EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Everything I do at the moment is shot on 35mm digital SLRs. This is an extremely practical format in terms of portability and flexibility.

I chose a Canon system and use the Canon 1DS MkIII which boasts a full frame CMOS sensor providing a massive 21 Megapixels of detail - exceeding the standard quality demanded by leading photo agencies. Images are processed at 14 bit colour depth for finer tonal gradations. Picture quality is assured by effective noise reduction.

All the lenses I use are from the EF/L series range at Canon - which basically means the best you can buy. Specially designed for use with digital cameras, they ensure quality and durability. Other good pieces of kit include Speedlite flash guns, Sekonic Digitalmaster light/flash meter, Manfrotto tripod and monopod, Elinchrom studio flash system, etc, etc.

In the post production area I use Apple Macs running Capture One software for processing the RAW image files (I always shoot in RAW) and the Adobe CS4 range of software for further editing. Added to that is the NIK software suite, MaskPro and Genuine Fractals Pro. All very useful pieces of software for ensuring I get the right results.

For prints I use Xerox for colour laser prints and Epson for my inkjet prints. These tend to be test prints only as I use outside agencies to output my fine art prints. These agencies vary as there are many different types of print, each with its own characteristics. (see below)

www.gicleefineart.ltd.uk

www.digitalab.co.uk

On the 'Services' side, I’m not going to bore you with details of every area of service and print type and style of picture, etc, etc, that is achievable. Just give me a ring and we can discuss the many options open to you. Suffice it to say that it does not matter to me when and where you want an image taken, I am used to turning out at all hours of the day and travelling long distances to get the perfect picture. Just tell me what you want and I’ll make sure you get it!

And after I have captured it, then I can supply prints, DVDs, frames, books or whatever you need. I can retouch and edit images, repair old photos. If you need me to, I can come down to your house/office and project an image on to a wall, so that you can get the size of image exactly right for your display. The possibilities are virtually endless.

All of my images are shot in RAW format, which means that I can redevelop an image in a hundred different ways, giving endless variations. This means that images can be developed to sizes that retain their detail at any size. A great benefit if you need an image for an exhibiton after you have originally shot it for a food menu for instance.

I have not shot any weddings as of yet, but it’s something that I am going to get into over the next ten years or so! Particularly as my kids get older. At the moment I am looking for a suitable wedding to shoot, which I am prepared to do free of charge. This is so I can experiment with my approach to the job and of course help a lucky couple into the bargain! (Terms & Conditions apply, but call me if you are interested.)

In the last year I have been on assignments all over Europe, in Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, France, Spain as well as England of course! Projects have been varied, from warehouse and distribution facilities to chemical plants. Sports events to company open days.

Each assignment presents its own challenges and thrills. A large food project for Sharwoods, images from which will be featured in several high profile women’s magazines has also been completed. Look out for the tear sheets on the site which I will upload as they are published.

I have tried to simplify the web site somewhat, deciding to go by projects rather than subjects. For instance my recent participation in a Magnum Workshop has encouraged me to give it a section of its own. There is also no specific subject of 'portraits' and yet you will find portraits scattered thrughout various projects. I hope you follow my reasoning and can understand how the site will be formatted, at least for the next year!

If I have missed anything or you need some specific technical details, then please don’t hesitate to ring me. I prefer to take photographs rather than spout off about too much technical stuff.