News / Blog - Tallpictures News

I don't want to loose your attention this early in a Blog.... but I'd like to suggest we do a few 'sums'. So get the calculator ready!

Many of you buy a few of your favourite pics from me and thanks for that :-) What you do with them isn't really my business but I would love to think they took pride of place somewhere - even if it is on the Loo wall!

My guess is that many prints end up in a draw, creased and damaged. This shouldn't really bother me.
After all I've taken your money by then ;-)

But of course if you decide that money spent on a print is money wasted..... then that is a SERIOUS problem to me. You might not buy another print - EVER!

So time to get the calculator out. What if you bought 5 x A4 sized prints at £8 each. Total = £40.
This is no problem if the pics are kept in an Album, but it's too much to chuck in a draw.

Now for my 'hard sell'. Remember I was a retailer in a previous life!

Why don't you consider having a MONTAGE custom designed. The most popular format is using 5 pictures. Have you made the link yet? What you will get is an impressive and unique picture that will deserve a place on display.... it would even brighten up the Loo if that is the only wall space available.

Out with the calculator again... an A2 sized MONTAGE will cost you just £55. That is just fifteen quid more than the prints at the bottom of the draw. BARGAIN is what I say!

Best of all is that I can supply the MONTAGE already framed CHECK THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE.
I buy the FRAMES direct from the manufacturer and pass on the LOW PRICES to encourage sales.
Add a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN FRAME to your order for JUST £35.

Christmas is coming.... I hope I have sown the seed for a few gift ideas....
CHECK OUT THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE
and
HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLE MONTAGES

My Website has suffered from the exceptional weather conditions in New York.... Small world isn't it!!!

The Main Servers for this Website are based right in the path of Hurricane Sandy. This has resulted in recurring power cuts and the drop of service. If you have attempted to view the Galleries during the last couple of days you might have found that you couldn't get a response.

I have just been informed that the services are now back to normal (perhaps still be a bit slow) but all the options, including the purchase of prints should now be working.

This is the first time my Website provider has dropped the service... and I think I will forgive them this time due to circumstances outside of their control ;-)

By the way, nice to see you back again!!! Check-out the news items below to see the latest updates.

A new option to display your pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....

I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!

However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(

The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!

After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.

I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.

Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.

There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.

The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.

The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS

I am buying the Frames directly from a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.

Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)

When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.

For more information on these and the other the products I offer click here:
VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES

What makes a great photograph?

I haven't even started this blog and I know it is a bad idea... a REALLY bad idea.
There will never be a definitive answer to the question! But this is as I see it.

Of course there are many different (and memorable) styles of photography. When you combine this with an infinite amount of photographic subjects every person will have their own idea of what makes a 'GREAT PHOTOGRAPH'.

The only thing I can offer is my own point of view, and of course this is very personal. Inevitably I am going to be influenced by the choice of subject that I like to capture.

I'll say right at the start of this ramble that, even if I was backed into a corner under threat of serious pain, I still couldn't find a single picture of my own that I would offer as 'something really special'. The bar has been set very high by the truly great photographers.

However, this doesn't prevent me - nor should it prevent any of you - from trying to record the special moments that you enjoy.

This blog was inspired after I began sorting through a few old galleries. This made me consider what makes a successful shoot, or at least a shoot that achieved the result I was hoping for.

Much of my work as a professional photographer isn't about capturing a single great shot. My assignments often cover Events, Gigs, Sports and Commercial shoots that have to be recorded over a period of time. I am expected to capture the atmosphere, the special moments, the climax. My pictures are often seen as a collection and should give the viewer a true and descriptive presentation of a performance or occasion.
The challenge is to give the viewer memorable images of an experience they had been part of, or to show another person what they have missed.

You will see that I shoot a lot of gigs. These are a good example of how I approach my work. I will try to record a Bands stage performance in such a way that flicking through a Gallery the viewer should have a better understanding of the 'essence' of a Band's act.

But as I have already said, GREAT pictures don't come along too often. In fact if you are still waiting for me to tell you what makes a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH. Sorry, I can't!
You didn't think I was that talented, did you?
If I do discover the formula for guaranteed success I will bottle it.... I'll make a fortune ;-)

What I do know is that by putting in the time and effort and by being very 'self critical', slowly it is possible to develop your skills and your eye for a good pic. I try to practice what I preach and continue in the the pursuit of that illusive GREAT PHOTOGRAPH :-)

I offer a Gallery of pictures that you might like to take a look at.... but don't expect to see any GREAT pics yet. I'm still working on that!

The Gallery features a Band that I really enjoy. Elmer Henley are energetic and good to photograph.
If you take away a 'feel' for their stage performance after scrolling quickly though the pics I will consider the job 'well done'.
Follow my lead, grab your camera and start on the path to capturing better images... maybe even a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH one day!
TAKE A LOOK, DO YOU GET A FEEL FOR THIS BANDS PERFORMANCE?

Last year saw the first Guernsey Festival. It was a great success and set the standard for this years version.
If you were one of the loyal festival goers for No.1 you will know that there was a great atmosphere in the 'big top' for the headliners and the supporting acts. The line-up ticked lots of boxes with a mix of acts to suit most tastes and a few 'hidden gems' that you would never have found if they weren't presented to you at a Festival.
This year it is more of the same - only bigger and better!
I have spent some time over the last few days on the Festival site and the new lay-out is a big improvement with everything more compact. The atmosphere will be brilliant.
I am official photographer for the Festival and will be uploading loads of pics as the event unfolds.
The amount of effort that has gone into establishing this new Festival deserves your support.... it can only get bigger and better each year.... if you buy a ticket ;-)
Go on, do it. Tickets are available on the day.
Check-out last years Galleries for a feel of this great event:
VIEW LAST YEARS GUERNSEY FESTIVAL

Forgive the cliché....... but if I didn't use this picture of fireworks it would probably have been a 'cork and champagne bottle' shot ;-)

The celebration is to mark this web site flying past 2,000,000 viewings!

May I thank the thousands of people who have spent a few moments exploring the various Galleries and pages that form this TALLPICTURES & GUERNSEYMOTORSPORT web site.
I am fortunate to have many regular viewers who often offer feed-back on my latest pics. I'm always pleased to receive comments and ideas for the next 'shoot'.
It is also nice to see from Google Analytics that about 50% of visits come from new viewers.... the word must be getting out there ;-)

This latest milestone has been passed 7 months after the viewings broke the 1 Million mark. It took almost 12 months to reach that mark so the graph is showing continued upwards progress!
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION VIEWS

So what is the next target? The obvious one is to try to reach 3,000,000 by the web site's second anniversary!
If that target is to be reached there's not going to be much time for me to do the gardening......
Don't tell the missus ;-)

Take a look at the picture Galleries here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE PICTURE GALLERIES

I'm often asked by fellow photographers and clients about the 'kit' I use.
There is no doubt that for many photographers part of the enjoyment in taking a pic is the equipment they get to use. There is also no doubt that some photogs take the choice of their kit to an extreme level! They can become unreasonable, agressive and perhaps blinded in their allegiance to a favourite manufacturer.
Right at this moment there is a (sometimes heated) debate in progress about the two leading Professional brands - Nikon & Canon. Each Company has two 'top-of-the-range' bodies already available or due shortly. The Nikon D4 & D800 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III & EOS-1DX.
I try and steer clear of this debate - I am heavily committed to the Nikon system (with a large collection of lenses, flashes etc) and don't really have a choice ;-)
  ....... but I do think that my choice of Nikon has been a good one over recent years. The D3 and D3s have been fantastic for my low light gig photography and have perhaps 'given me an edge' over the competition. Always handy, eh ;-)
The next few months will reveal if Canon have got closer in performance... the debate will continue.
  So perhaps it was inevitable (wasn't it?) that a Nikon D4 & D800 would be added to my kit! I am now in the process of getting to know them and they are VERY GOOD! I will bring a few updates on my findings during the next few weeks.
Having said all of the above, I think one of the most important pieces of kit is often overlooked by many photographers. This is their monitor. It is the interface between you and your finished work. It is where every judgement regarding colour and contast is made. However I have been amazed at some of the screens I have seen in use.
My advice to you if you are embarking on the pastime of photography is for you to allocate a decent part of your budget to a quality monitor. There are plenty of web sites offering helpful advice.
  This brings me to the real reason for this post. I have used a dual monitor set-up for many years and when one of them became difficult to calibrate I decided to buy a replacement. After looking at Eizo and NEC I decided to go with the NEC Spectraview REFERENCE 301. This is a 30" High Gamut monitor and it calibrates superbly with the X-rite i1 Display.
I am also loving the 2560 x 1600 pixels in 16:10 format which give plenty of space and an enlarged vertical compared to the more common 16:9 proportions. I highly recommend this superb monitor.
  My new desk layout is shown above... nice!
Whatever monitor you use it is normally possible to improve its colour and tone reproduction using the built-in utility or graphics card program on your system. Give it a try.
This graphic will help you judge if you have a reasonable calibration.

Today continued according to the script... with more dense fog!
One of many disrupted events this weekend was the gig featuring Jonny Lives! with The Inevitable Pinhole Burns at The Fermain Tavern.
Of course this was in my diary to photograph.
But with the cancellation I decided to put the gift of a few spare hours into a bit of Photoshop play-time.
My style of photography and development of pictures is quite restrained. I rarely follow the current trend - led by the many iPhone apps - of using filters and associated grungy treatments. Call me old fashioned if you like ;-)
The truth is that I don't often have the time to indulge.
However it is fun to occasionally add a bit more interest to an image.
The results of todays efforts have been added to the Galleries. Take a look here:
TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW MORE PHOTOSHOP POSTERS

Photo Montages continue to be popular - both as a gift or as your own unique and individual record of a seasons racing or perhaps a live performance of your band.
I received a number of requests for Montages over the Christmas period. Off course they couldn't be added to the Gallery at the time as this would have spoilt the suprises!
So I have now uploaded a few more to the Montage Gallery for you to take a look... it might even tempt you into asking for your very own version!
The way this works is that you can select your favourite pictures - either from this web site or I can meet up with you and you can select the pics from my laptop database. The second option is the recommended one as I will probably have many more pics of you than the web site can display.
Once your choice is made I go ahead and make a design. This is then e-mailed to you for comment and approval before the final print is made using Professional quality pigment inks.
Sounds easy doesn't it... why not give it a try?
VIEW THE PHOTO MONTAGE GALLERY

It is fair to say that the last month has been a bit different from normal. If you have visited this web site or read my news items on Facebook you will know that my missus has been a bit poorly... if that is what you call having open heart surgery!
But things are now looking much more positive for Carol as she takes 'time out' whilst recuperating - and enjoys being waited upon just a bit too much for my liking. Oh well, I suppose I can spoil her for a few weeks (only).
All this means that my work is now returning to normal and I am supplying orders on time again.
I am also planning the coverage that I will give to the many varied events that are planned for 2012. The new year should be one of my busiest.
May I once again thank everyone who has been kind enough to wish Carol and myself 'all the best' during her illness. The support has been wonderful.
See ya round soon I hope.
Andrew & Carol

I'm sorry but it is unlikely that I will be able to fulfill any more orders for prints, canvases, montages or digital files before Christmas.
My wife has been diagnosed with heart failure and was transported to Southampton by Air Ambulance today. I will be with her for the duration of her stay.
If you should place an order without seeing this information I will, of course, give a full refund to you.
Thanks for your understanding.
It is a shame that all this has happened in these circumstances as the trip over was quite an experience.
The Air Ambulance comes with its own Doctor and Nurse, a private plane with two pilots who really were only there to provide a personal service. No duty free's or a loo though!
The Ambulance trip was at commuter time so the Doctor decided that we would use the 'lights'.
This would definitely be the way to travel in different circumstances. I had a front seat in the ambulance as we 'blues & twos' through Southampton - at one point with a police bike escort and police cars on the main junctions holding up the traffic! Like the Queen!
As it turned out there had been what we think was a bad traffic accident on our route so we were waved though right up to the incident which had totally blocked the road. They clearly thought that we were attending that incident!
A quick U-turn later and we were making a detour.
Having seen how 'the waves part' when you have a siren and blue flashing lights I told the driver that I now know what I want for Christmas!
May I thank all of you who have already sent your 'best wishes' to Carol and me. We remain very positive that now the problem has been identified that a successful treament will be made.
Thanks again
Andrew

With Christmas just around the corner I guess you are all getting stressed - as I am - thinking about what to buy for friends and family!
I have added another Canvas Montage to the Galleries to give you an idea for a unique gift.
Why not consider having a Canvas Montage designed to give as a gift. Each Canvas is unique and can display your favourite pictures. These large Canvases are delivered 'ready to 'hang' and make a great focal point.
Please contact me by phone - 07781 144525 - or e-mail CLICK HERE TO E-MAIL and we can chat about what you would like designed.
VIEW THE SAMPLE CANVASES AND MONTAGES

I must admit that I sometimes wonder whether I'm a 'proper' photographer at all?
Saturday in Guernsey was simply glorious for the time of year. It was mild and bright and the autumn colours glowed. In fact a 'picture' awaited you around each corner.
However, with two cameras in hand and a collection of lenses 'to die for' I chose to put my time and talents towards photographing the Motocross Championship at Pleinmont - seemingly oblivious to everything around me!
In the evening did I spend time trying to capture the last dying rays of the autumn sun?
No, I was taking pics of crazy Bands in crazy outfits at the Halloween night at the Fermain Tavern!
What do we learn from this? Well I think it just goes to show what a diverse pastime photography can be.
Perhaps the only single 'linking' factor for the multitude of subjects that photographers capture is that we all aim to record a single moment in time... one that 'connects' to us as individuals.
I love my photography for this and would encourage you to dig the camera out and start taking pictures for your own pleasure. It doesn't matter what the subject is.
If others like what you 'see', then that's a bonus.
So having made this lenghty narrative I'd better show you my days work...
VIEW THE FIRST MOTOCROSS PICTURES

By a strange coincidence this new Web Site has passed two 'milestones' within a few hours of each other.

It is now ONE YEAR since I started developing a new place to display - and sell ;-) my pictures and this web site has generated quite a bit of interest since then. The new venture has been very enjoyable but has taken a huge amount of time!

The reward for me has been watching the 'web stats' climbing.
The coincidence that I mentioned above was that just as the first year passed the site hit ONE MILLION picture viewings!

WOW, I'm amazed and thank all of you who make a regular 'trip' over here.

However, I don't consider the 'job done' yet as my old web site was recording a MUCH LARGER 'hit rate'... but that had been established for several years. But I have that old target to aim for.
So what is in store for the next twelve months? I guess the answer is more of the same as it must be clear to regular visitors where my interests are.

With the anniversary I thought I would take a look at the details regarding picture views in case there was a clue to help me direct my time (and talent?!).

So, where is the interest? Is it with my well timed Motor Sport action shots? Or is it the beautifully captured Gig photography making use of superb stage lighting?

No - the most viewed picture during the last twelve months is the one displayed above... why do I bother, eh?

Well I'm certainly not one to lead by example when it comes to planning the Christmas presents... that's what the missus is for, isn't that right?
I'm 'dead meat' if she reads this, no turkey for me!
But the fact is that the festive season will soon be here. So I have added a great new design option to the Montages... and it makes a perfect gift.
The new choice is for the stunning 'POSTER MONTAGES'. These are more stylized than the standard Photo Montages and make a great 'Work of Art' for your walls. They can feature a selection of your favourite pictures and can feature Motor Sport or Band and Gig pictures.
I produce a design using selected pictures and e-mail a sample proof for your comment and confirmation.
These Poster Montages look great in the larger formats and are particulaly impressive as 'Ready to Hang' Canvases.
Prices and options can be viewed by clicking here: PRICES & OPTIONS
A Gallery of Montages can be viewed here: CHECK-OUT THE MONTAGE GALLERIES
If you would like to consider ordering a POSTER MONTAGE please don't leave it too late. Give me a call (07781 144525) or e-mail me E-MAIL ANDREW LE POIDEVIN and we can chat about your requirements.

I was pleased to be invited to take a new portfolio of promotional pics for the Jersey based Band 'Brave Yesterday' when they appeared recently at The Fermain Tavern.
In the true manner of how a Band sorts out its affairs this was all organised at the very last minute! This was no real problem as I was due to be 'up the Tav' anyway... where else on a weekend?
There was a limited amount of time available as the Band were due on stage so we improvised a couple of settings with what we had - including a very busy passage-way to the gents and ladies loos. There were many 'offers' to be in the shoot by the Tavern regulars, but we managed!
We captured a small selection of pics which have had a variety of processing styles added and are now on-line in the Brave Yesterday Gallery.
Check 'em out here:
BRAVE YESTERDAY PROMO PICS

I was pleased to be asked again to visit our sister Island to photograph the larger-than-ever Jersey Live Music Festival 2011.
This makes my fourth visit for what is an exciting but very busy weekend. Once again I was capturing the Bands and general atmosphere for the Festival organisers.
The layout was changed this year and helped to keep the Festival fresh. It was certainly well attended!
This Festival manages to 'punch above its weight' when it comes to headliners and even managed to secure The Ting Tings for their only UK Festival performance in 2011.
The new Gallery of pictures so far includes: Plan B, Madness, The Ting Tings, Feeder, The Streets, Cage the Elephant, Katy B, Amadou & Mariam, Santigold and Summer Camp.
I will add more pictures tomorrow.
To view the picture Gallery which includes many shots of the general atmosphere follow this link:
VIEW THE FIRST PICTURES OF JERSEY LIVE 2011

Many people doubted that it would ever happen but they lay silent now!
I suppose you can understand why there were sceptics that such a huge event could be bought to Guernsey, especially when it was just two brothers, Jon and Paul Stephen, who were organising it - virtually alone.
In the end they called in a good few 'favours' but I hope that those that helped at the last minute all felt that they played a small part in this ambitious project.
Myself, I was pleased to be a 'goffer' for a few days.
I also photographed the Festival and over the next few days will add picture Galleries of many Bands and the atmosphere.
First up are pictures of Primal Scream performing 'Screamadelica'.
How do you get such a big act for your first ever Festival? Only two guys know!
Big thanks to Jon and Paul. If you didn't attend... you missed a great one.
PRIMAL SCREAM HEADLINE GUERNSEY FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS

Everyone who attended the first Guernsey Festival of Performing Arts will want to thank the twin brothers who were behind the whole thing.
It was a massive commitment and a roller-coaster of emotions in the final build-up. But they produced 'the impossible'.
Be sure to thanks these guys when you see them on the street.
You can view a Gallery of pics here... updates during the next few days.
THE GUERNSEY FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS

A massive amount of organising is begining to take shape down Victoria Avenue on the Guernsey Festival of Performing Arts site.
The venue is perfect for the many attractions and Bands that are lined up to appear.
When I was on site earlier another line of heavy articulated lorries loaded with gear was squeezing though the gates.
This Elevated panoramic view shows the area which will be filled with two more 'main tents' together with bars and festival traders.
Don't leave buying the tickets until the day - there are bound to be queues.
Tickets can be purchased from Yakwax Surfshop, Red Ape Clothing, HMV &
THE GUERNSEY FESTIVAL WEB SITE