Freelance Photographer Doug Jackson Photography Blog

Want Cheap Wedding Photography?

2011-09-29T11:38:00.001+01:00

As I'm sure you'll appreciate it is indeed tough time for many businesses and especially wedding photographers. The market is getting clogged with 'not great' quality photographers all under-cutting each other and leaving many couples with rather shoddy end results. As well as businesses going under there are more and more people setting up photography businesses on the back of the low cost of what people believe to be 'professional' camera gear.

I constantly get people requesting work experience. Surprisingly it is mainly people requesting payment too! This surprises me as there is such a obvious work flow for photography that is would be very easy to emulate styles and techniques and therefore working with a good photographer is an great way to learn. That is why so many photographers offer lessons.

I wouldn't consider paying anyone to assist me at a wedding or a commercial job as there are so many people willing to do it for free. I would not allow myself to not pay anyone for their time so I simply work alone.

Before I became freelance I never really thought about the value of (especially) wedding photography. You just kinda assume that the good people get the work and the poor ones don't but as you learn more you realise that a lots of frankly crap photographers are busy because they are cheap. So are the public happy with the results they receive from these suppliers? I suppose if you have no experience of wedding photography how would you benchmark your own wedding pictograph?

As in all business it is ultimately a Darwinian survival of the fittest which at least is simple and reassuring.

I do have to laugh at some of the member work from so called 'professional' bodies such as the MPA and the BIPP. They seem to hand out regional awards like sweeties for often questionable shots. I suppose you need to get something back for you £150 per year membership. Waste of money?

Godox Propac PB-820 battery pack review

2011-09-15T22:14:00.000+01:00

Godox Propac PB-820 battery packreview

I'm getting quite used tobuying random Chinese products from online shops or eBay and on first lookthese little devils seem to be better than some of my recent investments.

PB 820 Propac and box

Portable flash power packs werepreviously sold by just a few companies (such as Quantum) and although they arejust batteries it always seemed to me that £300 was far too expensive for whatmust be a relatively straight forward product to manufacture. Nowadays manycompanies have picked up the gauntlet and offer, unquestionably, more value formoney. These include Their latest multi-front assault on the portable flashmarket include the Phottix Battery Pack and various ebay specials.

Unboxing the Godox Propac pb-820

Although both the units I ordered came is austere blackthese are also available in lime green, ideal for Kawasaki riders and fans ofcitrus fruit!

Contents of the Godox Propac pb-820 pack

Functionally the battery packs do all and everything thatis required of them. They feature an on/off switch and a charge levelindicator. Connectivity is via a single DIN 45326 socket (compatible withQuantum Turbo cables) which doubles up as both the output and charging port. Althoughthere are lugs on both sides, no strap is provided for the units, althoughthere is a handy and sturdy belt clip.

Controls for the Godox Propac pb-820

Despite the Propac pb-820 featuring a 9.6V nickel metalhydride 2000 mAh battery the Propac is a mere 502 grams which iss prettycomparable with the Canon.... and the photix..... (150*104*44mm). The sizemakes them easy to slip under a jacket but they are a little big for an insidepocket. They boast a 320 shot charge which I would say must be at full power asI must have got a leat 400 shots out of mine before the charge light showedthey were down to 25%. So pretty good really. Charge time for me has never beenmore that 2 hours.

Din socket that could do with a lock

Pretty smart aesthetics

I have used these on my belt for on camera flash work as well as on light stands for off camera stuff and always find them to work well.

With AA batteries alone, a Canon Speedlite 580 ex mk II takes about 4 seconds to recycle from a full power flash and with the Propac it is less than a second.

Godox Propac pb-820 with speedlite 580ex mark II

Godox Propac pb-820 with speedlite 580ex mark II on a trusty Canon 5d mark II

Godox Propac pb-820 with speedlite 580ex mark II on a trusty Canon 5d mark II...comparing with the Canon E4

Comparing Pixel TD-381 flashgun power pack to the PB-820.

Com pared to CanonCP-E4 (and Pixel TD-381flashgun power pack for Canon Flashgun)equivalentFlash power pack) is around the same weight and actually refreshes atabout the same rate as the PB-820.

Conclusion

Excellent little power packs and perfect for event photography and for the wedding photographer who doesn't want to miss a thing.These power pack do offer excellent value for money and if i had one complaint with it is this......

The din connector that joins the cable to the battery pack body occasionally lifts out as there is no lock on it and the push fit friction that secures the din is not enough.....that's my only beef.

Time will tell just how long they last.

Thanks for popping by....Doug

Softbox - Shoot through Brolley and diffusers comparison - Speedlite Strobist Difussers

2011-09-11T17:42:00.000+01:00

Here is a quick comparison of various lighting diffusers. I recently bought a softbox umbrella and a 23cm softbox from ebay for a play. Even though I use studio kit for PR and Commercial work I also use alot of Canon Speedlite flashes and accessories. We will quickly cover bare-bulb flash, stofen diffuser, shoot-through umbrella, tiny softbox, and a softbox shoot through umbrella.

I thought I'd do a brief run down of the difference between the the various options although I have to keep the discussion brief as I'm told the attention span of the modern human is shorter than......hello?...hello? (pay attention!)

Firstly the softbox: Looks like this.......

Soft box comes on a case and folds down flattish

To assemble you Velcro in these two layers...
.inner quite close to flash!

Velcro secures softbox to flash

I don't this is going to work very well like this.
...maybe with a flash bracket

The Shoot through umbrella: Looks like this.....

It a white umbrella that the flash fires through

As well as the light coming forward you get quite a
lot of spill backwards too

Bare Flash.... duh!

Softbox umbrella / brolly .... A shoot though umbrella with a capped end!

Shoot through diffuser creates big light

Capped back stops bounce back spill and gives more power

The Results : on camera flash diffusers

On camera flash with stofen diffuser

On camera flash with 23cm Softbox

On camera with bare flash

Off Camera Results

Bare Flash = Hard shadows and small catchlights in the eyes (Catchlights are the reflections from the flash)

Shoot through umbrella: Nice big catchlights and an soft omni-lighting. It's a small light room so the spill out the
back of the umbrella throw the light about

Shoot Through softbox umbrella : Slightly harder shadows and a more 'directional' feel than the normal shoot
through umbrella.. just like a big round softbox...which essentially is what it is!

Small Soft box.. Small catchlights and a softened light compared to a bare bulb. It just shows that a small softbox does not do much

Conclusions

As I said before this is just a quick comparison and by no means a in-depth review. The main conclusion is actually don't bother with a small (23cm in this case) softbox for off camera flash work. If your a budding stobist your better off with a softbox umbrella. If your looking for a bigger softer more omni-directional flash then the open shoot through umbrella works great. It boosts the ambient by throwing light up and out around a small room and also give nice cathlights.

Hope I kept your attention.. :)
Cheers for popping by.
Doug

p.s. Thanks to the lovely Helen for my 5 minute model.

Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011

2011-09-08T12:17:00.000+01:00

Specsavers Spectacle Wearer http://competition.specsavers.co.uk/ofthe year competition (North-East regional final) has come to Middlesbroughagain and thankfully it was down tolittle old me to do the photography. Thecompetition is basically to promote glasses wearers as the sexy people they areand enables the winner to have a years modelling contract with A year's modellingcontract with top London agency MOT Models. The lucky winner also receives a twoweek premier, all-inclusive holiday for two in Barbados or St Lucia, courtesyof Almond Resorts and Virgin Holidays with £250 spending money, A makeover withcelebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, A fantastic goody bag, including hairproducts, courtesy of Andrew Barton Salons. A year's supply of skincare products from Simple and finally aSpecsavers eyecare voucher worth £150.

But the most exciting thing ,of course, has to be having your photo taken by PR photographer Doug Jackson...surly??

I did a few shots in store of the competition taking place and the interviews withthe various contestants but the shots I'm showing here are a few quick portraitsof the winner Lauren Hutton from Doncaster. Unbelievably Lauren has never doneany modelling before and I have to say she was very easy to work with and adeserving winner. Good luck to all contestants for the big final.

You can follow the competition with Specsavers Facebook page and why not try your hand at modelling and enter the Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

Lauren Hutton - Lighting info: One flash on either side of model zoomed into 105mm

Lauren Hutton - Lighting info: One flash on RHS of model 1/2 power zoomed into 105mm

Lauren Hutton - Lighting info: No flash!

Lauren Hutton - Lighting info: One flash on LHS of model 1/2 power zoomed into 105mm

Lauren Hutton - Lighting info: One flash on either side of model 1/2 power zoomed into 105mm

A Red Arrow pilot dies in Bournemouth Crash

2011-08-20T18:37:00.001+01:00

A Red Arrow aeroplane has crashed in Dorset at the Bournemouth Air Festival.
The fire service confirmed they were called to an air crash at 13:50 BST near Bournemouth International Airport.

The Red Arrows in action at Whitby Regatta in 2007 - Photography by DOUG JACKSON

Eyewitnesses described seeing the plane plunge to the ground in a field near the River Stour at Throop village.

It was one of nine Red Arrows that had earlier taken part in a display over the seafront. No details are known about possible casualties.

Shaun Spencer-Perkins, who witnessed the crash from Throop Mill, said: "I heard a rushing sound and I saw a plane about 15m above the ground racing across the fields.

"It impacted and bounced across the field, made it across the river.

"Members of the public jumped into the water to search for the cockpit.

"We waved down the helicopter, I took off my son's orange jacket and my wife's red jumper to get the attention of the helicopter."

He said the plane had crashed about 100m from where he and his family were walking near the River Stour and debris was spread across a large area.
'Cracking sound'
Another eyewitness, Nicholas Gore, 22, from Throop, was walking with a friend near the river when saw all nine Red Arrows go over.

"There were quite a few people watching and we saw them go over but one seemed quite low," he said.

The Red Arrows in action at Whitby Regatta in 2007 - Photography by DOUG JACKSON

"They then disappeared behind trees and I heard a crack - not an explosion - just a crack and we got further down and I saw the plane with its red tail in the air and its nose in the river.

Red Arrows Hawk T1 Aircraft

Two-seater, single-engined advanced training aircraft
Length: 38ft 11in (11.8m)
Wingspan: 30ft 10in (9.5m)
Thrust: 5,200lbs
Max altitude: 48,000 ft (14,630 m)
Max speed: 638 mph (1,025 km/h) in level flight and 915 mph (1,472 km/h) in a dive
The Red Arrows are based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire
Manufacturer: Hawker Siddeley/B A E Systems (United Kingdom)
Used by the Red Arrows since 1979.

"Shortly afterwards there were emergency services everywhere."

Mark Grogan was playing a round of golf at the nearby Parley Golf Centre, where he works, at the time of the crash.

He said: "I heard a sound like a car backfiring. Within five minutes the helicopters arrived, there were at least five helicopters including the police and two from the coastguard.

"One of the local farmers said they'd seen rescue teams pulling the pilot out of the river."

The Red Arrows in action at Whitby Regatta in 2007 - Photography by DOUG JACKSON

BBC South Today producer Martin Webster, who was at the scene, said he saw only eight of the nine Red Arrows RAF display team's aircraft land on the runway following the display at the annual event.

Darren Blakeman, who was watching the display, described what he saw: "We watched nine Red Arrows take off, then they did an approach from the south of the runway, they did a little display.

The Red Arrows in action at Whitby Regatta in 2007 - Photography by DOUG JACKSON

"After that display only eight of the airplanes landed and then there was a big siren went off at the airport, like an emergency sound, and there was a big yellow fire truck parked in the viewing area and then that rushed off with its blue lights
----------------------------------------------------------------
Full bbc report here : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14602900 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14602900

Breaking
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A RED Arrows pilot has died after his plane crashed minutes after thrilling crowds in a display at Bournemouth Air Festival.
He has been named as 33-year-old Jon Egging, who joined the team this year as Red Four.
The former Southampton University student, who had supported troops in Afghanistan, was married to Emma and lived in Rutland.
His plane came down on a riverbank at Throop as the aerobatic display team headed back to Bournemouth Airport.

--------------------------

So sad. Condolences to fiends and family....a sad day.

Review of Lowepro Vertex 300AW

2011-08-17T20:27:00.002+01:00

Long term test of Lowepro's Vertex 300 AW backpack

It's a huge beast of a bag and seems perfect for the working commercial and freelance photographer but it all that! Read the review...

The Review... Living with the beast

Long term test of Lowepro's Vertex 300 AW backpack by

DOUG JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

The Vertex 300 AW is a backpack made by the well respected firm Lowepro. I have used many different Lowepro products over the years, both backpack and shoulder bags and have always found the quality of manufacture and materials to be great.

If you carry as much gear around as I do, there are not many options when it comes to choosing a new camera bag. Realistically when you're loaded down with two camera bodies, five lenses, three flashes, battery packs, light-stands, wireless flash triggers, an additional laptop and a tripod, you're looking at nearly 50kg worth of weight. This inevitably means using a backpack, as there's no other way to comfortably carry that sort of weight over any distance.

Features
The Lowepro Vertex 300 AW comprises of two main compartments and two small outer pockets. The first large compartment is for your camera equipment and is partitioned by adjustable soft dividers, meaning you can customise the space to fit whatever equipment you have. Crucially the depth of the main camera compartment accommodates large pro SLR cameras such as the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and all other SLR cameras with battery grips. The next smaller compartment is built inside the backpack's lid and is big enough to carry a large laptop along with other accessories such as cables and small diffusers. On the inside face of the lid there are various pockets including a large soft pocket in the centre. This was specifically designed in mind of multimedia devices although trying to close the lid with anything too thick in here is a bit of a squeeze. Mine has become a graveyard for spent AA rechargeable batteries.

The two outer pockets are big enough to store filters, memory cards and any number of trinkets, although it is worth bearing in mind that out of all the pockets these are the most vulnerable to prolonged rain. Speaking of which, if you were to be walking any distance in a heavy downpour, Lowepro have included their seam-sealed all-weather cover. This is conveniently stashed away in the bag's base, and I've used this a couple of times when photographing wet football matches or when working in dusty conditions. In addition to these features, the zips on the two main compartments are water resistant, which helps seal your gear in safely.

So in terms of capacity, the Lowepro Vertex 300 AW ticks the boxes but in addition to this, the backpack also features plenty of mounting points on the outside. Lowepro's adjustable Glide-Lock system is used on the back and sides of the backpack, meaning you could effectively carry three tripods! Being of sound mind however, I prefer to carry two small light stands which leaves the outer lid area free for a tripod.

Other features of note are a zip-on cover, also stored in the backpack's base, which covers all the harness area. If you were just using the backpack as a storage bag it stops the straps getting tangled up in everything. This certainly makes the bag easier to handle in airports and when travelling generally.

It's also worth noting that if you have to carry more gear with you and need some extra space (I think at this point I'd be looking for a bag on wheels!), Lowepro offers the usual pouches and accessories that can be strapped on to the shoulder straps, the waist strap or the backpack itself.

Handling
In my experience of camera bags, there is always a trade off between convenience and comfort. Carrying your gear in a backpack is undoubtedly comfy, but every time you need to get your camera out or change your gear around you have to put the bag down on the floor and open it. If you're on muddy ground it inevitably means that the harness, base and possibly the lid of the bag is going to get dirty. Another drawback when it's raining or you're in a public place, is that it's difficult to get any gear out of the backpack without fully opening it, potentially exposing your gear to rain and unwelcome attention. This backpack doesn't manage to escape any of these inherent problems. A shoulder bag is obviously more convenient and provides quicker access to gear, but would you want to walk any distance across the North Yorkshire Moors with 50KG hanging off one shoulder?

One of the problems with using the Lowepro Vertex 300AW is its sheer size and there has been a few occasions when on a press assignments I've just taken what I need and left the rest in the car. On the flip side if I was shooting a feature it's great to be able to take all your gear in one trip.

Performance
The Lowepro Vertex 300 AW certainly sits comfortably on the back with the harness offering plenty of adjustability for different sizes and shapes. It is adjustable in girth, shape and also has a chest strap which helps to minimise shoulder ache. Once you've adjusted the straps to suit your shape it feels very secure on your back and the mesh material breathes reasonably well. The padded waist belt with its large buckle means that there is no danger of the weight twisting on your back if you're bending down.

The Lowepro Vertex 300 AW certainly stands up to all weather conditions. Unless you go for an impromptu swim, you could keep your photography equipment dry and clean in the worst conditions. The padding around the camera gear is definitely enough to do the job in the event of a fall, and the structure of the backpack seems very strong. The handles and zip toggles are strong and chunky, and the internal zips inside the lid park in clever tabs when closed so they don't rub on your precious camera equipment.

When I first got the bag I found the water-resistant zips to be very stiff although these have freed up with use. Talking of zips, I have found that the zips for the laptop area and the main compartment often end up next to each other, which means I often open the wrong bit. Now that may be down to me not being the sharpest tool in the shed, but I'm sure it can't be a lot to ask that Lowepro fit different colour or shaped toggles to these adjacent areas. I often shoot in extremely low light and have wondered why camera companies haven't taken a leaf out of the tent manufacturers book and fitted fluorescent toggles.

Verdict and Ratings
I think it's fair to say that anyone who buys a camera bag of this size is wanting to carry a lot of photographic equipment. The Lowepro Vertex 300 AW certainly makes this very easy. The two exterior pockets mean that you can quickly access certain items quickly, such as CF cards and leads, but where it suffers, like all backpacks of this type, is the hassle of getting your gear out quickly and easily without laying the whole bag down and unzipping the whole lid.

It's interesting to see what Lowepro have done with their SlingShot range of bag that allows you to unhook one shoulder, swing the back round and open up a hatch on the side. It may be possible to redesign a bag of this size to incorporate a feature like that; it certainly would be handy.

So before you buy this bag, you should ask yourself if you're the kind of photographer who moves from location to location doing quick shoots. If so then I wouldn't recommend this backpack. You may want to consider a shoulder bag or one of Lowepro's smaller bags from their SlingShot range.

If you take all your gear to one place, get set up and then work, it's hard to beat for its capacity to hold so much within a robust shell and also for the option to attach stands and a tripod on the outside using the clever Glide-Lock system.

Overall I would say that Lowepro have produced another capable product and bearing in mind you could potentially fill it with over £10,000 worth of well protected equipment, it's pretty good value for money too.

Pros:
+ Good build quality
+ Storage for laptop plus loads of accessories
+ Weather proof
+ Light stand and tripod mounts on outside

Cons
- Heavy and large (it's nearly 4kg empty!)
- No quick access to camera gear

Ratings
Features 8/10
Handling 7/10
Performane 8/10
Value 9/10
Overall 8/10

Specifications:

Capacity: 1-2 Pro digital SLRs, large 35mm or medium format system, 6-8 lenses (up to a 400mm f/2.8), tripod or monopod, flash and digital accessories.

Size(Interior):
12.2W X 6.5D X 20.5H in./
31 X 16.5 X 52 cm

Size(Exterior):
13W X 10.2D X 21.7H in./
33 X 26 X 55 cm

Laptop Compartment Inner Dimensions:
11.8W X 2D X 19.7H in./
30 X 5 X 50 cm

Weight (empty):
8.16lbs/3.7kg

for more info please visit

DOUG JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Women on England Protect Your Homes

2011-08-10T10:25:00.001+01:00

Surly by the time everyone has new TV's the rioting will naturally stop.....It a PR campaign in the making

Mini Review of Cewe Photo Book with lay flat page

2011-08-08T21:53:00.001+01:00

http://northeastweddingphotographer.blogspot.com/2011/08/mini-review-cewe-photo-paper-photobook.html

Ultimate DIY wedding album?
Or for showing a portfolio to a commercial client.

News of the World to close

2011-07-08T01:50:00.001+01:00

I have to say that as an ex full time and paid up (but not much) journalist I am saddened by the closure of the News of the World. Assuming it is not a cynical shut and re brand/rebound then some very good and dedicated journalist types will be out of a much needed job.
For me the saddest part is that its another nail in the coffin for the UK's respect for it's excellent journalism. The much maligned but undoubtedly effective BBC is having a tough time and the PCC struggles on to withhold 'standards' but what is the future if uncertain.

I hope that people remember that the national newspapers make up a tiny fraction of the actual journalism that happens in this country. The majority is actually local newspapers doing excellent work such as the Whitby Gazette and Northern Echo.

Sad times. As always the media creates its own myths and villains.

This post was written on a blackberry at 2am on a campsite in Islay. I may have had a whisky or two but you can be damn sure the poor staff of The News of the World need those sweet drams more than me

New Leica model

2011-06-22T07:08:00.002+01:00

Leica announces the Leica M9-P: An expensive toy!

Designed particularly for professional photographers((????)) , new ultra-discreet version of
the Leica M9 added to Leica rangefinder portfolio

Leica today presents a new version of the world's smallest, full-frame digital system camera: the Leica M9-P. This new model will sit alongside the Leica M9 in the company's rangefinder portfolio, providing an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design that further reinforces the quintessential nature of the M9 – and particularly meets the needs of professional photographers. The new model will be available in a classic silver chrome or subtle black paint finish.
Offering the same technical specifications as the highly successfully Leica M9, the M9-P combines all the benefits of the original: compact size, full-frame, 18 megapixel 24 x 36mm sensor (35mm format), sophisticated image processing and robust construction, with features designed for the professional user or photographers who prefer a pure, even more unobtrusive styling.
The Leica M9-P includes a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD screen. This material is so tough that the screen can only be produced using special diamond cutting tools and is one of the world's hardest materials. As a result, the sapphire glass LCD cover is extremely resistant to wear and almost unbreakable, meaning many years of reliable use. In addition, thanks to an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the cover, reviewing images on the display during composition and after capture is further improved, particularly in unfavourable lighting conditions.
The external covering of the body of the M9-P, finished in vulcanite leatherette, features a more coarsely textured finish that ensures a steady grip when shooting, making the M9-P feel particularly safe and secure in the hand.
A further understated feature of the Leica M9-P is its minimalist styling, which is focused on the most essential features. Many professional photographers using Leica cameras have been known to tape over the Leica 'red dot' logo to make their equipment as inconspicuous and discreet as possible. For this reason, the Leica red dot logo and the M9 lettering on the front have been omitted. Instead, the top plate is engraved with the Leica name in classic script form.
Since 1954, the Leica M system has represented an unmistakable, individual kind of photography and a very conscious photographic style. With a Leica M, the photographer becomes a 'part of the action' in the process of capturing challenging, authentic and creative images.
The rangefinder frames precisely the shot the photographer envisages, while allowing a clear view of the scene outside the viewfinder frame. This allows the photographer to predict the decisive moment and capture it discreetly and reliably at the right moment – in all fields of photography, from photojournalism, reportage and 'available light' to the capture of portraits and aesthetic, fine-art images.
Another significant advantage for unobtrusive photography is the almost silent shutter, a feature of both the M9 and M9-P. Moreover, when longer exposure times requiring an extremely steady camera stance are essential, only a slight pressure on the shutter release button in 'soft release' mode is required. Photographers can also select the most appropriate moment for re-cocking the shutter.
The functions of the Leica M are consistently constructed for extreme durability and a long working life. The highest quality materials, intricate manufacturing processes and meticulous manual assembly at Leica's facility in Germany guarantee functional reliability for years to come.
In line with Leica's commitment to system compatibility, almost all Leica M lenses built since 1954 can be used with the M9 and M9-P – an important factor in the enduring value of the M series. The 18 megapixel image sensor, specifically designed and developed for the M9, enables capture of the full 35mm film format without any compromise. All M lenses mounted on the M9 and M9-P therefore offer the same focal length as originally intended, and the enormous potential performance of the extensive M lens portfolio, with focal lengths from 16 to 135mm, can be fully exploited by both cameras.

Pricing and availability in the UK

The Leica M9-P (available in black paint or silver chrome) is scheduled to be available in the UK from June
2011 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel:
020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The UK
suggested retail price of the Leica M9-P is £5,395 including VAT.

Pricing and availability in the USA

The MSRP for the M9-P will be $7,995.00.
The Leica M9-P comes with a two-year warranty and a one-year Leica UK 'Passport' (complimentary
accidental damage cover), both of which commence from date of purchase. UK customers are also
welcome to visit the Leica Store and Akademie in Mayfair, London, for a complimentary training workshop
on the features of the camera. Technical support by telephone is available via Leica's London-based Client
Care department.

You know this will sell and sell.....http://www.dougjacksonphotography.co.uk/

British Superbikes at Croft 2011

2011-05-16T10:33:00.003+01:00

I only had time to stay for the first race as I had a busy shift for the Northern Echo Newspaper at Croft but it was interesting one with some challenging tyre choices in the changeable conditions...

Official write-up from the BSB website.... "Samsung Crescent Racing's John Hopkins leaves the third round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Croft second in the overall standings and just three points adrift of Shane 'Shakey' Byrne following his double podium finish.

Great fun photography and great racing
Hopkins had been running second for the majority of the second race and in the early stages was battling with MSS Colchester Kawasaki's Gary Mason. The charging Kawasakis were able to get ahead and dropped Hopkins to fourth by lap ten but fighting his way up the order he was soon back to third and was able to maintain the position to secure his fourth consecutive podium finish although he admits he was disappointed it wasn't a victory.

Hopkins said: "I am pretty blessed and thankful for the results we have had at Croft today, to have a double podium finish is a great result and I am happy. At the same time I am disappointed, as after you have won one race you want to win every race so a podium finish is never enough. We have some good points from today and those podium credits for the Showdown later in the season so we just need to keep motoring along and give the Samsung Crescent Racing team the results we need for the championship.

For more reports see: http://www.britishsuperbike.com/

http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/

Nick Clegg visits the North East

2011-05-02T19:31:00.003+01:00

Nick Clegg visits the North East, a photo by Doug Jackson Photography on Flickr.

I got to photograph the man in question on a visit to Bridons in Wallsend. From Chronicle live...

DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg has visited Tyneside in a bid to foster support as Government cuts continue to be criticised. Adrian Pearson reports.

NICK Clegg has urged Newcastle to come out and back the Liberal Democrats despite his party taking “difficult decisions”.

The deputy prime minister was in North Tyneside yesterday as Labour push to take control of Newcastle City Council.

He said that pensioners and low income workers will this year see real improvements in their income as a result of decisions he has taken in the coalition.

But he admitted those achievements may not be enough to offset the impact of cuts to councils such as Newcastle.

The city faces spending reductions worth more than £44m, and will see at least 600 jobs go as a result.

Council leader David Faulkner and his team unsuccessfully lobbied Mr Clegg to try to reverse some of the cuts, which Mr Faulkner claimed were unfair to the region.

Now the Lib Dems are hoping they can convince voters their local record of achievements is strong enough in order to see off a challenge by Labour at Thursday’s local elections.

A change of six seats could see the Lib Dems kicked out.

Mr Clegg said: “Of course I acknowledge that what David and his colleagues have to do is extraordinarily difficult.

“The question now is not do they have to make savings but in what manner, and that is where you the difference he has made.

“He has saved libraries and Sure Starts, and done a lot better than other councils. It is a really tough fight for David, I know that.

“If there’s any justice I think David Faulkner will remain in charge because he has done a great job locally. “

On his visit Mr Clegg met staff at Bridon International rope factory, in Wallsend. The firm recently won millions of pounds for a new factory from the Government’s regional growth fund.

Mr Clegg said they were exactly the type of company the country needed more of.

Today Newcastle Council’s Labour group leader Nick Forbes questioned the benefits of the visit and claimed the Lib Dems are “running scared”.

He added: “I think there are plenty of Lib Dems who think it would be political suicide to be seen with him, so I guess that is why they did not let him into the actual city.

“He acts as a reminder of the massive damage his party have helped carry out on the region.

“The Lib Dems have let Newcastle down, and what we need now is a Labour council to stand up to the Government and help create jobs.”

Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/04/29/deputy-pm-nick-clegg-visits-north-tyneside-72703-28605327/#ixzz1LDmSwnDN

PR photography work in Durham.. Turning Day into Night

2011-04-09T15:26:00.003+01:00

When you have an idea for a shoot it really doesn't pay to let a little thing like the sun get in the way. The Forestry Commission asked me to shoot some actors for promotion of Halloween walks in Hamsterley forest in County Durham.

I had a vague idea of the images that might be needed from the press release.....

" Men are being advised to be wary of marriage proposals in Hamsterley Forest later this month!

For the spirit of the notorious Mary Anne Cotton, from West Auckland, who poisoned her four husbands in the 19th century has been revived and is looking for another lonely heart to couple up with.

She is one of the notorious figures from County Durham’s past to provide the spine tingling material for a magical Halloween event on Sunday 31 October. Once again the Forestry Commission has linked up with the acclaimed Wear Valley-based Jackass Youth Theatre and Jack Drum theatre company to create a chilling evening in the 5,000 acre woodland, near Bishop Auckland."

In total we took just under an hour to shoot this little bundle of images and as always the actors made the PR pics come to life and brought some humour to the macabre scenes.

So we all had fun and the paper gave the event excellent coverage thanks to a snappy press release and some quirky public relations photography..

Happy Days. :)

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/WebPRByCountryLang/AA1432D4AEA36F1B802577BC0036735A

Canon G12 Compact Review - Is this the ultimate travel camera?

2011-04-09T08:19:00.089+01:00

Canon G12 Review - Is this the ultimate travel camera?

The Canon G12 Compact - Could this be the ultimate travel camera?

I recently had the pleasure of going to New Zealand for a month-long working holiday. Despite taking a good chunk of my pro-gear for my first week of work, I decided to buy my self a new travel camera for the subsequent three weeks of touring on a hired motorbike. This was due to space and weight considerations, but also the sheer risk of carrying all that valuable gear in a relatively unsecure fashion.

The Canon G12 was released in the UK in September 2010..... Canon Marketing blurb.. "The HS System: Premium Canon image quality, even in low light. The PowerShot G12 is the first G-series model to feature Canon’s HS System – a powerful combination of a high-sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor and high-performance DIGIC 4 processor designed to provide outstanding image quality in all lighting conditions, including low light. "

When choosing a travel camera one big consideration was a hotshoe. I like to use a lot of wireless- off camera flash for portraits and the Canon allows this even using Canon's ETTL system (auto flash) for a perfect exposure. Other necessities are that the camera is easy to use, relatively quick in focusing and starting up, robust in construction and reasonably weather proof. My final demand on the little devil is that it must do some kind of rudimentary video capture with sound.

Canon G12 - rear view

So what follows is the result of my three week stint with the Canon G12 compact.....is it the ultimate travel camera?

First impressions:
The first time you hold the G12 in your hand it feels rather heavy. Not in a achy arm way but a sort of reassuring weight that suggests quality and dense materials. It is small without having the sensation that it would be best operated with tweezers like some uber-tiny modern compacts. Finally the aluminium dials have a pleasantly knurled quality that speak of yesteryear Liecas and their ilk.

Operating:
It is amazing how this little camera seems to fall slap bang in that no-mans land between compacts and digital SLRs (can't we just call them SLRs now...I mean really!!). One of the singular pleasures of the Canon G12 is that if you come from either end of the spectrum you'll get to grips with the camera very quickly. If you've only ever used compacts then you'll really value the fact that many functions can be done with the exterior control dials and not through a series of menus. If you usually work with digital SLRs then ditto, it has a familiar layout and not all the usual compact camera menu horrors. A really good example of this is the ISO and compensation dial on the top of the camera.

The viewfinder is bloody handy and I'd still insist in using one in certain situations, such as low light or action pics, although the screen is bright and large with the added bonus of being articulated. I find this particularly handy when photographing flowers and insects etc. The Canon G12 operates in all the modes familiar to any digital SLR user, with Tv, Av, P and various Auto presets. There is no lock on the control dial, and just occasionally it can get knocked round by mistake sending you into a world of frowns before suddenly realising and going 'ahhhhhhhh!'

Finally the G12 uses the same daisy wheel control dials on the front and back. This means that full manual mode is very easy to use and again for users of SLRs it is all very instinctive. It is worth noting that in some ways the G12 is a very good step-up camera for anyone making the transition between compacts and DSLRs.

Image quality:
In a word, good. It certainly isn't as good as my 1D or my 5D mk 2 but you wouldn't expect that particularly with the L -series lenses I use. It does produce some very good quality files and will shoot RAW, which is nice. With regard to White Balance, it is a bit hit and miss but generally no worse that the best digital SLR of 6 years ago (much better in fact). It has a tendency to heard towards blues and greens but as it features a custom white balance feature you can set it yourself.

ISO noise is very good for a compact camera and the image stabilisation and DIGIC 4 processor do a great job in tricky indoor mixed white balances. The zoom rage is 28-140 and could do with being a little wider but I've stitched together some panoramas with no problems. Further samples at bottom of page.

Canon G12 panorama stiched together with Photoshop

Lumberyard near Picton

View over Queenstown

Video Quality:
The stereo microphone does a good job with the sound despite no baffles to protect it from wind noise. The video function is very much a point and shoot affair with little control over focusing and zooming but that said it is extremely good, with the ability to capture general action even in low light. Note I say 'general action', as it wouldn't be up to the job in fast moving sports or action. There are a few fun things to play with such as a built in 'timelapse - miniature mode'

Conclusion:

If you're a professional photographer looking for a excellent compact as a travel camera of even a back up work camera then the Canon G12 certainly does appeal. It feels like a tiny digital SLR. If you are an amateur looking for a step up from a compact then it would be a great choice, although there is an argument for spending a tiny bit more and getting a full digital SLR.

So what makes the Canon G12 such a good travel camera? In a word, flexibility. You can use any number of wireless flashes for portraits or photographing fauna and flora. You can easily shoot in manual and auto modes with the ease and control of far bigger and more expensive cameras. It is small and pocket-able and produces some pretty fine images to boot.

So after my travels I can safely say I was only too pleased with the results of the G12 and now it sits in my glove box as a back-up, awaiting my next trip away to hmmmmm.....the Inner Hebrides ???

Capturing Sport with wireless flash....possible but not easy

Manual Control means easy shutter speed and aperture adjustments on the fly

Macro mode and wireless flash.... an essential combination

A tendancy to the blues

Milford Sound

The easy access compensation button makes shots like this so simple

Wireless flash... The worlds smallest portrait camera (shot on self-timer)

For further images see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougweb1000/sets/72157626459176512/

Doug Jackson is a proffessional photographer working in the UK: http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/

Also see : http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091412canong12.asp

Which Camera Should I Buy? - Compact of DSLR?

2011-04-08T09:57:00.002+01:00

I get asked this question a lot when I'm out on my rounds taking pictures for the Northern Echo. It sound obvious but, to answer this, you really have to think about what you intend to use the camera for. A compact digital camera is a very sophisticated beast nowadays. The poor lens zoom used to hold them back, but the current crop are much improved.

Notable models are: Sony CyberShot HX5 with an impressive 25-250mm lens, Canon's G12 that offers a 28-140mm lens and some of the features of a digital SLR such as a flash hotshoe, or the budget Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 with its 33-132mm lens.

Canon G12 - Perfect Travel Camera

If it's durability you're after, then take a look at the waterproof and virtually bomb-proof Panasonic FT2.

Panasonic FT2 - for the Adventurous

Compacts are still the best option for point and shoot if you want a take-everywhere camera.

The fact that the focusing often cannot cope with low-light or action is usually no great loss, as most of the time the cameras are used in either domestic or outdoor settings, and not at a dark football match.

So all this said, it does beg the question - why buy a digital SLR?

One of the first myths that needs busting is that the image quality from a digital SLR will be better. This simply isn't true. With the average cheap digital SLR, with the cheap lens that typically gets bundled with it, you will get no sharper pictures than you will from a good compact camera. Think of it as pure economics.

The cost of manufacture of a small, high volume, compact camera lens is far less compared to a digital SLR lens, with its larger optics and mechanics. This means that the tolerances and material quality tend to be significantly poorer in cheap digital SLR lenses than in a compact camera lens. Often, companies like Canon sell their professional 'L-series' lenses for four times the price of the budget one, because that is how much it costs to get a truly sharp digital SLR lens. Other advantages of compact cameras are that they are small enough to pop in your pocket, they don't scream 'look at me' so great for street photography, they often shoot video and offer great value for money.

The real reason to buy a digital SLR is if you know about or want to learn about photography.
The interchangeable lenses and ability to utilise flash on or off camera means you can free yourself from the constraints of the 'auto' setting and the point-and-shoot approach. Digital SLRs also offer the ability to get decent photographs in more tricky environments. Whether it's high speed action or night photography, you stand a far better chance with a digital SLR of being able to get that perfect frame. The price of digital SLRs has now stabilised after plummeting for many years. The current offerings from Nikon such as the D3000 and D5000 and Canon's 1000D and 500D (really imaginative names these) are amazingly good cameras, for far less that £500. It is always worth looking out for secondhand digital SLRs too, as you can get some real bargains.

Canon 1000D

I do feel that a lot of people make the mistake of going for a digital SLR and then never use more than five percent of its capability, which quite frankly is a shame.

Please feel free to add any comments or additions you might have below. I'd like that.

See:
http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/Digital_Camera/

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/LUMIX+Digital+Cameras/Overview/LUMIX+G+Micro+System+Cameras/4855154/index.html

http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr

Canon Powershot G12 Self Timer with Wireless trigger fix

2011-02-03T13:57:00.001Z

As I mentioned in a previous blog http://dougjacksonphotography.blogspot.com/2011/02/canon-g12-manual-flash-problem-and-self.html the idea of using wireless flash and a self timer for travelogue photography is an interesting one. The problem with the Canon G12 is that if you want to do this using the internal self-timer you can't. I don't know why but it simply refuses, will little devil!

I tried today with an additional intervalometer, remote shutter release, that I bought off Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003Y35VJA/ref=ox_ya_os_product

Works great so I now have full manual control using the Elinchrom Skyport triggers with my flashes on a self timer. Excellent.

A good work around for fellow travellers and also having the intervalometer with you mean you can try some time-lapse photography.

Any just to prove it is possible a shot taken on the G12 with wireless flash triggered by the device itself.....

Canon G12 manual flash problem and self timer issue.

2011-02-02T14:40:00.002Z

I like many people bought the G12i I am a professional photographer looking for a travel camera with a wide range of capabilities. I've only have the thing in my hands for a few hours and I can say I am very impressed with some aspects of the handling and mystified by other.

This is just a quick post dealing with wireless flash (for all you strobist) and the limitations with the G12.

Canon's G12 with a Elinchrom Skyport Trigger attached and a Canon ST-E2 infra-red trigger to the left.

With the camera set in M (manual) the flashes will not function when using the ST-E2 unless the flashes are set to E-TTL. You can actually alter the power of the flashes, although not independently, through the camera menu (Hold down the flash icon button to the right of the centre on the rear daisy wheel).
You can have the camera in A or Tv and you can set the flash power independently on your remote flashes, by having them set to M mode. I tested it with three (2x580ex mkII and 1 x 430mkII)
So basically with the ST-E2 you have the flashes in manual and camera set in one of the auto-modes or you have the flashed set to E-TTL and have the camera in Manual.

Elinchrom Skyport reciever and 580ex mk II Flash

With the Elinchrom Skyport triggers you can go all manual on the camera and on the flashes (ETT-L won't work anyway) which is really good and probably gets me a bit more excited than it should.
You can also use the a and Tv modes as long as the camera is NOT set to continues shot modes. So set the drive function to Single Shot! Although obviously the flashes remain on manual.

As I bought the G12 for my motorcycle tours amongst other stuff I may occasionally want to do a self portrait - lone biker against the sunset type of thing. Aside from all the vanity, this may not be advisable unless I want a silhouette!
The self timer will fire a remote flash as long as it's with the ST-E2 module with it crappy range and the flash is (as mentioned above) set to ETT-L mode (remember you can manually contorl the power of the flash through the G12's menu). The self timer will not fire the flash via the skyport radio triggers, nothing, nada, zilge.....(I presume its due to some focusing mode interfering with the flash command???)

I am getting a remote trigger, intervalometer type of thing and it will be interesting to see if this could be used instead of the built in timer to alleviate the problem. I'll let you know and may well do another post on this camera to follow.

The intervalometer might be fun for some wedding timelapse capers.

Finally some people have reported a blacking out of the screen just before an exposure is taken in M mode. I have only gt this when it is actually previewing a very dark exposure. Never had any other problems.

I can see why companies limit functionality so that people naturally upgrade etc. It is a real shame about the self timer thing though..so vain.. :)

Press Photographs from 2010

2011-01-26T17:33:00.000Z

Various photographs by taken by Doug Jackson Photography in 2010. Watch out for a few celebs such as David Essex, John Sergeant, Dirk Benadict (Face- From the A-team), Gillian Taylforth (Eastenders), Duncan Bannatyne, Seb Coe, Jonathan Edwards and the leader of the Labour Party Ed Milliband. Also lots of random shots chosen because well.....I like them! Cheers

Doug

Roxy Music - Back on Tour

2011-01-26T17:15:00.000Z

Roxy Music have reformed to celebrate 40 years since they burst into the charts. They are embarking on a UK tour for the occasion entitled For Your Pleasure.

Original members Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay, Phil Manzanera and Paul Thompson make up the lineup, and the band will play live at the Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Glasgow SECC & Clyde Auditorium, Manchester MEN Arena, Birmingham LG Arena, Nottingham Trent FM Arena, and London O2 Arena between January and February 2011.

Just a couple of pictures from thier first gig in Newcastle.

Which camera should I buy?

2010-12-11T07:51:00.000Z

I get asked this question a lot when I'm out on my rounds taking pictures for the Northern Echo. It sound obvious but, to answer this, you really have to think about what you intend to use the camera for.

A compact digital camera is a very sophisticated beast nowadays. The poor lens zoom used to hold them back, but the current crop are much improved. Notable models are: Sony CyberShot HX5 with an impressive 25-250mm lens, Canon's G11 that offers a 28-140mm lens and some of the features of a digital SLR such as a flash hotshoe, or the budget Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 with its 33-132mm lens. If it's durability you're after, then take a look at the waterproof and virtually bomb-proof Panasonic FT2.

Compacts are still the best option for point and shoot if you want a take-everywhere camera. The fact that the focusing often cannot cope with low-light or action is usually no great loss, as most of the time the cameras are used in either domestic or outdoor settings, and not at a dark football match. So all this said, it does beg the question - why buy a digital SLR?

One of the first myths that needs busting is that the image quality from a digital SLR will be better. This simply isn't true. With the average cheap digital SLR, with the cheap lens that typically gets bundled with it, you will get no sharper pictures than you will from a good compact camera. Think of it as pure economics. The cost of manufacture of a small, high volume, compact camera lens is far less compared to a digital SLR lens, with its larger optics and mechanics. This means that the tolerances and material quality tend to be significantly poorer in cheap digital SLR lenses than in a compact camera lens. Often, companies like Canon sell their professional 'L-series' lenses for four times the price of the budget one, because that is how much it costs to get a truly sharp digital SLR lens. Other advantages of compact cameras are that they are small enough to pop in your pocket, they don't scream 'look at me' so great for street photography, they often shoot video and offer great value for money.

The real reason to buy a digital SLR is if you know about or want to learn about photography. The interchangeable lenses and ability to utilise flash on or off camera means you can free yourself from the constraints of the 'auto' setting and the point-and-shoot approach. Digital SLRs also offer the ability to get decent photographs in more tricky environments. Whether it's high speed action or night photography, you stand a far better chance with a digital SLR of being able to get that perfect frame.

The price of digital SLRs has now stabilised after plummeting for many years. The current offerings from Nikon such as the D3000 and D5000 and Canon's 1000D and 500D (really imaginative names these) are amazingly good cameras, for far less that £500. It is always worth looking out for secondhand digital SLRs too, as you can get some real bargains.

Which Camera should I buy?

2010-12-01T12:02:00.000Z

I have become an official media mogul as my first Northern Echo blog goes live. So if you every wanted to know the answer to the question, 'Which camera should I buy?' then why not skip of the the Northern echo blog pages and find out...

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/blogs/staff/photography/8677680.Which_camera_should_I_buy_/

KCT Communications scam? and 'Slamming' Update- Slammed again- Forest Telecoms

2010-11-25T18:03:00.028Z

I recently had a phone call regarding my landline from a company called KCT Communications (KCT Group) offering me cheaper services. I listened to the pitch but as I rarely use the landline and in fact only have it to enable me to get my internet I wasn't that interested.

I said what I usually say to these people... 'post me some info and I'll have a look at it'.

Next thing I get a bill from KCT for £140 pounds and a cancellation bill from BT for terminating their service. I was stunned!

I have contacted BT and my phone will be back with them in two-weeks. I tried asking how a company can steal my phone line from them without my permission and they told me that I should have been informed.

This I now know is what is referred to as 'Slamming'. the stealing of you phone services without you giving consent. OFCOM have produced this handy guide to help stop you from being slammed....

So now KCT are probably going to try and tell me I owe them thousands in cancelation fees and they will take me to court. Bearing in mind I never agreed to anything verbally, I never signed anything and to top it all they took my phone line from BT without my consent.....crazy.

I may have a word with some of my colleagues on the business desks of the national papers and see if they fancy investigating. I have contacted OFCOM about my case and sadly it seems many other have also been stung by KCT
http://business.forums.bt.com/t5/Phones-phone-lines-and-phone/SLAMMING/m-p/17765
http://business.forums.bt.com/t5/Phones-phone-lines-and-phone/SLAMMING/m-p/15885/highlight/true
http://business.forums.bt.com/t5/Phones-phone-lines-and-phone/SLAMMING/m-p/15810/highlight/true

It would seem that all too often actually these service providers pass themselves off as BT offering a new service, don't be fooled.

I think I'll consult my wife's professional opinion on the legality of the way they behaved....

I'll keep you all updated.

UPDATE....MAY 201..... SLAMMED AGAIN! BT gives away my phone line for a second time without informing me. FOREST TELECOMS

I managed to get the phone line back to BT and heard nothing more of KCT for a while and then without warning or any kind of official notification I had a letter from Forest Telecoms demanding more money. Another contributor to the blog had warned me that KCT had changed to Forest Telecoms. I was thinking of ignoring that letter from Forest Telecoms when our phone line went dead. Broadband but no internet!! I checked my previous bill from BT and it showed only Broadband and no Phone calls. After checking with BT I realised that yet again BT had given away my phone line to Forest Telecoms (this time). I contacted BT and after a hour on the phone I managed to get my phone line back with BT. BT reassured me I would not be slammed again but I have to say what terrible customer service on thier part. Twice they have given away my phoneline without my permission or even informing me that it had happened.

Forest Telecoms are now pursueing me for money dispite having no agreement and after taking my phone line without permission.

Also see this facebook group...
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_161120830585968

Jupiter with a full frame Camera

2010-10-06T23:02:00.001+01:00

Helen's mother rang up this evening to tell us about an aside on the news that suggested you could see the moons of Jupiter tonight. It's hardly a telescope, but my 5D mark II and 70-200mm lens managed to get a photograph that was good enough to see the clouds on the planet. (I think!)

Doug Jackson Photography

Canon Lens Coffee Cup

2010-09-17T08:18:00.001+01:00

I don't know about you but I think this could end in disaster......

There are a whole range of these incredibly detailed cups from....

http://www.canonmugs.com/

The catchy business strap line is... don't pour coffee into your real lens. (I would so I'm not going to buy one)

I love this kind of helpful consumer advice. I recently bought a small cheap waterproof video camera off Ebay (for personal reasons). On the small tub of silicone grease that is supplied with the camera to waterproof the battery area's thread it said..DO NOT EAT SILICONE GREASE.. Now being a man of the world I knew what was in the tub was in fact silicone grease but in future maybe this slightly comical command should simply read... DO NOT EAT THIS.......STUPID!

The real 'Hairy Biker': Smudge the dog, from Hull rides 11,000 miles around Europe ... on the back of a Tiger

2010-09-16T16:19:00.003+01:00

The real 'Hairy Biker': Smudge the dog rides 11,000 miles around Europe ... on the back of a Tiger

Doug Jackson sets off to Hull to photographer the littlest biker.

Any biker will tell you there's nothing like the thrill of the wind rushing through your fur on the open road.

While your average Jack Russell is more at home with walkies, Smudge has taken to motorbikes like a real road dog.

The three-year-old terrier, from Hull, has clocked up more than 11,000 miles biking around Europe by riding side-saddle with her owner Rob Fuller on his Triumph Tiger.

Walkies is for wimps: Smudge loves nothing more than riding motorbikes around Europe with her owner Rob Fuller

Easy rider: Smudge has toured Europe on the Triumph Tiger

Smudge, who travels on the bike attached to Rob in a leather pouch, has seen everywhere from the French Alps to the Czech Republic.

Not to be outdone by her human counterparts, the punky pooch even dons a pair of 'doggles' when she hits the road to protect her eyes.

'Smudge must be one of the most popular dogs in Europe. We've been invited to visit fellow bikers in countries all over the world by people we've met on our rides

Seasoned biker Rob, 50, from Hull, has been taking Smudge biking with him since she was a puppy.

He said: 'Smudge loves being on the bike, and it's a bit more fun for her than getting stuck in kennels for a month while I'm away.

'She took to it like a duck to water. I don't know how she does it, but she knows how to ride a bike.

'She knows how to lean in when we go round corners, and she's got great balance.

'I used to work as a lorry driver, and I took her with me as a pup for a bit of company in the cab. She was with me 24 hours a day.

'It seemed a shame to leave her behind when I went out on the bike, so I thought I'd try her on the bike. Luckily, she loved it.'

Ron's wife, Lyn, often joins the pair on their European rides but is forced to ride alongside on her own bike, rather than jumping on the back of her hsuband's machine.

Biking for hours at a time can take it's toll on a little dog's bladder - but Smudge has a system for letting her best friend know when nature calls.

The little dog will raise a paw and tap Rob on the elbow as the pair are speeding through the countryside - and doesn't take her paw off Rob until he's pulled over to a suitable stratch of grass.

Rob, who has been biking since he was a teenager, said: 'It was something I was slightly concerned about the first time I strapped her onto the bike, but I had nothing to worry about.

'I'm probably the only biker that has to carry a roll of plastic bags in my leather jacket though.'

Smudge's unusual form of transport has sparked interest from other bikers - who all think Rob is barking mad. He said: 'We always get a lot of attention wherever we go, from other bikers and members of the public.

'Smudge must be one of the most popular dogs in Europe. We've been invited to visit fellow bikers in countries all over the world by people we've met on our rides.

'So far, Smudge and I have ridden through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Italy and the Czech Republic - and we're not stopping anytime soon.

'Everyone thinks Smudge is great, but they all say there's no way they'd ride with a dog strapped to their chest.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1290193/The-real-Hairy-Biker-Smudge-dog-rides-11-000-miles-Europe---Tiger.html#ixzz0zhopSoQj

Great Yorkshire Show 2010 Harrogate

2010-09-15T11:34:00.011+01:00

I was lucky enough this year to be working alongside the Kate Mallander as one of the two official photographers at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. I have worked at the show before in the role of press photographer for the Northern Echo but this is the first time I’ve actually photographed the show for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

I just thought as I am looking back through earlier work I’d take the opportunity of putting some of my favourites on this blog….

http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/index.html

http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/pr.html

Problems with TR-332 pixel wireless flash triggers

2010-06-09T10:36:00.002+01:00

I bought the Pixel Knight TR-332 system about a month ago and was sceptical from the beginning about the reliability of the system. I normally use Elinchrom Skyport flash triggers but being limited to 1/200th of a second sync speed can be a pain. That’s why I thought I’d go for these.

Anyway the battery life seems pretty woeful with one (new energizer lithium)battery going dead in one of the receivers in two weeks despite being turned off. The e-ttl function works ok with one receiver although it turns itself off for a reason I cannot fathom. Sometimes it does it straight away and other times after use, unpredictably. I’ve tried it with different flashes and the same result. The second receiver I bought has developed a different and yet equally charming characteristic.

It freezes and displays ‘err 20’ after 3 shots when using e-ttl. On manual it seems to work ok apart from occasionally switching itself off for no reason, obviously a family trait.

I actually ordered three receivers but one never turned up. I’ve complained to the Chinese supplier. I have bought and reviewed photographic equipment from loads of different sources over the years and I can honestly say I’m tired of shoddy first generation products from China that don’t seem to have the testing and tech support required.

I tried to contact the supplier and the manufacturer to return these units but they have both given me the run around before finally ceasing communication. So I’ve given up. It’s not like me but I have a business to run and I’d rather be out there with my trusty relievable Elinchrom Skyports than have these fail on me again.

In conclusion they are too unreliable for a professional. You wouldn’t want to lose a good client over having your equipment fail while using these. For a well off amateur it may prove a novelty but be prepared for disappointment.

Choosing a PR Photographer from London to Inverness

2010-06-01T15:32:00.061+01:00

Choosing a PR Photographer

Firstly, why bother with a professional photographer? With modern digital cameras and Photoshop, surely anyone can get decent pictures? NO! Most professional photographers will tell you that the equipment doesn’t do it all for you, no matter how much money you spend. Knowing exactly what all those buttons and gizmos do is secondary to an understanding of the rules of compostion, years of experience in putting together setups that work, knowledge of relevant lighting techniques, and above all knowing when to just stand back and not fiddle too much. The gap between 'fine art' photography and commercial photography is a wider gulf than most amateurs assume. The skill of a good photographer is their creativity, speed, and consistent good quality. Aside from the technical and creative aspects of the work a good photographer should be presentable, approachable and easy to work with. Maybe the best way to think of a photographer is as someone representing not only you but also your client/customers. Will Uncle Jeff’s friend who happens to have a digital camera be happy gently cajoling your blue-chip’s CEO into standing just the right way while making them smile, and quite equally when faced with a group shot will they be assertive enough to get the shot just right without being too bossy?

It’s not just about the photography…..it’s the whole package.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a small company looking for a photographer to take pictures to accompany the latest press release, or an established public relations and branding outfit looking for fresh ideas - choosing the right photographer is key to put the right message across in the right way.

In the following article I intend to outline some of the things that I consider important when selecting a photographer. As a disclaimer - I will say that as a photographer myself I am in no way saying that I tick all these boxes as to be honest, certain photographers will inevitably suit certain clients better than others. But PR professionals may appreciate the view from the other side of the fence.

Where to look:

Referrals and contacts.

As with most staff and consultancy sourcing, referrals are a very useful way to scout the talent you're after. If you want to commission a photographer to work in an area where you have no existing contacts, why not call someone who does? It’s often seen as poaching people’s staff, but bearing in mind that most photographers are freelance then why not speak to another PR professional in that area and get the information you need. It is worth keeping in mind however, that just because someone has been using a photographer for twenty years, doesn’t mean that they are necessarily the best choice for you. Avoid the inevitable referrals from friends and family unless you’re sure they have a proven track record.

The 'local paper' technique.

I have known many PR companies that have contacted the local paper to query if there are any photographers in that area who they can recommend. Press photographers tend to work with a minimum amount of equipment and this is provided by the newspaper they work for. Due to the woeful lack of investment in newspapers and their staff, this means they may not be willing or able to use creative light set-ups and may have quite dated and worn equipment. It’s for this reason that the local paper strategy can be successful if you're only after a photographer to cover a simple job such as an event or a cheque presentation. The chances are that one of the staff photographers on the newspaper will do the job efficiently and cheaply. It’s worth bearing in mind that, in my experience at least, press photographers are generally of a high standard and used to working to deadlines, but often have their own ideas about how a brief should be covered so clear communication is needed. If you require something a bit more special, then maybe this is not the right approach.

The internet.

Use Google for what you want (PR photographer [your area]) and have a look at the websites on offer. You’ll probably have lots of sites coming up for wedding photographers and such so look out for relevant keywords in the listing such as ‘commercial’, ‘advertising’, ‘PR’, ‘public relations’ or ‘editorial’. If you struggle to find anything, then ‘freelance’ is quite a good catch-all search term.

Ideally you want to see a nice website with lots of info about the person/people. Some kind of info showing a proven track record, such as a client list or blog is great. Most importantly there should be an online portfolio that displays the kind of work that you would happily put on your website and present to your client/customers. Having a photo of the photographer on the website is useful. I’m not saying they have to be Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie but they should look presentable and in some way vaguely human.

Enquiries

Ideally you should now have a short list of photographers to choose from. If you are struggling to find a few in your particular target area then try a wider geographical search. I’ve worked from South London to Inverness in the last year so it just goes to show that if the photographer can do you a good deal on travel expenses you can choose someone from a little further afield.

Email enquiries are the easy way but there is no substitute for a phone call. Don’t dismiss photographers who don’t pick up - would you want a photographer talking to other clients when he's meant to be working for you? Do leave a message and number though, and the conscientious will call back. Speaking to someone will straight away give you an impression of the person and give you an oppurtunity to ask all the questions you need.

FAQ:

What is your availability on the relevant date?

What are your rates, per hour, or part of day? (Don’t confuse price with value!)

How far do you travel and what do you charge per mile/flat fee?

What is your policy on copyright?

How quickly can we get the pictures?

How do you deliver the pictures?

How do you accept payment?

These are all pretty obvious but the best questions are often the ones that put the photographer on the spot. These could be something like: ‘We want some portraits of the Managing Director of a logistics company in a city centre location….what would your ideas for that shoot be?’

A good photographer would say: 'We could have them stationary with blurred crowds of people rushing around them, or have them on a traffic island with traffic zooming around them or sat in a nice coffee shop reading the FT……etc’.

What I’m trying to say is that a photographer should be able to add to the brief as well as fulfill it. As a photographer I know only too well that a client can come up with an idea for a photograph which they think is wonderful, which in reality may be difficult or impractical to achieve. It’s worth getting the photographer involved at the concept stage for a shoot and bouncing ideas around.

Make sure you get an agreed quote in writing. If it's agreed over the phone then send a confirmation email too. This is for you and the photographer and it saves any misunderstanding later.

The Brief: What to include?

The brief is an essential part of any given job. It sets down in writing what you expect from that person. Even if you’re with the photographer on the day it’s still really good to work together from the same brief so everyone's expectations are met.

+ Job Information: What, where, when, who….. info and relevant telephone numbers. The usual pitfall is getting to reception and being told that there are twelve Bobs in the factory. Full names and job titles are always useful, along with any relevant schedule or timing details. Be specific about how you expect the photographer to be dressed. Is it smart casual or suited and booted?

+ Must Have: Have a specific shot list of ‘must have’ things that you definitely need to have recorded as they happen and/or set-up.

+ Additional: Have an extra list of ‘bonus’ photographs you would like if possible allowing for time, conditions etc.

+ Style: Detail the overall look and feel of the image in terms of style. Do you want newsy pictures for the papers or more of a features brochure style?

+ Deliverables: Explain how you would the pictures sent or emailed.

+ Additional info: This may detail photography consent or parking.

+ Press Release: This may not always be possible, but if relevant do try and show a planned press release to a photographer so that they can work to take relevant accompanying photographs.

+ Plan B: Always try and make provision for poor weather or the person being photographed not to turn up because they've forgotten it’s happening!. You can’t plan for all eventualities, but having a plan B for the obvious ones may be wise.

This is just the bare bones. I was sent a brilliant 4000 word, 19 page brief recently from one of my regular clients. It was detailing the visit of a celebrity to the region to promote the 2010 Olympics. It contained concise instructions, all the places they would be visiting that day, exactly what was hoped to be achieved in each area and a preliminary press release that will be sent with the images. It contained a lot of background information that will be very useful on the day.

Feedback and organic growth.

All regular business relationships are about constructive communication. Although some jobs will occasionally be one-off type arrangements, it's always nice to know that once you have found someone you trust, you could use them again. If for some reason you are unhappy with a photographer's work, it’s important to be clear why and give them the opportunity to receive that feedback and comment on it. We’re not talking about an ‘ebay’ system of starred reviews, but do say what you liked most and least about commissioned work.

Hopefully once you've found a PR photographer you enjoy working with it will become a mutually beneficial relationship. Some small companies like to deal with one photographer all the time, whereas some rotate the work amongst several, ensuring availability at short notice. Some businesses pay a premium and go through an agency to get the equivalent (or worse, in my opinion) service they would get from an individual.

Well there you go....
Apologies if this seems obvious to those who know.....
Feel free to add to the discussion.

Doug Jackson

Spine Surgery Sisters Press Pictures in the Telegraph - Amazing Story

2010-05-20T12:11:00.009+01:00

As a freelance press photographer you get to meet all sorts of interesting people and hear their stories. It’s not always a particularly uplifting job as news isn’t always good. Many people approach newspapers when they have an axe to grind and therefore even local newspapers can be full of grumpy people.
If you haven’t seen this yet have a quick look it is a funny blog:
Angry People in Local Newspapers: http://apiln.blogspot.com/

I was asked recently by the agency Caters News to photograph two sisters who had undergone spinal surgery. Lucy, 11 and 14-year old Naomi Dover had titanium rods attached to their spines to correct a spinal called idiopathic scoliosis. Remarkably the girls were diagnosed and treated at the same time for this crippling condition is are now back in good health and smiling again.

It is nice when the national newspapers pick up these ‘good news’ stories and quite selfishly it’s nice to see my photographs once more used in the national papers including the Metro and Telegraph and online for the Daily Mail, The Daily Star too.

To read their stories online follow the links.
The Metro: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/826970-sisters-with-spine-curvature-walk-tall-after-same-back-op
The Daily Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7740534/Sisters-undergo-surgery-for-rare-curvature-of-the-spine.html
The Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1279643/Walking-tall-Two-sisters-surgery-time-discover-BOTH-rare-curvature-spine.html nice big picture :)

The Daily Telegraph

The Metro

A short review of Pixel's knight TR-332RX and TR-332TX wireless trigger system

2010-05-18T10:29:00.003+01:00

Firstly I should admit currently I only have one transmitter and receiver and am awaiting two more receivers so so far I am yet to investigate the potential minefield of grouping flashes.

Battery power is provided by CR-2 lithium batteries which handily are the same for transmitter and receiver. The unit’s also feature a usefull battery power indicator. Unlike my trusty Elinchron Skyport triggers fortunatly the TR-332 system features a hotshoe lock and indeed hotshoes on the top of the receivers so no need for wires.

The Pixel TR-332 system appears to offer a ‘New Labour’ style third way and combines most of the functionality of the old Canon ST-E2 in-terms of communication with the flash with the added range of a radio trigger. it is worth noting you still can't use the in camera menu sytem to specify flash setting and are limited to FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) in E-TTL and manual adjustment from the buttons on the transmitter to alter the manual power of the flash when the flash is set in 'M' mode. Compatable flashes seem to be only the latest 580ex mk2 and the 430exmk2. Although I'm sure they can trigger some other lights sure as older flashes and studio lights. It worth baring in mid that trigger voltages can damage equiptment so tinker at your own risk!

The E-TTL function on the Pixel TR-332 system work as well as the ST-E2 although you have to pause for ½ a second with the shutter release button half way down to transmit the data to the unit. This actually in practise is less of a pain than it sounds. The ability to use the flash power compensation on camera is quite nice. This means you can use E-TTL and then fine tune the flash by changing it on camera without having to go near your flashes. You can also use the transmitter (TR-332TX) buttons to change you manual levels on you flash unit. I prefer using manual setting on the flash as it gives a very constant result unlike E-TTL which can vary often wildly from frame to frame. The Pixel Knight system may now mean that you no longer have to keep running back wards and forward to your flashes to alter the power. Obviously if you using three flashes it may be just as quick to walk to them than scrolling though the menu on the TR-332TX although if your 30 meters away shooting on a 200mm lens then it’s really useful.

Does the TR-332 system offer the best of both worlds…?

Well the Pixel Knight TR-332RX E-TTL system certainly does seem to work pretty well. It needs a slightly different mindset than the Elinchrom Skyports or the Canon ST-E2 and it has taken me a while to get to grips with the menu system. The item is not brilliant in terms of build quality and as with most products developed within China the manual is baffling and hilarious in equal measure. It doesn’t want to work with my old 5D despite setting the TR-332TX into 5D mode. It does however work with my 5D mk II’s which are my main camera’s anyway.

On the positive side are the range and the ability to control the flashes remotely in E-TTL and manual modes. All in all I am impressed with these units but need to get the other receivers before I can ultimately recommend them in a multi-flash setup. I will do a more comprehensive review when I get them. The simple fact is that being able to use the high speed sync means the shutter speed is finally liberated so you can light your midday sunlit portrait with remote flash and a narrow depth of field…finally!

http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/

Recent Editorial Work for Freelance Photographer Doug Jackson

2010-05-03T15:28:00.005+01:00

Despite working as a freelance photographer undertaking commercial, industrial and architectural projects I still do shifts for newspapers working as a press photographer. Two of these papers and the ones I most commonly work for are the Northern Echo and the Darlington and Stockton Times. I really enjoy the fast paced nature of press photography and it forced you to be focused, flexible and also self disciplined. You generally have very limited time to create an image that has to illustrate a story that can be anything to the victim of an armed robbery to children at a school who have raise £50.00 for charity.

Not only is the average shift for any newspaper unpredictable but you get a chance to meet and chat to a really broad spectrum of people. As with lots of jobs people skills are vital in press photography. Getting the picture you want, or you know the editor wants, is often far easier when you explaining to the person your photographing what it is your trying to achieve. Most people who I photograph are often surprised at the creativity and effort that goes into creating an image that will feature as tomorrow’s fish and chip wrapper. The fact is good images are as important as good copy and a newspaper will stand and fall by the quality of its reporters and photographers.

Here’s a selection of pictures taken in the last few months for the Northern Echo and Darlington and Stockton Times. They are in no particular order and I have simply chosen my favourites. For more samples of my work please visit my commercial and Freelance website. http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/

Thanks for popping by.. :)

What is Blipfoto and what’s it for? As Small Review.

2010-03-09T14:03:00.003Z

What is Blipfoto and what’s it for?

What is Blipfoto?

I’m a bit late to this one but will share my first impression. Blipfoto was started by Edinburgh’s Joe Tree and Graham Maclachlan back in 2004 but has taken a while to be fully integrated into the photographic community. For further reading see an interview with Joe Tree on the Edinburgh Spotlight website.

It’s basically an online photo journal that allows you to upload only one image a day. Membership is free for a basic account although you can become a premium user for £25.00 a year which will entitle you to several extra benefits. The most crucial one that appeals to me is the ability for other users to see your images full screen instead of the preview size. That said I haven’t as yet got a full membership although intend to do so.

There is no advertising on Blipfoto and although it ties in with other social media it does so in a way that leaves the interface refreshingly clean and simple. You have on the home page a stream of images that will appear as they upload allowing you to surf the images in bulk. The main tactic I’m using at the moment is browsing at random and when I find an image that jumps out I will explore the rest of images from that users previous entries. If those photographs are interesting then I’ll subscribe to that users account. So in principle your list of subscriptions becomes your ‘friends’ list.

There is now the usual I-Phone app for Blipfoto. Overall the interface is easy and quick. It must be good as Blipfoto recently scooped a Scottish BAFTA Best Web award!

So why bother?

From my own perspective as a professional photographer it’s a place to post images that I like. I do spend time when I’m working fulfilling the brief of the client and although I’m obviously happy with the results these images are essentially…work.

Blipfoto is about me as a person and not just about being as an amateur or a professional but just about the joy of taking a photo for its aesthetic value.

The real kicker is you are basically posting a photo a day (although you don’t have to) which means that even on those days I’m in the office editing or relaxing at some point I have to think about a picture. Some people would maybe say this is silly as when you’re not at work you should not be thinking about work. I take a different view. As a busy professional the process of photography becomes about the product. You can forget the simple pleasures of taking the camera on a walk or even looking around you kitchen for an interesting macro shot.

I always said that I looked at the world more closely with a camera in my hand. It’s as if my eyes are half asleep when I’m not looking for a picture.

In addition there is such a broad spectrum of images and ideas that it is good site to surf for ideas yourself and why take without contributing yourself. From the abstract to the concise there seems to be something to make everyone smile.

So are all the photos on Blipfoto wonderful captured moments? Frankly, no. But they are pictures that mean something to the people who take them….which is all that counts.

Check out Blipfoto at http://www.blipfoto.com/

Check out my Blipfoto stream (well ..the start of it anyway)

Posted by http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/pr.html

Please feel free to share your thoughts and leave a comment.

CIM North East Your Marketing Show

2010-03-08T13:00:00.003Z

The North East branch of the CIM held a very interesting event at the The Radisson SAS Durham entitled Your Marketing Show. With an interesting combination of speakers Your Marketing Show, provided delegates with some worthwhile tips and suggestions on improving their own marketing.

Meet the speakers:

Paul R Smith: Paul is a Fellow of The Institute, a consultant, a best selling business author, an international speaker, an originator of SOSTAC Planning System and a specialist in business improvement programmes that boost your businesses results. Visit his website.

Helen Urwin: Helen “the best kept secret in the corporate world” Urwin began her business career with Mars Inc over 20 years ago, launching her into the world of global branding and business. She now shares her big business knowledge with SMEs to great effect.

Geoff Ramm: Geoff has been described as the Billy Connolly and Peter Kay of Marketing. His unique observational style enthuses and inspires audiences to gain and retain more customers whilst standing out from the competition. Geoff's Website

Declan Metcalfe: Declan is active in the exciting field of developing brands across social networks and helping brands develop consumer experiences that work in store, on line and across network spaces. Better Brands..based near myself in Stokesley.

Take home messages that I thought most relevant to myself and business like my own.

With the rise of social networking don’t forget the use of traditional forms of marketing such as newspaper promotions/competitions and ‘lumpy’ mail.
Using social media to promote your business is about depositing knowledge and time to reep the benefits slowly. Not just about shouting about your products. It’s about involvement in communities. Something that I suppose I knew but like all people I’m often short of time so it’s always worthy of repetition.
Take time to add comments and favourite people and their work to draw hits back through your site.
The use of viral video can be a fun way of getting indirect marketing but should never be a direct marketing tool. I already have plans for one !
Never underestimate LinkedIn as a great way of sharing knowledge with your potential colleagues and customers.
Slideshare.net has some great free marketing info.
Taking pictures and notes at the same time requires three arms.

I had a very interesting day although some of the terminology was a little bit industry specific. It took me ages to figure out that B2B marketing meant Business to Business. Duh!. Although I’m only a mere photographer so I suppose I have a awful lot to learn about marketing and PR. Here are a few more photographs from a really interesting day.

For Further samples see Doug Jackson Photography

Britain's Sexiest Farmer: Darlington and Stockton Times

2010-02-22T20:06:00.002Z

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Britain’s sexiest (female) farmer. Anna scooped the title Britain's Sexiest Farmer in a national competition ran by Farmer’s Weekly. Anna, who won Miss Newcastle in 2007, said: "I want to show everyone that farming is not just men, muck and wellies, but is much, much more.”

Anna who is actually a friend of my wife’s is very easy to photograph. We spent an hour scouting around the farm getting various shots in the freezing weather. We chatted about the competition and by the time we did the shoot she’d already appeared on most of the national newspapers. She seemed very pleased by it all and at the same time quite philosophical about her new found fame.

“Tim Relf, of Farmers Weekly, said: ”Forget the old, stereotypical image of farmers as straw-chewing and scruffily dressed. That’s history. They’re seriously sexy.”

Maybe they should have a sexy farmer competition at Egton Show every year?

The pictures were taken for Newsquest and will feature in the Darlington & Stockton times, The northern Echo and Living magazine.

Actor Sir Ian Carmichael Dies at 89

2010-02-07T20:19:00.001Z

I was saddened to her about the death of the actor Ian Carmichael this weekend. While I worked at the Whitby Gazette I had the pleasure of meeting Sir Ian on many occasions and found his to be a fun and witty character who was always polite and charming. He did good works in the Whitby area and helped many good causes. I'm sure he will be incredibly missed in and around his home in the Esk Valley.

He made his name in films for the Boulting Brothers including Private's Progress (1956) and I'm All Right Jack (1959) alongside Peter Sellers. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was successful in parts where he was cast as a loveable buffoon. On television, his role as Bertie Wooster was particularly popular with audiences. This was followed by another well-watched role as Lord Peter Wimsey in several of the BBC drama series based on the mystery novels by Dorothy L Sayers. In more recent times the actor had parts in the BBC serial Wives and Daughters in 1999 and was in The Royal on ITV as recently as last year. He was appointed an OBE in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Sir Ian Carmichael posed for this picture in October 2007.

Shoot for Drapers Magazine..A lesson in being prepared!

2010-01-22T17:01:00.006Z

I recently undertook a commission from Drapers magazine. Drapers (for those who don't know) is the magazine for the clothing retail trade covering trends in the industry as well as news and interview features. The main feature in the magazine is called The Drapers Interview. It was for this interview that the pictures were commissioned and I was given a very comprehensive brief detailing style and cropping issues.

So fully prepared I turned up nice and early, scouted the location for my first set-up, fixed up my lights and did a couple of test frames on my own ugly mug.

All was good to go but unfortunately when the two gentleman arrived to be photographed I was informed I had five minutes before one had to leave to get a train. I managed to stretch this out to seven whole minutes and eventually got three set ups which, considering the circumstances, weren’t at all bad and most importantly the client was pleased

It's interesting to note however that if I'd not been set up and ready for the first shot.....it could have been a disaster.

Poladroid plug-in

2010-01-14T21:56:00.013Z

Just been playing with Poladroid. It's a stand alone plug in that gives images the feel of Polaroids. It's a bit basic and clearly aimed at the fun side of photography but I like it....

http://www.poladroid.net/

Pictures of my wife Helen and a friends dog 'Ralphy Roo'.

Focus Test Canon 5D Mark II V Canon 5D

2010-01-07T17:57:00.009Z

nce the beginning of December I’ve been using canon’s 5D mark II body alongside my usual ‘pro’ gear. There are some aspects of the camera I’m very impressed with in particular the low light performance is excellent and I’ve shot at 6400ISO with great results as long as you metering accurate.

Sadly like the rest of the Canon range below the 1D-Mark III the 5D mark II has inherited some of it’s families poor genetics ie. The stupid function dial on top left of the camera body. This can easily be knocked to any of the multitude of settings while on the shoulder. I normally shoot in manual, Av or Tv mode as like any normal human I have no need for an espresso, de-mist, quick spin, or whatever the other nonsense does. Another wonderful design feature is the review button (play) is directly above the delete button in a row of buttons. Did this not seem a bit silly at the design stage.

Nikon’s current range of bodies seems even better than the old D1’s and D2’s I used to use and found wonderfully intuitive compared at all Canon gear. But ho-hum I’m now too committed to Canon to jump and aside from Canon’s quirks I was excited about the 5D Mark II.

Overall it produces great quality images and after owning a 5D for a couple of years I’m a massive convert to full-frame cameras. I remember comparing images from the Canon 1D-mark IIn with the 5D and being amazed how good the 5D was. The only downside I’ve noticed is the odd soft focussed shot. I found this particularly noticeable at wide apertures such as f2.8 and f1.8.

The short falls in focusing seem to be random and not predictable. I decided to do some test shots to assess how accurate the focussing is compared to the 5D. See below.

Or all these shots I used the same settings where possible and the same lenses.

There's not a lot in it at these releativly close-up distances. further tests tommorow me thinks.
Click on the link below to view full-screen.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougweb1000/4253845345/sizes/o/

http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/pr.html

Photographers and section 44....Know your rights

2009-12-04T09:42:00.004Z

Nationwide photographers have been expressing concerns about the police’s use of the anti-terror (section 44) legislation. In recent days national newspapers and media are finally reporting on cases of police stopping people photographing local landmarks and local events.

Amateurs and professionals alike have been blogging over the last year that police have stopped and questioned them regarding their intentions and even asked photographers to delete images from their camera that they deemed are unacceptable.

I have been stopped a few times while working for The Northern Echo. One case was while photographing the infamous ghost ships at Hartlepool. As the location is next door to a nuclear power station I was perfectly happy with this and the police took all my details and confirmed with my office that my ID was valid. The flip side is when I was stopped outside of Teesside magistrate’s court while doing a ‘court snatch’. Press Photographers often have to do this and it’s just a case of photographing someone as they leave the court. After I’d got my pictures the police stopped me and undertook a ‘stop and account’. After showing my ID I was let on my way but not without being made to feel like I was behaving in an unacceptable way.

The police obviously have to use their judgement when assessing whether us photographers are legitimate innocent members of the public or a terrorists on a reconnaissance mission but surly some common sense could be used. If you were photographing a court for some nefarious reason would you be using a large camera and (in this case) flash?

Below are cases that the Independent have stated that are good examples of this:

November, BBC photographer Jeff Overs stopped and searched while he takes sunset photographs of St Paul's Cathedral.

November, Andrew White, 33, is stopped after taking photographs of Christmas lights on his way to work in Brighton. He is asked to give his name and address.

August, Police order trainspotter Stephen White to delete images of train carriages taken during a holiday in Wales. CCTV near an oil refinery monitored him taking the pictures and alerted local police. Mr White refused.

July, Alex Turner, an amateur photographer, arrested under anti-terrorism laws for taking pictures of two officers as they question him for photographing a fish and chip shop in Kent. Later released without charge.

April, Two Austrian tourists told to delete pictures of Walthamstow bus station. Unaware that police have no right to enforce deletion of images without a warrant, they comply.

Further reading from the Indy
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/photographers-snap-over-use-of-section-44-by-police-officers-1833839.html

Surly with Google’s street view, the internet and the fact that we have eyes means that the views of say local landmarks are certainly already in the public domain. Unnecessarily targeting photographers just makes members of the public wary of the police.

If you were to assert your rights and refuse to give your name and details the police may be reasonable and respect your privacy or they may arrest you under the terrorist act or under public order legislation. People have been arrested for this so do you feel brave enough to take a stand?

I’ve heard of many cases of press photographers being asked to delete photographs by the police despite them having no jurisdiction to do so. I have been asked not to photograph one incident because the police weren’t wearing the regulation safety equipment.

This is by no means a new to press photographers. Here is an extract from Hold The Front Page from 2006.

“A photographer from the MK News was handcuffed and arrested after trying to take a picture of a road traffic accident.

Andy Handley, staff photographer at the Milton Keynes-based weekly, was then taken to a police station, photographed, fingerprinted, DNA tested and held in Central Milton Keynes Police cells before being interviewed.

Despite Andy, a photographer with 30 years experience, standing behind a police cordon to take his pictures, he was confronted by road traffic police sergeant Fraser Chamberlain after attending the scene of a crash just before 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 12.

When Andy said he was perfectly within his rights to take a picture, Sgt Chamberlain said he would be arrested at the scene unless he handed over his camera equipment.

Andy refused and was handcuffed and arrested.

He was later released at 1.15am after being cautioned for obstruction.

Read full article here http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/photo/2006/09sep/060921mk.shtml

Knowing your rights can only be a good thing in the current climate and (according to The Independent) these are the most important points.

* If police stop and search you, the first thing you should ask is on what grounds they are conducting the search and under what powers.

* Police are able to conduct searches under a number of different pieces of legislation but they usually use either the Public Order Act, the Criminal Justice Act or under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

* Unless you are stopped while driving a car, you do NOT have to give your name or address.

* Police officers are obliged to ask for your given ethnicity. Once again, it is up to you whether you choose to answer or not.

* If police use Section 44 of the Terrorism Act they are entitled to view any images you have taken but they are NOT allowed to delete them. They can only do so with a court order.

* Under Section 58a of the Terrorism Act, police are only allowed to stop a photographer taking pictures of officers if they reasonably suspect the photos are intended to be used in connection with terrorism.

* Whether you are stopped and searched, or merely stopped and accounted for, the police officer should hand you a record of your stop.

Best of Luck!

Photography Tuition, North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cleveland

2009-11-30T16:01:00.007Z

Despite training many amateur and professional photographers over the years, I have never put a formalised structure in place to enable members of the public to approach me directly for training. I am pleased to announce that I can now offer one-to-one photography tutoring sessions, starting at £155 a day. I have written a syllabus complete with exercises, which includes various modules that can be adapted and structured in accordance with prior skills and knowledge. These are outlined below.

The Basics - An introduction to understanding and using a digital SLR, and editing your pictures

The Beginner - A first look at using techniques for composition and exposure and lens choice

Location Photography - Shooting a landscape, understanding composition and perspective, texture and detail

Flash Lighting 1 - Looking at basic portrait lighting. Flash and natural light, cropping and posing

Flash Lighting 2 - A more advanced look at using wireless flash and lighting effects, both indoors and outdoors

Studio Lighting - Introduction to studio photography for people, product and still life studies

As these modules have interchangeable elements, they can of course be adapted depending on what you want to achieve.

My first formal lesson with the new syllabus was with Gail. Gail is a successful business woman who after buying a digital SLR felt like she needed a few pointers to get the most out of the camera. I combined elements from two of the above modules and we had a fun day taking pictures and talking about photography. If you want to have a look at some of the shots she took then why not visit her Flickr page here http://www.flickr.com/photos/gail_anderson_photography/sets/72157622897069554/

Corporate Branding photography. Portraits and Generic Shots.

2009-11-30T14:40:00.004Z

I was recently commissioned to take some shots for two dynamic, enthusiastic and creative young business owners - Fiona Yorke, Managing Director of Ultimate U and Lynne Burwell, Director of Pillar PR. Both have businesses based in the lovely Aske Hall development near Richmond, and are firm friends. We had a lot of fun doing the portrait shots and I even had time at the end of the day to shoot some generic branding pictures featuring some of Pillar's stationary and Ultimate U's ultimate ewes. See www.pillarpr.com and www.ultimate-u.co.uk/

Fiona and Lynne were both delighted with the pictures. Fiona said.......
"I just wanted to let you know that I think these are fab! Of course I have my favourites but I feel you have captured exactly what I was looking for, so thank you thank you."

Mission Accomplished!

North East Press Awards

2009-11-16T16:38:00.002Z

I very pleased to announce that I've been shortlisted for the North East Press awards 2009. The category that I'm doing battle in is for Best Portfolio. The awards night is on Friday 27th. Wishing all those taking part the best of luck!

Happy Days!

What's in my bag? A working Strobist!

2009-11-02T14:04:00.006Z

The basics of my kit which I use for press and the majority of PR jobs. For more specific commercial or portrait needs I do have mobile studio flashes but this audio slideshow will not cover this. Apologies to anyone who finds all this stuff a little bit nerdy and technical. It's really for the people (like me) who are interested in how different photographers work.

Olympics and Yorkshire 2012

2009-10-30T13:12:00.002Z

Earlier on this month I was fortunate to be involved with the vist of The Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Nations and Regions Group, Charles Allen to our region.

He attended a meeting at the spa and was a keynote speaker at a conference hosted by York and North Yorkshire Cultural Partnership to launch its Cultural Partnership Strategy. The Strategy aims to capitalise on both the economic and the participation benefits that London 2012 will bring and up to 200 delegates are expected to hear more about how it is a catalyst to inspire and engage people in the region.

In the afternoon, Mr Allen focused on the sporting benefits for the region when he visited Dalby Forest near Pickering to see the newly-completed tracks for the Mountain Bike World Cup. Dalby is to host a round of the World Cup next April and youngsters from Lady Lumley’s School at Pickering were amongst the first to use the tracks in a taster session during Mr Allen’s visit.

A great visit and as always it was a pleasure working with Judy Thompson of Publicity Plus and the Yorkshire Gold Team. http://www.yorkshire-gold.com/

Odin's Glow... Lighting Roseberry Topping

2009-10-23T11:12:00.001+01:00

It did take a while to set up all these flashes.....just kidding. This picture was taken from the green at Newton under Roseberry during the first day of the Odin's Glow event where the village hosts several art and light installation as well as being the main base to view the illuminated Roseberry Topping.

The event seemed well attended and the installations were very clever and imaginative. It did seem to lack that wow factor or sense of drama. Maybe having some fire jugglers or a burning Viking boat/effigy would give a focal point at the end of the evening.

Besides from my humble opinion I'm sure it will be a great success.

Living Magazine, Autumn Fashion Shoot

2009-10-22T15:05:00.006+01:00

I recently undertook and autumn fashion feature for Living magazine. It was perfect weather and it all went to plan. We got a selection of images showing the required outfits and had a fun time too.

I've posted a selection of pix as well as the image that was used on the front. It's always nice to see your images used on the front of any magazine.

Straw Fire near Ferryhill

2009-10-02T11:32:00.002+01:00

Night call-out for Northern Echo. A two hundred tonne stack of bales goes up in smoke. Apparently at it's peak the flames were twice the size they are pictured at here.

New sample of PR and News pictures from 2009 Doug Jackson Photographer

2009-09-17T15:35:00.003+01:00

Very Magazine Portrait Shoot in Middlesbrough

2009-08-13T19:20:00.010+01:00

I did some work for a brand-new magazine called Very last week. This is a magazine created by the retail group Shop Direct, formerly know as Littlewoods.

The feature was called Fashion Insider and is basically about the style of clothes that members of the public like to wear. I often shoot a similar style feature, Your Style for Living Magazine. With Living Magazine, I try to provide a selection of upright and wide pictures. With Very they just needed a choice of uprights.

Very provided a comprehensive brief which is always a good start. Michelle (nervously) welcomed my assistant Helen and I into her home in Nunthorpe, near Middlesbrough.

We sat down for ten minutes to discuss what we’d be doing and the type of shots I’d like to get. Once we were working, Michelle soon relaxed and her great smile meant bright and shiny pictures were a breeze.

We did a few set-ups in the house, and got some shots on the decking in the garden just before the rain came. Michelle was great fun and we ended up chatting so much that the job stopped feeling like work!

Commercial photography can be quite a physical and lonely job sometimes, particularly on the industrial or construction side. Taking on a PR commission like this is completely the opposite, fun, social and bubbly.

This is one of the great things about being a freelance photographer - variety.

Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2009

2009-08-13T15:51:00.022+01:00

This week I've had a few interesting PR jobs. One of them was photographing the Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2009 regional final in Middlesbrough.

I had to get quick shot of the models for the judges to reference, including group shots and general action, and then later had the winner to photograph seperately.

When thinking about how I was to photograph the winner, Tanya, I had to consider that the pictures would be sent out locally within Teesside as well as into the broader region. I made sure I got some images that featured a Middlesbrough landmark, in this case the Bottle of Notes sculpture, for the Evening Gazette and Northern Echo, as well as a couple of more general shots for the Yorkshire Post.

Even though the shoot only took ten minutes, we got some lovely pictures of Tanya - she was a natural. For these shots, I used remote flash on a lightstand triggered with the Elinchrom Skyport system mentioned in my previous blogs. This means I can work very quickly, but as it all relies on manual settings, you have to know your stuff. Here are a couple of pics for you to look at. Congratulations and thanks to Tanya.

Business Portraits and Corporate Headshots

2009-08-11T13:57:00.015+01:00

July was all about headshots for Doug Jackson Photography. I spent two days at two very different companies photographing their staff.

Both companies intended to use the shots for internal CVs, intranet and client facing purposes.

I do find that whereas creative businesses, such as architects and new media professionals, often like quite simple and minimal looking photography, industrial and construction companies tend to want punchy and high-key images. I suppose this might be due to some people perceiving the industrial subjects as less interesting, and therefore need more ‘pep’. The bright colours of the PPE and the bright machines also tend to suit this approach.

Industry Portraits
With the industrial portraits, the requirements were quite different. We went for punchy portraits in full bold colour. This confident approach suited the company's existing branding style and the location gave plenty of opportunity for unique and relevant set-ups. All of this is posed, with care taken to choose clean or relevant backgrounds, and to make a clear demarcation between office and site staff.

Architect Portraits
After a brief consultation regarding the correct style/feel of the image, the first batch were shot for an architectural firm. They wanted clean simple, natural monochromatic images that would be used alongside some existing shots that were shot in this style. So armed with my trusty 50mm 1.8, and leaving aside my usual light stands I got to work. We set up a few of these pics but some were just captures as they happened.

For more samples of portrait photography:

http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/portrait/portraitphotographer.html

Review of Stellar Xtreme 300w AC/DC Flash System

2009-06-25T11:30:00.019+01:00

If as a photographer you want to take your studio lights with you to shoot in the great outdoors you have a lot to consider……

+ Heavy and bulky equipment
+ The cost of battery packs (normally) far outweighs the cost of heads and power isn’t always available, although actually a cheap generator is an option if you are prepared to risk damage to the heads…maybe not!

+ Using flash in wet or dusty conditions may cause expensive damage to gear
+ Battery capacity is an issue and certainly a limiting factor of all DC flash gear
+ Triggering issue..Wires, wireless, infra-red etc.
+ Available accessories
Below, I will try and detail a few thoughts I’ve had about these issues.
Interfit have basically adapted an existing model of flash and created a portable system. They arrived well packed in a large box (per head) containing a stand, head, battery various cables and a standard diffuser.
They will appeal to most levels of photography being a natural step up for Strobists and a cheap and robust option of commercial, industrial and even architectural work.

Build Quality
Although the units surprised me with their weight, being quite light, they do seem well made. They are coated with a strange rubberised finish that makes them easy to handle but also easy to mark. Make sure you mark down your serial numbers safely too as these will rub off with the slightest touch being printed on cheap sticky labels.
The stands are very solid and actually are air-damped, unlike some that are advertised as such. You can spin a collar loose and the unit gently descends with a menacing hiss, furthermore in terms of the balance of weight they are neither overly heavy nor flimsy. Undoubtedly on rough ground or in windy conditions you’d want to ballast the legs or peg them down but they may rarely be in these conditions.

Features and Usability
The units are easy to tilt with the rubberised handle at the back. The sliding mount on the base of the unit is an essential feature when using heavy accessories such as softboxes, enabling you to alter the pivot point on the head itself. I’m sure a model wouldn’t be injured by a falling soft box but it would be a bit embarrassing!

All the switches and knobs function correctly and with a positive action. The units never seemed very hot although the fan constantly runs on both my heads. I presume this keeps all the internal gubbins cool but surely it can’t be suggestive of a long battery life.

The heads come with a protective dome for the flash tubes and the standard diffuser although the whole point of buying these is the fact you can use big softboxes, snoots, barndoors etc.. The S-type mount allows the usual Bowens attachments to be used.

One of the functions that becomes essential when shooting on the battery pack is the recharge beep. When using full power and low batteries a charge can take up to 10secs..although it feels like more.
Finally the modelling light is something not provided on small flashes but is extremely useful in a studio environment.
Portability

The Stellar Xtreme range are very portable and take only a little longer to set up than the typical Strobists kit. I manage to get into a simple holdall: 2xheads, 2x stands, 2x 70cmx100cm softboxes, 2x diffusers, 2x snoots, 2x cables AC/DC with large extension lead, 2x triggers, 2x batteries, card and tape for rigging up emergency light modifiers(as you do?). If you had a reasonably sized car you could transport the assembled units with battery packs attached to the stand. This system would save a little time setting up on location.

Battery Life
There is no doubt that 100 flashes on full power is about right but I suspect 250 plus on minimum power is a bit optimistic, although ensuring the units are turned off when changing set-ups does help. The good news is that you can now buy the battery packs separately. I have used one head on some jobs and taken both battery packs just in case.Battery Packs pictured.

Triggering
This is where I got rattled by these units. In a nutshell the Elinchrom Skyport System I use for my small flashes only works on AC. On battery power the heads actually switch off after one exposure. I spoke to Interfit and Elinchrom about this and they all said that there was no known issue. Since then I’ve bought some Interfit radio triggers (Interfit INT412, see pic) and they work fine giving 50M of range.

When shooting indoors on AC/mains I can use three lights as I just use a 3x Skyport system and a Canon Flash as an extra light. The irritating aspect of this is that outdoors I’m limited to two lights unless I buy and adapt another Interfit receiver to trigger the Canon flash.
When will someone come up with a universally wireless and cross platform protocol for camera lighting….?

The flash heads have built in infra-red receivers to work with an interfit transmitter. My Canon St-e2 infra-red transmitter did not work due to pre-flash (ett-l) issues however Interfit do make compatible transmitters. Personally, I have found Infra-red transmission works fine indoors nevertheless outdoors on a sunny day, range can be surprisingly restricted due to background interference.

Limitations
In confined spaces or due to excessive walking the Stella Xtreme heads are a burden. You can’t really lift both including batteries and carry them for more than a few metres without suffering... I clearly need an assistant!

In fast paced or unpredictable circumstances I much prefer (if I need flash) small flashes on ultra-light Manfrotto nano stands triggered with the trusty Skyports. Another issue is dust and rain; Small flashes and skyports can however be covered with small plastic bags and survive the worst downpours or building site dust. On the contrary you can’t do the same with the ‘air-cooled’ Stella Xtreme heads.

Don’t expect masses of power either. A good hotshoe flash such as Canon’s 580ex mkII is actually more powerful on paper!
The factor the matter is that you can do a lot more with the Xtreme system.

Benefits…Why Buy?
The system offers all the flexibility of a cheap studio set up but also provides you with the option of using them on batteries so you can still do the odd location job when needed. All in all compared to your average studio light they are only marginally more expensive, particularly in comparison to a Canon Speedlite 580EX mkII, they are very good value.

Working with small flashes (in a Strobist fashion) is fine for most stuff but I wouldn’t want to be using it all the time for my commercial and studio work. Therefore having no AC function is a huge disadvantage.

Yes, you can use umbrella's and get half decent flash accessories nowadays to convert your hotshoe flash into a studio light, however they tend to be as expensive as the s-type stuff, or more in terms of decent softboxes. I noticed that Interfit are doing a ‘Strobies’ range which looks interesting:

http://www.interfitphotographic.com/Strobies/Strobies%20index.html based in Birmingham.
I see hotshoe flashes as great, all purpose, portable light sources like, if you will, a swiss army knife. Studio flashes on the other hand are the sort of tools you bolt to your bench in the workshop. You may not use them as much but when you do it’s a real pleasure.

So why buy the Interfit Stellar Xtreme?

Personally, I’d say they offer all the portability and benifits of similar Elinchrom and Bowens battery set-ups at a price that is competing more with the hotshoe flash market.

Any further info just mail me or leave a comment.

Specs:
Available in 150w and 300w
Each kit contains:
1 x AC/DC Stellar Xtreme powered head
1 x COR751 Air damped lighting stand
1 x Xtreme battery pack with self contained charging unit and carry case (INT470)
1 x DC power pack to Xtreme head lead
1 x AC power lead
1 x Sync cable
Pricing and availability:
INT473 150 watt Stellar Xtreme kit £249.99 inc vat
INT474 300 watt Stellar Xtreme kit £299.99 inc vat

All portraits shot with 300w Interfit Xtreme

For further samples of my work please visit link below:
http://www.dougjacksonphotography.com/