I did my first ever training session with Welshot Imaging Academy. They are a photographic academy that train everyday people to use their cameras better and to get the most from the equipment they own.

Last night was the first meeting of the new Llandudno academy and I went along with some studio stuff to teach the members some basic skills of studio flash. We wanted to keep it as simple as possible so it was a “one light only” studio so the members could see the effects of their apperture and  shutter control easier. We used just a simple white background to see the effects of light fall-off and how you can get a really dark grey from a white background.

I have to say a big thank you to the models who were remarkably patient with the members.

I have added a few images of the evening below to show what we did.

The first one was to show the effects of a typical shot with a flash on your camera. Notice the horrible, dark side shadow that really looks amateur.

The rest are shot with one Elinchrom strobe and a 60″ softbox. The difference is clear

After a brief courtship I have now joined forces with the guys at Welshot Imaging photographic academy as a mentor/trainer/teacher (god help them!)

Welshot Imaging’s Photographic Academy is where the fun is to be found. We bring together professionals and enthusiastic amateurs for exciting workshops in inspiring locations. Our members learn and have fun with people who share their interest in photography, no matter what level or type of kit they have. We don`t train professional photographers, we train everyone, no matter what their skill level is.

My first training session (gulp!) is on the first meeting in the new Llandudno academy on Wednesday May 26th at 6.30 at The Royal Hotel, Llandudno. I will be running a basic studio lighting session with a lucky model and a few studio lights and other bits and bobs

We intend to have a “Spring has Sprung” BBQ in the Garden Function Room as well as the garden.
This evening will be designed for all the family to come and have some summer fun and enjoy a great BBQ and for new people to the Academy to come and meet us, see what we do, learn a few things and talk to other like minded photographers. Events are still being finalised but will be emailed to you when complete.
The cost will be £15.00 per person for the BBQ and is payable direct to The Royal Hotel on the door. This Academy Evening and all the events that we will be putting on will be free of charge. We will, however, need to know numbers so registration to lee@welshotimaging.co.uk is essential.

It`ll be fun and informative so I hope to see you there.

To make things a bit easier for me I`ve knocked up a quick two minute musical slideshow with some of the images from the family sessions.
PLEASE LET IT LOAD, IT WILL ONLY TAKE A FEW SECONDS.
I hope you enjoy the show. If it has inspired you to come to the studio and have your own fun session, please give me a call.

See you soon….

The boys loved the wide open spaces although Annie and I were all too aware that there are some big cliffs waiting for unsuspecting adventurous boys.

We did enjoy the morning out but Annie`s knees were in bits that afternoon. Too much too soon I think.

A couple of pics.

llandudno photographer

llandudno photographer

llandudno photographer

The boys couldn`t really have cared less because they were more interested in the monster trucks and the stunt bikes.

The trucks were SO loud! Almost unbearable at times, but the boys were thrilled.

The commentator said they they only do 53 YARDS to a gallon of fuel (methanol) so not very good for the school run

The stunt bikes had trouble with the conditions as well but managed some cool jumps and tricks.

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

Morgan and I on the dodgems!

conwy photographer

We had tickets to go to the famous Blackpool tower circus and took the opportunity to go to the very top of the tower. Annie hates heights so was super brave going up in an elevator that has windows!

We also went into a 3D cinema that was showing a short film about dinosaurs that the boys loved.

Matthew found a teddy shop.

north wales photographer

In Pizza Hut

north wales photographer

north wales photographer

On a tram

north wales photographer

In the 3D cinema

north wales photographer

north wales photographer

north wales photographer

At the top of the tower

north wales photographer

On the glass floor at the top of the tower- 380ft above the ground, gulp!

north wales photographer

north wales photographer

Jungle Jim

north wales photographer

north wales photographer

In the circus

north wales photographer

north wales photographer

north wales photographer

I didn`t fancy lugging my long lenses around so only took a standard zoom, and as the wakedboarders are a little way out in the Conwy estuary I couldn`t get as close as I would liked to have.

The wakeboarders were awesome! They seemed to be of a better quality than last years’ competitors as well. The crowds were bigger and more enthusiastic as well.

Just a couple of pics to share…

north wales photographer conwy

Three shot sequence.

north wales photographer conwy

Five shots sequence.

north wales photographer conwy

north wales photographer conwy

I keep coming back to watch it again and again.