Martyn Pearson's Blog

February 17, 2010

Photography Tips and Advice by Martyn Pearson

On Monday evening, 8th Feb, I gave a presentation and talk to the photographers at the South Manchester Camera Club, Didsbury. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, even though I’d just completed a tiring, full day, studio lighting workshop in Blackburn. Also the tea (Yorkshire, I’m sure) and biscuits were very welcome. Part of my presentation covered photography training courses and how effective they can be when properly delivered by a well qualified trainer.

Many students of many levels and ages have benefited from my mentoring. I have run masterclasses in landscape photography, portraiture, darkroom practice, digital imaging etc, to students and hobbyists aged from 14, to as young as 85 years. It is great fun for the students and myself working in small groups, large groups and individuals.

For years I have helped photographers achieve greater satisfaction and pleasure using their cameras and also in achieving their Royal Photographic Society qualifications. I have taught photography to higher education students, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in specialisms such as fashion photography, music photography and as picture editors. You could call me well qualified and hugely experienced.

I am now using this blog as a forum, offering feedback to photographers on their work. You may email me your images, low resolution only please. Resize your image files to 550 ppi longest side, at 72 dpi. The image files will be published on this blog along with any feedback to help improve your photography.

You may also send me questions on a range of photography subjects. From; “I’m going on holiday and need to know how to get the best from my compact camera”, to; “how can I get an out of focus background in my portraits”. To what photographers, historical and contemporary, should be researched if you are writing an academic essay. There are few photographic subjects that I can’t give advice on.

It would be like having a professional look over your shoulder when you take that photograph, giving you tips and friendly advice. If you are a professional and you need advice on an area of photography you are unsure about, please get in touch.

Email: info@martynpearson.com

January 5, 2010

When the weather outside is frightful…

Today I should mostly be teaching. Mondays and Tuesdays is Studio lighting workshops to my full-time students. But getting to Blackburn college in blizzard conditions was awful. In the end I gave up, and with great care returned home, down the M55 in what I thought were treacherous conditions. A few other drivers obviously thought it safe to drive fast, far too fast for the weather. Usually in white vans or boy/girl racer type tin cans – utter cretins the lot of them.

At least it has given me the opportunity to catch up with a spot of printing for my up coming March exhibition at Sides gallery in Lytham. This is now imminent and if you are on my database or are a regular reader will be notified of the dates very soon.

Living on the coast it is rare to witness real snow. For those of you living in sunnier climes, this year we have been treated (if that’s the word) to a proper winter. Cold crisp days and snow flakes as big as your thumb nail. More to come too if the met office are reading their runes correctly. Anyway my students are resting – again – and I’m able to play catch-up.

I’ve been scanning many negatives recently, paying specific attention to some past projects. A few years ago I created a photo essay looking at the Kurds living in this country. Many of my subjects were refugees, escaping the cruel regime in Iraq at the time. I listened to tales of torture and murder and also tales of redemption and renewal of faith. I have included two images from a set of portraits produced as part of this project.

Perhaps tomorrow I shall produce some snowy landscapes. Minimal, quiet and contemplative.

 

Hoping for refugee status

Hoping for refugee status

 

Poet and musician looking to Christ for support.

Poet and musician looking to Christ for support.

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