Welcome to our monthly news page packed with all the weird and wonderful things happening in the world of photography. Helping you stay on the photographic pulse!
It's also a great opportunity for you to get involved and make you opinion count. Email us with your ideas, views, photography tips etc.
Children's photographer Sarah Wright has really found her niche. She loves the spontaneity and fun of photographing children of all ages. She says, 'No two photo shoots are ever alike and creatively that really keeps you on your toes.' Her aim is to put the children at their ease, so that working together is as easy as possible. She tries to interact with them as much as possible.
"No two photo shoots are ever alike and creatively that really keeps you on your toes."
Even if that does mean crawling around on the floor amongst their toys, or exploring the new camp they've just made. As long as they're having fun she knows she can capture great pictures.
Sarah Wright
The same goes for the photography, if you enjoy taking the shots it will show in your photography. Sarah also believes in what she's providing. 'I'm giving parents a priceless reminder of a time that passes by all too quickly, which I reckon is a fantastically rewarding way to earn a living.'
To see what Sarah means, check out the inspiring images on her website.
Events and exhibitions you won't want to miss
Ben Osbourne/Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007
Take a walk on the wild side with a visit to the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007 exhibition, in association with the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine. Thousands of amateur and professional photographers have competed for this prestigious title, resulting in a wealth of breathtakingly beautiful images. Commenting on his winning entry shown here Ben Obsorne says, 'I love the energy in this image. In fact, it has more to do with physics than biology as the mix of light, texture, mass, stress, force, velocity and acceleration are all captured in a visually dramatic moment in time. And apart from anything else, it looks like pretty good fun too.' This and other entries can be seen at the Natural History Museum until April 2008.
The Parting of Lancelot & Guinevere
The 19th century photographer Julia Margaret Cameron is often referred to as the early queen of photography. Currently showing at the National Trust's Fox Talbot Museum, in the picturesque village of Lacock, is a collection of her work known as the 'Idylls of the King'. These photographs were commissioned by her neighbour, Alfred Lord Tennyson, who as Poet Laureate wrote a series of poems about the legendary King Arthur and his court. This beautiful exhibition runs until 29th June 2008, giving you plenty of time to catch it.
Old lady in Southern Street - Riley Retrospective
Harold Riley is well known for his portrait paintings, but the exhibition Harold Riley: A Photography Retrospective 1943-2007 concentrates on his equally interesting photographic work. Born in Salford, Riley's imagery is closely associated with this area, clearly illustrating a wish to witness and share with others his hometown. He was also great friends with fellow local lad TS Lowry, as the photographs of them playing football together illustrate. Pictures from his travels around America and television documentaries are also included, providing a detailed background on the man behind the photographs. The exhibition is on at The Lowry until 20th April 2008.
Haymakers, Hampshire 1958
Currently on show at The Newsroom, the Guardian and Observer archive and visitor centre, is a collection of work by social photographer Jane Bown. Entitled Unknown Bown 1947-1967, the exhibition consists of much of her previously unseen work, forming a fascinating visual diary of Britain through the fifties and sixties. Bown's exceptional talent for spotting great photo opportunities, rather than setting shots up, has won her both a CBE and MBE. Come and see for yourself what makes her pictures so powerful. Admission is free, see website for further details. Exhibition ends 25th January 2008.
Here are a few of our favourite things!
This is a great gift idea for anyone who spends a lot of time away from home and misses their loved one. It's a handy Triple Travel Frame, (£21), made of leather and available in a choice of three colours. It's ideal to open up and stand on your desk or bedside cabinet and display your favourite family photos. If you are giving it as a gift be sure to fill it with photos for instant impact.
Magnum Magnum is a cracking Christmas gift for anyone serious about Photography. This hefty new book, edited by Brigette Lardinois, celebrates the 60th anniversary of the leading photo agency Magnum. Through a series of over 400 photos the work of many great photographers are featured including: Eve Arnold, Martin Parr, Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson. With over 400 photos to work you're way through it's a fantastic excuse to put your feet up and lose yourself in the wonderful world of photography.
This year why not decorate your Christmas tree with your own handcrafted set of photo baubles. Just take a selection of your favourite photos, cut them into circles with the aid of Lomography's inspired little Fisheye Circle Cutter, then attach them to your tree. The cutters cost £8.60 and those generous guys at Lomo even throw in some free photo clips so you can join your photos together and get as creative as you like. How's that for decorations with a difference!
This is a really original framing idea that makes a great gift. Frame a favourite photo then convert the plain white frame into the design of your choice, to complement your picture perfectly. Just pick up the pens and draw or doodle to your heart's content. Ideal as a customised present or let them have all the fun of creating their own design. Price £16 at Urban Outfitters.
Capturing the atmosphere of a party is easy when you know how. By thinking about the following, before you press the shutter, you'll be able to take great photos that are worth celebrating in their own right.
Often we don't like to be the first to arrive at a party but if you want the best shots it's a good idea. You can take lots of detail shots without getting in anyone's way. Plus your host will probably appreciate you being there to take subtle candid shots of their guests as they arrive. And how about snapping a photograph of the room all set up ready, great for combining with a dishevelled shot at the end of the evening.
First edition: Featured photographer – Annabel Williams
Second edition: Featured photographer – Clive Nichols
Third edition: Featured photographer – Karen Parker
Fourth edition: Featured photographer – Helena Smith
Fifth edition: Featured photographer – Brett Harkness
Sixth edition: Featured photographer – Jason de Caires Taylor
My daughter recommended Photobox to me and everything she said was true!
Congratulations on maintaining such excellent quality and efficiency. It's fun too!
Pauline Marshall
I just wanted to say I'm amazed and pleased by the speed and quality of your service. Congratulations - there are so many photo services available now and PhotoBox stands head and shoulders above the rest. Keep it up!
J Potts
If you're feeling creative, head over to www.photobox.co.uk and put a personal touch on this year's Christmas cards. Upload a cover image from your own photo album, choose from a range of festive templates and pen your personal message inside.
Livingetc
I prefer to order my prints online, and the best, in my opinion, is PhotoBox. The service and quality is superb (it's won loads of awards). Prints often arrive the next day (depending on when you upload them) and if anything goes wrong, a real person puts it right.
The Guardian
1. Detail shots
'Take close up pictures of glasses of bubbly, Christmas cake, baubles, etc. These shots really add to the atmosphere of Christmas and look great alongside your people shots in a PhotoBook or StyleBook.'
2. Candid camera
'You can get great candid expressions by snapping away as someone opens a present, especially when you've put something humorous inside!'
3. Got the shot
'If you've got a great shot from last Christmas, use it for this year's Christmas card. Alternatively use a favourite family photo and add a Christmas border for festive feel.'