Andy Laidlaw Photography

55/365 (Test Of Time)

2010-02-24T15:27:00.001-08:00

55/365 (Test Of Time)
Originally uploaded by Laido

Ashamedly I have not posted anything here for a while, so I decided to post this pic from my walk on Dartmoor last Sunday. The walk was the 12 Across 2 Down Charity walk in aid of Dartmoor Rescue.
The Walk was well attended and it was a great day. Look out for more pics on Flickr/Facebook and iherald sites in the near future.

13/365 (Smeaton's Silhouette)

2010-01-15T13:35:00.001-08:00

13/365 (Smeaton's Silhouette)
Originally uploaded by Laido

I have started a 365n series on Flickr..glad to say that thins is currently a success. there have been lots of comments about this particular image. I will be doing some things with this, i.e. cards and Print sales..it seem popular..

looking also at getting more into Freelance Photography this year, would love to make a living from Photography.

Watch this spacfor more news or further projects

Andy

Sunrise At Stover Country Park

2009-10-26T08:15:00.001-07:00

Sunrise At Stover Country Park
Originally uploaded by Laido

Early morning at Stover Country Park.. near Newton Abbot, it was worth getting up at 5am to capture the sun rising and to marvel in the "dawn chorus"..A spectacular setting and a place I visit frequently.
was good to see that I was't the only one with a passion for photography at the lakeside.
My good friend Mark and Norman, were there too. Mad dogs and Englishmen, maybe but this was an opportunity not to be missed. On the short walk around the lake, we saw quite a few little posers including a Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe and one that I got a pic of..Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Had to leave earlier than the lads but thoroughly enjoyed the short time there.

Some photos on Facebook and Flickr to show you just how beautiful it is at Stover Country Park

Singing

2009-10-11T13:47:00.001-07:00

Singing
Originally uploaded by Laido

Well, Autumn is almost upon us and I sense the need to get out with the camera again as the leaves change to reveal that unique beauty that only Autumn can bring.
I will be aiming to go to Lukesland Gardens in Ivybridge to capture teh falling leaves and reddening trees..
Will probably visit Yarner Woods and Becky Falls to capture waterfalls and the bird life.
Bowling Green Marsh is definitely on my places to visit list!! to capture the waders as they drop in..so a busy time ahead as well as studio work..so watch this space

Framed

2009-09-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

Framed
Originally uploaded by Laido

I am really enjoying my photography again after a long time of disheartening and let down. A very good friend gave me just the prompt i needed to get back into this in a serious way again.
So I got rid of all the images on Flickr and started again..the results are great and encouraging to me.
I will be a lot more thoughtful about my photography now and have learned a good lesson from just snapping away willy nilly..

All You Need Is Love (The Beatles)

2009-08-21T05:36:00.001-07:00

All You Need Is Love (The Beatles)
Originally uploaded by Laido

Whilst down in Tintagel the other day, I came across this small waterfall called St Nectans,which is around 2 miles outside of Tintagel itself [http://www.flickr.com/photos/laido/3837612470/] A beautiful spot to do some well needed soul searching.
During the drive down, it became overcast and there were drops of rain. I was convinced that God was going to speak to me today through His creation. All the thoughts of a day in bright sunshine with my creator were fizzling out as the showers got slightly heavier. So I made for Boscastle and decided to start the morning there.
With camera at the ready, I walked up to the summit above Boscastle harbour; not realising that the sun had now decided to pop its head from under the clouds.
It really was peaceful up on the top and I took a few pics, I then turned my attention to the small harbour and made my way back to it, capturing some photos of the boats that were moored there. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/laido/3837612140/] After snapping a few interesting things I made my way back to the car and headed off for Tintagel. This was when God made his appointment! i saw a sign for St Nectans Waterfall and parked the car in the small carpark reserved for walkers to the falls. after a short 30 minute walk, I arrived at the falls, paid to go in and walked down the steep steps to the base of the falls.
What I saw was a small grotto like place with personal tributes and memorials that visitors had placed in various places. The sound of the falls took me to the most stunning natural waterfall that I had ever seen, tumbling its way down the rocks and through a hole in the rock face..it was stunning.
After getting some lovely photos, I took time to read some of the personal messages that people had left for loved ones and pets. This was a moving experience, I immediately thought of Anita, Lois and Joshua and carved our initials on a stone encapsulated in a heart and placed it in our personal little shrine.
This was just amazing and where God began to reach down into teh pit of my being and reminded me of how I should be towards my family. Again, moved by the thoughts swimming in my head, I sat and reflected those thoughts to prayers for our families.
After a little while I stood and went to head for the climb back up to the path and as I did, God spoke so clearly to me..he guided my eyes to a stone which had the words "Love one another" scribed on them. That was it, that was the very reason I travelled to Tintagel. I knew that God wanted to show me something and He did.
On the walk back through the woods, past the babbling brook, I couldn't help but think of how I should allow God to use me to Love people as he would love people, without condition!
My prayer for all people is that we take this greatest of God's commandments and "Love One Another".

Thanks for sticking with this..and may you be blessed today and forevermore

Running Scared

2009-08-14T13:24:00.001-07:00

Running Scared
Originally uploaded by Laido

This little mouse was being toyed with by our cat..I managed to get a couple of pics of this in action before allowing the mouse an escape route. I carried it in 2 plant pots closed in up our service lane and to freedom.
This shows Bobbie almost waiting for a movement, the mouse looks terrified and almost resorted to death, that is until I did my bit for creation, i took pity on the poor thing and freed it..there is some goodness in me deep down.

Thanks for reading

Andy

Waterfalls (Paul McCartney)

2009-08-11T15:02:00.001-07:00

Waterfalls (Paul McCartney)
Originally uploaded by Laido

Had a great afternoon up at Shaugh Prior walking up river to the Dewewrstone. I stopped occasionally to pick up some waterfall pics. It really was tranquil there, I was alone but 2 people who were picnicking below the Dewerstone.
I will return again in the Autumn when the leaves change but for now i'll leave you with this beauty I captured.

Andy

Buzz Buzz A Diddle It (Matchbox)

2009-08-10T14:01:00.001-07:00

Buzz Buzz A Diddle It (Matchbox)
Originally uploaded by Laido

Well tried my hand at macro today and was quite chuffed when this little fella landed..stood there for ages, hand held as steady as I could and got this beauty.
Experimenting is fun when you have time..saw some slugs on our path today..may have a go at them tomorrow!!

Andy

Lisa

2009-08-08T03:46:00.001-07:00

Lisa
Originally uploaded by Laido

The date 7th August 2009..the model Lisa, a charming Plymouth girl with bags of confidence. I have worked with Lisa before and gotten myself some great images.
Today was no exception, we walked to Plymouth Hoe, taking in the Elizabethan Gardens en route. The sun was shining so it wasn't difficult to become relaxed. Lots of chatting on the way around, catching up after about a year since our last shoot.
And so to the shoot and a new location for future reference, Plymouth's Elizabethan gardens with stone benches and a cute stone shelter. Using natural light to capture Lisa was fr better than sitting in a studio which limits use.
I hope to work with Lisa again in the future, she really has the confidence to progress and become a top model, she has the face, eyes and figure to go far, needing no direction; lisa made my job so easy and enjoyable..thanks Lisa

Andy

Summer Paddle

2009-08-06T12:56:00.001-07:00

Summer Paddle
Originally uploaded by Laido

Have decided to start from scratch with Flickr..wasn't getting much feedback and decided that my pics just weren't that good enough..so pulled em all off and doing it properly this time..hope that they are appreciated.

Andy

2009-07-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

Well, again it's been a while since I last wrote something of any note! but hey the Summer holidays have arrived and I have 6 weeks to get some photos and channel my thought s to AL-Photos Website http://al-photos.com once more.

Today were going to meet up with Anita's brother and family in Noss Mayo for a walk and lunch at the sceninc pub "The Ship Inn". I will get an opportunity to get some photos of the area as we walk from Noss mayo to Newton Ferrers, along the coast. It's looking quite overcast as I type so i'm not sure what to expect.

It will be good to see John, Mandy, Ben and Gemma again as we haven't spent time together for a while. Gemma shares my interest in photography ( http://www.filckr.com/photos/gemmadilemma ) and no doubt there will be some friendly competition to capture the coolest snap.

There will be a few photos scattered across the web and maybe a couple here too when I get back tonight.

Andy

New Photography Forum

2009-05-08T14:34:00.001-07:00

I have just delved into the realms of creating a Forum for Photographers to come and discuss all aspects of photography.

There are 6 different topics to choose from and all can offer tips and information as well as links to other sites of interest. Feel free to join at

http://al-photos.moonfruit.com/#/photographyforum/4533678089

I hope to get this Forum off the ground and offer you the choice of getting involved in posting topics..

Enjoy

Andy

2nd Plymouth Photography Group Meet 17/01/09

2009-01-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

Well its been a while since I posted here, how time flies. This weekend sees the 2 Facebook Plymouth Photography Group Meet when we venture out to Cann Woods in Plymouth.

Hopefully there will be a good mixture of people attending and we can have a rain free day together snapping away to our hearts content.

I will post more on the day and post a couple of photos of the day here, maybe some on Facebook and Flickr.

Thanks for reading

Andy

Flickr

2008-11-21T06:30:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

New Website

2008-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hi ppl not been here for a while. Just to let you know that I have a new Website now for my photography business. It can be found at http://www.al-photos.co.uk/ or at http://al-photos.moonfruit.com/

The links above will take you there either way. I have a series of pages designed to meet the needs of my customers. please feel free to visit and leave comments. There are links to other pages within the site so feel free to browse around.

There are options to book me for Modeling Shoots or to have your Pamily Portrait, you could even have your Pet Portrait s taken...there is a new option for expectant mothers entitled Bumps to Babies.

I am beginnign now to get a bit of extra work, which although demanding is very rewarding to see people enjoy my work.

I hope to take my business forward and start to earn a living from my photography.

Thanks for reading and remember to pay me a visit at my new site.

Andy

Plymouth Photography Group Meeting

2008-03-30T02:28:00.001-07:00

Looking out of my study window..I see the sun shining and a promise of some good weather for the 1st meeting of the Facebook Group. This is going to be a lunchtime meeting with a little
bit of getting to know eachother..so I will come back later with some views and maybe the odd photo or 2 to share..

Crosses Of Dartmoor

2008-03-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of completing the 12 Across 2 Down Charity walk recently and had almost forgotton just how beautiful Dartmoor is (even in the mist). A group of 8 trundled from Venford Reservior to Princetown over open Moorland via Crazywell. We were treated to some wonderful views of the crosses as we travelled. Here is the team photo of the weary wanderers at one of the crosses.

This was the perfect opportunity, not just to meet up with friends but to take some photos of areas of the moor that most people wouldn't know about.

I met up with some very good friends and made some new friends ad we made our way under the guidance of Terry and Rob over the mist filled moor. I look forward to our next trip over the moors when we take on some Midnight Madness in July.

In the mean time I have just arranged an event on Facebook for a meeting of the Plymouth Photography Group..I ma not too sure what will start from here but it could promise to be an afternoon of getting to know people and maybe even taking our camera's as we walk, once again the beauty of Dartmoor.

Andy

Summer In February...

2008-02-12T02:26:00.000-08:00

The title of this post will leave people a little puzzled..I refer to the day I had on Monday 11th February, I went with 2 great freinds to Crow's Nest on Bodmin Moor.

The Engine Houses and the glorious sunny day made for some super photos.

It really was a pleasure to get out and see the beauty all around me. There was an opportunity to travel to a place i'd passed but never stopped at, climb a short way to the Crow's Nest where we saw evidence of Cornwall's rich heritage...a series of Engine Houses with chimney's still intact.

Peace and tranquility was only drowned out briefly by a couple of scramble bikes, apart from that it was bird song and peace in a truly beautiful spot.

As the day drew on and the sun began to set I had the real privelage of getting some lovely photo's of some of the Engine Houses. I will return to this wonderful place again in the near future and may even explore further into Bodmin Moor. It really is delightful up there and there is so much to see. A photographers dream you may say (well if you like to focus on the history of a place).

Who knows where my camera will lead next, I have plans to go to Saltram House again today and try to capture more of God's Creation!! maybe another post tonight...after the football of course.

Finally

2008-02-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well it actually happened today 3rd February 2008! I managed to get out for a short walk to take some photos. Took a trip to Cann Woods on the Plym Valley and managed an early evening walk to the Hoe to try capture the sea crashing up on the battered old seafront..

I'm trying to get a bit more creative with my photo's now so this was a real opportunity to get out in the rain and snap some stuff that the fair-weather Photograpers would miss. The short walk through Cann Woods inspired me to look at reflections and rainrops, do I tried the odd raindrop ripple pic and some interesting reflections. The Hoe was a different matter, the strength of the sea as it crashed in on the old ruined seafront was a sight to behold in comparison to the calmness of Cann.

Patience was needed as I awaited the next big wave to take its toll on the hardy concrete lido. That patience soon paid off when a whopper of a wave hit the front, sending pebbles and large stones on to the paths. I was chatting to a very nice young lady who happened to share my thoughts by taking photo's of the blustery sea.

I am now looking forward to getting out a bit more often as my wife recovers fromher operation. It is becoming easier to get out and as long as I am within reach and easily contactable there should be no reason why I can't get out at the weekends to capture the things that God created....

Thanks for reading.....

Andy

The Future

2008-01-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well 2008 has started with my hectic lifestyle carrying on where it left off in 2007, so finding time to get out and snap some beautiful countryside or capture some wildlife or seascape hasn't happened.

I am longing to get back into routine with photography and will be looking at becoming a little more adventurous in 2008.

This interim of inactivity will spur me on to great things I'm sure. I am currently looking after my wife and children the former having just come through an operation on her hip which will take a couple of months to regain full use. And with 2 children who need their dad to cook and carry out other household chores, it is difficult to make any time for my passion in photography.

However i will bide my time and i'm sure that it will inspire me to get some good snaps. I will be looking at different areas and maybe start to branch out into realms of unknown. I'll be trying things that I haven't tried, some may work some may fail but it'll be fun on the way.

I have already tried my hand at portraiture and have had some great help from Howard Nowlan, a Plymouth based photographer who has oodles of brilliance. I have done a couple of shoots with him and a wonderful model Kat, and both of these people have given me some great ideas for the future.

I will hopefully be contacting some local businesses, National Trust properties and offering my services to provide photos for sale as greetings cards or postcards (well its a start). maybe in the latter part of this year I will create a book of my photo's from favourite locations and may even include some of my friends portraiture.

I have much to look forwrd to and I'm optimistic that 2008 will be the start of something special for me as a photograher. I will certainly enjoy the ride and rise to the challenges ahead. Keep an eye out on Facebook for more of my photo's and I hope you enjoy what you see.

Andy 20/01/08

New Year and New Beginnings

2007-12-30T01:01:00.000-08:00

Well, as we prepare to enter a New Year; I can reflect on an interesting 2007 for me in a photographic sense. I remember trying new things and setting course into unchartered areas. Some worked some didn't but it was a bit of a learning curve for me as a Photographer.

With the revelation that is Facebook, I made new friends through the Plymouth Photography Group, which to be honest I created excpecting at minimum 20-25 Members. There are 150 Members of the Group and I'm delighted to see that there is so much interest in Photography in Plymouth.

I still very much like Landscape Photography and managed to get some interesting shots during 2007. Sunsets became a favourite subject too and I spent lots of time travelling to different places to get the beauty of a sunset.

After using my point and shoot Fugifilm F30 for a year or so I decided to upgrade my camera and bought myself a Samsung PRO815 DSLR to get closer to my subjects. I christened the new Camera by taking it to Bowermans Nose near Haytor on Dartmoor for some dramatic shots on a sunny day in October. Again I got some great images.

Other subjects I looked at were Cloud Formations, The Sea and nearer the end of 2007, Portraiture and Natural Light Photography. The latter being a new venture for me as I'd never really taken a photo of anyone (well, family and friends excluded). I spent some good time with Howard and Kat, who were excellent and put me at ease very quickly. I think that I will be delving deeper into Portraiture in 2008.

Well this only leaves me now wishing you all a Very Happy New Year whilst inviting you to try something different in 2008 in a Photography sense.

Thanks for reading and take care

Andy

Welcome

2007-12-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hi and welcome to my attempt at a Blog. My aim is to build up friendships and exchange tips in the photography industry.
I am a Plymouth based photographer who specialises in Landscape and dabbles everyso often in Sunset, Seascape, Nature, Birds, Artistic and Portraiture photos.
I am passionate about my photography and aim to complete a Portfolio of my work and eventually be in a position to sell some of my photo's/prints etc.
I hope that you will become involved in this journey with me and that my photo's will inspire you to take a look at the World around you and see it for the beauty that is within it..

Andy