Photographer

I am a freelance photographer based in Edinburgh and London. I photograph weddings (see karentakesweddingpictures.com) Also general portraiture, fashion and events. If you are interested in booking, please contact me: karentakespictures@yahoo.com or call 07841 576898 for pricing and further information.

Monday, 28 February 2011

Three girls one face.



At the weekend I set up studio at Cat's place in town (red headed beaut pictured) Connie and Dawn lended their limbs and we had a very fun shoot. An edit of Connie and Dawn to come as a token of thanks. I think the girls look AMAZING; professional models watch out!  Soft boxes on either side, just in front. The lucky lady on her back each time holds a silver reflector to minimise any harsh shadows. Job done.

Sunday, 20 February 2011

Play time with light and glass.

Lit with two soft boxes and a large silver reflector. Both bottles laid on metallic red card on the floor. I shoot from above with a 200mm lens (standing on a chair with the tripod extended to the max!)

This is a tiny 7 ml bottle of concentrated No9! The little black (plastic) jewels came in a bag with a  single clear jewel, weird and cool! I placed the odd one on the bottle. Lit with a large softbox and mirrors to reflect some shine. 

Here is that single, odd ball gem from the packet of black ones! I placed this and the bottle on a mirror with the large softbox behind. The bottle was in soft focus as I kept the diamond sharp. I turned it monochrome in Photoshop which gave it a vintage feel.

A single bottle placed on green metallic card with a mirror to the left to reflect and duplicate some details. I particularly like the mirror's beveled edge repeating the brand name.   A large softbox behind and silver reflectors to bounce the light about more.

  Blue metallic card this time. Lit with one soft box to the side. I cross processed the colours in Photoshop.
Red metallic card to the left over a mirror, it wasn't entirely planned out this way but I like the end result. I saturated the colours to give it a vintage feel. 
me! 

Saturday, 19 February 2011

A bit of translucent

A wee bit of practice for some advertising assignments. A home studio set up, back lit items with a large octobox, side lit and reflected in different shots and combined in Photoshop. These are the first results, I intend to add more to the final images: Portrait blends, textures and light etc. It's time to go play some more with jewelery too :)

Friday, 18 February 2011

Enchanting Penicuik

Whilst on a recce recently for two assignments, I came across a new area of woodland that surrounds Penicuik. It is now my new walking playground and I love it. I have four assignments on the go at the moment, one of which is 'Environmental'. Looking through images from Edward Steiglitz and Minor White, I am inspired to turn a few of these shots monochrome. I have more in colour (see my Flikr to the right) I just need the sunshine to get a section of the graded unit pics shot here.  

Monday, 14 February 2011

Jarred Christmas

Last December at 'The Stand Comedy Club' in Edinburgh. Jarred on his UK tour. A very funny man!

Monday, 7 February 2011

Recce day with Allan.

A Saturday afternoon was spent out on the location hunt with Allan Fraser of EPIC26. (Check them out by clicking on band name) It was a welcome break from the stormy weather and continual proposal for this year's big G-unit. We found some sweet little spots and I tried out some ideas for up and coming shoots. One thing it is never with this boy, is boring. I am reminded on days like these that I LOVE taking photos and poking about new places. Looking forward to more of the same Mr Fraser.
We headed straight out to the coast at Musselborough.
Allan hovering about some Reclamation yard we stumbled upon.
Allan did admit to having some dodgy waterworks.
Allan had a one chance click at Hancock. Nice work! 

Thursday, 3 February 2011

Organics in the City

Jayne, Edinburgh Sept 2010
HELLO 2011. This is my first post of the year believe it or not. The truth is, I haven't shot anything new yet (apart from shooting all over Morocco recently, see my Flikr) It is far to big a gap to leave on the blog and it won't happen again! THREE things I will be doing from now on: 1. I will be getting a bit more 'wordy' on here (if you know me, you know it will suit my style) 2. My photographs are stepping up a notch or two, you will see lots more experimentation as I leave the basics behind. 3. I am getting busier. I thought I was busy last year but this years plans are made until June, the diary is packed. The first post pics of 2011 (above) are actually a shoot from 2010, the new thing is the plant blend and cross processing which freshens them up a bit. I will unravel all the new shoots when they commence, looking forward to getting stuck in to advertising, environment, fashion and a documentary assignment in Paris.