andrewf.com

I’d given up on the blogging business, but have decided to give it another push - I think the solitary aspects of it were a little off-putting, so this time I’ll use it a s a more visual diary and not worry too much about the wordiness of it.

As you can see above, the photos are now up on Elizabeths site [www.elizabethemanuel.co.uk] and look fantastic - many thanks to all who gave their time and effort…..I think it was really worth it all. There is a mini site nearly ready which will have all the credits and lots more of the photos. (Thanks as always to CurlyKale for this).
Practical Photography are running a six page feature on some of my images in their February issue (out on December 30th 2008) and having seen the PDF they have sent me, I must say it is looking very nice - it’s always nice to get work published that is released primarily for viewing by peers. But at the same time very scary! Below is a grab of the last one they did a few years ago.
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I’ve just finished 4 more shots for the NHS’s beAstar campaign, which for Salford PCT this time. I’ve not got the finished artworks through from the design agenciy yet, but will put some up here when I do.

Lensbaby are sending me a few of their new products for review - a couple of magazines are interested, but keep your eyes here for a sneak preview. The last ones were great fun to do and hopefully a good read.

Equipment news: D3 is feeling more at home in my hands now. I hear the new 50mm f1.4G is sharp as a drag-queens tongue, so I’ll try and get a test done ASAP - again, I’ll post any results here; Have just bought a Photek ‘brolly-box’ and am itching to give it a try…..really well thought out piece of kit with some cute add-ons

 New year is looking busy with another round of corporate portraits for Huddersfield University’s Art, Design and Architecture Department - really enjoyed doing the last lot as they allowed me to add a lot to the process. (As you can see below).

Finally, I will be selling my Broncolour Mobil kit, so any interested parties, drop me an email. I am replacing with Profoto kit which is easier for me to get rental extras.

Have a great holiday, wherever you are.

andrewF

I have been very fortunate in being approached by the esteemed designer, Elizabeth Emanuel (known amongst other things for creating Diana Spencer’s wedding dress), to photograph her archive collection. I will also be photographing some of her current collection in the near future.
It is a real pleasure for myself and team to be working with such amazing creations, which are works of art in themselves.
The images will build up iover the next few weeks, culminating in a portfolio which I hope to be incredibly proud of.
Thanks go to the people behind the scenes, including Andrea Perry Bevan for hair and make-up, Lee Wood-first assistant, Penny Willcox as second-assistant and models so far,Gillian Robinson; Jessica Croasdale; India Hobson; Emma Sudell with others to be added.

At the same time, some of the images will be used for the ‘Make A Wish Foundation’ to promote their ‘Electric Dreams’ project.
Here is what the ‘MaW’ project is about. - Together with the Make a Wish Foundation and Comet we propose a very British celebration of gadgets. The project is called ‘Electric Dreams’ and is being curated by Suzanne Bisset. We aim to explore the many emotions we associate with the gadgets in our lives. This will be expressed via a collection of portraits by a host of influential fashion and art photographers. The exhibition launch will be at The Hospital in Covent Garden. In addition to the exhibition Ideas inc will publish a specially commissioned coffee table book which will be sold nationally with 100% of all proceeds from the cover price and 100% of all proceeds from the exhibition sale (edition of one to be auctioned for Make a Wish).Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. This year the charity is celebrating 21 years of wish granting. Make-A-Wish was founded in the UK in June 1986 and, since then, we have granted over 4,700 wishes. At any given time, over 20,000 children in the UK are living with life-threatening conditions and our aim is to grant 21 wishes a week by the year 2010. Whether a wish is to be a princess or a policeman for a day, own the latest computer equipment, meet a favourite celebrity or just enjoy some special time away from home with their family, a wish come true brings so much to a child’s life and provides memories for the family that last a lifetime.Through this project, with book sales and other activity Comet’s target is to raise £250,000 for Make a Wish as they continue to support Make-A-Wish UK, the Company’s chosen charity throughout 2008.

Andrew

Busy times - this is my favourite from the last session of beAstar shoots for the NHS - Followed by a leisure time lighting experiment and then a special shoot at a special place. Model in the last image is Eunice, from a shoot in January, aided in the styling department by Melou and hair and make-up by Andrea P-B.

 I have things in mind - the stasis of a double bank holiday has not quelled my inspiration.

I did some tests last week at a secret location - full shoot to come soon.

Just shot a campaign for The HUB in the studio over 4 days, which is for breast-feeding awareness. Another two to do yet - they have been very memorable  and generated of press coverage which is good.

The Manchester Evening News are doing a page feature of the Oxfam/Recycled fashion images we have produced. Again, this should add some momentum to the projects and hopefully lead on to more things.

I have a good few ideas and locations in mind and just need the right clients to fulfill them.

I will post regular updates and hopefully links to the article as soon as I can.

Tattoo guy is Chris from a local ‘parlour’ - I’m sure there is a better name in the ‘ink’ vernacular….but I don’t know it.
Below is Leemo, one of my second year degree students - He likes dressing up and make-up and having his picture taken. Though who wouldn’t if they were Noel Fielding lookey-likey!!!???
Top image is made with Canon 1ds and 45mm T/S and bottom with Hasselblad CFV on a ‘blad 500CM with 80mm Zeiss - Any questions???

Well, happy new one folks - I am posting this rather tentatively to see if anybody reads it?!?!?

Last time I allowed comments, I was spammed outrageously, so will switch them on again and hope for the best - there appears to be no spam filtering done on W-P.

Andrew

There is something about this image that dismantles my consciousness and transports me to another world - my childhood….I could try to explain, but I think I would hear the sirens soon after….:D

Quick grab between commissioned shots at Granada TV.

Gotta love the retro decor.

I am working in tandem with designer MASCH as of now and we are looking to create a portfolio of finished pieces utilising our joint disciplines.

This is our first finished commissioned piece - it is the springboard for the school to re-brand in sections. My photography has concentrated on the individuals and their place within the team.

We haven’t yet defined ourselves as a single entity and are working on ideas for a name - any suggestions welcome!!