Bluebells

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

A Walk for the sake of Bluebells

The mention of bluebells and I shiver with excitement, as for me, it’s not only about their simple aesthetic beauty, colour and form, but also their scarcity. With all the excitement of the Brighton May festival, my plans to visit the bluebells can get waylaid. Luckily this year I made it, despite the chance of rain looming, typical. So, with close friends, family and a flask of coffee, we arrived in Arlington, Sussex.

Carpets of Blue

Arlington Bluebell Walk and Bates Green farm trail is renowned in Sussex as one of the best walks to experience. For children it is fantastic as they get to see a small array of farm animals before the walk begins, including friendly angora goats. There are eight walks to choose form, each of them giving a spellbinding, magical vista. The light was rather dim as the British clouds filled the sky, however this did not spoil our adventure.

Catching the Bells

The month of May is the key time to catch ripely bloomed bluebells, Arlington Bluebell Walk runs till the 27th of May, so catch them while you can. Your entrance fee will also contribute to one of the farms many charities so you can feel good in many ways!

Photo Session

For those of you wanting a special photo session within the beauty of the Sussex landscape, you can book that experience with me. Let’s choose a walk in the magical woodlands with your family so you can have a treasured memory of a special time together. Think ahead and you could create this as a special gift for an anniversary or special birthday coming up.

Ask Sophie Sheinwald about her bespoke portrait photo sessions and her new photo-quote product, where you choose a special quote with your chosen photograph and it gets printed for you as a 5×7 print.

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Printing tips

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Have you ever uploaded a photo for printing and discovered that it doesn’t fit your 5×7 or 10×8 template? Or, in your printing of an image, realise you need to crop it to fit your frame? Well, I thought I’d write up a little something on that which may help you…

Photographic Dimensions

When you take a photo or buy a Jpeg image it has a particular dimension compared with that of your classic 10×8 and 5×7 inch print. Despite the move to digital, our standard print frames are mostly 5×7 and 10×8 inches. So with that in mind, you need to think about your print for printing.

The Dilemma

It’s easier to show you with a photograph. I took this portrait recently of the lovely Maria and Jean. The camera pixels were 5184 x 3456, which differs to the classic 10×8 inch dimension.

So you can either fit the image to the 10 x 8 crop, leaving you with  white space looking a bit silly on your 10 x 8 frame.

Or you have this problem…

Her nice pregnant belly gets cut off from the frame. Now often a little crop doesn’t hurt the image at all, but in cases like these you may need a little help by adding more background so it all fits nicely into the print dimension.

So in the above image some more background has been added to ensure the client had the best results and her proud bump can be seen and celebrated. Much nicer.

Printing Pleasure

I like to tell my clients to be aware of this when they purchase a Jpeg image from me. Especially when creating a canvas print, that can take a good inch away from your image. It might be an idea to inform your photographer that it’s something you’ll want, or get said photographer to arrange this effort for a small fee. Your final prints are those you will cherish. Important memories need to look good for your reminder of those special moments.

If you’re not savvy with post production, either ask me or your designer to help. I don’t charge an extra on prints you buy from me that are taken in the studio setting. I want them to look good!

Happy Snapping!

Sophie

Contact Sophie Sheinwald about her bespoke fine art portrait photography. You can see some of her portraiture examples. 

More here…

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Red Nose Runway

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Blown Away by Brilliance

The Red Nose Runway at All Saints Church Hove, caused a sensation in Brighton! Louisa Featherstone, Chair of Friends of Somerhill Juniors in Hove, organised a treat of a Comic Relief fundraiser. Most parents thought it would be a simple, sweet school fashion show, well it turns out that it was much more than sweet, it honestly ROCKED with £2400 raised! Louisa told me she doesn’t do things by halves, and here’s some photographs to prove it, starting with Louisa herself on the pulpit!

Some of the Highlights

With the sheer awesomeness of the space, I decided to go wide on my lens, so I could incorporate the incredible gothic architecture of All Saints Church. Lighting was quite dim as far as the camera was concerned, so the ISO (light sensitivity) was set to high; it was worth going without flash for most of the shots to capture the ambiance. It was wonderful to experience such an event that invited some of the best Brighton and London designers onto the catwalk.

Red Mutha

So totally funky, I hear that many of the kids and grown ups bought what they wore on the night. Rather exciting fashion.

MIBO

The kids looked fabulous in these colourful clothes.

Question Everything

Beautiful ethical clothes for children, love the smile the older girl gives younger.

Miss Maharati

Functional and fitting sportswear, this is the bit where I saw tongues hanging out, followed by sighs of relaxed tension when this sassy electric strut was completed. I kid you not!

Alisa

Wonderfully striking fashion, I love these designs, so much fun and flair!

 Everything but The Dress

Gorgeous, gorgeous vintage bridal wear, caused quite a stir on the catwalk.

Spot the suave celeb dressed to kill?  ”Yes it’s Harry Potter’s Arthur Weasley” said my eldest, actor Mark Williams. Thanks for taking part and signing autographs for the children.

Where to go for more photos?

Have a look through the Red Nose gallery all the photos are available for personal use, just ask Sophie Sheinwald. Also you can Facebook “like” the Red Nose Runway page and discover the other wonderful photos taken!

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments

Spring Snow in Brighton

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Welcome to Spring in Brighton

I don’t often believe those weather reports, so when we were warned of snow falling in March, I was doubtful, especially in Brighton, the sea tends to melt the snow before it has had a chance to land! So after the snow fell overnight, the kids were elated and I was glad of the opportunity capture some fun spring snow photography in Sussex. The problem was that the gorgeous sun was melting the snow fast!

Crackles of promenade snow left on Brighton’s seafront

Despite the lack of snow, I decided, as my kids were throwing snowballs, to catch some crackles and ground reflections. I was a tad disappointed with the meltdown, not of my kids, the weather!

Close up on Hove Seafront

Yes, our blessed Brighton seafront has been strewn with photographers over the years, for a very good reason. It’s beautiful, this is one of my favorite viewpoints.

View of the West Pier from Hove

Novel idea – throwing snowballs into the sea

Sledging at Ditchling Beacon

So after some nice soup a kind neighbour threw together, we headed up Ditchling Beacon way, after being tipped off that Stanmer Park was melting… the snow, not the place. Sledging it was, kids were electric!

Fields by Ditchling Beacon

A few camera speed and snow tips

Firstly to get the right camera setting ignore the white snow and use a face or object to measure light. The snow will make the camera think there is more light available than there is and silhouette your subject, so meter on object or face, unless that is what you are going for photographically.

A camera speed of 500 is rather nice for freezing the fun downward motion. Those of you unafraid of manual, on a sunny snowy day you have plenty of light. Your ISO can be popped from 100 to 400, but ensure your camera speed is higher than 400 speed, then apply the other setting accordingly. My aperture was about f:13 on most of these. The top shot being quite successful as you can see motion was fast thanks to the tell tale snow sledging cascade.

The inbetweener shots

Shots like these are priceless to me. It’s not always about the ride, it’s also about the instances in between. The post elated breather, the fall, the climb…

Brighton is so photogenic for photography, I felt spoilt that the sun came out as previous days had been shockingly dull. Hope you enjoyed this blog.

Sophie Sheinwald offers bespoke family photo sessions outdoors. Choose your locations with her and you can have your personal session photographed based on your family personality. Sophie is happy to work in the realm of Sussex, just ask and you can have some special memories created for you.

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments

Rock the Dress

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Ladies get back in that Dress!

After spending your well earned energies on the wedding, why not do something a little different? Rock the dress!

You may have found that the wedding celebrations were a whirlwind on the actual day. You may also have found that you had little time to really enjoy your wedding quite as much as you thought. Demands on the wedding day are so very high for both bride and groom.  So why not get back in that beautifully tailored dress on a day that suits you?

Graffiti grunge post wedding shoot

Celebrate the Dress

Chaps, you can use your suits for other formal occasions, but it’s the ladies who deserve another go at feeling both feminine and beautiful.

I took Jonny and Michelle around Brighton, hiring my designer husband Ashley, as my assistant and creative director. The couple had their wedding in beautiful Hertforshire, but suffered from an astonishingly rainy summer’s day. They had no outdoor shots. None! A real loss. However, Michelle really wanted some fun, innovative photographs with graffiti walls. She and her husband came to Brighton especially for the photo shoot.

Rock the Dress with James Brown graffiti wall

What UK Weather Brings!

Well the day came with hail that morning, so we were prepared with a nice large umbrella. There were enough sunshine moments to grab the graffiti shots before we headed off down the Brighton North Laines. Needless to say they created some very positive attention!

Rock the Dress – Brighton’s North Laines

Centre of Attention

The beauty of the Rock the Dress photo shoot is that the couple can feel free. Michelle not only received compliments and congratulations from strangers, but it didn’t matter if her dress got a bit wet and muddy! Below, they had to hold a kiss for the camera, so we could get a feeling of stillness from them and movement from passers by.

Kiss in the rain – Brighton North Laines

Creative Thought

Here’s one of the wonderful ideas from Ashley, I’m calling it “Chase the Bride”. Brighton Architectural Salvage made a fabulous backdrop.

Rock the Dress in Brighton North Laines

Brighton & Hove Seafront

Then it was off to the beach to catch the last of the Sun.

Photo shoot Brighton & Hove seafront

If you like what you see then contact Sophie Sheinwald Photography for a Rock the Dress consultation or make it part of your wedding package.

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments

Landscape Photography

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Sophie Sheinwald Photography – capturing scenes

Some of Sophie Sheinwald Photography’s clients have been requesting her landscape photography work for their walls, so this page is especially for them.

Why Landscape photography?

Photography doesn’t just stop at family life, events and corporate subjects. For Sophie Sheinwald, has gotten inspired by scenes from our beautiful global landscape during her travels. Sometimes the scene just speaks, without the need for a person to be physically posed in front of it.

Sophie has visited the serene vineyards of lower Austria, enjoyed the buzzing streets of Berlin and experienced the incredibly powerful Norwegian landscape. It is also from home that she enjoys the buzz of Brighton life and it’s nearby magnificent Sussex Downs. If the landscape speaks, she captures it.

Have you ever noticed?

There is something about landscape that communicates something to you. It’s when a viewpoint comes alive more than any other, the light hits the scene, and that is the moment to take the shot. With landscape photography it’s a wondrously different technique compared to portrait or event photography. It is a much slower, steadier pace. It’s more about distance of space. What’s more special is that each of us can create an entirely different scene from a similar viewpoint! Inspiring isn’t it?

If you have any requests for Sophie Sheinwald‘s landscape photography work or other work, don’t hesitate to ask. Moreover you can commission Sophie with an idea to promote a rural area’s beauty or urban area’s liveliness.

You can also discover more about Sophie Sheinwald Photography profile.

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments

Mumpreneurs Networking Club

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

The story of how I won the Mumpreneurs Networking Club competition

When I started a membership with the wonderful Mumpreneurs Networking Club, little did I know how much fun it would be and how the sheer lightheartedness of the group would rub off onto me!

The Mumpreneurs strike a pose for the MNC 5000 postcard

At one particular meeting held in Lewes, run by the lovely Mumpreneur Jane Hames, I was led to saying “yes” and entering into a ‘design a postcard’ competition. It was to celebrate 5000 through the doors of the Mumpreneurs Networking Club (MNC). Initially I had no intention of entering, but then I was approached by fellow Mumpreneur, Julie Mann independent Arbonne consultant. With an audacious and spirited smile she said “I’ve got this great idea! Would you like to do the photos for it?”, and I thought “Why not!”

So with this unexpected project born and the deadline just around the corner, a number of volunteers were gathered and timetabled in for a photo shoot. Now Julie’s idea was to get the Mumpreneurs together and form them into the MNC letters. Off I went to do a bit of research and discovered that dancers do this ABC shape thing rather well in colourful lycra. Now I wasn’t working with the agility and adeptness of performers, or indeed lycra, however, I was working with business folk that were up for a bit of fun! I also wanted to show a connection to their business within the composition, so each candidate brought related props. Accountant, Alison Jones brought monopoly money and a calculator, The Clothes Lady, Sarah Greg brought one of her garments, Teresa Hamilton owner of East is East brought some of her home products, Little Fidgets owner, Lucy Amos brought with a sombrero and flags, Julie brought some Arbonne skincare, but what about Utility Warehouse‘s Stuart Ritchie?

Men in Mumpreneurs?

Yes, Mumpreneurs Networking Club do not exclude men! However I did wince at thought of Stuart being photographed with a comprehensive utilities bill, not terribly exciting. Then Sarah, reminded me that the Utility Warehouse logo has a pig in it. The idea was just too good, would Stuart go for a live pig? Well, within just a few hours of contacting Stuart, we had a pig booked in, and a pink one at that, thanks to the kindness of Snakes Harbour farm in Sussex.

I do love photographing animals, dogs, cats, horses etc, but I had never before photographed a pig. On arrival to the farm I thought I’d pop my smartphone on video mode and very lightheartedly filmed the story. Bear in mind, it’s no Danny Boyle production but it’s my first photography video blog and I do hope you enjoy…

Oh! and the final design?

I had initially asked a willing Mumpreneur to help me design ‘The Big 5000′ part of the postcard, however she got extremely busy. Thankfully I’m married to a talented designer and branding guru, Ashley from Planet Interactive, who helped me put my ideas into form! I wanted to have various businesses in the shape of the 5000 and sponged a bit of expertise to complete the winning postcard!

The winning postcard thanks to great teamwork!

If you have any fun projects you need to get off the ground, contact Sophie Sheinwald Photography for your photographic needs.

and you want to see web links on other work – http://sophiesheinwald.brandyourself.com/

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments

“This is the Moment” Song, Dance, Performance

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Gabi in rehearsal “This is the Moment”

Meet Gabi Markham, a talented artist, who from the age of three, has performed in many shows in and around Brighton theatres.

She has gotten parts, including Bugsy Malone and Les Miserables and played Pepper in Annie, as well as both Maria and Anita in West Side Story. So it’s only natural that Gabi is about to study at the PPA (Performance Preparation Academy).

But we are not just dealing with a regular performing arts student here, Gabi has been working diligently towards building up a talented ensemble, to create her very first production called, ‘This Is The Moment. The proceeds of the show will go towards funding her education, clever girl!

So what will this production involve? I hear you say.

Well it’s an irresistible medley involving, song, dance, some humour and music. It’ll all take place in Ralli Hall, Hove on Sunday 19th August 2012. and you can buy tickets from her website for only £10.00 or £8.00 for concessions.

Gabi rehearsing with some of her ensemble

Dancer Louie rehearsing

“This is the Moment” rehearsal with Louie and Josh

Gabi and her ensemble practice on the seafront

Other accolades include her recent feature in a new BBC series, written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff, ‘Dancing on the Edge’ staring Caroline Quentin. Let’s wish Gabi a fruitful future of performance!

“This is the Moment” ensemble on Hove seafront

Gabi and ensemble leave the stage

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments

What makes a Family?

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Well what makes a family… a family?

The celebration of the Jubilee inspired my June competition to win a bespoke home photo session tailored to two chosen families. It all got me thinking… what are the ingredients of the British family today?

It’s observable that somehow, the family unit with all it’s component parts, creates how our society functions. And however we choose to do it, that we’re contributing something back.

Certainly we are each born to some sort of a family. Each of us have had grown ups that had taken ownership over us with plenty to say about the rules of living and hopefully, if we were lucky, allowed us a say stuff back!

The traditional family keeps evolving. From era’s where it was common to have a truckload of children, to our spectacular multi-layered mishmash of gatherings that we have today. Families can be anything from an individual with their pet, to a group of related peoples.

If one was to build a family from scratch perhaps the recipe would involve a common purpose of caring and respecting each other’s growth and that despite any difficulties, and difficulties do come in abundance sometimes, that each member would learn how to help resolve them.

The modern family is like a fantastic new recipie made with love, it’s complicated and diverse with a hearty mix of traditions and a hint of cultural fusion.

Stephanie Anderson, teacher & mum

Like it or lump it, there’s some kind of bond that connects us, often with recipes, bad jokes and hugs. So I decided it just needs to be celebrated photographically for what it is!

My aim in the competition is to discover the individuality of family and that it would be just utterly fun to sit down and get a feel for how that unit operates. My aim is to capture something really special. It may even evolve into a pet project, discovering the British family photographically.

Have a great June folks!

Sophie Sheinwald Photography/

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments

Headshot for your promotion

Sophie Sheinwald Photography news and updates from me.

Why Shoot Your Head?

A professional headshot works wonders and is vital in making the right impression. There are many reasons for having a decent headshot, from actors who classically need shots for their agent to create work, to online communications where your presence sells itself.

It’s just too interesting a subject to leave out, so I hope this blog has a few tips that are useful to you. If you find yourself in need of this service then I advise you to check out my May 2012 super special offer!

Who needs a headshot then?

Where might you fit in and why might you need a clear and clean image to represent who you are? You may even wonder if you really do need a professional do do the job.

Your image is conveyed through your photograph, and it’s part of the first impression you make on others.

Business professional Barbara Pachter

Let’s take these three categories for example which may help you decide if a headshot it’s for you.

The Social Network

It has become increasingly important to create a good online image, a great photograph really bolsters value. Having a photo that is current and professional will firstly, make you happy to use it and secondly, create a positive effect on your audience. Interestingly, according to a study on Facebook, the profile picture gets the most hits.

Your face, the way you look and dress is actually a key part of your brand. Brand is identity, especially if your are a small to medium-sized business. If you are using Linkedin, Google+, Twitter and/or Facebook pages, it’s how you are recognised. So having a decent, relevant photograph that is used on all your networks opens doors.

Great headshots give you an edge. They leave your prospects with a first impression that creates strong positive feelings and associations.

Commercial photographer Rich Quindry

I do see some profile pictures out there that are badly lit, out of focus or they just don’t do justice for that particular business.

So what is your business about and how best can you be presented? Well that’s where I come in and am very happy to help. We can discuss what your business needs are, the colour and tones needed and weather you go under the lights or outdoors. It all connects to how you need to be presented, just ask!

The Dating Game

First impressions are crucial in online dating, it’s hugely important to have the right photograph so that your potential partner will stay on your profile. The idea is not to make you a glamourous supermodel, that’s another photo shoot entirely! You want to appeal to your prospective date and not provide a picture that goes overboard. The idea is to create the best of you and who you are. I can advise you on what to wear that’s within your style remit. You can have a couple of clothes changes ready and I can come to your home and deliver some good natural shots that your happy with. You don’t necessarily need the full on studio for this, however I bring my small portable lighting kit to brighten things up. Call me for a chat.

Actors & Models

Need I say more, actors and models just need a simple clean updated photo for their agent. Again nothing glamorous, something so your potential can be seen instantly so you can simply be hired. Call me to discuss, we can work out what look represents you.

May’s Mad offer

Sophie Sheinwald Photography has gone a bit mad, for the service and delivery of your professional headshot, I’m taking just £40! So come June 2012 that deal stops! Tick tock!

Author, Sophie Sheinwald Photography

Please feel free to make a comment below

Sophie Sheinwald Photography - Capturing Moments