Dance Show

Hull University's Dance Society (HUDS)

Last night I photographed the Dance Society's show. It was an amazing performance put on to raise money for charity. The dancers did an excellent job. 

The event was quite difficult to shoot, the lighting was always changing and it wasn't the brightest either. Nonetheless, I tried to avoid high ISO when possible and still capture the image with a reasonable shutter speed. I felt it was best to also use a small aperture (high f-number) as I would forever be re-focusing on the subjects otherwise. I didn't want to miss any opportunities; unfortunately as photographers, we always miss a few. 

Overall, I enjoyed shooting the event, hopefully, I will get the opportunity again. I hope you like the results from the night.

Lewis

1 in 4

This shot is my favourite, I always prefer doing something a little artistic. 

1 in 4

1 in 4 is an organisation which aims to reduce stigma associated with mental illnesses. The name came from the facts and figures; 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem during the course of a year. The organisation runs events and campaigns to help tackle the stigma and they also promote World Mental Health Day (October 10th).

On this particular evening, the guys got in their morph suits and went out giving away Christmas cards (in the blistering cold may I add).  The idea with the morph suits is that the blue  one represents the 1 in 4.

Please check out their website, and show a little support. I feel it's a great cause, maybe you can get involved too!

Lewis

@LewisAlanJones

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day - LUOTC

As you all know Remembrance Day was on Sunday. On the day, instead of marching in the parade, I was taking photographs. It was a brilliant service with an amazing turn-out. I feel obliged to say, I had the easier job of the day. Taking photographs is just something I love doing, yet my fellow OCdts had to stand still for 45 minutes. Although this is our way of paying respect, you must appreciate it can be fairly difficult. They all did a fantastic job. 

These are only a few of the photographs from the day, I don't think my 'student' internet could handle uploading the 100's I shot. 

Leeds University Officer Training Corps (LUOTC) is a Territorial Army organisation with the task of developing the character, leadership, and ability of students who join (straight from the website). Now I haven't been part of the LUOTC for long, but, I can tell you from my experience already it's something different. I would suggest to anyone who has ever been interested in a forces life and are at University, take it up! OTC's are all around the country so there is bound to be a local one for your University. 

You can check out the website here: http://www.army.mod.uk/UOTC/5458.aspx

Thanks,

Lewis

I'm just a doll on a music box

Can't help thinking this may have worked better with just a plain background, solid black or white.

Cropped and slightly lighter version.

I like this one, wish I had just got that hair tucked behind the ear!

Heightened the vibrancy on this one, I thought it really brought the cheeks and eyes out.

Slightly cropped and in monochrome.

Making use of the environment (A red door).

This is one of my favourites, the flash really helped here to bring out the red in the door and to white wash the 'doll's' face.

I may have reduced the clarity too much here. Nevertheless, I felt it needed it so the face paint didn't look as patchy!

"If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough." - Robert Capa

A little more of a sensitive shot.

Doll on a music box.

I've been wanting to do a shoot like this for a long time. I love face paint, and shooting something a little unusual.
I used flash a lot in these photographs to hide the patchiness of the white face paint. Maybe I shouldn't cheap out so much and get better face paint but hey ho I'm a student!  

This was a bit of a sudden photo shoot, I hadn't really thought about any kind of set-ups, I probably should have. I need to start getting back into the swing of A-level photography were you actually planned your shoot out.

Well there isn't much more to say about these images, I hope you liked them, if not, feel free to leave a comment saying why not. I'm always keen to here tips on how to improve etc.  

I might be able to get some photographs up of Remembrance day soon.  Apologies for this being delayed, but I need to get the OK from higher forces first.

Thanks for reading,

Lewis

Twitter:@LewisAlanJones 

Uniqlo

Free alcohol! Student's best friend... A photographer's worst nightmare when trying to focus!

Heattech revolving display.

Ladies sweaters.

Gundam Wing; brings back some memories!

Mannequin display 1.

Mannequin Display 2.

Vogue always bring the art out in fashion.

Depth of field... or just tipsy?

Pixie Geldof 1.

Pixie Geldof 2.

Pixie Geldof 3.

Pixie Geldof 4.

Is it Christmas yet!?

Dominating the frame.

This is Annie and Laurence Kemball-Cook (CEO of Pavegen)

Uniqlo

On Thursday night I attended Uniqlo's relaunch of their 'Heattech' line. It was quite an interesting night, for one, it was my first time covering an event. This was kind of a totally new experience for me. I went from giving directions to people  of how to pose, to just capturing people in a natural environment. Now, I'm not sure if this is a harder kind of photography or I've just had more practise at what I'm used to.  Regardless to say, you fade into the shadows. 

Either way, I managed to get some portrait shots of Pixie Geldof. I had never heard her sing before, but soon got the liberty, her voice is amazing.

I bought a diffuser especially for the event, but I found the shots were I didn't use it, actually turned out better. So I would say try with and without whenever you are shooting. Obviously just bare in mind, you don't want to blind your subject! 

I met the CEO of Pavegen whilst at Uniqlo, they engineer tiles/pavement slabs which generate energy when you stand on them (convert kinetic energy into electrical). I think it's a pretty awesome idea being a geography student and all that!  I always like to hear fresh ideas for renewable energy. 

I've got something a little different to usual in a couple of days! Managed to finally get round to a shoot I've wanted to do for a while. 

I'm shooting tomorrow at my UOTC Remembrance Parade. Hopefully I'll get some decent images as my way of paying respect to those who fought and lost their lives to protect this country. England would definitely be a different place if it wasn't for them, and not for the better!

Lewis