Model’s and TF

TF, used to be called TFP now often TFCD.

It means Time For Print or Time For CD.

Basically the photographer and the model both work for free unpaid, each covering their own costs. Both work hard to get some great images that would benefit both their portfolios.

At the end both get copies of the final edited images for their own use.

Most weeks I get approached by models asking for TF, generally I turn them down. This is not cheap photography, my time, the studio and the editing afterwards, all costs me money. The model must either be something special or I want to test out something in the studio, and this saves me from having to book and pay for a models time.

So models, feel free to contact me for TF shoots, but please do not be disappointed if I turn you down, I only have time for one TF shoot every month or so, but please do contact me again in the future sometimes I might just need a model and you could save the day.

Hospital Update2

Well were now both out of hospital and glad to be home.

Thanks again for everyones good wishes and a special thanks for Caroline’s Father and Alison, Caroline’s younger sister for helping and and running around for us.

Hospital Update

Hi,

As most of the family know, I was admitted to hospital on Wednesday.  Once again I had collapsed at work.  Well I only had to stay in the one night until things stabilised, I am home now and feeling much better but have been told to rest for six weeks.

A few hours after I was admitted, Caroline was also admitted to hospital, she is doing fine but will be spending a few nights in.  Thanks for the support and best wishes.

Unforeseen Break

Had a week’s break from work, blogging; everything actually. Been quite ill this last week.

No photography, no motorcycling, just complete rest after a surprise trip to the hospital. Still not completely well and whats worse I cannot ride the motorcycle, thats the worse of it.

Hopefully I’ll be fit again soon.

Also an apology to the model I was hoping to work with this weekend, hopefully we can reschedule soon, it was quite an exciting shoot planned, outdoors, models, horses and dynamic action.

There is also a top London model coming down in March, we have been hoping to work together for a while, lets hope I am well, and our schedules fit.

Loading a Hassleblad 120 back

Film: Loading a camera.

A bit of a lost art now a days.  Most 35mm SLR users have now switched to digital, and most of the last 35mm SLR’s were auto loading.  For users of medium format, large format camera’s, film is still the medium of choice.

For Hasselblad users of the V system, loading a film for the first time can be tricky so heres a very useful youtube video to help you out.

Superbowl

Sunday night was Superbowl night.

You might find it odd but as a British person I hate football, or soccer as it is called in the rest of the world. I do enjoy Tennis, Rugby and American Football.

Unfortunately I had an early meeting on Monday, so decided record the Superbowl. I had to spend today avoiding the news but managed, and now as I type this the half time show is on my TV.

Its not looking good for Pittsburgh as I watch, while enjoying a beer but they ended the first half with their first touch down, lets home for a close game in the second half. Its 21 – 10 with Green Bay winning. Time to open another beer!

Wildlife and Early Mornings

An early start and I was at the location for just before dawn where I met Chris. Chris being the wildlife photographer while I am more a people and landscape photographer.

We set ourselves up near the lake and waited for the early morning sun to appear.

As far as the weather it started fine but a gentle drizzle soon started.

There was continuous over cast cloud overhead, and good light never appeared, so it was a no go for landscape photography.

As we setup a Heron appeared and settled on its nest on the island in the middle of the lake. More birds gradually appeared but with the heavy cloud cover the sun did little to improve the light levels.

With the cameras set to high ISO (ASA) we practiced our photography but with little hope.

A few Cormorants flew in as did some Canadian Geese, to join the Ducks and Cootes already on the lake.

We spend an hour photographing the wildlife before the rain started to get a little too heavy even for our weather sealed professional lens and bodies so we packed a way and headed for the nearest Starbucks to warm ourselves up with hot coffee.

A shame we did not get any good shots but wildlife photography is difficult and one should always practice when one can. You will never get that award winning shot if you stay home in your nice warm bed. At least thats what I keep telling myself.

If you want to see some better shots check out Chris photos from last week. His shots from this morning are here.

Weather Protection

Radiator Protection

I would not class the BMW R1200GS as a tourer but it does make a very good one, in fact better then most so called tourers.  I also have not really considered the weather protection it offers.  The standard GS has that large screen and slightly bulbous tank but thats hardly a full fairing.

Today I dropped off the GS at the local BMW dealer for its 18000 mile service and a new rear tire.  In return they have lent me the F800GS, a baby GS if you will, which has  a bikini faring.  The difference in the weather protection on the two bikes was like night and day.

Crossing the Ford

I had felt warm and cosseted on the big GS, but wind and cold soon had be shivering on the ride home on the little GS.

It really has re-enforced for me what a truly great bike the big R1200GS is.  Comfort is right up there with the best, and for someone like me who rides nearly every day no matter what the weather this is important.

If your after a small fun motorcycle give the F800GS a try, its a fun bike but not one for winter!