The nights are drawing in...

Lets face it, the nights are well and truly drawn in and by 4pm you are dreaming about getting home in front of the warm fire and tucked up in your favourite big cardi, slippers on and a glass of your fave tipple on hand. The last couple of hours at work are spend essentially clock watching.

Well take up some of that time by entertaining yourself drawing lines all over your screen and then watch Santa sleigh down them to collect his presents...watch out of the nasty volcanos (I know, who thought they were in the North Pole?!) and the reindeer. Have fun!

Rescue Santa here!

Drape Jackets, IFE and some chocolate....

Been a little lame on the posting front but have been really busy and then the last 2 days actually steered clear of the laptop and had some days where I don't work - miracle!

Anyway back on it as have a week away from the P/T job to get my head down and figure out my big plan basically. Get some marketing done, clear my editing, sort out my huuuuggge filing pile and update my portfolio. Plus look properly at when I can move to London and go at this full time. It was a hard decision quitting my full time job a couple of years ago as for me at the time, it was a career. I was on the design team for a production company designing menswear for the likes of French Connection and Ted Baker, my salary wasn't bad at all and I loved it. I was however not creatively challenged enough and buttons were not being hit, so here I sit today 18 months down the line with a part time job to get the cash and ploughing ridiculous hours a week into making photography work. Well its not going to work unless I do it full time basically. Yes part time supplied much needed funds and stability and its a massive catch 22 situation but its time I did this and I did it right. I have to make this really work for me now cos I cant live like a student forever! So here is to actually going for it and taking the leap to freedom!!

In a bid to fill myself even more so of creative juices and drown in the 'buzz' I am currently going to London at least 2 or 3 times a week (even if its just to drive through Shoreditch!) I am planning another 2 fashion shoots to complete before the end of the year and I am buying magazines like there going out of production and tearing out my favorite pages and sticking them on my wall! I love it. My working environment is starting to come together!!

One of these 'creative' moments urged me to go shopping (no really it was the creativity!) so off I went into town to get some business bits and bobs and also generally ogle at clothes. I found a beautiful jacket that I justified spending £70 on by telling myself not only could I wear it out but also it would be perfect for photo jobs where a little stylish smartness was required. Well, all in the name of Carli-Art photography!

Today see's me flicking through Harpers Bazaar, replying to some photography job posts I have seen and delving into the inspirational publication called Image Makers Image Takers. A great book to immerse yourself in and give yourself some much needed arse kicking. I will also, as tradition has it, be sat here at my laptop editing. I cant wait to finish the fashion pics as for once in quite some time, I am actually really pleased with my images from the shoot! Yay!

Over and out - till I get bored later and write again ;-)

Childhood memories with Louis de Gama....

If you have not yet heard of Louis de Gama then I strongly recommend you visit his website and sample some of the beautiful garments he has designed.

His latest Autumn Winter 09 collection is full of lace, ruffles and layers and reminds me of playful games of 'Tea and Biscuits' as a child or the gentle fingering of the intricate fabric which adorned my grandmothers dressing table. Memories are childish but beautiful, careful and emotional and all of this from just looking at images of the garments - not even having felt the soft fabrics or feminine frills. Sentimental but totally delicious - check them out here.

(Pictures courtest of www.louisdegama.com)

Feeling a little tense are we?!

So, Britian's Got Talent has infected all TV's across the land, screaming and shouting its collection of skilled and skill-less acts (come on you know some of them just really shouldn't be there!); Mr Cowell striking his traditional high waisted pose & upsetting small children as he goes - speaking the only snippet of truth the program or its judges will ever see.  Amanda wearing yet another short sparkly dress & Piers just wishing he was the Cowell & looking longingly at that flat head chop that is going on there.  

I however sit here longingly waiting for the top I have seen in the ASOS catalogue to appear online for purchase, hoping that my credit card may stretch that far.  Looking forward to the weekend as the man comes down for a couple of days and we get to spend time on a friends boat eating olives and pretending were posh folk.  Then kicking myself cos were staying at my rentals in the postage stamp room next to everything & can't have our first ever round of 'make up' nooky.  Too much info?  Lets face it, thats what you come here in the hope of,some  hardcore goss.  I left last time with a useful tip, now I leave this time with a red face & a 'wish i hadn't posted that' comment.  Honesty, it pays.  Well sometimes.  

So lots of waiting but also lots of working, I have an event coming up in June where I get to photograph the lovely Katherine Jenkins again.  I am still getting really positive feedback from the pics I did of Queeny and to top it all of I have another Fat Talent Live coming up the first Sunday of June....always an event full of friends that are more like family & talent that is heading somewhere very high and very quickly.  My new assistant is amazing - look out for some pics from the events posted here, on the facebook group and of course the Fat Blog.  Oh, and if you need anymore odd moaning sesh's from me (can you tell I am in that mood?!) then head over there.  I get to grips with the infamous comment every photographer has heard....."As your there anyway can you just get a pic of Uncle Jack.  Oh and don't forget Aunt Maud and the kids."  There is no just.  Anyway, the blog is being fast updated these days with some excellent content so can recommend a read.

To end on something at least a little useful, if you haven't checked out the strobist.com site that I wrote about in my last post I can highly recommend taking a look.  It really is worth spending some time there if you want to know a little more about using flash / speedlite's.

Over and out. x

Handbag Heaven.....

So in a bid to break up my day of marketing & finances (mahusive yawn!) I went on a mission looking for Handbags.....of course all of which I have no chance of purchasing as they are somewhere 200 miles away from my budget.  Nice to internet window shop though and here they are all lovely and shiny for you to ogle at too!  Enjoy.

(Details of all of these lovely handbags can be found on www.stylefinder.com)

Gossip Central......

  

Gossip....as much as we all try to admit we aren't really gossip kings or queens or we don't get involved in that sort of thing, we have all leant a little closer to get a better listen, raised an eyebrow at the the latest "he did what" comment & sadly, all picked up a copy of Hello, Now or one of the many other hot goss mags.  

I have heard a lot of gossip this week about various office flings, white bottoms, boob exposure, Marriage break up, Sex adventures & general people stuff.  This got me on the look out for more and this is what I have found...........

• Former 'Grey's Anatomy' Actor Jeffery D Morgan recently discovered that he has a 4 year old son with Sherrie Rose, actress and producer.  
• Gwyneth Paltrow is said to be designing a 70's inspired clothing range, teaming up with French label ZOEtee and launching next week.
• Alternative Theatre Company Punch Drunk have announced dates for a new show throughout June and early July
• Andy Warhol is a computer geek http://new-art.blogspot.com/2009/03/andy-warhol-computer-geek.html
• Man wakes up in Cheyenne to find a passed out teenager on his sofa, trousers and pants round his ankles and rather a large wet patch!! They guy had wondered in to the strangers home through an unlocked door & was clearly rather pi**ed!
• Oxford Street is to be pedestrianized over bank holiday weekend to boost visitors to the area and encourage spending!
• The opening of the Chloe store in LA is delayed again due to Health and Safety concerns.  It is hoped to open on Saturday should all get the go ahead.  Get a sneak preview of the new collection @ http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,7669

"A sensual & user friendly experience...."

......It says that on the box......and does it fulfill.......oh yes!!

Having brought a graphics tablet this weekend I have fully adapted already and I am a total convert!  Although yes it takes a little getting used to there are an endless number of programable functions, the pen can be as sensitive as require it and in terms of editing....well it just feels natural!  I am editing pictures better, quicker and more efficiently.  It really is a great start to the week!  Yes I am sad and yes, this excites me!  So what tablet did I get, how much was it and a few FAQs for those digital artists or photographers that may be looking at their options.....

WACOM Intuos 3 A5 Tablet

• Cost: £229.00
  
• Colour: Grey
  
• Size: 345 x 262 x 113mm with an active area of 203 x  152mm.
  
• Pressure sensitivity: 1,024 levels
  
• Connection: USB
  
• Comes with: Pen with loads of nibs (very impressed!)  / board / mouse / cable / Pen Stand / Install CD and if you need it Coral Painter Essential  

First Impression?

Ahhhhhh - I think I am in love.  Its so lovely and shiny.  Would prefer it in black but hey, nothing is perfect!  (Apart from possibly the Mac Book Pro!)

Easy to use?

Initially if you are used to using a mouse it will take a while to get the feel for the pen and the way it reacts with your movements and your computer.  It is very intuitive and sensitive and once you have spent an hour or two navigating around Photo Shop or Illustrator and the rest of your computer and apps you will wander how you lived without it.  It also has programmable function buttons down the side which is great, i find these work well when swapping from app to app.

Did it really speed up editing time?

YES!  I can honestly say in the last few days I have been far more efficent in editing.  The clone tool in PS3 reacts as it should, the pressure sensitivity of the pen offering far better control and manipulation than a mouse or the track pad.  It is quick to jump across tools and alongside all the key shortcuts my Mac works as it should do and work just gets done.  Plus it feels good while I do it.  Editing can be really boring especially if you have batches of things and this just speeds it up, makes you more productive & above all, brings a little fun back!

Own a graphics tablet?  Want to review it or let me know what you think?  Got other tips and tricks for Photoshop or editing photographs that you want to share with readers?  Get in touch - carli@carli-art.co.uk

Oh So Quiet.....

 

 

Here I am making my excuses again for being so quiet!  I have been very busy but am back with some fashion pics! I really love some of these images actually and if I am totally honest, I was not expecting to.  

The project was for some Science Students who as part of a major project had to express in a creative format some science theories and ideas.  Such as Science as communication, science as  a brand and so forth.  Well with a bunch of homemade clothes, pots of Early Grey and a very heavy bag we all trundled round London with the beautiful model Morgaine Matthews.  Random changes in the bushes, dresses covered in lots of newspaper and the odd glimpse of a bottom here and there certainly got us some stares but we had a fantastic day and even though the sunlight was a little bright in places I am pleased with the contrast and depth of the pictures.  

Morgaine is a beautiful model to work with and left me little skin clearing CS3 work to do (which was disappointing as I have also just brought a graphics tablet.....more posts coming on that soon!) but personally I am happy and I hope the girls are too!

When I actually get round to it I will be updating my website with these and my previous ChildsPlay images.

Hope you like people........send me your comments.

Catching up......

A La Mode Fashion Pics are now live and can be seen various places so check it out! Really pleased with the images altho disappointed with lens sharpness in some of them, but hey you live and learn.  The light in there was good though and not any strobes or nasty redness so yippee!  Posted some pics in my previous post but here is one of my favourites..... this model just looks beautiful and i caught her just as she seemed to be thinking of the daunting task of walking down the catwalk!  I love the emotion in her eyes.

The night was a blast and everyone was lovely.  No 'Fashion Darlings' anywhere!!  Just a good bunch of people all loving fashion.......another show to come on 18th September so if you want to learn more or see the press write up and more of my images visit http://yolandeletshou.blogspot.com/

Pics can be purchased from the night by fashion designers, press, managers, PR, guests, models and hair stylists.....please go to www.carli-art.co.uk/login and the A La Mode Gallery.

Even more pictures news and last Sunday saw another amazing installment of Fat Talent.  The roof was truly rocked as we crammed people into the venue, seeing record crowds turn out to watch some of the best in emerging UK talent.  Pictures can be seen at www.carli-art.co.uk/login and the 'Fat Talent Live March' gallery.

Aspiring Model?

Fat Talent live needs you next month.  Not only do you get to network with industry buffs, meet loads of great new people, enjoy an evening of live entertainment, get dressed up in designer gear and be professionally made up you get some great experience on the catwalk.  You are also entitled to 4x free images from the night to make a start to that modelling portfolio!!  Want to know more?!  Contact me on carli@carli-art.co.uk or write to Ady @ info@fattalent.com and let her know you found the ad here.  Good luck!!

Sleeping sweetly.....

 

 

Apparently people sleep you know...not that I have had very much of that this weekend but then thats what its all about!! I have been crazy busy so excuse the lack of post, i apologize I have not been getting anywhere close to my daily entry.  So Friday saw the car passing its MOT, which is a minor thing but all the same no car = no work! So actually, phew!  Friday night saw amongst other things me spending 4 hours in traffic on my way into London, however I was not disappointed as I arrived at a buzzing fashion show held @ The Rich Mix in Brick Lane.  It's not a venue I have been to before & was a great place with modern lines, white walls and blocks of colour and a great space which hosted the A La Mode fashion show.  The event was awesome and saw some amazing new designers graze the catwalks.  Although I did not get in as much networking as I would have liked I met some interesting people who I hope to keep in contact with & apart from anything else, really enjoyed the evening.  Just 300 odd images to edit now!  A sneak preview for you of course tho!  See above and below.

 

 

To continue the hectic events I worked Saturday and then visited Swindon on Saturday night.  Only to be leave an inebriated male in charge of directions and ending up in Bath!! Sounds ok, yea well not when you need to be 100 miles the other way!!  My early night in prep for Sunday turned into bedtime at 2am followed by a 7am start Sunday.  More work and then yes, Fat Talent Live.  I know you have heard me mention the hype of this event before but seriously, I am still shaking from the excitement of this weekends performers and even more so, the amazing, AMAZING crowd,.  A few hiccups were had but the team pulled together and we saw some brilliant musicians perform a circus type punk, hip hop, freestlye rap and even a MJackson impersonator who had the crowd flicking their fingers and shouting praises from the back rows.  Again.....lots of images to edit so a sneak preview to follow tomorrow!!

Stay tuned cos the excitement is only going to grow!!  Ahhhhh, excitement!  (I haven't event had my daily dose of haribo today!)

Fear, Goals, Money & Marketing....

The last couple of days I have spent time in fear, actual fear.  Why you ask, because money is tight and I am honestly wondering if I will be able to survive this year.  I know I should keep going and nothing gets results like being a little scared.  I am pushing my marketing to the limit and investing a lot of time in trying to contact new and existing clients.  One of the things I have also decided to embark on is a monthly newsletter.  This will go to the 'artsy' clients and the corproate clients so coming up with something that fulfills all those needs was a toughey but hopefully....I have managed to achieve it!  It launches on the 28th so naturally darlings...you will have the first peak of it!  

So with the corporate side covered just still very much in progress it is onwards and upwards with the fashion side of things.  

A gallery in Denmark has expressed interest in some of my images, I am in talks with Monica Din n AKA Chocolcate Blonde about an up and coming shoot which will fuse in a giant messy train crash music, fashion and her wild personality and in the next couple of weeks I am meeting the editor of Blah Blah magazine.  This magazine is Reading born and bred and I am very excited, I hope that we get on, I don't end up spilling my classic Earl Grey or Mocha Latte over the poor man and that he finds my ramblings and work interesting enough so that I can somehow get involved.

So this post has turned into another random assortment of thoughts but I am trying to spread the love at the moment.  Encourage people to get together as a community and support small business' and each other in these tough times.  Community and support of each other I think is the winner here and I for sure will be using this as my marketing tool!

Good luck to you all I say and if I can possibly make any recommendations then the below websites / tips may be useful:

- Website Evaluation.  Does yours offer your clients what it should?  Does it sell your services or products?  

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/10/how-to-create-1.html  (I have recommended Seth's Blog before, it is a great place to stop)

- Cold Calling and getting it right:

http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/resources/marketing/customer-service-acquisition/7-tips-for-turning-cold-calls-into-hot-leads.aspx#tipsforturningcoldcallsintohotleads

- Excellent Small Business support, literally everything is here!

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

"Ooo its a bit nipply".......

 

 

Well the office today was freezing, in fact a temperature of 13 had some people grabbing their union pencils and going home.  Keeping on my gloves and coat, arming myself with a large cup of tea and a chocolate bar I stuck it out at the office and spent my day.....well looking for winter warming fashion.  With SS09 trends already coming our way yet with 6 inches of snow coating our doorsteps & halting full transport links in London, I feel jumpers, large cosy dresses and show boots have yet to see their day.  Thirty minutes on Style Finder and I found some treasures...posted above of course for your pleasure!  (I think both necklaces together would look awesome and bag wise, well take your pick)

Shameless

Why not I thought, I have nothing to lose.....so here I am shamelessly promoting my photographic services.  Do you need a corporate photographer? Do you know someone that does?  Interested in client focussed, eye catching PR or commercial imagery?  Carli-Art can offer you all this!

Check out my website for previous examples of my work @ www.carli-art.co.uk

Fashion - I do that too!  Currently looking for work experience or assisting & any opportunities in this realm of the world would be welcomed.  My book is ever increasing and more images will be coming at the end of this week....I am excited!!

Sheep or Shepherd.......

Now I have an odd collection of clothes.  Some really what you would call 'of the moment and fashionable' and those which I would wear to a party or London or something.  Then there are office clothes, basically a collection of black trousers, t-shirts & shirts to wear to an office where believe me fashion is not top of the list.  (I liked working in fashion last year - it meant making an effort every day!) Then I have ya know Sunday clothes.  Which are loose jeans and a cardi.  You will see me one day & I may look like a person who has little interest in up to the minute dress then you will see me another and hopefully, well maybe think I take at least a little interest.  

(Some of my fave jewelry plus the trainers I am currently wearing - bring on the reborn Green Flash!)

Now style is a unique thing, an individual way of expressing one's self through not only what you wear, the accessories you adorn but how you carry yourself and the impression you make on others as you enter that room.  It's something I think constantly develops and is forever changing.  Weather a shepherd or a sheep, everyone has their own take on an outfit.  Anyway I have a project going in my head & to be honest I am not sure why I am doing it but I am, so thats good enough for me.  I suppose I think it might be interesting.  But I am going to photograph what I am wearing, what my mates are wearing, what my sister (i like her style!) is wearing etc etc & just post it really.  Accumulate a whole load of styles & how its a totally unique thing not only per person but per day or even hour.  Some of us (maybe most of us?) can tend to judge weather we are fashionable on other people's clothes, so compare and contrast kind of thing.  This will create like a map of fashion around me really.  May try the whole street photography thing as well if I see someone I like.  Thats the things with me, I see something I love and have to own, knowing full well I will never wear it.  Anywho.....I will post a few but work on creating a montage, so; on with the images........