Silver Ink Studio
  • Nov12

    NatMark_27This is the most common question we hear from clients because of course everyone wants to look their very best for their portraits. While the answer will depend in part on the purpose of your portrait – executive, casual, formal, etc. – there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

    1. Colours – Solid colours tend to look the best; avoid stripes and other patterns whenever possible because they can be very distracting and take away from the focus on your face. Bold colours are okay in most instances, as are pastel colours. A clean, crisp, tailored white shirt can also be very attractive, especially when it contrasts with dark trousers.

    2. Styles – In general, opt for long sleeve shirts rather than short sleeves because it helps to draw the eye to your face. A nice V-neck shirt or button collar shirt looks good in most situations, as does a turtleneck. Choose clothing styles that “fit” who you are; in other words, wear the same kind of clothing you would normally wear rather than trying a brand new style for the first time.

    3. Jewelry – It’s fine to wear jewelry as long as it compliments rather than overpowers your outfit. Choose pieces that are not too chunky, dangling, or otherwise overwhelming. Again, you want the final portrait to draw the eye to your face.

    From casual to formal, business executive to “just for fun”, your portrait session is all about taking pictures that make you look your very best. If you have questions about what to wear or are unsure of what you want your portrait to look like, please give us a call so we can work with you to create the look you really want.

  • Oct31

    We’re great believers in the value of personal work – photographing for ourselves, and not just on commissions. It keeps us energised and creative, and it’s just plain fun, too! The following images by Matt are from a couple of recent trips to Japan and Portugal.

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  • Oct22

    For people who love to look at good photography there are some stunning photography books out there. Below are some of the ones that made it onto our coffee table and stayed there!

    Paris Mon Amour | Jean-Claude Gautrand | TASCHEN

    Paris Mon Amour

    Paris Mon Amour

    This is a fantastic book, covering nearly two centuries worth of classic black and white images of Paris. Featuring work by the likes of Henri Cartier Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Elliot Erwitt and Helmut Newton, everyone will find at least one image they absolutely love in here.

    FACES: The creative Process Behind Great Portraits | Jane Brown | COLLINS & BROWN

    Faces

    Faces

    Jane Brown has spent most of her career photographing celebrities, and this book features a selection of some of her best. Inside you’ll find candid and revealing shots of celebrities including Woody Allen, Bjork, Anthony Hopkins, Mick Jagger, John Lennon… the list goes on! The thing I love about this book is just how natural and revealing the images are. Working with a minimum of equipment, and with only natural light in most cases, Jane has managed to capture some amazing portraits. The Guardian newspaper has an interactive guide to her work available online - The complete Jane Brown: a lifetime in photographs.

    The Moment it Clicks | Joe McNally | NEW RIDERS

    The Moment it Clicks

    The Moment it Clicks

    A book for photographers, as well as those who love great photography. Joe McNally is a world-renowned photographer whose work regularly appears in National Geographic, Time and Sports Illustrated. In this book he shares some of his best images, and then bares all about how the image came about, from the initial idea right through to the techniques and gear used to get the shot. His writing style is also something to be experienced – you get the impression that he would be a great guy to go for a drink with! This has to be one of the best books out there for getting inside the head of a world-class photographer. If you like this I highly recommend you visit Joe’s blog as there’s some great stuff there.

  • Oct19

    Another lovely wedding from earlier this year -- this time in the stunning Cathedral and grounds of Christ Church College, Oxford.

  • Oct15

    If you’re into photography, whether just starting out or an experienced pro, there are some great websites out there for learning and inspiration. Below are a few of the ones we visit on a regular basis.

    STROBIST

    As it says on the site, “The world’s most popular free resource for learning how to use off-camera flash”. If you’ve ever wanted to move beyond the rabbit-in-the-headlights look you get when you blast someone full in the face with an on-camera flash, this is THE site to visit.

    JOE MCNALLY’S BLOG

    Irreverent, inspired, occasionally hilarious blog by the world-renowned photographer Joe McNally. Get inside the head of a photographer at the top of his game.

    RANKIN

    Website of the London-based fashion and portrait photographer Rankin. Beautiful images with attitude.

    CHASE JARVIS – BLOG

    Chase is one of the rock’n'roll stars of commercial photography. His blog is a fantastic place to get a look into the lifestyle of a globe-trotting photographer, plus he has some great behind-the-scenes videos if you’re interested in seeing how he manages to get some of those amazing shots.

  • Oct3

    A lovely summer wedding in Oxford earlier this year. The sun was shining, the bride looked stunning and everyone was smiling -- what more could we ask for!