Postcard Portraits

You've probably come across Postcard Portraits at some time or another, maybe you have some historical family images that date back over 100 years. I've wanted to find out a little bit more about them and when i found this one recently it was the perfect excuse. 

In the early 20th century it was quiet common to get a portrait of oneself produced into a postcard to send to loved ones. There were so many that were never sent as you will find postcards with nothing written on the back (like this example). 

This photo was by Charles F Tinkler who was a photographer in Stanhope around 1902. There is no mention of him beyond 1910 in directories so i reckon this portrait was taken between 1900-1910 as this was the most popular period for these Portrait Postcards. 

So what drew me to this particular portrait? I loved this woman's expression, she looks like she could have been a little stern with a soft side, here she is looking off as if she is thinking about someone or something. And look at the beautiful lace detail on her dress, stunning! 

I bet when she was getting her portrait done she never thought that over 100 years later some other woman would be wondering who she is and why she had her portrait done. 

Let's get our Mums in front of the camera

During the week Lorraine & Amanda came into the studio to collect their Couture Session portraits, while we were going through each image, they both agreed how lovely it was to have a portrait of the 3 of them but most important at long last they have a portrait of their Mum. Her wall is adorned with gorgeous images of her kids and grand kids but none of herself. Well not anymore.

This made me think of the last image I took a photo of my Mum, i did her makeup and took some beautiful images of her but this was long before the Couture Sessions. I have a beautiful portrait of my Mum & Daughter hanging on my wall, but there is an image missing... one my my Mum, my Sister and myself. I'm determined to rectify that in the next few weeks. Watch this space!

How many Mum's have a wall full of images of their kids but none of themselves? I'm determined to change this, I'm starting a campaign to get our Mum's in front of the camera. #mumsportrait

Get in touch if you want your Mum in front of the camera xxx

New Year Photo Competition

To celebrate the new year you can win a studio photo shoot for up to 6 people. The prize includes the photo shoot, ten 5x7 images, one 10x8 framed image and the digital files, all valued at €325, perfect for the new year!

What do you need to do to win? Its simple...

Like my Facebook page 
Comment & Share this image

T&C* Competition closes on 31 January* Winner will be announced the 1st February* Prize to be used by 30th March* You can comment & share as many times as you like* Facebook has nothing to do with this competition

Best of luck!

Capturing a Personality

When i photograph kids I want their Mum or Dad to see their child's personality in a single image. We usually get a 20 minute window to do this in. The most important thing is to let them be themselves. Talk to them, ask them questions, let them play and just sit and watch for "that moment".

Check out some of the young people who have popped into the studio for their portrait:

Click here to check out the rest of our gallery on our website or drop me a line on info@evabirdthistle.com to find out more :)

Fashion Couture Shoot

For a while i have wanted to create a gothic fairy tale inspired shoot, not a costume shoot but something more fashion orientated. When Dani (who is now working with Morgan The Agency) asked me to do a shoot with her i put my thinking cap on and thought how can we achieve the look...

I contacted the shops local to my studio on Thomas Street, explained what we were doing and got them on board, next was Laura and Mary for makeup and hair and then a day was booked.

We began early Sunday morning, not a sinner on the street, just us loons. Once we had our first cuppa it was all go. The idea being to achieve at least 3 different looks, not just clothing but hair and make up too.

We began with what i like to call snow white, a character who is connected with nature, the dress was by Marion Murphy Cooney and the flowers are by Ring O Roses

 

Our next look was the Ice Queen, by adding a fur coat from Sefton Bridal and a stunning neck piece from Marion Murphy Cooney, we created a Hollywood 50's look.

We transformed Dani into a gothic Red Riding Hood with more intense makeup and a change of hair. The dress is from Tippe Canoe, the neck piece from No 15 and the Cloak belongs to Orchard Theatre Co

Our final look is inspired by the wicked witch, strong and dark. Again Laura created a darker look for the makeup and Mary created the most stunning hair that looked more Marie Antoinette. Another dress from Marion Murphy Cooney, a neck piece from No 15 and a Gorilla Coat from O Donnells Boutique.

 

A huge thank you to Dani, Laura & Mary who all gave of their time, and to Marion Murphy Cooney, Sefton House, Tippe Canoe, Ring O Roses, No 15 & O Donnell's Boutique. 

You can check out a wee video we create about the session at this link https://vimeo.com/74577133

I Love Couture Sessions

I have been truly blessed recently; we have been very busy in and out of the studio (TG!). The only down side is that it doesn't give me much time to blog... now I have my coffee and have half an hour before the next client is in so I am taking this time to write a few words.

You may have heard me say this before... I love shooting kids and families, capturing a personality but my passion is the Couture Session. I really feel my job is done when you look at your images and go “wow... is that me”. I don't photo-shop clients until they are unrecognisable, but do direct the shoot to enhance the natural beauty. 

I am grateful that I am doing something i am so passionate about, it is not like work when you love it so much <3 font="">

You can check out other Couture Sessions by following this linkhttp://www.evabirdthistle.com/index2.php#!/COUTURE_SESSION