THE LATEST NEWS FROM PHOENIX PHOTOGRAPHY

A Seasonal Blogger

2011-03-16T16:27:00.071Z

Not really getting the hang of this blogging business am I? Turning out to be a seasonal thing rather than a regular excursion. Spring is finally in the air. Last weekend we took advantage of the fine weather and took a stroll down the Loxley Valley, walking alongside the river, through woodland and rediscovering several things of interest not visible from the road; including a bowling green, a fishery, a mill pond and some very idyllic residences. (Emily, our 11 year old, already has her eye on a "cute" cottage). As I donned the anorak to point out the many remnants of the valley's industrial past, Emily and Bev couldn't help stifling the yawns. Emily then had the audacity to hijack my lecture by describing how a goyt worked. (A goyt is a water channel which feeds a water wheel, apparently). So glad her school education isn't being wasted! Just before Damflask Reservoir we came across the first daffodils of the season and to celebrate we called in for a drink at The Nags Head, fortuitously just round the corner. I made short work of a glistening pint of Blonde, brewed by The Farmer's Brewery just up the road in Bradfield. Which reminds me, I'm back on the bike again. I like to get out once a week, weather permitting, and I cycle up the long hill to High Bradfield making the most of all 18 gears! Here I am recovering from the big climb out of Hillsborough (pic courtesy of self-timed Lumix on dry stone wall). The worst is over at this point; then I whizz down the steep hill for refreshments at the cafe in Low Bradfield (fantastic home made soup and cake by the way) before returning home via Damflask Reservoir. A 12 mile cholesterol - beating round trip. I enjoy living in Hillsborough, we have all the facilities including shops, a library, a park and of course Supertram, but the best thing is we're right next to some incredible countryside. Well what's been going on work wise? I've had a good start to the year, picking up several new clients (mainly by recommendation), including PR photos for a breast feeding initiative - please don't ask to see examples - progress photography for a Rotherham builder, more PR photography in Hull for a West Yorkshire builder, portraits of a university professor and his family, compensation photos for a solicitor, a wedding, and photos for a new casting agency . Here's a shot of Maddy. He's an author and life coach who has published a new book, Bullet Proof Belief, on how to improve your lot in life. He's a fascinating bloke and speaks from experience, having been born into poverty in India. He's using my portrait of him on the book cover! Only £10.14 on Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=bulletproof+belief&x=17&y=19 So as the days begin to get longer and we start to think about turning down the central heating thermostat in high expectation of the glorious Spring weather, let me take you back to those arctic conditions just before Christmas. I was on my way home from a PR Santa Shoot in Stockport and pulled in at a lay-by on the Woodhead Pass to take in the stunning snowbound vistas. Whilst framing up a landscape, in the distance I heard the faint sound of a lorry labouring through it's gears. Luckily I had the 450mm lens at the ready and grabbed this opportune snap.

Watch out for my next blog, more than likely during the blisteringly hot summer, when I'll be reporting on those gorgeous brides and their handsome grooms. Steve Mirfin of Phoenix Photography, where the eye has it! If you'd like to keep up to date with the latest news from Phoenix Photography, please click on the "follow" link at the top of the blog.

I DON'T BELIEVE IT! Four months since my last blog.

2010-11-16T14:15:00.073Z

One day I'll get into this blogging thing, but the truth is I've just been so busy and the thought of spending even more time in front of a keyboard............yet now the frost has arrived it's actually quite pleasant cuddling up to my computer with a hot cocoa.

I've had a varied & entertaining run up to the festive season - here's a selection of photographic moments.

...a family portrait,
believe it or not taken in their lounge.
Must admit to touch of
digital manipulation here, but it just shows what is achievable - I used a white backdrop with a white floor and tidied it up on Photoshop...

..Katy & Harry have a picturesque wedding in Edale, Derbyshire...

This is when digital photography really comes into it's own.

Where did those confetti throwers go?

A4e, a recruitment agency in Sheffield, needed quirky images for a national business competition
We used the Volkswagen Camper in their reception area!

...This is Marianne, a budding actress,who asked me to take
headshots for a professional
directory.
She needed shots with & without make up.
I was cheaper
than her usual headshot photographer - she was very happy with the results...

...This was taken at a wedding at Hardwick Hall last month.
They're friends and I continued a long standing tradition of "totem pole" pictures.
I did a similar shot five years ago when I photographed the wedding of the girl in the middle. The bride at the bottom and the girl at the top were her bridesmaids.

I'm often recommended by my clients - it's a good feeling!...

...As you've seen, I'm game for a laugh and at this wedding in West Yorkshire my keen eye spotted a slight commotion amongst the guests.

A group of girls proceeded to undress this very sporting fellow, to reveal what I believe is his mankini.

Of course the whole thing was set up and luckily I was in the right spot...

...In the studio I spent a morning working on promotional shots with a guitar man.

He doesn't play professionally, but specialises in hand building bespoke left handed guitars.

If you need a fantastically crafted left handed guitar, let me know...

...Hopefully this picture will be my claim to fame!

My subject is auditioning for a part in the next film in the Twilight series.

I did suggest she wear a set of fangs, but on reflection I think she'll make a perfect vampire with or without the teeth.

Watch this space!

...And finally a simple composition from a wedding at Risley Hall on 6th November.
The bride had put an immense amount of thought into her autumnal wedding day.
I love how her unusual dress compliments the surroundings.
Even her red hair fits perfectly...

...Well that's it for now, hopefully I won't leave it as long to my next blog.

Steve Mirfin of Phoenix Photography - where The Eye has it.

If you'd like to keep up to date with The Latest News From Phoenix Photography why not click on the 'follow' link at the top of the blog.

NOT THAT TIME ALREADY!

2010-07-04T21:41:00.015+01:00

It's Sunday evening and the end of another sweltering week.
Time to blog and enjoy a glass of Timothy Taylors Landlord.

I've been making hay whilst the sun shines as I press on with a series of images of Sheffield - commissioned by a local manufacturing company who need them for a
trade exhibition in Germany later this year.

I took this RAW photo of the Wintergardens earlier today - if you look really carefully you can see my reflection in those big balls.

It's not an Alfred Hitchcock thing - I'll 'photoshop' myself out of the finished image!

I visited Kath & Chris on Thursday, back from their honeymoon in Turkey - I photographed their wedding at The Garrison Hotel in Hillsborough a couple of weeks ago. Kath had already emailed me the day after saying,

"Thanks for yesterday. Chris and I had a wonderful day and we are really looking forward to seeing the photos (even me, and you know how much I hate having my photo taken). We really appreciated your laid back style and the way you allowed us to do everything in our own time"

Anyway, they loved their photos -here's a small selection..........

It's getting late - time to prepare for the coming week - another busy one:-

PR photography for a city centre church.

3 days sub contract work for a regional home portrait company.

2 evenings photographing an annual theatre production.

Visiting a couple to finalise the arrangements for their civil partnership ceremony next month.

I'm taking Thursday off to help out at my daughter's school - I've had all the CRB checks and we're going on an outing along the Rivelin valley. It's a great excuse to be with Emily and her chums - I love kids (but couldn't eat a whole one) and they get on very well with me. It's a big responsibilty looking after them, as well as being great fun.

I'm Steve Mirfin of PHOENIX PHOTOGRAPHY, where the eye has it.

http://www.phoenixphotography.co.uk/

If you'd like to keep up to date with The Latest News From Phoenix Photography why not click on the 'follow' link at the top of the blog.

IS IT TIME FOR MY SECOND BLOG ALREADY?

2010-06-21T17:55:00.017+01:00

It's a lovely summer's evening in Hillsborough as I write this blog - great for photography - the beautiful sculptural light makes everything look three dimensional and vibrant.

Early mornings, when the sun has recently risen, has a similar feel.

I need to make the most of the fine weather - I have a contract to take photographs for a Sheffield company who are exhibiting at a trade fair later this year in Germany. They need great images of in and around Sheffield to use on their exhibition stand. I've already made a start.....

.......this is a shot of Sheffield Arena which makes the most of a brilliant blue sky and some strong directional sunlight on the roof. I waited for the clouds to slowly uncover the sun, allowing it to paint that defining silvery edge which adds to the three dimensional feel of the image.
NO DIGITAL MANIPULATION HERE!
You just have to be in the right place at the right time.

Like most people I enjoy taking snaps ( I use a very handy Panasonic Lumix compact which is always attached to my belt). Digital photography is perfect for this.

This is a pic of my nephew Jake who celebrated his 16th Birthday on Thursday. We all met up as a family and enjoyed a lovely evening meal at The Earl Of Strafford at Hooton Roberts.

I tried to offer him some advice,

"Stay away from girls, Jake - they're nothing but trouble!"

But of course I jest as I have a long term partner, Bev (we're not married as we couldn't find a photographer!) and between us we have a 10 year old daughter, Emily.
She is my greatest photographic project - here is one of millions of photographs of her. This one was taken during a Sunday afternoon stroll around Agden reservoir near Bradfield when we came across a rope swing.

Yesterday was Father's Day, here's a snap of my brother-in-law getting to grips with the barbecue.

Jeremy is a Dad and a great cook - he slaved over the hot coals for much of the afternoon poor chap!

Well, time to go.
I'll leave you with a shot taken at The Sheffield University School Of Dentistry, Graduation Ball last week.........

"SMILE PLEASE!"

KEEP LOOKING OUT FOR MY NEXT BLOG
http://www.phoenixphotography.co.uk/

PHOENIX PHOTOGRAPHY'S FIRST BLOG

2010-06-10T21:21:00.003+01:00

My name is Stephen Mirfin & I am

PHOENIX PHOTOGRAPHY
http://www.phoenixphotography.co.uk/

I was brought up with good 'old fashioned' film and although I have fully embraced the digital revolution there are still many skills learned in the analogue age which I still utilise - one day I may let you in on a few professional secrets!

With today's incredible digital cameras just about anyone is able to produce a well exposed image - the pro photographer has more competition than ever.

My most important photographic tool isn't my trusted Digital SLR; nor is it the wide range of specialist lenses that go with it.

The most vital piece of equipment is my EYE (the left one in particular!).

The main reason for paying a professional to take photographs is because you have confidence in their eye.

Before turning professional I had travelled down many paths, including dry stone walling & marketing management. Then one day I decided to make a living by doing something I really loved. That was 21 years ago and I still love it.

They say variety is the spice of life:-

Last Saturday I spent the day with Kathryn Thomas & Derek Roberts of Crosspool who were married at Woodlane Countryside Centre, Stannington.

On Wednesday I undertook some PR photography at Bluebell Wood Hospice - their new garden was officially opened.

Friday night I'm heading to a posh hotel in Buxton where I shall be the official photographer at the Sheffield University School Of Clinical Dentistry, Graduation Ball.

On Saturday I'll be photographing another wedding in Hillsborough.

Next week I'm travelling to Didsbury in Lancashire, where I shall be continuing to take promotional shots for a shopfitting company based in Dronfield.

And next Wednesday I'm looking forward to taking some high quality images for a lady artist based in Warncliffe Side ( We first met last year during a portrait session with her Swedish boyfriend in their beautiful garden ).

I'm Stephen Mirfin- PHOENIX PHOTOGRAPHY where the eye has it.

http://www.phoenixphotography.co.uk/

KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR MY NEXT BLOG!