Professional Headshots

First impressions count more than ever before in our fast, online, social media driven age. Make sure that yours is a great one!

Come and visit us at SMS Creative Photography where we offer a professional Headshot’s service. Relax in our friendly studio, feeling at ease, while we capture the best of you.

In addition, we work with many businesses to offer a variety of options for creative staff profiles, websites, end of year reports or to adorn the walls of the boardroom. This link will tell you more, but please feel free to call the studio on 01883 722282 so we can craft a photo-shoot exclusively tailored to you and your business.

Stella

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Father's Day - Exclusive Art

Why are dad's often the hardest member of the family to buy for? When they say they don't want anything, of course they don't mean it! So, what do you buy for Father's Day?

In the lead-up to Father's Day on Sunday 17 June, we are exclusively offering framed photographs from our highly acclaimed 'A Drive Down Memory Lane' Exhibition, a captivating collection of the finest classic and supercar photography.

'A Drive Down Memory Lane' is a collection of forty-four exclusive photographs, featuring some of the rarest and most sought after cars in the world from 1912 - 2014.  Each photo is available framed, and limited to just twenty-five of each image, from the exhibition.

This unique offer allows you to spoil your dad with a piece of limited edition art. For any special car lover, this complete surprise will be treasured for many years to come.

For more information please email info@smscreativephotography.co.uk, or come into our studio to hear more.

Stella

The London Motor Show 2018

Cars, celebrities and CEO's; this year's London Motor Show was packed full of all three, staging a thrilling event.

The London Motor Show is famed for celebrating the very best cars for enthusiasts, media, VIPs and even royalty. This year's event was no exception, with F1 drivers, influential business figures, lively debate and of course beautiful cars. Click the 'Read More' button below to find out more about my experience and to view a selection of my favourite photographs from the event.

The link directs you to my 'Stella' website which focuses on car events, lifestyle and classic and supercar photography.

Stella

Meet the Team: Ben

Following on from the last 'Meet the Team' with Stella, this time Jo Hackerspeaks to Ben about his role within SMS Creative Photography.

Q. What did you want to be when you were at school?

Funny thing is that it wasn't that long ago that I was at school! In fact the majority of my friends still are. Therefore since 2010 photography has been my obsession! I can't imagine a future without photography or retouching playing some part in it.

Q. How did you start working for SMS Creative Photography?

About six months after finishing college my Tutor emailed me a job description that Stella had sent him and asked whether it was something I was interested in. That next day I walked into the SMS Creative Photography studio laptop in hand with examples of my work and asked for the job. 

Q. What is your role at SMS Creative Photography?

As a Digital Artist, my responsibilities include retouching and the finishing and printing of any photographs.  It is important that I always get the detail right!  I am also responsible for web design and maintenance, graphic design and liaising with customers.

Q. Please can you describe a typical day for you?

There is rarely a moment when I find myself without at least one image open in Photoshop! I also manage the daily communication of our services to customers through a combination of design and technology on the various platforms that we use. No two days are the same -  we cover everything from the restoration of old photographs, studio photographs of Meissen porcelain, family studio and location photo-shoots as well as headshots. Every image we create in the studio passes through me for finishing.

Q. Who are your favourite photographers?

I'm always returning to Frederic Schlosser's website to see what projects he is working on. I also keep up to date with what Taylor James is doing in the commercial space but at the top of my list is the surreal photographer, Erik Johansson. In my opinion, nothing compares to his ideas and the execution of the imagery he produces.

Q. What one piece of advice would you give to a budding new photographer?

Do something different, look at what everyone else is doing and then run in completely the opposite direction.

Q. What three words would you use to describe SMS Creative Photography?

Passionate. Committed. Dynamic.

Update October 2018: Ben has been a fantastic employee and moved on to pastures new to further his in post-production and design career. We are still in touch and wish him all the very best!

Time to Book Your 2018 Meadow Photo-Shoot...

Create everlasting memories in this little piece of floral heaven.

As Mother Nature provides us with a fresh variety of spring wildflowers and grasses, I am looking forward to starting again my beautiful meadow photo-shoots. I truly believe there is no better backdrop to capture family and friends in such a natural and personal setting.

Our Meadow photo-shoots in June are always very popular, taking place in a secret location on private land where wonderful wildflowers are in abundance. Just to reassure any nature lovers, we always tread carefully so as not to unsettle them and stick to the pathway as much as possible.

We know instinctively that family and friends are the most precious things we have in life - in this crazy world of work and commitments it is easy to lose sight of what’s really important.

Make time to photograph your loved ones in a timeless natural setting. I will guide you through your experience and advise you how to display these moments to enjoy now and for future generations to come.

Do get in touch to discuss your ideas and to design your bespoke package.

Stella

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Stella's Photography Tips: Shutter Speed

Following on from my photography tips from March, this month I am explaining how to use shutter speed to your advantage, to show motion, either to slow it down or to freeze it. This works particularly well for moments that are fleeting, for example as shown here with the flow of water, the same principals apply for sports photography.

Simply follow the steps below and enjoy the experiment!

1. Depending on how close you are to your subject, this generally works best with a 24mm -120mm so you have varied range of focus. A focal range similar to this is fine - remember there are no hard and fast rules.

2. To show motion, select a slow shutter speed 1/15 of a second and below.

3. It is best to use a tripod to avoid camera shake, or make sure you are leaning against something sturdy to support yourself. Alternatively you can stand with your legs apart and your elbows close to your body to minimise camera shake.

4. Select auto ISO as you maybe restricted with your maximum aperture opening. Just to remind you that ISO controls the sensitivity of light on the digital sensor. Auto ISO will increase or decrease the sensitivity by going up to increase or down to decrease, in numbers from 200 - 400 - 800 - 1600 - 3200. If you prefer you can control this manually.

5. Select you aperture at f5.6 and take the shot, experiment to achieve your desired effect and exposure.

6. To show frozen motion select a fast shutter speed about 1/500 of a second or more.

7. Keep the aperture to f5.6 and the ISO to auto. Take the shot and experiment with different exposures to achieve the desired effect.

If you would like more advice to help you understand your camera one to one, I offer masterclasses tailored to suit your knowledge and ability. Alternatively, you and a friend can take a class with me.

Stella