Photography - monkey business

On Sunday a few of the TipTop Photography Club travelled north to Monkey Forest in Trentham, Staffordshire.

Monkey forest is 60 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows where 140 monkeys live in total freedom - home to Barbary Macaques its the most amazing place.

The weather was good - we were all there bright and early and what an amazing day we had. Camera's ready, batteries fully charged and memory cards packed.....oh Keigo forgot his bag but never mind we improvised with a strap instead!

Because the Barbary Macaques roam free you are able to sit down on a bench, shoot away and let them carry on around you. The animals behave exactly as they would in the wild...lots of noise, arguing and lots of playing.

Here are a couple of images from the day.

New friends...

Today was our 2nd club meeting at 'The Loft' the Jewellery Quarter Centre of Photography.

There was 17 photographers and 3 models using the 2000sq ft studio space - the photographers split into 3 groups and in turn worked with all models.

Images were being posted on the net within a couple of hours of the shoot - everyone has been exceptionally positive about the club saying how much they are enjoying it and how refreshing it is not to be bound by stuffy club rules.

The photographers in the club range in ability - there is no judging of people, no 'i have a better camera than you' mentality - everyone helps each other out - it really is fantastic

Here are a couple of images from today taken by Steve and myself...Keep checking the blog for more updates from TipTop Towers :-)

Busy busy busy

What a busy week its been. I cant believe its Friday already.

The studio has been buzzing all week with new models, photographers hiring the studio, the first Photoshop Course lesson and much more.

Steve held a very successful first Photoshop lesson on Tuesday - feedback from participants has been great, Steve came back from the evening buzzing with excitement looking forward and planning for the following week.

There is lots of planning going on at the moment in preparation for the opening of the adjoining studio.

There will be 3 fixed sets; a boudoir set, perfect for both glamour and vintage; a lounge area, kitchen/diner plus an interchangeable colour area.

We will have a prop database for photographers/models to view and use when hiring the studio - we are always on the hunt for a bargain - in fact last Sunday we purchased a 2ND PEACOCK CHAIR!! Its a standing joke between Steve and I that someone once said peacock chairs and white backgrounds were old school.....if it is old school its still looking good!!

We have a whole weekend in the studio (its a good job we have a fantastic house & dog sitter!!) we have two Burlesque workshops tomorrow featuring the amazing and talented Leigh Mon Meringue, Lola Pops, Suzie Sequin & Pixie Parasol.

Sunday we meet for the 2ND club meeting - we have arranged for 2 models to attend so the group will have the first club shoot!

Phew...on Monday it starts all over again!

Its all go...

Its been a very busy week for us...arranging workshops, courses, tutorials and much more.

The club is up and running with the 2nd meeting only a week away - its all good.

There are plenty of workshops planned for the remainder of the year so get in touch if you would like some more info.

Thats it for now...back to editing.
Over and Out

The new studio expansion

We're expanding.

TipTop Photography have taken over the lease for the adjoining building and its going to be a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

The current studio will remain - but the secret door behind the curtain will lead to a whole new world.

For those of you who have not been in the studio.... you will be thinking 'secret door'?? AAha... its like the lion, the witch and the wardrobe.... you walk behind the curtain, open the door and pow! you are in our new studio!

It will have 3 fixed sets, a lounge/chill out set, a boudoir set, fixed kitchen set (retro/diner style) with room for a white infinity area plus heaps amount of storage, changing room and bathroom!

As with the current studio, once its up and running it will be available to hire out and will also be used for our regular workshops - the new studio means more photographers can shoot at any one time with more than one model.

TopTop goes clubbing

Thursday night was the first night of the TipTop Photography club.

We were hoping for approx 5 people to show - 17 people arrived on time and made their way up to the studio - Steve and I were so excited!

It was lovely to put faces to names! Thank you to everyone who came.

The night was spent chatting, showing favorite images and generally getting to know eachother.

We have a really good range of abilities and interests in the club - there is something for everyone - its going to be good!

Our next meeting is going to be an actual shoot in our studio - watch out for a few pics in the near future.