With a busy studio in North West UK, Jon Hall is a photographer of weddings, fashion and beauty. Find him on facebook, follow on twitter, or get in touch.
This blog is regularly updated news, examples of recent work, links to portfolios and prices as well as tutorials to get you started on both sides of the camera.
Learn the secrets of studio flash photography with a workshop from JonHallphoto.
Get to grips with your on camera flash and off camera remotes in this practical 5 hour workshop. You’ll use a variety of equipment and techniques and learn how to control the lighting of your images. Learn how to flatter with your light for portraiture or create edgy, dark images as well as freezing action and special flash effects.
The workshop is split into three main sections.
Camera and setup
Introduction to flash
Advanced flash technique
Unlike other workshops you will be provided with your own dedicated studio setup for the day comprising of backdrop, lighting stand, brolly and reflector set. A flash and radio trigger is provided so all you need to bring is your camera. You are welcome to bring your own equipment to use but this is an ideal opportunity to get to grips with remote lighting before committing to buy a lot of expensive flash gear.
Another option is to bring in your own model. For the last section of the day you are welcome to invite a friend or family member to pose for you. Combine your learning with a fun photo shoot for you too keep, all with the helpful guidance of two professional photographers.
Workshops start in late May and are run on Sundays from 12:00 till 5pm.
Sessions cost £250 per person (maximum 8)
To book a place or register your interest use the contact form or phone 07886 326 623.
I first met Steve on one of my night photography courses. During the evening we chatted about his up coming marriage to Nicola and 8 months later here we are.
Steve and Nic were married at Liverpool Racquet club, right by the vibrant and busy dockside. It’s a fantastic venue and as this was my first time shooting there I arrived early to scout some good spots and get introduced to the staff. I was shooting with my second photographer Chistopher Ian and we quickly located a few key locations for the couple.
The Racquet club is a lovely venue, the rooms were decorated in a simple elegant style with some small touches added by Nic and Steve. My favourites being the music themed guest books and table plan. Rather than the traditional books and paper or mirror on an easel the couple had opted for bespoke CD covers of their favourite albums showing a seating plan, as well as two LP records for guests to sign as a momento of their day. I love this idea and I’m sure they’ll look fantastic when mounted and framed. Another great feature was the self playing piano which fascinated kids and adults alike, providing a musical backdrop and an interesting talking point.
Our coverage of the day was limited from the ceremony to the meal but provided plenty to see and capture. Nic and steve survived a freezing cold trip outside to get a few key shots looking onto the Liver buildings with several well wishers offering congratulations and compliments to the couple. Nic and Steve specifically didn’t want posed looking shots so I concentrated on letting them enjoy the day and took a reportage approach to the day, capturing snapshots from afar with long lenses when possible to remain in the background and not centre the day around the photography.
Couples often ask for candid shots, but want studio quality production. It’s important to remember a balance has to be set between a posed shot and a shot posed to look natural. Steve and Nic got this completely and I’m thrilled to say they love their album. All that’s left is to create their storybook album, a free design service that I extend to all my clients.
This weeks update features some images from my day with Ceri as she stepped into the studio for a fashion inspired shoot in blue.
After arriving in the studio and chatting about styling, we picked out a couple of pieces, namely a Pyrus Epice maxi dress and a beautiful dipped 2nd Day gown. Whilst Ceri sat with Charlotte of Beautiki makeup I got busy setting up.
I knew I wanted a completely dark background for my shots. Fortunately the studio is large enough to allow a lot of distance between my model and my backdrop. This means with the right lighting, my flash will drop off dramatically and not reach my backdrop at all. For most of these shots I’m using two soft boxes in a clamshell configuration, one above and one below Ceri. In addition, two strong side lights give great depth to the images and really show off the fabric of the dresses.
As always, Charlotte produced a flawless make up look and we shot a variety of poses. I hesitate to use the word ‘poses’ as that’s not how it works. It’s never “stand like this” then “change to this.” When shooting there is a constant communication between photographer and model and we fire ideas back and forth about the shots. Some of my favourites from the day were candid, unprepared shots where we just captured a great image without it being or looking contrived.
Here’s just a few from the shoot. My particular favourites being the movement shots, I love how the light has frozen Ceri’s hair and dress with just enough fall off or her to fade into the background. Also it’s great how relaxed she looks amidst all that motion.
I should point out that Ceri is not a professional model but I think she looks great in this fashion inspired shoot, perfect for starting a portfolio.
For details of fashion and portrait shoots check the links at the top of the page or for more portfolio images head over to jonhallphoto.co.uk
