My love of photography has been totally rekindled !! After a dismal winter of studio shoots which are all interesting and great fun but ultimately very similar in nature its lovely to get out into the great outdoors into the vast studio of the North Coast. My new project which will run for a year is an epic undertaking which if it works out will produce work that could really make our name. My model / Muse / Partner in this venture the simply stunning Nadine is a joy to work with and it is that above every other factor that gives me the confidence that this is gonna be an awesome project. At the moment I am being cagey about releasing details of this project for security but I promise to release more as we go along. It is very arty very creative and I LOVE it already after only one day of shooting .... Follow along here for more news as it is released.

Getting a bit lax in updating this blog mostly due to other commitments. Today I have designed my new flyer which will be part of an advertising blitz on the local area. I have included it below and would really like any constructive criticisms you might have .... would this make you want to book with me ? if not what could be improved to make it more appealing ?
 All comments very welcome. ....Thanks

Had a lovely shoot yesterday with the wonderful best friends Lisa and Abigail. Pics to Follow .... well done girls you are welcome back any time.

At last the day has come...... After years of suffering from a terribly designed website my new one is ready to launch Designed by the talented Graphic designer Richard Bell  www.Richardnbell.com . At 5pm tonight the brand new www.Paulstevensonphotography.co.uk will "Go Live". I hope to link this blog very closely to the new site and obtain as much coverage and publicity as possible. Now I am at large on the internet I will be doing a big push for business with leaflet campaigns advertising drives and other skulldugerry, however the most effective way of advertising is by word of mouth so please can anyone who has used and been happy with my services please recommend me to your friends etc. Many thanks in advance ....

Okay Dokey...... Today's little snippet from the files of my not a lot of people know that concerns the often puzzling initials MUA. How often have you seen the initials MUA posted on Facebook and thought what does that stand for ?  Well wonder no more.... the initials stand for Makeup Artist and are used by a body of highly trained experts at making you look your best and my job much easier.

 When you book your portrait sitting or your model portfolio shoot you spend ages deciding what outfits you will wear to look your absolute best in the finished photos. Do you take as much care over your makeup ? ....guys im not including you although some of you have made me wonder.

I am fortunate to be able to call on the services of not one ...not two..... but THREE extremely talented makeup artists who can attend your shoot and provide you with a makeover to fully compliment your chosen outfit and desired look. From the light and understated to the way out and adventurous.

The MUA's who work with me can all be found on Facebook so even if you are not having photos done they are available for Weddings ( alone or as part of a photography package) formals etc. they are .....

1. Jill Anderson (Facebook J Anderson MUA)
2. Linda Wilson( Facebook Linda Wilson MUA or Sheer Bliss Makeup)
3. Rachael Donaghy ( Facebook Rachael D MUA )

I am truely happy to endorse the work of all three of these talented ladies ...so if you are thinking of a shoot consider them as an optional extra to enhance your experience.

Pictures of the girls at work are shown below.

 Jill Anderson at work on Location

Linda Wilson doing a Bridal Shoot.

                                                                             

Rachael Donaghy on Location.

A wee piece about portraits today ....... in the past portraits consisted of family groups or individuals in good clothes posing formally and stiffly being asked to "say Cheese" or "watch the Birdie". Nowadays the portrait has had major makeover surgery. There are still formal studio shoots but increasingly they are being made more fun and casual. The terminology used is explained as follows


 " High Key".... portraits taken against a pure white background very popular with certain large commercial photography companies characterized by a total lack of shadow or contrast this can be a very striking way of showing your portraits.  

"Low Key" .... The opposite of high key :-) taken against a pure black background using lots of shadows to create a dark and mysterious look very popular with model portfolio work. 

 













"Lifestyle".... Informal portraits taken in a setting showing the subject doing something that defines them be it work or leisure.

"Outdoor Portrait" Using a location to really bring out the best in your subject. Again this is very popular with models wishing to expand their portfolios with original work. I have a huge number of exceptional shoot locations close to my studio including Beaches, Forest Historic Ruins and many more there is something to suit every taste.

Whatever type of portrait you like i am equipped and able to shoot all of them and will work with you to get you photos you will treasure forever.

Busy day today , after a late night (not drinking) out this morning to shoot the matches at Coleraine Mini Rugby club where Coleraine took on Ballyclare and won every match.

The boys braved serious cold temperatures to play an entertaining and very physical match. well done to all involved