Inspired by the rural surroundings of Somerset and drawn to exploring the intimate relationship between porcelain and light, Claire Springfield’s ceramics are really rather special. I was lucky enough to visit her studio in Cossington to write a feature for Somerset Life this month. Read my article below (click for a bigger view) and see more of Claire’s work here.
Digital Photographer magazine carries a Career Advice section each month and I’m lucky enough to write it, shedding light on a different topic each month and answering readers’ questions. This month I look at the vast and varied sphere that is the photography job market and the more unusual career choices out there. Have a read below, the side panel on the taboo subject of funeral photography is particularly interesting.
For the November 2012 issue of Perfect Wedding magazine I’ve compiled a 7-page fashion feature, speaking to the UK’s top bridal designers, who show readers how to create the key looks for 2013. It’s all in there – from Suzanne Neville‘s dramatic modern look through to Stephanie Allin‘s classically cut ‘Loren dress’. My favourite? Ian Stuart‘s fifties belle look complete with his fabulously retro ‘Cadillac’ gown. Perfect Wedding issue 74 is in the shops now.
If you’ve got something special to send, why not make like the Queen for the day and have stamps printed with your photo on? Your recipients will be treated to mail with a wow factor. It’s the perfect way to inject some extra personality into invitations, announcements and thank-you notes, and make sure your mail stands out from boring everyday letters and bills.
Snapfish has a wide range of stamp designs available. There’s something for every occasion – whether it’s a baby announcement or a wedding invitation. You choose a stamp to complement the photo you want to use, decide on either a rectangular or circular frame and whether you want sheets of 10 or 20. As a Royal Mail product, facilitated through Snapfish, you’re guaranteed a first class result. And you can create it on your own PC in just an hour. In this feature for Windows: The Official Magazine, I show you how.
In this month’s Digtal Photographer magazine, from Imagine Publishing, I have a Career Advice feature published, which covers everything from working ‘time for’ to releases and rights…
247 Magazine – July Issue
Who cares if the weather’s gone schizophrenic (we’re sticking to the all-weather nautical look as seen in this month’s fashion shoot), there’s so much to be excited about in the South West this month (and lots to fill a magazine with…) – Ed Sherran, Dizzee Rascal, Zane Lowe, Pulled Apart By Horses, Modestep (read our interview with these electronic rockers here) and so many more at Boardmasters and the first ever Electric Beach festival – which is bringing De La Soul to the South West! In this issue we catch up with the hip hop icons for a UK exclusive interview… We’re got lots of other interviews for you in 247 this month, including a glimpse into the world of talented young surfer, Sophie Hellyer and a chat with Yes Sir Boss – who have just been signed to Joss Stone’s label.
Read 247 Magazine online here.
Here are some sample spreads from this issue:
This month, 247 Magazine, the South West leading music and lifestyle guide, which I edit, takes on a new look – bolder, fresher and funkier than before. As well as the redesign, this month the magazine is themed around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – after all 60 years of The Queen’s reign deserves some recognition! Why not have a read of the magazine online here – as well as all of our Jubilee goodies, we’ve got some great features for you: South West lovers, The Pigeon Detectives talk to us about their tour this month, we interview Grime MC and rapper; Wretch 32 and we meet singer/songwriter; Jack Wallen who’s first gig was supporting James Morrison. Don’t miss our feature on breakdancing in the South West either.
Ever wonder how much influence your social media input has? Find out with Klout, a free tool that measures your online power and even rewards you.
While we’ve always had the power to influence other people, that power, which is being democratised, is much easier to harness with new social media tools. But how much influence do you have over others? Do your Facebook ‘likes’, retweets, posts and comments go unnoticed, or are you an online mover and shaker? This is where Klout comes in, measuring your influence based on your ability to drive action in social networks, and providing you with an updated Klout Score each morning.
Klout provides insights to help you better understand your own power – whether others trust your opinions online, what topics are you the most influential on and how you compare with your friends. Your Klout Score measures your online influence on a scale of 1 to 100, but the average Klout Score is 20, not 50 – bear that in mind when you get yours.
In this tutorial for Windows: The Official Magazine I show you how to get started with Klout.
From better deals to the hottest hotels and made-to-order travel itineraries, your computer holds the secret to happy holidays. In this feature published in Windows: The Official Magazine I share my top ten ways to organise your best ever holiday.
Modest guestlists lend themselves to unusual and exceptional venues. Be inspired by my top 5 venues for small and chic weddings in the UK, which you can read in this month’s Perfect Wedding magazine.
Here are my top five:
1. Temple of Apollo, Stourhead, Wiltshire
Who for: Romantic couples who want a beautiful, classic and intimate ceremony. The garden temple will seat 30 guests to witness your wedding.
What: A tranquil paradise. Situated in one of the finest landscape gardens in the world, the stone built Temple of Apollo, built in 1765, is truly stunning. Looks familiar? You may well have seen it in the proposal seen in remake of Pride and Prejudice. If it’s good enough for Keira Knightley Matthew MacFadyen…
Why: It’s timelessly beautiful and will provide a magnificent backdrop for your photographs.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
2. Millbrook Estate, High Bickington, Devon
Who for: Nature lovers who want to be married hidden away, in a breath taking valley. Millbrook specialises in weddings for up to 20 guests, they also do ‘Runaway Weddings’ for less than four guests…
Why: Stunning and very private, Millbrook is set within a valley location of 32 acres of beautiful countryside with lakes, wild flower meadows and mature woodland. Marry in the extremely intimate secret garden conservatory or in the summerhouse, which has enormous folding doors to let the outside in, and a huge fireplace for roaring log fires in the winter months. The venue even offers private dinning for true romantics.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: http://www.millbrookestate.co.uk
3.Forter Castle, Perthshire, Scotland
Who for: The Bride and Groom who want a venue fit for a King and Queen. The castle can accommodate 16 for a sit down meal or up to 24 for a buffet and sleeps up to 12.
What: This16th century fortified tower is like something from a fairytale – it’s been lovingly restored from a ruin to retain it’s original character and charm, but with opulent modern-day comforts and even boasts its very own chapel. The surrounding highlands are unspoilt and sure to impress.
Why: It’s dramatic and intimate at the same time.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: http://www.fortercastle.com
4. Nash Point Lighthouse, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales
Who for: Quirky couples looking for a unique place to tie the knot. The spectacular Lighthouse can hold 25 guests, over two floors.
What: One of the few operational lighthouses where you can get married, beautiful Nash Point Lighthouse is situated on one of the cleanest, sandy coastlines in South Wales and noted for its variety and birdlife. You’ll be treated to a spectacular view while you say ‘I do’ – a great choice for those with an affinity with the sea.
Why: It’s a deliciously different option and a real statement about who you are as a couple.
Website: www.trinityhouse.co.uk
5. Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe, Devon
Who for: Couples who want to a beautiful, informal ceremony at the beach. Tunnels Beaches encourage weddings for up to 60-70 people, with the option of more even guests.
What: A network of hand carved tunnels lead you to a tidal Victorian bathing pool and stunning sheltered beaches, where this chic, contemporary venue lies. Get married in the Thatched Gazebo overlooking the sea, with a sublime view of the rugged coastline and the sound of the sea.
Why: It’s a stunning yet understated choice and the scenery will look fantastic in your photos.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: http://www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk
