Christmas is coming! 

1 family, 5 years, 5 shoots...

Every year for 5 years I've had a shoot with a special mum and her son. Young mum, Stevie-anne has been a friend of my sister since they were little, and when I was in college, Stevie was my very client! Now 5 years later, little cameron has grown and hopefully so have my photography skills!

Heres the journey...

Year 1 

We choose the beach for our first shoot, little cam here was only 2 at the time. 

Year 2

Year 2 was set in a park which had loads of trees and horses. Cam was still extremely shy and nervous around the camera. 

Year 3 

Year 3 and my photography style had started to develop, I began experimenting with photoshop, creating my now signature style of surreal photography. Cam's favourite thing at the time was superheros, so I wanted to show this in the photos...

Year 4 

Stevie and cam had a new addition to their family, little Poppy, the jack russel. She was a bundle of energy and it was difficult to keep her still long enough for a photo. 

Year 5 

Can't believe that this is the 5th year of shoots! Cam is now almost 7 and is getting more confident.

I know I can make him into his favourite superheros so hes not fussed about the camera anymore. 

Cam still loves his superheroes. 

I brought my dog, alfie on the shoot and he really got on well with Cam. Love this shot of them. 

A massive thank you to Stevie-anne for choosing me to document her son growing up, its been such fun! 

Bring on next years shoot!

'What should I bring to the shoot?' A client guide to a photoshoot.

Getting a little stuck on what to wear or dress your child in for a photo shoot? Never fear, here is my tips on preparing for your photos! 

For solo shoots

The beautiful Sabrina Gunston. Check out her music here

Solo shoots can be anything from your simple head shots to glamour shots or promotional pics for artists. The types of clothes will be different depending on the type of photos but here are some tips:

• For classic headshots, for modeling or acting photos, its best to wear either plain black or white, to seem more professional. 
• If you're planning on a fashion shoot or promotional pics then it's best to bring a range of outfits, ones that depict your style and fashion sense. maybe 3 or 4 different outfits depending on how many photos you require. 
• Be prepared for all types of weather! It may look sunny but it could be windy too, so prepare for this by bringing hair ties and bobby pins. 
• Bring your make up with you in case a touch up is needed. 
• Bra straps can be a nightmare, so make sure your wearing one that is well fitted and doesn't show under your clothes. 
• Props! Don't forget to bring anything that you might want as prop, for example you may want your guitar if you're musician. Or to try something fun, you could get some bright lollipops. 

For baby shoots

Babies can be a little tricky to photograph if they're having a bad day, but there are some tips to make the best of the situation! 

• Always bring baby wipes with you to clean any drool or boogers away!
• A change of nappies (although this probably goes without saying)
• A change of outfits.
• Book your shoot around the time that the baby is mostly awake, and fits in with your daily routine. 
• Keep their favourite toys at hand to get a smile 
• Keep those little toe and fingernails trim for some super cute close up shots. 
• Figure out if you would like to be the photo as well, for example holding the baby, if so remember to keep your nails neat too!

For children shoots

• Explain the idea behind the shoot and why you want some nice photos before taken your children. 
• Let them have a little play before getting them to pose, let them relax and get comfortable with the photographer. 
• Take them somewhere where they can interact naturally with the environment, like a park. 
• Bring some toys!
• And maybe a treat for posing so well. A little bribery always helps, although nothing too messy!
• A change of clothes is always good incase they get muddy. 
• Bring any costumes that they have, it can sometimes give them more confidence if they dress up as their favourite character. 
• If you choose to book a surreal shoot with me please bring along any toys that you want to be included. The more the better!

For maternity shots

• Gather some props, like baby shoes, ultrasounds, and little baby grows. 
• Do bring your partner! This helps you relax and it'd be great if they could get involved as well
• Wear something comfortable. 

Other advice

• Always chat to the photographer regarding any worries or issue you have about your session.
• Brainstorm ideas and run they by the photographer before the shoot. 
• Look for inspiration, pinterest is great for this!
• Check the weather forecast!
• Bring and friend or family member for support if your nervous.

Hope this helps, for further advice or to book in your next shoot please email at becky.netley@live.co.uk 

Thank you

Becky x

Playing with different processing effects on photoshop.

Sometimes I get stuck in my ways and just use my own post processing techniques in my work. Today I wanted to experiment with different ways to change the feel of a photo. I've been looking at tutorials and trying them out, below are the results. Links are also included of the tutorials I used.


Lomography - Retro effect. 
I'm a huge fan of lomography, and love the effects that you can get from them. The tutorial was easy understand, although I didn't all the same tools on photoshop as him so I had to improvise a little.

Tutorial here: http://photoshoproadmap.com/video-tutorials/yt/69aVpRcFOfE/ 

Instagram's Early bird filter
Found this tutorial for my favorite instagram filter! Although I don't think my results came out quite as well as the tutorials...

Tutorial link here: http://photodoto.com/how-to-make-instagram-filters-photoshop-earlybird/

Watercolour effect

Tutorial here: http://abduzeedo.com/super-cool-watercolor-effect-10-steps-photoshop

Dreamy effect 

I do like the effect of this one, although I think it would work better with a photo that has more shadows and contrast. 

Tutorial here: http://planet37.deviantart.com/art/Dreamy-Photo-Effect-Tutorial-258205817

My own experiment with colours/filters..

After following the other tutorials, I experimented with different effects from the new techniques I'd learnt, mixed with the old ones I use. I may do a tutorial to follow for you guys, if your interested.

PS sorry for all the dog photos! This is my little Alfie :)

Becky. x

A 1st birthday shoot.

I just love doing kid's birthdays, as I remember how happy and excited I used to be on my birthday (although I don't remember my 1st birthday...). In the shoots that I have done for 1st birthday, the parents have made such an effort to make it special, with a lovely cake, balloons, banners and presents, and this was no different.

How cute is he?! 

Hope your all well!

Becky. x

Photography bucket list!

I can't believe that 2014 is almost at an end! Its been a whirl wind of a year, with so much going on professionally and personally in my life. A new year is an opportunity to review the things that happened in the past 12 months, and plan to be more successful in the future.

This got me thinking, what about all the things I want to photograph, not only the next year but over the course of my life. With this in mind I decided to make a photography bucket list. If I'm ever stuck for ideas I can turn to the list for inspiration. I haven't yet tired some of the things on the list as they are technically challenging or I don't yet have the right equipment.

Below is some of the inspiration for these goals. 

#2 Glitter. (Unknown artist)

#4 Underwater shot (photo by Jvdas Berra)

#21. 50's inspired shoot (Unknown photographer)

#13. A mermaid (Tim walker)

#11 A nude. (Man Ray)

Hope this post has given you some ideas for your own photography bucket list, check out pinterest for loads of inspiration!

Happy New Year everyone! x