Still Exploring...

A couple more shots from Dawlish as we continue to explore our new local area...

Light Orbs

Something else I have wanted to try for a while - Light Orbs!

This was one of the first shots that I tried and I'm really please with how it came out! It was great fun (although I think that most of the passers-by thought we were crazy)...

It was much easier to do than I had thought and I'm really keen to try out different light sources so watch this space...!!

Beach Huts!

One sunny winter's morning...

We're still exploring the local area so there will be plenty more shots to come!

Star Trails

Something that I have been wanting to try out for a while now is Star Trails. These are very long exposures (or a series of shorter exposures blended together) that show the movement of the stars at night.

It was a beautifully clear night and I had seen a good location so I went out for a test shoot. It was freezing cold on the seafront in Teignmouth and this shot took about half an hour to take, but I think it was worth it. I hope you all enjoy it too!

Google+

I'm now on Google+ so please add me to your circles: Eleanor Stobbart Photography Google+

Dawlish

In October we finally made the big move from Leeds all the way down to the small town of Dawlish on the south Devon coast.
Its a beautiful little town and so different to Leeds, but we're much happier here so it was definitely a good choice! As you can imagine, we have been exploring the area and here are a few shots taken from the seafront in Dawlish...

Strobes, Models and Photographers

About a week before we moved away from Leeds, I had one final photoshoot. Quite a different photoshoot too. Jointly organised with a fellow photographer, Gavin Forster, this was the follow on from the Strobist shoot at the start of October.

Involved there was a total of 7 models, 6 photographers and an awful lot of flashes!

We started early so there was the opportunity to take some shots with natural light and those with limited experience had time to get to know each other and the equipment.

As the evening progressed, it began to get dark very quickly and the strobist equipment was out and helped to produce some very different images.

Before the end of the shoot, we did a much larger set up, using 5 flashes/lights and motion to produce some very different and more dynamic images. This was a really good laugh and the shots were really fun.

It was a brilliant evening and everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was really nice to work with a group of both models and photographers as this isn't something that I often get chance to do!

Owen's 1st Birthday!

It was Owen's 1st birthday this week so I went to Gloucestershire to visit. Needless to say he was spoilt rotten, but he's such a lovely little boy and so well behaved he totally deserved it!

We took him to 'Magicland', an indoor play centre in Cirencester and then to Prinknash Bird & Deer Park.

Wedding: Tom & Emily

Just two rather hectic days after moving, I had the pleasure of photographing Tom & Emily's special day at Stonehouse Court in Gloucestershire.

It was a beautiful day, the weather held out and the location was stunning. Emily looked beautiful in her wedding dress and Tom was a very relaxed groom.

The happy couple went to Cuba for their honeymoon and had a fantastic time!

Goodbye Leeds - Hello Devon!

As the title of this post suggests - I've finally moved!

We have moved to the small seafront town of Dawlish (famous for the railway line that runs along the seafront), just south of Exeter in South Devon.

It's a beautiful little town and we have a fab little cottage a 5 minute walk from the beach.

The only downfall is that I don't have an internet connection yet! Dawlish has VERY limited 3G signal on my network - the only place I can pick it up is on the beach (nice but not always practical)! So please bear with me - web updates, blog posts, flickr uploads, regular tweets etc etc will all be coming again very soon!

Strobism (Off Camera Flash)

I recently participated in a mini strobism workshop in preparation for a night time model shoot that I have been organizing with several other Leeds based photographers. One of the photographers, Gavin, had more experience with off camera flash by far that everyone else and kindly offered to give us all a mini workshop in the art of off camera flash.

It was great fun and I learnt quite a lot. Although I do use and have experience of studio lighting, strobism is quite a different skill with very different equipment.

Using several flash guns (up to 5 at a time) off camera with remote triggers and a willing (and slightly crazy volunteer) to model, here are a few of the test shots...

Model Shoot: Lauren

I managed to squeeze in a couple of shoots before moving away from Leeds, one of which was with the beautiful Lauren.

Lauren was in need of some up to date shots for her book since dying her hair red, and a fabulous red it was! Lauren not only models, but also sings in a girl band in London so she was an experienced model with plenty of confidence. It was a pleasure to shoot with her.

Model Shoot: Jodi

I managed to squeeze in a few model shoots before the big move, one of which was with the lovely Jodi.

Jodi has very little experience modeling and was looking to test the water to see if modeling was really something that she wanted to do. Jodi had recently been approached by New Look to participate in a television advert which kick started her interest in modeling.

Here's a few shots from her shoot...

Owen #8

One from Owen's eighth shoot back at the start of September. He's quite mobile now and crawls along at lightening speed!

Children's Portraits: Luke

A couple of shots from a recent portrait shoot with baby Luke. He has such a big smile and bright eyes!

The big move: DEVON!

After much deliberation, conversations, exploring and so on, we have finally decided that we are going to move to Devon. So this is going to be a BIG move at about 285 miles south and just under 5 hours in the car.

Leeds was always going to be a temporary stop as both of our families are in the Cotswolds and Devon so this seemed like a logical choice. Its also at the bottom of the M5 so easy traveling to see my nephew Owen (BIG YEY!) as well as being able to cover weddings across most of the South West. 

About 20 minutes from the coast for landscapes, Dartmoor national park, Cornwall in easy reach - oh I can't wait!

Don't get me wrong, Leeds isn't a bad place. But I'm a coast and country girl, not a big city girl and I miss the trees and grass - red brick terraces just don't do it for me. Of course I will miss York, Whitby, Robinhoods Bay, the yorkshire dales and all of the other fantastic places we have visited up here and I will be back for visits and the odd wedding I'm sure.

Anyway, the move will be coming very soon - watch this space!

Hirst & Miller: Commercial Shoot

I recently teamed up with another photographer (Emma aka Black Cat Photos) to do a commercial shoot for a Leeds based Hair Salon, Hirst & Miller.

It was a fun day and really nice to work with another photographer for a change. The images will be used to promote the styling side of the business as well as produce a portfolio book for the salon.

Here are a few shots from the shoot...

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

At the weekend I finally visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I have been meaning to visit for ages but I particularly wanted to see the Jaume Plensa exhibition that is on at the moment.

It was a brilliant day out and I would recommend it to anyone. Although I would suggest taking sun cream if the weather is nice - I got a little bit sun burnt!

I really liked the mesostic poems on plant labels - 'Propagator' exhibit by Alec Finlay as well.

Some fantastic works of art to see and I plan on visiting again before we leave. I would really like to see the Jaume Plensa exhibits lit up at night.

Little Lewis

I recently had the pleasure of photographing little Lewis. At just under 2 months old he is tiny! Here are a few shots from the shoot...

NEW WEBSITE!

Its up - its finally up! The new website is now online.

Please have a browse - I hope that you enjoy it. You will need Adobe Flash Player to view the images though...

Feedback is always welcome! Thanks!

Visit the NEW website here; Eleanor Stobbart Photography

Owen

My sister and nephew cam to visit for a few days recently. It was lovely to see them and it was Owen's second visit to Leeds.

I can't believe how big he is getting! I only see Owen every 4-6 weeks as we live so far away but I try to make sure I can see him as often as possible.

We took Owen to the park to feed the ducks for the first time (which he really seemed to enjoy) and visited Tropical World at Roundhay. Of course, Owen had to have some photos taken before he left!

You can see more on my flickr page HERE

A few changes...

Ok, so I have been rather quiet lately and I haven't been positing much on my blog. In fact, I think my Facebook page is actually more up to date which makes a change!

There is a reason for all of this though...

As you will have noticed, the blog colours and design have changed slightly. This is to keep the blog design in line with the website. There is a NEW, fresher, crisper looking website to come soon which will showcase more of my work and hopefully be a bit more attractive to everyone.

More information will follow soon as well as updates here, on the blog.

Owen...

Having recently upgraded to a Canon 5D, I am starting to dabble with video a little and Owen is my muse at present! I do intend on doing a bit more video work, but at the moment, these are just short clips for experimenting.

I had to post this one - its so funny and Owen is a proper cutie!

For best quality, please view in HD.

Robinhood's Bay

At the end of May, we spent a rather windy weekend at Robinhood's bay. Despite the sun being high, the wind was relentless on the Sunday and may of the other campers had to leave with damaged and broken tents. We were some of the lucky few whose accommodation was still habitable (with the help of extra guy ropes and selotape)!

As we have been camping more and more over the last year, I had thought about making postcards from my travels so when we go away now (where we get chance), this collection will start to build up...

Model Shoot: Ellie

I had a last minute shoot with Ellie the other day. A lovely young lady who is an aspiring model. With very little prop time or location scouting, we shot at a familiar location outdoors in between the rain showers.

Although Ellie had little experience, she was very confident (even with an audience) and never let it show on her face.

Ellie was a pleasure to work with and I hope to shoot with her again.

Bluebells...

Well, it just wouldn't be right if I didnt'!

The bluebells are out in full force up here at the moment so of course, I had to post at least one shot.

Owen - Shoot Number Four!

As I don't get to see my nephew Owen much, each time I do he has a few photos taken.

These are the most recent and I can't believe how much he has grown and I'm missing it all! He is so much more alert now and his facial expressions are a lot more lively.

My sister had asked for some photos of Owen's toes (she had seen a shot that I had taken for a client and really liked it). Owen really didn't seem to mind this and he has this really cute oblivious look on his face!

I should see him again at the end of April so there will be more photos again soon!

Portsmouth

We recently spent a weekend away in Portsmouth with my sister, brother in law and my nephew. I don't get to spend a great deal of time with them all as I live nearly 200 miles away, so it was really nice to go away for a few days together.

I didn't spend much of time exploring and photographing the area but I did manage to take a few shots at Hayling Island one evening.

Laura

This shoot had quite a dark and grimy feel to it, despite being beauty shots.

Laura had very little experience modeling and after a few test shots, she warmed up to it rather well and seemed to be enjoying herself.

Rebecca (the MUA) was very professional and helpful. She even got involved assisting with the shots.

Model: Laura Walker

MUA: Rebecca Davidson

New Business Cards!

My new business cards!

I have been meaning to order some more for a while now and I am really pleased with this new set.