Sam's Blog

Summer Lifestyle Photography

2010-08-03T09:21:00.003+01:00

Why not treat you and your family to a fantastic lifestyle photo shoot this summer?

We come to you at your home, or meet with you at a favourite family location... the park, the beach or anywhere you love to go together. It's fun, friendly and above all, it captures some great natural photographs of you and your children having fun!

Be yourself... why not contact us at Ignis to capture some really great memories, while the summer sun is still here!

Bowler's rampage! Goodwood Festival of Speed.

2010-07-09T16:34:00.003+01:00

During our annual visit to Goodwood Festival of Speed, I was fortunate enough to dig my way into the depths of the woodland and capture a Bowler in it's natural habitat! I think it was rampaging the rally-track hunting for the best time... I caught it on this corner which almost brought it to a standstill. I love the way it kicks up the dust. Shudder! Such a thrill being so close to a beast like this....

Shot at ISO 800, f/4, 64mm focal length and a lot of patience, this was one of my favourite shots on the rally track.

Lifestyle shoot this summer with Ignis

2010-06-03T09:45:00.003+01:00

Summer is here, and it's the best time to take advantage of our fantastic family lifestyle shoot! Capture some treasured memories of you and your family. We'll take some shots that capture you at this time in your life... a real reflection on you as a family.

Choose a location that you go to as a family. We'll meet you there and capture you in a relaxed and professional manner. Think lifestyle photography, think Ignis.

PLEASE VOTE IGNIS !

2010-05-19T16:49:00.002+01:00

Barclay Bank Business Competition - £50,000 to be won

We have entered the Barclays Bank "Take One Small Step" Competition to take our fun photo shoots on the road to school and village halls around Norfolk and Suffolk. Please go to:

https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/5309/Page

Thank you lovely people!

Barclays competition

2010-05-15T15:29:00.003+01:00

Well, we've finally got our video and application up on-line for the Barclays 'Take One Small Step' competition!

We need YOUR VOTE so we can boost our photographic service and expand our customer base. We have a GREAT NEW business plan.... where we bring the photo studio to YOU!!!

Cast you vote here AND check out our video:
https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/5309/Page

THANKYOU! And WHEN we WIN you may see us in a village near you!

Commercial photos

2010-05-06T13:28:00.002+01:00

Why not drop by our studio for a few commercial shots to promote your business?

We've got 23 promo slots remaining! Normally our 'drop-by' service is £59, but our current promo is for just £25! You get 12-15 images on disc or on-line for your promotional literature and/or website.

Does that sound good?

Lady Bug

2010-04-30T15:27:00.002+01:00

I caught this Lady Bug perched on the edge of a leaf admiring the view. I snapped her with my trusty Sigma 18-55/f2.8 macro. I thought it was jolly nice of said Lady Bug to pose for me so well in such a great composition.

Doing macro work makes you see things a little differently. You're always looking for the little things, and the small detail in subjects or in nature.

Self Portrait

2010-04-30T12:58:00.004+01:00

It's always good as a photographer to get in front of the camera too! It keeps me on my toes and reminds me what it's like to be in the photo rather than the one taking it. This is a picture of me pretending to be a grumpy dwarf! Not difficult then!

Stock Photography

2010-04-29T15:48:00.003+01:00

Well, as we do commercial work under the trade name of 'Pocket Creative' it only seems suitable to extend that arm into the realm of stock images.

Today we have got the ball rolling by taking a short trip to a local woodland capturing some naturally inspired shots. Lady bugs, flowers... things to get us thinking about how to take a shot for stock.

Would you like some stock photography taken for your business?

Business Innovation Creation

2010-04-28T19:24:00.002+01:00

It's always great to be part of something new. Today we were part of the Creating Innovative Businesses event held in Ipswich.

We gained some great advice from fellow creatives regarding brand and design ideas. How do you push your business forward? You let your customers know how great you are and what you can do for them! How? By using strong visual hooks and design to attract people who need your service.

Does Ignis Photography deliver you good design and memorable photographs? Does our text make sense to you?

We always value our customer feedback.

It's a tough job... photographing chocolate brownies

2010-04-27T14:01:00.002+01:00

Yes, I know, we do some commercial photography, but today it's been an absolute delight... more than normal! Isn't it great how your continuous studio lights (y'know, the ones you use to wrap light around a subject) gently warm up some subjects? Well today, we've had gently warmed-up fresh home-made brownies.

It's a tough job, and I'm doing it!

ps. Brownie number 2 is particularly tasty.

Work Experience

2010-04-26T11:09:00.002+01:00

Here at Ignis Photography we are delighted to involve students from the local area of Norwich and Norfolk. Every year we openly invite work-experience students from GCSE and A-Level courses who have a keen interest in photography.

We limit it to 2 placements per year, and we're already booked for 2010! We currently have a young lady with us from year 10 who goes to Acle High School. This week she will see how the office works, see how the studio works and hopefully we'll get out on location to snap some stock photography too!

If you're a student in the area, looking to tag along in 2011, please contact us via our website contact page. All we ask for is a look at your images to see if you're suitable for the placement.

Caistor Hall event photos

2010-04-23T16:40:00.002+01:00

We'll be photographing tonights UEA Ball held at Caistor Hall, Norfolk, UK.
If you're looking for event coverage, look no further than Ignis Photography!
Have a great weekend.

Marillion box-set

2010-04-23T09:14:00.002+01:00

Ignis Photography will have a selection of images included within the new Marillion box-set coming out this summer.

Ignis Photography captured images at last years Marillion show held in Holland during March 2009. The portfolio of which is available to view via event gallery page.

Who here is a Marillion fan?

Event Photography

2010-04-22T15:43:00.002+01:00

Ignis Photography is capturing the event photographs for tomorrow nights UEA (university of East Anglia) event Ball held at Caistor Hall, Norfolk.

We'll be capturing AND printing photographs on the night for the 40 guests. Would you like this service?

Ignis website in development

2010-04-22T12:51:00.002+01:00

The Ignis Photography website is in development. You'll see subtle changes happening over the next few weeks.

We're always looking for feedback from our customers or people who just love what we do! What would like to see Ignis Photography doing for you?

Buy Local

2010-04-22T09:21:00.003+01:00

Ignis Photography are all about supporting their local economy and using local businesses. We're based in Norwich, UK and we're part of a fantastic organisation called Buy Local.
This morning we are visiting the Buy Local office to discuss the future and to see how we can help. If you're from Norwich, Norfolk UK why aren't you buying local from Buy Local?
Check out their new website at http://www.buylocalnorfolk.org.uk/default.aspx

Ignis and Ignition

2009-12-14T17:58:00.002Z

News update... 14 Dec 2009

Ignis Photography is now officially a social photography service! Including weddings, families and events. Ignis has separated off the automotive and commercial photography into its own website.

Ignition Photography is now live! For all your automotive and commercial needs. But why the separation? Well, it's a marketing issue. It ws very difficult to design one brand that catered for both weddings and car enthusiasts! Therefore Ignition and Ignis have different styles to cater for their different clients.
Go to www.ignition-photography.co.uk

Enjoy!
Sam

Ignis Photography goes social

2009-11-18T16:10:00.003Z

Hi everyone

As I'm sure you're all aware, Ignis Photography has provided a multitude of services all under one banner. However, from December 2009 we will be seperating off our Ignition and Commercial work to a second website and under a different business name.

Ignis Photography is now focussing it's efforts towards social photography... in other words, images that involve people, including weddings, families and events. If you're after our commercial or automotive service, you can find this at Ignition Photography.

www.ignition-photography.co.uk

Capturing the Corporate

2009-11-09T10:41:00.001Z

Hi

Exciting times are ahead as we bring onboard more corporate photography. If you're a medium to large corporation, or indeed a business that is starting out, we can supply you with fantastic photographs to promote your website or brochure.

Photography Tuition Beginners Level

2009-10-19T13:17:00.003+01:00

Do you have a new compact digital camera?

Do you have a new entry-level digital SLR?

Do you have new consumer photo-editing software?

I am offering beginners level photographic tuition.

My one-to-one tuition is held in the comfort of your own home. I will study your new digital camera and explain its functions, be it a compact or entry level SLR. If you have new photo editing software like Photoshop Elements, I can introduce you to the functions that best suit your needs.

I can also assist with creative tuition, looking at your composition and subject matter. I can get you on the road to taking great photographs with your new camera and software.

In one hour I can inform you of your cameras functions, how they work and what they mean. The camera is a tool, and as a creative photographer it’s important you know how to get the best from your equipment.

Simply contact me with what you would like to learn. I have many packages ranging from 1 hour to 3 hours. My hourly rate is just £20.00 within the Norwich area.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to view my work, please visit my website.

Sam Reece

Professional Photographer

Ignis Photography

Sir Elton shot from the pit

2009-06-19T16:52:00.009+01:00

I was one of half a dozen photographers employed to capture Sir Elton John at his Holkham Hall concert on June 14th.

There was this position in the 'media pit' where you could get the great profile pic as he sat at his piano, but I wanted to capture something else, that no other photographer seemed to be exploring.

Whilst the photo hot-spot was being used, I recongnised that Sir Elton got up off of his piano stool and approached the crowd. Knowing this, after his next song I was ready to get the shot I was after.

I wanted to capture his silhouette against the calm, warm Norfolk sky. I waited until he approached the front of the stage to see what he did. He yelled out to the audience, so ready and waiting I got the shot. I was placed 90 degrees to the stage, where no one else could get to (other than the other pit photographers). I knew I could capture his isolation and character, all within this massive event. Even though he is in shadow, you can still recognise his profile and his energy. I purposfully composed the image so he was balanced against the monitor speaker infront of him, giving him the necessary context of performing at a gig.

I wanted to bring the 'art' back to event photography with this shot, rather than just document it, which is done too often.

Lotus Elise

2009-06-10T08:53:00.002+01:00

At last, I've finally met someone who owns a Lotus who will have some photos taken!

If you don't know, I'm a big Lotus fan. My favourite model being the Exige range. I've been wanting to photograph a Lotus for our Ignition portfolio and at last I've got one!

I've been introduced to a really great chap who owns an Elise, and in exchange for some digital images he will let me not only photograph his car but also get a ride in it! Bliss.

Watch this space for updates. Over and out....

we love what we do

2009-06-01T15:52:00.005+01:00

It's been a whole month since my last entry... it's been busy for Ignis.

We've had work in all areas of our business - weddings, people, ignition, commercial and events. It's been an amazing month! This shot was captured at one of Mays weddings on Winterton Beach.

They were a lovely couple and wanted to capture some shots of just the two of them at one of their favourite locations. It's always such an honour to photograph these special moments between newly weds. We always try to recreate the feeling of the day and the spirit of those involved.

We love what we do.

Going Macro

2009-05-01T08:05:00.002+01:00

Now I understand... Michelle was right. Macro is brilliant!

She has always loved and enjoyed capturing close-up details, but I've never really caught onto it... until now.

Michelle has a fantastic 4:3rds macro lens for her SLR, unfortunately I don't, so I dug out my old Olympus C-5050 zoom from 2003! This camera is slow and what I now consider as a 'vintage' relic ;-) but it does take great macro shots.

I captured this tiny spider in a local woodland, it was only about 1.5cm long... with those legs!

It's one of my first macro shots, and I really enjoyed it. It's a whole new world for me to explore.

Camera Operator and Stills Photographer

2009-03-25T17:45:00.003Z

I just got back from Holland on Monday where I went out as part of a film crew, as both Camera Operator and Stills Document Photographer! Phew!

It was a weekend dedicated to 80's rock legends 'Marillion'.

The film crew totalled 16 video cameras capturing each of the 3 night performances.

I was given the job of filming from the crowd, roaming around the entire arena with a Sony ZX1.

Other than that I was using my Olympus E-510 SLR to document the film crew behind the scenes. Great fun!

The DVD is due for release at Christmas, once ofcourse all 120hrs of footage has been edited down to, er, 9hrs...

Extracurricular activity

2009-03-13T14:10:00.012Z

Yes, I do have other creative outlets other than photography!

As I've mentioned, I also love to play drums. I play once a week with my mates, either at rehearsal or performing a gig! I think it's crucial to explore all your creative needs, otherwise you feel isolated. I certainly believe my photography improves because I go out and play my drum
kit! Check us out:
Irukandji

I also love to write. I'm currently writing my first novel called
Underneath The Waves. This satisfies the story-telling part of my
character. You never know, when I send it to publishing
houses it might get read! Either way, it gets those creative
juices flowing, thus helps my photographic-narrative structure.
The long-term ambition is to finish this novel, make it into a
film script then have it commissioned into a feature-length
film funded by the Film Council.

We all have dreams right?

I have one short-film to my name, it's called exhale, and you
can view it here:
Exhale

It stars myself and Michelle! I had to write and produce a
short film for a competition to then make a longer film, but
I didn't make it! I'll keep trying though...

I enjoy illustration and cartooning. I help out with my sons local
school whenever I can, by producing fun posters for
the school. This one here was for non-uniform day last
year. I'm part of the 'Friends' group that help out with the
schools activities, where we raise extra funds for the schools
budget.

Everyone has a creative need, I just explore what makes me
happy. I believe that with creativity comes true happiness.
To be able to express oneself to their fullest means it is no
longer bottled up inside!

So keep the juices flowing... get creative!

Links:

Irukandji: www.myspace.com/irukandjiuk
Exhale: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obudm_tzYJY&feature=channel_page

The Ignis wagon enjoys the view!

2009-03-09T12:21:00.003Z

Look out for our motor, you can't miss it!

It's the Honda Civic that likes to enjoy views along Britains coastlines and countryside...

On this day it took us to the coast near Dorset.

Final Irukandji design

2009-03-06T21:16:00.003Z

I went back to the darkroom (photographers drawing board!) with the Irukandji conceptual design.

I shot this image in local woodland, well 30 miles down the road in Thetford Forest to be exact. My idea was simple, to have a human given birth to by the earth, hence the hand stemming from the broken trunk.

There is a lot of post-production work here colour adjusting the woodland, editing in the hand photo and then giving it that punchy graphic edge.

A redesign was also done on the band graphic, giving it a a solid structure with a subtle organic feel.

To see this design in context with the music, visit www.myspace.com/irukandjiuk.

Thanks!

Irukandji design

2009-02-24T08:58:00.003Z

This photo was taken by Michelle, so full credit to her!

I was looking for an image to cover a demo CD by my band Irukandji. Whilst brainstorming concepts that fit the music I remebered this specific photo, captured by Michelle.

The CD is called Stages Of Delerium so I symbolised this by breaking the photo up into seperate parts. I then shifted the tonal range on each section to give an abstract quality.

The beauty and intense colour of the rose sums up the same qualities as within the music, which is progressive heavy rock with harmonious female vocals.

It is loved by the rest of the band, but I may develop it further! This is just to show what else I get up to with image making, aside from direct photography. I love to collaborate! Especially with Michelle.

Sams gear

2009-02-13T15:19:00.002Z

Hi,

I thought you might like to know what gear I use, so here's a brief run down:

Olympus cameras and lenses
Olympus flash
Elinchrome studio lighting
Lastolite backgrounds and reflectors
Sandisk memory cards
Adobe Photoshop CS3
Wacom Cintiq graphics tablet
Velbon and Manfrotto tripods

Gig photo

2009-02-06T14:32:00.003Z

I really wanted to capture the raw emotion carried across in this underground heavy metal gig.

It was a very low-light venue, and I didn't want to spend my whole time using flash. With this shot I got up close with the guitarist for a few moments, using some fill-in flash. This helped give me a strong contrast to my image.

I changed the shot to black and white to fit with my original brief, raw and gritty.

The composure and emotion given by the guitarist really tells a story and pulls us into their world. It's dark, harsh and brutal. Something I've tried to replicate with this image. The band are a Norwich group called Eastern Death Cult.

Getting the ball rolling...

2009-02-05T19:32:00.000Z

Hi, my first post! I've been itching to get a blog started for a while, so here goes...

With this shot, which I took last summer, I was looking for unusual cloud formations. At the time I was involved with horse photography, and saw this image in the skies over the centre of Norwich.

I my mind I can see a rearing horse on the right hand side. The variations in light adds to the mood and sense of forboding given by the larger cloud on the left.

I love capturing cloud formations because they're only there for a few moments, gone and never to be seen again. I use my surrealist approach to find composures that make the viewer think, and perhaps make up their own mind. This was shot with my olympus E-510 and 150mm tele lens, which was new to me at the time. Great fun!