News - News

The cycle time trials came past my door today, so I popped out to take some shots. I had a play around with a technique called panning (where you move the camera, following a fast moving subject). The effect is that you blur the background and it helps give the sense of movement. The photo of our bronze medal winner Froome was just taken with a fast shutter speed to freeze him in action.

So here they are, the London 2012 Mens Cycle Time Trial winners: Wiggins, Martin and Froome:

In addition to my monthly Photo Walks, I am offering an evening at Ham Polo Club, photographing Practise Matches (known as Chukkas) on Thursday 10th May, 17:30-20:00.

The cost is £40 per person and includes:
- An explanation of Exposure in simple terms (Shutter Speeds, Apertures and ISO settings)
- Advice on camera settings
- A prime viewing position on the terrace next to the pitch
- A post-shoot review and appraisal of your photographs

1 PLACE LEFT.
Equipment required: SLR or Bridge Camera and a zoom lens. Please get in touch with me to find out whether your equipment is suitable for this event.

Note that you have come across an old page containing the 2012 Photo Walk Schedule. For the 2013 Photo Walk Schedule, take a look here.

What is a Photo Walk?
A Photo Walk is a guided walk for a group of people who like taking photos or who want to learn more and practice their skills in an informal environment. It's also quite enjoyable for people who like walking, chatting and meeting new people.

It’s not a formal training course, but attendees can pick my brains as we walk (and share ideas with each other too). The aim is to have a bit of fun, take some photos, learn something new and meet some new people. A maximum of 8 people attend each walk, making it a small enough group for us to focus and for me to have some 1-2-1 time with each attendee.

Each walk has a different topic and route, so it's something that you can attend just once or every month if you like.

If you would like to join one of my monthly Photo Walks, please get in touch to book your space on 07909 177 049 or email info@victoriab.co.uk.

Note that you have come across an old page containing the 2012 Schedule. For the 2013 Photo Walk Schedule, take a look here.

Schedule 2012
Tues 27th March, 8:00-9:30. Flowers, plants and nature (Esher Woods) - FULLY BOOKED
Fri 20th April, 10:00-11:30. Water and slow shutter speeds (Virginia Water) - FULLY BOOKED
Tues 22nd May, 19:30-21:00. Sunset (Kingston area, TBC) - FULLY BOOKED
Tues 19th June, - FULLY BOOKED
Further sessions from Aug-Dec will be planned later in the year.

If these dates do not suit you, please get in touch about arranging another date with me. I'm happy to add dates to the diary, provided you can get a group of 8 people together. If you have specific locations and walks in mind, please call to discuss.

In order for frames to be guaranteed for delivery before christmas, orders and full payment must be received by end of Wednesday 7th December. Later orders may be possible, but will incur courier charges.

Orders for digital images will be processed up until 22nd December. If you require your CD before christmas, please order by Monday 19th December. Otherwise, lower resolution images will be emailed, provided payment is received by the 22nd December.

Gift Vouchers can be ordered up until 22nd December. In order to ensure a physical voucher can be posted to you, please order by 19th December. After this date, Gift Vouchers may be emailed to you, though full payment is required in advance.

The Keepsake Accordion is a handbag/pocket-sized keepsake that makes an ideal gift for family and friends. The Accordion can feature 6-12 of your favourite images (depending on layout of your chosen images) and measures 3x4inches (about 8x10cm).



This is available to customers who have purchased their images on a CD.

What is a Photo Walk?
A Photo Walk is a guided walk for a group of people who like taking photos or who want to learn more and practice their skills in an informal environment. It's also quite enjoyable for people who like walking, chatting and meeting new people.

It’s not a training course, but attendees can pick my brains as we walk (and share ideas with each other too). The aim is to have a bit of fun, take some photos, learn something new and meet some new people. A maximum of 10 people attend each walk, making it a small enough group for us to focus.

Each walk has a different topic and route, so it's something that you can attend just once or every month if you like.

If you would like to join one of my monthly Photo Walks, please get in touch to book your space on 07909 177 049 or email info@victoriab.co.uk.

The cost is £10 per person, payable in advance.

2011 Schedule
Mon 4th April, 8-10am. Topic: Spring in Kingston - held
Wed 4th May, 7:30-9:30am Topic: Deer - held
Tues 7th June, 8-10am. Topic: Architecture - held
Tues 23rd Aug, 8-10am. Topic: Boats, Water & Shutter Speeds - Teddington - cancelled
Weds 14th Sept, 8-10am. Topic: Urban Environment, Kingston - held
Mon 10th Oct, 8-10am. Topic: Deer & Nature - held
Weds 23rd Nov, 18:30-20:30. Topic: Night Photography, Kingston - 3 spaces left

If these dates do not suit you, please get in touch about arranging another date with me. I'm happy to add dates to the diary, provided you can get a group of at least 8 people together. If you have specific locations and walks in mind, please call to discuss.

I took a few pics at Kingston Carnival today. So many lovely, colorful costumes!

I advise booking a month in advance if possible, though slots are sometimes available at short notice, so please just give me a call if you are in doubt (or to be added to the wait list, as cancellations do happen).

July availability is now limited to Thursday 28th July.
Weekend slots are available from Sat 13th August.

This morning's photowalk was focused on Architecture. We were looking at perspective and composition in particular, experimenting with angles. Here are a couple of photographs from this morning. The weather was perfect.



If you would like to attend a photowalk, please get in touch.

I photographed a 40th birthday party on Sunday in Isleworth with a very pretty pink and black theme.
Here's a sneak preview:

A few photos from this mornings photo walk. The weather was lovely again and I'm now taking bookings for the next photo walk on June 7th.

You can find out more here: http://www.victoriab.co.uk/news38932.html

I received lots of wonderful feedback during 2010, but for me, one of the biggest compliments is when my existing customers book me again for another photo shoot. I worked with a couple of families more than once last year and I'm already looking forward to seeing some of my customers again in the next few months, including one little baby in Weybridge who will be a couple of months older....

"I really wanted a photo of my son and nephew as a Christmas present for my mum. Considering my son is only 4 months old and my nephew is a very energetic 2.5 years, I thought it may be tricky. But Vicky was so calm, and great with the kids. She really put everyone at ease. The photos were amazing, so the hardest part was choosing which ones to have. I would highly recommend Vicky and am already planning our next photoshoot!"

Many of my customers decide to buy the digital images, particularly at this time of the year, as this allows them to print and frame for family christmas presents.

For those purchasing the whole shoot on a CD, priced at £495, there is £100 towards any products. Though I can't guarantee delivery before christmas on orders made after 8th December, I am working on orders this week that will almost certainly be with my customers before christmas.

Lots of parts of Surrey have been snowed in, but as yet, I have not had to cancel any shoots. Kingston, where I am based, has been OK so far and the major roads haven't beeen a problem for me. So, I am still getting out to photograph people and to deliver products. I will of course be in touch with customers if the situation does get worse and I can rely on the train for those natural light shoots if I need to (and they are working!) In fact, this is a good time for outdoor shoots with toddlers. Wrap up warm and we can have some fun!

I'm fully booked this week and working hard to get all of my customers photos ready for christmas. We are now approaching the deadline for guaranteed pre-christmas delivery of frames and products, but if you would like photos before christmas, there is still the option of digital images.

Most of my customers choose to buy some or all of their photos on a CD, and provided orders are placed and paid for by the 22nd Dec, I can guarantee christmas delivery, as I will deliver to your door.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss the options.

With November weekends now almost fully booked, there is limited time to get booked in for a pre-christmas photo shoot if you are hoping to have framed products back in time for christmas. My last guaranteed order is 1st December but I will be working with my suppliers closely to try to get as many orders ready as possible.

Please give me a call to talk about dates and bear in mind that I am more flexible mid-week, when 1 weeks notice is usually enough.

I am currently taking bookings for pre-christmas photo shoots. While it is still only October, many of my customers are planning ahead, wanting to surprise their family with photos as presents. Weekend slots are already in short supply, but I still have some slots left in November. All orders placed before 1st December will be delivered before christmas. I will be working hard to fulfill as many orders made after that date as possible, but to avoid disappoint, book your photo shoot now. If you are available for a photo shoot mid-week, I am currently filling up dates in the first two weeks of November.

Do you need a professional photograph of yourself to promote your business, use on social media profiles, your website or printed materials?



By booking your slot now, you can take advantage of this special offer and update your profile with a professional image for just £40. The event will take place in Kingston Upon Thames on Monday 13th September. There are no hidden charges and space is limited. Get in touch if you would like to know more or to book your place.

Take a look at my online wedding brochure for more information about packages and prices. Give me a call if you would like to chat or have specific requests that you would like to discuss.

Click here to view the online Wedding Photography Brochure.

A new YouTube video is now online containing a sample of photos from a wedding in Sussex in June.

Click here to view.