2 minutes and 41 seconds to make you smile

I guess this video is a great example of viral marketing but don't let that put you off....
...imagine being in a train station and THIS happens...
...how could you not smile for the rest of the day :-)
Over 3.5 million views so far.
CLUE: click on the word "THIS" above

Grrrrrrr - you're a tiger....

I was delighted when an super talented jewelry designer contacted me about photographing her new collection for her upcoming website.

Her work is just beautiful....and she offers bespoke wedding collections (!!!) - working with brides to create custom pieces for the bridesmaids for example. Stay tuned for the website address...

I decided to take inspiration from Austin Powers for the photoshoot "it's so crazy I'm not even shooting you now, mmmmm you're an animal, grrrrr you're a tiger!"

Seriously - we worked together to come up with concepts that fit the image of the collection - glamorous, fun, sophisticated, classic yet modern, striking and unique - here's an advanced preview of some of the shots



A reflective moment (ha ha - reflective - get it?)



The designer was an engineer in a previous life and it shows in the intricate design and workmanship. I loved this necklace of royal purple freshwater pearls.



The necklace and bracelet below were designed to perfectly match the chocolate brown bridesmaid dress (and custom packaged in the wedding colors of brown and pink)



I was in love with this background and yes - it really was as much fun as it looks!



One last product shot



For the photographers out there, I shot these using a Ray Flash from ExpoImaging fitted to an Nikon SB800 speedlight to turn it into a ringlight for that cool fashion look without crazy shadows on the wall behind the models. Makes your camera feel a tiny bit unbalanced (and you have to make sure you have it firmly locked down on the flash) but way more portable than a full size studio ringlight.

My gran is online!

A little background - my grandmother lives in England and is probably the best person I know in the whole world (seriously). She's a little over 80 years old (a lady never reveals her age) but should be an inspiration to us all as she's always up for a challenge and for trying something new.

When I moved to the US in 2002 she took her first transatlantic flight and enjoyed it so much she now comes to visit me at least once a year. Never one to shy from the unknown - last year she enjoyed her first jello shot and even tried sushi (although she declared the nori "not for me - thanks").

And now my grandmother is online with an email address and everything - declaring "I'll figure out this damn google even if it kills me". The picture above was taken by my Mom last year in Newburyport - a little out of focus but nice composition - so Nan - this blog post is for you - love you lots and lots! And if you manage to leave me a comment above (clue - click on the "comments" word above the picture) - I'll upgrade you when you come out in July ;-)