Bluebell pooch shoot

I tested my Canon 7D's autofocus today on our two crazy springers in the spring bluebell woods.

I have to say I was happier with the results of the 7D compared to my Canon 5D Mk II, but I'm not sure whether that is due to the fact that I got better at taking these action shots, or that I wasn't taking as challenging shots as last time (with the 5D Mk II).

I tried the 'leap shot' only a couple of times today as it was quite hot and Tigger was panting and looking not so enthusiastic about the idea of running back and forth jumping over a tree trunk.

The shot above is not tack sharp on the eyes and Tigger is in the shade and everything... but I think it's a fun shot, anyway.

As you can see, Tigger is constantly on the move.

Sometimes the sun is so bright you have to run with your eyes closed.

Zebedee used to be running around like a crazy thing two years ago just like Tigger now, but he is an adult now and much more sensible... after an hour walking in the sun, he started looking for a shade for a rest every now and then.

I felt a little sorry for Zebedee as I was mainly taking photos of the headless chicken (Tigger), so I thought I'd take a few more shots of Zebedee. He seemed to enjoy the attention!

Isn't he handsome? Sweet little thing. (when he's not being naughty!)

I will keep taking more action shots with both cameras to test which one's auto focus is better. Hopefully at some point I will have an opinion.

So, that's it for today... it's bye from me, and bye from Tigger's rear paws!

Local networking: Sugar Group

I went to a Sugar Group evening today held at the local boutique hotel Pelirocco. First, we were shown a couple of hotel rooms by the lovely and efficient duty manager Amy.

I wasn't prepared to take any great, well-lit hotel photos, really, so I just snapped some dark ones. ;-)

There were plenty of un-hotel-room-like beautiful details everywhere you looked.

Amy, probably thinking "don't take a photo of me"... haha, but she was caught by the wide angle of my lense.

After the hotel room round, we returned to the bar.

It was sugar group member Nikki Anderson's birthday and she had brought a cake for all of us to share!

Rather nice of her!

*Hope she didn't forget to make a wish.*

There were interesting and inspiring talks by businesswomen.

Our host Rachel Gedney.

Sugar Group founder Geri Brooks, and Jane Plouviez, drawing one of the fab prices!

Although I didn't have time to talk to all the ladies this time, I met some very interesting and inspirational people and I look forward to getting to know them better in future.

Brighton Naked Bike Ride

Some shots from today's World Naked Bike Ride in Brighton... we only went to see it briefly with Tigger in the bag. Next year I think I may go and mingle with the people - should be more fun!

Spring in Stanmer Park

Glorious weather today! I had a very enjoyable photo shoot in Shoreham at lunch time with the lovely, fascinating Ann O'Keife. In the evening I headed to Stanmer Park for a walk, just when the sun was low in the sky and cast a lovely light into the new budding leaves in the trees and shrubs.

Zebedee had the UNfortune of meeting a real bitch today... look at her: first she approached the jovial Mr. Zebedee looking perfectly friendly and normal. See? Zebedee glanced back at me as if to say "Hey, look: canines! Cool! Let's play!"

"Hi, Ms Pointer! How's it going?"

But suddenly this bitch starts to growl....

...and she lunges at Zed!

Bastard! Anyway, we left the stroppy bitches and continued our merry way exploring the woods in the springtime.

There is a certain type of tree that still has its dead leaves; there are a few of these trees here and there in the park. (Hopefully I will find out one day what type of tree this is.) This following photo looks like it could have been taken in the autumn rather than spring.

Back to buds.

When we drove back to town I noticed that the sun was just setting, so I drove to the seafront and took a few photos.

What a lovely day....! :-)

Social networking portraits

I had a photo shoot at the Brighton seafront today for natural looking, "un-posed" portraits. I think there are more and more people who would like to get a nice photo of themselves for their own web site or social networking profile, so I am expecting to do more of these kind of shoots in the near future. It's good fun, easy and relaxed to do and won't cost a lot for the "sitter".

It was my pleasure to meet Nick today. He wanted really casual photos that don't look like he is posing in any way. Here are some of the shots I took of him.












I can already see that Nick has used some of these photos on-line for his web site and social networking profiles, which makes me happy, of course!