adamreading's Gig Photography

Some of my favourite Photographs as a professional photographer

adamreading — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:34:33 +0000

The fabulous Midimidi's in the Studio

I’ve shot the Midimidi’s numerous times now both live and studio – but they always give 100%!

Flower girls on a bench in Forbury Park

One of my favourite unplanned moments during a Wedding photography session last year – outside Saint James Church in Reading

: Promo shoot for the Band Amberline

Studio Promo shoot at adamreading photography studio in Tilehurst, Reading for the band Amberline

DJ Rob McAllister in the Studio

I did this Studio shoot for Rob McAllister to help promote his DJ nights, the shoot was a real mix of different styles, but I was pleased with the way this shot captured the real Rob.

The Wedding Party holding up the Bride

This one was also taken in The Forbury in Reading – it’s great having the church in the background

The Stereophonics plating live at Reading

A live music set at The Rivermead venue in reading – capturing The Stereophonics and full music lighting rig

Captured in low light with shallow Depth of Field

Little girl caught in low light with a very shallow Depth of Field – I really love shallow focus.

Wedding photograph of the Bride before the Ceremony

A beautiful bride, arriving at the Church, just before the ceremony

Wedding photograph of a little boy enjoying blowing bubbles at a Wedding reception

Spontaneous moments at a Wedding – caught unawares give the most natural Wedding photographs

Bestman and Bridesmaid as the Bride and Groom

The Bestman and Bridesmaid using a poster to become the Bride and Groom at the Wedding Reception

Concert Photography at Reading Festival featuring the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs playing live at Reading Festival 2009

Choosing the “right” Black and White for your Wedding Photos

adamreading — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 20:05:04 +0000

When I shoot a Wedding – after going through all the proofing processes etc, I ask my couples to choose their 100 favourite images from the day.

These are the ones that I “super” edit – adding vignettes, a spot removed here, an extra cheeky crop there and so on.

The very last stage is that I give them two copies of these edited files on their final DVD. One is the Colour image but the other is “Black and White”.

The issue is – we all glibly say Black and White, but what do we mean and which sort should you choose?

Here’s the original image:

Standard Colour Image

Those of us used to film and developing prints for ourselves tend to associate black and white with the kind of High Contrast true Black & White images we worked with then:

High Contrast Black & White

Where you are looking to make the background less distracting and focus the viewer’s attention firmly on the Bride and Groom, it’s great to use a Vignette:

High Contrast Black & White with added Vignette

For those that like their Black and White a little softer there’s always Low Contrast Black & White:

Low Contrast Black & White

Of course different styles work better with different skin tones and also different colours of dresses and suits so it’s worth seeing examples of your own images in the different options before deciding what you like best, but once you have decided, it’s worth sticking to just one option for all the images – it’s okay to mix Colour and Black & White in an album, but mixing different styles of Black & White rarely looks good.

Another fairly common variation the theme is Sepia, a brownish tint which can look beautiful in the right combinations:

Sepia tone

and for a vignetted version of Sepia tone: (remember you can control everything about a Vignette from it’s shape, depth, feather and so on picture by picture in software like Lightroom)

Sepia tone with added Vignette

With the advent of Digital, a whole new raft of processing options has become available, and the list of ways to adapt an image into monochrome in one form or other is literally endless. But there are some popular standards forming from software programs like Lightroom. Here are a few of my favourites:

Creamtone – does what it says on the tin….

Creamtone

As a general rule, if an image works with high contrast then it’s likely to be workable with creamtone, it’s almost a halfway house between the impact of High Contrast and the dreaminess of Sepia.

Add in a vignette…

Creamtone with added Vignette

If you are going for an old fashioned look and especially if the images are a little dark to start with, you can try something like Antique Light which gives a boost to the shot and brings out hidden details:

Antique Light

There’s many many more to choose from – the main thing to take away from this – is be creative with your shots – half the battle is capturing exquisite moments – the other half is in how you present those images to their best advantage – whether that’s in the crop, the colour balance or the tone of the image – you have the control…

Oh, don’t forget, you can have fun with colour toooooooo:

Colour Creative

Questions I’m asked as a Wedding Photographer (and the answers)

adamreading — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:24:15 +0000

I’m Adam from http://www.adamreading.com

I got an interesting email today asking me a ton of questions about my Wedding Photography in Berkshire – it took me a long time to answer these questions, so I thought I would post it all here to share.

Hello

Hi

I am getting married on 4th June 2011 & I have a friend who is getting married in September 2011.

I am currently free on the 11th of June – but I am booked 2nd of Sept – what date in Sept is your friend’s wedding?

We are therefore looking for a wedding photographer and am just making some preliminary enquiries.

The style I like is arty/contemporary, I also would like a few natural photos or natural style mixed in.

That’s no problem – my main style is modern reportage, with a lot of low light natural lighting – though I can shoot any style you like.

My parents want traditional shots after the wedding of the family and also of the ceremony,

Not a problem – most couples end up with a selection of more formal shots to keep the parents happy

I would like some arty shots focussing on my dress, the car and outside the church etc. I have put together some screen shots of what I like and a list of ideas we have so I can meet with you to go through this if I am happy with the initial quote.

Once booked, I include a trip to the venue’s to meet the Bride and Groom in plenty of time before the wedding, it breaks the ice and helps me plan out the day properly – you can show me all your ideas then and we can ensure you get what you want.

I would like to know how much you charge for coverage (i.e how much per hour / day etc) – I would like before the ceremony, the ceremony and some shots outside the church and at the reception venue. Possibly the speeches and first dance although not too bothered about this.

Because of the complexity of what you are asking for and the fact that there’s two of you – here’s a link to my wedding calculator that I use to price up weddings – it isn’t publicly visible, but it will help you to get a pretty accurate idea of my costs over lots of options. http://www.adamreading.com/wedding_pricing.html

I would like a CD with the photos on (can you also confirm if we would own the copy write so that we could print our own pictures from here).

When you buy the disk with the high res images that includes license to print, share, use the pictures in perpetuity – I still always own the copyright, but it doesn’t effect anything that you can do with the finished images, the cost is in the calculator.

I would also like a story book / coffee table book, I am interested in parent books and handbag books, although not essential (also how much would it cost if I purchased additional albums later on?).

I normally keep the albums out of the packages, though there is an option for a starter one. I generally use Graphistudio Albums from Italy as I think they are the best – there’s 100′s of options – so generally this is something the bride and groom leave until after the wedding, once they’ve had time to let the pictures sink in and they are ready to choose the favourites that will make it to the Album. All my couples have taken the DVD of images – and it means they are free to use any album maker or even do it themselves online with my blessing – I’m always there to take over and make one for you whenever you need.

Are photos available on web? Can we have password access so only friends and family can view?

All Weddings are password protected until released for public viewing at the choice of the bride and groom (not all choose to share publically) this password can be shared with whoever you like. There is also an option to buy a unique url like www.sarahswedding.co.uk etc and have that link through to your pictures via a password for example 1) www.thewestcotts.co.uk – “Halloween” 2) www.joeyandben.co.uk “ashworth” 3) www.rhysandzoe.co.uk “river” the cost for this is in the calculator

How long do you keep the photos for?

You get the DVD to keep – I archive everything off-line, they stay on the web for 3-6 months and on hard disk for ever

Do you do discounts if me and my friend book? Do you do discounts for military personnel?

Every package is worked out individually, I am always willing to discuss a deal

How much is a print?

My prints are provided by a high end professional Lab – I have no control over they’re future costs, but can tell you today’s prices… http://www.adamreading.com/?Action=SPL&pplan=5790650.83157a14bc4161459332

How much are prints if we order them a year or so after the wedding?

I try to only put up the prices when the costs increase there’s no surcharge just because it’s a year later.

Do you edit/re-touch the photos and if so how much does this cost?

In general I put up 600-1500 pictures for the Bride and Groom to proof – they then take out any that they don’t want to be on their on-line gallery. Then I ask them for their 100 favourite shots from the day and these I crop, colour balance etc and make Black & White versions of. These generally tend to be the ones used in the albums and this editing is included in the cost. Any other editing, like blemish removal, or specialist retouching can be subcontracted out, normally about £100 an hour. (though so far I’ve never had a need to do this)

Please can you let me know what qualifications you have?

I failed A level photography 24 years ago at Henley College

How long you have been a photographer?

Hmmm – well I suppose about 28 yrs – though it would be fairer to say I rediscovered a passion for photography about 5 years ago when I met my wife – I’ve been shooting concerts for bands, the BBC, the local papers and about 1500 fans a month for about 4 years, you can see a lot of my work on www.adamreading.com

How many weddings have you done?

Right now, 5 shot – and a further 7 booked prior to yours next year – I try not to take on too many Weddings as I am really passionate about providing a really individual service, and each booking matters to me, I always like to talk to the Bride before agreeing to accept their deposit.

Do you belong to any associations, such as BPPA?

Yes, I am a member of the SWPP – http://www.swpp.co.uk/

Do you have insurance?

Yes, I have Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Employers Liability as well as accident and theft insurance – adamreading photography is a limited company which operates professionally

How many assistance do you have?

My wife attends all our Weddings to assist, carry things, put saftey pins in broken wedding dresses, and is also a fully qualified make-up artist who can be booked as part of the package for £200 to include Bride and Bride’s Mum’s make-up – (with a pre-wedding trial make-up at our home/studio in Reading) and then £50 extra per bridesmaid (Assuming they are at the sa

me getting ready venue as the bride). This also assumes our being booked to take photos of the Bride preparing

What do you do if you are sick on the day? Do you have another photographer who covers this?

Firstly, I would have to be very ill to be unable to attend one of my couples weddings – but because of my concert photography, I have a group of 6 or 7 trusted photographers, all of whom work in a similar style and in the event of an accident or similar, we would contact all of these and offer you the services of one of them should you so desire – if you decided against that – we would offer a full refund of any monies received. Similarly if you wanted to book a second shooter (another photographer taking extra shots from different locations/angles) I would book one of these photographers to assist.

Please can you offer me a break down of this info so we can decide what we want to have.
I hope I have been able to satisfactorily answer all of your questions, if there’s any gaps please get in touch. Obviously I would like to have a chat with you on the phone before going any further, if you are interested after having read my full and frank answers… 07825 077666

Want to start online dating – but need some decent photos?

adamreading — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:37:17 +0000

Internet Dating has become normality over the last few years – my wife and I met that way 5 years ago, and have never looked back.

However, one of the hardest parts of signing up with one of these agencies like Match.com or eharmony.co.uk is choosing some photographs of you that represent you in a way that makes you feel confident about yourself.

adamreading photography in conjunction with amandareading make-up are just about to launch a new service targeted to solve this problem for you.

I’m a professional photographer and my wife Amanda is a qualified make-up artist, and together we’ll help you get stunning photos that will show your best side.

The special dating photo session takes about 90 mins to 2 hours and starts with you arriving with a selection of your favourite outfits, we’ll look through them with you and help pick out a couple of favourites. After that, Amanda will create a full face make-up to suit the first outfit and style we are shooting. When you are all ready, I’ll take photos in the first outfit against a background of your choice from:

(picture’s courtesy of some of my portrait clients)
white (hikey)

black

grey

blue

pink

or my new wall design

When I’m happy I’ve captured the best shots of you, it’s back to Amanda for a new make-up style for the second outfit, and another choice of background.

Over the following couple of days, I’ll process the photographs, and provide you with an online proof of my favourites – from which you can choose 5 to download at medium resolution for use on the dating sites.

Further images and prints can be purchased online if you desire.

The whole package is done for a fixed fee of £150 to include make-up and 5 downloads, and is all done at our studio in Tilehurst, Reading.

So… if you are thinking about joining Match.com, eharmony.co.uk, loveandfriends.com, mysinglefriend.com or any other internet dating site, and you live near Reading – why not treat yourself to a mini-portfolio of decent photos to give you a kick start.

You can see examples of my normal work at adamreading.com though of course, we keep your dating photos discrete and accessible only by password entry.

If you’d like to book a session – either call me on 07825 077666 or email me on adam@adamreading.com to check availability.

We look forward to seeing you at your best…

Adam & Amanda

How to get a great website like mine…

adamreading — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:56:35 +0000

These are the amazing guys that provide Photographer specific web solutions that include online proofing, photo sales, amazingly responsive Tech Support and Customer services and to be honest I can recommend them with all my heart!!!

You can try their services for a month for about quid at the moment and they have special offers for students etc all the time.

If you wanna have a look just click and as a plus, for anyone that does sign up through my blog – I get a month’s free web service – how good is that!!

Go have a look – there’s not a better service for serious photographers out there.

Since the Festival I’ve shot a load of live bands

adamreading — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:37:47 +0000

Sub89 made me House Photographer in October – which opened up a whole new world of Live action in Reading for me, the first Gig I got to shoot there was Chase & Status.

The very same evening I was also at The Face Bar at the invitation of Officer Kicks so I had to pretty much sprint across town to do both.

Then Brighton took over BBC Introducing at The Oakford Social club for the night with Ice Black Birds:

And Jumping Ships both putting in an appearance:

Next on the Agenda was Malefice:

at SUB89 supported by Primitae:

Then came a Club Velocity night at Plug N Play – kicked off by Off The Radar:

Followed by Sixty Watt Bayonets:

Then Vienna Ditto:

My awesome mates the Midimidis:

And headlining that night was Aluminum Babe:

My next adventure was back at SUB89 again to shoot one of my favourite heavy bands Breed 77:

They were supported by OMT (Our Malevolent Tyranny)

And also Symphony Cult:

So next on the rollercoaster of November was Hadouken – a big band in a little venue – but The Oakford Social Club welcomed them with sweaty arms wide open!

Abley supported by Soft Toy Emergency:

BBC Introducing that week was Headlined by Chew LiPs:

Supported by Islington Boys Club:

and local boys The Wookies:

The highlight of this week was back at SUB89 for The Buzzcocks on Wednesday

They had support from Newport band Strawberry Blondes

And also South Wales based Town:

I thought it was about time I shared some knowledge about Live Gig camera settings

adamreading — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:28:49 +0000

I take well over 50,000 live band shots a year – mostly in small clubs with inadequate lighting and 3 songs “no flash” rules.

If it helps anyone here are my default settings:

Canon 5Dmk2 TV mode somewhere between 60 and 125 depending on the style of the band – for metal its 125 for folk its 60 – lol.

Autofocus set to one shot – using the centre point for focus – watching the movement pattern of the performer – half clicking at a known point (nr mike stand for example) and then waiting patiently for them to return to that before the final release. On C1 and C2 (see below) flash (580exii) is set to focus assist but not fire. (This increases the focus speed dramatically and also raises your % of in focus shots).

Iso – between 800-3200 dependant on the lighting set up – normally end up on 2000

Lenses – 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.2 24-70l f2.8 70-200L IS f2.8 I try and swop about a bit during the 3 songs to get variety and again much depends on the lighting that night.

I always set up the 3 custom c1/c2/c3 at the start of a show with an 800 iso setting as above, a 2000 iso setting as above and then on C3 a flash based setting at manual/60/iso800/f5.6/flash on, rear curtain sync which I use if all else fails and for crowd shots. Having all that set up on the custom settings frees your normal manual/av and TV buttons for a couple of other banker settings so that you are sure to get something.

I don’t claim to be an expert – but my shots regularly get picked up and used by local press etc and I’m getting there – the above settings came through trial and error over thousands of sets.

You can check out my results at www.adamreading.com have a look at the Music page – let me know what you think.

I’d be very interested in any pointers people have to share back with me to improve my work!

A Massive Update!

adamreading — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:02:06 +0000

Ok, So we all know it’s been far far too long since my last blog post.

I did consider just for a minute writing a long boring account of everything I’ve achieved photographically over the last year or so – but then I decided that just showing you all my favourite pictures from recent times might just be enough.

So the short version is – this year saw me shoot my very first Reading Festival as a fully fledged card carrying agency photographer - (For Retna UK, many thanks to all the people there – especially Kelly Wong who is amazing!), My first Wedding (though I’m doing my next, next week so get those bookings in for 2010 if you want a unique and quirky perspective on your wedding day photographs) – all those years shooting bands under pressure make me pretty unflappable! I’ve set up my own portrait studio at home, I’m ready to launch myself as a full time photographer next year with lots of help and support from friends and family – so please pass on my details to everyone you know!

In the meantime – here’s a splurge of photos representitive of my website www.adamreading.com and feel free to give me feedback on the shots whether positive or constructive.

Annabolic caught at The Oakford Social Club

Amazing Rapper “Virgz” doing a Promo Shoot with me at my studio

Who else but The amazing Kaiser Chiefs predicting a riot at Reading festival 2009

Maximo Park providing a colourful backdrop to Reading Festival 2009

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – probably my favourite shot of the whole of Reading Festival 2009

This guy rocks! Anthony enjoying himself at Oxford Academy

“Mr BlindPig” himself – if you need something promoted in Reading or a quirky DJ he’s Da Bomb

What a priviledge it was to shoot The Stereophonics at Reading Rivermead this year

The Midimidis are one of my all time fav bands – they make music in Reading

Sunday night’s headliners at Lozza’s 100% Basingstoke Festival “Karrion”

So this is what £1,600 of Canon 85mm F1.2 L lens does for you in a badly lit room that

I would have previously used flash to light

So there’s this amazing new Vintage Clothing shop in the Harris Arcade called Tiger Lillys and it’s

run by the amazing Chloe and Scarlet – I did a fun day’s shoot with them and loads of their friends

who Scarlet did 50′s makeovers on – and here are a few of the results from the 1000+ shots I took that day

So, this is my first Wedding day shoot – I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun in one day before!

I really can ‘t wait to do a load more weddings and I’m taking bookings now for next year.

My next wedding is Halloween – in fashionable London – with venue’s over Chelsea, Mayfair and Clerkenwell

and that’s gonna be an absolute blast. Why was I so scared to start doing weddings? Bring it on!

BBC Introducing @ The Oakford Social Club – 22nd July 2009

adamreading — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:06:22 +0000

What a night! The PA fuse failed and they had to build a new PA system from bits – and succeeded admirably!

Harriet Rock of Tricoteurs fame started the proceedings

When 2 bands didn’t show for various reasons – a brave 2/5s of Tots and Bull stepped in to save the day

As everyone wound down and got ready to leave and end their evening – an amazing thing happened. Islington boys’ club took to the stage and from the first bars – everyone was mesmerised! The people all sitting around chatting, or standing with coats on ready to go – all surged back towards the stage and stayed their until the last beat of the last bar. Awesome band!

See all the night’s photos at http://www.adamreading.com/v/r/C34458050/cr5526rt

My first Festival – shooting! 100% Tent at Basingstoke Live 2009

adamreading — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:41:50 +0000

The 11th and 12th of July was a fantastic opportunity for me – I was commissioned as the official photographer for the 100% Tent at the Basingstoke Live festival 2009

22 Bands over 2 days – 9 days of post processing and 1076 pictures posted to my website www.adamreading.com

Here’s a little taster:

mary kelly

fake the attack

boydidgood

junk yard scientists

circus sands

sevasa

the charlie parkers

kamikaze test pilots

karrion

elle kaye

atom gang

the foxes

the perishers

her:enemy

the veygers

grimaldi

butterflies on strings

the blumen bullets

relik

gan-a-gley

ahab rides the whale