Saturday was a BIG success for Gallery at 12! 
With more visitors than ever wishing the 17 cooperative members well on the day. Here is Councillor Peter Jones helping us start the gallery's 10th year anniversary celebrations.
If you couldn't make it on the day, I hope you come in and see us soon . . .

A great day had by all. 
Starting off with my Top 10 Tips, then onto some technical stuff and finally off into the 12 acre garden . . . 
A small select gaggle of enthusiastic garden photographers enjoyed a chilly but sunny day perfecting their image composition, along with a little exposure compensation - Whoopy-doo!!

Thanks to Margaret (a valued customer of mine) 
I decided to produce a sequel to 'Running Up That Hill'. 
Same style, same mood, only with the hill running up the other way!
I've called it 'Spellbound' and here is a taster for you.

I've been supporting Stone & Eccleshall Life magazine buy providing cover photos for the last few years now. 
I hope you've enjoyed seeing my photography each time a copy has landed at your door.
Thank you Belinda (editor) for choosing my images each time . . . long may it continue!!

Balla nailed 3rd Place in Dog Photographer of the Year.

I used to be so nervous talking to big crowds, but I guess becoming president at Stafford Photo Society has helped my confidence. 

The winning work was called 'Companions’ and can be found in my Portraits Gallery.
Other works accepted were 'Winter Solace' Staffordshire Gallery and 'Radiant Light' Lake District Gallery.

I've had all 3 submissions accepted in this year's 
3 Counties Open Photography Exhibition. 
(Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire) my image 'Silence' came 3rd!

Canon to Nikon!
It wasn't an easy decision, with a stable of Canon 'L' lenses, but just waiting for the 2015 Canon 5D MkIV wouldn't be enough. Canon seems to be putting more effort into video these days.
As a Landscape Photographer image quality is paramount, especially when printing large images for my clients.

I've just launched my new website design.It has lots of new images and a new commissions gallery. The new navigation menu will make it easier to get around.

After hours of hard work clearing down the site I was filthy and exhausted, but ready to take my camera out of the bag! I used props from all around the farm (returning them after). Another few hours spent in Photoshop and at the printer delivered the final result, but only after the 7th test print. 

Aston Marina

I am currently preparing framed photographs for display on the wall of the Marina Bistro. 
You will be able to order work from here. 

Denstone Hall Farm Shop

Emma & Rupert invited me to exhibit my work in their all new Café. I have been asked to provide additional work to what's already on show. My hand made greeting cards are also on sale in the new gift shop. You can get a great bacon butty there!

Leek 41 Club Talk

I was invited to the 'Leek 41' Club (Ex Round Table) by chairman Ian Podmore, as an after dinner speaker - showing my photography.

It took place at the Three Horseshoes Inn, just out of Leek, on the way to the Roaches. I was made very welcome by all the members . The food was great too - black pudding, one of my favourites!
Ian said "I was the best speaker they'd had all year!"

Never thought I'd see the day when I could stand up in front of a room full of strangers and give a good account of myself!!

Can't believe it, twice in one year! 

I'm a finalist in the latest Royal Photographic Society's international (members vote) competition. Theme - 'S
elf'. Hope it shows my less serious side?!

I only gained my associateship (ARPS) in March and this monthly competition was the 1st I'd entered. Probably won't happen again for years . . . 

Title 'Winter Surprise' somewhere along the Trent & Mersey Canal

Straight in at ARPS level

I gained my ARPS accreditation at Focus On Imaging at the NEC yesterday. After months of prep' and deliberation I put my reputation on the line. Very nerve-racking. 1st judge got up and said 'why do I always get the difficult ones?' Then she said 'Very Brave' - this put my right at ease!!!

Rachel at 3B's start of Lichfield Road, Stone has asked me to exhibit some of my work. It's looking a little bit more like a gallery now!Something for her customers to talk about hopefully!Local photography and watercolours on show . . .