I don’t do those early morning breakfast meetings…

Early morning

I couldn’t inflict an early morning Lee on anyone.

I do the drop in coffee business networking, the less formal approach suits me.

Coffee required

Whilst networking I’m constantly surprised and slightly disappointed by the number of businesses that use the same printing company, the same template

and even the same logo on their business cards – cheap and cheerful!

 I generally walk away with a handful of business cards and if nothing stands out to me, I am guilty of forgetting who it was and their business.

The business card will end up in a to-do pile or even worse in the bin.

Actually with small businesses the USP is YOU.

Sure you might have quirky products and services; but essentially we choose to do business with the people we have a connection with.

So its a good idea to have an image of you on your business card.

You are your USP

It maybe that your connection was an instant rapport with “the face” of that business, if they were warm, friendly, professional, confident, interesting etc

The days of flicking through the Yellow Pages or Thomson Local are well and truly over, it’s all about web presence.

The face of your business

Websites, Facebook, Linked In, Blogging and Twitter are all tools of the trade these days

Small business owners need to stand out from the crowd, they need to be the professional face of the business…..that’s where I come in

Lee by Neil Matthews

Believe me I know how painful it is to have a photo of yourself taken. I recently put a friend through the whole painful process of getting a business shot for me.

Those candid shots at a party or on holiday are fine for your family and friends on facebook…

but do you really want a snap shot taken on your iphone as a indication of how professional your business is????

I now offer two corporate head shots services.

A) Studio on a simple background, short and sweet.  Check here to find out the next available date

Studio head shot

Business portraits

B) Bespoke this style provides you with more variety and something a little bit different

Singers head shot

it can tell more of a story about you and your business.

Bespoke head shot

A headshot isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity…you are your business. You are an essential part of your brand.

Your clients, suppliers and “would be” customers want to know who they are dealing with.

Call me today to book your appointment

07970818931

I look forward to hearing from you.

Next available studio dates

Is it a woman’s prerogative to change her mind ?….YES!

Will she feel the same way about something tomorrow?….Probably not.

Does she need more underwear?…..ALWAYS

Does she want something from Ann Summers to make her feel sexy…..Unlikely,

you might think she looks sexy…but nah…what she wants…

REALLY WANTS

Is to feel special…simple!

Box of chocolates….would that make you feel special?????

The question is how do you do it?….

Beauty comes from within, it is a real “thing” it needs to be acknowledged and nurtured.

It’s the beauty within that lights up the soul and gives a woman that twinkle in her eye, the glow in her cheeks, and warmth in her heart.

You might think that’s a load of rubbish…but don’t forget you guys are from Mars…

we are from Venus.

Valentines day is just around the corner, I’m sure you have already thought long and hard about how you will show your lovely lady just how special she is, how much you love her.

This year I am running a special valentines promotion on my Boudoir Shoots, for just £175.

This offer includes a pre shoot consultation, make-up and hair stylist on the day.

The shoot and then the viewing of the fully edited images.

I create subtle sophisticated boudoir art, drawing on the beauty of my subjects.

Have you ever watched a Gok Wan “How to Look Good Naked” ?

If you haven’t you should!

The Gok Wan experience often reduced the ladies to tears…

At the end of the show they are strutting their stuff on the catwalk with new found confidence.

Imagine the confidence and the empowerment that that type of shoot has on a woman?

How sexy is that confidence?

Thankfully not all women are built like Kate Moss or Angelina Jolie.

It is probably the curves you find sexy, perhaps it’s her bum?

If you want to see the result of a confidence boost on your lovely lady, book me, gift her a photo shoot for Valentines Day

That will make her feel special….The best bit is you get to enjoy all the results!

Call me today on 07970 818931.

Find my facebook page to see more of my work…..and don’t forget to say hi.

No two days are the same.  I love the variety of work from sports, corporate events through to the more creative work of portraits and boudoir.

But most of all I love that I have some amazing friends within the industry.

Friends whom I’ve know for several years now, who have been a constant support and inspiration: Neil Matthews 

Newer friends who not only inspire me, but support and inspire so many other photographers, working hard to organise workshops: Jo Rutherford

The supportive network of women from the click collective

Some whom I have on a pedestal in a god like status….because they’ve damn well earned it.  Damian Mcgillicuddy  and The Yerburys

Your initial reaction might be “why the hell is she telling me about her competitors?“

Understandably you might think I was totally mad

Photographers aren’t like that! (well not many anyway)

We share information and encourage each other.

I recently shared some studio time with Jo and Neil, a studio space in Stockport,

it is a huge space and offer so many shooting opportunities.

Whilst we share the space and the cost of these days, we don’t really work together…We might hold a reflector in place, shift furniture or throw in a bit of advice

(even if it’s not asked for  ) …

We each arrive full of ideas of what we want to achieve……

Florence Rose King

Using a simple beauty dish and reflector (thanks Jo) Flo has lovely catch lights and the solemn expression cries out for a B&W image in my opinion.

Vulnerable

I chose this panoramic crop as the black space around Flo adds to the sense of vulnerability.

This is one of my favourite shots of Flo from the day, very simple, but when you are that stunning it really doesn’t need smoke and mirrors (although I do love mirrors)

So a quick splash of colour for my last shot of Flo.

Just a touch of colour

With next model Rose is a lady of many talents not only is she a model, but also a make-up artist, so here is some of her work too…..

Rose Grace Walters

“I get by with a little help from my friends….” (I promise not to sing) Thank you to Neil for being my reflector holder on this occasion.

Making use of the ambient light shot at 1600 iso 1/60th F2.8.

leading lines

Whilst I had Audrey Hepburn in mind when I starting thinking about this shot, I loved the leading lines of the light spilling in through the windows and the shadows of the columns.

Something different

The shots above and below were taken using a ring flash,

one of those bits of kit “I had to have“

I had seen the results of other photographers work using ringflash and decided to indulge in the purchase….

that was about 18 mths ago….

I decided it was time to pull it out of the bag and play…up until this point I had never been happy with the results I’d achieved…

I guess that’s down to personal taste and the correct application.

You need the right tools for the job!

Ring Flash

I have to apologise to Rose as she stood waiting for me to get the shot, in the freezing corridor, outside the not so freezing studio…..Sorry Rose!

And finally……. the stunning Victoria.

Victoria Thomas

Victoria is also a very talented make-up artist (she did her own and Flo’s make-up and hair)

Pin-up girl

I know the red shoes looked Fab in colour…but this had to be “boring old B&W”

(F11 @ 100 iso on my 24-70mm)

Last one…..This actually was the very last shot of the day,

with the aid of the jet engine heater.

Little Red Riding Hood?

So three of us shot the same models in the same studio on the same day…..

I highly recommend that you go to Jo’s blog and Neil’s facebook pages…check out their work….

Are we the same? are we competitors…maybe….. but we are friends!

What is not to love about photography?…it shows us that we are all individuals….

BOTH sides of the camera! 

but may cause offence, therefore I would suggest not suitable for at work viewing.

2012  a new year and exciting times lay ahead. Like may other people I set myself some new year resolutions.

These were mainly to do with the business, the direction and the type of work I wanted to develop and pursue.

I have set myself some personal challenges and goals, that will sit along side the professional development that I continue to undertake.

One of my first goals was to shoot and Artistic nude model.

Artistic Nude - Joceline

Joceline is full time professional model who specialises in art nude

she is also a trained dancer.

Amazing muscle tone

For those of you who follow my face book page you will have seen the next shot.

It was so popular I think it’s worth repeating.

Flowing lines

It’s Joceline’s understanding of dance and her experience that helps her produce the shapes

that makes this image flow so beautifully.

Dramatic Ambient Light

A few changes to the lighting creates something completely different.

Telling a different story

And finally…..

Pure and simple

]]> http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=774 0 http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?p=761 http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?p=761#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:56:38 +0000 admin http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?p=761 It’s half term this week, so I took a rear opportunity to sit with my son and have breakfast in front of the TV…. Not something I would usually do, and thankfully I wasn’t subjected to the Disney channel. Why do I feel the need to share? Well it was a comment that Bill Turnbull on BBC Breakfast that prompted this blog and for me to come clean…

The comment “Art for Art’s Sake” for those in the industry this can only relate to one person – The Big Dog (Damian McGillicuddy)

Coming clean….I’m thrilled to be part of his latest intake on his Mentoring program. Damian is a “Lighting Magician” and holds SOOOOO many awards…..

He is currently the ONLY Photographer to have 5 UK Master Photographer of the Year Awards and 7 Society Photographer of the Year Awards, and has won individual Photographer of the Year in the following categories;

• Wedding
• Glamour
• Child
• Fashion & Beauty
• Contemporary Portraiture
• Traditional Portraiture
• Environmental Portraiture

(stolen directly from his website – sorry Damian

Why come clean? I find myself at the beginning of a new adventure, a personal journey. I want to be able to share my journey and some of the images I create along the way.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires” – William Arthur Ward

My son’s school photograph this year was a true shocker, so that was my first starting point (NO – I don’t want to be a school photographer)

but I had an opportunity to practice some simple lighting techniques, posing and shooting angles. (makes a good present for the Grandmothers for Christmas too)

Playing the game

At this stage Brad was happy to pose – it gets to a point where most photographers children are sick of having a camera in the face…

and so the smile fades…. a few tweaks to the lighting and posing.

No seriously

I like this one, but I’m sure Granny would rather have a smile.

A new model and a long suffering friend Lee, her support and patience is greatly appreciated.

Minimal Editing

I have found that when the lighting is technically good the requirement for post production is minimal – less is more, in my humble opinion.

I have to admit that I was nervous of sharing information about my journey.

I’m no academic, the technicalities of F-stop’s and ratio’s  - screams mathematics = I can’t do, because I can’t understand or explain it.

Simple

It’s not true, whilst I will never eloquently impart information on the technicalities, I’m not ashamed to be pushing my own boundaries,

developing my craft, skills and style. Anyway when do you ask the mechanic fixing your car to explain exactly what he’s doing?

And Finally…………

Stunning

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still” - Chinese Proverb

Sleeping like a.....

A family completed, by the smallest and most perfect gift….

The heart of the family

My words can’t begin to reflect the joy that a sight like this can bring…..

Ten fingers, Ten toes

I can remember passing hours staring in wonder at every movement,

sound and expression…..

Hi-5

With their future in your hands, the role of a loving parent:

Presence, not presents is all that is required…..

A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.

I’d like to thank Harry’s parents (Emily & David)

for letting me share this precious time with them.

I am sure Harry will fill their lives with infinite happiness, sleepless nights, guilt, pride

and memories that will fill their hearts and reduce them to tears on occasion….

welcome to parenthood!

Surrounded by Love

I’ll use this as an excuse to quote my favourite poem…I can make it fit most situations:

To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave this world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived; this is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

a healthy child.....this is to have succeeded!

(but not in equal measure)

Why do I love it? It’s the most exciting part of the event for me, the rally guys are really going some as they throw the cars around the 1.67 mile forest track, it’s fast!

You can hear the cars making their way around the course with the occasional backfire, the “ooh” of the crowd, the dust flying and the clattering of rocks it seems to touch every sense.

So I’ll start with a map….

Festival of Speed Explorer Map

The Forest Rally stage is at the very top of the hill-climb, past the off-road driving area, there is even a tractor ride to help you on your way.

The some of the rally cars gather in the F1 Paddock where the drivers share a bit of banter

Ken & Kris

They drive to the bottom of the hill climb then turn around

and make their way up the 1.16 mile hill-climb…

Kris Meeke

Clearly there has to be a bit of a show on the way up from these boys!

Burning Rubber

As the hillclimb has several viewing points this can take some time….

Molecomb Corner

Once at the top of the hill they join the Forest Rally Stage, designed by the former World Rally Champion Hannu Mikkola ….(I suspect he knew what would make a great drive)

The chalk based roads are cut through the woods in Lord March’s back garden…

The start line…

Chalk!

This year approximately 50 cars took part in the Rally stage, with current and past masters driving the cars.

This years drivers included Rauno Aaltonen, Petter Solberg, Sebastien Loeb, Ken Block and of course Kris Meeke to name a few.

Ken Block

There are plenty of places through the forest to get really close to the Rally action, with the fine weather you can count on the dust flying

Back end out ?

Eating Dust

The loose-surface makes for some interesting shots.

The Jump

There is only jump in this course, it makes for great action…

I only took one this side of the track before I realised just how the term “motorsport can be dangerous”….seem a slight understatement!

Brain re-engaged and from the other (safer side) of the track…

Skoda Fabia Super 2000

Mk2 Ford Escort

Datsun 260Z

Dave Paveley in the Mazda RX-7

Porsche 911RS

Guy Wilks, Peugeot 207 S2000

Really the jump is the best spot so just a couple more…..

Ford Escort Mk 1 RS1600

Kris Meeke - John Cooper Works WRC MINI

Why do I hate it? It’s one hell of a hike to the top of the hill-climb, even with jumping on the tractor ride, that plus a couple of camera’s and lenses….

That loose chalk surface plays havoc with the hair..believe me the dust gets everywhere!….

Would I miss it out? NOT A CHANCE!

Take a look at some of these machines, they really are stunning……

The one and only

The Red Arrows are always one of the main highlights for me, this display was before the tragic loss of Red 4 earlier this year.

Flypast

All the Reds

Next for the bike lovers…..

Classic

The Ringhini 50 – A 1976 50cc GP racebike

Kawasaki

Bring it up to date with Tom Sykes (World Superbike Rider) on this ZX10R Kawasaki….about to pass Goodwood House.

The crowd really can be that close to the track with only a few hay-bales for Health & Safety…..That is why Goodwood is so great!

Murray Walker

Personal indulgence – I just love this shot of Murray Walker, the colours of the Grandstand behind, the car, the paps….

Record Setting

The Nissan Duke – set a new world record by completing the 1 mile course on two wheels in 2 minutes 55 seconds

Audi

Now for a straight run of cars off the start line…

starting with the Audi V10TDI LeMans car.

Classic Roadster

You have to love the combination of old and new at the Festival of Speed…..

this is a classic roadster from Mercedes Benz

Any time, any place, any where.....

It’s the 1983 Lancia LC2 Martini sponsored group c prototype.

Nissan GTR

1953 Ferrari 375mm Spyder

1952 Mercedez Benz 300SL

Magnificent 7

Chris Evans driving his Ferrari 999…one of his magnificent 7 collection (yes 7 Ferrari’s)

This year Chris raised £1.1 million for Children in Need

and got to race is baby up Goodwood Hill!

Aston Martin

I think this might be my favourite…Champagne taste and beer money…

The Aston Martin one 77 a limited edition with only 77 produced this baby cost £1.2million.

Stunning

Perhaps I’ll have one of these…The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4….

not a very sexy name…. “OMG” look at this car!

]]> http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=677 0 http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?p=640 http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?p=640#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:11:26 +0000 admin http://tuckett6477.c3.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?p=640 I had the pleasure of covering the Festival of Speed at Goodwood at the end of June

as always this event is jammed full of things to see and do. 

The Festival of Speed is the greatest celebration of car culture and every year it gets bigger and better.

This  blog is dedicated to BMW and their brand ambassadors.

I was fortunate enough to cover this event last year…

I sometimes wonder what happens to all the images I provide my clients with….

BMW Art Car

 I was more than a little bit pleased to see one of my shots from last year 

was in print on this competition entry form.

My brief was to get shots of the main stand….

M3 GTS - Main Pavilion

Main Pavilion Display

 The first day (Thursday) is the dedicated manufacturers preview day.

I needed to shoot the cars on display at the “Moving Motor show” 

BMW M1 on display

And of course the cars on the 1.16 mile Goodwood hillclimb… 

M3 - Running up that hill

After all what is Goodwood without the hillclimb?

M3 On the hill passing the F1 Paddock

Capturing the overall ambience of the event….

The Red Arrows

The amazing Red Arrows display  

Interviews at the BMW Pavilion

Throughout the three main days

 BMW provided a constant stream of motorsport celebrities

Murray Walker

Murray Walker OBE  F1 commentator from 1978 until 2001 who couldn’t listen to this man for hours ?

(most motorsport enthusiasts already have!)

In full flow

Joined on Sunday by the current voice of F1 Jake Humphrey…

Jake & Murray

These two were very entertaining and certainly pulled in the crowds,

happily signing autographs & posing for photos.

Jake Humphrey on centre stage again with Dirk Muller who drives in the European Touring Car Championship.

Andy Priaulx

Andy Priaulx is the European Touring Car Champion and three times winner

of the World Touring Car Championship.

And Finally…….

John Surtees

John Surtees OBE - not only was he a Grand Prix Motorcycle Road racer but he was ALSO an F1 driver…

John remains the only person to have been a champion on both two and four wheels.

John is a true legend.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, there will be two further Festival of Speed Blogs

Why not follow me on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lee-Tuckett-Photography/274948527294

As I was”working”

I left my “petrol-head” son at home …

MINI Adventure

Having a loan of the MINI Countryman to take part in the London to Brighton Run only added to the adventure….

these cars are fabulous to drive!…and in the true spirit of the classics - FUN!

The 4×4 Countryman did mean that I kept firmly in place on the road

(unlike when I drove my canary yellow 850 back in the day)….

 but that’s whole other story!!

My brief was to capture images of as many of the cars taking part in the 2011 run from Crystal Palace to Maderia Drive in Brighton.

London to Brighton

The images are used on the MINI UK facebook pages, so a quick turn around in terms of editing…

there is no point posting about an event that took place three weeks ago!

The MINI enthusiast’s camp in Crystal palace overnight on Saturday and are ready for the off on the Sunday morning… why camp?

 

Lined up ready to go

Registration started at 5am!

 Some come from ALL over the country and even from Europe.

Off & running

No! it’s not a race!

 

Heading south

whilst there is a start line and a finishing point

 

A23 to Brighton

there are no prizes for speed and reckless driving. 

 

On the road to Brighton

  The cars were judged in classes depending on age and modifications.

Brighton Pavilion

 

With over 2000 participants on arrival in Brighton I had a bit of work to do…

 

Maderia Drive

 

Best angle for shooting…squat…

Boy did my thighs hurt the next day!

 

Underneath the arches...

Once the images are uploaded people can go and tag their cars

on the MINI UK facebook page 

 

Old and New Classics

Love all things MINI? become a fan of their facebook page

Bundles of Fun

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/MINI.uk

If you haven’t already overdosed on these great cars, here are a few of my favourites! 

Check out under the hood!

Brighton Seafront

Last but not least

What a fabulous day! 

My son still isn’t talking to me!