Andrew Wood Photography

Photography Training for Beginners

Photography Training, Professional Photography Comments Off

Dec 032012

Tame your dSLR camera with our 7 week photography beginners course starting in January and running at the Didsbury Parsonage.

A drop of water captured as it breaks the surface – high speed photography using off camera flash techniques

This is a great opportunity to have an experienced professional photographer teach you how to improve your photography in a relaxed and friendly environment. The course touches on many technical and creative aspects of photography in order to give you a firm foundation from which you can start your own photographic journey. Techniques are demonstrated and as far as possible, each demonstration is followed by a practical in order ensure you are given the opportunity to try out each technique with supervision.

To find out more about this course, or book your place then please contact Andrew Wood Photography using these contact details.

Course Details

£150 per person with a third going straight to the Didsbury Parsonage Trust
1.5 hours per session
7 sessions
Tuesdays 7:30 – 9:00
Starts Tuesday 15th January 2013
Makes an ideal gift – personalised gift vouchers available – an extra £10

Course Outline

In seven short weeks you will learn how to:

blur backgrounds (aperture priority mode)
freeze action (shutter speed priority mode)
capture motion (shutter speed priority mode)
use manual exposure – intelligently
focus manually
use auto-focus more effectively
compose your images creatively
search for fresh and new inspiration

Projects

The following projects (at least) will be used to teach some of the above concepts:

A simple portrait (including posing and lighting)
Light painting
Photographing water drops
Taking a night time “urban” photograph

The great thing about this photography course is that it’s run independently by an established local business and a third of all the course fees go straight to The Didsbury Parsonage Trust.

An abstract image created using a pyrex dish, a bike light, a CD, olive oil, water, a a tripod, macro lens, a dSLR camera

iwant2move2chorlton – a challenging prospect – a great result

Business, Commercial Photography, Community Events Comments Off

Dec 022012

Earlier this year we had the pleasure of working with iwant2move2chorlton when they commissioned us to photograph 40 businesses for an impressive project. iwant2move are spearheading a fresh new way of buying and selling homes. Here are some images to whet your appetite prior to the completion of their very inventive project.

Chorlton’s Beech Road is the home of many varied and interesting independently run businesses – this shot is from inside the Lead Station, a great example of the many bars and restaurants Beech Road is renowned for.

The Parlour - a traditional pub with a unique and vibrant ambiance

This is a timeless photograph from inside the Parlour which, in common with many of the other businesses on Chorlton’s Beech Road, has been designed from the ground upwards without compromise in combining the decorum of a traditional boozer with a unique, vibrant and friendly atmosphere.

An alternative shot depicting the exterior of the Horse & Jockey

Staying with the pub theme, the Horse & Jockey situated on Chorlton Green is one of the oldest pubs in the area with it’s 19th century license. Today it serves fine food, guest ales and features a heated terrace good for dining outside all year.

Nick Walker, a local artist, painting in the Every Man Gallery

Beech Road is not only famous for it’s pubs and cafes but also it’s art. This photograph was taken inside the Everyman Gallery and features talented local painter Nick Walker who really looks the part!

A less obvious photograph of Nick Walker (or at least his foot) taken whilst he was painting at the Everyman Gallery. It’s both thinking and acting quickly and creatively which can sometimes distinguish good photographers from great photographers and this image exemplifies doing just that.

This photograph depicts the interior of Oddbins Chorlton – a very comprehensively stocked off license which is situated on Wilbraham Road. The staff have very comprehensive of the products they sell and even though it’s not strictly an independent local business, still a very worthy mention

The distorted and HDRed frontage of Kingbee Records

Kingbee Records is a vinyl collectors paradise filled to the seems with music of every genre, they have a most impressive collection. They are also big supporters of local musicians. A visit to Kingbee should be on every music lovers itinerary.

Pete the pianist entertains regulars at The Beech Inn

The last photograph we are featuring from this project comes courtesy of Pete, a regular at The Beech Inn – a traditional and quaint pub with a freshly tuned piano and a very friendly set of regular clientele

The team at Andrew Wood Photography are no strangers to commercial work. This commission however, turned out to be one of the most challenging due to it’s variety, scope and time constraints. We were really pleased to turn out a stunning set of Chorlton-esque images that portray each and every business at it’s best. We had just ten minutes to photograph each business and then even less time to select and process the images. I think from this sample alone, you’d agree we did a great job.

We will be bringing you a further update iwant2move’s project featuring this amazing catalog of images is published. We can’t wait to see it go live with a great range of images generated out of this commission. All the businesses involved in the project will be able to purchase the images for their own use from iwant2move with the proceeds put directly into future projects that will help build the Chorlton community.

We would love to undertake more work with local businesses in Chorlton and Didsbury – if you think you can challenge us with an equally ambitious project we would love to hear from you!

Chorlton Christmas Light Switch On

Community Events, Holidays Comments Off

Dec 012012

The team at Andrew Wood Photography are very busy with the last minute pre-Christmas rush of customers wanting their portrait products as gifts for loved ones. Well in need of a break from the Studio, we made time last Thursday attend one of the high points of Chorlton’s Christmas calendar, the famous Christmas Lights Switch On.

Glor Choir entertain the crowds at Chorlton Green

Glor Choir entertain the waiting masses at Chorlton Green as people await for the arrival of Damon Gough (Badly Drawn Boy) for the switching on of the Christmas Tree Lights

The event saw a good turn out despite the cold weather. We were impressed to see so many people!

Chorlton Green was very crowded in anticipation of Damon Gough’s switching-on of the Christmas Tree Lights. This shot also shows the favoured Horse & Jockey in the background.

Chorlton’s very own Glor Choir sang their hearts out impressively as the expectant crowds awaited Damon Gough’s arrival.

Glor Choir singers wrapped themselves up and even came prepared with head torches. They seemed to enjoy themselves as much as the spectators.

Before too long the moment came, Damon Gough (Badly Drawn Boy) arrived and counted us down into the start of Christmas. Moment’s later it was time to depart to the Horse and Jockey for some mulled wine and some mulled cider.

Damon Gough (Badly Drawn Boy) switches the Chorlton Green Christmas tree lights on

Damon Gough officially counts down the start of Christmas… this is the moment the Tree Lights came on at the crescendo of Damon’s Count Down

To round-up, here’s a few snaps of us relaxing outside the Horse and Jockey

Fellow photographer Amy Best joins us for a drink

Fellow Photographer Amy Best enjoys a drink with us at the Horse and Jockey

Andrew sports a novel hat - keeping warm after the Chorlton Lights Switch On

Andrew Wood keeping warm in style for the switching on of the Chorlton Green Christmas Lights

We are always keen to help support local community events. If you are involved in organising an event let us know about it and if we’re free we will try and get down to take a few quick snaps.

Vintage Photography – 1950′s Pin-up

Makeover Photography Comments Off

Oct 192012

The first of our new Vintage themed makeover sessions.

Strike a pose

We are now offering Vintage Pin-up Makeover Sessions.

Here is the first image from our first session. Get in touch if you would like a 1950′s style makeover, or if there is another era you would like to re-create!

Children’s Drawing Competition – Win Toys!

Uncategorized Comments Off

Mar 222012

Britain's first toy-shop co-operative

Win a £25 voucher to spend at Chorlton’s Busy Bee Toyshop with our very special competition, just for children.

We desperately need some art work to brighten up our studios so we thought it would be a good idea to ask some fantastic young artists to help us by creating some pictures for us to frame and put on the walls!

If you are under ten years old we would love you to draw us a picture, which much be at least A4 in size. You can either drop your competition entry into Andrew Wood Photography in Chorlton, post it to us (full address here) or ask Mum and Dad to scan it in and email it to us using the email address here. The closing date for this competition is May 31st 2012, so be sure to get your entries in to us before then!

Terms
There is just one prize on offer which cannot be substituted for anything else. Final entries should be received by us before 31/05/2012. The winner will be notified via email/telephone before 30/06/2012. Only one entry per child. Entrants must be under ten years of age prior to 31/08/2012. Entries may be used for marketing/publicity purposes by Andrew Wood Photography and Busy Bee Toyshop.

Commercial & Product Photography

Business, Commercial Photography, Product Photography Comments Off

Mar 132012

There’s much more to Andrew Wood Photography then family portraiture. We undertake all types of photography including weddings, events and commercial photography. Recent product shoots have included larger items, for which we have tailored our studios in order to effectively manage the reflections that are so crucial in producing good product images.

Back in February we were asked to photograph a range of coffins and caskets by a company supplying them to funeral directors and undertakers. This shoot certainly ranked as one of our more unusual commissions! The client delivered and collected the various products from our studios in Chorlton, South Manchester. We worked with the client to ensure we fully understood and agreed upon their brief and to also ensure we photographed and dressed the products in-line with their very specific requirements. We happily turned the shoot around in under a week, which included supplying the client with a range of fully re-touched and processed images ready to use on their website and in their marketing material.

An oak veneered coffin with panel sides and a raised lid

A woven wicker coffin - environmentally friendly

Another more unusual recent request was the shooting of some toilet and sanitory units. This represented quite a big job in terms of labour involved in assembling the units and preparing for each shot. Again, the shoot was turned around very quickly and efficiently in order to meet a client’s deadline.

WC, Cistern, Basin & Pedestal Product Photograph

We have a commercial photographers working with us, not only on product photography but all types of commercial shoots including interiors, exteriors and PR photography. If you have any requirements for commercial or product photography, why don’t you drop us a line today?

We Love Pets!

Family Portraits, Pets, Professional Photography Comments Off

Mar 122012

Although we undertake all sorts of photography, family portraiture remains the heart of our business. And that includes family pets! It’s great involve the family dog or cat in a photo session. Not only does it prove to be a novelty with the children, but it also makes a good focal point for adults by helping them to relax and enjoy their studio photo session. Don’t worry if you have not got a pet; bringing a family dog, cat, rabbit or hamster is not obligatory – we would just be glad just to have you along! Our expert photographers will always work to set you at ease and help you enjoy your photo shoot.

Here are some of our latest pet pictures. A pet portrait gallery could possibly turn into a regular feature in the blog, and the also our email newsletter. If you are not already a subscriber, you can join the distribution list by clicking here!

A Pet Portrait Depicting a Loving English Springer Spaniel

We work hard to capture your pet looking their best.. even if they don't stand still!

We were delighted to have this gorgeous Pug dog along for a family photo shoot

This pooch looks like he is trained to pose

Bunny-Tastic Photographic – Pet Photography with Andrew Wood

Family Portraits, Professional Photography, Special Offers Comments Off

Feb 072012

In the studio at Andrew Wood Photography, we specialise in Family Portraits. What we mean is that we are more than happy to photograph the whole family. And that includes (within reason) family pets!

Last week we were really pleased to have the Parker family along for a photoshoot. And they brought with them their pet house rabbit, Flo, a first for Andrew Wood Photography.

Most pets are welcome at Andrew Wood Photography

Flo the house rabbit takes prime position in this portrait as both subjects eye up the camera

Photographing the rabbit made our female photographer Nicola’s day. She’s particularly keen on animals of all shapes and sizes. We are quite accustomed to having dogs come into the studio and, by prior arrangement, we are happy to have most house-trained animals along.

We can even offer tailored pet portraits. There are some restrictions with larger animals such as ponies and horses but only due to the logistics of getting them into the studio. For that reason, we will more than happy to tailor an on-location package for those of you with larger family pets.

Next week we actually have a pet-portrait booked in with two cute and fluffy shih tzu’s. If we are able to publish a couple of snaps, we sure will!

Please see the website for details on how you can arrange a shoot today or have a look at our current range of special offers.

Goodbye 2011 | Hello 2012

Business, Family Portraits, Uncategorized Comments Off

Jan 112012

2011 was a monumental year in the short history of Andrew Wood Photography. Not only did we move to new premises in Chorlton, but we photographed over 200 families and sold over 450 products (DVDs, Frames & Canvasses). We would like to thank all of our customers for their support, all of whom have enjoyed our very high levels of customer service and professional high quality portraiture.

As we welcome in the new year we would also like to welcome you to the team and as part of that, we thought it was only fair to turn the camera on ourselves for some funky self-portraits. The four permanent team-members at Andrew Wood Photography are:

A triptych photographic portrait of Nicola

Nicola Docherty - Portrait Photographer for Andrew Wood Photography

Nicola Docherty – an experienced portrait photographer and a fabulous asset to the team. Nicola not only architects our incredible makeover shoots but she builds an excellent rapport with clients which in-turn makes them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Nicola has an encyclopeadic music knowledge, particularly folk music and also enjoys fashion.

Ruby Birks - Trainee Photographer for Andrew Wood Photography

Ruby Birks – a budding trainee photographer with natural talent and creativity. She joined us in August 2011 and is currently working towards her extended BTEC diploma qualification in photography. Ruby especially enjoys working with film photography and develops her own images.

A triptych photographic portrait of Daniel

Daniel Cadden - Commercial Photographer for Andrew Wood Photography

Daniel Cadden – the newest addition to the team, a commercial photographer with experience in wedding and family portrait photography. Daniel is very technically minded and is helping to improve the website as well as provide innovative ideas and marketing to drive the business forward in 2012.

Andrew Wood - Established Professional Family Photographer

Andrew Wood – a very highly proficient family portrait and wedding photographer himself, Andrew is of course the founder of the business and he ensures that all clients of Andrew Wood Photography receive the same high standard of service and quality of workmanship no matter who undertakes the work. Andrew has an inspirational vision for the business that will see many many more satisfied clients passing through the studio doors for many years to come.

Whether you are celebrating a new baby, an engagement, a significant birthday or just fancy making 2012 the year to finally have some quality family portrait photos undertaken, feel free to drop us a line via the website or drop-in to our Manchester Studios where you will be more than welcome to a coffee and a chat.

Today’s Photography Training Testimonial

Photography Training, Studio Hire, Training Comments Off

Dec 222011

Hi, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Andrew & Nicola for my training session! My Uncle & Aunt bought me a voucher for this for my birthday and to say I was a bit “dubious” would be an understatement. Within minutes of arriving, Nicola made me feel really at ease, and from then on, I had a brilliant time. I learnt lots of “techie” stuff from Andrew, and was able to ask questions that I’d always wondered about, and then I spent an hour with Nicola learning that it’s not all techie stuff, and you can just experiment, be creative and find what works for you… The whole session was relaxed, enjoyable and I have learnt more in 2 hours than I could have thought possible. On top of that I got some great shots of my mum and son, and Nicola took a beautiful picture of me and my son which I will treasure forever. Thank you so much for a wonderful day and I will undoubtedly be back!! Thanks Helen xxx

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