Blog from Jo Curtis Photographer (www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk). http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/new/index.php en jo@jocurtisphotographer.co.uk Copyright 2010 2010-03-06T09:58:21+00:00 There is no better start to a Saturday morning…. (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/there_is_no_better_start_to_a_saturday_morning/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/there_is_no_better_start_to_a_saturday_morning/#When:09:58:21Z .... than a hearty breakfast at The Water's Edge Cafe at The Arches in Westcliff.  Steve and his gang down there do a fantastic job and are open throughout the winter as well, so it was great to wrap up warm and take in the views over the Estuary this morning before getting ready for a pre-wedding photoshoot at Leigh Library Gardens.  I'm also really excited about the wedding I have booked for tomorrow where my Groom is going to be arriving by helicopter.... 007 eat your heart out!!  Watch out for some photos and footage which I'll upload after the weekend.

]]> General, Venues 2010-03-06T09:58:21+00:00 Jo gets an assistant! (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/jo_gets_an_assistant/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/jo_gets_an_assistant/#When:16:01:09Z Just wanted to say a big welcome to my lovely new assistant Kate who joins the team today.  Kate's going to be helping me with my ever increasing pile of admin and with my marketing, so I'm looking forward to being super organised!

]]> General 2010-02-26T16:01:09+00:00 Freddie (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/freddie/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/freddie/#When:19:46:47Z Working on my images from yesterday's photo shoot at Thorndon Country Park. Freddie (2 years and 8 months).... you are way too cute for words! Thanks for keeping me entertained by jumping in all the muddy puddles... and well done Caroline (mum) for going with the flow, although I'm sure the washing machine went into overdrive when you got home!

]]> General 2010-02-16T19:46:47+00:00 Astrid & Marie (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/astrid_marie/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/astrid_marie/#When:12:23:54Z Girls.... as promised, here's your video.... enjoy!

]]> Flash or Video, General 2010-02-12T12:23:54+00:00 Busy week (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/busy_week/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/busy_week/#When:11:44:54Z This week's been all about networking.  Networking on Sea on Tuesday evening was a great success and one of the busiest I've ever been to with a headcount of 42.  And we had a new venue too... Avalons Cafe/Restaurant in The Broadway, Leigh on Sea where Steve and his team down there made us all very welcome with refreshments and sandwiches.  One of the people I got chatting to was Deborah from the commercial team at Essex Cricket who was telling me all about the plans for this year's Southend Cricket Festival in August so keep your eye's peeled for more information on that coming soon.

 

And on Wednesday it was the Women in Business Network monthly lunch where I gained some volunteers for my 'Calendar Girls' charity project in aid of Havens Hospices, whose fundraising team work tirelessly to raise awareness of the hospice which provides respite breaks, symptom control and end-of-life care for adults and children living with serious conditions and illnesses such as cancer.  I've been banging on about this calendar for months now and finally, now they've realised I wasn't kidding(!), it looks like we can get this off the ground.  Thanks so much girls... we are going to have a ball, I promise!

]]> General 2010-02-12T11:44:54+00:00 All the ladies… (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/all_the_ladies/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/all_the_ladies/#When:17:22:29Z Spent a couple of hours this afternoon with the lovely ladies down at White & Co Solicitors taking some photos of the team for their website.  Now what's unusual about this firm of solicitors is that, by no deliberate means, all the people who work there are female!  The office has such a relaxed and friendly feel to it, and immediately you walk into the reception area it's very welcoming with it's wooden floors and brown leather sofas.  So well done girls... I know some of you weren't looking forward to having your photos taken, but hopefully it was better than a visit to the dentist!

]]> General 2010-02-05T17:22:29+00:00 Brand matters (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/brand_matters/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/brand_matters/#When:15:17:53Z Just had a great meeting with Emily from 'iamemily' about rebranding.  Emily's worked with some big clients in the past like BT, PC World, and Daily Mail, and all it took was a cuppa and she's already come up with some fantastic ideas for me!  She's going away to have a scribble now and do her stuff so watch this space on further developments.... Thanks Em!

]]> General 2010-02-03T15:17:53+00:00 Billy Connolly says “there is no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothes”……. (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/billy_connolly_says_there_is_no_such_thing_as_bad_weather_-_only_the_wrong_/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/billy_connolly_says_there_is_no_such_thing_as_bad_weather_-_only_the_wrong_/#When:22:12:31Z I know the weather is always a big talking point in the lead up to a wedding but as it’s also something we have no control over whatsoever then we need to embrace all the elements that come our way on the big day and work with them instead of against them.  So Sara, Rob and I weren’t going to be put off by the rain today as we headed to Gosfield Hall for their pre-wedding photoshoot.  If you’ve followed my previous blogs you’ll know how much I love Gosfield Hall, so today was a perfect opportunity to enjoy both the inside and outside of the venue.  Here are some of my favourite photos from our shoot.

]]> Flash or Video, General, Venues 2010-02-02T22:12:31+00:00 Thinking Virtually (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/thinking_virtually/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/thinking_virtually/#When:12:38:33Z A big thank you to David and his team at Thinking Virtually for the enhancements to my website which were completed yesterday.  As David himself says "The devil is in the detail" and he's done a fantastic job!  You'll now find the navigation in my 'we recommend' area much easier and you can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and get RSS feeds, from the links to the right.

]]> General 2010-01-29T12:38:33+00:00 The Lawn Wedding Fair (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_lawn_wedding_fair/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_lawn_wedding_fair/#When:11:00:25Z In complete contrast to last week's wedding fair weather, the wintry sun shone down on us today at The Lawn.  The place is such a unique venue, whatever time of year, so I love visiting it and it's also a great opportunity to catch up with fellow wedding suppliers and hear what's hot and what's not in their worlds at the moment.  And there are always some new friends to make.... today I met a lovely lady called Fran who does funky things with balloons for all occasions, not just weddings.  Fran runs Balloon Wishes from her home in Hockley and is City & Guilds trained.

]]> General, Venues, Wedding Fairs 2010-01-29T11:00:25+00:00 Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) seminar (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/society_of_wedding_portrait_photographers_swpp_seminar/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/society_of_wedding_portrait_photographers_swpp_seminar/#When:18:18:19Z Just catching up with emails and phone messages after my holiday and then I'm off to the SWPP convention at The Novotel, Hammersmith.  With over 350 hours of masterclasses over 4 days it's a must for photographers who want to stay at the cutting edge of their field.  Can't wait!  Oh, and don't forget to come and see me when I get back at The Lawn Wedding Fair on Sunday 17th January - starts at 10am.

]]> General 2010-01-28T18:18:19+00:00 Lords Golf & Country Club - Wedding Fair (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/lords_golf_country_club_-_wedding_fair/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/lords_golf_country_club_-_wedding_fair/#When:18:05:26Z What a day it's been!  Having paid a fortune for the snow I've had last week, I understand you've all had yours for free!  So I wasn't really expecting the Wedding Fair at Lords Golf & Country Club to go ahead today.  But those folks at The Wedding Guide, who were organising the event, are made of strong stuff and weren't going to be put off by the carpet of snow across the county.  And just as well because from the minute the doors opened at 11am there was a steady stream of brides-and-grooms-to-be, not to mention other family members in tow.  Pat on the back for everyone please!

]]> 2010-01-28T18:05:26+00:00 Happy New Year (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/happy_new_year/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/happy_new_year/#When:18:01:07Z Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year.  I'm off skiing tomorrow so although I won't be getting to put my feet up on holiday I will get the chance to take some beautiful images of my favourite snowy scenes in The Alps.  Don't forget to come and see me at Lords Golf & Country Club Wedding Fair on Sunday 10th January - starts at 11am.

]]> General, Wedding Fairs 2010-01-28T18:01:07+00:00 One week to Christmas…. (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/one_week_to_christmas/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/one_week_to_christmas/#When:17:50:00Z .... and this week I've designed 3 wedding albums, attended a couple of business networking events, and spent a day editing photos from six makeover photography experiences in the studio.  What I haven't done is any Christmas shopping though!!  Oh dear.  Anyway, will wish you all a Merry Christmas now as I suspect the next few days will be quiet on the blog.

]]> General 2010-01-28T17:50:00+00:00 The O’Clan (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_oclan/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_oclan/#When:16:47:39Z Busy day in the studio today and if we thought we were in for a quiet afternoon we were wrong!  Bursting with energy and girlie chatter were Monique, Georgia, Elle and Rebecca who enjoyed a hair and beauty makeover and then gave me their very best Kate Moss poses for their photoshoot.  Well done girls and thanks for keeping us entertained (not to mention topped up with Quality Streets!)  Hope you enjoy the video below.

]]> Flash or Video, General 2009-12-21T16:47:39+00:00 The Kursaal function suite (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_kursaal_function_suite/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_kursaal_function_suite/#When:16:45:18Z Met Catherine and Matt Chambers, who run the Kursaal function suite, to talk about their wedding packages. I hadn't set foot inside the place for years and that was only in the downstairs area, so I was quite taken aback to see the splendid facilities they have available upstairs for weddings, events, business meetings and entertainment. The Kursaal is a fully licensed and approved venue for marriage and civil partnerships and Catherine and Matt showed me the two rooms they have available for their ceremonies, as well as the 200 people capacity function suite. So if you're looking for a wedding venue with some local history this could be the place for you. Originally opened in 1901, the Kursaal became famous for its shows, attractions and amusements and during the1950's/1960's it enjoyed it's heyday. Now we can all enjoy the building again following it's renovation and restoration at the turn of the 21st century and it still retains some of the original features, such as the glass ceiling in the function suite.

]]> General 2009-12-21T16:45:18+00:00 Longpier.com (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/longpier.com/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/longpier.com/#When:12:38:50Z Met James Harrod from Longpier.com over a drink in Leigh. James runs the local website for Southend and surrounding areas which is heavily geared towards local news, sport and features. He's also building a great reputation by fostering partnerships with local businesses, so it was really good to chat to someone who is passionate about the area and hear about all his ideas to help promote businesses in these difficult times. He's impressively put in a lot of time and effort into building this website and posts updates and features daily, in spite of having a full-time job working for the BBC. You can read the article he wrote about me by clicking the link above (as well as checking out the photograph he took of me on the night... oh dear! Well done James...not an easy subject...)

]]> General 2009-11-26T12:38:50+00:00 Alesha Dixon, Cliffs Pavilion (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/alesha_dixon_cliffs_pavilion/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/alesha_dixon_cliffs_pavilion/#When:08:04:06Z That girl does sequinned hotpants extremely well! A great show and some very heartfelt messages of thanks from Alesha to her fans - and even her mum was in the audience cheering her on. Couldn't get close enough to the stage to take any photos unfortunately but enjoyed the gig tremendously (even though I felt ancient compared to the average age group of the audience of about 12 years old!)

]]> General 2009-11-12T08:04:06+00:00 An evening with The Jons (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/an_evening_with_the_jons/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/an_evening_with_the_jons/#When:09:41:45Z Well they did it. After a Halloween Night final The Jons took the Battle of the Bands 2009 title dream away from a disappointed Lazarus Rose, Vacant Touch and The Peppermint Apes. So last night I met up with the boys along with Adam and Tracy from Brera who are going to providing some valuable PR and marketing support, and Angela Poplett, who is going to be working on the boys' images with them. It was good to sit and have a few drinks with Tom, Jack, Ollie, Neil and Sam and hear all the great ideas have for the future of the band. And if the ideas we bounced around are anything to go by the photoshoot is going to be very interesting indeed. Keep watching this space for the images......

]]> General 2009-11-10T09:41:45+00:00 Battle of The Bands (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/battle_of_the_bands/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/battle_of_the_bands/#When:15:01:06Z Where did that year go?? Doesn't seem like 5 mins since last year's Southend Radio Battle of the Bands and here we are again. And this time, as well as being part of the winners' prize giveaway, I was asked to judge in the first semi-final heat. So along with friends, family and fans of Vacant Touch, Mike Summers, The Jons and Crash Mansion, we braved the cold of Southend seafront yesterday evening to decide on the two bands to make it through to the finals on 31st October. Wow, what a tough call that was as all of the acts were hugely talented (and rather impressively ALL local boys), but Vacant Touch and The Jons made it through so congratulations to them and good luck for the finals boys

]]> General 2009-11-03T15:01:06+00:00 A rare Saturday off… (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/a_rare_saturday_off/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/a_rare_saturday_off/#When:14:23:06Z .... on a beautiful mild and sunny October day. So just perfect for an inpromptu trip on The Waverley Paddle Steamer, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. And you don't even have to travel miles to enjoy this experience as some of the excursions run from Southend Pier. A major restoration project in 2003, sponsored by various funding grants, saw The Waverley returned to the original 1940s style with which she was built. So it was a fantastic opportunity for me to capture some images of this amazing piece of history, as well as the sites along the coastal route to London. A particular photographic highlight for me was sailing through a lifted Tower Bridge and travelling underneath the Dartford Crossing (instead of queueing ON it!)

]]> General 2009-11-03T14:23:06+00:00 Jumping Beans Playgroup (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/jumping_beans_playgroup/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/jumping_beans_playgroup/#When:14:00:06Z For three days this week my photography studio has been temporarily relocated to Jumping Beans Playgroup based at The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh. I love this photoshoot and it's great to catch up with the children I've photographed previously, any brothers and sisters they may have had since my last visit and of course the new little beans to the playgroup. The three days always fly by with nursery rhyme sing-a-longs and games of peek-a-boo to tempt even the most camera shy children into a cute little pose for mums, dads and grandparents.

]]> General 2009-11-03T14:00:06+00:00 Elise & Thomas’ wedding (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/elise_thomas_wedding/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/elise_thomas_wedding/#When:10:19:06Z Last Friday was another beautiful day... the Met Office's prediction of a barbeque summer has been surprisingly accurate and once again the sun shone. And with Braxted Park's autumn leaves changing colour the setting for Elise and Tom's wedding was just perfect. After many months of planning a wedding I know how difficult it can be for couples to relax and enjoy the day... but that's exactly what Elise and Tom did and I don't think they stopped smiling all day! Their toastmaster Ted Prior was on hand to make sure the formalities of the day were taken care of, whilst keeping their glasses charged in between photos... I could do with a Ted at every wedding!!

]]> General 2009-10-01T10:19:06+00:00 My week…. (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/my_week/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/my_week/#When:08:33:06Z Eight days.... five fantastic weddings.... two beautiful churches.... five glorious venues.... hundreds of images..... two sore feet!

]]> General 2009-09-13T08:33:06+00:00 Kirsten & Mike’s wedding (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/kirsten_mikes_wedding/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/kirsten_mikes_wedding/#When:07:48:25Z With midweek weddings on the increase it's not unusual now to find myself at a stunning venue in the week instead of the studio, and last Thursday's excursion was to Braxted Park in Witham for Kirsten and Mike's wedding. And what a fantastic turn out there was for the occasion, with guests arriving from across the world to share their special day (no matter what day of the week it was!!) and soak up the early September sunshine.

I never cease to be amazed at the attention to detail Braxted put into their weddings and Lorraine, who heads up the team there works tirelessly to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day. She's also a marvel at conjuring up the likes of emergency hair grips and curling tongs for those last minute bridal hiccups, as well as fixing the odd buttonhole flower which has been nervously broken by the groom!

]]> General 2009-09-13T07:48:25+00:00 Lucy’s studio photoshoot (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/lucys_studio_photoshoot/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/lucys_studio_photoshoot/#When:16:36:55Z Tuesday this week was Lucy's makeover photoshoot and she really made the most of it with three wardrobe changes and some killer platform shoes.... check them out.... not for the vertigo sufferers amongst you!! And we even managed to drag John in for some photos too.... well done John

]]> Flash or Video, General 2009-08-28T16:36:55+00:00 Cerena & Dennis’ wedding (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/cerena_dennis_wedding/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/cerena_dennis_wedding/#When:13:10:45Z After the deluge we had on Saturday I wasn't holding out much hope for dry wedding day weather for my bride and groom on Sunday. But as we all know this is England and we should be used to expecting the unexpected as far as the weather is concerned. So Cerena and Dennis woke up to a beautiful sunny day and a stunning venue to show it all off with. Gosfield Hall is one of my favourite wedding venues and is steeped in history. Not only does it have grandeur and elegance both inside and out but the staff there are always friendly, welcoming and reassuring - which always helps when you're suffering a little with those pre-wedding nerves. Cerena, on the other hand, had no such problems. I've rarely seen a more chilled out bride - and she was completely unfazed by the events of the day, including a couple of wardrobe malfunctions and a race against the clock to make it down the aisle in time! Kept us all on our toes that did! Here are some of my favourite photos from the day:

]]> Flash or Video, General 2009-08-06T13:10:45+00:00 Phoenix Hospital Spring Makeover Event winner (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/phoenix_hospital_spring_makeover_event_winner/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/phoenix_hospital_spring_makeover_event_winner/#When:06:17:25Z I met an absolutely lovely lady, Phyllis, today who had won the Phoenix Hospital Spring Makeover prize back in February. Anyone attending the event was automatically entered into the prize draw and Phyllis was absolutely thrilled to come away with the top prize. This included a laser skin rejuvenation package, image consultation, hair cut and restyle, and a make-up consultation and treatment. And to capture how fantastic she looked after all the attention and pampering she'd received she came to see me in the studio for a makeover photoshoot. We had lots of fun trying out different poses and Phyllis was a natural! The Phoenix Hospital Summer Makeover Event takes place on Tuesday 28th July - admission is by reservation only so click here to book your place.

]]> General 2009-07-10T06:17:25+00:00 Southend Radio - Kiss the Bride competition (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/southend_radio_-_kiss_the_bride_competition/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/southend_radio_-_kiss_the_bride_competition/#When:07:47:25Z Doesn't sound too difficult does it? But for four hours?? Well that's exactly what Toni & Luke did when they entered the Southend Radio and Cliffs Pavilion competition for the chance to win a wedding earlier this year. A panel of judges whittled down the competition entrants to ten couples who went forward to a public vote, and the resulting five couples with the most votes took their place in the final on 15th March at the Cliffs Pavilion Wedding Fair. With such a great prize on offer no-one was prepared to give in easily and all five couples stayed firmly glued to each other for an incredible four hours! And with numb lips all round the only way to decide the winner was a nail biting 'Mr & Mrs' style quiz round which Toni and Luke stormed their way through.

It was good to see them again this week and catch up with all that's been happening since the competition. It's now less than two months to go until the big day and the wedding plans are coming together nicely. With such a stunning cliff top setting we're looking forward to getting some great photographs on the day and with Luke taking charge of the Halo 3 themed top table (Xbox fans amongst you will get that!) there are going to be some interesting wedding album images.

]]> General 2009-07-04T07:47:25+00:00 The Genuine Wood Company (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_genuine_wood_company/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/the_genuine_wood_company/#When:10:48:25Z As a photographer the last thing you want the subject of your photoshoot to be is wooden. Unless, it's wood of course. I met Monica from The Genuine Wood Company at a Women in Business Network meeting a month or so ago and I was fascinated to hear all about her product - she imports seasoned hardwood from Namibia in Africa for use in wood log burners and fireplaces, cooking on barbecues and fire pits, and wood carving. Monica is going to be updating her website images shortly to capture in more detail the quality of the wood so I visited her in Rochford, armed with my camera, and was able to see (and feel) for myself how this very dense wood with zero percent moisture content lights a mean fire!

]]> General 2009-06-18T10:48:25+00:00 Kenneth Linge Seminar (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/kenneth_linge_seminar/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/kenneth_linge_seminar/#When:13:23:25Z I had high expectations of this one-day seminar with renowned international photographer Kenneth Linge and not for one second during the day was I disappointed. Kenneth's photographic accolades are too numerous to mention, but when he moved to the United States in 2000 he left Norway as the 90's most award-winning photographer in Scandinavia. So to have the opportunity of a hands-on full educational with him was fantastic - he is such an inspirational, charismatic and down-to-earth guy! One of Kenneth's mantras is "if you think you know it all you know nothing" and that really struck a chord with me. It's so important as a photographer to keep pushing the boundaries and innovating - I picked up a few little gems from Kenneth which I'll be trying out on my clients in future photoshoots so watch this space....

]]> General 2009-06-04T13:23:25+00:00 Alex & George (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/alex_george/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/alex_george/#When:11:02:06Z People say ‘never work with small children or animals’… but where’s the fun in that??  And judging by the smiles from these two little fellas you can see how much fun we had doing their location photoshoot.  A studio can be a very scary place for young children (as well as some adults!) so that's why I try and book photography sessions for children outdoors as much as possible, in parks, on the beach, in your garden… you name it.  That way I can capture them as they play naturally and parents and grandparents get some beautiful photos of their little ones with the minimum of fuss.  Simple isn’t it?

]]> Flash or Video, General 2009-05-29T11:02:06+00:00 Soliss - new website (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/soliss_-_new_website/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/soliss_-_new_website/#When:08:36:55Z Spent some more time with the boys from Soliss to get some up close and personal images for their new website.   They were down at Chinnerys in Southend so the added bonus for me was that I got to hear them rehearsing a couple of their new songs while the photoshoot was going on - good stuff lads!   Can't wait for the CD.  You can listen to one of their current crowd pleasers here (whilst taking in the view) and for details on forthcoming gigs check out their new website www.soliss.co.uk.

]]> Flash or Video, General 2009-05-19T08:36:55+00:00 Ladies Burlesque Night (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/ladies_burlesque_night/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/ladies_burlesque_night/#When:13:35:25Z Well, I could have danced all night (my feet had different ideas though) at last night's Ladies Burlesque fundraising evening (for Bonnie) which was put together by Shambhala Yoga Studios and hosted at Tiffins Restaurant in Southend. A gathering of over 100 women, looking glamorous and resplendent in pink feather boas, were entertained with a Burlesque dancing lesson, hot curry buffet and dancing until late. Helen, our Burlesque instructor, then showed us how it was really done - something the young barmen and waitors at Tiffins no doubt found hugely entertaining, if the jaw popping stares were anything to go by! I'm guessing the rotating tassles were the icing on the cake!! A hugely successful and fun night - well done to Shambhala and Tiffins for all their hard work. For further information on Helen's Burlesque dancing classes you can reach her on 07967 204392.

]]> General 2009-05-08T13:35:25+00:00 Victoria & Ashley - pre-wedding location photoshoot (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/victoria_ashley_-_pre-wedding_location_photoshoot/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/victoria_ashley_-_pre-wedding_location_photoshoot/#When:06:58:25Z Saturday's sunshine was just perfect for Victoria and Ashley's pre-wedding location photoshoot at Springfield Marquee and what a hidden gem that place turned out to be. Tucked away in Thorpe-Le-Soken, this family run venue boasts beautiful gardens and complete privacy. I always like to take my couples to the wedding venue before the big day so we can walk around together and practice a few poses - it helps them to alleviate any pre-wedding photography nerves and gives us the chance to get to know each other.

]]> General 2009-05-05T06:58:25+00:00 Soliss gig at The Barfly, Camden (from Jo Curtis Photographer) http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/soliss_gig_at_the_barfly_camden/ http://www.jocurtisphotographer.co.uk/index.php/blog/soliss_gig_at_the_barfly_camden/#When:14:57:34Z I first met Soliss back in February when I did some promotional photography for them and what a lovely bunch of guys they are. For those of you who haven't heard of them, they came runner up in Southend Radio's 'Battle of The Bands' last summer and have since been storming the music scene up and down the country as well as on their home turf, Southend. I've seen them playing live a couple of times now, including the gig at the Barfly in Camden on Wednesday and they rock!

]]> General 2009-05-01T14:57:34+00:00