Shaw's Harley Davidson Shoot

Me and my good mate Peter Prior have had a wonderful photography assignment these last few mondays. Shooting Custom Harley Davidsons for Shaws's Harley Davidson at Holmes Hill, East Sussex. In all, we have photographed 16 of these marvelous machines, and each shoot produces more and more stunning results and the itch down to my boots wanting to dust off my leathers and get on a bike again..

So, here are some of my favourite shots.

We have just done another 4 bike yesterday, includng a Buell racing tuned and chopped custom Buell Lighting XB12S.. which is just incredible. Once i have edited the shots i'll post them too. This thing really has to be seen to be believed.. it is just the bike for me. A real street racer idea for waking up half of sussex on a sunday morning.. (sorry, that is my latent 'ooligan rearing up..).

Me and Peter Prior also photographed a Services tribute bike with battle scenes and Remembrance references in the intricate artwork.. It was quite stirring shooting it, knowing many people would see it, and have a sacred place for it in their thoughts..

From now until Christmas it is portraits, printing, child portraits, baby portraits, family portraits and more and more printing.. so a very busy time....

Check back to the blog tomorrow to see some exciting news about the 'Little Chelsea, Little Christmas' evening on Friday 4th december..

Phil

Airbourne 2009!

wow, it's here again...

this time of year is so busy but it is also the time when we exhibit at Airbourne. It helps with the awareness of Avant Photographic immensely. We are now so much of a familiar face at Airbourne that we have people visit us year on year and customers also bring their friends to get their voucher, which is probably the best recommendation we can get!

We will be selling our popular portrait vouchers as well as trying to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis trust with our successful charity offer.

see website for special offers.

I can't resist taking a few pictures of the planes too, and hopefully my favourite, the Typhoon euro fighter will make a grand appearance again this year. ( OK, i can't wait to see the Guinot girls again!!!)

Me, Hayley my Mum and a few other helpers will be on hand to help with the strain, but, as the photographer, obviously most people want to speak to me! I enjoy meeting every one but am shattered by the end of the 4 days..

So, if you have been to the shop and wonder where I am, I hope this explains? I will be back in the shop as usual from tuesday 18th August 10am.. hopefully not too sunburnt..!

MPA (SE) Print competition 2009

Holy Moly!!!

I've done it again! I amazingly won the title of the Master Photographers Association (SE region) Cherubs Photographer of the year.

THAT'S 2 YEARS IN A ROW!!!!

Dennis Hylander FMPA FBIPP judged the competition and his knowledge and experience showed with his knowledgeable critique of the entries. Qualified master Photographers from the south east Region of the master Photographers Association were invited to enter the awards and show off the regions talents. It is a region that includes last years national Kodak Portrait and Wedding Photographer of the Year as well as previous winners of the prestigious awards from the same competition.

I am chuffed to pieces with the results and I wanted to thank a few people without whom it would not be possible. so, firstly, i would like to thank Jane, mum of Marty... ( yes, the Marty from previous posts.. ) he helped me win the award of MPA (se) Cherub Photographer of the Year 2009 with this image.

I posted this image a few months ago, but knew as soon as i took it that I would enter it into the competition. It melts your heart. Thanks so much Jane.. Yes, a copy of this will find it's way to you I'm sure!!

Also, a massive thank you goes out to Lisa, (Jane's sister) who brought her son into the studio for his shoot when I captured this image. Dennis thought this shot was 'cute'. I have to say I agree. His expression is fantastic..

Here again is Payge. Payge's image won me 3rd place, a merit, in the cherub competition too. Paul, her dad, didn't believe me when I told him this was one of the best photos i took last year, but was over the moon when he saw it on my brochure and used on my website. All visitors to the studio comment on it, and all love the delicate nature of the subject, she was only 14 days old... I have been desperate for the competition to come around to get this entered. I jknew it would do well.. Thanks Paul, Andrea and Payge.

Finally, Joe, Karen and Mia.

I always want to get something unique and different for people coming to the studio for their portraits, and with this image that won a 'Highly Commended' award for Family Portraiture, the real sense of fun and love felt within this family has been captured. I knew, again, that it was a strong image and wanted to enter it in the competition. I am over the moon with the resultant 'Highly Commended' award. Thanks Joe, Karen and Mia..

I now have to find some space for all the certificates!!!

The regional results have given me a buzz and lots of enthusiasm for the Nationals that are coming very soon now. I will be making my final selections for my entries over the next few weeks and still have limited spaces in the diary for competition entry shoots.

remember you could win £1000 if your image wins...!!! click here to go to information about it, or check the website offers page here to see how to book..

I look forward to hearing from you..

Phil

Recommend a friend!

I am glad to announce that we are running the popular 'recommend a friend ' scheme again. Prompted by more and more requests, I have decided a little drive is required to inform those of you that still don't know, you can recommend as many people to Avant Photographic as you like....

If you have visited Avant Photographic and have friends asking where you had your portraits done? tell them!

All you need to do is tell your friends to quote your name when they book and they will qualify for a free session and a 10x8 print.. What's more, if they buy one more portrait, I will print a favourite from your session as a thank you. You can recommend as many people as you like. If you forward 10 people to me, you could get 10 free prints of your family...! How cool is that?

As well as this great deal, there are loads of new offers on the new website, click the link opposite to take you to it, this also can be forwarded..

so.. get recommending... I look forward to speaking to your friends soon...

Thanks all,

Phil

Tinyest ever!

This is Sebastian. He is the youngest baby ever photographed at Avant Photographic!

at 11 days he beats Payge, who is the star in my banner above in the title header of the blog. A picture a lot of you know, I'm sure. He was so alert, and was when he was born.

He made no fuss when being arranged for the photos and seemed to really enjoy the experience, I know his mum and dad did. I love seeing the babies as young as this, it allows us to really get the great, tiny newborn shots that are so cherished by parents.



This is the whole family together at the end of the session. I love the contrast in size, and this shot seems to translate the attention involved in having a new baby to care for.

Limited Edition Location Shoot

as previously mentioned, spring is here, and to celebrate the arrival of semi-decent weather, I want to be outside...

so, for a limited time, I will be offering location shoots for a special price of £50! This includes a full edit of the images free of charge. For a totally unique location portrait session this is great!
We can go up the downs, or to the beach, Cow gap is a favorite place of mine, but I am open to suggestion. As long as it is in the Eastbourne area.

I know we'll get some great images. The shoot is a 2 hour shoot, so in tha time your family will really relax in front of the camera and if the location chosen is a family favorite some very personal images can be captured.

please call me as soon as possible to arrange a midweek shoot. This will be a popular offer, so please book as soon as possible.

Phil

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

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. 

Kodak Portrait Awards 2009

Ok.. for years I have have wanted to get an OSKAR and I am going to attempt to this year. But I need your help.

All great portrait photography starts with the subject. Without a subject its just me, standing in my studio.... which isn't much fun. For your chance be entered as a subject in this years Kodak awards please contact me. 

You have a chance to win £1000 if your portrait wins a category, or a kodak camera. 

sorry, it's £1000...  OOPS!

For competition entry sessions I am offering a discounted session fee of £20 and a free copy of the entry to the competition from your session. (size 10x8)

The Kodak Awards represent the highest level of photography, worldwide. Open only to professional Photographers. Click here to view the competition website, which is currently being updated for this years awards.

Last year I entered the regional awards and won the MPA SE Cherub Photographer of the year, so my aim this year is for the under 5's award, but definitely for the consumer award. Here is my cherub winning portrait 

Its little Marty and I shall always love this portrait. His expression is incredible, and the contact and communication from his eyes is so powerful.

This offer is open to anybody, so please tell your friends as well. It's a great chance to get some cool portraits and maybe win some cash too!

phil

Peter Prior

I had the pleasure of the company of Mr Peter Prior in the studio today. As a hugely competent and accomplished photographer in his own right, he wanted some exposure (sorry) to the modern digital studio. I was happy to oblige, as Peter has supported me throughout the various stages of growing Avant Photographic and has always been a valued colleague when help has been needed.

Primarily a wedding photographer,  just look at his site PETER PRIOR PHOTOGRAPHY Peter came to observe a baby portrait session this morning, and little Oscar Robert's obliged as a perfect model. 

It was Oscar's second Cherub session, and as 8 month old babies are more mobile, his Mum had to be on the ball as body guard, keeping him in the right area of the studio for me. 

I think Peter was surprised at how physical the session was. As many of you will know, I have to interact with the children quite a bit to get the reactions I want, and expressions are best captured by being entertaining to the children and this usually means being on hands and knees and making silly faces and noises..!!!! I have long forgotten my sense of embarrassment, but it was funny to be reminded of how absurd it must look...? 

Here are a couple of images from today's session.