recent eastbourne family portrait.

This is David, Vicky and their children, Daniel and Sophie.. I just love this family shot, intimate and really shows the relationship within this family. 

They partook in the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Charity offer, paying £25 to the charity and getting a voucher for a full session, a framed 10x8 portrait and £50 off the portraits they decided to display on the walls of their home. I can't wait to show them the finished products.

click here to see more offers to visit Avant Photographic

recent portraits of Eastbourne families

my new backgrounds are causing quite a stir and people are loving how different they are! No more hi key white backgrounds, more natural and soft, to suit my style of family portraits.

Here are some recent favourites.

This is Jayden and Jasmin.. both so photogenic and the perfect little brother and sister!

The Avant Photographic Cherub Club

The cherub club is a unique scheme inviting new parents to the studio for an amazing offer.

Those first few months of your new babies life are exhilarating, rewarding and fly by so fast. Make sure you capture these cherished moments with high quality photography.

Over the first year of babies life, bring him in 3 times, at 4 month intervals. You will finish the year with a comprehensive collection of stunning portraits of your baby, and Avant will present you with an ART leather folio, with a portrait from each session mounted beautifully, which will show the exciting developments your baby has made in his first year.

Of course, you can buy extra portraits from your session, but the scheme makes it all so easy.. You will even see your portraits straight after the session..

So, what does this cost?

£29,99.

A small registration fee only. That's it.. until you come to buy more portraits.. which we are sure you will.. but you are under no pressure to do so..

To see more cherubs pictures, go to www.avantphotographic.com and click on 'galleries' then, 'babies'.

or to book, call 01323 738 566 or email studio@avantphotographic.com and speak to 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

more faves.....

Hi folks..

spring has arrived and so, therefore, has the energy levels in the studio risen. Have I had some energetic kids in here lately!
As you can see in these though, it makes for great images. These are all from Edens final cherub session where we included her cousins too for a portrait for nan.

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

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

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.

Recent Faves.

Oh well, the new year lull has passed and Avant is very busy again. I was just getting used to the less stressful level of portraits too. I know some of you will be glad to see me working hard again!

I thought  I would post a couple of recent favourites from the studio. Something a little different. Jayke here had a whale of a time. He came in with his family for a family shoot mum, dad and younger brother. These were some shots i wanted to try out, and Mum was nice enough to let me try to work with Jayke. I think i have made a friend for life. A typical 4 year old, he is interested in everything, full of limitless energy, and has stacks of personality. This is why I do this for a living..

Any way, heres my creation from the session.

Some others from this session are in the running for my competition entry this year!

Secondly, here is Harry..

This is a shot from his second cherub session. He is now a year old. We did a family session too. I have to ask his dad but, maybe I will post a shot of Harry pulling out his hair... whilst on his dads shoulders.. it looked terribly painful, and I felt somewhat guilty for dad having to bear the pain! (I am sorry!) It was me that suggested the pose?

This one of Harry is great though, really stark and simple. But full of expression and a stunning, graphic inspired image..

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. 

Mia's Christening

For recent favorites this week I am happy to post some pictures I took for My nieces christening yesterday.

Whilst I do shoot weddings, christenings and event, I do so very rarely because the shop is so busy. However, please don't hesitate to ask if you require me to photograph your family event.

The Christening took place at Eynsford's beautiful St Martins of Tours, a place I had been past many times, but never been in. 

Yes, that is snow on the ground.. we were forecast a little shower, and it gave a gorgeous sprinkle that was only around for a few moments for this picture but gone as soon as the sun came out.

Here's Mia getting blessed, and chewing Mummy's finger! She was incredible throughout the whole ceremony, and the whole day for that matter. She is a very alert baby anyway, but for her to stay awake and not grumble all day was great and allowed everyone to enjoy her, and for Karen and Joe not to stress about her comfort.

One more, just to show the historic font and the setting for the ceremony. After he christening it was back to Karen and Joe's for  a feed and a drink. How Karen got everyone in I don't know!!

Well done to Karen and Joe for the organization of the day.