Photographer John Baikie Snaps Up New Techniques Overseas
17th February 2006
Local photographer John Baikie has just returned from an intensive International photography training programme held on the beautiful sub-tropical island of Madeira. The course was aimed to improve technical skills, artistic awareness and creativity in photography. The training included many new aspects, including digital imaging, advanced lighting, composition and business acumen together with presentation and image manipulation skills.
Top professionals from around the world shared knowledge with participants, and time was set aside for special ‘hands-on’ workshop sessions to allow the photographers the opportunity to try out new techniques before their return to the UK.
A Few Photos From Madeira
John attended classes run by Bjorn Tomassen, a famous portrait photographer regularly featured in magazines, Hossain Mahdavi, an Iranian born photographer well known for his stunning fashion images, Dennis Orchard, the 2005 SWPP UK wedding photographer of the year, Mark Nixon, Dublin based wedding specialist who has won many prestigious awards, Mark Cleghorn who is widely known as a Photoshop guru as well as an award winning portrait and wedding photographer, and Jim Moreland, Belfast based industrial and commercial specialist, who was won numerous awards for his stunning monochrome images.
“It was a great week, with loads of great seminars and excellent networking opportunities” explains John “I have learnt a lot as well as making some valuable contacts. It was a very tiring week, but hopefully will be of great benefit in the coming months.
Highlight of the week was spending two hours working one to one on a fashion portfolio shoot with Bjorn Tomassen, while the rest of the group were away on a bus trip. “It was great to work with Bjorn, and see how he worked with different lighting situations on location. I really appreciated him taking me with him and allowing me to get first hand experience of what he does. He was kind enough to let me shoot some images myself, advising me all the way through.” “Bjorn has also offered to help out with various projects I have planned for the future, which I really appreciate from somebody of his standing.”
John is now looking forward to outing the training to use in the coming wedding season. “I have over 40 weddings booked this year, with enquiries coming in almost every day from all over Scotland, and this weeks training can only help take that onto another level.” The relaxed style coupled with a creative eye have been the secret to the success of his wedding photography. For more information please contact John on 07789 557586 or check out his website – www.caithnessphotographic.com
