very natural and in black and white the mood of the shot is emphasized.

 

Debbie collected her portrait the other day and was over the moon with it. Framed and completed the image was complete.. I believe it will be placed as the centre piece of her home...

It may be entered for the Kodak Wedding and Portrait Awards mentioned earlier in the blog.