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

Meet the Maker - Jake Winkle, Artist

I'm lucky enough to own one of Jake Winkle's watercolours.  Well, perhaps not lucky so much as canny because I bought it for my husband for Xmas one year!  Win, win!

Although the image above is not mine, ours is also of chickens.  The colours are stunning and really work, even though you wouldn't find them on a real hen.  And the shadows ... well I'm no critic but I just love them.

I had originally thought that horse-racing was Jake's trademark as I had seen them at several exhibitions but he paints much more than animals.  There are scenes of Venice, Africa, cafe life and coastlines too.  

A panaromic view of his and my home town, Blandford, is on public display and can be viewed any time in a sheltered spot near the Church in the town centre.

All images © Jake Winkle

He runs courses too and if these are anything to go by, he's clearly good at explaining his methods.

And you can find out more about his art and workshops on his website.