Andrea Michele Photography

New Year, Big changes

2012-01-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Following a very busy and sometimes eventful 2011 I have reviewed my business and will be making some changes. Most of them being price changes to reflect a new structure for my business. Here are my new commission tariffs for 2012:

Portrait work:

New clients: £250 for a no time limit location session using natural light, CD with copyright permission and a 12 x 8 gallery mounted and framed image of choice. A 50 % deposit will be payable upon booking to secure your date. Places will be very limited for portrait work so please book early for 2012 to avoid any disappointment.

Weddings:

2 packages will be available:

1/2 day attendance, CD of 100 images with copyright, an A3 canvas and luxury photo book £950

Full day attendance, CD of 150 images with copyright, an A3 canvas or acrylic, luxury boxed photo book and 4 matching 'parent/grand parent' books £1500

All weddings include a pre wedding shoot, consultations, emailing and phone calls, viewing, delivery and the option to add on a trash the dress shoot at a later date, plus portrait work at a 25% discount for life.

Travel and accomodation outside of Cornwall and South Devon will be charged at a reasonable rate.

Commercial portraiture and interiors

£50 per hour shoot and production time plus £20 per image on a CD for digital and print use.

Fashion and editorial work

As this area is fairly new to me I am currently offering to undertake fashion and editorial work on a TF basis, or for look books etc... a barter of services has worked really well in the past. Please email me for further details if you are a designer or work in the fashion/beauty industry.

Beautiful ladies and scrummy babies

2011-10-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

This month has been such a good one so far, I have had the pleasure of practising my newborn photography on William Alderson, 9 days old and well and truly a pro with a camera.

Then my first £50 baby/child offer shoot with Jayden, 5 months old...I actually think I was at his shoot longer than normal as his company was delightful...and dribbly. I look forward to covering his christening next year.

Always nice to revisit Pure Dental in Truro, corporate shots for Nicki and Olivia whom are now good friends and a pleasure to photograph. Also got to meet Rufus Hound (Olivias puppy) ...soooo cute and, look forward to covering Olivias wedding in Bath next year also (very excited)

Then finally some editorial fashion work with Annalise Harvey Bridal and occasion design. Starting our day at 8am on a trip to the Hotel Penzance on a Sunday morning is some kind of dedication, I am not sure what kind (-; It took some organising but we were 1 hairdresser, 1 make up artist, Annalise styling and 3 models strong, along with 2 wedding dresses and 2 bridesmaids dresses all bespoke designs by Annalise.

Many thanks to all involved (Ritzy Lox, Jade Louise, Lily Pickles, Louise Richards and Zoe Hoy)

I can also strongly reccomend the amazing attention to details and impeccable service you will get at the Hotel Penzance.

Links to all involved in this blog post:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Annalise-Harvey-Bridal-Occasion-Design/

http://www.hotelpenzance.com/

http://www.puredentalhealth.co.uk/

http://www.ritzylox.co.uk/

www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

Busy Bee

2011-09-25T04:15:00.000-07:00

Pre wedding shoot

2011-09-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

When I consult with wedding clients, I always offer a pre wedding shoot at a location of their choice as a gift to go with any wedding packages.

It really is a lovely way to meet up in a situation that will emulate the relationship you will have with the couple on their big day. It also gets rid of any fears that the bride or groom may have about having a camera around....Its a funny old thing but if I were paid for everytime I am told, just before a shoot or at the Bridal prep...'I hate having my picture taken' well, I would be richer xx

Your pre wedding image will be mounted and framed for you to keep along with your chosen 'products' and will be delivered to you either just before or on your wedding day. This is at no extra charge and always a pleasure.

Alternatively, I also offer a Trash the Dress shoot for after the wedding for those brides with a little adventure and madness in mind.

Thank you very much to Steve and Helen, who will be getting married next week, for kind permission to use their pre wedding images on here and on my facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography/

Here comes the Bride....

2011-09-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kayleigh and Mark who married on the 28th August, what a beautiful wedding at St.Michaels in Falmouth, a great venue for bridal prep, ceremony, reception and wedding night. I am sorry I didn't have time to enjoy the spa xx

September has started brilliantly too with the announcement of the winners of my wedding photography competition.

Massive Congratulations to Laura Thomson in Stockport, who runs the most delicious business 'Gingerbeer Designs' ... second place goes to Tara and Jimmie who are expecting the arrival of a baby before we talk wedding, so double congratulations there. Then a surprise third place for Sadie and Grant who were entered whilst on Holiday by their friend Hayley (whose wedding I am doing next year at Truro Cathedral)

I am very much looking forward to meeting with you all for consultations and hearing about your plans.

on top of all this lovely stuff that is wedding....next week I will be seeing Sophie and Ian again as they come and collect their images from their competition winning wedding photography. I hope they are pleased xx

I have several dates free in 2012...have started booking for 2013 already !! and if you want to risk a last minute winter deal for this year give me a shout:

andreamichele72@gmail.com

www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography/191793205511

On the beach

2011-08-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

I met up with Helen and Steve over at Perranporth this week, for their pre wedding shoot. I am not able to share images yet as I am saving them for after they have seen them, but I did take the opportunity to work with my good friend Hayley on some beach shots which will hopefully prove to be good practice and experience, as most wedding couples that book me would like some intimate shots on the beach as part of their package.

Beaches are quite challenging to be honest, if the suns out it is reflecting off the water and the sand and its so easy to produce a shot thats just bleached out with all the light. The time of day can help but its very unusual to find a wedding that is taking place in the early hours of the morning or in the evening. To counter act this problem and add some depth to this area of work I have had a tinker with my camera settings and had a good play around with my flash, not something I use alot as I feel it can be a little bit too stark sometimes.

I hope the results of this jiggery pokery look okay....and mean that I am ready for some awesome shots for Kayleigh and Marks wedding this Sunday over at St.Michaels hotel and Spa in Falmouth...then on to Helen and Steves Wedding in 3 weeks time.

More images from this week include an urban shoot with Susie Joan wearing dresses by Badgers custom creations and Hell Bunny. Please feel free to pop over to my facebook page to have a look at them:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography

also take a look at the preview image from a website shoot for buff design, exciting things happening there

http://www.buffindustrialdesign.co.uk

Lastly....7 days to go before my wedding photography competition closes doors for entries xx

Wedding Gowns.....

2011-07-24T13:40:00.001-07:00

....by Anna D'Souza were this weeks subject of choice. For a long time now I have admired Anna's work, and will even be going to her for my own wedding dress.

Finally, this week, I was handed 5 of her beautiful one off designs to photograph.

We chose a couple of locations, Bodmin Moor in the middle of our summer (cold, dreary and wet) worked out beautifully, with many thanks to Jade (MUA) Melissa and Louise for modelling amongst the drizzle, mud and wild horses.

Then we were located in a yet untouched part of The Old Bakery in Truro, where Anna has her studio. More glamour and glitz ensued as I was reunited with Siobhan and Angharad, dusty corners, dodgy chairs and cobwebby windows....Brilliant shoot, so pleased and also gave Shantelle an opportunity to work with on the spot existing light as she accompanied me for her work experience from Penair school.

I have had a lovely week, met and worked with some lovely people and have been really pleased with the results. Some of which you can view on my FB page, some will be up on my 'coming soon' new look website, and maybe Anna will use some on her blog.

Mentions also to Sarah Drew who handmakes the headwear we used.

Anna can be found at:

http://www.annadsouzadesigns.co.uk/

Sarah Drew:

http://www.sarahdrew.com/

My FB:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography/191793205511

My website:

www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

Win Your Wedding Photography Year 2

2011-07-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Sophie and Ian Doble ~ competition winners 2010/11

THE PRIZE:

Consultation and pre wedding location portrait session with Framed and mounted print of choice.

Half day coverage of your wedding.

Myself and assisting photographer in attendance.

A CD of 100 high res images with full copyright

50% off any added attendance time and any other products added on.

RUNNERS UP:

2nd and 3rd Prizes of 50% off a full day or half day wedding package.

All entries there after will receive 20% discount voucher if you choose to book a full or half day package.

HOW TO ENTER:

Email to andreamichele72@gmail.com

A self portrait of the two of you in your favourite place, the more original, wild and wacky the better, and keep it clean please ladies and gents xx

Plus a short paragraph of your ideal wedding if money were no object.

Please include your email address and contact telephone number.

The winner will be chosen within a week of the closing date by myself and a to be announced member of the local wedding industry.

Closing date 1st September 2011.

GOOD LUCK !

RULES:

No entries will be accepted beyond the closing date of Sept 1st 2011.

The wedding must be taking place in Cornwall (can travel to anywhere in the world, but weddings outside the county/country will incur a travel and accommodation fee) and you must not already have a professional photographer booked, current confirmed bookings with myself are not eligible. Agreements to have the wedding images used for publicity, portfolio, website and publishing will be discussed. No cash or voucher alternative will be given in place of any prizes.

I use a contemporary reportage and documentry style and if formal posed traditional family shots are what you want I am afraid this won't be for you x

%off vouchers are only redeemable against a wedding booking.

Please note that I already have the following dates booked:

28th August, 17th September, 8th October 2011

5th May, 6th May, 7th May, 26th May, 2nd June and 4th August 2012.

Tell your relatives/friends and work colleagues. This competition is open to everyone.

Updates can be found on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography/

The winner will be also be announced on my facebook page following email notification.

Details

2011-06-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

When I document a wedding, one thing I always enjoy including are the fine details that most couples have planned as part of their day, then actually fail to take in fully as they get whisked along in the excitement, emotion and love of it all.

At our recent blessing in Surrey, I was spoilt for choice. Held in the brides parents beautiful English garden I was able to take pictures of the flowers, as a reflection of the season in which they took their vows.

One of the biggest and first choices a bride makes is her dress, and trust me, this is right down to the type of cotton being used to sew it together when bespoke tailoring is involved. I have to admit, as a girl, a favourite part of my job as a wedding photographer is to photograph every single detail of the dress.....

...labels...

... buttons ...

... lace ...

and then, before all the guests fill tables with empty glasses and open favours, the reception area is always a must and a real treat as it reflects the tastes of the bride and groom, and the hospitality they offer to the people they will be sharing their love with.

Sophie and Ian offered an afternoon tea inside a tipi shaped marquee, full of cakestands, bunting, heart shaped pomanders and freshly picked flowers.

Congratulations to them both as they enjoy Spain this week xxx

Many thanks also to Zoe Hawkins for being my second shooter for the weekend xxx

Wedding Photography bookings:

www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

new email: andreamichele72@gmail.com

Twitter: @andreamichele1

FB: www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography/

OFFERS

2011-06-20T01:53:00.000-07:00

WEDDING OFFER

Book a full days wedding photography from Bridal prep to First Dance with a CD of all images and a 12 x 8 framed and mounted image at £900*

and get a FREE A3 boxed leather or satin bound

wedding photobook worth £350

*price applicable on all weddings (2011/12/13) booked in before January 2012.

PLUS !!

August only

Location photo shoot with CD of 5 images £50

with any canvas, framing, prints or photo books ordered as an addition 25% discount.

This applies to single and family photo shoots (not weddings or commercial)

BOOKINGS call or text07828 145526 email andreamichele72@gmail.com

Indeed...The Magic of Photography

2011-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

This was something someone said to me the other day when I was explaining that my studio was currently out of action but, we could make their shots look 'studio' in their front room. Funny, because I then found myself thinking this last night as Hayley and I set up this shot.

Hayley was kneeling on my lounge floor (she is taller than me) and in place of the fan we were supposed to acquire, there I am with camera on tripod in live view mode so that as I focused with one hand, I could wave my hairdryer at Hayley with the other.....tada, magic (-;

I am reasonably pleased with the results, Hayley always delivers a great shot and our soundtrack was shouting babies on top of the comedy hairdrying....so all in all great!

Documentary style wedding photography

2011-06-15T04:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend just gone I was delighted to cover Gemma and Sams lovely wedding. Their requirements were a perfect example of the photographic service I offer for weddings as they wanted a full documentary of their day with a very scant smattering of group images.

I wont lie, I don't really do the standard posed group images very well. I have a passion for life and people, which I hope shows through my camera, and I think most photographers, no matter how technically perfect they are, can turn out a better image of something they love better than something they don't have any passion for.

I do like to take the full group image, hanging from Hotel balconies and out of windows adds a little adrenaline to my work...I am also happy to take a few of you and your bridesmaids, with your mum and dad etc...all very casually, my absolute favourite are the prep shots and the intimate bride and groom shots, never formally posed and always taken away from the wedding party, so that you get half an hour out of the hussle bussle to savour that love thing.

Ultimately, If a full 'pap' style is what you are looking for, give me a call or an email x

www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography/

Boutique chic

2011-06-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Lois and I popped over to a very sunny St.Ives to indulge in a bit of car mechanics....and to take pictures for my commercial portfolio at The Primrose Valley Hotel.

http://www.primroseonline.co.uk/

The multi award winning hotel is truly a hidden gem, and run by Andrew and Sue Biss to an incredibly high standard. We were spoilt for choice with great images and atmosphere.

This was my first hotel and I hope that my style has transferred to this area successfully.

Car mechanics ?....put it this way, if it wasn't for the hammer we borrowed from Andrew, we may have had to stay over, I would also like to advise that turning up to a clients shoot by parking your car across the road infront of their hotel because the gear box has given up, getting 3 of his staff to push the car out of the way and having no AA cover is perhaps not as professional as we may have hoped xx

Show me your teeth

2011-06-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

Indeed, its the most bizarre song lyric I've ever come across too but, it doesn't reference a shoot with Lady Ga Ga.

This week has been full of those dentist type peeps again as I had the pleasure of doing some more shots of Jason Smithson, who has been voted the 16th most influential person in dentistry this year.

Jason tours the world giving lectures on advances in cosmetic dentistry and requires an image of himself for conference flyers and brochures.

The images we did last year were very 'arty' and much loved in some parts of the world, the images we did last week followed a more conservative look, as some countries prefer this, giving Jason a portfolio of 'mug shots' to choose from.

I have also had some work published on the cover of an e-zine of Dental business advisor Chris Barrow, the 2nd most influential man in dentistry this year. This is work I did last year and I can only imagine that Chris' face must be everywhere as its a well used portfolio of shots.

Its always a pleasure to work with the cosmetic dentistry business and I hope it continues.

for more of my commercial work, including Jasons last lot of shots and my work with Pure Dental in Truro:

www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Michele-Photography/

and to acknowledge this posts title influence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t_hLnhg_YY&feature=related

Natural Light

2011-05-21T03:49:00.001-07:00

I have made a decision to go back to where I started, and most enjoy being....after a year working with studio lighting in my home studio, I will be giving the space over to my children for a playroom or to my fella to restore vintage cars (will let them fight that one out between themselves) chucking out my studio lighting, and return to utilising natural light in my portrait work.

The images I took of Claire and her beautiful new baby were taken using the 'french doors' at the back of my dining room...handy for grabbing a cup of tea while we wait for baby to feed and change and then feed again etc....

I am really looking forward to the challenge of working exclusively with natural light again and to the other changes I have made to my business which involve new wedding and commercial tariffs, fewer portrait commissions and no model portfolio work. All outlined on my new website which will be ready in the next couple of months when I have completed some fresh portfolio work to pop on it.

In the meantime, email, call, facebook or twitter me for bookings, info or just a hello xx

Neil and Georgia's wedding

2011-04-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today I had the privilege of being invited to be a second shooter to my friend Deon as he embarks on his career as a wedding photographer.

His gift to his good friends Neil and Georgia was to be their photographer and to ensure he got the most out of their beautiful wedding I was asked to lurk around with him, capturing those candid moments that he may have missed whilst orchestrating family and group shots.

In return for my assistance I have been given permission to share my work from today as part of my portfolio. The images shown both on here and my Facebook page are my interpretation of the day.

Many Thanks to Deon, who I can recommend highly for his professionalism....and to Georgia and Neil for sharing a very special day.....and for smiling through the rain (-:

You spend all that time waiting....then two come along at once !!

2011-03-29T14:37:00.001-07:00

Its a delight to be able to announce that on Wednesday 23rd March 2011 our twins Matilda and Charlotte made an appearance via C section, with enormous thanks to the staff on Delivery suite, neo natal and Wheal Fortune at The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Princess Alexandra maternity unit.

Both are fit and well, as am I....which is great news for a good recovery in time for my first wedding in May this year....which in the meantime will be rehearsed for with shots of the twins and my beautiful family...I am truly blessed xxx

Many thanks for the continued support of my friends and clients, my older children and most especially my better half Lloyd x

Spring has Sprung

2011-03-19T15:34:00.001-07:00

Today I decided to change my subject matter to something other than people. Spring is certainly in full swing down at The Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey in Cornwall. The weather was beautiful, the camera I took (My compact Canon S90) was on a macro setting and I must have walked a good 5 miles with my other half, youngest son and twin bump soaking up the beautiful scenery....and even then I think we missed bits.

Putting on the Ritz...

2011-02-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

As promised here are a few images from the fantastic shoot I did for

Ritzy Lox. I think its the busiest my house has ever been, as the studio was out of action we converted my dining room into a studio and my sitting room became a beauty parlour.

I am really looking forward to seeing the final images on the new website as Dee starts her new venture (My fingers are crossed for success hun)

The evening was full of much girly chat and excitement, as two of the models were in the Face of SISLEY competition at the time.

Many, Many Thanks for the oppurtunity to work towards building my commercial portfolio as my work starts to 'explode' in that area. I am already filling June with a massive move in that direction following a fantastic oppurtunity that has been popped in my lap by a very good friend x

Will update on that one in the near future x

Finishing up and getting ready.

2011-02-01T05:23:00.000-08:00

I am just finishing up some last bits of work before I get ready for the arrival of our twin girls.

I have 6 wedding commissions to finalise for 2011 after running an offer on peak season weddings this year for £250 off, still some dates left, plus 5 2012 weddings, including Hayley and Russells Cathedral wedding on the same weekend as the Queens Diamond jubilee, posh dresses are very much in order !!

Also....Some bits and pieces to finish editing for Bespoke Baby Room (using our son William for modelling) and Its a Wrap Cornwall, Hottub2go will be using the images Sarah and Hayley slaved over in that Hot Tub, Pure Dental Health Truro have their acrylics and canvas in place, Hayley is also through to the semi finals of the Sisley competition, as is Chloe....and I have a shoot to do for Ritzy Lox Hairdressing so that they have some lovely images to put on their soon to go live website.

Lastly, I met up with Wedding competition winners Sophie and Ian a few weeks ago, on a very choppy Chapel Porth Beach for their pre wedding shoot. Lois and I are really looking forward to our trip to Surrey in June to cover their Humanist blessing.

Sophie and Ian, Chapel Porth Beach

Its a Wrap Cornwall

Bespoke Baby Room

Hayley Lanyon aka Baby jane for Hottub2go

Sarah Bottono for hottub2go

http://www.bespokebabyroom.co.uk/

http://www.itsawrapcornwall.co.uk/

http://www.hottub2go.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/SisleyCornwall

http://www.puredentalhealth.co.uk/

http://www.ritzylox.co.uk/

So....once I have posted some images of Ritzy Lox Hairdressings shoot with a wee write up on their lovely new business, I am hoping my next blog post will consist of the introduction of 'Charlotte and Matilda' in March along with some pictures....then after that its full on wedding season, with coverage of each wedding for my next blog posts.

25 days to go.....

2010-11-30T14:33:00.000-08:00

This month has passed so quickly, and I have just realised that we have 25 days left until christmas is upon us once again.

Since my last post, Lois and I attended and photographed the most beautiful wedding over at Liskeard.

My publicity work for Chris Barrow, The dental business guru, appeared in 'The Business of Dentistry' magazine http://www.bodmagazine.com/

I have also had the oppurtunity to work with Nic Shilson again, always a pleasure and always amazing to watch her work. This time she hand painted butterflies on model Chloe Forbes for a project I am working on...Many Thanks to both Nicola and Chloe x

Add to all of that, 2 model portfolios, 50 childrens portraits for christmas at Happy Days, Penair. A return to Pure Dental to complete their publicity and practice shots, The publishing of Scottys Little Soldiers Calender that we all worked so hard on (more about that in a separate post this week) 3 days of being snowed and iced in, twin girls on the way and some work coming up for Bespoke Baby room (v.excited about cute monkey hats and mittens) and I think when all is done I will be ready for our youngests 'George Pig' 2nd birthday party on Christmas eve and a wee sip of Baileys the day after.

Then I will be taking maternity leave which oddly consists of filling in tax forms and re branding the business/redoing the website ready for a return to wedding work in May. I may even squeeze in a little bit of TF work with Chloe again, and the lovely Sarah Bottono just for the fun and keeping my hand in x

Looking forward....

2010-10-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

...to a couple of new projects that will be adding something quite technical to my work, blending traditional and modern approaches to making dynamic images. Will keep you posted through here and my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Truro-United-Kingdom/Andrea-Michele-Photography/191793205511

also have a fair bit of fashion work to do, including potential sponsorship of a Miss. Cornwall entrant...fingers crossed x

Also...An exhibition alongside some old friends, which is currently under discussion regarding its feasibility. I must admit, I am quite excited about this because I have been challenged to step outside my comfort zone of portraiture.

Looking back....I have had a fantastic introduction to event photography through being invited to the Helston Ladies night last weekend. Organised successfully by photographer Christina Draper, the event was held in order to raise funds for Precious lives and The Handstand appeal - photos on sale in the next few days to add to the current raised total of £1800.

oooh .....Scottys calender is getting closer to publication too, excited about seeing that finished, the charity are happy with the images we all worked so hard on. Photos that were taken to document the childrens involvement during the day will also be on sale soon, as soon as the charity give me the nod.

I think thats it....its all happening, and all at a time when I am also expecting a baby in April...so somewhere in there I am going to fit in some maternity leave before my first wedding of nextseason on May 14th (date amended from the 18th May following typo, apologies for
causing concern x) x

Shiny Happy People

2010-09-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

When you book your wedding photographer, one of the most important things next to liking their work is whether you actually get on with them or not. I am not saying that there are photographers and couples out there that are all horrid people, but, its just human nature sometimes to not gel with a couple or be unable to be the photographer they want you to be.

Its not always the couple either, sometimes thoughts and ideals can clash with the parents of the bride/groom, depending on the depth of their involvement in the decision making. Sometimes its as simple as just not getting along.

I am not going to lie, the money from a wedding is always very handy for my business...but above all else I would rather turn down a job because I feel that the happiness of a couple on their big day is the most important thing...and also, that you are getting married because you love each other, the whole day is a deceleration of that love before the people you are closest to...it is not a full days photo shoot to the point where you think your jaw may fall off, or some peeps who arent involved in photos are stood around waiting outside churches/hotels/marquees etc....

I think you are getting what I mean.

If we clash in opinion, character, price differences etc etc...then a mutual agreement to part company is always the nicest way...and quite rare TBH. I can recommend some fantastic photographers out there aswell and will always wish you a happy day and beautiful future. Far better than a clash of differences or personalities on the most important day of your lives.

Claire Marie

2010-08-22T12:43:00.001-07:00

For a few shoots now I have worked with Truro college and Clarins trained makeup artist Claire Marie, as you can see from the images we have both worked on, she is incredibly talented and very easy to work alongside.

She is available for model and bridal work and great if you want to add something special to your portraiture.

I cannot express enough how reasonable her rates are compared to the quality of her work.

Check out her FB page:
http://www.facebook.com/?tid=423416898142&sk=messages#!/pages/Claire-Marie-Make-Up-Artist/137362566304529?ref=ts

If you would like to include Claire in on a shoot please let me know at the time of your booking or contact her independantly for your wedding.

http://www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

and the winner is.......

2010-08-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Following a really great response to my wedding photography I am pleased to announce that my winners are Sophie and Ian, both practising chiropractors who offered a really good self portrait as their entry. I am really looking forward to working alongside them as they plan their wedding x

Bespoke Babies, Beautiful Brides and Mad Models

2010-08-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Pretty much sums up the last few weeks....I have been busy on location with bridal work, despite the beautiful summer weather we have been having !!

I also had 2 real weddings to attend....Wendy and Mick had the most amazing do at The Glendorgal hotel in Newquay...we almost cried during the ceremony too !! it was beautifully emotional.

Then Lois and I were treated to a Lobster lunch with Nicola and Anthony down on the Lizard a few days afterwards for a renewal of their vows. The scenery is stunning and the rain stopped especially for them, I swear xx

My Mad Model is my beautiful daughter who helps me out with lighting and shot tests, love her to bits...and really love the specs missus...her helping me helps me learn things like remembering to move the reflector leaning against the wall before taking pics of people with glasses on xx

and...my favourite thing to do...spend time with babies, Thanks to Vicki at Bespoke baby room for needing some more website images. Which alot of you have already seen on my FB page and will see soon on Vickis website when she has finished a two week break from the chaos that is baby boutiquing (is that a word?)

many many thanks for all concerned with portfolio work.

http://www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

More Brides and weddings

2010-07-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Another week of brides and weddings with a few mentions if you don't mind:

Congratulations to Wendy and Mick who got married at The Glendorgal in Newquay last Saturday, and thankyou to them both, their family and friends for a really friendly, very happy and extremely warm welcome, the weather was perfect and the location is spectacular if ever you are looking for a venue on the North coast.

http://www.glendorgalhotel.co.uk/

More Congratulations to Nicola and Anthony who renewed their vows today on The Lizard which has one of the most spectacular views I have seen to date. Their hospitality was second to none as they treated Lois and I to share in their lobster and champagne lunch at the Witch Bowl pub....with extended thanks to Henrys campsite.

http://www.henryscampsite.co.uk/

http://www.witchball.co.uk/

My portfolio bride this week was Jade, who married 5 weeks ago but was more than happy to put that dress back on for some stunning shots that we took at The Carbis Bay hotel near St.Ives. The shoot had been arranged with Victoria who co-ordinates weddings on the site along with other locations, with hair by Denise Andrews, Jades friend and chief bridesmaid, who has helped me with portfolio work before.

http://www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk/

Brides and weddings

2010-07-18T13:55:00.001-07:00

Its been a really busy week on the wedding front. Beginning with a photo shoot for my portfolio of a bride and groom in the grounds of The Alverton Manor Hotel in Truro.

.....and then a studio session with hayley as my bride. This is a good example of how you can book a shoot at a later date when the big day has been and gone and life is now that little bit calmer. Its also a fantastic excuse to wear that dress again, book a hairdresser and makeup artist and capture your moment, its very common in some parts of Europe and Japan, to save the official shots for a later date. Bridal and couple portraiture can be booked as a seperate shoot or included as part of your full wedding booking .

Pretty Things

2010-07-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

I am about to embark on some bridal work for my wedding portfolio, and for my first shoot I have 1 studio, 1 muse, 1 dress, 1 hairdresser and some beautiful bridal head wear from this lady:

http://www.sarahdrew.com/

Sarah has a lovely little studio in Truro, one of the new spaces in the Blewetts building on Garras Wharf....looking good.

Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan Bride amongst many other publications and her green/eco policies are to be admired and perhaps copied by the rest of us.

I was warmly welcomed into Sarahs studio today, and offered several pieces to use and eventually showcase as part of my work and for Sarahs. She doesn't just do Bridal either so, you have no excuse to not treat yourself, or leave her page open for the other half to 'happen' across.

Busy Busy Busy

2010-06-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

OMG !! I feel like my feet havn't stopped this week.

On Saturday I attended the Party in The Park, Victoria Park, Truro. It was all in aid of kids4kids...an amazing charity that helps provide cots and care facilities for children in Africa that have HIV and AIDS. The event helped raise enough money to buy 3 cots from Cornwall, I hope thats not the last time I have association with the charity.

I have also been polishing my portfolio with some model shoots....Angharad, unique and beautiful....Kayleigh, a complete natural.

I am also getting together 8 women, 8 wedding dresses, 8 locations, a milliner, a makeup artist, hairdressers and a car (fingers crossed) for some very special bridal work xx

After all of that I will be at the Archbishop Benson School summer fair on Friday evening from 4:15...display and buy one get one free at the ready xx

Muse

2010-06-22T04:07:00.001-07:00

Last year I asked for some teenagers to volunteer themselves as models for my portfolio. One of them was Hayley, at the time she was a student of photography herself. The images that came from that shoot were experimental to say the least because Hayley was willing to be patient with something I wanted to try, but they worked out so well they paved the way for me to be more creative with my lighting...they were also the best work I had produced in the year, and still one of the images comes with me to exhibitions.

I now follow Hayleys fantastic blog and she is also a friend on facebook, and a couple of weeks ago I asked her if I could use her again for some more shots in my recently finished studio. I had recently become a bit dissolusioned with my work (as you do) and needed some inspiration....Hayley has helped me once again and therefore is now my official 'muse'.

I have added this shot from a collection of images that were taken in the studio, you can view them on my facebook page (Andrea Michele Photography) and soon in the portraits section on my website www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

Bespoke Baby Room

2010-06-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Once again I have been given the oppurtunity to take some images for Vicki and her very successful, award nominated online business http://www.bespokebabyroom.co.uk/

I was lucky enough to have the use of a very large field and the co-operation of my son for half an hour...with thanks to my other half Lloyd and his child wrangling skills.

If you have babies then vicki's site is an absolute must....be aware, its very addictive.

Chris Barrow

2010-06-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

As a man who networks more than myself, I know he wont mind the mention.

http://www.coachbarrow.com

I had the pleasure of meeting with Chris last week, and I am more than delighted to have been commisioned to take his 'mug shot' for his new website and associated publicity. I am looking forward to working with him towards bringing out his very strong personality through the medium of digital camera.

Photo Editing

2010-05-28T11:18:00.001-07:00

I get asked alot about the amount of post shoot editing I do to get the desired effect from my images. so....cat out of the bag time.

I don't use photoshop, fact is I am rubbish with photoshop...it takes alot of years of learning to get it right and learn all that it has to offer. Don't get me wrong, when you want superior photo editing software...PS is the puppy.

I prefer to use my camera and the right lighting to get the shot I want....and then post process in Adobe Lightroom...its like a darkroom in my computer. Nothing more and nothing less...and its ace for batch processing, because sometimes the weather conditions are impossible to work with exclusively or sepia is a nice tone for some images, or a little bit of colour or contrast is needed. Just the same as the darkroom days of yore lol x Most peeps like some colour picking on their wedding shots or a little bit of a dodge and burn...but, I cannot make you thinner with an airbrush or smooth your skin to model standards, add in a wacky frog/rainforest scene or fake light painting...what you see in your image is beautiful you through my camera....thats it.

Info on lightroom here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Photoshop_Lightroom

WIN your wedding photography

2010-05-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my first year in business in June I have decided to hold a competition where you can win your wedding photography !!

THE PRIZE:

Consultation and pre wedding portrait sitting with mounted print of choice.

Full day coverage of your wedding, from Bridal preperation to the first dance.

Myself and assisting photographer in attendance.

3 CD's of high res images with full copyright (thats one for you and one each for your parents)

a small coffee table book of chosen images

A 12 x 8 framed and mounted image of choice.

HOW TO ENTER:

Email the story of how you met and a self portrait of the two of you, you know the ones where one of you holds the camera, not one taken by someone else. The quirkier and nuttier the better. This competition is free to enter.

I will then ask and announce two people that I have worked alongside with over the last year to help judge the entries and decide a winner of the free wedding commission, and also two runners up, who will receive the oppurtunity to have their wedding package at half the normal cost should they wish. Winners will be informed by email and announced on my facebook page by 1st September 2010.

The wedding must be taking place in Cornwall (can travel, but weddings outside the county will incur a travel and accomodation fee) and you must not already have a professional photographer booked. Agreements to have the wedding images used for publicity, portfolio, website and publishing will be discussed. No cash or voucher alternative will be given in place of any prizes. i use a contemporary reportage and documentry style and if formal posed traditional family shots are what you want I am afraid this won't be for you x

Closing date 1st August 2010.

GOOD LUCK !

Tell your relatives/friends and work collegues. This competition is open to everyone.

email entries to: andreamichele@live.co.uk

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE: Wedding prices/quotes

2010-05-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

If you have recently submitted your details on the wedding photography quote form, on my website...Could you please contact me via email andreamichele@live.co.uk as the site has had some technical difficulties and not all contact details came through to my email.

The page has now been changed to give you a guide to what you can expect and how to contact me for your individually tailored package and free consultation.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused...I am not ignoring you xx

My New studio space

2010-05-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

After all the hard work Lloyd has put in, my studio space is ready to go....first client tommorrow afternoon for a shoot with a toddler xx

THANKYOU...

2010-05-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

....for the support I have had over the last few weeks as I take my business one step further:

Most especially for my amazing fella Lloyd, he has hung the new (very heavy) studio doors, painted, sawn, moved, and demolished so that all will be ready on time...at the same time as running his own business 'Buff Design' which has several fantastic products in the pipeline...oh, and he built my new website...check it out, I am very pleased

http://www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk/

and to Lauries Toybox in Pydar Mews, Truro, who have donated a toy box and wooden toys to put in it for the studio. It doubles up as a table and chairs for the little people so they dont get bored during a viewing or need to settle in before a shoot. If you have never been to Lauries, you MUST go...it doesn't matter if you don't have small children anymore either, its an aladdins cave of top notch wooden and traditional toys.

So many things going on.....

2010-04-30T03:01:00.001-07:00

This week I am promoting real nappy week with a competition where you can win a mum and baby studio session, mum makeover and some goodies from bespoke baby room. Entries can email me their name and address for a good old fashioned 'first out of the hat' draw. Closing date 3rd may..ooh, thats bank holiday Monday !

I am also collecting wedding suppliers for what will hopefully be something very special and well publicised. If you supply anything to weddings or have a publication that wants to become a platform for this idea...email me...details at bottom.

and finally...I am letting other business know that I am available for publicity and website work at a very reasonable rate....following successful work with several business in Truro. I seem to be specialising in dentists at the moment x

Contact details:

http://www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk/

E:andreamichele@live.co.uk

M:07828 145526

PURE DENTAL

2010-04-23T04:01:00.001-07:00

I have been doing the publicity images for Pure Dental in Truro.

http://puredentalhealth.co.uk/

What a fine bunch of people, I can't recommend the place enough if cosmetic dentistry is a place you need or want to go !

My work will be up on the site and in their literature in the coming months.

Many Thanks to Jason Smithson and Nicki Berryman....see you soon for the second shoot x

WEDDINGS

2010-04-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

The wedding season has begun and I covered my first wedding of the year on Friday (16/4/10)

What a beautiful start to this busy time of year, the weather was perfect, the venue was stunning and the bride and groom had such a wonderful day.

My packages start at £250 for small weddings and can include anywhere from the bride and groom preperations to the first dance of your evening do. I cover albums, canvas, framed images and prints and also include a CD of your favourites at no extra charge when you book in this year. All my packages are flexible around what you would like AND what you can afford.

I would also like to take the oppurtunity to introduce Deon Chorley as my assisting photographer this year....he works alongside the Princes Trust and aims to have his own business in a couple of years time. He adds alot to my wedding work and can cover the grooms prep as I cover the bridal prep....bonus !

Call me on 07828 145526 or email andreamichele@live.co.uk to book your free consultation.

Freya Colette

2010-02-19T17:14:00.000-08:00

I am about to have the pleasure of working with a very talented lady...Freya Colette.

http://www.vintagebyfreyacolette.co.uk

Its another commission to photograph items for a website, and I cannot wait.
Freya, who is also a very talented bridal hair dresser, is creating some beautiful vintage hair pins, bouquets,corsages...etc, for weddings....you have to check out her website and if you are having your big day some time this year, consider making a little bit of a very special difference with some of freyas work...and ask her to do your hair aswell.....stunning x

http://www.freyacolette.co.uk

Nappy Wardrobe

2010-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

This week I started some product work for http://www.nappywardrobe.co.uk/ A company that was set up by the lovely Vicki Finn in Bath.

I met Vicki a few years ago when we were both advising for a cloth nappy company and I am really happy that as we embark on our own business' she has asked me to cover the product photography on her website and publicity, starting with the launch of the 'cheeky monkey' kit. Which is so nice, i am fairly reluctant to send it back to her !

I am now looking forward to some more work with Vicki which involves using mums and babies (yum) in her beautiful products...and seceretly hoping I get to see the upcycled wool longies in the flesh...such a great idea !!

If you have babies and young children...I defy you not to end up buying something from Vikki...she has even set up the facility for you to become a representitive through her wholesale distribution arm...Finkahead.

My favourites....the GGB boots and the reusable sandwich bags which are selling like hot cakes, so be quick, go and check it all out on the websites http://www.nappywardrobe.co.uk/ and http://www.finkahead.co.uk/

eek..its all gone pear shaped !!!

2010-01-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

Every family shoot I attend usually comes with a certain level of stress for us poor parents. The minute I step through the door or meet you at the beach, one or all of the children decide to go into unco-operative mode. nose picking, pulling faces, picking pants from bottom, scowling, being rude to the photographer, running off and laughing because your parents are chasing you round infront of someone that you have all just met so, they know you won't full force the parenting...lol...all my family shoot clients are now knowingly nodding their heads.

1. I am a mother of three, you don't need to stand on any ceremony or get embarrassed because I am there...my kids are just as bad if not worse when in these kinds of situations.

2.If we need to stop and eat/drink/be taken into another room to be given a stern talking to/be bribed with sweets/go to the toilet/lock ourselves in the toilet/go outside and ride bike/hassle the dog for 10 mintes/put blanky over our heads in protest/have a paddy etc etc...thats fine, I do one shoot a day and I am not tied to a time limit...and like drinking coffee if I have to sit and wait.

3. about 50% of my family sessions will and do rebook a second free shoot instead of making do with an image where one of the children is pulling a face or has their back to the camera throughout...its okay.

4. Sometimes its the parents who are the worst behaved!! lol, really. I always discuss a short brief about what you want...informal, no standing on ceremony, no cheeses, natural....and then you all go into wipe marks off faces/sit down and smile/stop doing that/obsessive childrens hair brushing syndrome, overdrive....relax...happy relaxed parents equals happy relaxed children, I am not telling you how to behave around your children...but hopefully have put your mind at ease and let you know that every single family shoot I do is the same...put more than one child into the mix and one if not all, will behave like..erm, children.

BTW.....the attached stock image (Picasso and his little brother) was not one of my sessions xx

Wedding Bells

2010-01-15T03:07:00.001-08:00

It very much seems to be the 'in thing' to get married this year (I love weddings !!)...and I am in a very competitive market for both price and style. For wedding work i offer a reportage style, so if what you want is an hour of seating people correctly, lots of cheesing and a 'hello' wedding then I am not for you x

As for pricing I start at around £200 and then work upwards depending on what you want. All packages are tailor made and negotiable so you can keep your budget on track too. All wedding bookings also include a free pre wedding bride and groom portrait session or a bridal boudoir session both with a free 7 x 5 mounted framed image, these will be booked in atleast 2 weeks before the big day....and also, I give a 10% discount for life on any of my work and products, and that includes friends and relatives.

I can cover bridal preperation, ceremony, reception and if you are not fed up of me by then, the evening do...including The first dance, Gran asleep mid disco and your dad dancing. You can choose one or all....I recently did just the bridal prep as the brides friend was doing the actual wedding and she didn't want him to see her in the fantastic red undies she was wearing under her gown...theres only one fella who should be seeing them (-;

I do Albums, framed images, canvas, CD's and prints.

Call or email to book...07828 145526 andreamichele@live.co.uk look forward to hearing from you xxxx

Some fave images from 2009

2010-01-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

Some of my favourite images from the end of last year xx

and an oppurtunity to see how the slideshow app looks on my blog xx

A New Year

2010-01-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

After a month away from blogging...mainly due to business being brisk as the ladies prepared gifts of naughtiness for their men, and the children smiled for Grandmas christmas pressy. Add to that the small break I took from working to be with my own children for the seasonal celebrations...our little man turned 1 on christmas eve also and I had a wedding to witness and photograph on new years eve....breathe...here I am, back to it...and with a poorly camera )-:

So...the camera should be winging its way to Canon and I am using the spare...almost fully booked for January already because I am having a sale...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on all framing (yes, ALL) and 10% discounted on canvas. I have decided to stretch this into a February sale also so the fellas can enjoy a very unique valentines day gift ( check out some appraisals on my facebook page)

so....Happy New year...book early to avoid any dissapointment regarding a BOGOF offer...my pricing structure is as always to suit your pocket, I like a good barter. and, as its always a popular question:

ALL regular on location photo Sessions are Free

Framed and mounted images start at £45 for a 7 x 5 print up to the sky being the limit

Canvas starts at A4 £75 up to A1 at £450

Prints start at £5 each up to £25 each

CD's start at £20 per image as unlimited use is included

Wedding packages to suit start at £200

Burlesque packages are POA and include a stylist

Modelling portfolios are also POA and I also have a limited number of *TFP arrangements available through the year.

I hope that covers it...this is a rough guide only and I will always maintain my 'something for all policy' a price is always tailored to suit your pocket...which is why my pricing should not be taken as red. contact me with your wishes...oh, I do gift vouchers aswell (-:

Heres a baby pic that I took at the end of last year...everyone loves the babies, and this little man was adorable xxxx

Happy Days again

2009-12-05T16:47:00.001-08:00

Its always a pleasure to spend time at Happy Days Nursery events, meeting people and talking to them about how my work is available to all...today I attended my second event, to celebrate christmas, Outstanding OFSTED reports, environmental nursery status and the attendance of Bob The Builder after winning an award that involved a renovation and insulation. Well Done Guys...and Thanks to Nicky Smith for being my greatest advocate.

I have been very busy with events and shoots....I am taking on portfolio work for models, so just to keep the blog looking nice....I have added a couple of shots I took this week.

Have a Merry christmas...and heres to plans and new projects in the New Year.

Customer service

2009-11-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing that makes my life difficult, its the terrible customer service I have to negotiate on a daily basis....The corporate giants who supply my services (electric/gas/telephone etc...) They are clueless, rude, threatening and lacking any personality that stays intouch with us real people. I tried to resolve an issue with the countries main telecoms provider last week....no clue...I was on the phone and talked to various departments for an hour and a half...I got no where. My water provider has no idea how much it costs to live and charges enough money that my tap water should be laced with gold, a product I recently purchased for my baby has proven dangerous, the supplier accused me of being an irrisponsable parent !!....I could go on....my point?

Because of my apathy with what seems to be a disease in this countries corporations, for my own business I have sourced my supplies from small friendly business'...local people...people with faces...people who are happy to and do help. My canvas come from 3 brothers running a small business based on traditional methods and turn out every piece to a very very high standard, My printing is done locally so I can retain a local economic and ecological ethos (I get there on foot) as are My frames, that come from one of the loveliest and reliable business in Truro, I am supporting and recommending local outlets for lingerie, I help the girls out at college (Thanks to Michelle mcCoon) who provide makeup and beauty for my clients in return for portfolio and course material, I also source my makeup and Hair artistry in Cornwall.

I also pass on all this friendly service to each and every client I photograph....and many are now my friends. I try to makesure everyone gets something they can afford, if you are not happy I am happy to help out the best I can....I would rather point you towards a photographer who can give you what you want than make you feel obliged to buy. I also quite happily make a mug of tea or coffee for you at your shoot or viewing and either will take aslong as they take...I don't watch the clock or have time limits....this way, we are all happy...its good to find some in this world full of money hungry, faceless corporations that don't care that you have children to feed.

Any questions? email or call me, details on my website xx

Shameless

2009-11-15T04:22:00.001-08:00

I met these guys at The Tying The Knots wedding ball a few weeks ago and wanted to just add a plug for them...they are very good.

They are a modern covers band (Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Feeder, Kaiser chiefs, Green Day, The Killers......)

Check them out here...and seriously, ditch the disco and book these guys for your occasion (-;

http://www.shameless-band.co.uk/

Eloise

2009-11-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Eloise Kerr...Photographic Stylist...what a find!

I recently contacted the college regarding some input on the makeup side of Burlesque and Boudoir work...I had a fantastic and positive response from tutor Michelle McCoon and Eloise Kerr, a senior student who has an infectious passion for the Burlesque.

Elle attended a shoot with me on Saturday and the results of her input are an immensly helpful addage to my work, and really helped to add somehing that was missing through my inexperience on the styling side of a shoot.

I sincerely hope to be working alongside Eloise for a very long time x

Eloise is available for makeup, hair and direction alongside myself when booking Camera da Letto and Burlesque work. Please request your desire to include her when booking, her charges will apply.

(Photo: Andrea michele/Styling and Makeup:Eloise Kerr)

Brides, Beaches and Baths

2009-11-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

This week has consisted of mainly portfolio work of the bridal variety.

I took my first Trash the Dress images on a very chilly Swanpool Beach, Falmouth and then back at home with the bride in her bath. Brilliant fun and beautiful people, I had such a nice time on this one...running off the beach as a cold shower of rain started, with my client in a summer wedding dress and Black trainers on...in November !! Brilliant.

Round the Corner at Gyllingvase Beach a few days before hand, I arranged to meet Kerry and Matt on their wedding day and they were happy to let me take their portrait images for my wedding portfolio. They were very relaxed and reportage in style as they danced on the beach to keep warm.

many thanks to all three of you xxx

Madame Butterfly

2009-10-30T07:07:00.001-07:00

Added to yesterdays undie plugs....today I met Sam in Madame Butterfly...shes tucked in between Inhabit and the cupcake shop as you walk into the pannier market, Truro. I mention Sam because she stocks some wonderfully burlesque things...very 'Moulin Rouge' I can highly recommend the shop and service xxx

Oh Knickers!

2009-10-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

Its always nice to note initial reactions to new ideas. I popped into Lingerie Boutique 'Oh Knickers ! ' on River street in Truro today with some postcards advertising my provocative/bedroom photography. The lady who took the cards to display for me enquired as to what it was all about, I reiterated the kind of work I was doing and the look it all entailed and she suggested it was 'soft porn' LOL. May I just clarify that it is not soft porn thankyou very much !! and alot more delicate and tasteful than that. We did laugh and I did threaten to retell that particular reaction on my blog...and here we are, as promised (-;

Oh Knickers ! is at 6 River street, Truro...its luuurvely in there xx

I also would like to thank Lou and Tamsin the Bluebella party hosts...I can highly recommend the service and the quality of the lingerie...especially if you are looking for that burlesque look for your shoot...email christam@sky.com to book a great night in with the girls xx

Weddings

2009-10-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

I reckon this kind of behavior at a wedding should be madatory. Brilliant !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

As I have found this on another photographers blog I will just have to thank www.urbansugar.co.uk for sharing this find xx

And before you run off with her and her fab images....I am still looking for some portfolio wedding work..drop me a line xx

Happy Birthday

2009-10-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

I recently did a shoot for a very dear friend, we went to the park and her session was her sons first birthday celebrations...cake, balloons and bubbles included. The wind put paid to the bubbles and balloons very quickly, as you can see from these images that we took, the cake very much became a 'star' (oh dear xx)

Teese me x

2009-10-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you need any inspiration for your Bedroom photography shots then you need look no further than http://www.dita.net/ Dita Von Teese' website. I have been looking for some inspiration myself and trawling the bookshops for decent burlesque and boudoir images when I came accross Dita. I await her book 'Burlesque and the art of teese' in the post http://www.amazon.co.uk/Burlesque-Art-Teese-Fetish/dp/0060591676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256412412&sr=8-1

....and contrary to some opinion, she is not distasteful....its all very beautiful, and the kind of imagery I am aiming to acheive in certain circumstances.

She also has a 'sweetshop' page on her website, which houses alsorts of lovely things that you can buy for yourself xx

Camera da letto #2

2009-10-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Following permission and a very happy couple, here is my personal favourite and my clients chosen image.

Slideshow on website. Many Thanks for the portfolio assistance xx

Camera da Letto

2009-10-21T01:09:00.001-07:00

Very soon on my website I will have a new page in my portfolio called 'Camera da Letto'...it is Italian and means 'Bedroom' and will cover my 'Bedroom photography'.

I didn't want to stick to just burlesque or boudoir as I wanted to be able to offer a service where women could express their evocative side in their own individual way rather than stick to a set look.

I did my first shoot in this field yesterday and included the seductive and some really nice feel good 'magazine' portraits...I am yet to see and gain permission from the client (Thanks luv x) to show any of the work we did, and due to the personal nature of the images my website will have only a few shots and a write up...to respect intamacy.

Interested? I am pitching it in as usual....free shoot...you only pay for what you choose to buy afterwards...options for a makeup artist and hairdressers at their fee if you wanted...I will also be happy to meet for a consultation as sometimes this work comes before a wedding as a gift for the groom....and also makes a fantastic gift for your loved one.

Call or email....details on website xx

http://www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk/

Trash your Wedding Dress

2009-10-15T03:39:00.000-07:00

Its new and its so much bleddy fun...after a nod in the right direction from the lovely Alison at http://www.tyingtheknots.co.uk/ I will be adding this style of portrature for all of you out there that want to have something that little bit alternative and off the wall. email or call me (details on website) for booking and a chat about how you would like to trash your wedding dress !!

Risque

2009-10-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Tasteful and very very stylish Provocative Photography...its something I get asked about quite alot.....Watch This Space (-;

Events

2009-10-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hiya all.....I have been very busy with peeps who want to catch that last eek of sunshine that we have been blessed with for 3 photoshoots this week. Everyone will now either be retreating indoors or wearing their coats over the next few months.....

....oh, I was going to list some events that i will be attending in the run up to christmas (13 weeks to go) here we are, maybe I will see some of you there.

On the 6th November i will be attending tying the knots Wedding Ball, at the Falmouth Beach Hotel. If you are getting married I can highly recommend http://www.tyingtheknots.co.uk/ who's books I will be signing up to very soon !!

On the 27th November i will be at The Archbishop Benson School Christmas fair.

On the 5th December I am hoping to be at the Truro High School Christmas fair (TBC)

This is not the end of my list...like the summer, this is a very busy time of the year for doing that promotional thing....I am hoping for a large bottle of something under the tree when all this is done for another year xx

The Beach

2009-09-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Its a funny thing to say but its an ideal time to have some images taken at the beach. The tourists have all gone home, the sun isn't so high and glaring, clouds make a fantastic softbox and the wind adds a great effect. I took some maternity shots there this week....down at Perranporth, with thanks to Gem and her pending bundle (above and below). As a side note...you can find Gem at http://www.starsofhope.co.uk/ go and check out the site.

Next week I have a family shoot at the same beach which i am quite excited about, as every child I know comes alive and wild on the beach....oh dear, now I have that Chris Rea song in my head !!

We are Family

2009-09-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

I had a great response to a request for families to add to my portfolio that I put out on my business page on facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Truro-United-Kingdom/Andrea-Michele-Photography/191793205511?ref=ts and wanted to post a couple here with thanks to Claire and her lovely little family. I will be adding them to my website gallery soon x

Christmas !!!

2009-09-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

AAARRGGHHH...yes, I have to think about Christmas already !

Its so I can get what you want all ready for you in good time for that one day of the year that gets us all running around shops like headless turkeys for 3 months.

Easy...Have a portrait session, choose your images, get them mounted and framed...wrap them up along with a bottle of wine or some choccys (not supplied by me BTW) and give them to your loved ones.

Offers to tempt you?...there are none, we are surrounded by so many Buy one get one free stuff...so, you make me an offer (within reason please...I cannot sell framed images for 50p each !!) I am happy to give ideas of prices for you...the more you buy the less per item they become.

Anyway..thats my being corporate over and done with, contact details on website http://www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk/ and here are some of my latest baby pics to tempt you further...

Time to breathe ?

2009-09-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

You would like to think so....I have found myself with two days with no sessions or editing. It has been delightfully busy just recently.

So what do I do with this time for a breather?

I think about christmas !! and what might be a good way of presenting images as gifts, and how many fairs and fests I will be attending to promote my wares during the yuletide.

......................watch this space !!

Wedding preperations

2009-09-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank Sharmila Cogger for sharing the most important morning of her life so far with me, last Saturday. She invited me to take an image documantary of her bridal preperations for my portfolio, she had a photographer already for the wedding but preferred the female touch for the prep. It certainly was a very girlie affair.

May Sharmila and Ingo enjoy a very long and happy life together.

New Look

2009-09-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

No, not the clothes shop...although its good to see the fellas now catered for in our branch.

We decided to match the blog in with my new website....now sporting this lovely little black number.

Hope you like it (-:

Thankyou

2009-08-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Many Thankyou's to my brilliant other half, Lloyd (left) for my lovely new website. It needed a bit of updating and some of my new work adding to it for you to see. He worked for ages trying to get it just right...not an easy task, and not one I would envy with all that HTML code going on !! I inputted a little bit but, what you see is ALL his keen eye and skill.

www.andreamichelephotography.co.uk

Thanks also are extended to the teens and babies that have added to my portfolio...the response to both categories was immense. I am still looking for adults as that is a scant category and will be adding weddings very soon, I have two this weekend !!

Lloyd can be found at www.buffindustrialdesign.co.uk

Getting married?

2009-08-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

Even though weddings are part of what I do, it isn't that clear that I offer them as part of my service and they will become part of my website update soon.

Problem is I have none in my portfolio. so, If you would like to share your big day with other prospective clients through my website gallery and would like your photography done at half my usual prices then drop me a line...the first two to contact me will be invited to a consultation about what it is I can do for you...I am not conventional in my presentation of imagery...and it will be very similar to my other work rather than the 'normal' arrangement of inlaws and that fella that nobody knows and are too afraid to ask who he is..kinda thing.

A wedding this year would be great...summer or winter.

Contact: andreamichele@live.co.uk (email)

Newbies and Teens

2009-08-21T10:16:00.001-07:00

My week has been taken up by sessions that have involved teenagers and newborns...all of them have been an absolute delight to be around....here are two of my favourites

Teenagers wanted.....

2009-08-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

...who would have thought? Out of all of the age groups that I cover, teenagers would respond to an ad for portfolio work, in such massive number ? I have been inundated with subjects for this, my next addage after the maternity work I recently covered. What a lovely bunch of peeps. Here are a very goodlooking pair from my most recent shoot. Thanks to both of them xx

Bumps to babies

2009-08-11T14:53:00.001-07:00

Over the last week, two of my maternity session ladies who helped me compile shots for my portfolio (coming soon to website) had their babies...Congratulations to them both. I love babies, my previous job was on the maternity department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and I never get fed up of them or their mums, its a beautiful moment in life. I did have a poignant moment though....I like to think that I make new friend which each client i meet and these two ladies were quite late on in their pregnancies when I first met them......soon, for the first time I will see them without that bump, which was such a focal point of their images. The best thing is though, I will get to see that little bundle of fun on the outside...and they will be a different subject, yet the same person. I looking forward to their welcome to the world shots, and seeing their proud mums again.

Some new images for you to peruse

2009-08-07T16:00:00.001-07:00

Enjoy (-:

Happy Cat

2009-08-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to say that my laptop, having died last week, has been revived by The Tech Guys who work with Currys and PC world. It went off on Monday and was returned today...revived and ready to handle the job of being taken to peeps houses for viewings, when they can't get to me. Why the Happy Cat ??....well, I was ready to go to a clients house, uploaded her slideshow and images on to the laptop and then it flatlined. I was very worried that I had lost this job which included pics of the above well loved cat. The client in question was very understanding of this predicament and the fact that her images may have been lost forever.

Returned today...and hooray!! She came round to me and enjoyed her slideshow over a cup of tea and a cuddle with our baby. Thanks to her for understanding whilst my business experienced this temporary glitch xx

Scantily clad

2009-08-04T01:46:00.000-07:00

No...I am not entering into glamour photography...I just wanted to let you know that I am now sharing a computer with my other half after my laptop did that laptop thing and died on me. Therefore...as my Fella is a designer and uses his computer 24/7 my blog may appear scantily clad for a couple of weeks whilst my lappy takes a 2 week break back at the factory (fingers crossed)

This also means that my website will have to wait a little longer for its makeover and new pics. This will also include the addage of a price guide, which I loathe to put up as I am rubbish with the economical stuff...before that point, for those that didn't know, Studio shoots are priced at £20 for 'however long it may take' I am always happy to discuss individual commissions based on a price structure for framing and albums. Its the most popular question at the moment...How much?

Hopefully won't be too long before I am back up and running.....thank goodness for a paper diary back up (-:

The Bear Photographer

2009-07-31T16:02:00.001-07:00

For the second week running I am in the local paper 'The West Briton' on page 53 in the business section (HURRAH) with a bear photographer. No, its not a typo, He doesn't do his shoots naked ! Check out the story and his bears on the beach at www.bearsonlocation.co.uk My bit follows in the article and covers the introduction of my maternity photography., which you already know about.

Local Celebrity

2009-07-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

I am really pleased that my first publicity shoot for local chef Nik Boyle at gaudis appeared in my local paper The West Briton this week http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/ page 56 in The whatson guide. I am sorry to say that my name was not credited to the image due to a lost in translation issue, but all the same i will be credited in the next run of my work promoting Nik and his continued success. If you get the chance, book a table at Niks restaurant Gaudis on Edward street...The food is phenomenal and so is the service. I thouroughly enjoyed The shoot with Nik and wish him all the best as he pursues more awards for his food and a television career.

Hurrah.....a studio.

2009-07-21T12:03:00.001-07:00

The weather here in Truro is pants. Every morning I hope that the chink of light coming through the blind comes with a dry day....alas, I have had wet trainers for 5 days now, they are ruined from paddling through town last week. This has also come with rescheduled shoots and quick thinking about where to go indoors.

Panic over.....I met with Lucy from motivation fitness in the centre of town today and I will now be able to offer studio sessions at the weekends and odd evening and daytimes at £20 per session...oh!! Hang on, this goes against my happy friendly ethos regarding affordability )-:

I know this is the case but, you still get my time for free...I need to cover the cost of being able to accomodate such a fantastic space, and thats all i will be charging for....your £20 will pay for 2 hours of my time and photography, lighting, space, changing facilities, tea and coffee and a viewing at my home a week later.

Contact deatails on website as always
www.childrens-photographer-truro.co.uk

Maternity photography

2009-07-21T03:29:00.000-07:00

At long last I have started to photograph this beautiful subject...its such a special time for a woman, and so important to feel beautiful. Thanks to Gemma, Danielle and Jennifer for these images......all enquiries regarding bumps, email andreamichele@live.co.uk

Some new portraits

2009-07-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

These three are some favourites of mine from the last few weeks.

Lafrowda

2009-07-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

What does a photographer do on her day off?

Goes to a Cornish festival and......take photographs!!

Went to lafrowda in St.Just, at the invitation of some very special friends who live there.

What a fantastic day...bands, Beltaine Border, Balloontastic, seef saffah, some great bands on stage, fairy wing making, several parades with artwork from local playgroups and schools, Mcfadden butchers steak sandwiches.....all rounded off by a perfect sunset over the cape.

If you didn't make it this year, check out the website and try and get down there next year...even the parking and portaloos are top quality and well organised.

http://www.lafrowda-festival.co.uk/

NEW IN Soggy Portraits

2009-07-16T03:03:00.000-07:00

Oh Dear, I am mainly an urban/location photographer and for the third time in a fortnight I have had to paddle through a foot of floodwater in town to get home from the shops. We have been saturated since that mad hot spell broke.....I am now seeking a space to use as a studio so I don't let anyone down....ho hum.

Hong Kong time

2009-07-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am apparently keeping Hong Kong time at present. I have been communicating with a soon to be client by email, and even though the time difference is fairly immense in hours, we have both been up at the same time. She suggested that having children and self employment is what makes for this craziness (please refer to headless chicken post)....I was up at 1am, she was starting her day at 8am over there.

and here I am at 1am again !! Finished editing some maternity pics (Thankyou again to Gemma, you are a star) and tommorrow I am doing some publicity shots for Nick Boyle at Gaudis restaurant in Truro....hes soon to be on the television....and if you get chance, pop in for a meal, the food is fantastic.

Dear Santa

2009-07-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Oh, before I head off i am hoping Mr. Claus does not think I am neglecting him.....I am currently wishing for a 50mm f/1.8 prime lense...for that extra clarity, and it is highly recommended as part of your lens collection when practising portrature...full specs here:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=12814

Next Please

2009-07-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

Yes....I am still a headless chicken and still have no cleaner (-;

My next event to attend will be a fundraiser at Truro FC on the 26th July. I will be holding a raffle again, they are very popular and have generated alot of interest.

In the meantime, i am fully booked through July and into the first two weeks in August....September is free at the moment, and with the weather pouring out of the sky and flooding our town for the second time in a fortnight, I am wishing for an Indian Summer.

Okay...over and out....still editing a photo for a very good friend of mine x

Winners

2009-07-12T15:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Days Winners of the Location session and 7x5 framed print are:

Kerry Hawker
Helen Wood
Jenny c/o The Nursery
Kath Gunn
Toni Wilsenholm

Congratulations peeps, I will see you all for your sessions xx

Fundraising

2009-07-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone who entered my raffle at The Happy Days Nursery (Penair, Truro) fete today. Despite the threat of rain all went well, and everyone had a 'Happy Day'. I raised £36 towards Marshalls Handstand appeal.....something I may continue to support at future events. I have decided, due to demand, to have 5 winners who will all get a Free session and Framed 7 x 5, and everyone else who entered will be called and asked if they want to squeeze into a now almost bursting Summer Holiday session schedule.....or the wait for those snaps may be a long one, due to the fantastic demand for my time and work. I will blog the winners when they have been notified. Thanks again to everyone at Happy Days, They are a great bunch of people, especially Nicky Smith, deputy manager, who invited me to the fete and helped raise interest in my work.

Just wanted to share......

2009-07-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

This shot that I took as part of my maternity work.....I am willing my model Gemma to get a bigger bump....she is very neat at 35 weeks, and the next time I see her, we will be taking chocolate !!

and here is a sneak preview of what we will be offering as part of our maternity package:

All enquiries welcome xx

Headless chicken!!

2009-07-10T03:49:00.000-07:00

OMG.......I have been so busy, doing maternity shoots, taking more bookings, attending daughters new intake secondery school meetings, son's school assembly and 'The Apprentice challenge' coffee morning, wondering why our youngest fella at 6 months old is crawling and standing up already, Can I earn enough money to employ a cleaner??? Being the other halfs PA as he publicises his Design business http://www.buffindustrialdesign.co.uk/ .......and breathe 1....2.....3.

Its a toughie being a working parent, and I work from home !! I want to take my hat off to those that juggle work hours, unreasonable and demanding bosses, childminders and all the other gubbins that come with having to earn enough just to keep all this going....

I am also luky enough to absolutely love what I do.

Anyway...no rest for the wicked.... thats it until I report back about my maternity adventure with Michele and how much I raised for the handstand appeal through my raffle....and now I am off to do some framing, chat to a client and prep for the Happy Days nursery fete on Sunday before the baby wakes up and all in time to do the school run.

.....For the Kids

2009-07-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

In the USA, where I take alot of photographic influence from, especially their urban style, they take a photograph for every occasion. One occasion seems to be like a graduation/coming of age portrait that they call 'seniors'. We do not do enough of this in this country, and I am hoping that part of my repertoire might include some nice 'Rock and Pop' influenced teenage portraits. Along with the air brush art and make up that Michele can add, this may be a nice wallhanging for themselves, and a nice gift for mums and dads, who seem to miss out on this stage photograph wise because all that angst doesn't want to say 'cheese' or 'watch the birdie'.....Being a model in the great outdoors is surely alot cooler. Interested? The first two teens to get booked in will receive a nice discount on framed prints.....Contact details on my website
http://www.childrens-photographer-truro.co.uk/

Not Just children

2009-07-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of peeps presume that I only take photographs of children due to my website address. This was true some time ago when I started out as a childrens photographer and I remain mainly in that field. However, the more I have worked profesionally, the more I have been willing to broaden my subject matter, to a point where I am now a 'people' photographer.....I have the maternity photography about to be unveiled, and have recently been approached by two members of Truro 'celebrity' to take their portraits for publicity and advertising. Adults are usually a little bit more co-operative aswell....and don't need coaxing with a lollipop.

So, a new website address? we shall see.....all suggestions beyond the obvious (obviously) are welcome and should you need a commission of your portrait arranging, and you are not a child in age, but still a child at heart...then drop me a line.

Weather or not?

2009-07-02T04:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday got to a point where it was too hot to move, My daughter informed me that we were only a few degrees away from being as hot as the Gobi desert....indoors was the best place to be, all the windows open and a fan blowing. An outdoor shoot would have been alot of effort in the warm, still air. Even though the light was fantastic.

Today, I had to go into the yard in my wellies, wading through water up to my ankles to go and unblock the drain, like a big plug hole. It rained massive rain, solid from 9am-11:30am. Apparently the town has flooded, and the park is like a bog, and my kids went to school without their coats!!

This erratic change we experience very frequently in Cornwall does cause havock with On Location bookings....but I always assure clients that if the date we have set comes with bad weather, the booking will be happily rescheduled....no worries.

YAY !!

2009-06-29T05:14:00.001-07:00

Having a baby is a great asset to the business.....I was in Mothercare today, trying to find our tinker some more stimulating toys, when I stumbled upon the most lovely looking pregnant lady. I promptly asked her if she was interested in helping launch our maternity photography publicity campaign....(after explaining that I wasn't in there purely to ambush unsuspecting expectant mothers.) I hadn't even got home from my shopping trip, and she rang me to give the thumbs up....Brilliant !! Keep watching this space...won't be long now (-:

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-06-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am not a blog slacker, I have actually been quite a busy photographer this weekend...which I guess is a result in this current financial climate. The best thing about it though, was the smile on my clients face when she viewed the photo's I had taken of her son...Brilliant (-:

I am off for a well deserved soak in the bath, ready for a week of frame and print arrangement. I am also hoping that my first maternity shoot, with Michele and her airbrush onboard, is just around the corner...watch this space!

Dear Santa

2009-06-28T12:43:00.001-07:00

A Canon 5D Mark 2 Please.....nuff said x

Calumet have a little bit on their blog here:

http://calumet-photography.blogspot.com/2008/09/canon-5d-mark-ii-new-at-calumet_7593.html

Full details/specs here at Canon:

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/index.html

Hello Michele

2009-06-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

I am happy to be able to announce my new collaboration with Michele Bromley....she is a top notch, nationally recognised Make up artist and will be my partner in crime for fashion portrature and associated face art from now on. With 9 years experience under her hat, Michele has worked in film and television for the likes of The Russian Ice stars, The MTV music awards, Pimp my ride UK and recently with a small film production that has been entered into the 'Virgin Media Shorts'.

Michele and I will be working closely together on a very exciting and new look which we hope will revolutionise one particular type of portrature (Its still underwraps for the minute, but we are looking forward to its press launch very soon) We can now also offer regular makeup and hair packages and a more adventurous fashion makeup package to add some zing to your portraits, all in the comfort of your own home with my portable studio equipment and Micheles expertise...what a treat!!

Moo

2009-06-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Before i pop off for the evening, I wanted to plug http://www.moo.com/

I have just ordered my third lot of custom made business cards and my new appointment cards from them, check out their website, even if you don't need business cards, you will be surprised how they can be utilised as gift tags or place cards or just art. If you are in business I can highly recommend a fast and efficient service...they are very friendly too (-:

WANTED

2009-06-22T12:40:00.001-07:00

One pregnant lady for a free maternity shoot and framed photograph of the results. The image will be used to launch my maternity photography in the press and as advertising, and it comes with something that I believe is very alternative, beautiful and exclusive. I am bursting with excitement...If you want to be part of this launch please find my details on the website http://www.childrens-photographer-truro.co.uk/ Ideally you will need to be around the 7 month stage or beyond around about August, and subject to sign a model release beforehand. I am looking forward to the results.

and The Winner is......

2009-06-21T03:59:00.001-07:00

I held a prize draw for those that booked a session on Saturday at The Archbishop Benson school summer fair, I was very pleased at its success, and in good old traditional 'out of the hat' style The results are as follows:

1st Prize of a digital frame with 5 images from her session goes to Nicky Smith with congratulations.

Bottles of wine will be going to:
Catherine Best, Leona and Melissa (joint booking)

If I haven't spoken to you already, I will be soon. Results will also be posted up at school on Monday.