Rhadee da de plop deee pooo, you lot come & see a photooooo....

....Well it kind of rhymed.

Not a lot to say apart from WHEN will my marketing work - WHAT am I doing wrong - WHO is going to book me for some jobs and - WHY am I not half as busy as i want to be. I have the passion, the fight and yet still I seem to be getting nowhere. At what point do you give up?!

I can take pics and not bad one's at that.

Am I utilizing my contacts as well as I should?

You lot out there - need some pics?

Donations of money, hugs, enthusiasm or connections welcome.

Oh, check out my site if you fancy. Its all new and shiny and has lots of new piccies on it.

(Pic courtesy of www.nataliedee.com)

Don't get in that lift....

Lifts annoy me, or rather those in them do. I got in a lift today so that I could get to the eighth floor of the building, which had 9 floors. I get in with the other 2 people, press the button and watch the doors start coming together. This woman ran towards the doors huffing and puffing, her eyes popping out of her head and she started forcing her way through the practically closed doors with her umbrella still open & her bags knocking everyone's knees as she struggled to get in. A huge sigh as she realized she had made it and then a satisfactory press of the button reading 'Floor 2.'

Floor 2!!!! What the f***!! Floor 2!! Bear in mind this building doesn't have a floor 1 so its just 3 very small flights of stairs to her floor. Ok that sounds a lot actually but seriously we are talking about at the most, 15 steps. I looked at her in disbelief that she had just held the bloody lift up so she could get out almost as quickly as she had got in. Looking at the slightly ajar mouths of my other lift passengers they too thought she was taking a large bite out of a very small digestive biscuit.

So moving on from this particular lift escapade I then got in another lift later in the day. The doors open and Holy Shiiiitteee I was met by an almost purple cloud of bargain basement, buy 1 get the rest of the basket free perfume. The haze reminded me of back in the days when 'SO!' and 'Impulse' body sprays were big on the scene, the more floral the better. This was definitely one of those purchases because I could feel the makeup evaporating off my face and I swear I may have even spotted a small group of pimples forming on my arm from the toxic fumes. I was clearly drunk or disorientated on this stuff cos I got in the lift!! I know, what an idiot!

I got in there and for 8 floors span in the smell, my tongue curling up to the roof of my mouth tasting the sweetness and its ability to seemingly start crushing my windpipe.

Collapsing outside of the lift at the end and gasping for air while clutching my chest was probably not the welcome the guy was expecting as I reached the ground level but seriously, he needed to be warned. I noted his wait for another lift. Thinking back now he probably thought I farted or something, mind you that would be an achievement...being able to fart a Laura Ashley 'Flamboyant floral' bed collection.

My lesson for the day - avoid lifts.

Carli x

www.carli-art.co.uk

rocks, small stones & BIG mountains....

The last few days have been rocky. Business has ups and downs, we all know this but when you are on your knees in desperation worrying about money, when your next job is going to make an appearance and sifting through marketing tips but really not knowing how to deal with them....things do not seem good. Then, wisely, you decide to learn more about other people's business's. Normally this would fill you with ideas and encouragement, look where you can be! Ok well bugger that, today I hit ROCK bottom and these successful companies and friends achieving goals and putting their marketing ideas into feasible well executed plans are nothing but a slap in the face. I felt truly defeated. I am a creative, not a business person and what i thought i knew, I realized is just not enough to get me through.

What do you do when you feel like this, who do you turn to?! There is a great need at the moment for a group of marketing people who offer advice. Not big PR firms or marketing companies but small freelance business savvy folk who can offer decent, affordable, structured and achievable marketing for the small business - I can see a place for that.

Anyway, after threatening to set a crow loose on someone and hoping their eyes were pecked out; shouting a little & having a good moan to a friend, oh and that huge chocolate bar I felt a little better. Then my business link advisor sent through some marketing stuff we had discussed last week which means I can make a true start on that marketing plan i should have done last year. Then a very good client of mine decided to spend another £700 on digital files and another phone call to offer me some assisting. My afternoon was looking brighter and brighter and it was even topped off with the possibility that I may be able to see my man this weekend as he is willing to drive from Manc to give me what is now, a celebratory hug!

Ramblings I know but the motto of this little ditty - Have faith! Business doesn't land on your lap and good luck doesn't exist, you make your own luck. But with some plans in place, some promises to yourself that you really will keep, a goal in mind and some encouragement from friends and you will get there! I believe again, almost!

If you are still struggling and need some inspiration, I have listed below some websites that I often find useful for an up the bottom kick; if not that then some darn good time wasting!

Wonderland Magazine

BIPP

Creative Match

IQONS

Small Business Directory

London Arts

Photo Assist

DripBook

Twitter

FILE magazine

Signing out Foto's

"well can uncle John JUST tile my bathroom?!"

Weekly pic update here we come. Ok so thought I would write something useful or at least try. I am not feeling witty today (I blame the sun, I usually manage to muster up some wit at least) so onwards & upwards with a burst of knowledge to tell you lovely people. Naturally, we are going to be focusing on photography and a few odd bits and bobs really which I think you may find useful.

The most feared question by all photographers is "do you mind just taking a few pics if your there anyway." or ...."Oh can you just snap a pic of Uncle Ron."

This drives photographers (ok maybe just me) I-N-S-A-N-E!!!!!!!!! So, if your mum who just happens to be an accountant was at the party and I turned up and asked her to have a browse through my taxes would that be acceptable?! If your brother was a builder and I rocked up with a shelf that needed a bracket fixing or a load of bricks and cement asking him to knock me up a quick shed, would he do it....would you think I was insane?! If you get asked this question - KNOW your answer.

Basically you are your photos. EVERY photograph you EVER take you will be judged on. As a photographer that is what people do. And as a photographer why would you want to take a bad picture? Every pic you take you will try 100%, you will put all your effort into and want it to be good. So 'Just' taking a quick snap should not be an option for you.

It is a good idea to start with clear definitions. I have done the whole guest & photographer thing and it doesn't work, you are either one of the other. You bring all your equipment, wear your comfy shoes and get the picture you and the friend / client are after OR you put on your heels, wear your favorite skirt and have nothing in your handbag but some lippy & your i-phone.

QUICK TIPS......

1) Bounce your flash off white walls or corners to create a softer look and to avoid blinding your subject

2) Set your ISO to the lower value rather than the higher. Use as low as you can get away with to avoid noise. (If you are using the 5D Mark 2 you will not need to worry about this, that bad boy can go up to 1600 easily!)

3) Experiment with angles. Don't move your subject, you move! Stand somewhere it makes you feel uncomfortable and get a new view.

4) Use the history tool brush on Multiply (darker) or Screen (lighter) to adjust the shades and highlights on your image where you might usually dodge and burn. The effect is far more subtle and you have far more control over the exposure changes and colour.

More next week - if there is something you want to ask / want to rant about or want to know......give me a shout and i will post! carli@carli-art.co.uk.

PS: Competition to follow - win 'How to Photograph Almost Anything!' Details to follow in next few weeks.

Carli x

Wana-B / Plastic Chairs and Copper Piping.....

Too many days (ok I mean weeks) have passed since I last posted which in one way is a good sign cos it means i am busy elsewhere, however I am saddened by the fact I have let the Fat Blog fall by the wayside like a discarded crisp packet. However, here I am and with intent to pick up the posting again. So to get things moving again I wanted to up date you on a few things and make it a free for all, future posts will see more structure but for now.....crazeee days!!

A few things I have discovered over the past few days......

1) I could become a burglar if photography fails. I discovered this after breaking into my own house using a plastic chair, a bit of foam insulation used in floors and a copper pipe. Please note; a few more discoveries can be found on my Wana-b blog @ http://www.carliart.blogspot.com/ for those of you that want to learn more about poo and bleach. (Yea didn't think so!)

2) I love networking. It really works and this is what I will get back to concentrating on in future posts along with random ramblings about my days behind the lens. I know 'they' tend to go on about it but seriously it works. Not only does it offer you fab opportunities to learn new skills, gain work experience or even get new business, it also leaves you feeling positive about your own knowledge and most importantly; motivated. A good friend of mine has started a monthly get together of local photographers and its great. Ok so last meeting so more wine and chin wag about sperm donation than anything else but it was a good evening and I learnt some good things about prime lenses, shooting portraits and that its not just me who struggles with pricing. It is one massive mine field! To anyone else out there confused by this area of the photo world, stick in there.

3) Marketing is important in these times. This is not a time to stop marketing. Companies are going to be more fussy about who they book and are going to make sure everything they are looking at is not only affordable but more importantly value for money. Cheap does not necessarily do it. If you offer great customer service and quality images and your prices are fair, that is enough. Do not stop marketing though, in fact work harder at it and show the competition what you have got that they haven't!

4) I have lost interest in Twitter....already I hear you cry?! What social site is next on the scene?!

5) Tiredness in most cases can be resolved with coffee, tea, chocolate and sweets. If on your own sat in front of a laptop a fair amount of procrastination helps as does word wars over skype or some form of chat. If with someone else, it has been suggested that farting competitions, smoking and picking up paper with your tongue can also be extremely stimulating!

6) There are about 300 shades of cream to buy. I just want one, one nice cream to decorate my new boudoir. I am confused by promises of whispering heritage, candle cream and touches of milk.

7) Our first successful music and photo deal was successfully completed last Friday. This is an EXCLUSIVE deal to Fat Talent Artists whereby you get an hour in a recording studio and an hours professional photography in one easy package. Plus we help with image building, brand identity and promotion. The pictures are complete and the lovely Queeny D was the special guest.....interview and 'how was it really' blurb to come! For now enjoy some of the images at the Fat Talent Face-book Group or the Carli-Art Fan Page.

Signing off - "Snooze central" xx

Another one on the way.......

Another Bank holiday on the way and boy am I looking forward to it.  Shame we seem to get a whole bundle of them and then nothing for a while but hey ho, lets enjoy the sunshine.  Soooooo, what does The Fat Blog have to offer you this Bank Holiday monday.....well another serving of the AMAZING Fat Talent.

Bank Holiday weekend Special @ Fat Talent Live, featuring......

myspace.com/foladastar
myspace.com/terrortgo
myspace.com/superstarlamahr
myspace.com/mikemonie
myspace.com/vdoublee
myspace.com/sbentertainer
myspace.com/missheidithomas
myspace.com/messyminista
myspace.com/spillerkidz
myspace.com/fuzzylogiconline
myspace.com/musicbyinstinct
myspace.com/illersapiens

*DANCE: Break dance & body Popping from the 'UAL Breakers'

*COMEDY: greavescomedy.googlepages.com

*FASHION: Parisa label & Nubian Roots 

Inn on the Green 3 - 5 Thorpe Close, Portobello.  7pm sharp!!

Want to get involved?  Got something to showcase....then get in touch.  We are in actually looking for models at the moment so if you got a booty to shake and want to strut your stuff on the catwalk then drop us an email at fattalent@live.com and let us know who you are.  We even have a few places left for this up and coming show and all models get 3 free photographs from the show plus a special photography package at an exclusive price from Carli-Art Photography.  

See you there people!!!

Foto x

Show me the money.......

Havent visited in a while and offered my advise, or rather little bits of info that i pick up along my bumpy journey....anywho....here is a little something for you.....

Pricing is always a difficult thing when it comes to Photography and it seems like you may never get it right, or is that just me?!  Anyway, it is hard and having reviewed and reviewed my prices it is time i make a proper plan....something I should have done a while ago!  

Anyway for any of you out there looking for some pricing advise, please see below some of the websites I used and tips I found useful - good luck!

£ - Look at your competition.  Not just within your 'dedicated' skill set or specific photography type but also locally what people are charging and to whom.

£ - Be confident in your pricing.  Start low when less experienced and then you can increase your rates in the future, getting the work and word of mouth marketing is always better.  I have done a fair bit of free or low priced work and from what I have heard, as have other photographers.

£ - http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/phdigtxt.html

£ - http://www.freelanceuk.com/photographers/index.shtml
£ - http://www.photographers.co.uk/html/advice-centre.cfm

Hope this helps!

Foto x

FEATURE: Weave those webs......

Welcome to my feature! does this need an introduction? either way here it is....I am getting on the networking train so will be offering advice (lighter sense of the word) asking for advice, airing my thoughts, testing and also trying to get some networking going on the blog through this here feature.

People always said to me 'It's who you know, not what you know" well darn it they were and still are right. Networking is possibly one of the most valuable marketing tools ever! This does not just involve joining networking groups or social sites but it also involves being on a marketing mission all the time. By all means don't push too hard and bore the death out of all your mates but be prepared with business cards; let people know what you do and recognize opportunities. Don't be afraid to ask your friends or family about people they know or if your out and about & chatting to someone you think could be a benefit working with, ask. Suggest ideas for working together that benefit you both, know what it is with in your business that they could do with; and let them know what you could do for them. Give them a card and ask for one back, and don't leave and forget it. Email them or phone and follow up the invitation.

Joining networking groups online or in your local area is also clearly a great way to start. There are literally hundreds out there and to be honest I am still baffled by the number and diversity of each group. You only know what works for you once you have tried it though. But get looking and don't forget your roots (hello J-LO aka Jenny from the block!) - look around your local area or within your region at what groups or clubs meet. Communities offer strong networking opportunities and people like a friendly local face so work it baby. More on different groups and my experiences to date next week.......

For the moment - people like to recommend. Remember that. People like to offer advice!

(images courtesy of rich-cartoons.com)

White stuff......

  

  

No, I am not talking about milk or even cocaine...I am talking snow!  Well it wouldn't be right if somebody didn't write something about it following today's antics (NO buses in London, please what are people made of these days?!)  so here I am being predictable! Anyway, thought I would cheer things up a little and find some beauty in between the hot cocoa, frost bitten toes & regret that you avoided that extra layer cos it made you look bulky. Google snow pictures and you get the following....i like.......

  

    

  

Yes its Linus.....

At the end of 08 I promised a really FAT CHAT with Linus Ricard.  This guy is an amazing photographer and has recently started making it really big so we at The Fat Blog are delighted to be supporting him as he emerges as a sure fire talent to watch for 2009.  Watch this space for his chat......

As said by ParisBejingPhotoGallery: 

"His photographs, influenced by fashion art, stand as a poetical quest in which iconoclastic situations are the keys to his aesthetic sense. Linus Ricard tells us stories of fragility and suffering, tells us about the flight of the models that posed for him — echoes to his own perplexity."

Foto xx

Taking out the Trash....

So apparently there are sales on at the moment?! I beg to differ. I ventured to the shops boxing day & today (second chances & all that) was whole heartidly disappointed. Through the crowds of over eager shoppers, legging clad beauties and neon sale signs I found nout - I went home with a cold credit card & an insane motivation to find bargains! So I hit the internet.

Here I found wonders of delight & one of my new found faves is a lushous place called 'Divine Trash.' Ok so not necessarily brand new talent but their site hosts fabulous items that suit any season....I also big them up as I am hoping they will kindly donate items to my fashion shoot at the end of Jan!! Wink wink nudge nudge.


But really, check them out. They actually have a S-A-L-E. Genius at this time of year.

www.divinetrash.co.uk

AS PROMISED>>>>XMAS FAT CHAT....KAYTI PESCHKE

So....as promised here it is, the Crimbo special Fat Chat.  We are talking to Kayti Peschke a fashion photographer who loves to go bright & bold and is also partial to a bit of TV....she will be appearing in Colleens Real Women on ITV2 in the New Year.  Keep those Pinkies peeled!

Name: Kayti Peschke

Age: 27

Occupation: Photographer

Links: http://www.kaytirocks.com

Welcome Kayti!  So where are you right now? (Other than emailing me, clearly!)

I am in capetown shooting for 12 days.  I work here quite a lot and its a great place to shoot & hang out.

How did you get started in fashion photography?

My dad is an amazing fashion photographer so i have always been around the industry growing up.  I started assisting from a young age which got me thrown in at the deep end.  I just loved the industry so it al just happened very naturally.

Your style is very electric and combines photography, some awesome styling and punchy graphics - do you work alone?

I am lucky enough to work with some amazing stylists and digital artists who can share my vision from the ideas stage right through to the finished shots; who embrace my ideas but also make it their own.  This often throws things into the mix that are totally unexpected which I love!  I adore collaborating with people who don't hold back and really go for it.  Namalee Bolle from Super super magazine is amazing to work with and i love the editorials we have done together.

Who do you seek inspiration from?

David LaChappelle, amazing locations, excited conversations with my favorite style Karen Russell - we have endless lists of test to do!  My boyfriend is very inspirational too, he is a bmx-er and he always seems to find really cool locations for me when he is out and about and his stories from road trips in the US are making us plan a few months out there next year.  I can shoot and he can ride.  Of course, my dad is always inspiring me with his amazing shoots, I am always jealous!  

Is your personal sense o style as eye catching as your images?

I think the colourful and fun aspet shows in my own personal style, i love cute short dresses with lots of ghetto gold, hot pink lips and always something in my hair - big flowers, birds, netting!!  I like to shop at Vintage markets, the hight street and car boots.  Oh and horseshoes, I am mad about anything with horseshoes on it!

Camera Equipment?

My digital Canon but i have a whole host of vintage camera's - I will shoot film whenever possible and can always be found at car boot sales hunting for cameras to play with!

Lace: Fashion or Fouxpass?

I am in love with a paid of fingerless lace gloves at the moment so fashion!

What is on the Top shelf of your fridge?

Loads of old, out of date polaroid film and condiments - i love sauces with everything!!

Loo Roll - Recycled, quilted or just plain old Andrex?

Ur, Tesco's own, with Aloe Vera!

Big hands up and a lacey wave of thanks to Kayti!  Check out her website and look out for that appearance with Colleen.

Merry Xmas one and all, hope the interview has left your thirsty for more in the New Year!

COMING SOON.....

• Hot Topic - A quick snippet from each of our bloggers about the chosen hot topic - Terrorism!  How can art / fashion / music interpret or cast opinion on this current subject.
  
• Special Fat Crimbo Chat - An extra special interview with a fashion photographer that you won't want to miss!!

All this before 20th December - oh yes!!