Meet the Photographer - Anne Geddes' Meningoccal Campaign

Long before I was lucky enough to work with some talented photographers taking amazing images of newborns in my hats, I had seen and loved Anne Geddes' work with babies.  

She recently began a project featuring survivors of Meningococcal disease and having seen some of the images I just had to share them with you.

The campaign will see Anne partner with meningococcal disease support groups from around the world, photographing 10–15 families across three continents who have experienced the impact of meningococcal disease.   The pictures will be published on 24th April which is World Meningitis Awareness Day. 

The aim is to educate parents about the threat of meningococcal disease and the importance of prevention and vaccinations.  

At the same time the stunning images celebrate the survivors and honour those who have lost their lives to the disease.

Anne hopes the campaign will inspire parents to do what they can to protect their children against this terrible disease.

“You just need to look at one of these children and you’ll understand the impact of this devastating disease. I’ve never met a parent who doesn’t want to protect their child, and as a mother it really would be your worst nightmare to see your child go through such an ordeal. We need to empower parents to understand meningococcal disease, to and know their options to help protect their children.It is my goal that these images will capture the inspiration and strength of these survivors, and at the same time I want their own parents to look at the images and think their children have never looked so beautiful.”
To learn more:  http://protectingourtomorrows.tumblr.com  and www.comomeningitis.org

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Meet the Photographer - Karen Wiltshire

I'm ashamed to admit that although I've known about Karen Wiltshire for some time because she's based in Poole, Dorset, I'm sorry to say our paths didn't cross much.  However, following her successful nomination for Baby Photographer of the Year in the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, it's no surprise that she's been in the press recently with her amazing images of new-born babies.  

The images suggest that it may be easy to capture babies looking so tranquil but Karen has an amazing knack for getting them to sleep including soothing them to sleep by stroking their eyelids. She has also been credited with using the sound of a hairdryer as babies are used to the sound from mums drying their hair.  But admits that this was a throwaway comment and she wishes it were that simple.  

However it is true that she is often handed meaningful props by parents including guitars, footballs and tennis rackets for their babies to pose with.  It's difficult to imagine where they found a racket this tiny though.

Although Karen had been photographing for several years it was only recently that she turned to newborn photography, she has already been rewarded with some prestigious gold and silver awards for her efforts. 

Not so long ago she was attending workshops to hone the specialist skills required for newborn photography but now she helps to run them.  If you check out her Facebook page, you'll be able to find out more.

You can also see more of her work on her website www.kw-photography.co.uk

And if you want to see some of our other favourite photographers, check out our website 

www.cobwebknits.co.uk

Surf's Up - World's Best Dad

When I happened upon this website, I just had to share.  

I have a lovely relationship with lots of photographers who specialise in baby photography, but I'm sure that none of them dare match this guy!

He swears (with a heavy wink, wink) that he doesn't use Photoshop for which we are truly grateful.

This is a selection of just some of his images

For more, visit this website   www.chicquero.com/2012/09/24/worlds-best-father

And if you would like to see some more orthodox images, check out our professsionals' photo gallery.

(Not so) Trivial Pursuits ... Photography with Andrea Pittam

I'm always on the look out for a new interest, especially if it can help me with my business.

I used to love taking photographs and have never got over exchanging my K1000 for a digital camera.  I haven't really mastered using my fantastic new whizz bangy camera to its full potential.

So perhaps this might be the course for me and could be of interest to you too.  If you don't live in the Bournemouth area, Google 'photography courses for crafters' - I'm sure you'll find something locally.

      

Here's more about Andrea Pittam of Kiss the Frog x ...

As a photographer, artist and crafter it seemed a good idea to run a course for other artists and crafters who are looking for some direction and help with their product photography.

For small kitchen table businesses and independent artists and crafters, big budget product photography is simply not an option and this course will show you how you can get the best out of the camera you have to showcase your products.

all images (c) Kiss the Frog x

You will receive advice on how to plan and prepare for a photo shoot, using natural light to create beautiful images of your products. There will also be a practical section to the course so you will need to bring your camera and some of your products too.

You can find out more about Andrea's course here ...

Day trips - All at Sea with Poole Sea Safari

If you fancy a little adventure, what better than a high speed ride on a rib around Dorset's Jurassic Coast?

There are loads of these types of trips on offer but this one from Poole Sea Safari is great value in our opinion.

Where else can you cover 185 million years in 90 minutes?  Whereas a lot of other trips seem to be just about the thrill of the ride, Poole Sea Safari appears to cover more mileage and give you a bit more about what you're seeing too.  

All images (c) Poole Sea Safari

Cruising out of Poole Harbour, you'll pass Brownsea Island and Sandbanks before picking up speed as you fly past Old Harry Rocks and on towards Swanage Bay.

And back on dry land, you'll feel you've earned yourself an ice-cream or bag of chips!

Trivial Pursuits - Nature Photographer of the Year

   

I've always harboured a passion for photography and regret trading in my Pentax K1000 SLR camera for a digital one.  Although I'm sure my new one is capable of everything the film version did, the old one was so straightforward to adjust the shutter speed and F-stop!  

The Society of German Nature Photographers have just published the results of their annual competition, so I thought I would share some of the finalists should you be in need of some inspiration.

All images (c) GDT

Surf's Up - Country Life and Other Passions

If you're looking for inspiration for interiors, landscape gardens and mood boards, you could do a lot worse than check out the images on this Facebook page, Country Life and Other Passions. 

  

We love the photographs and advice on many small and great passions of life ... with a focus on simplicity and reflection .... With an emphasis on beauty in the broadest sense, extending to art and nature, music and style ... 

    

Their page welcomes all those who love good taste and love the little things!

    

Trivial Pursuits - Margo's photo collection

I have no idea who Margo is, but I stumbled across her by chance on Facebook one day.

Her philosophy reads 'Wherever I lay my hat, that's my home' and she obviously searches the internet much as a bibliophile might trawl through book shops looking for images that catch her eye.

It is a truly ecletic mix, with only a few of the images she posts shown here today.

I recommend that you  visit her Facebook page and LIKE as stunning images will float through your news feed like confetti will bring you a moment of calm and time for reflection.