I've been wanting to write this post for a while now, and given it's January (although nearly over), beginning of a new year etc, I figured this would be a good time.

When I tell people I'm a photographer, they ask me what kind, weddings, families, kids, maternity etc. For those people who have followed my work for the past few years, you'll of seen that I have actually done a bit of all of these, and I've learnt plenty along the way. However, whilst I still shoot portraits, a lot of what I create has evolved along with my style. 

Most of the portraits I am producing now start with a concept. An idea, a theme, something that has different elements to it that I want to bring together to create something different and unique. Sometimes this may be one, or a few images.

Shooting a subject in the studio is just one of the critical steps in the creative process that I go through to produce my images. Good interaction with the subject to bring out character, expressions, feeling, emotions is critical as is quality of lighting. In addition to this though is the process of capturing backgrounds. I'm always scouting new locations and building up a collection of backgrounds that I will use in my images. Then finally there is the photoshop and retouching where all the planning, the subject, the background images and creativity come together to result in what I always strive to be a cool, edgy, artistic bend on reality that has a larger than life feel to it. I want my work to have impact. 

Style is often something I get asked about. If you look through my work you'll notice most of it is quite dramatic. I don't tend to do smiles too often with my subjects. Instead I love portraits that are intense, interesting and in particular a look in someone's expression that suggests they means business!

I've picked a few random images from 2013 that started with a concept, shoot the subject in studio and then add the background elements to create the final image. Click on the image to go to the blog posts which show before and afters aswell as details of the shoot setup etc. Hopefully this helps to show more about the way I produce my work. I've also added a video clip showing what goes into my 'PRO FOOTBALLER' shoots, and it's the same kind of steps that apply.

If you have a concept in mind and would like to work with me to create a unique portrait, feel free to get in touch. I'm always keen to hear new ideas that we can make happen.

Thanks for reading.

Stu