Archive for July, 2005
Here’s an article that was first published in January 2005 by myself.
Misty with promise of another world. Rolling green hills, mighty mountains, coastline and islands are what give Scotland its diversity. And how I love the romance and mystery of the Highlands. I find it a truly inspirational place both photographically and on an emotional level.
Every time I visit I feel a deep sense of wonder and humility. Even the misty days can make an impact – big views or little views there is always something drawing my eye. You only become close to the land by walking it (so said Colin Fletcher a Welsh-American writer). In such a wild landscape you really experience the moods, the wind, the sun, the rain!
A recent trip afforded me with such diversity of weather that I was able to capture the spirit of the location in lots of different conditions. If variety is the spice of life, then Scotland certainly provided it on this trip. The colours were at their best, the landscape was truly wild, and the rain – well that was wet and cold!
Beauty and sanctity of our wild and remote areas.
Bouncing across a bog to reach a location, the smell of the dead stag nearby, the lighting conditions perfect for the shot I had in mind and all the turmoil of normal life escaping as I walked. Truly satisfying the minds need for variety, reflection, and beauty.
American writer Edward Abbey said ‘we need wilderness even if we never set foot in it. We need the possibility of escape as surely as we need hope; without it life of the cities would drive all men into crime, drugs or psychoanalysis. The natural environment has the power to set one’s mind at peace and give hope to a sometime dreary world.’
Increasing urbanisation has ensured a steady divorce of our physical lives from the natural world, so that we are no longer able to consider ourselves part of it. And this is where Fine Art photography has an important role to play. Bringing a portrait of the natural world to your living space, so at least your mind can escape even if you can’t.
On this trip I visited the Central highlands – bordered by the waters of Loch Linnhe in the west, the Great Glen in the north, the A9 in the east and stretches of the Rannoch Moor in the south. The hills of Glencoe, the Mamores and Ben Nevis are well known and justifiably popular. Buachaille Etive Mor is a personal favourite. In total contrast Rannoch moor is one of the flattest areas in Scotland, but in terms of wilderness its quality is equal of any Scottish Mountain.
About the author: Sue Kennedy, LRPS & LBIPP
Sue Kennedy is an Essex based photography specialising in outdoor photography and works all over the UK. To purchase from Sue’s current print and card selection visit her Website: http://www.blueeyesphoto.com/ or call +44 (0) 845 838 5375
July 31st, 2005
Decided it was about time I removed some of my canvas prints from the house, before himself decided to tidy up, and the end up balanced somewhere precarious. My studio is reached my three flights of steep stairs and I always start out at the bottom, thinking the load is light enough and then by the second flight I am ready to drop the lot - I didn’t.
I needed to bring the work in, though because I am hopeful of having some work included in a group exhibition in the main Gallery downstairs from August, and the Gallery owner needs to choose. Then it’s Open Studios - so I’ll have to tidy up again!!
Popped into the studio next door to have a look at the recently framed work. Chris is having an exhibition in Norwich soon, so has been working hard on completing paintings and getting them framed. His work is so abstract I could look at it for hours and never really understand it, and see different things in it everytime. I hope he sells some.
July 29th, 2005
Well, yesterday was a very exciting day for me. Another new experience was accomplished. I was invited as a guest for tea with Steve, on BBC Radio Essex. It went well and very quickly - 20 minutes of Steve interviewing me about my change of career from ‘the Banking to the banks of Venice!’ Well I enjoyed myself, lets hope he listeners did too.
I am still grappling with my major ongoing project that is my website update. In fact I think it will always be work in progress 
It was recently critiqued by a marketing expert who made some pertinent comments about it. No. 1 my focus was lost - no pun intended, but I was trying to hit too many target markets on the home page. Fair comment, I thought. He then proceeded to target the business customer with positive benefits of Art for Offices, which when I think back was my main focus 12 months ago. So today I have been busy refreshing the home page copy, he kindly sent me the first 50 words of compelling copy and that suitably inspired me to add the rest.
The findings of the critique also touched on a longer term strategy of teaching others how to set up a photographic business the way I have. It’s an interesting concept- in fact I had drafted a contents page for a possible ebook months ago. So that’s a may be, if only I could remember where I’d put my notes …
July 27th, 2005
There I was juggling another load of washing on Friday, when the phone rang. My local radio station had picked up on the press release I had sent out earlier in the week. Yipee! So my debut on radio will take place tomorrow. The researcher said my career change all sounded very interesting, but then she couldn’t see the pile of washing I’d just dropped!
In fact come to think of it, when asked what I do with my time, I very rarely mentioned the essential, but dull aspects of being self employed. Most of my friends have IT departments to call, when their computer sulks, or software won’t download properly or new hardware arrives. If they have a query on their tax, they call someone else and it gets sorted. If they want a marketing leaflet produced then another department handles that, and they don’t even have to think about the cost of it all. Well they do - but they are spending someone else’s money at the end of the day. I book a holiday, and I am planning the stock shots that I hope to get from the trip, whilst himself is looking forward to not getting the 6.30am train.
On the other hand I don’t have to struggle through the Saturday crowds to go shopping either, although it’s always good to remind yourself once in a while why I gave that up!
July 25th, 2005
Landscape Photography - What Makes a Great Photograph?
- One which appeals to all the senses, not just the visual and allows the viewer to experience what the photographer experienced at the time.
- Creativity - How well a photograph works depends on the creativity of the photographer. To be more than a record shot the image has to capture or create the mood of a scene.
It’s not about the best and latest equipment. Nor is it about technique - these are merely tools - important ones mind, but still basic skills. Capturing the moment is where your focus and creative energies should be, this is second nature to an experienced photographer.
- Style. Learn from way others see things, be inspired by other work, but don’t copy - instead create your own style.
- See more. Sure you’ll take the obvious shot, and it’s always wise to capture what first drew you to the subject or location, but then step back and look for the other scenes within a scene.
Simplicity - look for it. The graphic lines, shapes and forms in the landscapes. Seeing something more will make your photographs unique.
- Find your compositional hook - that leads your viewer into the photo, suggesting space, depth and places beyond the frame.
- Experiment - never be afraid to try new angles, new ideas and new lenses!
Work in the moment. Your lens is an extension of your eye and I personally prefer to work in camera, in the moment, as I create my vision whilst working with the limitations of the weather and all the untidy bits.
- Light is the language of photography - it sets the mood, affects the colour and tonal relationships and often tries a photographers patience. You are either waiting for the light or rushing to catch it.
Learn from your mistakes. There will be lots of them, but only you will know about them.
- The final image. Some landscape images are gentle, others dramatic. By selecting the subject and exploiting the light you can create an image that has the qualities of a painting or create a surreal image.
Quick Links
Browse greeting cards and limited edition prints.
Visit the website
This month’s offer - Looking for a great card to send?
When you want to celebrate a birthday in a special way, congratulate success with feeling or just say thank you, the best way to do it is with a card.
I have produced a range of fine art greeting cards, featuring some of my favourite photographs, which are available for you to purchase. They will help you say ‘happy birthday’, ‘well done’ or ‘thank you’ in a completely unique way.
The range of 24 cards (including 4 perfect for Christmas), features beautiful & tranquil imagery - all the photography is my own work, and I like to capture moody scenes - often just before dawn when the light is so colourful.
The cards are great for framing - often I hear that the recipient couldn’t bear to throw the card away, so they framed it.
The designs have been printed onto a high quality textured matt art paper and supplied with a matching envelope.
The designs are great to send to men too. All the cards are blank inside making them perfect for sending as thank you notes too or for other business uses.
The card designs can be seen here.
This really is a unique range of photographic greeting cards that appeals to men and women equally.
I deliberately left the cards blank inside so that the cards can be used in a number of different ways - whether that’s as a Birthday card or as a ‘Thank you’ card to clients.
These cards aren’t widely available - so you really are buying something that not many other people have.
The offer? 24 cards for £25 (approx US$ 40) and free shipping.
You know what to do next … take out your credit card … follow this link to pop-up the order form … fill-in the information … and you too can soon have a versatile supply of greeting cards to send.
Show Diary
I will be exhibiting at the following show venues:
27, 28, 29 August - Wrest Park Crafts Festival, Bedfordshire
3,4 & 10,11 September - Open studios at Parndon Mill, Harlow, Essex 12-5pm each day
14,15,16 October - Chilford Vineyard, Linton Cambridgeshire
19th November - St Columba’s Christmas Fayre, St Albans. Saturday from 8.45am to 1pm.
4 December - Capel Manor Christmas Carousel, Enfield
Until next time …
Warm regards,
Sue Kennedy LRPS, LBIPP Photographer http://www.blueeyesphoto.com/
Specialising in Outdoor photography
For photographs that bring the landscape into your space
July 21st, 2005
Himself decided that he wanted to practice his barbecue technique yesterday - admittedly he made the decision when the sun was out, by the time he arrived home it was raining. Still he went ahead - so we had burnt sausages on wet seats in the garden. Yum! Would probably have made a great picture - a daft one mind. I wonder what the neighbours thought …?
In stark contrast to Saturday, when we went to the races. Not the posh end, the family end - complete with a home made picnic. Although I obviously failed badly as this, as I only took enough food for us to eat, and no desert to melt in the heat of the sun. Oh yes and loads to drink. Completely forgot the parasol, and there was no shade to protect us - fortunately I had remembered to put sun block on, but later discover I’d missed a couple of patches. So since bits of me are glowing red, and other bits are glowing white I have received a lot of advice on how to apply sunscreen. Yeah like I haven’t realised that for myself … Anyway managed to take some photographs as the horses went passed us. On slide, so haven’t seen the results. Himself got a nice one on his digital.
So back to work, and tackled the accounts yesterday - never the favourite job, but an important one. Swiftly followed by an equally glamorous sort out of the garage, in an attempt to bring some order to the chaos that is my stuff for shows. I think I won, but we’ll see what himself says when he realises what I’ve done with his golf clubs. Not that he has played recently, so he probably won’t notice for a while.
Still working on my website, adding new stuff mostly - a competition for visitors to win a print. This reminds me, I actually prepared three book reviews for the site, and I’ve completely forgotten to add them. Add that to the list.
July 19th, 2005
Rhossili Bay.
Just trying to visualize walking down onto the beach and having a little paddle …
task avoidance going well today
July 15th, 2005
I decided it was about time for another image.
This one was taken on the East Coast of England, earlier this year. I love the name, the colours, and the fact the occupant can just pop to the sea for a quick paddle at anytime.
July 14th, 2005
Three years ago Sue Kennedy spent her days locked away in an office in the world of banking. Her daily life consisted of managing her employer’s strategic approach to disability issues in the workplace. Today, she now follows her dream of landscape photography, travelling regularly to destinations as diverse as Wales and Venice, photographing beautiful locations at all hours of the day.
Although all her photography takes place outside in all weathers, Sue is based in an Artist’s Studio in what was once an old flourmill, but is now converted into a variety of studios and offices. It nestles on the banks of the River Stort on the outskirts of Harlow, hiding behind the willow trees, and this rural location is in itself a source of inspiration. It’s also a long way from her City of London office building.
She was recently awarded membership of the Essex Guild of Craftsmen, (http://www.essexcraftguild.co.uk/) a non-profit making organisation that aims to bring together genuine crafts workers who either live or work in the county of Essex.
Since taking the huge step of going solo Sue has exhibited her work at many shows, including the prestigious Country Living Show in London, where she sells her handmade greeting cards and limited edition prints.
Her work has also been published in a variety of magazines from Real Homes to Photography Monthly.
“It hasn’t been easy, Sue admits, “and I’ve learned a lot along the way”.
In fact, Sue’s best advice for anyone wanting to pursue photography as a dream career is:
- Find your photographic style and stick with it. Don’t try to photograph things that don’t suit your style.
- Take advice, but make your own decisions.
- Stick with camera equipment you know and love. The new models may look sexy, but your business probably won’t be able afford vanity purchases at the start.
Further information:
Sue Kennedy is a qualified member of the British Institute of Professional Photographers and her Website http://www.blueeyesphoto.com/ offers an exceptional range of photographic imagery, available as Limited edition prints, greetings cards and Christmas cards.
For more information contact Sue on Mob: 07711 638095, or sue@blueeyesphoto.com
July 13th, 2005
I am still puzzled by the events of the weekend. I exhibited at the Clare Priory Craft show in Suffolk, and that’s really all I did - exhibit. People wandered around, enjoyed the work and then wandered off again. Ironically I also read an article about the profits of Tesco - well I had to do something productive! The article touched on how the smaller players are being pushed out of the high street by the FTSE100 retailers. The writer wondered when consumers would miss the uniqueness of independent retailers, and I wonder too. Perhaps I’m the only person left that likes to buy gifts or things for my home that are unique and original. I hope not.
July 11th, 2005
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