Welcome to our monthly news page packed with all the weird and wonderful things happening in the world of photography. Helping you stay on the photographic pulse!
It's also a great opportunity for you to get involved and make you opinion count. Email us with your ideas, views, photography tips etc.
Brett Harkness runs a beautiful studio in a converted wood mill just outside Manchester, with his partner Kristie. Together their stunning images and sound business know-how have seen their business flourish in the past few years. Brett is inspired by the variety of work they cover, successfully shooting high-end social and wedding photography, as well as strong documentary work.
"Great photos are all about keeping it simple."
For those looking to follow in his footsteps Brett's says, 'Great photos are all about keeping it simple. Whether using natural daylight or other light sources, keep your subject involved in the shoot.
Image by Brett Harkness
If you make it look easy then the subject will do more for you. Keep the backgrounds uncluttered, old doors or rusty skips make great backdrops, no matter how crazy you may look! The most important thing though is to just have fun.'
To learn more from Brett, check out his brand new website where you'll find details on forthcoming courses aimed at both beginners and professionals.
Events and exhibitions you won't want to miss
Image by Ianthe Ruthven
London's Southbank is particularly appealing at the moment due to two great photography exhibtions, both showing at the National Theatre. Unfamiliar Thames takes a fresh look at London's famous river, featuring the stunning photographs of Ianthe Ruthven. Exhibition ends 20th October, admission is free. Equally enticing is Take a View, made up of fiercely fought entries from the coveted Landscape Photographer of the Year 2007 competition. Ends 3rd November and again admission is free.
Anastasia Protas who is ill with AIDS pictured with her husband, Budaga, at their home in Mwanza, Tanzania. (Photo by Tom Stoddart/Getty Images)
The thought provoking work of esteemed photojournalist Tom Stoddart, is currently on display at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire. This hard-hitting exhibition, entitled Lest We Forget – Africa's AIDS Crisis, gives an incredibly personal look at the lives of those living with AIDS. Exhibition entry is included in the admission price to Nunnington Hall, a picturesque National Trust property.
© Ferdinando Scianna/Magnum Photos
Celebrating sixty years in the business, leading photo agency Magnum is putting on Documenting Style: 60 Years of Fashion Photography. It's designed to showcase changing fashion trends and photographic styles. Magnum's extensive archive means the exhibition fills not one but two venues: The Magnum Print Room and The Atlas Gallery. Both venues are hosting the exhibition until 2nd November. See www.magnumphotos.com for details.
Image by Matthew Pontin
Students from University College Falmouth are hosting their MA Photography Show '07 at London's Dray Walk Gallery off Brick Lane. Exhibition runs 25th -29th October. Also worth seeing is Photo Open at The Art Pavillion in Mile End Park. Both are part of Photomonth, a series of 80 events and exhibitions across 50 East London venues, happening throughout October and November. See www.photomonth.org for details.
Here are a few of our favourite things!
If you're just getting into digital photography Get the Most from your Digital Camera is the perfect read for you. It has loads of helpful hints and has just been updated to ensure you're kept up to date on all the latest technology to help budding photographers. It will not only inspire you to get snapping, but encourage better composition and show you how to digitally enhance your photos. Not bad for just £12.99!
Cox & Cox describe this little gem as, 'A blast from the past that's just as brilliant now as it was then!' We agree this photo cube is a true design classic. Simply pick five of your favourite photos to fill up the cube and display it where you want. It's the perfect addition to your desk, or keep one by your bedside. And at just £6 it's an affordable and thoughtful little gift idea.
Austrian Photographer Andreas Bitesnich's latest book is simply called, Travel. It's packed full of powerful portraits and breathtaking landscapes, taken in a range of exotic countries around the world. The images are presented as duotones, giving a particularly pleasing atmosphere to this book, making you want to browse through it again and again. It retails around £20.
Dekko's Fotofall is an eye-catching way to display your favourite photos. It's stylish enough to grace any living space, or as a fun item for a child's bedroom. Simply clip on the photos of your choice and you've got a colourful display of all your happiest memories. Price £48.
What most of us want from our pet pictures is the ah-factor. Getting there is another matter entirely, especially with particularly playful pets, so here are a few hints to help.
With any type of portraiture, people or pets, using a narrow depth of field works really well. This blurs the background and concentrates your attention on the main point of interest.
Email us your pet photos for a place in our Editor's gallery and the chance to win a PhotoBook!
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Sarah Lemonius
I would like to express my satisfaction at the service received from Photobox. The prices are awesome and the picture quality is great, to say the least!
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Digital Photographer enthuses, 'Quick delivery and a great product make using PhotoBox an excellent experience.'
Computer Buyer says, 'PhotoBox offers comprehensive online storage and sharing facilities and an enormous range of print options. As well as standard prints, you can get everything from keyrings to calendars of your images, and it's all presented in a very neat website.'
1. Learn from the pros
Flick through professional photographs and go along to photography exhibitions. You'll find they're a great source of inspiration when it comes to taking your own images.
2. Correct the crop
Re-cropping an image before ordering can make all the difference between a simple snapshot and a professional looking print.
3. Always carry a camera
The first rule of photography is to always carry your camera. If you haven't got it with you won't be able to take that award-winning shot! Just one of the many reasons camera phones are so popular.