Tony Dorey "Doing pretty good"

Following the last blog update, I was delighted to get an update from Tony Dorey, a student from the first course in April 2010......

> I think it's about time I filled you in on progress since the course - and the good news is, I'm doing pretty good!

As you know, I came to the course as a home studio photographer with little experience in any other kind of photography. If I didn't have studio lights, I wasn't in my comfort zone. Your course took me away from that kind of thinking, to stop specializing and to try different aspects of photography. Now I really enjoy macro work and architectural photos! (Macro sample attached).

I of course still do the studio side of things but your course inspired my studio work more than I thought possible. I think about the images I take now, and the results are astounding to say the least. I have 12 family sessions booked in, 2 local bands, and more to squeeze in somewhere along the way. I have covered weddings with great success and even my partner has taken up an interest.

Big news is I am having a large studio built in my back garden for a more permanent place to work and I am having large schools asking me to quote for their prospectus photos.

I have attached some jpegs to show how I have progressed with photography (and the business behind it). Without this course, I'd still be 'snapping' studio shots instead of making photographs. You opened my eyes, made me think a little more and whilst I have no prints sold to the papers or mags, I have sold thousands to peoples homes for hanging. I now have the end goal in sight and it's looking very good.

Thanks Andrew!

Andrew replies: Wow! That's amazing, well done. Now everyone.....check out these fantastic photos Tony has sent me......

The Daily What? Surely not?

Hi everyone, I wanted to write a little bit about another great website you should be looking to now and again for inspiration. It's a site that has started using photography in an interesting way, having the occasional gallery of cool pictures to admire and aspire to.

Astonishingly, it's the Daily Mail. Here are links to a couple of excellent recent showcases:

Dog Photos

Bird Photos

Kingfisher Photos

Nick Morgan and Mediafox

On a job last week, I bumped into another ex-student from the first course - Nick Morgan - who was telling me about what he's been up to in the past few months. Here's the email he sent the next day with full details......

New site here, www.MediaFox.co.uk, it's early days but work already coming in. Doing filming for www.lookandfeelyounger.co.uk and www.bigleapchallenge.com and building a few websites. I charge £20 an hour, so buttons, but at this stage it's building things up.

I started with a Flip video recorder and have now just sold my 50D to buy a Cannon 550D - much higher quality.

Of course much of your teaching naturally applies to video and I wouldn't have been taking photos as good as these http://www.mediafox.co.uk/fox/Photography.html without the course.

Cheers

Nick

Really good stuff, Nick. Thanks for letting me share it with the others, who I feel sure will find it interesting as well. It's good to hear that students can take aspects of the course and bend them ever so slightly to their own advantage. Well done!

Nigel's spread in the Washington Post

Ex-student Nigel Goddard was sent a tear-sheet from his recent successful spread in the Washington Post. I'm sure he won't mind me sharing it with you here.

Nigel says in his email: "I have just received a paper copy of the article in the Washington Post. Thought you might like to see what pictures they used. They are all my pictures except the smaller one on the first page. The lady who wrote the article and supplied these tear sheets said in her note to me, "it's unusual to see any photographs get this prominent display".

Fantastic stuff. You should be very pleased! I am very pleased for you.

Vini Pereira exhibition in Norwich!

During the Norwich Dragon Festival 2011, ex-student Vini Pereira will be having an exhibition in the city.

Exhibition open
February 11 - 27, 2011
Noverre Gallery,
The Assembly House
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm

If any of you find yourself up in that part of the world, drop in and let us know all about it.

Sorry I can't make it myself Vini. Good luck!

JAlbum

Hello all

I did a wedding recently, the first one in a long time and it was a lot of fun.

Anyway, I was looking all over the web for some way to upload the pictures and take print orders from customers. I was looking to buy some software but could find nothing that felt right to me. Then I found this free program called JAlbum which I think you should check out. It could prove to be a useful commercial tool for some of you.

(This sound like an advert, doesn't it? Honestly, I am not on the Jalbum payroll.....sadly).

Anyway, here is where you can download the software, which takes no time at all. I found tutorials on YouTube that showed me how to use it and I am very happy with it so far. I found it pretty easy to use and highly adaptable (ie loads of different background skins and so forth).

Here is a link to the wedding I did and the design I chose. Click on a picture for print options, slide-shows etc. In case you're wondering why there are no outdoor shots, it was just before Christmas during the snow chaos, and didn't start until late afternoon by which time it was dark, freezing and knee-deep in snow!

If any of you go for it, I would be interested in feedback.

Nigel: Classy!

Andrew says:

Nigel got in touch to let me know that while he was shooting the bloodhounds (see post below) he was asked to supply pictures to no less a publication than the Washington Post. Yes, that's right, the same paper that broke the story of the Watergate break-in in the early 1970's!

Let's be under no illusions here; this is quite some achievement. Congratulations!

It's all online too. Go here and launch the photo gallery. It looks brilliant! Some of you who were on that particular course might recognise the low-angle technique Nigel and I worked on (he says, polishing his nails and beaming!). I see the Sydney Morning Herald has picked up the story too, Nigel. I hope you're being paid for that.

Nigel: It's all bullocks!

Hello Andrew,

Now that winter has arrived I have turned my attention from horses back to cats.  Although I did go to see the Coakham Bloodhounds (http://www.coakhambloodhounds.com) in action and got more action than I bargained for!

First, somebody fell off at the first jump and knocked themselves out, so I found myself taking pictures of the air ambulance rather than horses and hounds, then I went into a field to get a good position to photograph the hunt and got chased out again by a herd of bullocks!

Last month I was official photographer at the Supreme Cat Show at the NEC.  So I have now had photos published in both of the leading cat magazines, Catworld and Your Cat.

Photography is anything but dull!

Andrew says: 

Brilliant stuff! I would also add, completely unnecessarily, keep it up!

Blog tip from Kim Freeman

Hi Andrew. Naomi Goggin is the Times/Canon Young Photographer of the Year 2010. She has just started her 6 months work experience at the Times and has a very interesting daily blog.

http://naomigoggintimes.wordpress.com/

She is one of my contacts on Flickr and I follow her on Twitter @naomigogginfoto

Thought other pass classmates would like to read the blog.

Kim

Andrew replies.....Thanks, I'm sure it will be interesting stuff.

Exhausting news from Patrick!

Hi Andrew

Hope you and Gill are well...

Still covering lots of business and social events with The Latest Magazine and getting lots of referral work from it. Got involved in Latest TV and have had stills put in to video as cutaways. The Latest have also asked me to cover some Business Articles, writing up the editorial and pictures.

PGA Golf Event photography has been mainly successful with great assistance from Adrian Carey.

I was contacted via The Journalistic Directory about a team of runners who are running in the Great North Run on 19 Sept 2010.

Taking on aboard your tuition from your course, I looked carefully at an angle on the story and have approached a large number of relevant magazines and national press editors and I got a good response. In the meantime I contacted the Charity, The Vegan Society, which has put the team in and they  agreed to take my photos and paid me. Have gone international...well Jersey ! Had a picture published in the Jersey Evening Post (attached) from this and further pics to be published by the Vegan Society in the quarterly magazine.

Private work has included working for J Wray & Son Ltd. a drinks supplier covering their Licor 43 Competition, Black Bottle, Powerade/Coca Cola, PGA, Chocolate Festival, and various other work such as VIP visits to companies and businesses from PR Agencies and other charities including Rockinghorse.

Have had a number of private commissions-portraits mainly - on location and studio work.

All in all not a bad start-just got to keep at it-Have repeat bookings for next year already including The Brighton Marathon and a number of PGA events.

Lots of pics on my website and have had some 266,000 views on it this year - www.bespokephotography.net

Andrew replies.....Phew, I don't know where to start, Patrick. I'm knackered just reading that. Well done! I would say "keep it up" but I know there's no point....you'll be doing that anyway.

News from Harvinder

Hi Andrew,

I am in India on vacation snapping away! I will be in touch on my return at the end of the month.

Good to hear from you!

Harvi

Andrew replies.....Great! I'm sure we are all looking forward to seeing some nice shots from this trip.

News from Vini Pereira

Hi Andrew

Thanks for the update on the blog.

I'm ever more interested in fine art photography, and I've been lucky to have won a commission..
I'll have a solo exhibition in Norwich in February 2011, part of the 'Dragon Festival'.
I was going to tell you about it once the details were finalised.

At the moment I'm just finishing the photographic work, next I'll have to tackle printing (I'm supposed
to deliver HUGE prints), something that currently I know nothing about.

Hope you're well and thriving.

Vini

Andrew replies.......That all sounds exciting, Vini. I wish Norwich was a bit closer. Good luck with the printing.

News from Kim Freeman

Hi Andrew.

I have a couple of things. The website that purchased one of my photos came on line a week ago. Screen grab attached. Also I've had 3 photo published in BH Life Magazine Nov/Dec 2010 issue. This magazine is Bournemouth Borough Council's main communication to it's residents and goes to 85,000 homes.......

 

As well as my website www.kimfreeman.co.uk I also have a blog: http://kimfreemanphotography.blogspot.com/
I have added more photos to Alamy. Been putting together a portfolio of studio product shots and during September with the weather being so good I did a series of photos around Boscombe and Bournemouth which I presented to the Bournemouth Tourism for possible purchase. All these are on the blog.


Andrew replies.....Great stuff, Kim! Well done. I especially like the picture of the Geffrye Museum in London on your blog. I went there a week after you shot that picture, only to find it was closed. Nice sky on the bowls picture.

Exhibition in Storrington

Hello everyone

News has come through that Art Hutchins and Charmen Hummel, both from July's course, are holding an exhibition of photographs at the White Horse Hotel in Storrington, West Sussex, on the 26th - 27th November.

If you can, then please make the effort to get down there. It's all for charity too!

Front Cover!

Hello Andrew,

After being shortlisted and missing out on a front cover for Horse & Hound about a month ago, I have finally had a cover picture published, this time for Local Rider which also contained my pictures from Firle and Munstead.  The Eventing season has now finished but maybe next year I will get that elusive H&H cover.

Best wishes,

Nigel.

Andrew writes.....Stunning stuff! Knowledge of the subject, grit and determination have led you to this point. Well done!

Brighton Photo Fringe

Maria's news about her exhibition at the Lord Nelson (see below) made me look into what else is going on during October's Brighton Photo Fringe. There's something for everyone, I feel.

You can pick up a brochure in all the usual places (community venues, cafés etc) and you will find something to interest you, I'm sure. You can't miss the brochure - the cover is a portrait of Margaret Thatcher.

Alternatively, check out the website, and get down to something.

Nigel Goes International!

Hello Andrew,

I got an email last week from The Irish Field asking if I had got a picture of William Fox-Pitt winning at Blenheim Horse Trials.  Apparently they had been given my name by the deputy editor of Eventing magazine.

My picture took three columns and appeared in last Saturday's edition, so I guess I can now claim that I have been published internationally!

Kind regards,

Nigel.

Andrew replies:

International? Too right. Well done, keep it up.

Maria's News

Just recieved this email from Maria.....

HI Andrew

Thanks for creating this blog - its great to be able to catch up with everyone.  I have signed in but am not sure how to add to the blog - so I'll tell you my news here.  I am going to exhibit a few photos as part of a group called Flash Fiction for the Photo fringe biennial.  We've got a website - http://www.thisisflashfiction.co.uk/ and will be showing our work in the Lord Nelson pub on Trafalger Street Brighton throughout October.  If you could add this for people to see on the blog that would be great and if you get a chance to pop in then do let me know what you think.  Were having a few drinks on the opening night - Thursday 30 September from 6.30.  If you are passing it would be lovely to see you. 

Other progress - well, not much I'm sad to say. :( I went to NY with my 2 boys for 5 days at the end of August and have taken loads of pics - going to sort through those and others I have and really try & get something accepted by Alamy. 

Hope all is well with you

best wishes

Maria

Andrew replies:

Hi Maria......You can't add to the blog directly, I'm afraid. Just write to me and I'll upload it.
I'm sure there must be a way to do it, but I can't find out how!
Did you get the date of your exhibition wrong? October 30th is a Saturday.
Keep it up.....don't give up.
Andrew

Kim Freeman's New Website

Hi everyone!

I was delighted to get an email from former student Kim Freeman telling me about his new website, which I am still enjoying. He designed it himself too! Very impressive.

So come on, let's all check it out. Not enough of you have put your sites out there so let's get weaving folks.


http://www.kimfreeman.co.uk/index.html

Nigel continues to corner his market

Hello Andrew,

It's been a bumper edition of Local Rider magazine this month with my pictures from Iping, Tweseldown and the National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships at Hickstead being published.

Best regards,

Nigel.

Nigel sells an ad picture!

Andrew,

The attached picture was taken at Hickstead.  Point Two Air Jackets used it the following week for the Dublin Horse Show as it featured an Irish rider using their product and jumping their sponsored fence.  It has also appeared on the back cover of Eventing Magazine (Sep 2010) issue.

Nigel.

*Andrew says.....Well done, Nigel. Keep it up.

Link from Kim

Kim has written and sent me a link to what looks like a useful learning resource. I haven't had time to plough through the lot, but it looks pretty cool.

Look at the list of links (on the right here) for "Photo Tutorials".

Thanks, Kim.

Latest News From Kim Freeman

Hi Andrew.

Wanted to let you know that I have decided to make a career of my photography and have invested in some pro-equipment.
Now the hard part, sending out letters, calling people and in your wise words 'lots of practice'.

I have made a couple of direct pictures sales in the last few weeks. I must be putting out positive thoughts because in both cases I got emails out of the blue asking to buy them. I have attached the two pictures. The top one is the Kingsland Basin on the Regents Canal in Hackney, London E8 and is being used in a property brochure. The bottom one is Boscombe Cliff Bowls Club and is being used on a website as part of a Flash presentation.
I only got a small amount of money for each, but I'm pleased.

I hope you're okay. Thanks for posting the smashing picture of the class. Hello everyone.

Kim Freeman


Teacher replies: Well done, Kim, and thanks for staying in touch and keeping us all informed. Nice pictures and well done for having the front to offer them up for sale. At this stage in your career, sold is better than not sold, so the price is fairly irrelevant. Later on, it will become more important in more ways than one.
By the way, who did you sell the pictures to and how did you do it?
Best wishes, Andrew.

Latest News From Patrick Kneath

Hi Andrew

I now have the Latest Diary page in L7 every week, Fr cover Peacehaven Directory monthly, in the next quarter will have pics and editorial in The Voice, The Federation of Small Businesses's Magazine, last month was in Sussex Life, with pics from a Business Awards Launch, and numerous email "invites" where companies have used my pics to add into their blogs etc.

Great idea with the blog - attached my latest publications - in L7 (Social Diary and Lanes Lettings pic 10-16/8) and front cover Peacehaven Directory(Aug) - The Argus pic of Ian Poulter, also FRONT COVER pic and Editorial pics

Teacher says......Well done Patrick! Fantastic set of cuttings. I know there's not really much need to say this, but......keep it up!
Your pictures are getting better with every publication, don't you think? Take note, everyone else......the more you practise, the better you get.

Noticias sobre Roberto (*News about Roberto)

Hi Andrew!

I´m writing to tell you that I read all your emails but I don´t reply them because (as you know) my English is not good. Anyway I appreciate all your efforts. I´ve just taken a look to your blog

I´m in Spain now, I came back last month. Finally I decided to do a Photography Master in Madrid. I learnt a lot in your course so I think that i can take advantage of a Master too. The college is called EFTI, I don´t know if you hear about them.

Once I begin the Master I´ll try to sell my pictures to get some money, now I´m quite busy with other things.

If you have to come to Madrid for any reason, contact me ok?, I´ll be glad to help you.

Give my regards to the rest of the class if you meet them.

Best wishes teacher!

Teacher says....."Gracias, amigo!"

Nigel's back with more horses!

Andrew,

Since the last update I have sold some pictures taken at Hickstead to a company which makes Air Jackets for event riders (still waiting for payment though!)

I have also had pictures published in Local Rider magazine and more photos are expected in future issues.

Visited the Isle of Wight on Monday for my partner's birthday (she has always wanted to go there since she had a holiday there as a child). Went to Osbourne House and took some pictures. I submitted them to English Heritage and they appear to be interested in a couple of them!

Here are the articles from August 2010 Local Rider magazine...

Well done, Nigel. Giddy up!

Some Recommendations......

"The world is full of experts on photography. Some have a faint knowledge of the craft; most merely know what they like, until shown something else. Being a successful photographer or even just being good at talking about it is not the same as making a living from it, which Andrew will explain to you. Listen carefully, he knows what he’s talking about."

Ray Wells, Chief Picture Editor, The Sunday Times, London


"I have known Andrew Hasson for about fifteen years and our career paths have touched and crossed many times. When we were re-forming the British Press Photographers' Association he was on a short list of photographers that we regarded as "must-haves" as members because they represented everything that the BPPA stands for - ethical, professional, creative and technically highly able.

The fact that Andrew has worked for so many major national and international newspapers and magazines over such a long period says a great deal about him and it comes as no surprise that he is the first name on many lists when a freelancer in Sussex is needed. There are many photographers who can take pictures but there are far fewer who, like Andrew, understand the industry and the wider requirements of their craft to the degree that marks them out as true Professionals."

Neil Turner, former Chief Photographer at the Times Educational Supplement, currently Vice-Chairman of the British Press Photographer’s Association

"Andrew Hasson is a photographer you can rely on; to get the shot, meet the deadline, cajole the subject and to deliver consistent quality year in, year out. We have worked together over many years and many publications and I count him as a must in my contacts book. He never moans and always gets the job done, which is something all picture editors need. He's also a lovely man with a good eye and I highly recommend him as a teacher." 
Melanie Grant, photographic agent, who has been at a senior level of the Photographic Industry for 15 years working for The Times, The Economist, The Independent, The Financial Times, The BBC and The Guardian.  She has also spent time on The New York Post and worked with Rankin in London.

Art's Eye blog

Art Hutchins has updated his blog with some very kind words about the course. You can read his constantly updated blog here, or read the cut-and-pasted copy below........

Right from the off, Andrew got down to the many issues facing anyone contemplating becoming a Freelance Photographer today.  

There were eight of us, some who had travelled for a few hours and from a good distance away, and others more local to the Brighton area, but all who had chosen to participate in this four day course, because they needed the information and understanding it promised.  

With ages ranging from early twenties and fresh out of University, to mature students already working full time in other occupations and thinking about starting out as part-time freelancers, to those like myself who are already fully committed to making a living as a freelance photographer.

Andrew made no extravagant claims, nor did he paint a rosy picture, often telling us how it is and what is essential to know to get off the ground.

In serious and balanced tones, using a minimal amount of anecdotes and a few selected images from his extensive portfolio to illustrate the many relevant facts and pointers, which would be invaluable to any generic group such as ours. He spoke of the pitfalls to be avoided and the gains to be had, if we followed the advice and information he had to impart to us. 
There was no waffle or ambiguity about what he had to tell us, and all of it was down to earth common sense, loaded with good quality information to get us a chance to get anyone of us up and running.

He delivered all of the content as laid out in the course description on his website, and then went further with good fundamental and practical exercises, giving us guidance and constructive feedback at each step and something to measure our progress by. 
At the end of each day I and I believe the others, came away tired but with our minds full of the experiences and insights we had gained.

The best of these exercises was the field trip to Hove seafront on the second of the two weekends. Given a simple brief to shoot three styles of image, we were blessed with spectacular skies after the stormier weather of previous days.  Some headed for the beach, others into the town, and though there were not the summer holiday crowds, there was plenty to capture in an hour. 

The diverse interpretations of the brief in our individual results when we got back to the classroom, was highlighted by the fact the everyone felt their photography had taken a huge step forward, and indeed this was certainly true of my own. 

I felt more grounded and certain of making a living from photography then I had before the course.  

Andrew is both inspirational and objective, despite a few minor technical difficulties along the way, none of which appeared to interrupt him delivering, which I am sure is true of him as a professional.  

The course is great value and one which I would recommend to anyone considering going freelance and unsure of what it involves, and as others I am sure will testify, Andrew Hasson is inspirational and he delivers the goods.

**Andrew's reply**..........Very nice of you to say so, Art. It was a pleasure to have you as a student, as it was all of you, of course. Sorry about the technical hitches!

Pecha Kucha presentation!

During the July course, I was attempting to explain to the students the importance of not waffling on when talking about your pictures, especially if you're showing a portfolio to a prospective picture buyer. I illustrated this by giving them a Pecha Kucha* presentation of twenty of my favourite unpublished pictures.
(*In Pecha Kucha, you get to show twenty pictures and talk about each one for a maximum of twenty seconds....not as easy as it sounds)
I admit, I had been preparing this already for a fundraising evening organised by my wife who's off to China in a month (see here to give money), but I realised it was a perfect way to discipline your mind during these stressful occasions (showing a portfolio, not fundraising!).
So, for those on the April course who missed it, and for the benefit of those in July who enjoyed it, here's the YouTube version........

A few course evaluations from course # 2 (mid-July 2010)

I really enjoyed the course. It was very well structured, challenging, engaging and Andrew was a brilliant teacher. I came home each evening exhausted but full of enthusiasm which is a good thing.

I will definitely recommend this course. It is nice that Andrew is willing to keep in touch with students. I really must make time now to take what I have learned a bit further and try and get something published.

I like the way Andrew made no bones about the fact that it is a competitive business and that you needed to be determined to succeed....but that we do have the ability. I guess I just need the confidence now!

Maria Gibbs

Course # 2.....10/11 & 17/18 July 2010

Here's a picture of me and the alumni from Course # 2, left to right.....

Art Hutchins

Kim Freeman

Maria Gibbs

Lauren Mashford

Me

Harvinder Kaur

Guilherme Augusto de Almeida

Patrick Kneath

A few course evaluations from course # 1 (mid-April 2010)

I enjoyed the course – I suspected it was going to be very good because I know Andrew’s work. However my expectations were surpassed on day one when I started to get answers to questions that I hadn’t even known to ask! 
What I didn’t expect was to have such fun on the course, so that was a real bonus.
Here's the thing: Andrew works for the nationals and regularly appears in the Sunday Times so you are getting information from the horse's mouth reporting right from the pit face.
Nick Morgan

Nigel in Horse & Hound again.....July 1st 2010

The one on the left and big one in the middle. Brilliant!

Nigel's first picture in Horse & Hound.....May 13th 2010

It's the one of the rider falling off at the fence. Well done!

Nigel's first picture sale.....May 6th 2010

Andrew,

Have made a first picture sale! Agreed to sell outright the picture of Paul Tapner doing his lap of honour for £110. (I thought it was a pretty average photo!) I was offered £50 initially, but returned with £125. He moved to £100 and agreed to meet at £110.

Maybe the picture was worth more, who knows, but at least have £110 in the bank (they fired off an automated payment immediately).

Also spoke to the woman at the hat company who sponsor Paul Tapner and she is reverting to her clients (she also deals with other riders who use their hats). Interesting she was not interested in the picture I sold as they only want pictures of Cross Country eventers wearing their hats, not Show Jumping.

Both companies obviously thought I had been taking equestrian photographs for a long time and asked where I was going next and to show them any good photos of their sponsored riders.

A result!

Nigel Goddard.

PS. I owe you a beer (or two)!

Email from Patrick....June 17th 2010

Hi Andrew

I am now the Social Diary Photographer for The Latest Magazine in Brighton....which is a free weekly, full colour publication available at over 1000 outlets across the south of England featuring stylish editorial and a huge property listings section with a readership of over 100,000 per week. The magazine comes with Latest 7, the weekly entertainment & fashion guide, complete with TV listings.

I now also cover the monthly Front Cover Photograph for The Peacehaven Directory and last month had some photos and editorial about a disabled ex-soldier completing the Brighton Marathon.

I have recently covered the Sussex Business Awards for Midnight Communications where there were pictures in the Argus and next month Absolute Brighton and Sussex Life.

Also a number of private sporting events (golf and football) with help from Adrian Carey, where I print on site.

Together with the accreditation from the PGA covering the Pro-Am Tournaments across the south of England hopefully I am building up a decent portfolio of work.

Alot of this work has been generated by my networking AND with the knowledge that I gained from your course, which has been such a valuable asset to me.

A BIG THANK YOU once again....

kind regards

Patrick Kneath
Photographer

Course # 1.....10/11 & 17/18 April 2010

Here's a picture of me and the alumni from Course # 1, left to right......

Nigel Goddard

Vini Pereira

Tony Dorey

Me

Roberto Hurtado

Nick Morgan

Adrian Carey

Erika Tambke

Patrick Kneath (on the wall.....he missed day four)