Head Shot

 I am always looking for new photographic challenges. Sometimes it is some grandiose plan, but often it is something a little smaller.

A few weeks ago, I got an email from my day job saying our company ID cards would be replaced and we would need a new headshot.

My last ID photo was taken about 15 years ago, where as a group, we were marched down to an office, where a professional photographer took our corporate photos. That has been my company image since then. I always say that corporate photos are a bit like a reverse Dorian Grey. Instead of your portrait growing older as you stay youthful, th opposite happens. I have been in meetings where our images are displayed and it takes me ages to work out the youthful image on the screen is in fact the elderly person sitting next to me. 

Anyway that image has represented me for all those years, but even after it was taken I hated it. Apart from a face that looked nothing like me, I made the mistake of having my shirt open at the collar, a look that was dated even then.

So the opportunity to update that image was welcome. However gone were the days of paying someone to take my image, pretty well anyone with a phone can now generate one, and I am sure that would be the approach most would take.

But I'm a photographer dammit. The easy way is not an option, and if I was going to get an image of myself, it was going to be the best damn one I could make.

Doing Head

Portrait photography generally is not my thing. It just requires too much dedicated space and equipment and I have not got the spave. 

Then there is getting the best out of your subject. This requires you conjoling and instructing, something I am not really comfortable with. 

However in this case the subject would be me, so I felt I could handle it.

My 1st call was inevitable that tutorial space called YouTube. I wanted to know two things. Firstly, the optimum lighting setup and secondly, the best way to pose to get the most flattering shot. Fortunately, there are loads of videos on this sort of thing, however as I watched them I realised there were a number of issues

Most portrait photographers have a dedicated area, to allow the setup of the various lights and other apparatus. The other issue were most of the eaxmples were taking pictures of 20 something models, which to be honest, getting a decent image was not a challenge. Taking an image of 60 year old bloke would require a lot more effort. 

Still, I got the idea. Basically, I needed at white background and at least two light sources. One to illuminate my face, and another to illuminate the background to make it white. I also needed a reflector to ensure that both sides of the face were evenly illuminated (A third light would of been better here, but two lights was easier)

Having a Flash

Pros don't have to de-construct their living quarters to take an image

Professional photographers use speedlights, or main powered flashes. These are powerful lighst with infinite flashes. I have considered purchasing a few over the years, but they are expensive and in truth I just would just never use them. Instead, I had a number of flashes. 2 cheapo Newer flashes, and two better Godox models. My best one was a Godox T430, which is a great piece of kit. Unfortunately, some years ago I had dropped it on its Hotshoe mount, and bent a pin, so it will not now fire from the camera. However fortunately I have a wireless trigger, that will trigger that plus my smaller T440 Godox flash. 

The next question was the set up. I have a number of cheap reflector umbrella's so I could mount the larger flash on a stand, reflected from a umbrella to diffuse the light. I also had a large white cloth that I could hang as a backdrop. It was a bit creased, but ironing it would have been a pain, so I hoped as long as I kept the depth of field quite shallow, the creases would not show up. I also had a large white reflector which I hung opposite the main flash.

To illuminate the backdrop, I wanted to mount another flash behind me. However I could only locate one flash pole mount for the umbrella poles. In the end I resorted to an old flash hoder with a tripod mount on an old tripod.

Finally with the flashes mounted, and the backdrop up I was ready to begin. I decided to use my 85mm Viltrox lens since it was sharp and would hopefully provide the separation between subject and backdrop as long as the aperture was wide enough (About F5.6). 

In a professional studio, they have loads of space to put there kit around and place their camera lens. In my house the options were more limited.

The best place would be the living room, but that would mean kicking the family out and the dining has a large table. So the master bedroom is the only space large enough. However I had to work around the double bed, plus various other furniture and clobber, but there was just enough room to set the reflector, background and have enough seperation between my camera and subject. My other major problem was the room light which hung too low. This was fixed by the use gaffer tape to stick it to the ceiling. I am pretty sure David Bailey never had thesev issues.

Lone Worker

I then needed to set the lighting correctly. I needed enough light to illuminate my face, but not blow out the highlights. To do this I took a number of test shots using a self timer . 

To get the lighting correct it took a lot of repositioning of the elements, partly because I did not understand the power settings on the flashes which were by default to low. However with careful positioning of both the flash light, the power and also setting the camera ISO and aperture, I was finally ready.

Or so I thought, because just when I was ready, the backlight flash stopped working. I replaced the batteries, but nothing worked so i had to find an alternative and got one my cheaper Newer flashes. This could not be wirelessly triggered, but could be slaved to the other flash light.

My next problem was actually taking the photo. Like I said up to here I had been using a self-timer, but I needed another set of eyes to tell me if my pose was good and line the camera up. I therefore called on my wifes help

Family Affair

This is where my yougest daughter got involved. She declared my eyebrows as disaster and set about manicuring them. She also decided the tie I was going to use, just would not do. 

So suitably bedecked we were ready. Howerver I had to minstruct my wife on how to position the tripod and press the camera shutter, which took much longer thaty I thought it would, not helped by my dog deciding to get in on the act. 

In the end my ideas of playing around with various poses went out of the window. So my wife took 3 or 4 shots and checking them I thought...good enough.

Final touches

Despite the final image not being too bad (IMHO), there were still a few issues. I had a spot on my forehead that was easily removed in post. Despite being clean shaven that morning, my stubble was starting to show. That took a little bit more effort to hide.

The biggest problem however was the difference in illumination on both sides of my face.This I had to correct using a mask and a curves adjustment

So after 3 hours vof work I was ready

Conclusion 

So was it worth it? The answer is yes and no. For the purpose of a photo that will end up on a 3-inch piece of plastic that most will never look at, it was a little overkill. I did however learn a lot about my flashes, setting up a lighting rig and the challenges of portraiture 

And I alos achieved my task. OK the image still shows some old bloke, not some gorgeous subermodel, but it is a photo I can be proud of. 

So in a few weeks’ time, the image will adorn my new pass, and it will become my corporate identity, and I can take pride that it is all my own work...

The dog checking up on his best side

Somee Old bloke....

P.S

The other flash mysteriously started working later that evening, and I have no idea why

 

The Lesser Exhibition - The Photography and Video Show 2026

My Video of the show ....Photography and Video Show 2026 an the NEC, Birmingham UK 

Every year I plan to go to some exhibition or photography show. My given reason is for inspiration, but to be honest I just enjoy getting out on my own with no obvious agenda.

This year it was to be the Lee Millar exhibition at the Tate modern, however I totally misread the dates and found that I had run out of time. Scanning the media for alternatives proved to be fruitless as there was little, I wanted to see. Instead, I looked at the Photography Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

To be fair I am not a huge fan of this. It is publicised as a show for photographers and creatives, but to be honest it is just a glorified trade fair, with little attempt to highlight the more artistic aspect of photography.

It is also at the Birmingham NEC which is a bunch of grey boxes dumped within a soulless industrial estate. It's only plus point is that it is only 40 minutes’ drive. It used to be its permanrnt home, but now alternates with London.  I didn’t bother last year, feeling that travelling a couple of hours to visit a London industrial estate, was not worth it. However it was now at my souless industrial estate, so I thought why not.

To Photo or not to photo

My first question is always, should I take my camera? This seems like a strange question about going to a photography show, but it sort of feels showing off. On the other hand, it would be a good chance to improve my documentary skill, and one plus point is that people at photography shows rarely have any  issues with being photographed.

My next question was should I buy anything. These shows are a bit like airport departure lounges. You say you resist the duty free, but eventually boredom wears you down to the point you end up purchasing ny pile of tat just to do something. 

This time however I told myself to be strong and resist. But only time would tell if I would succeed

Welcome to the Pleasuredome

Its always interesting on who exhibits at these shows and what it says about the state of the photographic industry. 

The big 3 players are always represented, Sony, Nikon and Canon. To be at these shows is hardly produce a blip on their cost sheet. Fuji also were well represented with a large part of their stand based around there Instax range so showing what their major cash cow was. It was also nice to see both Ricoh and Olympus represented.

The fact Leica was not there was not a big surprise. They are after all a luxury brand and really don't need to try that hard. However, it would have been nice to try a few models, just to pretend for a smidgen I would ever afford one. On the other hand, Hasselblad was there, for those £6K spontaneous purchase

However for some reason Panasonic decided not to bother for some reason.

In terms of lens manufacture, Sigma had a big stand, and Tamron was represented, but Tokina could not be bothered. However, both Laowa and Samyang had stands, and Laowa concentrating on their macro lens. Unfortuanly its seems a lot of 3rd party are now not supporting Fuji, with a lot of their newer lens only for Full Frame.

Not a lens manufacturer I have heaed off. Full frame only unfortunately

Other than cameras it is interesting to see the other trends. 

Adobe had a big stand, so spending a small part of their subscription largesse, but the company previously known as Affinity were not there, I guess now they have moved to the freemium model, they could not afford it.

There were however a number of companies selling AI workflow tools, presumably for the professional who cannot be bothered to judge their own photos. 

Also there was a big analogue presence with a number of stalls sell physical films which could be seen as a reaction to the AI world.

The other things which seemed, missing were the smaller component manufacturers like SRB. . However, a company called Platypod was there selling a flat portable tripod mount that definitely looked interesting. Over the years I have moved away from tripods, but sometimes you just was a steady platform, and this looked like the kind of thing you could pop into your camera bag until you needed it. Nicely the stall was manned (personed?) by the device inventor and his wife)

Platypod with the personal touch

A couple of other stands that caught my eye were Adaptalux. They make macro spotlight systems and I remember when they were nothing but a Kickstarter, so it was nice to see that sometimes it works out. I have been tempted by the product a number of times, but so far resisted. They are great products but just a little pricey for the number of times I would use it.

Weirder were some of the other stalls. There were a number of charity stalls. The disabled photographer stall is always welcome and well represented, but there was Greenpeace and Macmillan’s, plus a plethora of company’s overing tours, plus the Civil Aviation Authority for drones and the Intellectual Property Office putting taxpayers’ pounds to work.

Digital photography magazine gave away free copies and had a big stand, while to be honest Amateur Photography just phoned it in, which is a pity, because if they had offered a subscription i would of been tempted. However other magazines such as Outdoor photography could not be bothered.

I am always tempted by books. I acknowledge I have too many already, but I am always looking to fill those niches of knowledge and get inspiration. I was tempted by books both on flowers and dog photography (Together? - Ed), but in the end I contented myself with one on product photography, an area I find difficult and the book by ??? seemed very complete. I also got a copy of "The meaning of making" by Sean Tucker for no other reason I am always fascinated by other photographers’ motivations for photography and how it aligns with my experience

The other thing you do get at the show is a lot of good talks. Unfortunately, I could only spend half a day at the show but were limited, but did catch a talk by Roxy Hemadani, Sophie Darlington, and Lara Jackson on women in photography. Despite not being the target audience, I found it both illuminating and entertaining.

In previous years stands have encouraged footfall by have dubious methods such as scantilly clad women. Fortunately they have moved away from this, so we had instead things like Karate demonstrations and various other moving subjects

There was also the Funzone (Fun??? Ed) where you could stretch your photographic muscle with various scenes. To be honest I felt it was a bit dull really.

Finally, there is the photo exhibitions, which to be honest is what I attended for. This year they were more central which I felt worked better, but it would of been nice if they were bigger and more central

However overall, the show was a lot smaller than in previous years. This was good since you could get round more easily, but was probably less value for money. 

The final chapter is what really stings. 

The NEC card parking charge. £18 for 2 hours in an post-apocalyptic based car park. So  we know the real winners here...

The NEC pushing the welcome boat out...

The final question

So, the big question... did I buy anything?

The answer is unfortunately is yes. Apart from the afore mentioned books, I let myself be tempeted by  4mm Laowa fisheye, for no real good reason other than it seemed good value. However I am not sure if I will ever use it

I also bought Platypod, because to nbe honest I liked the people and I wanted someting I could just stick it in my camera bag, just in case.. time will tell when this will come in useful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a doughnut

As JFK once famously said, "I am a doughnut". 

Of course, what he actually wanted to say was I am a Berliner, and no one in the crowd was rude enough to point out his mistake. Or maybe he wanted to be a doughnut, who knows?

I bring this up because Berlin is one of my favourite cities. Perhaps not as cultured as London, Berlin has a vibrancy all its own, that can only be achieved if you have had to be rebuilt many times in the last 100 years. 

And unlike Paris, it does not take itself too seriously, and it is on a human scale that allows you to easily explore it compared to say Tokyo.

In Berlin, you cannot but help stumbling on history, even if over the years Berliners has shown themselves adept in brushing it out. Berlin is a city that is always moving forward and tries not to look backward too much.

I first went to Berlin in 2001. It was only 12 years since the Berlin Wall had come down, but even at that point almost all trace of it had been removed. The only sign that it had existed was the rougher U-Bahn stations and the Stalinist architecture on the former Eastern side. However, even at that point the Reichstag had already been returned to its former glory with a shiny glass dome crowning it, even If you looked closely, you could still see patched bullet marks as a sign of its past.

Standing on top of the Reichstag, and looking over the city, I remember looking at the forest of cranes and saying to my wife "It'll be nice when it's finished"

Since then, I have had the opportunity to visit a number of times through work, and there always seem to be construction and building going on, so Berlin is a city that is never finished.

In December this year, I had another work trip planned, and I was caught with the usual question. Do I take my camera? 

It is situations like this where I wish I had something more compact like a Fuji X100 IV. In fact, I almost borrowed something like it, but in the end I decided to pack my XT-5 with my walk about lens (14-70mm) in the hope I might get time to use it.

The office I was visiting is in the south of Berlin, and is, in truth, a bit of a commercial and cultural desert.  This also means it is a bit deficient in hotels and Berlin's move from an isolated city icon to a full capital city has meant hotel space is always at a premium. As it was, the only hotel close to the factory was fully booked, and I was forced to find one further afield. 

Of course, I was here for work, so any opportunities for photography would be limited, but I chose a hotel with easy access to the city centre with the hope that I could sneak off in the evenings. Being November, however, daylight outside work hours would be nil

Fortunately, Berlin has an extensive subway system, although they appear to have dropped the 2 euro all day travel pass, which I used last time I was there. One thing I find extraordinary about the Berlin U-Bahn is the total lack of travel barriers or checks of any times. I don't remember getting checked once, and while I am sure there are ticket inspectors, I never saw any. Even the law-abiding Japanese traveller are not trusted that much.

The area the hotel was based was not one of the more salubrious areas, with a high preponderance of immigrant shops and cafés. However, I always find these areas more interesting than the pristine tourist areas, so was not an issue.

Where history lies 

Despite being a busy city, Berlin has large areas of woods and gardens. Behind the hotel was such an area, which turned out to be a cemetery. Now I have a fascination with cemeteries. Firstly they are quiet, and you don't get disturbed by the residents.  

Secondly, a cemetery is a bit like a tree ring. It shows the history of an area chiselled in the stone in the tombstones and monuments.  Since it was still Autumn, the trees and ground were still garlanded with golden leaves. What really drew my attention however were stone water butts that were spread around the area, with the grey rock and water reflection contrasting with the trees

 

When Berlin, I cannot stop myself looking for signs of its former troubled history. You would expect a number of gravestones from the 1940s caused by the blitz, but apparently this neighbourhood was largely spared destruction. Still, in places there were stark reminders that the area has not always be an oasis of peace.

 

A sign of the times 

The City

Despite working long hours, in the evening I had a couple of opportunities to head into the city centre proper. Berlin is quite a compact city and the is basically one long street, Unter der linden (literally under the Linden trees). So I started at the eponymous Brandenburg Gate, and headed to that monument of DDR permanence, the Fernstrum television tower, that dominates the Berlin skyline.

Being night and not having a tripod, I was always going to be limited in what shots I could take, however I spent sometime outside the Berliner Dom Cathedral trying a few things.

 I also tried to take shots of cyclists as they headed down the street. In Berlin, they seem to operate like buses. For periods, you get none, then loads appear

 

 

Christmas Cheer

On my 2nd foray onto the city, I decided to try and find a German Christmas market.  I come from a place that has an annual German market (generally run by people with very un-german accents), which always feels a bit fake, so I hoped to taste the real thing. However, apparently Germany are very strict that such markets can only operate during the actual official Christmas period. There was however a small "winter" market that offered a many of the same attractions of currywusts, alcoholic mulled wine and overpriced sweets.

So I hung around taking a few images are customers and stalls. I also got into a conversation with a young German couple who wanted to know about my camera and whether he should buy one for her. They were from Schalke and just visiting (he supported Schalke 04, while she was a Bayern Munich fan). It was great to have a chat, even of my 2 years of Duo lingo practice came to naught, since like most Germans, their English was impeccable.

 

Last bit of the wall

Probably not Diabetes friendly...

Had a great chat about cameras...

 

 

Growing bored with gingerbread purveyors. I decided to head to the nearby Holocaust memorial. 

 

This is a stark set of concrete blocks commemorating the Jewish victims of the 2nd world war. In daylight, it offers myriad photographic opportunities, but at night less so. Mass of grey block at night really was not doing it for me, so I headed to the nearby Reichstag instead.

 

I was surprised to see it was still open, but I could not work out whether it was a special event, so I chickened out and just took some pictures outside and the nearby River Spree. Access is surprisingly relaxed around this area, and no one seems to have problems with cameras

 

Brandenbug Gate

Shadows from history

Spirits into the Reichstag

The Reichstag

 

 

Final thoughts 

Despite my limited opportunities, I still find Berlin a fascinating city. Sometime ago I tried to do a re-photography thing and match some old images against the modern skyline. It just emphasised the rate of change. 

 

I would love to go back one day for purely photographic expedition. It is a city I feel very comfortable with, but still don't feel I have captured fully its charms, but I too am a doughnut.