Stuck In Plastic

Use The Negative to Develop

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:53:00 GMT

Firstly, I must apologise the lack of updates on this blog but then again who actually reads? Times have been up and down to say the least, and that has played with my mental well being, especially when it has come to my photographic practice. For many years, I have concentrated on giving 100% to my passion and this is my source of income as a professional photographer. However, the pandemic has made me stop and think about sustainability within the photographic industry and just what is it all about and for what?

Life is like Photography

There’s that photographic quote “Life is like photography, you use the negative to develop” or at least that’s what it used to be like in the good ole days of film. That’s when photography really stood out as crafted technique. Nowadays, there are millions of people around the world who now use digital tools whether it is a camera or a smart phone device and life is captured in an instance. Nothing wrong with that, it’s how photography evolves.

We are constantly creating and exposing everyday mundane aspects of our lives disseminating them second by second onto social media platforms for the world to see, thus making the photograph ubiquitous. What is interesting during this digital age of reproduction we are now open to interpretation more than ever and original works of art rare.

Interpretation

On the negative side, I feel consumed by the amount of images presented to me. These images are all simulating a formula of different ideologies. And not only do we live in a sea of images but over the years I have seen an influx in “photographers” and citizen journalism. What that means, is that we can now be present anywhere in the world without even being there. However, being there means you get to capture the moment that potentially gets noticed by industry professionals, even if it is considered not a work of art. But you captured something no one else did. Therefore, I question where does skill, experience and a lifelong dedication fall into place these days?

You might argue, her thoughts stem from negativity to anyone taking photographs and you would be so wrong. I am just merely pointing out observations that has caught my attention over a period of time. To support my opinion, there are many photographers who’s work is incredible and often goes un-noticed perhaps due to a weak intent, then there are those who shout from the roof top with a strong intent and rather a weak image. Where do we draw the line and see the photographic image for the art it is?

On the positive side the digital possibilities are exciting. Learning to adapt and embrace the medium, and to give clear intent as a creative photographer. I have developed the ability to tell stories and the skills to post-process my own work using the digital darkroom.

Promoting & Featuring

When I see similar genres featured in photographic magazines, online and in articles. It raises my awareness that the work I create needs a lot of interaction to help promote it. However, as many photographers are paying to have the chance to feature in such things as ‘open calls’ and ‘online galleries’, I wonder if money wasn’t an object would I do the same? After all, many of those featured are seen by industry professionals.

With self-promotion in mind. For those who follow my Instagram @bevvypix may have recently seen the feature in The Tenby Observer about how a “local photographer turns her skill into a fascinating story.” And featuring doesn’t stop there as the Stuck in Plastic team have been included in The Hermitage Amsterdam. Plus we ( SiP) /I have been featured on many occasions by our dear friends at The LEGO Group on there social media platforms.

To bring inanimate objects to life is an amazing skill and the LEGO Group certainly recognise this. And yet, I personally feel this skill often goes unrecognised outside of the toy photography world. Saying that, perhaps as some adults get older, they forget the importance of play and their creative imagination slowly diminishes with time.

For me, toy photography has provided me with wider opportunities to be able to showcase my work on various platforms. Honestly, you don’t have to understand my reasons for choosing this endearing subject, you just have to look at incredible photographs and ask yourself are you or could you be inspired?

Source

Talking of paying to have a chance to be seen in by industry professionals. I entered eight images to Source Magazine from my post graduate final major show at the Falmouth University Institute of Photography. As part of my Photography Degree, I created a series of photograms and the results can be viewed at Source Graduate Photography Online 2021 . Will they ever attract global attention, who knows? And more to the point who else really cares? All I know is that I am very pleased to have the opportunity to be featured. And truth be told, they are pretty impressive printed on a larger scale.

During my degree, even thou I produced this body of work in a physical exhibition, the decision to create my own online gallery allowed the viewer to virtually walk around and enjoy the artwork. Link to the virtual gallery can be found via over at Beverley Thomas Photography website Photosynthesis

Even thou I have a variety if different bodies of work some are yet to be seen, that bothers me and I raise the issue of why they not being notice? Sometimes I think it isn’t the actual work, its about the lack of support. That lack of support as I negatively suggest, is represented by uncredited work on platforms such as Facebook, from education sectors overlooking my capabilities and financial support to enter so many contests.

On the positive side I am truly grateful to The LEGO Group, my team at Stuck in Plastic for the opportunity to grow and develop, and to my local newspaper for featuring my work on a regular basis.

A selection of my work can be discovered on https://linktr.ee/Bevvypix

Artifact

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:42:00 GMT

Can a Photograph be an Artifact?

Photographs are not just images; they are physical artifacts. The physical form of the photographic image, prescribed by prevailing technology, determines what can be photographed, how it can be displayed or published, how it can be encountered by others, how it can circulate through public culture.

One could ask, can a photograph be an artifact? Eventually an image will becomes a historic relic and data witnessed through the camera, will sooner or later have changed over the persistence of time. Not to mention with the evolution of technology, the objects produced or shaped by humans will, in reality, become part of our history.

When I started putting this series together I knew that Light and Shadow was going to dominate objects produced or shaped by human craft. Each photograph consists of views that I have witnessed on my journey and felt connected to in one way or another.

At the same time, these locations and objects have not only been seen through my camera. In fact, they have been visualised by many others on their own journey. To put it differently, these artifacts were out there in the public domain, passed by everyday, and yet they compelled me to stop, observe and record their existence.

A Record of Existence

Today we live in a world dominated by social media and with that comes a sea of photographic images. Photographs suggesting the existence of people and objects proving a record that we were there. Moreover, this form of record provides information that has been witnessed in a particular moment of time.

The photographic image has evolved and nowadays it is relatively easy to take a photograph and share it across different digital platforms. However, the very first photograph or at least the oldest surviving photograph was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826 or 1827 and it was not so easy, it relied on the right light, the correct time exposure and the apparatus.

For this reason, it is important to realise the three basic elements of photography Aperture, Shutter and ISO. Then we have the elements of composition, these include Patterns, Symmetry/Asymmetry, Form, Texture, Colour, Shapes and Space. As a photographic artist, I use my knowledge and awareness of these different elements. And this helps me convey the intent of my photography and provide a record the subjects existence.

Nowadays, the camera records images instantaneously and the operator can just press the shutter to record that fraction of a second. Furthermore, what was once a skilled art form has now become ubiquitous amongst many. The invention of photography has revolutionised communications and cultures forever, changing everything in the visual arts and our vision of the world. As a result these artifacts/photographs can be viewed from the past, providing more access and social media has enabled images to be mass-distributed often as digital images.

To see this series please follow Instagram.com/beverley_thomas_photography/

Redirect to SiP

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 13:13:00 GMT

Redirect to the Stuck in Plastic blog

I wanted to introduce the toy photography work that I am involved with. This is a collaboration with the wonderful team over at Stuck in Plastic (SiP Link) .

Back in 2018, having been on Instagram for about a year and a half. My photography was getting noticed by the Stuck in Plastic crew. You see, I had joined in 2018, #Sipgoes52. This was 52 weeks containing 52 words given each week. The task was to creatively put those words into pictures that related with your own interpretation. At the end of this project I published a book, and it can be viewed here … https://issuu.com/b3vbev/docs/legolife_52v

In June 2018, the team asked me to be a feature guest and introduce myself explaining who I was and the reason why I started shooting toy photography. As you can imagine, I was thrilled to have been asked and you can read my story via the blog post (Link) .

Inanimate Object

I became involved in toy photography by accident really. I was in the process of completing a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and this study helped me reflect on my photographic practice over the years. In retrospect, back in 1996 I had been studying at the same University, Carmarthen School of Art at HND level, and I remember vividly one of the projects given was to photograph an Inanimate Object. Inexperienced, I had no idea what I was going to shoot, let alone my creative output was, well very much thought of inside a box.

I set myself a challenge and in 2016, I started shooting toy photography. Ironically, I played with Lego as a kid, so how I never thought to use this was something that resonates with me to this day. Perhaps, if I knew then, what I know now! but then hindsight is a wonderful thing.

During that same year, I produced a series of images using a LEGO minifigure version of myself as a way to pay homage to Sherman’s work. I recreated her original images using the minifigure as a stand-in for the artist. Not an easy task, as I was limited to certain positions. Three years later, I messaged Sherman some pix and she said, “love the LEGO images” which is incredible and a real compliment. In 2019, I was fortunate to visit the Cindy Sherman exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It was incredible and inspiring to see her collection together. Her work will continue to inspire artists around the world for many years to come.

But just who is Cindy Sherman , you ask? Well she happens to be one of the most influential, important contemporary artists of our time. Her body of work consists of photographs from the mid-1970s to present day. Sherman is famous for her use of makeup, costumes, props and prosthetics to create complex and ambiguous photographic self-portraits. She invents fictitious characters and photographs herself in imaginary situations.

Many people will not understand Cindy Sherman or LEGO building, and that’s ok. That being said, what they do not realise is that toy photography can be challenging at times, pushing your creativity to the limits, whilst also being fun, engaging and rewarding.

Collaborative Work

In 2019, the Stuck in Plastic crew were sending me products to review and I began writing blogs for them. The latter part of that year, the team invited me to become a valued member of the crew and to this day, I continue to write blogs, review products and as a result of this collaborative work, many of my images have been shared by The LEGO Group on their official social media.

The Stuck In Plastic Collective

Who are we?

We are a creative collective of toy photographers rooted in the old continent of Europe. Our crew can be found from the south of France to the north of Finland (Current crew has roots in France, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom).

What do we do?

We take pictures of toys.
We organise once a year a toy photography safari weekend in Europe.
We organise once a year a real live exhibition around the World.
We participate in various LEGO events around the world with Pop Up Art exhibitions and photo seminars.
And we are always open for new collaborations.

Why do we do it?

That is a good question.
And has been the title of a series of blogpost .

And while the inner drive off every photographer is different, we all like our toys. We like to take our toys out for epic photoshoots in the studio or out in the field.

We like to tell stories. And we like to share our adventures with the world.

Both with other photographers and people who like to enjoy our work on the screen or printed big in art galleries and board rooms alike.

See you online or in the real world.

The SiP Crew

Creative and Challenging

We started off 2020 building from a team of five to eight members. At the time I was in my final year of a Masters Degree with Falmouth University and working self employed, then the global pandemic hit the world and my practice. This changed how my MA work in progress was able to proceed, and yet my toy photography was able to continue in my home studio. I was not only researching for my academic studies, but I was now also looking at other practitioners who were shooting toy photography.

The main reason for my connection to this endearing product is because I am passionate about photography, and I love seeing creative imagery. This genre not only allows me to show my creativity, it is also challenging and this continues to excite me.

During that year, Stuck in Plastic kept me creatively active and I adore the crew for given me the opportunity to continue to develop and grow in this genre of photography. However, with growth comes more interaction and this sometimes leads to our work being used without our permission. Therefore, I recently wrote a post explaining the issues surrounding Copyright, you can read it here (Blog Link) .

Our collaboration continues with The LEGO Group and we look forward to the exciting projects and exhibitions we have coming your way throughout 2021.

If you haven’t yet clicked on the links yet … please do!

Find us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stuckinplastic/

Carbon Black

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 14:09:00 GMT

Having grown up in the 70’s, I thought I could find some old photographs from this time in my life but sadly, I have been unable to locate any and that makes me recall little moments that stand out in my vivid memory which helps me write this post.

From a young age I remember visiting my mother’s uncle Arthur in Tarpoley. He was my grandads brother and he had relocated from the North East to a large village in Cheshire. He lived in a cottage with an adjoining large garage that housed HGV wagons. Although I cannot remember the inside of the property all that well, I do remember the porch being filled with crane flies or as I call them daddy long legs, they were forever attracted by the outside light. To this day, I am not phased by these flying insects and I fondly rescue them if they ever fly into my own home. Uncle Arthur had a guard dog, an Alsatian known as Nip, and boy could he give a nasty nip to anyone who entered the site. My father tells me the story of how I used to sleep on Nip and one day my father went to pick me up and Nip growled at him so he left me continue sleeping in the protection of Nip.

So what has all this got to do with this series of work? Well its all connected. Uncle Arthur drove the wagons, he would transport the cargo to various destinations and I would get to ride up front in the cab. There was a space between the front seats where I could place a pillow and make a comfortable seating area. As a child, you can imagine the excitement riding upfront, I could see the world from a perfect view point.

Carbon Black

Carbon Black’ This series focuses on my love of fuel stations and the connection that they had on me as a child. Travelling in the cab of my great uncle’s HGV wagon. I have fond memories of that time and recall the smell of diesel, perhaps this is one reason why I am obsessed with petrol stations. As a child I did not know what he was transporting. And years later I was told it was carbon black.

Carbon black comes from long term exposure to sunlight leading to the degradation of surface materials resulting in a deterioration of physical properties, changes in color or chalking. It’s produced by the reaction of a hydrocarbon fuel such as oil or gas with a limited supply of combustion air at high temperatures. Usually obtained as soot from the partial combustion of hydrocarbons, and used principally as reinforcing agents in automobile tyres.

Photography can transform light and time into something physical and I am drawn to the way the light illuminates the surface of the forecourts, especially in the black of night. Statistics reveal that in 2020 the United Kingdom was home to 8,380 operational petrol stations and those under development. However, this landscape will change over time as we aim for a greener planet, eventually the petrol and diesel pumps will be replaced by electric charging points and all that will remain will be photographic evidence. Photography allows us to tell our story and shows others our framing of the world around us. As photographs play an important role in everyones life, one day these images may play a part in our legacy.

Altered Landscape

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:19:00 GMT

In the search for the ideal image it became evident that I had seen everything before and I wanted to produce something different. My intent was to take image manipulation further away from the real but I was also aware this could come with some critic good or bad.

Everyday we see an abundance of mundane classical black and white landscapes that are clear examples of what is continuously presented. I do not argue that this is a bad thing they are indeed visually pleasing. Needless to say, one could argue are these images suggestive of being authentic?

Image Manipulation

Image manipulation has been used throughout photographic history, for example; Ansel Adams image ‘Moonrise Hernandez.’ Adams dogged and burned the sky to produce a more dramatic look changing the original aesthetic in which the image was first viewed. It is often argued that image manipulation lacks authenticity, to manipulate ones image changes one reality and it is often thought the image is not genuine. I have learnt to make clear distinctions between the real and the unrealistic approach. However, I wanted to transform the mundane into magical cinematic dreamscapes transforming the alternative realities. Does this approach of manipulation lack authenticity?

Constructed Reality

Evidently the beauty of a landscape is originally presented to us as an array of colours, so by changing the aesthetics into black and white, we have unconsciously already made an informed choice of manipulation. However, this kind of manipulation is normality and accepted simply because our audience has witnessed it on so many occasions. My perception and intuition tells me to explore these scapes in different ways and change expectation.

As I construct the reality, I began to transform it, thus allowing myself to have artistic freedom in my personal work and use my creativity to witness a different viewpoint.

Altered Landscapes

Driven by intuitive impulses aiming to transform arbitrary places into audacious and cinematic landscapes caught between fact and fiction. I saw beauty in the mundane, and by provoking an alternative reality. These visual conceptual conversations exposed the chaotic tension between light and dark.

‘Altered Landscapes’ looks at creating alternative realities that break away from typical pictorial photographs that we become accustomed to seeing. These dark romantic places connected to home, resemble bleak and uneasy post apocalyptic landscapes that are nevertheless indescribably beautiful.

This raises the questions to whether the camera records or creates the reality. However, we cannot produce the real no matter what we try to do, because that real moment has passed in a fraction of a second. We can only recycle it in a way that we perceive.

Reenacting the narrative, enabled me to tell a different story and the decision to transform these arbitrary places into cinematic dreamscapes depicting a different perspective that was unfamiliar to our way of seeing. I opened a door into my personal fiction inviting you into an imaginary world.

The Landscape enables the opportunity to bring the vernacular to this body of work. However, these destinations attract tourism and exhibit more than charming views, visited by the preoccupied looking for beauty, in turn creating a metaphor of death. Death replicated so many times leaving no space for ambiguity to further thought and feeling. This allowed me to put into context the world pandemic known as Covid-19.

In retrospect, I can see that my work is not necessarily representative of death in a physical form. It is about dramatic transformation. Just as the Raven symbolises. Interestingly, I begin to delve deeper into the Raven meaning as a spirit animal. The addition of the raven brought symbolic meanings and new perspectives that delved into the realms of my unconscious. Ravens have a very distinctive voice and a vast vocabulary, they remind me to stay true to my voice.

Exp 21 Homeland

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 17:20:00 GMT

Having successfully completed my MA, I began to turn my focus on reflecting over my time at Falmouth University’s Institute of Photography. What became very evident is that my work is now informed and my intent is clearer than it was.

When I started the MA, I knew that my work would cause me confusion and that was projected through my writings. You see, I shoot many different types of photographic genres and I believe that I have always been an instinctive photographer. However, since delving deeper into the realms of my subconscious, now reveals the source of my personal intent.

The Closure of the Coal Mines

As a child, growing up in the 70’s and living in the North East until the age of 7. I remember my father working at the Westoe Colliery, it dominated the landscape. The pit had the tallest tower that I had ever seen and stood out by miles with its dominating red colour. On the ground it was surrounded by concrete buildings that were fixed together by numerous different shapes and the blackest coal.

The North East region was once famous for the mining of its coal. However, in the two decades from 1950-1970 around a hundred North East coal mines were closed often with shattering consequences for small mining communities which relied on coal mining for work. Westoe Colliery was no exception as years later it was also due to close. Upon closure, the pit was demolished and a few years later redeveloped into housing.

In 1979, my father had the opportunity of employment in South Wales. He took up this offer, knowing that the pit was planned for closure, so my family relocated to picturesque Pembrokeshire. My Geordie family remained in the North East and we would regular visit the homeland on our school holidays. Although my father settled in well in his new job at the local refinery, my mother often felt homesick and she longed to return home.

The Long Journey Home

In 1985, my parents marriage broke down and my mother moved back to the North East, leaving my sister and I in the life that we had become to have accepted as our forever home. Nevertheless, we continued to make the long journey to visit her, very often sitting on the National Express bus for thirteen hours. During those years I got to witness the British landscape changing due to new motorways being, to accommodate the influx of vehicles using these routes.

Years later, when I could drive, my sister and I would make the journey often during the darker hours, when there was less traffic and knowing we were amongst the safety of the commuting HGV drivers.

Exp 21 Homeland

I began to re focus and question my intent, I usually keep personal things very close and although this period of time was filled with happiness, there was still that part of me angry that my mother had left. I began to allow myself to critically analyse my subconscious and this has enabled me to develop this series into ‘Exposure 21 Homeland.’ My sister and I continued this journey on a regal basis until I reached the age of twenty one.

Originally these images were processed as colour photographs, but as my intent changed, so has my aesthetic choices and I found myself drawn to the black and white process, which in hindsight, emulates the blackest coal and the reason why we relocated. This journey helped me emerge through the darkness, as I began to reveal a past influenced and intertwined between two homelands in twenty one exposures.

Under Construction

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 22:49:00 GMT

Welcome to the very first post of my new blog. On the contrary, I am familiar with writing blogs and I had initially decided to continue writing regular posts on my Photographic Critical Research Journal , to which I started writing at the beginning of my Masters degree at Falmouth University’s Institute of Photography.

Beverley Thomas, BA (Hons) MA

Since having recently competed my studies and successfully gaining an MA in photography, I have had time to reflect on many aspects of the industry. And after virtual chatting to my dear friend and fellow peer (Follow Nick’s work here. ) He told me that he had started a brand new blog as he could not get out of the habit of writing. I could emphasise, as I too enjoyed writing blogs ( fortunately I also contribute to SIP. ) However, my CRJ was extremely directed to academia and I after some thought, I have also decided to create another blog, that will focus more on my different aspects of work.

Under Construction

I have been a photographer for the past three decades and I consider myself a master of my craft, well I certainly am now after completing an MA. But just what does that mean for me? It means that now I have increased my photographic knowledge. It means that I can continue with my teaching role with confidence and know that I can academically help others in education. It means that I can understand and critical analysis other practitioners. Nevertheless, I have learnt that every good photograph needs intent. No longer do I believe that on its own “a picture is worth a thousand words”

The human brain can process images up to 60,000 times faster than words. The point is with a picture, you can convey so much more information than you can with words. In fact, it can take a thousand words just to describe what is in one picture and that is backed up by intent.

Indeed, it is easy to look at photographs of a stunning landscapes, beautiful people, creative advertising and not think to oneself how much work has gone into providing the final image. Quite often looking is easy, but there is so much more than just a photograph. As a creative photographer I think about the subject and concept, I build on lighting to suit the situation, I think about the camera settings and what I could achieve with the knowledge I have gained over the years.

However, during my studies, I felt that I was lacking convincing intent. To be honest, the story was unfolding in my own head. Knowing that I had originally fallen into contempt and left the photograph to become worth a thousand words on its own merit. As I approached the informing contexts module, it rapidly became evident that I needed to provide strong intent. With this still in my mind, I have since revisited my photographic library and I am now able to assign intent to each series. As you can imagine this collection of photographic imagery is a work in progress and now considered under construction.

What to Expect?

My work crosses into many different genres and at times I think that can often become misunderstood by others. This blog aims to showcase different elements of my practice and highlight the fact that I am far from your average snap happy shooter, I am a photographer, I am a photographic retouched, I am digital literate, I can even produce photographs without a camera in hand.

Kayleigh & Mark

Sun, 26 May 2019 15:29:46 GMT

Wedding Day 24th May 2019

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue ... well there was nothing blue about this amazing wedding, it was pink and full of fun and laughter. I met Kayleigh two years ago when she started wedding planning, turned out that I know her mother and father very well but as the years went by our connections had gone in different directions. But I always knew they were a special couple who if ever my family needed them that they would be there for us, so as you can imagine I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to capture their daughters wedding day.

The Bride & Groom chose a beautiful location, the hotel is called Wolfscastle Country Hotel otherwise known as "All yr Afon" https://wolfscastle.com located just 15 minutes from Haverfordwest, in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside and 9 miles from our stunning Pembrokeshire coast. I arrived at 11.30am in order to get some prep photographs of Kayleigh's shoes etc and the bride and bridesmaids getting ready. When I arrived everyone was so calm and ready to go, the bridesmaids hair and make-ups were completed and they were in their dresses ready. Wearing sparkly rose gold gowns they looked stunning. The bride was still getting ready with finishing touches being adjusted. She wore a stunning wedding gown with a cathedral train made from tulle. The flowers were made by Flowers by Quita, they incorporated vintage roses and peonies. Everyone was in high spirits. Not only was it Kayleigh and Mark's wedding day but they were both celebrating birthdays.

I completed what I need to do then myself and Gill, my assistant headed downstairs to capture the groom. I had not met Mark at any of the appointment prior to the big day, so once I found him I introduced myself and to be honest, I felt like I already knew him. He had just finished formalities with the Registra and checking that the best men had the all important wedding rings. The video guys were ready, I was ready and Kayleigh was ready ...

12.20pm Kayleigh was descending down the stairs with her father, that was an emotional moment. She had given him a pair of cuff links which read 'of all the walks we have had, this one is my favourite' such a lovely moment to treasure forever.

12.30pm Mark was patiently waiting for his beautiful bride, and there she was standing in the doorway ready to met her husband to be.

The ceremony was perfect and a kiss seals the the forever moment when the Registra pronounces Kayleigh & Mark as Husband & Wife, Mr & Mrs Williams.

The weather was perfect so straight after the ceremony we headed outside, little did the guest know Kayleigh had hired some special guests to appear, whilst waiting for them we got on with the photographs.

The guests arrived. Kayleigh loves Llamas so much that she asked a local couple if they could attend her special day. The Bride & Groom lead them towards their guests, who were waiting patiently for the surprise. As you can imagine lots of photographs were taken and I actually think that the Llamas loved the attention.

I of course had to have a photo, I could not see where gill was so the bride said she would take it, so funny. This was the minute I knew we were going to have so much fun the rest of the day.

Above Image from one of the guests sent to me from Kayleigh. Below image by the bride Kayleigh

An amazing day with amazing people, Kayleigh and Mark are surrounded by people who love them. They have the best friends who are there for them on every occasion, they have enjoyed their Hen and Stag do's, the less said about Mark's stag do the better hahahaha. I left the couple dancing the night away and enjoying what has been a perfect day.

Today I have completed their wedding album and it has been sent to Italy for production, and here just as a sneaky peak for Mr & Mrs Williams. All I have left to say is Congratulations Mr & Mrs Williams ... Kayleigh & Mark and Happy Birthdays.

On behalf of Beverley Thomas Photography we thank you for asking us to capture your special day and we wish you both the most amazing life filled with health, love and happiness and many more Llamas.
Bev x

MASTERS DEGREE

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 19:25:28 GMT

Masters Degree blog update

Since starting my MA program, I am required to keep a critical research journal in the form of a written document, so I have created another blog on Wordpress which I will continue to update on a regular basis. I have completed the first module and I am now looking at the second module.
This blog at https://beverleythomasphotographydotcodotuk.wordpress.com is being made as part of an accredited educational programme.

Alternatively I will be posting images in the MA Photography section here on my website
http://www.beverleythomasphotography.uk/ma-photography

MA Photography

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:29:23 GMT

28/01/2019 Positions and Practice
Falmouth University,
MA Photography,
(Week 1)

Embarking on another Journey

As of today I am about to embark on what I consider to enable myself to learn so much more about myself as a photographer and the images that I know I have the ability to create. I have been in the industry for many years and I have learned so much from photo processing film to capturing special moments both film and digitally. I have been fortunate to have a snap shot into other peoples lives but I find myself feeling that the industry is changing and although I still enjoy working in this ever changing world full of digital media, I know that there are things I wish to explore and concepts that perhaps go above a normality. Exploring the Reality and questioning what is real?

This weeks’s task is to take a view from my window and introduce myself and what this image would say about me. Upon reflection, when we bought our family home, this is view is what sold it, the great wide open space and evening sunlight. I have taken this on my iPhone, it is a snapshot into what I see on a daily basis. There are mature trees planted around which have developed and grown over the years, with each season changing and creating a different image. The field holds memories of playtime and exploration for my boys and independence even though I could still see them playing.

https://beverleythomasphotographydotcodotuk.wordpress.com

Why do I photograph Lego?

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 14:21:24 GMT

How many times have I heard why do you photograph lego?

Week 30 sees the word Anger appear in my list of values. This words comes just around the time I begin to get a little frustrated about the times I get asked why do you photograph lego, and the fact other people just do not understand. It's simple you either like the images and get the concept or you do not, it is as easy to understand that! So how about this, I will answer the question as to why I photograph a little piece of lego and perhaps then you might just understand my logic as to why I find this toy photography rather fun to create, plus it is not hurting anyone and perhaps making someone stop and think and smile.

So as I have said before in previous posts, I started Instagram in 2016 whilst in University studying for a Batchelor of Arts in Photography. Photography is my life work and gaining a first class honours degree was just something special in the process of recognition. Since receiving my degree and numerous other certificates related to the photographic industry, I realise that I have done so much and I can leave paper behind to suggest I was here once, when I eventually meet my maker. I can also leave others with memories of special wedding day memories and newborn images or their own families photographs, I can even leave behind memory books for my own family but I wanted to develop something more.

November 21st 2000, the release on DVD was the box office movie, my husband and I sat down to watch this movie which has stayed with me for all these years and turns out to be one of our favourite films. I found myself remembering it for perhaps a reason that the directors did not intentionally make it for, that movie was Gladiator. You have all seen it? Right! - Staring the actor Russell Crow, Set in Roman times, the story of a once-powerful general forced to become a common gladiator. The emperor's son is enraged when he is passed over as heir in favour of his father's favourite general. He kills his father and arranges the murder of the general's family, and the general is sold into slavery to be trained as a gladiator - but his subsequent popularity in the arena threatens the throne.
My Favourite and most famous quote from Maximus: "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next". What draws my attention during this whole film is the fact he has these enduring little figures of his family which he carries with him ... when asked by a fellow gladiator he replies:

Juba: Can they hear you?

Maximus: Who?

Juba: Your family. In the afterlife.

Maximus: Oh yes.

Juba: What do you say to them?

Maximus: To my son - I tell him I will see him again soon. To keep his heels down while riding his horse. To my wife... that is not your business.

So without stating that I am anywhere near a Gladiator standard, I feel connected to that family dream, I am fortunate to have special people in my life, living and breathing, to whom I am extremely proud of and so I began to use the concept of Lego to create images that resonate with my daily life and feelings, perhaps one day these lego figures may be looked at in the same way that Gladiator used his, until then I continue to create and have fun with them as part of a little ongoing project that was started in 2016, life through a lens.

I am hoping that you have read this, you might now understand why! - what started as a bit of fun and enduring, to joining a community of wonderful and creative people, to what was really at the back of my head that was subliminal all along, Gladiator and the love he has for his family and country.

You can read more about why I started Toy Photography by popping over to the Stuck in Plastic community blog and reading my interview from a few weeks ago by clicking on the link https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2018/06/meet-beverly/
Also on SIP blog you can also read about the little competition I came runner up in https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2018/06/quarterback/

We all possess values and since starting the SIP goes 52 week challenge using my lego figures, I have come to realise that these are a great learning tool and in the words of Gladiator "What we do in life echoes in eternity".

Thanks for reading my little blog, On the balance of things, there you go - this is my why? and 7 months of values completed during 2018. 30 weeks of words with meanings, my thoughts and my processes all put into one image using an inanimate object and giving it a reason to exist. I know it is not for everyone and perhaps still others may not get it, like I said its fun and I get to be creative if I want to be.

For more images and to follow the life of bevvypix please join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/247486849335137/?source_id=177997148891854

or join our adventure on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/

Wedding Information

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 10:24:35 GMT

Everything you need to know about Wedding Photography by Beverley Thomas ...

Welcome to our wedding information blog. So you have been together for many years, recently got engaged and are now in the process of organising one of the biggest days of your life, your wedding day. You have found a venue to hold your special ceremony and you have found a place that suits your needs when it comes to inviting all your guests to celebrate and share your day with you both, so what's next? ... You are looking for someone to capture those special moments and provide you with all the little details that has taken you so long to put together, because I know that you have spent hours on Pinterest looking for that perfect table display, looking at inspiration for flower bouquets and even looking for that perfect dress. Every little detail counts to give you what you have dreamed about.

If I could give you one word of advice after all that planning, make sure you get photographs that you can look back on in years to come and see just what you achieved. This day will be one to remember for the rest of your lives together and what better way to recall the past is with photographs. Here at Beverley Thomas Photography, we like you to have the best experience with minimal fuss in order to capture all those moments that may be forgotten to memory. With that in mind Beverley has put together a wedding brochure with everything you need to know, she also recommends that you meet your photographer and discuss your requirements, because after all we are all different and just how do you choose from all the photographers in the wedding industry. You ask yourself what exactly are you looking for because you can get cheap, you can get expensive but what it should come down to when choosing your photographer, is that picture which speaks a thousand words not your budget, don't you think?

Our Signature package is our most popular covering everything you could possibly think of. Our wedding albums are selected using the highest quality in the wedding industry, shipped to us direct from Italy and you can be reassured that you will receive the best of your story. Although the wedding album packages can include a USB, we appreciate that you have a budget and you may decide you just want digital files, so here at Beverley Thomas Photography we now offer USB only packages priced at £895. These packages with include ceremony coverage and approx 2 hours coverage with around 40 images which you will be able to print from at your own cost. Should you wish to order an album at a later date then this is possible at extra cost along with handling fees. The choice is now yours.

For more information https://www.beverleythomasphotography.uk/wedding1
View our gallery please follow the link Wedding Gallery

You are investing in your lives together and this is why we provide a variety of different services catering for all budgets. We would like you to share these memories with loved ones either in the past, present or future and by turning the pages to relive your memories over and over again

If you are looking to Contact Us , please complete the email form and we can let you know if your chosen date is available (*All the information you provide us will only be used to answer your enquiry, please read our privacy police should you have any queries with regards to how we process your data. http://www.beverleythomasphotography.uk/privacy-policy )

Thank You and look forwards to hearing from you.

Bev

bevvypix goes 52

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 10:52:40 GMT

https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2018/06/meet-beverly/

1/52 Creativity

January 2018
I use Instagram to post little lego me Bevvypix and recently was asked to complete some questions and to be featured on Stuck in Plastic's blog. Gaining more exposure on social media is hardworking so being asked to be showcased in there Feature Friday was great. To read about the interview please click on the link, this will take you to their page where you can read my interview along with others https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2018/06/meet-beverly/

Thank you Stuck in plastic for allowing me to join in this year, I look forwards to completing the challenge.
Bev

During 2018 I was chosen as runner up in the SIP competition more info here https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2018/06/quarterback/

January 2019
So just to follow up on the last blog from the first to the last. I am pleased to say that I completed the challenge 52 words/values each week for one whole year.

52/52 Family

2018 sees the end of Stuck in Plastic Goes 52 challenge. That was 52 words/values using toys to express the meanings. Be sure to check out @REITERLIED review https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2019/01/looking-back-at-sipgoes52/

Since shooting toy photography, I have become an active member of Stuck in Plastic and featured in selected review sets, one in particular Harry Potter mini figures https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2018/08/beverley-goes-harry-potter/ and recently shooting the Overwatch series before release date.

One more shoot I am super proud of, is when I was asked to shoot for TLG and the release of the Classic Cars sets. I received two cars, the Aston Martin DB5 and the Mini Cooper, you can read all about this shoot via the link https://www.stuckinplastic.com/2018/12/for-your-eyes-only/

The Mini Cooper featured on the official Lego Instagram page.

The Aston Martin DB5 featured on the official Japanese Lego Page

#Lego bevvypix

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 15:38:15 GMT

Life Through a Lens

Hello and welcome to today's blog coming to you from my Instagram 356 toy project. Today marks the end of this project and after being asked a lot as to why I have completed this particular theme well here is my story.

Beverley Thomas is a professional photographer specialising in Wedding and Portraiture. She has an immense love for photography and art, and whilst still doing her job she has fitted in a little time for some fun and captivating images, you could say it has been a visual diary for her. In particular for this project she has connected to people using her art in the form of an inanimate object. It all started from teaching and engaging children the concepts of photography. By combining her passion and teaching skills, this lead her to the creation of a self-portrait lego character she named bevvypix.

As a visual artist bevvypix began using a documentary approach, in the same way you would document your days in a diary, she disregarded the traditional written approach and began capturing the moments, she uses digital technology whether is is her iPhone or her professional Nikon DSLR camera. As 2017 began, so did her day to day life as a photographer and a family woman. Combining these two worlds as her daily life, therefore creating this set of images over a 365 day period.

The images of bevvypix induce a subliminal effect on the psychological mind, therefore creating a visual idea, whilst challenging her creative thoughts on a daily basis. Her ability yo bring a little plastic figure to life is not only enduring, fun and engaging, but reminiscent to her own childhood past and through this medium, we are invited to her life now as an adult.

Starting 2017 off with the Daily Life of bevvypix. This whole project began to take shape, each day brought a new perspective on what was about to develop. Where it would take me was anyones guess, I did not even know myself. By posting into @bevvypix instagram account https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/ Lego bevvypix began to gain organic followers form over the world. I began to enjoy instagram more and more, seeing what other photographers were taking enlighted a spark and a desire to keep this project going for 365 days.

February 2017 It was time to Focus. I read a quote "You have to focus on what you are doing, not just as a photographer, but as a human being" this resinated with me as I try to balance family and work, like most people do I guess. I know I often get submerged in my work as I am a perfectionist.

Wedding March 2017 what way could I showcase and combine my worlds together? I am not just a wedding photographer, I have learned to survive for 25 years plus in a hard industry to compete in, I have adapted myself to enable me to take work for all types of photography including commercial and landscapes, I do not see them any different each image I take tells a story very much the same as a completed wedding day.

April 2017 End of the tax year, so what better theme to choose Retrospective and a look back on 2016, this effectively was the year I started my Instagram account and the birth of Lego me bevvypix.

May 2017 'May I tell you a story', so the Narrative theme emerged. The stories are created in pictures that became titles in their own right, dreams, nightmares, past.

June 2017 led me to upload Junebug, an image of a ladybird through barbed wire, almost resembling a rollercoaster. The theme for this month became Abstract. By placing Lego me into the environment around me and seeing the world from a tiny perspective, often using my Nikon for these as I needed to get up close and personal.

July 2017 I know lets create a Monochrome theme. Everything is simple in Black and White, even though there is no colourful images we just do not need them as the world around me was colourful enough.

August 2017 Beginning to think I am misunderstood and no one really understanding why I am still posting images in relation to a plastic toy, the theme began on Identity. My life in pictures, I am daughter, a wife, a mother, a photographer, an accountant, a creative director, a professional, an editor, a web publisher, an advertiser, plus much more.

September 2017 as the saying goes 30 days has September and 30 days we did, theming this month with Project, It was about everything I see before me.

October 2017 We need Inspiration and mine comes from photographs and music. This months theme was titled Influence. Some images are my own and some by the most influential artists of all time, well for me anyways.

I love the era of the sixties, a time when everyone was nobody, yet everyone was somebody. Photography started to take on a new form, celebrities were becoming famous and the world was evolving. Music was making history and every tune was unique. Black and white images created dramatic portraits and television was exposing into peoples homes, a time in which you could make a name for yourself and to this day still be associated with that connection, withstanding the test of time. Then came the eighties barriers were broken, music and images became more explicit, using what artist had seen before and pushing through boundaries.

November 2017 I just do what I do, I never put myself into a particular genre, how could I? my Profession takes me to places and meet people who are from all walks of life, why should I create images like everyone else has, I prefer the bespoke approach if I am honest, I would rather shoot to suit not shoot to conform, from first smiles to wedding days and everything in between, I love what I do and am very fortunate to be able to still work in the photographic Industry, in an ever changing world.

December 2017 Christmas countdown and Life through a Lens drawing to a close. The life of bevvypix has been created in this little world and we have documented our days, never missing a single posting. It has been a challenge bringing new concepts to life and I am glad I stuck it out and have achieved what I set out to do. Showing dedication and commitment just as I do in my professional and family life. Where this project goes from now, I do not know? If it was possible at some point in my life, I would love to print all 365 images and showcase them all in an exhibition, perhaps one day at the Tate Gallery! Dream, Imagine and Believe ...

Thank You for reading this blog and thank you to those of you who have followed this journey. As 2017 comes to a close and 2018 brings us a new year and new project round the corner, keep watching ... it might just be fun! https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/
Bev x

All images unless stated are the Copyright of Beverley Thomas Photography 2017 All rights reserved
https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/

Wedding Planner

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:54:06 GMT

Wedding Planner from The Tenby Observer

Hello and welcome to my recent blog, I have been away for a while and just not had the time to write due to work demands, so today I though I have a spare half hour in between sorting out my new branding , why not write a few lines. So this blog I have decide to write about our local newspaper.

Twice a year The Tenby Observer works tirelessly to produces a supplemented wedding feature to accompany the newspaper in the Spring and Summer. I have been very fortunate to have had the privilege to have my images feature on four of the front covers, which I am super proud of.

The newspaper covers the areas in and around the county of Pembrokeshire, keeping us up to date with local news and features. You will often see there stand at the County Wedding Fayre. The company is a family run business based in the picturesque town of Tenby in South West Wales, they employ some amazing staff who have certainly helped my business over the years by enabling me to reach a further wedding audience. I normally send in a wedding report with a few details of the couples big day, sometimes the bride and grooms are asked if they would like to feature in the wedding planner and be able to tell their story.

The couples are asked to complete a questionnaire about themselves and their experiences they faced in the run up to their wedding day and how they felt on the day. There are no right or wrong answers and I am sure the paper do not mind the odd spelling error. They then send it back to the reporter either via email or post and I am contacted to forward the images to support the story. I tend to forward the images that I believe are the most memorable to me from the couples special day.

The layouts are all produced by the talented graphic designer and laid out in a way that that look incredible and well worth completing the questionnaire, as they make a great keepsake.

I particularly enjoy reading what all my bride and groom's have written and I think it is a great opportunity for other businesses to see there input in the day in print.

I do hope that this little blog gives a little insight into why I get so keen for couples to retire their questionnaires, what a fabulous way to showcase your wedding day and read about it again and again for years to come, even more special these features could even be framed and given to each other as your 1st Anniversary gifts, PAPER ;)

On behalf of Beverley Thomas Photography, thank you to all my bride and groom's for taking the time to complete the forms and thank you for allowing the paper to feature your story. Thank you also must go to the Tenby Observer staff for your hard work, amazing layouts and endless support towards my business, I cannot thank you enough and I am proud to be asked to feature a small part of such an amazing team.

The next planner is scheduled for next spring 2018, be sure to grab a copy!
http://www.tenby-today.co.uk/index.cfm?id=homeClick

Rock The Castle 2017

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:55:08 GMT

Pembroke Castle Rocked over the weekend

This weeks blog comes from #RockTheCastle on Friday 14th July when world-famous indie rock band, The Fratellis rocked Pembroke Castle along with post-Britpop superstars, Toploader , and support from refreshingly quirky WE-ARE-Z , and up-and-coming Pembrokeshire modern-rock band, Vicetrack . I was asked to capture the weekend events as Pembroke Castle's Official Photographer, and boy did I take some photographs, (sadly a little late to capture Vicetrack).

Best known for their infectious Top Ten hit Chelsea Dagger , now played constantly in bars, clubs and at global sports events, The Fratellis shot to fame in 2006 with their debut album Costello Music , which spent a mammoth 83 weeks in the Top 100 of the UK charts, and included some well-known hits such as Henrietta and Whistle For The Choir . The album propelled the band past the likes of The Kooks , James Morrison and Lily Allen to win the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2007, and has made them a firm festival favourite from T in the Park to Glastonbury .

Since then, the band have toured the world, released three more albums, in typically vibrant and tune-rich Fratellis style, the latest, Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied released in 2015, reached #16 in the charts and includes Baby Don’t You Lie To Me , a glam tune with ineffably Fratellis -shaped swagger.

Just back from their sell-out tour of the UK celebrating the 10th anniversary of Costello Music , The Fratellis were now rocking Pembroke Castle! and what a show they put on, they were absolutely amazing, leaving the crowd wanting more and more!

Joining The Fratellis were Toploader, one of the definitive bands of the early ‘00s, and responsible for the global hit Dancing in the Moonlight . Household name Toploader have over two million album sales to their name and a string of top 20 hits both at home and abroad. Their debut album, Onka’s Big Moka , sold over one million copies and remained in the Top 5 of the UK album chart for over six months, earning them 4 Brit Award nominations. The 2000 single Dancing in the Moonlight spent over a year in the European Airplay Charts, and in 2013, the same track re-entered the Top 40 for three weeks and topped the 10,000,000 hits mark on Youtube, an incredible 13 years after it was first released, cementing it as one of the biggest songs of recent times. The band are releasing their highly anticipated fourth album, Seeing Stars , just two months before they rocked Pembroke. I must say another amazing performance and they sound fantastic live.

I must admit I have never heard of this band before, WE-ARE-Z they are a quirky Anglo-French concoction of indie-pop, disco-punk, glam-rock, bound together with a Mighty Boosh -esque mix of hot pink, feather boas, and animal masks. Hot off a successful 25 date European tour supporting Electric 6 of Gay Bar and Danger! High Voltage fame, WE-ARE-Z make up part of Friday night's line-up. Check out their debut album, Animal , which was released last year, and listen out for one of their songs being played in the popular CBS series, Criminal Minds .

Saturday 15th July The Bootleg Beatles brought their phenomenally successful show to Pembroke Castle, supported by The Bootleg Beach Boys .

Justifiably recognised as the world’s premier Beatles Tribute show, The Bootleg Beatles continue to draw critical acclaim from across the globe with their stunning recreation of the greatest songbook of all time.

Charting the Fab Four’s journey through the sixties, every tiny detail is meticulously covered from their costumes to authentic period instruments; from their witty 'Scouse' banter to their uncanny ‘inflection perfect’ vocal impersonation.

They’ve played Glastonbury, Knebworth, the Queen’s Jubilee, the Albert Hall and now they rocked Pembroke Castle.

Complete with a little help from their orchestral ensemble, this was a genuine not-to-be-missed spectacular for Beatle fans of all ages. No, it’s not The Beatles, but you simply won’t believe it! Making this extra special is that it will be 50 years to the anniversary of the Sgt Pepper album. Meeting these guys it was clear to see familiarities of the original fab four and the sound simply did not disappoint. Another incredible performance.

Joining The Bootleg Beatles, were The Bootleg Beach Boys , bringing the unmistakable sound of west-coast America to the west-coast Wales’ most recognisable landmark.

Fresh from a sell-out tour of Ireland’s finest theatres, the band treated the crowds to all of the hits from California’s most famous act such as God Only Knows , Surfin’ U.S.A. and Wouldn’t It Be Nice .

The Bootleg Beach Boys are Dublin-based and made up of Joe Mullins, Damian Butler, Mark Maguire, Fran King, and Joe Leech, who between them create the most accurate version of The Beach Boys' classic sound that you will ever be likely to hear. The cheeky, fun, energy they produced sent out those famous Good Vibrations, leaving the crowd wanting more.

On Sunday 16th July 2017, Horrible Histories “Live On Stage” came to Pembroke Castle with the hit show The Best of Barmy Britain. This was a fantastic finale to the ‘Rock The Castle’ weekend.

It has been over twenty years since the Horrible Histories franchise catapulted itself into our schools and living rooms, making yawn-worthy yesteryear a thing of the past. Since Terry Deary first penned The Terrible Tudors and The Awful Egyptians, Horrible Histories have gone from strength to strength, from sticker books to appearing on our TV screens in CBBC’s BAFTA Children’s Award and British Comedy Award-winning series, and a BBC six-part series aimed at adults and hosted by Stephen Fry, and Deary remains one of the most popular living children’s author.

The Birmingham Stage Company’s world-touring stage performance of two thousand years of British History, performed right here in Pembroke Castle!

Last but not least Preseli Pete and the Merrymakers Band, A unique band with a unique look. Playing a blend of skiffle, comedy numbers, reimagined pop sings and original material Preseli Pete and the Merrymakers Band feature tea chest bass, kazoos, washboard, melodica, guitar, bass and four part harmony vocals, they certainly had the crowd entertained.

http://pembroke-castle.co.uk/pages/home

The Birthplace of Henry VII was the ideal setting, set on the banks of the river estuary, this mighty fortress is steeped in British history... now brought the community together for yet another year. People of all ages were catered for, whether you heard of the bands that played or not, it was a fantastic weekend. Lots of planning goes into an event such as this, from setting up the stage for four days prior, stage managing, making sure the bands are catered for, security is high level, making sure the toilets are provided and food & drink are available, everyone involved should be super proud of themselves and I for one, was truly honoured to be asked to be the official photographer and meet some amazing people along the way.

I am looking forwards to next year, so we can once again rock the castle and give the public another show to remember.

Bev

http://thefratellis.com/site/

http://toploaderofficial.com/

http://bootlegbeatles.com/

https://en-gb.facebook.com/BootlegBeachBoys/

http://themerrymakerstheatrecompany.yolasite.com/

All Photography featured in this blog is Copyrighted by Beverley Thomas Photography, for more images please visit our Facebook page. Thank You

Below is the official Press Release from The Tenby Observer http://tenbyobserver.co.uk

www.beverleythomasphotography.uk
https://www.facebook.com/beverleythomasphotography/
https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/

Visit Pembrokeshire

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:00:20 GMT

Caldey Island

Last Wednesday on an overcast foggy day, with light mist falling over Pembrokeshire, I headed to Tenby with a group of Springboard Learners. After a short walk to Tenby harbour, we boarded a boat and headed to Caldey. Caldey is a small island off the South West coast of mainland Wales, near Tenby in Pembrokeshire. With a recorded history going back over 1500 years, it is known as one of Holy Islands of Britain. The island's population consists of 40 permanent residents and a varying number of Cistercian monks, whose predecessors migrated there from Belgium in the early 20th century, taking over from Anglican Benedictines who had bought the island in 1906 and built the extant monastery and abbey. Today the monks farm the island, chiefly raising dairy cattle, and make a range of items including cheese, shortbread, perfumes and toiletries. The island also host a small chocolate factory which is definitely worth a taste and also a post office in which you can send postcards including a special Caldey Island postage stamp.

In the spring and summer, visitors are ferried to Caldey, not only to visit the sacred sanctuary but also to view the island's rich wildlife.

The boat trip takes approximately 20 minutes and sails every 20 minutes. Once landed on the island there is plenty to see for visitors. Tourist attractions on Caldey Island include the recently restored 13th-century church of St Illtyd, a Norman chapel, and Caldey Abbey, which was completed in 1910. Caldey Lighthouse is in operation and was built in 1828. The light was intended to help coastal traffic trading coal and limestone to mid and north Wales, the light also served another purpose as it helped North American traffic identify the Bristol Channel.

Caldey consists of two islands and is known for it's wildlife and we see busy bees pollinating wild flowers. The island also has many species of birds that are prevalent in the summer months. Flying over head we see birds such as the Cormorants and Gannets. Little Caldey known as St Margaret's Island is said to be the largest colony of Cormorants in the United Kingdom.

After a lovely day on the island and the weather held off for us, we boarded the boat back to the mainland of Tenby. Tenby is a walled seaside town and very popular with tourists. It is picturesque and hosts a busy fishing harbour. Tenby is also famous for it's fish and chip shops and lifeboat station.

Thank you for reading my latest blog and For more information, please check out the links provided and come visit Pembrokeshire sometime.

http://www.caldey-island.co.uk
http://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk
http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=107,2047,2048,1489

The Calm Before the Storm

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Sat, 27 May 2017 18:00:57 GMT

Visit Pembrokeshire

Angle is a village and community on a narrow peninsula on the very south-west tip of Wales in Pembrokeshire. This stunning beach not only is surrounded by countryside and caravan and camping sites, it is also home to a lifeboat station which was established in 1868. The crew have received numerous awards over the years, including seven silver medals from the RNLI. The first rescue where the crew received silver medals was in the rescue of 27 people who were on board the 1878-built Loch Shiel which had run into rocks off Thorn Island.

Angle bay runs into Milford Haven Waterway which is a natural harbour known as The Haven. As one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, it is a busy shipping channel. The ferry from Pembroke Dock to Ireland and oil tankers are common sights on the horizon. Admiral Horatio Nelson, when visiting the harbour with the Hamiltons, described it as the next best natural harbour to Trincomalee in Sri Lanka and "the finest port in Christendom".

It is hard to think that in 1996, the coastline around Angle was severely affected by an oil spill from the Sea Empress. This was Britain's third largest oil spillage and the twelfth largest in the world at the time, it sadly devastated a considerable area of local coastline and killed many birds, and continued to affect the Pembrokeshire coast for years afterwards. To look at this beautiful beach now you would never know that it was affected so badly.

Angle Bay now is visited by many locals and visitors as it form part of the Pembrokeshire coast path which was the first National Trail in Wales and is one of 15 National Trails in Britain. - See more at: http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/explore-pembrokeshire/coast-path/#sthash.9Z6XQDe0.dpuf just last night when I took these images, the beach was full of plenty of people. The tide was high making it the perfect place to launch a kayak and enjoy the waterway or just sitback on the beach and enjoy a picnic with friends. I could have been anywhere in the world but I was home, enjoying the bank holiday atmosphere in beautiful Pembrokeshire.

After such a beautiful evening of fun and laughter we play witness to the sun going down and disappearing over Thorn Island, fading the last rays of light making these images, 'the calm before the storm'.

Carew Castle

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Tue, 23 May 2017 20:51:16 GMT

Right on our doorstep 23/05/17

Today the weather was dry but very overcast, nevertheless my group that I teach of Springboard learners from one of our local primary schools, were scheduled on a photographic course with Springboard. Their aim was to capture images of the castle in order to sell at their enterprise fayre which is soon to be held in Haverfordwest. So weather aside we set out on our journey to Carew Castle.

At the end of the 11th century the Normans extended their conquest of England into Wales and Pembroke Castle became the centre of Norman rule in South Pembrokeshire. Gerald de Windsor was constable of the Castle on behalf of Henry I, when he decided to build his own fortification on the Carew River, some ten miles up the tidal waterway from Pembroke. This became know as Carew Castle.

When I attended the same school many years ago, we learnt the story behind one resident of Carew Castle. His name was Sir Rowland Rees, he was believed to be a tenant of the castle in the 18th century, he was a well travelled man who had visited the Barbary Coast and brought back with him an injured ape he had rescued from a wrecked Spanish galleon. It is said he was able to train his devoted pet to respond to his every wish with a series of whistles.

'The story goes that Sir Rowland had one son who ran off with the daughter of a local merchant, not a union that Sir Rowland approved of.

On the fateful night there was a storm brewing. The wind screamed around the castle and the rain lashed at the windows. The ape was restless, sensing Sir Rowland's evil mood. There was a knock at the door and the girl's father, a merchant by the name of Horowitz, demanded admittance, distressed and upset that his daughter had run away with Sir Rowland's son. Sir Rowland did not believe his story and after a fierce argument he released the ape from its chains and ordered it to kill Horowitz.

The merchant fought off the ape and, although badly injured, managed to drag himself from the room. He shouted for help from the servants who tended him for the night. Horowitz cursed Sir Rowland with an evil fate and, as he cursed, great piercing screams were heard from the tower room. The servants, who were terrified of their master, were unwilling to venture into the tower room to find out what had happened.

At first light the following morning they summoned up the courage to enter the silent room. There, lying in a pool of blood was the body of Sir Rowland, but of the ape there was no sign.

Legend has it that the ghost of the ape returns to the castle on dark, stormy nights where he has been seen and heard by passers-by. Why does the ape return? Nobody knows...'

This story has stayed with me all these years, and I will continue to pass onto future generations when we visit Carew Castle. This castle has always fascinated me and its always felt like a haunted castle, guess what we learn from young has a way of resignating into the future and connecting us with the past.

Bev

For more info on Carew Castle: http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/default.asp?PID=262
For more info on Springboard: http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=107,2047,2048,1489

Skomer Island

Sat, 20 May 2017 16:00:20 GMT

The beautiful Island of Skomer 18/05/17

My photography career involves mostly photographing people so I do not describe myself as a wildlife photographer, although I do love wildlife and as a hobby I enjoy photographing it whenever I get the opportunity, this week I was fortunate to visit this beautiful Island. Skomer is an island off the coast of Pembrokeshire in West Wales. It is well known for its wildlife, around half the world's population of Manx shearwaters nest on the island, along with the Atlantic puffin colony. A short boat trip is all it takes to reach this fascinating world of birds and bluebells. Departing from the boat you have 87 steep steps to climb before being greeted by the island ranger and puffins flying overhead.

Skomer is home to the Atlantic puffin, and I have to say, one of my favourite birds.

It is late May and spring is certainly in bloom on Skomer. This beautiful island is covered in a carpet of bluebells. One of the reasons why Skomer bluebells look so spectacular is because of the unusual ecosystem. Bluebells are generally found in woodland areas, and emerge so spectacularly in early spring as they have evolved to complete their life cycle before the trees have come into leaf and the light levels drop. As you might see from this image, Skomer lacks trees so bluebells have adapted to grow amongst the bracken.

Like many seabirds, the Atlantic puffin spends most of the year far from land in the open ocean and only visits coastal areas to breed. It is a sociable bird and it usually breeds in large colonies which is evident on Skomer especially at the place known as the Wick. The Wick is clearly the most popular home to these fascinating birds and visitors are asked to remain respectful and walk in set areas to not disturb the puffins habitat, as Puffins waddle, march, scurry, hop, walk right past your feet.

The Atlantic puffin diet consists almost entirely of fish, occasionally they eats shrimps, other crustaceans, molluscs and polychaete worms, especially in more coastal waters. It has been estimated that an adult bird needs to eat about forty of these per day—sand eels, herrings, sprats and capelin being the most often consumed. It fishes by sight and can swallow small fish while submerged, but larger specimens are brought to the surface. It can catch several small fish in one dive, holding the first ones in place in its beak with its muscular, grooved tongue while it catches others.

When it takes off, the Atlantic puffin patters across the surface of the water while vigorously flapping its wings, before launching itself into the air. The size of the wing is a compromise between its uses above and below water and its surface area is small relative to the bird's weight. To maintain flight, the wings need to beat very rapidly at a rate of several times each second. The bird's flight is direct and low over the surface of the water and it can travel at 50 miles per hour making it quite hard to capture on camera. Landing is awkward, it either crashes into a wave crest or, in calmer water, does a belly flop. While at sea, the Atlantic puffin has its annual moult. Land birds mostly lose their primaries one pair at a time to enable them still to be able to fly, but the puffin sheds all its primaries at one time and dispenses with flight entirely for a month or two. The moult usually takes place between January and March but young birds may lose their feathers a little later in the year.

In the spring, mature birds return to land, usually to the colony at which they were hatched. Early arrivals take control of the best locations, the most desirable nesting sites being the densely packed burrows on grassy slopes just above the cliff edge where take-off is most easily accomplished. Later arrivals at the colony may find that all the best nesting sites have already been taken and be pushed towards the periphery where they are in greater danger of predation. They also spend time standing by their burrow entrances and interacting with passing birds. Dominance is shown by an upright stance, with fluffed chest feathers and cocked tail, an exaggerated slow walk, head jerking and gaping.

Submissive birds lower their head and hold their body horizontal and scurry past dominant individuals, nevertheless they seem to keep themselves busy with no animosity considering they live so close to one another. These beautiful birds are a delight to photograph, wether they are shy or dominant, they certainly all have individual characters.

Breeding colonies of Atlantic puffins provide an interesting spectacle for both bird watchers and tourists. For example, thousands of puffins nest each year on the island and visitors can visit them via tour boats which operate during the summer months. Skomer Island certainly looks after these little birds with care and dedication. Rangers and volunteers help keep a log of all the birds. They are protected and respected enabling people like myself and wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy and witness this truly perfect sight, and for a moment become part of their world.

Bev

for more information on Skomer Island http://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/islands/skomer/

Bus Stop

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 14:54:49 GMT

The Stationary Journey

Ever sat on a bus, not able to move anywhere? I expect the majority of you have! a seven hour journey to London could have been the most boring journey, saying that, it wasn't. It was early morning when I climbed aboard the megabus that departed from the local ferry terminal. Outside was pitch black, all I could see where the empty seats around me and two boys chatting away. They were chatting about their weekend and student life in general, clearly one mutual friend they were discussing was the joker of the pack and seemed to entertain them on various occasions. I was not being nosey, I just couldn't help but hear and it did pass the time away, now and again I would smile to myself, listening to their stories. Eventually they both fell asleep for a bit, the bus was still fairly empty so I closed my eyes too. I woke up as we approached our first pick up stop.

Then it dawned on me, I have internet and instagram therefore hoping that the outside world would follow my journey. Every bus stop we pulled up to, I felt the urge to take a photograph therefore documenting my ride. In a documentary style approach, I captured each pick up from my stationary position using only an iPhone looking out of the window.

I uploaded to instagram, one image per stop. My existing followers and new followers interacted to my surprise, and the hits kept coming. As a visual artist/photographer, It certainly gave me support to carry on capturing what I could see right there in front of me.

So why did I choose the megabus? well it was simple, I felt although the journey was longer there was a driver onboard someone who kept an eye on the passengers, so as a female travelling alone this made me feel safer than perhaps the train plus it was also a cheaper option which is definitely a bonus in this day and age.

I arrived in London and was once able to move about again, and get on with my business.

After attending to business in the city, it was time for me to do the stationary journey again and head back home. This return was quite different to the previous trip. I knew boarding would be considerably busier from London Victoria station, so I stood in a queue and waited to board. I found my seat and made myself ready for the long journey ahead. There was an empty seat next to me and I had no doubts it would get filled. This is when I met Antonio, he was an Italian business man with a fairly good English dialogue, perhaps at times not understanding every word, to which he would show me his translation on his phone, I then understood. He was visiting the UK to open a chain of Italian restaurants, with one in London and one opening soon in Cardiff, the name 'Ciliegino'. I spent the whole journey talking about his company and his dreams to open more in the UK, guess the other passengers heard too. He asked what took me to London and I explained I was a photographer. We exchanged details and in future, I maybe able to help with advertising by creating some food photography, and fingers crossed I can eat the pizza afterwards.

So why have I wrote this blog, although at times we might be alone and travelling in a stationary position, a photograph, a smile, a conversation may just help you get through those boring hours and that doesn't cost anything. You never know who you might meet along the way. Who knows one journey can lead to another in future!

Bev

https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix

Ask The Expert

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 14:44:21 GMT

The Tenby Observer Wedding Planner

The Tenby Observer is a local newspaper covering the area of Pembrokeshire. They report local news and keep us updated with what is happening in our towns. A few years ago the Observer released a Wedding Planner edition, which is published twice a year. I have been fortunate to have featured, three wedding covers and two ask the photographer experts.

This wedding planner, features bride and grooms own personnel stories of how they met, wedding preparations, how the big day went and tips for other brides & grooms who are to experience that special day. It is a bit like our very own Ok Magazine. Many of my couples have been featured and I simply love reading their stories and they are such a valuable keepsake for the future and a great first year anniversary present ... (Paper)

The newspaper very kindly enables me to have hard copies of all these wonderful stories, which I will be publishing into a look book.
Bev

Creative Wedding Photography

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:24:25 GMT

London Calling

Exactly one week ago, I made the journey to London to capture these moments. I joined on the megabus for the long journey ahead. Not actually being able to stop myself shooting from a stationary position, I find myself snapping away with my iPhone all the bus stops on-route. I expect this will appear on my blog in due course. I arrived in London, then jumped in a black cab and headed to my hotel. Black cabs are definitely the only way to travel around London, if you do not really know what bus to catch. We meet up around 4.30pm to start shooting this amazing couple at various landmarks. Using OCF I get to create some eye catching images, shooting well into midnight.

The full set of images can be seen in the wedding gallery or at https://www.facebook.com/beverleythomasphotography/

Inspiration

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 17:01:54 GMT

Bevvypix recreates Cindy Sherman with Lego

As many of you already know, I began to photograph myself in the form of lego as another way to explore self-portraiture and record daily life. The lego is a way of expressing how I am feeling and one image I captured looked almost like a Cindy Sherman image, this was the start of this series. I suddenly thought what if I could use some of her influential photographs to recreate lego pix photographs for my ever growing Instagram page @bevvypix https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/?hl=en and put my lego selfie into similar type images within my own daily life.

Probably one of the most well known female photographers who contemplates boundaries and breaks the rules is Cindy Sherman. Her images are based on the theory that is perceived as stereotypical within our culture. She captivates us into what she asks us to contemplate our own thoughts. Sherman invites us into her performance of her work, which is representational and she addresses identity issues that perhaps some would argue that she holds a dark reality.

She calls attention by the way she structures her photographs by using herself, which offers the viewer the opportunity to understand why Cindy Sherman perception of visible reality was documented in this way. She is both subject and object in relation to her images, what is interesting is that there is no self in her portraits because she plays a role and we are merely spectators … Her choice of lens by focal length and working f/stop alters the relationship between herself in the frame and create the fantasy. What we begin to experience is the reality, which has controlled the fantasy. The fantasy protects us from being consumed by the real and reality itself can activate an escape from the real.

The importance of seeing yourself ‘visually reflected’ will explain why people choose to like Sherman’s work and Actors in movies, can they relate to a character in her images or on the cinema screen as it reminds the viewer that they are like us, we can identify and reinforce our sense of self.

Undoubtedly Sherman is a contemporary master of socially critical photography. Her work is either loved or disliked, her ability to take herself and transform into someone else, you will agree is pretty genius. I for one admire her artistic approach and her photographic vision. I would hope that if she ever came across my work she would feel that I portrayed her well in plastic.

So for those who understand and for those who are a little confused as to why I have been posting images of lego recently, this might explain a few references. To put lego me bevvypix into various scenarios has been a challenging and fun series to personally create. Many if not all my images have been taken using an iPhone, they have been edited using the iPhone and uploaded using the iPhone. For me, they are visual reminders of a great artists work.

https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/?hl=en

Now a 1st Class Graduate

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 15:52:02 GMT

latest updates

Seem's so long ago now, but it was only June when I was anticipating the final results from University. Those of you who follow and read my updates will have a fair idea of what this journey meant to me, and I am proud to say that I received a First Class Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Photography. Education is so important, we are never too old to learn.

So just what have I been doing since I left? well I have not stopped. The wedding season began and I have met so many fantastic bride and grooms along with their families, we have certainly had great fun. Babies are being born and families are creating memories, I love my job. Myself and a fellow graduate attended the photo academy roadshow which was very informative. We learnt how Facebook is not so free friendly to us little businesses any longer. Posts are more active if we spend a small fortune on advertising to promote ourselves. Sadly this cost, which no one sees with have to be covered. This potential cost unfortunately is usually passed to the future clients so I am hoping not to transfer this fee, if I can help it. This would depend on the ability of coverage with likes, shares and tags so I ask all face bookers to spread the love. I am also on Instagram @bevvypix and would love you to tag me using #beverleythomasphotography if you are sharing images taken by me on your pages. You will also find the daily adventures of Lego #bevvypix

The Photo Booth has been working really well. Currently exclusive to wedding clients, I want to keep it extra special for them to have a great end to a fab day. Thank you everyone for joining in the crazy, mad, insane, fun ... You have made me laugh!

Enjoy the rest of the summer and good luck to all the new students getting ready to begin a new journey.

Bev x

BA (Hons) Photography Degree Show

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 17:18:52 GMT

The Seven Deadly Sins, Self-Portraits.

My recent work has recently been influenced by well-known female photographers, subsequently refining my own visual and conceptual vocabulary that has emerged through my focus on a completed series of self-portraits.

I turned the camera and chose to put myself in the frame. I was influenced by the idea of becoming my own subject. I wanted to explore issues of the self, reality and fiction. My photographs are portraits in various scenarios that have been created and combined to evacuate a story.

The seven Images from this series are currently on display at http://www.theprintspacetrajectory.com/graduategallery/ along with other graduates work.

As you can probably guess, a lot of thought process and personality evoked this series, I am so glad that I challenged myself and I am so proud of what I have achieved. More images can be viewed from the home page under Self-Portraits or on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Beverley-Thomas-Photography-177997148891854/

Bev

Degree Classification

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 13:49:16 GMT

One question I am being asked ... Just what is a BA Hons exactly?

Since returning to study and finally Graduating with what has been a dream of mine to complete, I now find myself anticipating my final mark. As of writing this blog, I still do not know what my results are but I know what I set out to achieve. Yep I set myself a goal! The results are set to be sent through the post, anytime during the month of June. Since nearly Graduating I find a number of people, who have not studied a BA Honours Degree/level 6, asking just what is a 1st or a 2nd? So I felt that writing this blog might help clear up some unanswered questions. Nearly all students will be awarded a degree with honours at the end of their course, providing they complete the necessary modules that are required. If a student is awarded a pass degree (i.e. a degree without honours) this is usually because they have failed the honours examination, or significant parts of it.

Most Universities award a class of degree based on an average mark, (this average mark is attained from all of the student's completed modules). Classification is then given, you may hear words like a 1st or a 2:1 , 2:2, 3rd.

First-Class Honours In Most Universities a First-Class Honours is the highest honour which can be achieved. A minority of universities award First-Class Honours with Distinction. A First-Class Honours or 1st is awarded when you gain 70% and above.

Second-Class Honours The bulk of university graduates fall into second-Class Honours, which is sub-divided into Upper Second-Class and Lower Second-Class. An Upper Second-Class Honours or 2:1 is an overall grade between 60-70%. A Lower Second-Class Honours or 2:2 is between 50 60%.

Third-Class Honours is the lowest honours classification. A Third-Class Honours or 3rd is a grade between 40 - 50%.

An Ordinary degree or pass below 40%.

A Fail is no degree awarded.

It can be confusing and mind-blowing when you consider that all graduates are entitled to put BA Honours after their names, the majority of people will assume that they have all been awarded the same level of degree, this is when the classification comes into play 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

I am really glad I returned to study after gaining my HND many years ago and I have made many new friends who are anticipating their results to in the next few weeks. Our Degree show comes to an end soon therefore I will be uploading the images of my self-portraits, so be sure to keep following.

'In the meantime keep following your dreams , my blog and instagram'
Bev x

Degree Show

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Thu, 12 May 2016 17:32:42 GMT

Students work on Display

So as many of you already know, I have been back to University to complete my BA Hons Photography Degree. That time has finally come in which I wait and anticipate my final results and put on a show. With one week to go until students work goes on display for the public to view. We have worked so hard this term in all departments at Carmarthen School of Art. Not only have we completed intensive research in order for us to make our images come to life but we have also had to get studio space ready and change a working studio into a gallery fit for display.

My recent work has been influenced by well-known female photographers, subsequently refining my own visual and conceptual vocabulary that emerges through my focus on my completed series of self-portraits.

I turned the camera and chooses to put myself in the frame. Combining my self-portraits with stock images to reflect the seven deadly sins. I was influenced by the idea of becoming my own subject. I wanted to explore issues of the self, reality and fiction. My photographs are portraits in various scenarios that have been created and combined to evacuate a story. Which leave a question, ask yourself "How does your truth and perception of yourself and reality differ from that of others?

The show opens to the public Saturday 21st May 2016 and is open daily until June 3rd. It would be great if you can pop along and see our work.

Bev

Social Media

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:04:30 GMT

Why Interact?

We have it in our homes, in our work place, we even check it before we go to bed! Social media, such things like Facebook, instagram, Twitter, Pinterest you name it pretty much everyone has at least one of these if not all. In the era we live nowadays we have access via computers, tablets, mobile phones and I know you all check on a regular basis, it's what we are now programmed to do. This connection to the outside world enables us to share information and images with our friends and families. As a photographer it is important for me to keep posting new work and have an online presence, otherwise you would forget about little ole me. When someone interacts with my pages it great to see and know that I am not talking to myself, the images I produce are for clients along with some personal work which includes a little bit of fun. Someone once asked me why I photograph Lego? Well it's simple, we are all familiar with Lego and one day I decided to make a Lego me out of what my children had gathered over the years. Lego me began to develop and it is something I will continue doing by promoting the adventures of Lego me and recording my actual days, just as a bit of fun.

I am always grateful when someone stops by and likes what I have created. I never started my career 25 years ago as a photographer to earn big money, I started it because it is something I love to do, I simply love photographs and that connection with a memory. As a small business social media networking is vital, its a way of allowing the public to see what we do. In order for this networking to work I must be active on all social media platforms but sometimes it can be a disheartening world to be in and competition is everywhere.

I for one really appreciate you spreading my name by the best form of advertising 'word of mouth'. So I sit here thinking and have come up with a little idea, I would love to see where the images I have taken ended up finally having a home and how you felt about them. So if you lovely people are on any of these www.facebook.com/Beverley-Thomas-Photography then drop me a review and let me know, if your on https://www.instagram.com/bevvypix/ please follow me and #beverleythomasphotography your images, that way I will see them in my little # and if your on twitter@bevvypix drop by with a tweet. Every interaction such as a like or share, counts and helps other know that our little businesses exists.

Thanks You
Bev x

Self-Portraits

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 12:54:29 GMT

Test Shot in preparation for Final Show ...

As many of you may be aware, I returned to University after completing my HND in Design Photography 18 years ago. During the years I had a strong desire to go back to complete my BA Hons in Photography. On many occasions I have been asked why? I can not really answer why, I just felt that I have always wanted to, (a tick off my bucket list as to speak). The year is nearly at an end and I have chosen to take on a series of self-portrait images to go on display in the final show. These are test shots and not the actual images for the exhibition, I thought I would have a play and see what they would look like on the cover of a magazine, just for fun.

I have styled these images myself, the Make-up, Hair and outfits. I am also the photographer and the subject. It has been a challenge because I am not a model by any means and I have always been more comfortable behind the lens . In all my years as a photographer I have never set upon photographing myself in this way, so it has been a personnel process and one I am glad I took on. I have taken my influence from one of the most influential photographers of her time Cindy Sherman and now I can put myself in her shoes and I began to understand why she completed work as she did. She created her self-portrait by making herself ugly and taking her reference from what she saw around her and in magazines, her images depict different characters whilst still being her underneath at the styling. I wanted to do the opposite of the ugly and create a dark beauty type of look to my own work. I am therefore putting myself up for creative criticism and opening up my thoughts, Scarey I know.

Saying all that and working through the fact that I am now looking at myself in a different context, like finding it hard to believe it is actually me. I have to say I am really pleased with how they have developed, the actual whole process has provided me a personnel challenge and I now can put myself in your shoes and understand how you feel in front of the camera. I begin to look at this series of images in a new light and I am proud to say that I have completed my goal, I will be sharing the series soon, once they have been on display at the Exhibition.

Thank you for following my blog
Bev x

The Sunderland Trust Visit

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 09:58:04 GMT

Lego Me's day out at The Heritage Centre

As many of you who follow lego me know that where I go, she goes. Recently whilst doing my teaching work in the local primary schools with Springboard, we took a little trip to the Sunderland Trust museum. During the War times Pembroke Dock was a garrison town. It was one of the only places in Britain to host the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Army all at the same time. The Heritage centre has been allocated one of the historic buildings in the town, the Garrison Chapel. Two years ago it went under redevelopment and now is home to military history and parts of the Sunderland flying boat. Our morning was spent learning about the history and talks about Betty Foggy as mentioned in last post.

In the next few weeks the centre will have a life size cockpit built of the Sunderland in which you will be able to interact with and take off and land as they would have in the past. It is an exciting opportunity in the making and hopefully it will generate a lot more visitors. Our class really enjoyed their experience and learnt something at the same time. Do not despair the centre also has a great little coffee shop in a cosy corner of the exhibition. For more information please follow http://www.sunderlandtrust.com

The adventures of Lego me

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 10:42:54 GMT

Work, Rest and Play

Phew Hi everyone, lego me has been pretty busy and to top it off she has lots more work to do. She just thought she would take a few minutes to have a break. We all need to stop once in a while and recharge our batteries.

So what exactly have we been up to I here you ask? Well on Saturday we shot an amazing wedding. The bride and groom were simply brilliant. Imagine the scene: it was a beautiful sunny day, lots of fluffy clouds in the sky (photographers like fluffy clouds) we arrived at the Giltar Hotel situated in the picturest town of Tenby in South West Wales. The Hotel overlooks one of the most stunning beaching in the world, with views of Caldey Island. Tenby has been many a destination for lots of people over the years and hosted quiet a few celebrities. Tenby was also at one time voted in the top ten of stag and hen do's in the world, although Tenby is still a great place to spend your absolute parties, it also has become more family orientated with places such as Anna's wild welsh zoo, Folly farm and Oakwood attractions nearby. It truly is a wonderful part of the country. So how do I know this, well at the wedding reception I was taking to guest from London, Scotland, Ireland and North of England, these guest travelled from far and wide to attend their loved ones special day and they all commented how beautiful Tenby was and that they were disappointed they did not book for longer, I'm pretty sure they will be back.

So back to the wedding, It was a civil service which was conducted at the Hotel. The bride looked absolutely stunning in her white wedding gown encrusted with Swarovski Crystals and full length skirt and train complimenting her look with a veil and a beautiful shower bouquet. The bridesmaids were in a sky-blue colour and held posies of cream roses. The groom (we won't forget to give him a mention) he was in a navy blue suit with white waist coat. Straight after the wedding vows we headed outside to capture the group shots, we did block the entire road so I hope locals did not mind? Once the group shots were completed we then headed off will smaller groups a bit further along the esplanade. Overlooking the beach was where the immediate family shots were taken along with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. I have to say the whole day was as if we were abroad. Finally we took just the couple onto the beach where we shot more photographs.

I hasten to add the bestman's speech needs a mention, We have been to lots of weddings and heard lots of speeches, this one will stand out as a classic. Earlier on in the day when I was taking to the bestman and reassuring him, "you will be ok" I never expected what was to come. He stood up, mic in hand, then the music started and he started to rap. Not just any old rap, but one he wrote himself to the tune of the prince of bell air. It was brilliant and all the guests were blown away. The day turned into night and we left them dancing the night away...

So with that in mind, break over and to get on with editing and creating memories!

The Adventures of Lego Me

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:30:18 GMT

Springboard and Betty Foggy

Today was a good day! Alongside the wedding and portrait imagery, I also teach photography. Working with a company called Springboard funded by Communities First, (supported by the Welsh Assembly Government) in which I tutor adults and primary school children the basics of photography. Lego Me came along to help the children with their work. This terms curriculum is based on exploring the history through the looking glass and our brief is to explore our town and learn about its history. We are going to use the cameras to capture the history as we see it and introduce our own history by using our own toys. Lego me is very happy to take part.

I asked the children to explain a little about what they have learnt so far in class. They have been learning about a lady called Betty Foggy. The town of Pembroke Dock sits on the Milford Haven estuary and was home to a Royal Dockyard. During the middle years of Victorian Britain there was not so much entertainment surrounding Pembroke Dock, what entertainment occurred brought the locals out in force. The dockyard was the hub of activity on July 21st 1853, in which a 90 gun wooden hulled warship was to be launch from the slipway of the dockyard. That ship was called HMS Caesar and the dockyard was full of spectators, dignitaries and naval officers all eager to watch the launch. It was a big day for the town and bands were playing to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The hour arrived and the ship was ready to be launched, speeches were made and the sound of loud cheers filled the town. The new ship began to slide into the river until she sticks fast. No matter what the dockyard officials tried to do, she was not going anywhere, she simply refused to move. What actually happed was instead of oak wood to launch the ship, a cheaper option was ordered fir wood. This fir wood was too soft to hold the weight of the ship, consequently as the new hull took shape and the ship grew heavier and heavier, the Caesar simply embedded herself into the soft wood and she just could not hit the water, even if she wanted to.

So now we get round to what Betty Foggy had to do with the story, she was renowned in the area as a witch and a spell caster. Betty had tried to enter the dockyard this particular day to watch the launch, it was customary in those days in Pembroke Dock to open the gates to the public. However when Betty Foggy tried to enter, a policeman spotted her and turned her away. He said she would be unlucky and refused her admission, even though she was adamant she would not create the bad luck.

Her curse seemed to work and word got round the town that the failure was all her doing as she had cursed the launch.

It took 17 days to finally get the Caesar launched, and she finally slid into the water of the Cleddau river on Sunday 7th August, after workmen built huge wooden structures under the hull of the ship, known as camels. Slowly the Caesars keel was lifted out of the fir wood in which she had sunk.

Never to admit a mistake, the dockyard officials let the towns people know that Betty Foggy has lifted her curse. This story as you can imagine went down in Pembroke Dock Folklore as the witch who cursed the launch of HMS Caesar.

The Adventures of Lego Me

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:32:50 GMT

quote for the day

Yesterday I met a photographer in Cardiff who was very positive and really helpful. So with that in mind I thought sometimes we just need little helpful words to keep us going now and again, that is why Lego me has decided to share a little positivity today to all you lovely people. I hope you are liking the blog so far? and I will be posting more images of the Adventures of Lego Me to my page, twitter and also Instagram in the near future @bevvypix, be sure to pop by, say hello and make sure you follow to keep updated.

Self Portraits

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 15:33:01 GMT

Self Portraits/Alter Ego part of my Uni project

Well I thought perhaps I will give you an update on how my Uni project is going. My theme for my end of year show is based on a series of self portraits or alter ego as some may call it. I rarely photograph myself unless I am in a photograph with my family or friends. As a photographer you would expect me to do this on a regular basis, but this would be my first time ever in this position. I have decided that this would be the right way for me to take my project, put myself in your shoes and be in the firing line as you may say.

It is certainly a task I have set myself, basically because I am just an ordinary girl who happens to be a photographer, I am not a performer, nor an actress/model. I am confident as a person and how I can get the best photographs out of my clients, but when I find myself on the other side, its another story. So with that in mind, I need to feel what you feel, I needed to see how hard it can be for some people who do not feel confident in front of the camera.

By creating this series of self portraits/alter ego I am opening up my personal expectations and allowing the viewer a little glimpse inside. So just what is an alter ego? it is a second self, which is believed to be distinct from a person's normal or original personality. Looking back to the work I created last term with respect to my comic book characters, you could define them as having an alter ego. That second self I believe we all keep deep inside, you hear people say sometime that they wish they were someone else but why be someone else, why not let yourself be your second self once in a while.

My end of year show exhibition will be held at Carmarthen School of Art, Coleg Sir Gar in May 2016 and open to the public. The exhibition is due to open the week beginning the 9th May 2016 in the photographic studio pop along, there will be other students work on display too and well worth visiting.

The Adventures of Lego Me

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:40:04 GMT

Meet Lego Me

Not only am I a photographer, I also teach photography to primary schools in my local area with a company called Springboard. Springboard was set up as part of Pembrokeshire County Council's learning project to help deprived communities develop their skills and gain confidence. The adventures of Lego Me started because I was asked to come up with a session that would be fun and interactive with the children. Both my boys grew up playing lego, so I dug out their box of body parts and set about making lego me. I took the idea into the school lessons and encouraged the children to bring in and photograph a childhood toy. So Lego Me started a whole new series of images, which I will post once in a while to introduce you to my world.

Movie Time

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:53:45 GMT

Stills Photographer visit

A few weeks ago at Carmarthen School of Art, Coleg Sir Gar, I was fortunate to meet an fellow ex student who now works in the movie industry as a still photographer. His name is Giles Keyte. Giles started his presentation to all students in the photography department with an images that he shot. Whilst studying his HND in Photography, he won an award for a competition run by Levi Jeans. Giles then spoke about how he got into the film industry and worked his way up from the bottom.

During the slide show presentation, Giles showed us images from a selection of movies that he has worked on including Star Wars - The Phantom Menace, Fast & Furious, Fury staring Brad Pitt and the recent about to be released on Dvd, The Martian staring Matt Damon. Although he has worked with a lot of actors and actresses, he told us that sometimes it's far from glamorous. During shooting Fury, he showed the students images where he was covered in mud, shooting on cold damp days. His kit was subjected to the elements and at one point one of his still cameras actually found the floor, not great when you have expensive equipment.

A very interesting insight into the world of still photography, from the transition of film to digital and the way he works. Along with all the pressure and deadlines in the film industry, I could see he loves his job and very good at it too.

To follow Giles check out his website and Facebook page gileskeytephotography http://www.gileskeyte.co.uk

Image credits: Fury Image by Giles Keyte. Other images Coleg Sir Gar

WEDDING SEASON

b3vbev@hotmail.com (Bev Thomas) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:36:19 GMT

Read all about it: The Observer Wedding Planner

It is nearly that time of year when the Tenby Observer issue their Wedding Planner, which is full of helpful tips and reputable business links. The newspaper will issue a copy in the edition due out on Friday 26th February which features actual bride & groom wedding stories and run up to their special day. It also features advice from professionals about how to plan your big day, as most of you have never ventured into this area before, it can be quiet daunting but do not despair the wedding planner will be sure to guide you in the right directions. If you forget to pick up a copy then pop along to the Haverfordwest Wedding Fair and grab a copy, (unfortunately I will not be attending the wedding fair but I can still be contacted if you want a chat).

A few years ago I was fortunate to be asked to write and ask the expert for wedding photography which appeared in this edition along with my front cover image. Following that edition I then went onto having my images used as front covers for a further two features, not bad considering it is new to the paper and only five editions have been produced so far not including next weeks.

Your wedding day takes a lot of planning from booking the Church, Venue, Photographer, getting that perfect dress, choosing bridesmaids and groomsmen, ordering table decorations, the cake, the transport ... phew its a lot to organise but enjoy and have fun because it will be the best day of your life and one to remember for years to come.