zenowatson.com is 2 years old today!
June 18, 2013 § Leave a Comment
My website is 2 years old today. And as a wee present, I will give you a sneak peak at a darker project I am working on.
Thank you for the views, follows and comments over the past 2 years. It is appreciated.
My Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ZenoWatson
My YouTube Page:
http://www.youtube.com/MrZenoWatson
Always carry your camera with you!!
Improving confidence in Street Portaiture
June 15, 2013 § Leave a Comment
Glasgow Mela in on this weekend (Sat&Sun) 12-8pm at Kelvingrove Park. Apart from watching this cool culture event. As a photographer who may be scared of capturing portraits of strangers; as in approaching the subject and asking for permission. This could be an introduction to practice your craft. At any festivals / gatherings. People are more socially open, so you should improve your confidence, communication and technique at these kind of events before taking stranger portraits on the streets. Just a tip!
Here are some photos I had taken last year.
By Zeno Watson
By Zeno Watson
By Zeno Watson
By Zeno Watson
By Zeno Watson
Approach the people whom you find interesting. Introduce yourself, tell them what you find amazing about them. Talk to them about their image, interest, hobby / profession. Ask to take their portrait. If they so “no”, that is the worst that can happen. If they say “yes” you capture them, and thank them. Smile! Be relaxed and be yourself, if you are nervous they may sense it. If you love, love photography! Then you should be relaxed and happy.
Another good tip especially if you are like me, and always shoot manual; is to have your camera setting ready to shoot. So you are not fumbling about with the buttons/dials when photographing a person, taking up a lot of their time.
After you have captured their Portrait. It is entirely up to you, if you want to show them the photo on the LCD screen (if digital), ask for their email to post them the photo you taken, and if photography is your business, then perhaps give them a business card.
Once you become comfortable in your technical skills, then you should try and be creative. Direct your subject to look in to the lens or look away from the camera. Choice of shot full body, 3/4 or headshot. Ask them to pose a certain way. The list goes on and on.
Remember there are people who say you can’t and people who say you can, both are right! No excuses, get out there and capture the photos.
Shetland
May 31, 2013 § 4 Comments
I was very fortunate to be working up in Shetland this past week thanks to Martin Summers. And equally blessed to have bonded with the locals Chris and Laura to show me their Stunning island. Shetland is north of mainland Scotland and in between Iceland and Norway.
I caught the ferry from the harbour in Aberdeen and proceeded the 12hr sea trip to Lerwick, Shetland.
Ferry leaving Aberdeen.
As I was leaving the mainland, the wind gathered force. Giving me one very sickening journey but a well worth trip.
A storm is brewing
When I arrived at Lerwick in Shetland, it took a few hours to shake off my wobbly legs, which was a new phenomenon that I have never experienced before. Where the ground feels like it is moving and you feel drunk. The sharp winds where fun to deal with and provided some great photo opportunities.
High winds in Lerwick
The seals managed to make an appearence
Shetland Seals
Over the next few days the weather settled and even became very sunny and warm. And the trip to St Ninians Beach, was like a vision of paradise, with it’s world famous Tombolo layout. The largest in the UK
St Ninians Beach
St Ninians Beach
St Ninians Beach
A trip to Shetland would not be complete until you see the world famous Shetland ponies.
Shetland Pony
I would highly recommend a visit to these Stunning Islands of Shetland. Rich in history with it’s 2500BC Broch’s and Viking traditions. Rich in wildlife with Seals, Dolphins, Puffins, Shetland Ponies and much much more. The air quality is so good, the richness of the light is unique. The Scenery feels rugged and remote and truly soul touching.
Puffin in Shetland
Street Portrait
May 20, 2013 § Leave a Comment
This fine lady caught my eye at the weekend at Red Road, Glasgow. And rather than shoot my usual candid style. I just had to ask her permission to capture a portrait of her. She kindly agreed.
Street Portrait by Zeno Watson
There are times when i really need the eye contact to make a more compelling photo, rather than shoot candid. And asking for permission was the correct choice in this instance.
Another point is normally when I take portrait head shots, I would use my Canon 85mm F1.8, but on that day I used my Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG, as it is my favourite lens these past few months. For it’s image quality, sharpness and it’s response.
What are your thoughts?
Scott Houston
May 19, 2013 § Leave a Comment
In this post I may draw your eye to my photography, but really I would like to shed the spotlight, purely on Scott Houston. I have been very lucky to be hired and work in various collaborations with Scott. He is one of those once in a lifetime people you meet.
Scott is a Movement Artist. With the background disciplines of Gymnastics, Acrobatics, Parkour, Martial Arts and Stunts have enabled Scott to be in total control of his body in any given space and time. Lately Scott has been adding to his skills with physical theatre and ballet. And this fusion of forms has enabled Scott to evolve and develop his own unique style.
Through hard training and paying close attention to his nutrition, Scott is in the best shape of his life; body and mind.
Scott Houston can be contacted via:
Website:
http://www.iamscotthouston.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/iamscotthouston
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/iamscotthouston
Blueprint
May 11, 2013 § Leave a Comment
“Blueprint” Directed and devised by David Banks
Photography by Zeno Watson
Performed and devised by:
Nina Ballantyne Dawson Scott, Iain McDonald, Sam McFarlane, Connor McIlraith, Holly Waller, Fiona Boyd & Scott McKenzie
Daniel Cahill Photo Shoot
May 6, 2013 § Leave a Comment
The photos below are just some of the shots I had captured for Daniel Cahill. A strong and cool actor, currently studying at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Daniel wanted some neutral head shots and some action photos of doing Parkour.
You can follow Daniel on twitter: @Cahill347
