Both Sides of the Lens

I’ve always found the idea of photographing models quite daunting. It’s never been the models themselves, or the directing – but the complex lighting set ups. Softboxes, strobes, cables, beauty dishes, hours of twiddling buttons – ahhhhh!

Whenever I saw a great fashion or beauty image I assumed that the photographer would have ALWAYS needed those things to achieve it, and wondered if models actually expect it? Is it a mentality that the more equipment you use then the better you will be? In my mind I think it was.

In reality I know this has played a massive factor in me not shooting models, but over the last few weeks I have spent time talking to other photographers about lighting and been surprised to discover some of those images I admire were taken using only natural light (or beauty dishes made from cardboard ;o) ).

This has given me the confidence to give shooting models another go. It doesn’t bother me now to be working without a studio set-up, I’ve got a camera, a flash and I’m happy. Listening to other people has made me realise that great images can be taken in any situation – all you need to do is have some faith in yourself.

With all this in mind I recently shot the amazing Sohui (picture above) and am really pleased with the result. Please let me know what you think?!

Model: Sohui

Photography: Vicki Blatchley

Do you need a photographer for your special day?

I have recently been receiving a number of inquiries regarding wedding photography so whilst our website is currently unavailable please see below for more information.

From champagne breakfasts through to your first dance I can capture your entire wedding, providing you with memories you can keep forever.

Prices start from just £850 for the day (a ’service only’ package is also available).

Your images can be presented in a number of ways, including the following:

- CD of images

- Individual prints

- Canvasses

- Printed photo books

- Photo albums

I am located between Swindon and Oxford but am happy to travel throughout the UK and internationally.

If you are also looking for something extra special I can provide a unique ‘photo booth’ service for your guests – a chance for them to have a professional portrait or family photo whilst dressed up.

I understand that all weddings are unique, so whilst I do offer a selection of fixed wedding packages I am also happy to customise a package for you  – catering for all budgets and requirements.

For more information, bookings or to discuss your wedding photography options please email me at: info@vickiblatchley.com or call on: 07772500246.

Brides – do you want to look fabulous on your big day?

I work alongside professional hair and makeup artist Gemma Sutton who with over 7 years experience has catered for all wedding look requests, from natural to glamorous. She also provides services for Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids.

For more information, Bridal advice and examples of her work please click here.

Behind the scenes photos from our shoot with Sohui.

Photographers: Me (Vicki Blatchley) and Kris Talikowski

Model: Sohui

Photography: Kris Talikowski

Hair / make-up: Shanice Collinson

Model: Colleen Deary

Latex: Am Statik Latex

Wolverhampton based model Colleen Deary visited Swindon last weekend to work with photographer Kris Talikowski.

Below are the behind the scenes photos from ‘Day 1′ of Colleens shoots and also model/make-up artist Gemma Sutton

Photographer: Kris Talikowski

Assistant: Vicki Blatchley and Amy Day

Model:

Colleen Deary

Gemma Sutton

Hair: Toni and Guy – Swindon

Make-up: Gemma Sutton

Latex: Am Statik Latex

Yesterday we went to Kii Studios in London for a ‘Junko Mizuno’ inspired shoot with models Sohui and Aerynn.

The models wore custom designed latex outfits in contrasting colours – designed by Amy Day, and were shot over 4 different backdrops (only 3 shown below, it was ‘all hands on deck’ for the 4th!).

Photography: Kris Talikowski

Assistant: Vicki Blatchley (Me)

Models:

Sohui

Aerynn

Latex designer: Amy Day

Hair / make-up: Gemma Sutton

Studio: Kii Studios – West London

Friday evening we shot model Aerynn in a custom designed Jane Doe Latex outfit.

Photography: Kris Talikowski

Assistant: Vicki Blatchley (Me)

Model: Aerynn

Clothing: Jane Doe Latex

Make-up: Shell Clapham

Hair: Chris Miller – Toni and Guy, Swindon

Last night we shot images for Ragdoll magazines April fashion feature by Emma Kimber (fashion journalist and stylist (above left). Featuring Bristol based model Katy McGee (above right).

Please see below for my gallery of ‘behind the scenes’ shots.

Add me on Twitter and Facebook and let me know what you think.

Magazine: Ragdoll

Photography: Kris Talikowski

Photography Assistant: Vicki Blatchley (Me)

Styling: Emma Kimber

Model: Katy McGee

Make-up: Shell Clapham

Hair: Chris Miller at Toni and Guy, Swindon

Today I took photos at the Swindon Festival of Literature Launch 2010 on behalf of SwindonWeb.

Above picture shows festival Director / Organiser Matt Holland alongside festival helpers with copies of this years programme.

For the full SwindonWeb story click here

For more information on the Swindon Festival of Literature 2010 click here

Do you need your event covered? Please contact me for more information and prices!

On Sunday I modeled for photographer Catherine Day at her studio in Cheltenham.

The shoot (Catherine’s own personal project) consisted of 8 different make-up changes (big lashes, no lashes, solid face paint and baby oil all included!) with all of the make-up designed and applied herself.

I don’t think I stopped laughing the entire time I was there, one of the funniest shoots ever!

This is us above at the end of the shoot (with video cameraman and muffin maker, Matt) – check out my squinty eyes – ‘no more make-up, please! haha

(I would also like to add that contrary to popular belief Catherine Day is in fact NOT a snooty middle aged woman!)

Photography / Make-up: Catherine Day

Video / assisting / amazing muffin maker (and also photographer): Matt Frederick

Model: Vicki Blatchley (Me)