After much walking round the various stands and watching interesting seminars, I gave in and bought a set of Phottix flash triggers! DOH!

In all fairness, I have been meaning to buy some of these since Louise’s shoot last year. Flash triggers allow you to use flash guns off the camera, without cables and without line of sight (Canon speedlights can ‘communicate’ to each other via infrared but these flash triggers use radio frequency instead).

I had only really been looking at the PocketWizard system but at the convention I was introduced to the Phottix Odin range. After about an hour googling them on the net (courtesy of computers in the hotel lobby!) it was clear that, because these were second generation of TTL flash triggers, they had more features than the PocketWizards and that a lot of people actually preferred them. Plus they were a lot cheaper!

I got a great deal on them too. Park Cameras were selling the Transmitter and Receiver pack for £349 and throwing in an additional Receiver for FREE (usually another £135). I also managed to haggle with them and get an additional tenner off (every little helps – That tenner bought a round in the pub afterwards!)

I’ve already started using them on a couple of studio shoots and I’m really pleased with, although I still have a few features that I need to master! No more kit purchasing for a while now! Although, having a third receiver would be nice

At the end of January I attended a training course in Maidstone, which discussed how to achieve this balance as well as what to look for when capturing an image my client will love.

Obviously we all have parts of our body that we don’t like and none of us are perfect. Even the best positions on the slimmest of girls can cause creases in places they wouldn’t usually exist. Knowing how to spot these and disguise them is half the skill of the boudoir photographer.

On the training course we had the pleasure of working with Kellie; a recent mother who is fairly new to modelling but looking for more work in this field. Experienced models know much more about how to pose and carry themselves than the rest of us do, making the photographer’s job easier, so it was great to work with Kellie as this was as close to a real client that we could get. (Kellie didn’t mind being surrounded by paparazzi style students while also learning a few tips from the training course.)

Kellie is a fun, relaxed girl. She was patient while we all worked around her, looking for the best shots. She’s also been a great sport by signing a model release form which has allowed me to share her images publically. Obviously not many clients will agree to share their personal photographs but having shots like this is a great way of showing people what Boudoir Photography is all about

If you are looking for a natural looking model who takes direction well, Kellie is your girl.

Email: kelliezoomzoom@yahoo.co.uk

Stats:  32E, 29in waist and 34in hips

Kate contacted me via Facebook and explained that she wanted to capture some of those classic sleeping baby shots, dressed in some adorable flower headbands from Daisy Dots Boutique. What was meant to be a straight forward shoot with a sleeping (floppy and mouldable) baby, wasn’t! Not only was she wide awake but, being approx 5-6 weeks old, she was past the truly mouldable age where you can put babies into virtually any cute position you like!

Despite that, she was still adorable and willing to model her new accessories beautifully. During the occasional moments when she did close her eyes over, I clicked away frantically. She may look fast asleep, but she’s only teasing!

My style is a little different to the high-key (white backgrounds and low contrast) images that Kate has round her house but I’m hoping that she will be very pleased with the results.

It won’t surprise anyone to know that the moment I packed up my car was the moment that this little baby fell deep asleep and remained in that state for about 5 hours! Too bad I had another appointment to get to!

I usually use off-camera flash or bounced flash to generate more light. Instead, for this shoot, I made use of Leanne and David’s bright living room and the light walls/furniture which bounced the window light around naturally.

It’s probably clear from my work that I love zooming in to children’s faces to capture their bright, crisp eyes and soft fluffy skin. This shoot was no exception, so I can’t help but share some of these images too.

I also took wide shots, mid-shots and a couple with mum and dad in shot, at their request. Despite all of our best efforts, there weren’t many smiles on offer this time. Leanne & David’s daughter is at that age where they are so busy taking everything in, that smiling seems last on their mind. It didn’t matter though, she’s beautiful, even without a smile!

Thank you once again to Leanne & David for making me feel so comfortable in their home. Their daughter is a joy to work with; a little model in the making.

Don’t forget that you can check out the rest of the images in their online proofing gallery in a few weeks time. Keep an eye on the website or on Facebook for the announcement. The gallery will only be online for a limited time.

A blog by Ollie’s Pops….

Every 14 February in the UK we celebrate St Valentines day by giving to our loved ones (or loved ones to hopefully be) a card and ‘love’ themed gift.  

But it’s not just the UK that celebrates Valentines Day – lots of other counties add their own unique elements to their celebrations. 

Saint Valentine was rumoured to be a Christian priest in Rome, persecuted and locked away for performing marriage ceremonies in secret.  Whilst behind bars, he wrote a letter to his loved one and signed it ‘St. Valentine’ – and this is where the card giving stems from.  Many years ago people used to make their own cards to give, but now Valentine’s Day has been commercialised and the range of cards and gifts that can now be purchased for gifts is vast.

I thought it would be good to move away from the commercialism of Valentine’s Day, and to give something to their loved ones that’s handmade (whether by yourself or made by someone else) – just a token to say ‘I love you’ and I really appreciate everything you do for me. I had a little think about what I would love to receive (that doesn’t cost a fortune) and I thought something edible would be ideal – something sweet – like chocolate! I thought a selection of handmade sweets  would be fab so decided to make some cake pops – bites of cake and frosting and chocolate on a lollistick.

So I made a selection of cake pops and thought they’d look really lovely formed together as a cake pop bouquet.  Wow – I know I would be pleased if my husband gave me one of these bouquets – something that isn’t mass produced that someone has taken time to make.  It takes a little more effort to search around for something a little different.

The bouquets I make are wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with curling ribbon and are available via my website www.olliespops.co.uk

I also baked some cupcakes in glass jam jars which are the ideal size for sharing. Perfect for a little winters picnic with your lover.  Time to escape and eat delicious hard-baked cake!

Over the past week I have been photographing these edible delights for Ollie’s Pops. As this has all been product photography I have been able to do it at my leisure within my own home. Well, that was the original plan!

It’s been such a busy 10 days that the only way to make sure I had all the photographs in the bag was to transport everything, including my home studio kit, when I visited family in Lancashire last week. (My cousin was quite surprised to come home from work and find I had turned her living room into a home studio!)

Ollie’s Pops are a great little local company, based in Greenhithe, that create cake treats which taste as good as they look. YumYum.

Place an order with Ollie’s Pops during February and March and receive a £10 voucher* to use on any Nikki Waterlow Photography services/products.

(*cannot be used in conjunction with any running special offers)

Webpages of Interest:

• Ollie’s Pops Website
• Ollie’s Pops Facebook Page
• Ollie’s Pops on Twitter
• Ollie’s Pops Blog

Having recovered from the busy festivities, Jenny and her family were able to find some time to choose their images and this week I set about putting it together.

Montages are very popular with my clients. They make a great feature for any home. Hang them in a hallway or above the mantelpiece and they make fantastic talking points.

Family Montage £190 (framed)

Elizabeth Papps attended the KLC School of Design (where she worked hard for her Certificate of Interior Decoration) and she required me to photograph her portfolio boards. This will make it easier for her to present her work to potential employers or clients.

I was in awe of Elizabeth’s work. Her conceptual drawings of her designs were stunning and contained such a high level of detail. I felt like I could climb in to her drawings.

Her designs are stylish, sophisticated and practical; real designs for real people

Not only does Liz have the passion and the creativity but she now has the qualification to seek out jobs specialising in Interior Design or wedding and event decoration.

If you want some inspiration with your boudoir or want the perfectly decorated reception room for your wedding, then you can contact Elizabeth at the following email address: LizPapps@btinternet.com

It’s not long until Valentines Day; when we are expected to be at our most romantic! (and it’s acceptable and not corny to be so!)

Obviously your Valentine is extra special, so you’ll needing something extra special to give them and that’s where I can help

I have a fabulous offer for you, whether you are wanting something fun and relaxed or want to indulge in the romance.

There aren’t a lot of guys that are uncomfortable with being photographed, least of smooching it up in front of the lens, but I will help you feel at ease and not at all self-conscious, making the session full of fun and frolic! Your girl is going to love you forever for indulging her and proving that ‘movie love’ really does exist!

You will end up with some beautiful images to choose from, no matter what style of couple portraiture you prefer.

I’m adding  value this Valentine’s and offer Valentine shoots at half price (that reduces them to £20 for a location shoot). Either ring me before 14th February 2012 to book your portrait session or, alternatively, purchase a £20 sitting gift voucher (to use before 31st May 2012).

I will also be offering some special discounts on products, especially for these Valentine shoots

• Call now to avoid disappointment: 07786 300 140. (allow time for gift voucher orders, if wishing to have them by 14th Feb)

Thank you so much to all those people who invited me to photograph their children, siblings, parents and even dogs! I hope to be invited back again in 2012 for all those birthday parties, christenings, anniversaries and special moments that you want frozen in time.

Just a handful of clients from 2011

As a special thank you to all my portrait clients, I would like to offer you a rare chance to purchase all your full resolution digital negatives (the photographs from one sitting) on disc for an amazing price of £99!!

Usually I don’t sell the digital negatives but, at the end of last year (by popular demand) I introduced a disc of 20 images for a price of £250. So you can see this is a MASSIVE saving and one not to be missed. Some of you may even be able to use your 10% loyalty discount in conjunction with this offer, so get in touch quickly!

T&C’s

• Offer is only available to those that had their portrait shoot before 2012. Sorry but it is not available to Wedding, Corporate or Baby Package clients who are have not completed their package.
• Offer expires 31st January 2012

I am over the moon to have my recent St Lucia Lego photos published in a magazine. I know it’s only ‘Letter of the Month’ but it’s still very exciting. I mean, I win something

'Photo Professional' Magazine

It’s certainly spurred me on to make time for the hobby side of my photography – it can’t all be work, work, work (as much as I enjoy it).

I had so much fun taking these photographs but it has become a bit of an unhealthy addiction. These minifigures are multiplying in my handbag, travelling everywhere with me, so I’m constantly on the look out for the best photo situation for them. It causes great amusement (and equal annoyance) for my friends if nothing else

I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of the behind-the-scenes photographs….

My St Lucia Studio!

You can just about make out the seaweed and coconuts used!

Lonely Cara the Cavegirl - she looks a little lost and scared while I look for more props!

I had to work really low to the ground which required lying flat on the sand. You can see that it was quite gusty at times so, smeared in sun cream, I got covered in sand and I was very conscious of the sand so close to my compact camera!

Dressing the Set

Time for some reading!

You can check out more of these photographs on my Flickr photostream.

If you can’t read the magazine letter above then grab yourself a copy!

Or read below…

I am not sure what is more geeky; taking my photography magazine on holiday or taking my Lego to play with (at the age of..cough…thirtysomething!).
I had great fun with both, in St Lucia, but the latter probably got the most attention from staff and hotel guests. It’s not easy trying to explain to St Lucian’s exactly what you’re doing with the Lego and a compact camera!
My boyfriend took many ‘behind the scene’ shots as he found it hysterical watching me ‘dress the set’ and get into funny positions while dressed only in my bikini! (not my usual choice of outfit for photography work!)

I’m pleased with the results but absolutely gutted that I left my reading material on the plane – a magazine that will become well travelled. I had hardly read any of it as it was being hogged by my other half! Plus I remembered too late that it included a great discount code for the upcoming SWPP convention seminars. What other fab offers, articles and advice did I miss out on? As a loyal subscriber, please could you send me another copy or do I have to get on another plane in a bid to find my last copy? I’m not sure what I am sadder about; coming home from St Lucia to cold London, or losing my favourite magazine