Along with my Chef friend Alex I have been working toward putting a cookbook together. I am interested in shooting more food photography and Alex being such a larger than life character I thought who better to work with. Having got to the folks house for Christmas on Thursday I was away first thing on Friday to Bury St Edmunds to see Alex. I just wanted to get a few background shots in the bag of Al doing his kitchen shuffle, a quick hour shooting him during a busy lunchtime service has got the ball rolling, sadly I didn't have more time but will be back for longer in January.

On the way back from Bury I saw his wonderful piece of grafitti and couldn't resist getting ankle deep in a muddy field to make a photograph. Using the big stopper nd filter to great effect, bluring the cloud movement over a 3 minute exposure I may hae the cover shot, I'll have o see what Al thinks but knowing him, he'll love it...

For us Christmas begins today starting with a ride in the rain to our friend Hannah's where I brilliantly left my bag containing Dad and Camille's presents..... Doh!
As ever though I have been fairly busy during the start of the week, on top of having some interesting and promising conversations, which I look forward to continuing in the new year I feel that I have perfected a new lighting technique I have been trying out. Very kindly I was leant some jewellery to practise with, the results of some of the pieces are below, if you like the jewellery then go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beaniki/154442651288365?fref=ts to see more and make your orders. If you have product you want shooting and like the style I am using then you know to drop me a line 0044 (0) 7957388248....

Right time to jump on my bike and buzz over to Southfields and collect my bag (shame it is pooring down) then pack my bags and off we go across town and to the Midlands. I have my list of shots to make whilst there so don't worry there will be postings over Christmas...

As promised here are some of the shots I made at Scoverston Fort....

See you soon....

Coming back from a long weekend visiting an old friend and fellow photographer over in Fishguard, I was welcomed by a freezing fog on the platform. I watched the train head of into the misty gloom and was very glad to walk through the door of a warm house to be greeted by my wife.

I got back on the case today contacting some interior designers, with whom I had positive conversations and am looking forward to catching up with them in the new year. If any of you know any interior designers please send them my way, I am looking to build my portfolio in that area so deals can be done and agreements made.

I wasn't sitting on my bum doing nothing while out in Pembrokeshire, Ed and I had a couple of adventures. The first was to Abereddi, where the recent Red Bull cliff diving event was held. The sun was out and although a little windy it was a lovely place to visit, I could have happily pottered around the cliffs for hours....

Having recently invested in a big stopper 10 stop nd filter I was itching to use it and can't wait for a good day to get some buildings and fast moving clouds, hopefully not long until the opportunity presents itself for that.

Continuing my new found interest in venturing into derelict places, I had done a bit of research and found Scoverston Fort. We went there and after walking around the lip of an overgrown abyss having failed to see the path in where we had started (believe me this place is thick with brambles and matted growth). We finally made our way to the rusty gate, through this and into a long tunnel through witch we found what remains of the fort. I have some pictures and will post soon, you'll just have to wait a day or so for the rest of the tale.

It has been a long time coming but I have started a bit of a new hobby. Urban exploration, all a nit hush hush and that as it involves sneaking around empty buildings. Here's an example of the first adventure...

I guess it is in-keeping with my move into Architectural photography and also lets me have fun with my 24mm pc-e tilt and shift.... 

For sometime now, in-fact ever since studying photography at college I have been drawn toward architecture and architectural photography. I still have a passion for portraiture, I think my fascination with people, humanity and character will never wane. 

Architecture effects us all, with this in mind I believe that it is natural for me to move toward photographing it. All around us is a history of social growth, aspiration, taste and design. As with portraiture I endeavour to capture the personality of my subject, I can translate this approach directly to architecture. Whether it be the architect who designed the building/structure or the additions made by those who have lived in it.

Here are a couple of examples, I hope there will be plenty more to come.....

So to all you architects and interior designers out there, if you need your projects photographing (big or small) get in touch......

  

I've been away for a while from my blog, sorry got a bit busy. I am back now and other than shooting for Study Groups Sussex graduation Mr's L and I went off to my folks for the weekend. I took the oportunity to make a portrait of Winni.....

 and also use the light painting technique on an E-Type Jaguar.....

Don't forget, if you need a good photographer, or know someone who does get in touch....

I have been back in the UK for 10 days or so and in that time I have not been sitting around. Tonight I have a shoot for Study Group in Brighton covering the graduation ceremony for their students, should be fun.

I have also been shooting some pieces in the studio with Amee, here are a couple of the shots from that....

There are plenty more to work through so I best get cracking......

I have to get back into work mode...haha. It is a bit difficult when I have all these beautiful photographs I shot in Myanmar. This fantastic Super Golden 5 Star Construction is something I can look at over and over.

This Grocer had some wonderful fruits for sale all beautifully presented and no doubt delicious...

This is the view that greeted me every morning, the stunning Inya Lake...

Everywhere you go there are interesting faces, I wish I could have sat and spoken with this Locksmith, I bet he has seen so much in his time....

This mother and her daughter are wearing Thanaka. Thanaka is a root which they grind and claim it cures most ills, it also protects from the sun and keeps your skin in great condition...

This red bus (local buses made from pick up trucks) driver wears a Buddhist t'shirt. To us in the west this symbol holds dark connotations. I think it is time it became associated with Buddhism where it belongs....  

Visiting the Schwedagon Pagoda is a must see when in Yangon. Brilliantly lit at night it's grounds are filled with temples and shrines of all sizes, no shoes allowed and the monks are only to happy to talk...

I am gradually working through the shots from my trip. As usual I am doing the commercial pieces....

...and then treating myself to some personal work at the end of the day. 

I am very proud of the shots I have collected and feel ready to put a show on if I can find the space. Time to get on to the galleries I think...

I am back in the UK and missing Asia greatly. I definitely found myself charmed by Yangon far more than Bangkok. I think the amount of tourists Bangkok sees has created parts of the city that are almost theme parks. Doing anything on the usual tourist trail in Bangkok inevitably forces you into a world of tacky trinkets and guilt led purchases of beer for you boat captain (who I suspected returned the beer immediately and unsubtly to the vendour!). Still everyone needs to make a living I guess and how can we begrudge £2 pounds.

We are already planning our next possible trip, this time we could be heading to Vietnam after another trip to Yangon and maybe a bit more of Myanmar. Enjoy this photograph, there will be more to come....

I am a bit sad that we are leaving Myanmar later today. I would like to see more of the country. The people are friendly and accommodating. As a photographer with my cameras on the street I felt very safe. If you venture off the main streets and into the back lanes people will come and look at you. They are curious and interested, I felt no threat or malice from these generous warm hearted and beautiful people. 

Yesterday it was wonderful to wander around with our great friend Matt Yoxall, I hadn't seen him for many years. Finding ourselves in the same city at the same time so far away from where we grew up was amazing. I truly hope it is not such along time until we can hang out and shoot the breeze again. 20 years ago if I had been told that Matt and I would be playing pool at The Strand in Yangon I would have laughed but there we were as if it were the most natural thing in the world. So thank you Matt it was great to see you.

Tomorrow I will wake up in Bangkok and get to wander the streets there. So I guess for now it's farewell Yangon and Myanmar, good luck with your transition and I hope you don't loose all your innocence and charm to the western way. Jayzu tin ba dare, ta ta.

I have arrived in Myanmar. It looks beautiful, really green and with a good atmosphere. Looking forward to getting out onto the streets and seeing what is around.

How excited am I?

Very bloody excited. This evening Mrs L and I are flying to Thailand, then on to Myanmar. We will be there for 4 days and the back to Bangkok for 7 days. I can't wait to hit the streets and see what I can find to photograph and the adventure ahead.

To make things even better a good friend whom I haven't seen for many a moon is also in Yangon. I am sure we will be drinking to old times and new.

Just so I don't forget good old British cuisine here is my reminder.....

Bon Voyage, I'll be back soon with lots of fresh and sexy Street Photographs....

The Model did turn up and what a good job she did. Thank you Fifi.....

The marketing campaign continues, spread the work ok.

I shot a couple of still lifes on Friday and am off to concentrate on the Architectural side of things on Monday (tomorrow).

Just a few days now until I am off on a little jet around the world for a few days. I will post the travel shots on here and hope to have a jolly good explore, fingers crossed I won't get into too much trouble.

Today I have entered several competitions so please go and vote for me on the following links....

http://www.professionalphotographer.co.uk/portfolio/large-version?galleryimageid=62433

http://www.professionalphotographer.co.uk/portfolio/large-version?galleryimageid=62432

http://www.professionalphotographer.co.uk/portfolio/large-version?galleryimageid=62431

http://www.professionalphotographer.co.uk/portfolio/large-version?galleryimageid=62430

http://www.professionalphotographer.co.uk/portfolio/large-version?galleryimageid=62429

Don't be shy, spare me a few minutes to vote....

Thank you all.

So here I am freelance and waiting for a model to arrive, at least she has let me know she is running late.

I had to rush of yesterday and get my passport sorted out in double quick time as we may have a trip to Asia coming at the end of the month (very excited about that). 4 hours and £128 later i have the passport, the picture is a marked improvement on the one I have suffered with over the last 10 years so that's a bonus too.

What did I do while hanging around for 4 hours?

I went to check out some galleries. First up Tate Britain and the Turner prize short list for 2012...

Well as ever it is an eclectic collection and created mixed emotions (which is better than no emotions as it is supposed to be art). Reading the comments board at the end was curious, mostly negative, some just irrelevant, and the odd oddity which made me chuckle. "Wu Tang Clan" I think was the clincher for me, pinned right at the top of the board..hahaha.  The populous vote was for Paul Nobel's work, this may be because it is the most accessible.

I then wandered up to The Portrait Gallery. I tend to walk most places once in London as I don't feel you see anything in the Underground and buses are too slow. Walking past Victoria palace Gardens I heard singing and discovered Paloma Faith was in the park.

Continuing on through Parliament Square and up toward Trafalgar Square I spotted a very interesting character and just had to get his portrait......

Well the Model is here, I hope you enjoy this dude, he was very cool.....

Wow, very busy week and only set to get busier. The 5th is fast approaching and my launch into the full time world of freelance photography. My marketing campaign has to begin with gusto, I have some solid contacts to approach so fingers crossed, hard work and focus will bring success.

It is scary but I am very excited at the same time. Any help you want to offer feel free to get in touch and don't forget if you need a photographer I am your man.

So here is a little something I have been shooting on a commercial basis, thank you to my main man, top graphics guy and brilliant artist Stu Ross of We Love Visual...

I am completely buzzing off working with a great team yesterday at the Barbican. Our model Amee was a trooper and absolutely charming in every respect. Michi our great make up artist worked magic with the brushes. I cannot wait to start the post production, not something you hear me say very often!

Things have been very busy.....I am now a registered business, Duncan Longden Photography Ltd, very exciting and also a little scary ;-/

I was in Oxford at the weekend shooting some lifestyle commercial shots which I am sure will pop up on here at some point. I shot another set for the "Violence and Consumerism" piece with Marie Wilson modelling, she did a great job. This one is entitled "Conform"......

So the Olympic & Paralympic summer is over and we have to get back to normal. It was a great celebration and although I was a real nay sayer before it started it didn't take long for me to get swept up in all the excitement, here is "Remembering the Olympics".....

...Well back to the grind stone and all that, have to turn some shot around and get them out before the next wave of shoots comes in, oh and we are painting the house this weekend!

What a busy weekend. I spent all day Saturday in front of my pc getting portraits turned around for my new website. I hope to launch it by the weekend, it didn't help that I decided to do a load of extra post production but it has made them more striking so well worth it.

Today (Sunday) I took myself off to Chelsea Legends motors show at The Royal Hospital. I landed a media pass, there was a fantastic turn out of cars from the very latest Bugatti to vintage Bentley's and everything in between, including to my delight a mint Ford Capri in white with a black vinyl roof, awesome!

I now have a whole load of car shots to work through and of course I don't want the crowds and mess in the background, time to get to grips with the true nature of building a composite image, this is going to be long but hopefully worth it. I get to learn a new bunch of techniques too, every day is a school day.

So things to do this week....

Complete post on L&C's shots.

Encrease my network of MUA's

Get set and enjoy a great shoot on Thursday for my ongoing art project, and make a piece for the models wish list (really looking forward to this).

Get set for a commercial shoot in Oxford on Saturday, a new location (well old but revisited after 15 years).

A full week of fun and frolics.....bring it on!

Today I have been busy casting for my ongoing Art project, examples of which are below. I have had a good amount of interest so hope to get busy making new shots for this soon.

I also saw a really cool old Bedford Camper Van which I grabbed a shot of on my travels, I will have a little play around in post production and see what I can make of it.

This weekend I am looking forward to my new website getting going and also zipping into Chelsea to check out the Chelsea Legends show. Also by the sounds of it I will be getting my wife a new hair-dryer!

In the mean time here is a little something I put together at the weekend with my good friend and oldest photo partner Jim.

We are off down to Tavistock tomorrow to see my good friend and one of my earliest photographic buddies tomorrow. The weather forecast doesn't look great but should hopefully clear for some midnight photography shinanigans up on the moors. Going to try a new technique, I will be sure to post the results if they are any good.

It'll be good to get away though as have a busy week next week. Have another commission from Banham and a shoot for my ongoing art project on Wednesday.......

I have been shooting a few showroom interiors for Banham Patent Locks, This is their Berkhampsted store.

Of course though I managed to get out for an evening by the river in Kingston. I spotted this shot whilst enjoying a traditional Austrian dish and a few top German beers with my wife, Looks like we weren't the only ones enjoying the wonderful summer evening.

Just walking through Covent Garden and I saw this guy having a cigarette, I asked him if he minded if I took his picture. He didn't so I told him to just ignore me.

Loved making this shot of a TVR Sagaris....