Painting with Light

Latest web site development

2011-10-11T13:03:00.002+01:00

Just completed our latest website, one of our Small Business Development packages from rdpcommercial.

Visit the site www.themaltshovelinn.co.uk and take a look. The inn is under new management who have a long job ahead of them bringing the charming character establishment to its former glory.

We would welcome your comments on the website.

Bob

2011-10-03T16:13:00.005+01:00

OK, it's been a while since I last posted due to the wedding season being well and truly upon us. We've had some fantastic weddings accompanied by fantastic weather. It may become one of our unique selling points that we don't do wet weather!

We've also worked at some lovely venues including The Old Court Hotel, Symonds Yat and a Priston Mill wedding, near Bath.

I hope I can update the blog more often now that our weddings are starting to space out a bit.

Bob

2011-05-14T12:50:00.005+01:00

On Thursday we did a baby and toddler photo shoot at Much Dewchurch village hall. The shoot was organised by Jumpstart, an organisation that provides mobile soft play centre sessions for pre-school children in South Herefordshire. The sessions provide an affordable way for parents and their children to meet, access information and support and fun in a friendly environment.

To find out more about Jumpstart go to their website at http://www.jumpstartkidz.org.uk/ .

Bob

2011-05-11T14:27:00.002+01:00

Been taking too much time off lately. I've purchase a new boat, a Yachting Monthly Senior. It's a beautiful little (just 16 ft, so pretty much a dinghy) yacht. Originally designed in 1955 to be built at home by the amateur enthusiast.

She is named "Moonfleet", which I won't be changing. I've spent the past few weeks fitting out and am pretty much ready for a test sail now. I'll report back on how things go.

Meanwhile I had better get back to the studio and earn some pennies!

Bob

March already!

2011-03-01T14:19:00.003Z

I can't believe that it's March already! Pinch punch etc.... So far a good start to the year we've already completed eighteen family and baby photo shoots, got two more wedding bookings, completed a commercial photo shoot and published three new websites for clients.

The photo is from a fantastic studio shoot we had during February. The kids are (from left to right) Tilly, Dotty and Kieran. They are three fabulous children full of energy and fun. Each mont we add a picture of the month to our website, this is the picture for February.

Lets hope the rest of the year is as good as it's started.

Bob

A New Year!

2011-01-08T12:03:00.003Z

A very Happy New Year to all of our friends and clients, we hope it's a good one for you.

That's the Christmas rush over and the festivities completed. Now it's on with the New Year. during November and December we've been kept busy with work that our clients have wanted as Christmas presents and with preparing for 2011.

We have decided to keep our prices the same and absorb both the VAT increase and price increases from some of our suppliers. So our offerings for 2011 really are fantastic value!

We've added new products to our Acrylic range: A single 7" x 5" photo in a wide black gloss frame and triple 7" x 5" photos in the same wide black gloss frame.

Have a great 2011!

Bob

Busy busy busy ....

2010-10-30T07:51:00.002+01:00

The past week or so has been pretty hectic, mainly producing albums following on from our August and September peak in weddings.

To add to the work mayhem our granddaughter has been staying with us. Great fun but totally exhausting, I had forgotten just how much energy a three year old has! I think I need another holiday!

Onwards and upwards.

Bob

Short break!

2010-10-20T15:01:00.004+01:00

Just returned from a short break in Majorca. Stayed in a friends apartment at Portals Nous, a small village in between Palma and Palma Nova. It's a lovely place to relax and unwind, which is just what we did. Of course I couldn't resist taking a few shots.

Now it's straight back to work.

Bob

Business fast-track

2010-10-01T15:08:00.004+01:00

On October 1st we launched a new offering for small businesses and organisations. Aimed primarily for start-ups but just as useful for any who want to rebrand or create a web presence for the first time.

Our Fast-track service provides flexible packages consisting of a website and matching stationary such as leaflets, flyers and business cards.

We know from our own experience of setting up our business that getting noticed can be expensive and time consuming. So we've started our package at just £400 with no on-going commitment.

Take a look at our commercial website for more information: www.rdpcommercial.co.uk/section442040.html

Bob

August and September

2010-10-01T09:54:00.015+01:00

Well! August and September have been our busiest months to date. Weddings almost every weekend, numerous portrait sittings, commercial work and a few early wedding fairs. Looks like October is going to be full on album production, we've already got five on the go at various stages.

Thats enough about us, what about some photos from weddings we have covered ....

This is Clare and Ryan who were married September 4th at Ironbridge. They enjoyed a fantastic sunny day with family and friends.

I'll be uploading more images from weddings over the next few days.

Bye for Now.

Bob

2010-07-27T10:58:00.002+01:00

Just completed a revamp of our website, which is now live. Go take a peek at www.rdpphotography.co.uk . I like to do this about once a year to keep things fresh and up to date, and try and reflect the changes in style that we gradually go through as our work develops. Anyway see what you think and let us know, we're always interested in feedbcak.

Bob

Just completed website for a fab new product!

2010-07-05T09:13:00.002+01:00

Last week I completed a website for a fantastic new product. A car badge that has embedded LED light. Great for customising your motor. The "AutoMotif" has a contol box that adjusts the LED brightness depending on the ambient light, it's fitted in a few minutes and looks really great!

Take a look at the website http://www.ledcarbadge.com/

Bob

Wedding

2010-07-02T13:20:00.003+01:00

A delightful initimate wedding this month at St. Guthlacs Church in Little Cowarne, followed by a reception at the splendid Broadfield Court in Bodenham. Our warm congratulations to Laura and Andy, who had a beautiful day. Their wedding will be a featured in the next issue of the Wye Valley Life magazine.

Bob

A new website

2010-06-25T12:53:00.003+01:00

Just completeed the initial development of a new website for a local company, Cornwall's Butchers. Andy and April have set up an outside catering business specialising in pig roasts as well as a wide range of great dishes to choose from.

Cornwall's Butchers have established a fantstic reputation for good local sourced food and excellent service, they are carrying that through into their catering business, and already have many delighted customers.

The website will help to spread the word.

To take a look at what they offer visit their website at www.thewholehogcatering.co.uk

Bob

Birthday weekend

2010-06-16T11:05:00.003+01:00

Had a really nice busy but relaxing weekend, having kept the time free to have friends (our delightful Daughter in Laws parents - Kassy and Johnathon) to stay. Friday they and our Son and Daughter in law (Daniel and Danielle) joined us for a barbecue, isn't it great when the sun shines. Then on Saturday Daniel and Danielle left for elsewhere and we visited a local vineyard to take a tour and have a look at our adopted vines, followed by lunch at a local pub. Sunday a long walk to burn some calories followed by a pub lunch. Kassy and Johnathon left for home late afternoon and we put our feet up.

Now it's back to work in a big way. Several portrait shoots this week, a training day to run, commercial photography to fit in and two websites to work on. All followed by a wedding at the weekend.

Isn't life grand!

Bob

The wedding season is well under way

2010-05-18T11:07:00.009+01:00

Our season got well and truly under way this month with the wedding of Sarah and Elyot at the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey. What a fantastic venue both inside and out for stunning photography and an occasion to remember.

The reception for over one hundred guests was held at Dumbleton Hall, an equally attractive location that we have worked at on a number of occasions now.

We had continued good fortune with the weather, which was an ideal mix of sunshine and cloud. It's amazing, given the number of poor days that we had last year, that we still haven't had a really bad weather wedding day.

Lets hope it stays that way!

Bob

Shopping centre

2010-04-20T14:09:00.003+01:00

For the first time we are having a stand in the Maylords Shopping Centre, Hereford. We'll be there for just three days from Thursday 22nd to Saturday 24th April. There is a small selection of our work, plus a fantastic special offer for those wanting to book a portrait session.

Hope to see you there.

Bob

Fantastic portrait session

2010-04-20T14:07:00.004+01:00

Fantastic photo session with baby Charly this month. He is our youngest client to date at just one and a half weeks old. The session included Charlys mum and dad. He's pictured here with father Spence.

I should point out that Charly didn't sleep all the way through the session, but he was well behaved!

Bob

The King and I

2010-03-11T15:29:00.003Z

After a huge amount of hard work and rehearsal the Bishopswood village pantomime "Sleeping Beauty" has been a fantastic success. Over 250 attended and all had a great time.

It's the the first time that most of the cast and crew have taken part in a production of this sort. So it's a testament to their talents that all went so well.

Now for Christine and myself it's back to work, and a few weeks of catching up!

Until next season!

Bob (AKA King Fred)

Training

2010-01-25T11:26:00.004Z

Well the first thing to sday is that my New Year resolution is still intact for this month ..... I've posted another blog entry!

Our first formal training course took place this weekend - Introduction to Digital SLR Photography - and I think it went pretty well. Four attentive and enthusiastic attendees, who all seemed to enjoy the course and practical work (that's my opinion at this stage as I'm waiting for feedback!).

Clare (Missfire), the resident Artist Blacksmith on the Harts Barn Craft Centre site very kindly let the course attendees photograph her at work as part of their practical training (sample image above by one of the attendees).

A busy weekend, as Christine was attending a wedding fair in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire on the same day as the course. That seemed to go well with about thirty brides showing a genuine interest in our work.

All in all a good start to the year.

Bob

Resolution

2010-01-16T09:52:00.004Z

OK, so I'm not very good at keeping up with posting onto a blog. My New Years Resolution is to update more regularly, so here's the first of 2010 ....

What with Christmas and the snow it's been a while since we've managed to get to the studio. But it's back to normal this weekend with three family portrait shoots today, and baby shoots starting to pile up through next week.

Also we are starting our first set of beginners training courses on the 23rd of January (delayed a couple of weeks due to the weather). We are really looking forward to sharing our knowledge and helping others enjoy photograph as much as we do.

The photo posted on the blog is one of our favorites from a session we did back in December.

See you all soon.

Bob

2009-10-16T16:07:00.004+01:00

Been a while since I've posted a blog as we have been fairly over the past couple of months doing our final weddings of this year plus a lot of baby photography.

It's been great fun.

The wedding season is pretty much at a close for us now, save for designing the final sets of albums.

The baby photography continues at a pace, it's amazing how different in temprement and looks babies are. A few samples from recent shoots included above:

Bob

ClickTips

2009-07-20T11:08:00.005+01:00

Over the past few months I've had a number of conversations with people new to taking photographs with a more sophisticated camera. There have been numerous questions ranging from how to photograph weddings through to how to capture movement and speed. Most simply want to take good photographs and get a better understanding of how to use their new - normally digital SLR - to greater effect.

Generally my first response has been about keeping things simple. Starting with a few ideas on composition, adding some knowledge on basic camera controls and their impact, and build from there. So I've decided to share what little I've learned - and am still learning - over the past 30 years or so, by publishing a series of simple tips - aimed at the beginner - on how to take better photos.

They will all be published under the label "clicktip".

So if you want to join in this learning process, subscribe now!

Bob

Short Break

2009-07-20T10:41:00.005+01:00

Just back from a short break in Cornwall celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. Had a fantastic time. Took our new Nikon compact camera with us. First time we've used it. I like to have a compact with us pretty much all the time, they are so handy, and save carrying loads of equipment. Takes a nice picture in normal conditions, but I found it a little slow to use and grainy in low light. Managed to get some nice pictures.

Bob

2009-04-11T10:29:00.004+01:00

This week we are putting together a website for Marion Meek, a local handmade jewellery maker, including all the photography for the site.

Marion specialises in Swarovski crystal jewellery, which is ideal for the wedding market. She makes a wide rang of items including Tiaras, Necklaces, Bracelets, Hair Combs & Pins. It's all beautiful an would add a touch of sparkle to any wedding day.

Check it out at http://www.marionmeekjewellery.co.uk/ when its up and running in a week or so.

Bob

2009-04-03T17:15:00.003+01:00

Just viewed the results of the Monthly Image Competition held by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP). Very pleased to get two Bronze and One Silver commendation for my entries this month.

Entering the competion is a great way of spurring me on to keep up my photographic standards. I usually try to enter three or four images from recent shoots each month. At the end of the year Gold level images go forweard to the societies photographer of the year competition.

I've managed Bronze or Silver for all but one image so far this year, but I am determined to get some images up to the very high Gold standard this year.

Bob

Still no rain!

2009-03-12T14:12:00.005Z

Did our first wedding of the year the last week in February and once again managed to miss any bad weather. All through 2008 we managed to weave our way through a poor year without getting wet once. Fingers crossed our lucks going to last through 2009 as well.

Anyway it was a fantastic wedding in a beautiful intimate location: the Swiss Gardens, Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Laura and Steve had a great day with their family and friends. Couple of photos above.

Bob

Wahooooo it's snowing!

2009-02-05T17:37:00.002Z

We've not seen weather like this for quite a few years. While many are fighting with journeys to or from work, we're putting on our thermals and boots and venturing out to capture some beautiful snow scenes.

The camera needs a bit of time to acclimatise to the temperature, otherwise it steams up very quickly.

In a couple of days it will all be gone, so make the best of the opportunity.

Bob

Back to work !!!

2009-01-24T08:53:00.005Z

Returned from Portugal this week. Had to cut holiday short due to illness, but we're ok now and had a fantastic relaxing time. Just before we left one of our clients received thier album, here's thier reaction ...

Hi Bob and Christine,

Just a quick note to thank you for the photo album which arrived today. The whole album is beautiful and the quality is superb.

From start to finish working with you on our wedding photography has been extremely straightforward and totally stress free. On the day of the wedding both of you put us and our guests at ease, and were unobtrusive when taking the pictures. A number of our guests have commented on how relaxed you made them feel in front of your camera and the subsequent photos capture that relaxed atmosphere.

Thank you once again for the complimentary photographs, they look wonderful in the frames we received as gifts.

We have no hesitation in recommending you to others.

All the best for 2009.

Just what we hope to acheive. We are of course delighted.

Bob

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T13:01:00.003Z

Well Christmas is over and it's time to look forward to another year. We've had a fantastic time surrounded by our family. Christine's dad Len, our son Daniel and his wife Danielle have been with us all over Christmas, then our daughter Sarah and granddaughter Keeley arrived just after Christmas and stayed through to the New Year. Plus we've had a great time in the local community, carol singing, community lunches, get togethers. What a fantastic place to live!

We celebrated the New Year at a party in Weston with Danielle's family and some friends. Daniel was playing in a fabulous party band "Dr Chocolate".

We've already taken bookings for several portrait sessions at the end of January so things are looking good. First though we are off to Portugal for a short break with some friends who have a lovely farmhouse about an hour North of Lisbon.

See you all at the end of January, when things have warmed up a bit!

Bob

Album design

2008-12-17T11:41:00.003Z

Just completed album layouts for two lovely couples that we photographed earlier this year (a couple of sample pages from each album below). We always get excited when we get to the finished product and can't wait to get them back from the manufacturer so that we can see our clients reaction.

Relaxation ...

2008-12-09T11:22:00.005Z

We've reached the time of year when things quieten down a bit. I'm busy completing album designs (yep! we design all the album layouts ourselves) from the years weddings - still got eight more to go.

Once thats done we'll start on our business review and planning for 2009 so that we are ready to go in January. Looks like next years going to be tough, economic outlook not good, more competition etc.

Meanwhile it's time to get down to the yacht "Dazzle" and start maintenance work for next year (though It never stops really - theres always something falling off!).

Bob

Suga Mama

2008-12-08T12:28:00.006Z

Just been editing some photographs that I took of Suga Mama in their debut concert at the Fleece in Bristol. It was way back in July but I've been so busy over the summer that I've only just managed to take a look at them.

Fantastic band!

Bob

Christmas is coming .....

2008-12-05T15:27:00.003Z

Spent all day yesterday and most of today Christmas shopping (recession ... what recession!). We've managed to crack most of it.

Christine's just about completed the Christmas cards. We like to send a card to our clients as well as family and friends, so there are plenty to sign and send.

What a great time of year. Don't need to spend a fortune, just need to remember friends and family.

Bob

Will we be Village of the Year?

2008-12-04T07:56:00.001Z

Been in London for the last couple of days with our friends Monica and Lyn. Christine and Monica attended the Calor village of the year presentation lunch. Bishopswood (thats the village we live in) was one of the finalists and we had fingers crossed for the national title. No joy there, but we were awarded "Herefordshire Village of the year 2007/8".

After the presentation we went to the Theatre to see Hairspray - fantastic show packed with energy all the way through. Followed that with a nice meal in Covent Garden.

Next day onto the Millenium Wheel (our third ride), followed by a river trip up to Greenwich and back, then home.

Phew! Need a lie down for a few days now.

Bob

We're blogging!

2008-12-01T15:32:00.001Z

Well that's it we are up and running our blog. Don't quite know what we are doing but pretty sure the kids will be impressed!

Must say that the Blogger set up process was one of the easiest bits of software to use that I have come across.

Bob