Ryan Burden. Excellent service!

April 11, 2013 by LJLC | Leave a comment

Why do I feel the need to promote other peoples businesses?

Is it when I’m IMPRESSED by a GREAT SERVICE?

Is it when the PRICE is VERY FAIR?

Is it when the boss and the workers are COURTEOUS to me and my wife?

Is it when EVEN THE NEIGHBOURS comment on WHAT GOOD CHAPS the company are?

Is it when the people concerned are PULLING TOGETHER, NEVER STOPPING, and ON TIME?

Or is it simply when I see A DAMN GOOD JOB DONE BY PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR WORK?

If it’s any of these, then maybe we’re discussing RYAN BURDEN, a builder/landscaper in and around Redditch and the Midlands. He and his team have just prevented my Terriers from escaping, improved the look of my property, and left me with double gravel board fencing for less money than a new camera.
Ryan Burden, builder, landscaper, and thoroughly decent fellow.

HOWEVER. TWO PEOPLE WERE A LITTLE UPSET……

What? I cant get out!

FIND RYAN BURDEN ON FACEBOOK. YOU WON’T REGRET HIRING HIM.

 

 

Posted in Business, Promotion of good business, Uncategorized Tagged , , , , , , , |

Driving me mad, yet great at the price. Compact camera dilemma.

April 3, 2013 by LJLC | Leave a comment

Slr’s.  Well DSLR’s I guess. Big, heavy, expensive and overkill for the old Facebook snaps by far. Ok, I own a few, but I have to. As a commercial photographer in Worcestershire / Warwickshire / the country in general, what else offers the quality, versatility, speed and ruggedness of these beasties?

But I dont WANT an SLR sometimes, I want an easy to carry camera which produces good results and gives me CONTROL over the functioning of the metering, exposure and ISO.

Remarkably, as I’ve said before, I found these qualities in the Fuji F660exr. Hard to believe, because it’s £99. Yes, you heard right, it’s £99.

BUT…….  I tend to shoot  indoors 90% of the time. I dont shoot many landscapes and sturf…. Certainly not with a compact anyway.

Today, as I have a day off, (sort of), and it’s sunny, I took my Fuji F660 out for a walk. I’ve never really done this before in bright sunlight, and I’ll never do it again. Why? That damn stupid screen! There’s no viewfinder, and I shoot in manual, (yes, even with a compact), so how in god’s name do I see the meter, compose the shot, and set the exposure, when I cant see ANYTHING but sun reflected in the screen? Simple: I shield the screen with my vast bulk….. It’s an awkward maneuver, and passers by thought I was having a heart attack. Then I dropped my phone and car keys, and wondered…. Why am I doing this?

I love the £99 compact. It can produce excellent results, but I’m never showing it strong sunlight again. I’ll take an SLR.

Why compacts are great and awful, all at once.

Not bad for £99

Posted in Musing, Uncategorized Tagged , , , , , , , |

The Digital Single Lens Reflex course/classes

March 19, 2013 by LJLC | Leave a comment

Hello folks.

I’ve finally completed the organising of the DSLR course in Alcester.

It’ll take place at http://www.kingscourthotel.co.uk/

 

Here is my basic syllabus:

The essential DSLR classes, at the King’s Court Hotel near Alcester.
Kings Court Hotel
Kings Coughton
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 5QQ

How much is it?
Three evenings, £50 in total.

When is it?
April 10th, 17th, 24th. 7pm until 9:30pm

What is the aim of the 3 evenings?
To allow the DSLR user to feel free to experiment, knowing why cameras are as they are.

Who should attend?
Anyone with a DSLR who wishes to learn more than the use of “auto” settings.
Anyone with a curiosity about “how it’s done” even if they have no camera!
Anyone who is considering moving up to a DSLR

What makes you eligible to teach me?
I started in 1973 (roughly), using a “wet” darkroom and a camera with no metering, auto exposure, TTL, auto focus, or any other modern development. By 1980 I had a nationally published image.
Now, I’m the Bible Society event photographer, independant commercial photographer and digital artist.

Will I learn more than the very basics?
YES! However I do ask that you have some idea where the “Menu” button is and how to access the menu, (if not actually use it), before arriving, please.

Is there practical work.
There is indeed. Anyone without a camera can follow along without problem too.

What do I need to bring?
Your camera, (if you have one), charged batteries, memory card and flash gun.

Are there any restrictions on joining?
Yes. If you are under 16, you MUST be accompanied by a parent or designated guardian.
All payments and bookings IN ADVANCE, please. Booking form requests to cremetti@cremetti-commercial.com

The course will be divided into the following elements:

1/ Naming camera controls

2/ Naming parts of the camera and finding out what they do

3/ What is meant by:
a: Aperture priority
b: Shutter priority
c: Auto and “P”
d: Manual

4/ Why Auto and P may not be enough

5/ Metering and exposure: grey, black, white

6/ Focus and stability

7/ Depth of field and aperture

8/ Composition

9/ Slow and fast shutter speeds

10/ ISO and noise

11/ Flash, ETTL, bouncing, diffusing, red eye
11.a. Guide numbers
11.b. Radio and IR

12/ Light direction, texture, mood

13/ White balance, Kelvin and custom balance settings

14/ Monitor calibration

15/ Lenses

16/ Tripods

(subject to minor change )
Practical work will include exposure, composition and basic flash technique.

Notepads and pens supplied, refreshments available, easy parking.
Remind me again…. Where, when, what time?
Kings Court Hotel, near Alcester: 10th, 17th and 24th APRIL 2013, 7pm until 9:30pm.

 

Posted in Art, Business, Events, News, Tutorial / help Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Photography classes in Alcester

March 1, 2013 by LJLC | Leave a comment

March 1st.

A very quick report on the first Compact Camera Course/Class in Alcester, Warwickshire.

Part 1 of the CCC was staged 3 days ago, with good attendance and excellent feedback, (awaiting permissions to publish). Part 2 is in 5  days, but iteration 2 will be starting VERY SOON and is already one third booked.

DSLR owners may wish to know that a 3 part “Essential DSLR” course also starts very soon, and despite dates not being available yet, is also already one third booked.

Interested?  Please contact me:  cremetti@cremetti-commercial.com    cremetti@cremetti.com     07731897312    or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

 

Posted in Business, Events, Tutorial / help Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Endorsements

February 1, 2013 by LJLC | Comments Off

But are we any good????  Yes. These people, (and more not listed), say so!!!

……….. Thanks for the pics – they are exactly what I need.  MD, Thames side Sensors.
Laurence has taken several photos of the therapists for Hands On At Work at the Chamber of Commerce Expos in Hereford and Worcester. His calm and friendly manner puts you at ease, captures the moment well, and the standard of his work is excellent.
Kathy S.
Hands On At Work

“I have hired Laurence on three seperate occasions to take on the difficult task of photographing all the events that take place at our exhibitions. Not only did he capture all the events in such a way that many of his pictures have been featured in the major media for us, but also he provided a great additional service for the exhibitors. We have now retained him as our official photographer at our exhibitions. Would highly recommend him for any of your photographic needs.” October 24, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Bill hired Laurence as a Photographer in 2011 and hired him more than once.

“Laurence recently provided the photography for our Networking event at Studley Castle. His professionalism together with both his end product and service were superb. I would therefore have no hesitation in recommending Laurence and his services.” May 31, 2011
Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, High Integrity
Mike Dyer,
hired Laurence as a Photographer in 2011

 

“As a professional, Laurence is quite capable of following a brief to the letter. However, as a commissioning client, I recommend you allow him some license to interpret the brief in his own way and in doing so, he has allowed us to do the same for ours. I would no longer consider entrusting our work to another photographer”
Phil Parker, Managing Director, Bridgehead Project Ltd.

Laurence proved himself to be resourceful, energetic, personable and reliable over the three days of a tiring show. I wholeheartedly recommend his services.
Steve Goddard, PR consultant to CRE

“Laurence provides a considered approach to his photography ensuring we got the best results from the subject matter. Carefully composed shots highlighting the product perfectly. No hesitation in using him for future projects.” January 17, 2011
Top qualities: Good Value, On Time, High Integrity
Craig Lilly,
hired Laurence as a Photographer in 2010, and hired Laurence more than once

“I have seen Laurence in action a several events now where he has been the official event photographer. His relaxed and professional manner shine through and the resulting photographs are excellent” September 22, 2011
1st Mike Belham, Managing Director, Truelight Services Limited
was with another company when working with Laurence at Cremetti-Commercial

“I have had the privilege of working with Laurence Cremetti on a couple of projects in the last few months. Laurence Cremetti is one of the most valuable people I have ever met. Strong associate with lots of knowledge in his field. Very positive attitude towards work. For Laurence Cremetti the job is always the most important thing to do. Polished, professional, reliable – I look forward to working with him again very soon.” June 7, 2011
Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
Matthew Wood,
hired Laurence as a Photographer in 2011

……………….Thank you very much. These are great. Cheers again. D. M.    Royal British Legion

 

Posted in Art, Business, Events, Exhibition, News, Tutorial / help Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Do you/will you/can you?

February 1, 2013 by LJLC | Comments Off

YES.

Solving your problems
1/ We need to illustrate visually what our company does. Is that possible?
A. Absolutely. A balanced mix of personnel, product and place works wonders!

2/ We need to show what our product is really like, can you help us?
A. Yes. From full images to macro detail, against reference sizes, in locations or as studio shots.

3/ We need basic images of our products for packaging, the web, press releases and news-letters. Is this expensive?
A. No, not unless there are 1000′s and you are 100′s of miles from the Midlands!

4/ We need to remind clients what a great exhibition/event we staged, can you help us?
A. Yes. This is our most popular service. The crowds, the smiling faces, the interactions, the location, the complete ambience covered with pleasure!

5/ We want to convey an atmosphere which warms clients to us and conveys a friendly “feel.” Can you do this?
A. Yes. The Cremetti photographer and the subjects interact in a semi casual and everday manner to capture that “feel.”

6/ We have a small team who need photographing individually. Can you come to us and do this?
A. With pleasure.

7/ Our exhibition is on for a week. Is that do-able?
A. Yes, we frequently cover exhibitions lasting 3,4 or 5 days.

8/ We have a small and semi local network event which needs a photographer for 1 or 2 hours? Will you do that?
A. If it’s nearby, we’ll do that for NOTHING except a drink and a snack! We aren’t greedy. Seriously, ask us!

Descendant of London art dealer Eugene Cremetti of The Hanover Gallery Bond Street London, founder of The National Art Collections Fund (Eugene Cremetti Fund) now known as The Art Fund contributing to the purchase of works by great artists such as Turner, Degas, Lord Leighton, Cuyp and many more at The Tate and other Art Galleries and museums.

Registered with IPO:   https://www.ipo.gov.uk/home.htm

Posted in Art, Business, Events, Exhibition, News, Tutorial / help Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Compact Camera Course in Alcester.

January 13, 2013 by LJLC | Comments Off

Because I often find myself in crowds, I see many people using compact digital cameras. They pay from £50 to £300 or so for a new one, yet results are often very disappointing. Why?

Perhaps it’s because few people read the manual, but we’re almost encouraged not to! The manual is on a PDF, and unless you carry a decent smartphone or tablet around with you, how can you refer to the manual?

Perhaps it’s really something else though; perhaps it’s the manufacturer’s hype….

“500 Megapixel, super sharp, hi res, detailed pics at the press of a button!”   Erm…. Yes….

If I buy a racing car, does that make me a racing driver? No. So it is with cameras.

That’s why I’m introducing my “not on line, not on cd, COMPACT CAMERA COURSE”.

We’ll cover the essentials of,

What the controls do and why

Why pictures are blurry

Why colours look wrong

Why flash can be your worst enemy

Composing a picture

Exposure, and LOADS MORE.

Over two evenings in the Alcester  Church House , (Alcester Warwickshire), at a very low cost, you’ll learn about improving those pics, meet like minded folks, eat my biscuits, and have an email hotline to me!!

Interested?  PRICE: £15 per 2.5 hour evening (over 2 evenings)= £30,

The course will be held, 27th of FEB 2013  and part two will be 6th MARCH 2013 at CHURCH HOUSE, in ALCESTER.

Maximum 8 people per evening to ensure personal attention.

Updated  1st February  2013

The course now includes a guest. Artist, photographer and film-maker Chakib Benkara will be available to assist and participate with us.

Soon, there will also be workshops in Alcester on DSLR’s, flash, and studio lighting.  Plans for workshops elsewhere are also under consideration.

Stay “tuned” to hear more about Cremetti’s photographers workshops, or call me / email me, or find me on Facebook. Contact.

 

Posted in Business, Events, News, Tutorial / help Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Viking Boxing

December 16, 2012 by LJLC | Comments Off

Here’s a sincere nod to Viking Boxing in Redditch.

The event staged on the 15th of December, was a really well done show. Excellent organisation by Laurence O’Connor and the crew.

Posted in Events, Promotion of good business Tagged , , , , , , , |

About “Flips” on the art site.

December 11, 2012 by LJLC | Comments Off

Art site?   Yes.  http://cremetti.com/2012/12/11/flipping-pictures/

Please have a look.

Posted in Art, Business Tagged , , , , , |

Boxing in Redditch. A new experience.

November 17, 2012 by LJLC | Comments Off

I won’t go in to why I ended up at a boxing club in Redditch, but I did.

This was my first taste of boxing photography, though I have done martial arts photography in the past. I’m not a sports fan. I didn’t watch the Olympics, and I don’t subscribe to the sports channels either, but I remember my father was a boxing fan and had been involved in boxing in the army.

Arriving at VIKING BOXING was a bit daunting, lots of guys who were a tad fitter than I, and all fighters. I wondered how this would go….

The ring is dimly lit, and any photographer will tell you that low light and fast action just don’t go together. Flash photography was banned, so it’s time for a little fall back on experience, (thank the Lord I have a lot).

I’m not giving up my secrets here, so I won’t reveal what I did, (sorry), but this I will say: These guys were some of the most polite, good natured fellows you could wish to meet. When I came out of that club sometime later, I felt I’d had a really good experience, learnt things too….

I can’t find a Viking Boxing website, so here is their FaceBook page :  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Viking-Boxing-and-Fitness-Redditch/243808718974374

Posted in Business, Promotion of good business Tagged , , , , , , |