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. 

Pet Promo...

I have just launched our pet promotion. We are raising again for our friends at The Sussex Wildlife Trust.

For a £25 donation you can have your dog or your budgie photographed, your cat or your hamster, or your tree snake.

After your session you can choose a portrait to be enlarged as thanks for your donation and have the opportunity to choose further portraits too! As an added thank you Avant will give you £20 to put towards your first order.....

Here is a portrait of Andrew, a very brave Yorkshire Terrier who I photographed recently for his owner Mrs Janet Tindall.

Airbourne 2009

Woo Hoo! 

Airbourne 2009 will be FREE!! This is great news. As so many of you know, I promote the studio every year at Airbourne, it's where many of you found me. Last year was diabolical, and although we still did ok from it, it was a huge disappointment for Eastbourne.

You can see details about this years show here. It looks set to be a good one. Here's a shot of the Guinot girls from last year.

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.

Christmas cont....

had better put one of me up!!!

Here's me and my Niece's, Evie and Mia. Evie (the eldest) has such a personality, as you can see. My brother (Evie's dad) always pulls faces for photos, so it is his fault that she does too!

I'm just happy to have a picture with them both. I get to see them very rarely, and I love it when I do get to see them.

Relatives are always welcome to come to portrait sessions, they too can choose to get a great portrait whilst you're at the studio.

Christmas Photos!

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope the new year finds you well? Apart from the usual winter blues, I  am fine and dandy, but wanting Spring to arrive! I hate winter. Cold, miserable, and snotty noses.. Whilst toasty and warm in the studio, it is freezing in South Street.. 

So, Avant is open as normal now, after a staggered start after the Christmas break. It's always great to hear your responses to the blog, and it still amazes me that so many people read it!

Anyhow, the Christmas period, for me, as it is for so many, was a family affair! Mia's first Christmas and that was huge fun. Even at 5 months old, she dominated proceedings. 

Here she is opening her first ever Christmas present with Mummy and daddy the fireman, just in from night shift Christmas morning. I think we forget or take for granted that the services don't stop on Christmas. I for one am thankful for the dedication shown by those that work over Christmas.

Many thanks to everyone again, for your continued custom, and I look forward to seeing you this year for updated portraits.

Phil