Putting a newsletter together always makes me smile as I can look back at the interesting and varied projects we've been working on - below are just a few examples. 

Over the last few months we've been working with International Rugby Players, Burlesque Performers, Chefs, an amazing re-launch for The Rib Room at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, more delicious food and wine, stunning interiors, a new Giraffe at Westfield Stratford and the chance to see the Olympic Stadium, Assorted Bands, Fabulous Furniture and Bespoke Jewellery.

To learn more about us, and to see examples of our other work, take a look at our website, or give me a call - 01932 226352

http://www.mediawisdom.co.uk
 

FEATHERS & SPARKLES

I love a bit of theatre.  As a young thing I worked on many of London's West End musicals, the show must go on and all that!  So to be asked to photograph Burlesque performers, and the gorgeously lavish Volupte Lounge was a treat for me, and, funnily enough, for Giles too!  Can't think why, he doesn't even like theatre!?

Our fabulous photo brief came from Laura at Roche Communications, who really knows her stuff, as well as allowing us to have some fun with it.

With no natural lighting, the interiors were lit to give them a cinematic feel.  Giles used old fashioned feature film lights to bring out the rich colours, textures and depth.  He also used the same lighting techniques to complement the Burlesque Performers and their costumes.

The Volupte Lounge is a great little venue, and I'm certainly going back for one of their afternoon tea and cabaret events.

Looking forward to seeing our images on their website soon!

http://www.volupte-lounge.com

(photo - International Burlesque starlet, Chrys Columbine at The Volupte Lounge)

RE-LAUNCH 'THE RIB ROOM'

The Rib Room at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower has been an incredibly popular restaurant for the last 50 years.  Giles even remembers as a young boy, being taken there for lunch with his parents.  So it was an honour to be asked to take the photographs of the amazing team, delicious menu and stunning interiors for the new website of such a prestigious re-launch.

With a make-over by re-known Interior Designer Martin Brudnizki, a fabulous menu by new Head Chef Ian Rudge, and an amazing front of house team headed by Michele Caggianese, our three day shoot was a dream. 

OK so we had to work around a few ladders, workmen and flourescent jackets while final preparations were taken care of - but nothing we haven't worked around before. Everyone has a job to do and the important thing is to work together and achieve, without any ladders, cables and cheeky electricians getting in shot - they know who they are!

The Rib Room's new website, designed by web design agency Sedley Place, says 'from the time you enter The Rib Room you become part of our family', it's so true, we loved every minute we were there! Hopefully they don't see us as the embarrasing half of the family, the ones only talked about in hushed tones!

http://www.theribroom.co.uk

MADE IN THE UK

When we're not photographing feathered performers, fabulous food and fit rugby players, we can be found back at the studio with fantastic furniture.

It's always a treat to have the team from Made.com in the studio with their stylish new collections.  We take over one of the larger studios here at Halliford Film Studios, so we have room to move and for all the lighting. 

The set ups are very stylised and clean, all shot on white backgrounds.  They require a lighting set up we can easily adjust for each piece to avoid shadows, but will complement the colours, shapes and curves.  All the pieces are bought through the made.com website, so the photo combination of close ups on details, and wide shots have to really sell the products.

Along with the photo shoot, Giles sets up the Video Unit, as we affectionately call them now, with another lighting set up.  The Video Unit is a crack commando team from Made.com who quietly, video the products while Giles builds his part up as The Photographer making sure he gets in shot!  Below are just a couple of our favourite videos from the stills shoots.

http://www.made.com/sofas/wolseley-2-seater-sofa-wool-tweed

http://www.made.com/sofas/rita-2-seater-sofa-heather-purple-and-stripes
 

THE 'C' WORD - FROM GILES

Apparently, at the time of writing, there are only 60 more sleeps until Christmas.  The date is always the same, same time of year, and always the same worries - What to get people?!

Whilst I can't give you advice on all types of pressies for your loved ones, I can hopefully give you an insight into some photo gadgets!!!

At the top end of most budgets (sub £1000) are some very good DSLR cameras.  I think it is best to stick to the big names for these as they offer best tech, accessories and resale value.  

It's worth a look at the Nikon D5100 or Canon 600D.  If you want to go retro (non slr) and compact, look at  the amazing Fuji x100.  It's a smaller camera but with a punch, great for travelling and reportage. I had the chance to test one and didn't want to give it back!

The next step down in the budget brings in the wonderful Panasonic Lumix range.  Have a look at the GF3, GH2,G2 and LX5, also the Canon G12 and Nikon P7100, V1, J1 cameras, and the Sony Nex-7n, 5n.  The Olympus Pen E-PL3 and the New Fuji X10 are also worth a look.

If your budget is a bit more limited, then don't think quality compromised, there are some very good offerings from Canon, Fuji and Panasonic.  More model numbers thrown at you to consider - Canon ixus 115, ixus 300, sx220. The Fuji F500r, F300 and Panasonic Lumix TZ20 and ZX3.   From Nikon look at the Nikon p300, s3100.

If your special someone already has a camera, do they have a good bag to put it all in?

Look at the 'Think tank' bags, amazing, discreet and strong.  Or maybe a good solid tripod?  You can't go wrong with 'Manfrotto' look at the 190x or 055pro legs with a 804 or 460 head to go on them - very smart!

Another great present for anyone who loves photography is a 'Lens Mug'.   You can get these on e-bay. They are fabulous thermal mugs and flasks that are such good lens replicas I always get a second look when I'm drinking out of mine.  Sometimes people look so horrified, I have to double check!

Other ideas are Flashguns, Lenses or even a camera lesson with us - do contact me for details, vouchers available.

To read my review on the Fuji x100 click on our blog
http://www.mediawisdom.co.uk/blog/index.php/fujifilm-finepix-x100-back-to-the-future/

WE LOVE....

... HEDGEHOGS.

Some of you may know we have been carers for blind hedgehogs for a few years now, giving them a safe and secure garden.  And yes, we have become a little obsessed with these gorgeous little, snuffling creatures. 

As their numbers are in decline, blindness is a genetic defect, leaving them unable to find suitable food and shelter, and leaving them vulnerable to attack, mainly from the ever increasing fox population.

'Hedgehog Street' are encouraging neighbours to create gaps in their garden fences and walls to enable hedgehogs to move between gardens, giving them a better chance of finding food, water, shelter and a mate. The site also gives advice on what to feed visiting hedgehogs and, if you are feeling really hedgehog friendly, how to build a hedgehog shelter.

Also, with firework night coming up, please remember to check any piles of wood and leaves you may be planning to use as a bonfire.  To a hedgehog these look like a luxury hotel to settle in to for winter. 

For more information please visit

http://www.hedgehogstreet.org

(photo - Jackson The Hedgehog)