Picture this! Some magic lighting, a beautiful bride and a handsome groom, standing staring emotionlessly at a camera. In ten years time what does this picture say about the happily in love couple on the happiest day of their lives? Actually what it says about them now is that they appreciate a current and popular expression of fashionable imagery. It isn't possible for them to say that they didn't know it was happening. Because something is fashionable doesn't make it good, or that it suits the outcome. We go out of our way to keep up with current trends, sometimes losing sight of what we are To View More >>

I daren't start this blog with 'In my day ... things were different!' In my day 'We' were the difference ... we were the new generation biting at the heals of 'the old guard'. There was always going to be a new generation coming in to replace what we did. Several things happened in the wedding industry when I was starting up. People started looking for images that were less formal and more photojournalistic, and people started asking for their negatives. Enter Generation 2.0, invigorated and empowered by the digital revolution. Camera makers have made it easier for our audience to be better aligned To View More >>

Yesterday Johannes asked if you could send PJ Support some interesting design questions, and I think you'd better. Methinks his mind's started wandering - Ed. The first time you have sex there are so many things that could go wrong. The second time you know a bit more about what happens, but that doesn't mean that things are any easier. If, the first time you had sex, you focused on having fun over getting it right, the experience would probably be 100 times more enjoyable. 100 times more enjoyable because you would be free to get it wrong, or right, without the judgement. If you watched all the To View More >>

I have taken up a temporary position helping out with the Photojunction support team. One thing that I have noticed is that people seem to have more problems with the mechanics of Photojunction not fitting into their own experience or habits. Hardly ever does anybody ask for design advice. I wonder if it is the same with photography. People will ask about technical things like lighting and composition but much less often about content and emotion. ARE WE TOO SHY? I don't think so! As photographers we are called upon to be the creative voice for our clients. Is it that we don't like to ask for To View More >>

I used to have a rule, 'If there is a black and white image in an opening the whole opening should be black and white!' It was a good rule because it fitted well with my 'Keep it simple' approach to album design. I have however seen some lovely designs from some very talented photographers where they are using the contrast between the black and white image and the colour one to either remind you of colour, or remind you of form. So I have modified my rule. Use colour and black and white together with intent only. Random meaningless mixing creates visual chaos and disturbs the viewing experience. To View More >>