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

Clown Noir

I've had a busy day today updating the Clown Noir website including numerous galleries. So what does the Clown have planned for 2014?

The big news is the stage show "This is me".. venues are being booked, including 2 international dates already confirmed (Denmark & America). Its a little dark, journey through a clown's life and career, the highs, the lows and the shows. the over 15yrs audience will be treated to a physical comedy that will evoke empathy, passion and disgust combined with hilarious dark humour

Along with the stage show you will find Clown Noir, Percy Bloodworth and other clowns doing walk about at various Festivals throughout the year.

You can check out the Clown at his website www.clownnoir.ie 

Communion Photography

As we approach springtime, there are some Mum's & Dad's whose thoughts turn to organising their child's First Holy Communion. There is so much to do on the run up to the big day, and for some this includes organising someone to capture a few images.

If you do decide to use the services of a photographer then to make life as simple as possible during a hectic time I recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible to guarantee the time that suits your day.

Some families choose to pop into the studio at various time of the day, the most popular time is after the Church and before any festivities, while other families choose to pop into the studio on another day when time isn't so hectic.

Whatever option you choose, I would love to capture that very special moment in your child's life. Check out the video below or head to my website for more images for Communion Photography 

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

Terminus Illustration

I love to shoot my other half... especially when he dressed up as a clown: D

Sometimes he is animated, sometime vulnerable, but always honest. I did a series of Clown Noir images which I really loved. They were taken with the phone and processed to create a gritty somewhat soulful portrait.

After posting the images online, Simon got a call from Eamon Cowan an illustrator who loved the image and was inspired by the story behind the image called Terminus. The story is about a man who falls in love with a passenger on the train and they have one night together. She goes and he stays at the station forever in the hope that someday she returns.

Eamon created this stunning piece which we adore, wow!  

Natural Light Studio

I love my studio! What i mean to say is that for so long i have been using studio lights to capture images and they have there place, especially with kids who move fast and you have just a moment to capture their personality.

However the natural light is stunning for the Couture Session, not only is is beautiful on skin tone, but the catch lights in the eyes are so beautiful. Check out this beautiful portrait of Kathy from a recent Couture Session

When possible use natural light to capture beautiful images!

The Big Mythtake

I am so excited about this project! Along with other investments, if they raise the funds I get to travel to the UK to shoot and video The Company of Fools in preparation of their tour next year. Woohoo!

How can you support? Either by contributing for one of the perks (imagine a poem by Olly, hee hee) or by liking and sharing on your social media.

Thank you and keeping fingers crossed!

Women in Business

I love to see new ventures, people brave enough to start a business in a recession. In my experience it takes time to develop your business style and service, so in fact a recession is the best time to begin a new business… as the economy grows, the business can too.

I love working with women in business, they bring creativity, empathy, loyalty and collaboration (to mention just a few qualities) to the business world, a place that is made better for having women in it.

Last week I had 2 such ladies visit the studio on separate occasions. Louise and Angela, who are both starting new ventures, came in for their business headshots (I’ll post a link when the business is launched). They will be working with women in a holistic way and they wanted a business portrait that would reflect the welcoming and feminine nature of the business.

Angela also enquired about hair and makeup along with the headshot, a quick call to Malou and we were able to co-ordinate a time that suited for Angela to have the full range of services, makeup, hair and business portrait, in her words “saved so much time and hassle having it all done in one place”. 

Angela's Business Portrait with Hair and Makeup

If you need your business portrait updated or a new one created that reflects your business then please give me a buzz on 086 3817677 and we can have a chat about what best suits you.

My Favourite Type of Challenge

I love photographing women! Okay, okay.... i love photographing families and children too but my favourite type of portraiture is photographing women. My tag line for the Couture Sessions is "i want every woman i photograph to see how beautiful they truly are" and i mean it! 

Recently i met Angela, she told me "i don't take a good photo"... when i heard this i felt like it was a challenge to show her all she needs to do is to just relax and just be herself, listen to the direction and just enjoy the process. Every woman IS beautiful. We all need to take the time out to see it and sometimes we just need someone to show us.

This is Angela, she is BEAUTIFUL! She takes a great photo!

Business Portrait

A Business Portrait (or headshot) is similar to a portrait except the image is specifically to use for business rather than something you would frame and hand on the wall. 

How can they be used? 

You can use your business portrait for your website, or the company you work for. On business cards, social media, blogs, advertising, press releases, marketing material... and the list goes on and on...

What should you wear?

A business portrait is a refection of your business so you should dress according to your business style. Keep your style simple, avoid large patterns, high fashion and seasonal designs (e.g. short sleeves). Opt for solid colours and a style that is comfortable. 

Why not update your business portrait, give me a buzz on 086 3817677 or check out our  headshot gallery

We have moved

Into a beautiful space with loads of natural light, up on the 2nd Floor of 15 Thomas Street in Limerick. 

To celebrate the move for May & June, our Family Studio Session is only €29! This includes a 30min session at our studio and one 10x8 and four 5x4 images of your favourite image . 

Check out www.evabirdthistle.com or give me a buzz 086 3817677 to avail of this offer and check our new space :D

Couture Session

Woohoo, the Living Social deal is up and running, not only are we doing a family & kids photography deal but we are also offering the Couture Session which includes hair & makeup. check out the link for more information about the photography deal

To get a feel for the Couture Session check out the beautiful Asa who in her words "loved it, every minute of it was a pleasure" 

Mother's Day Gift

Looking for something unusual for a Mother's Day Gift? Then check out our recently launched Couture Session. A photography session for women... mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. 

The session takes about 2-3 hours and includes hair & makeup. You can have at least 2 wardrobe changes, so you can opt for a casual look and one that is a little more glamorous.

We can accommodate up to 3 people so you can book in a family member or friend to come along too.

Contact me on 086 3817677 for more information or to purchase a gift voucher for the Couture Session.

In the meantime you can check out our little video of a recent session.

Thanks,

Eva

New Photography Website

Woohoo, we launched our new photography website today. Over the moon as now clients can view the site on mobile devices and ipad's. I really like the look of this one, simple and all about the image!

So if you are looking for kids portraits, family portraits or even to book early for your communion photography then check out www.evabirdthistle.com

Welcome 2013

WOW! That year flew by, i wonder was it because we were busy, or do they just go faster the older you get? Hahahaha!

What i love most about photography is meeting new people every day, and hopefully capturing a moment in time for them to look back on! If i can capture a small bit of their personality then I'm happy. Click on the link below to view some of my inspirational clients. Thank you all!

Here is to 2013 being a healthy and happy year for all! Check out the website for more family & kids portraits

What's On in Limerick

There are a number of venues in Limerick that have a host of events on to choose from. One of my favourite is the Belltable Arts Centre, going since 1981. 

My Dad's mum brought me there in '81 to see Swan Lake. I really didn't want to go and protested all the way there, however i was captivated by the beautiful dancing (being a ballet student and all) and the feeling of ceremony and how important we were made feel. 

I didn't go to the Belltable again for many more years, this time it was to see Kevin McAleer. It was hilarious and again i was struck by that feeling of "going out" for a special event.

I've begun to bring my little one (of 14) to shows now, this time she get's to see the inner workings of stage productions, even meeting a few of the actors. I know she doesn't get the same feeling as I did but she is captivated by the shows that requires her to use her imagination. 

Don't wait until the young audience is older, get them in the door to enjoy the variety of shows that are on, get them using there imagination rather than being spoon fed dialogue. 

If you want to know what's on at the Belltable, just follow the link.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention... i never admitted to my Gran, Mum or anyone else that I actually enjoyed Swan Lake... stubborn or what!