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.

Here is a composite image of some good friends of ours, Shirley and John, who came to the studio to update their family portraits (which I did for them about three years ago).

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Tony Fanning- colwyn bay portrait photographer

Anyway, Here is Sukie, she was brought up to me by her doting owner to have a few images taken.

She behaved really well and so did Sukie, lol

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As payment for my services I asked her to be a model (for all of five minutes) so I could try out my new lens.

She was amazed that I could make her look so amazing. She always does look great but you know women always have negative views of themselves.

Here is her new passport photo (following Home Office guidelines – Look straight at the camera, plain background, flat (ish) lighting) followed by a quick lighting and background change.

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Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

So, along came Paul, his partner and their grandchildren to have a bit of a giggle in the studio between Christmas and new year.

Cute kids and photos go together like a party and bad karaoke so here are a few of the images we got this week.

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

conwy photographer

All the way back in 2006 I had my first commisioned shoot. It was to photograph the girls and boys of Pearl Shaw dance school in Colwyn Bay. Up to this point I was still shooting for fun and for friends.

Back then I was shooting with a Canon 300D (woo!) and the bare minimum of equipment. How things have changed.

The shoot was a great sucess and we got some really good, well posed shots. Caroline, the owner and instructor there made sure the students were doing the things they should be doing . It all looked like such hard work being a dancer and I admire the dedication and persistance the students need to get it right.

Here`s a few of the images we got that day.

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

Colwyn Bay photographer

This is a portrait of my eldest son Morgan. He`s a moody grump at the best of times so this shot is just perfect of him.

Conwy portrait photographer