What were you doing this time last year?

If someone asked "what were you doing this time last year?" you might have some trouble recalling. Luckily, images contain something called EXIF data and is a feature often overlooked. EXIF data (Exchangeable Image File) contains a whole wealth of information, from how your image was shot (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, Focal Length etc) to when and even where it was taken (providing you can geotag your images). Most importantly of all, copyright information is embedded onto each file and can be viewed using this data.

If you use a catalogue system such as Lightroom or Aperture, then you'll probably be familiar with EXIF data already as it's readily displayed throughout the software. Furthermore, catalogue systems often use EXIF data to arrange/store your images, allowing you to then search by specifics. For example, i'm able to select a filter option and display only images taken with a certain lens, on a certain date and at a certain time. Neat.

Below is a screenshot of Lightroom whilst processing an image that was shot today (5th February 2012) and our buddy the photographic snowman with the EXIF data on the right hand side:

In comparison, I thought it would be fun to then look back 365 days and see where we were this time last year. If ever there were two extremes, this is it. Here's a shot taken on February 5th 2011 in South Africa on safari:

If your interested in reading the EXIF data from your photographs, you don't have to use specialist software. On a Mac, simply select your file and hit 'Cmd + I', the data will then be displayed under the 'More Information' heading. For PC users, right click the file and click 'Properties', EXIF data will then be displayed under the 'Details' tab.

Online Print Shop

Over the past year I've had the pleasure of seeing my work printed in various different formats, from aluminium based wall products to magazine prints, behind acrylic panels to metallic pearl prints, where the photographs really start to take on a new look and feel. I've often mentioned that the best part of being a photographer are the experiences, being able to call it my career and capture images during my travels. Whilst a digital image is great, colour calibration which varies from screen to screen (a photographers nightmare) makes colours and contrast fluctuate greatly, affecting how the image is perceived. After numerous requests to sell my work as wall art, a large amount of time and effort has gone into sourcing the finest quality archival paper and inks to guarantee these prints will be of unrivalled quality that will stand the test of time.

While the number of options for mounts and finishes is endless (aluminium, acrylic, floating glass frames, canvasses etc) the greatest request has been for unmounted fine art prints, which allow the customer the choice of finish and frame. As such I've now launched an online shop with the following size Giclée prints to keep things simple:

• 12x8" inch Fine Art Giclée Print
• 18x12" inch Fine Art Giclée Print
• 24x16" inch Fine Art Giclée Print
• 30x20" inch Fine Art Giclée Print
• 30x15" inch Panoramic Fine Art Giclée Print (where applicable)

Other print sizes and finishes/mounts are available, if there is something you'd like to see which isn't listed on the website, feel free to contact me for a quote. Payment can be made through the website using PayPal so that transactions are safe and secure.

Clicking the images in the store will bring up a larger preview including a brief description. I will be adding more images to the print store over the coming weeks and throughout the year, if you have any comments or requests then I'd love to hear from you. You can visit the online print shop through my website or by clicking this direct link.

"I Am..." A Studio Manager

Meet Martin, Studio Manager of the Cream Room Recording Studio in Dane End, Hertfordshire. Over the years, the Cream Room Recording Studio has seen it all from solo artists to bands, voice over artists to tribute acts, song writers to film companies and much much more. Martin and his business partner Rob also manage their own independent record label and have some exciting acts starting to breakthrough.

When I was commissioned to shoot some commercial pictures of the recording studio for their newly designed website, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for the "I Am..." series to capture Martin in his environment:

Shot using two gridded lights with warming gels, it was great to be part of a working recording studio and seeing where it all happens. Just the amount of buttons on what they refer to as a 'small' mixing desk makes the mind boggle. Naturally, I promised not to touch anything... :)

The Cream Room are actively involved in a project called 'Just Enough For The Real World', a foundation raising awareness on the issues of people trafficking. I've had the pleasure of seeing 'Just Enough For The Real World' perform live in Theatre and would thoroughly recommend you check out the fantastic work this group is doing.

Martin and Rob are likely to be two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and despite being commissioned to shoot for two hours, I actually spent most of the day down there. Keep an eye out for the Cream Room's new look website which is due to be launched soon and will feature a whole host of shots from the day.

I have real high hopes for this series, it's early days and already shoots like this reinforce why I wanted to do it, meeting the fantastic people behind the jobs and the intruiging stories they have to tell. It's received an overwhelming response in it's first few days and I have some exciting shoots lined up that I can't wait to share with you all!

The "I Am..." series website will be launched shortly so keep in touch via Twitter or Facebook for updates!

The "I Am..." Series

The first post of 2012 and the start of something new. Looking back over the past nine months, it's been an eventful time. Photography is like no other career, more of a journey and one which i'm thankful to be a part of. In my relatively-short time as a professional photographer (when compared to others) no day is ever the same, made unique by the people you meet along the way and the stories they have to tell.

Last year, after we finished a corporate shoot in Buxton, I had time to shoot an environmental portrait of a foundry worker. Thrilled by the experience of getting to know the person behind the job, it's inspired me to start a large scale personal project for 2012.

By creating themed and theatrical portraits in their working environments, the aim is to showcase different career paths and the individuals behind them. These will then be catalogued with background information regarding the career on a new website called:

Capturing a career in it's natural surroundings will allow me to convey the characters personality in a single photograph. I'm looking to photograph different careers, from the popular everyday jobs right through to the unique and courageous that keep the world turning.

There is no doubt that this will be an ongoing project, as I could run into several hiccups along the way, i.e. getting permission or the rights to photograph in certain areas can be troublesome.

Each individual that I photograph will receive a fine art print in return for the opportunity they have given me. The photoshoot will then be featured on a behind the scenes blog showing the buildup, with the final image being displayed on the "I Am..." website.

It's going to be a real labour of love, taking large amounts of time to organise these photoshoots, but the outcome will be special.

If you are interested in helping out with this project, or have a career path you want to share, please feel free to get in touch.

I've already shot a few individuals for the project, and have some fantastic opportunities lined up for the coming months. Below are a few shots which kick started the whole idea:

The first instalment of the "I Am..." series will be revealed shortly! Like my Facebook page, follow me on twitter or keep checking back here for further updates.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Four Days, four christmas dinners and after having driven several hundred miles to visit family it's finally time to settle down at home for the remaining festive period and wish all of those who visit my site a very merry christmas and happy new year. I've been really lucky to receive some fantastic gifts this year, a large amount of which will help me further my photographic career in 2012. Really looking forward to blogging some reviews of the various additions to my kitbag over the coming months, including that of a Lee DSLR Filter Kit (including the 0.6 ND Hard Grad and a 0.6ND ProGlass filter).

One gift I had to try out was a 1/4" grid for my speedlites, which allow me to channel light and avoid spill. Unfortunately, (for Cleo's sake) she was looking rather pretty on the wooden floor of the dining room and fell subject to my next photograph. Perhaps I should of put a Santa hat on her...

Hope everyone is enjoying the last few remaining days of 2011, here's to a very promising 2012.

Reviews - Domke Bags, Now Live!

I'm very pleased to announce that the first instalment of reviews for Domke have now gone live on their website. Covered is the great for everyday use F-810 Satchel, and the highly versatile ProPack 220 Roller Case that have been put through their paces not only locally but globally. To find out what I thought of the F-810 Satchel, and how I used it click here to read the review.

If your looking for something to store or transport large amounts of gear, especially abroad then click here to read the ProPack 220 Roller Case Review.

To keep updated with these reviews as they happen, you can follow me or @DomkeBags on Twitter and like their Facebook Fan Page here.

Photoshoot - RAF Donna Nook, Grey Seals

Who'd of thought that a salt marsh in Lincolnshire close to North Somercotes, regularly being used by the Royal Air Force as a bombing practice ground would be home to over 3,500 grey seals each year?

Between the months of November and December, the Donna Nook Nature Reserve becomes one of the largest breeding colonies of grey seals. Containing nearly 39% of the world's population of grey seals, over 1,000 pups are born annually. The seals are attracted to Donna Nook because of the food, space and safety it provides.

Unsurprisingly, this spectacle attracts visitors from all across the UK. Hannah and I embarked on the 7 hour return journey, covering nearly 300 miles in one day to enjoy this magnificent natural event.

Being in such close proximity to the seals, it's important to remember and respect that these are wild animals. It's enthralling to watch and capture the natural behaviour between Britain's biggest land mammal, as the bulls (males) fight for territory and cows (females) feed and protect their young.

Although a telephoto lens is desirable, it isn't necessary with the seals being very close by. A monopod comes in handy, and there are plenty of places to photograph from. A truly natural and wonderful sight to behold, Hannah and I are already looking forward to our next visit to these adorable creatures.

For more information on Donna Nook and the grey seals check out the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website, or leave me a comment/question below :)

The above images are a brief selection of what Hannah and I took on the day, a full gallery will be available shortly.

The October '11 Round Up

Darting around the country on both personal and commissioned shoots it's difficult to blog about every photograph I take. I usually tweet/facebook about random goings on, aswell as trying to keep up with uploads to FlickR and 500PX, however for those who don't follow me there i'll be doing a monthly round up of what's happened recently... October saw the Canon Pro Solutions Show take place in Islington, which is a great way to get hands on with all the latest product launches. Racking up the mileage this month, 3 of the 4 weekends have been spent down in Dorset and Somerset covering two weddings and a school photography session. That session meant we shot 26 family portrait sessions, retouched over 1300 images and turned them around for client viewing all within 48 hours!

British Engineering and the glorious McLaren MP4-12C Supercar in Volcano Orange. Quite literally a dream car, and whilst i've not had the opportunity for a up-close and personal photoshoot I managed to grab a quick picture at Snetterton Race Circuit back in August whilst crowds gathered round. Naturally, shot inside a race paddock with peering eyes all around it was never going to be a standout shot resulting in quite possibly my heaviest photoshop to date. I absolutely love this car and thus wanted to make the best image possible out of what I had. A composite of different layers (one for the sky, the floor, reflections in the bodywork of the car etc) we have our final image. Perhaps one day i'll be lucky enough to shoot one of these cars:

I've been fortunate enough to travel to different destinations abroad this year, and my love of travel photography is ever increasing. Shortly i'll be looking to make a seperate section on my website and facebook fan page for various travel related antics. This shot is from Mallorca, and it's northern most peninsula. A view of Punta De La Nau taken from the Mirador Des Colomers, absolutely breathtaking!

Most people will have heard of Stourhead, and it's idyllic landscape gardens. As such this is a very popular shot, however after a hectic weekend covering a wedding in Dorset we headed to Stourhead in Wiltshire to relax in it's Autumnal bliss. Unfortunately a relatively overcast and grey day, although at least it didn't rain!

If you've enjoyed reading the latest round up, then be sure to subscribe to my blog or facebook fan page to keep updated. :)

Adobe Lightroom Running Slow?

Lightroom plays a large part in my workflow, and recently has started to feel a little bit sluggish thanks to the amount of images in each catalog. With each catalog possessing more than 20,000 images it can start to become a little bit frustrating switching between folders and developing modes. Processing large raw files can take it's toll, but changing a simple setting in Lightrooms Preferences can help dramatically. Bare in mind I am a Mac user so the menu's will be a slightly different for PC versions, head into the "Preferences" menu and select the 'File Handling' tab. At the bottom there is an option for Camera Raw Cache Settings. By default this is set to 1.0GB, but if you actually take a look at your Lightroom Cache then you'll see it's often larger than this. As long as you have a relatively powerful machine and changed it to say a maximum of 10GB, you'll quickly see an increase in performance whilst using Lightroom.

I'm now able to select large folders (for example, each containing 1000+ raw photographs) and render previews quicker than before. Switching between modules is almost instant again, relieving headaches and stress when retouching large shoots! Try it and let me know if you see an increase in performance. :)

Events - BTCC and Support Races at Brands Hatch Grand Prix

This weekend Brands Hatch threw us a new challenge, the Grand Prix layout. With Honda Racing very kindly granting us VIP Hospitality for the weekend, we relished the challenge of a new circuit layout and utilising different vantage points. Extending the circuit by a further 1.5 miles, the Grand Prix layout provides plenty of opportunities for the photographer as the fencing around this part of the circuit is less intrusive when compared to that of the Indy. With the walk to further parts of the Grand Prix circuit being a little bit of a trek (especially in 25-30 degree heat) you'll find that less people watch from these areas. Ideal if your after some good positions to shoot from.

Although you can't get parallel with Stirlings Bend (unfortunate as it has a very wide run off kerb and would give a great dramatic shot going down towards Clearways) there are viewing points before and after the bend. A record-equalling 29 cars started on today's grid, including new face Ollie Jackson. Ollie is the reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB Pro-Am1 champion and looked consistently strong for a debut drive in the great looking Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra:

Support races provided plenty of action and the below shots really shows off how great Brands looks during the current Indian Summer...

Jason Plato had a great weekend which put him back into contention for winning the title, taking victory in both Race 1 and 2:

Team Parker Racing's driver Stephen Jelley also made sure that his chances of winning this year's Porsche Carrera Cup GB title are still well within reach as he stormed to victory, huge congratulations to the team and fingers crossed for the last couple of rounds!

Only 5 championship points separates the top three drivers of the BTCC, which means it's down to the last three races at Silverstone. Again the BTCC provides nail-bitingly close action as Jason Plato, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden all head to Silverstone with a chance at the title. If that's not entertainment, i'm not sure what is?!