Free Resources & 2016 Portrait Project
I've had a bit of re-jig over at MichaelRammell.com and I have some great news and updates I wanted to share with you all.
There hasn't been a major overhaul or anything like that, but I have made it far, far easier to get to all of the great FREE resources that I offer, such as FREE hi-res wallpapers, tutorial videos and even access to older blog posts that you may find useful. I'll also be re-launching my portrait project and putting dates in the diary for 2016!
Read on to find out more:
The Portrait Project (Let's try that again!)
I launched my portrait project back in 2013 with the aim of photographing 50 portraits of fellow photographers and friends that I've met through Social Media and the Internet. I received well over 30 applications from people wanting to take part and come to meet me to have their portrait made, but I couldn't get the project off the ground with other commitments limiting the time I had available for the project (moving house again, second child on the way and changing jobs) but now life is somewhat settled again I'm keen to finally kick this off and start making photographs of those people that applied and also to fill the final 20 or so remaining spaces!
If you applied the first time round I will be reaching out to you via email in the coming days and weeks to get things moving again and hopefully to arrange a date with you to make this happen. Of course there is no obligation at all to take part if you have previously applied.
If this is news to you and you weren't aware of the portrait project from the first time round then you can head on over to the portrait project page and apply now. Your name will go into my portrait project mailing list and I'll get in touch to arrange a date with you that suits us both.
Please note that if you're local I'll meet you halfway, however those slightly further afield from Virginia Water in Surrey where I live will likely have to travel to me. But I promise tea and good fun! (and of course, I hope, a great photograph or two!). I'll be at lots of events in 2016, including The Photography Show as well. If you're going to be there, or if you're coming along to one of my Photo Walks, we could even arrange to make your portrait then.
All of the details as to why I am doing this project, what I'll do with the photographs and more are included over on the launch page for the project along with details for who to apply.
Wallpapers
As a subscriber to this blog (If you're not already a subscriber you can sign up here!) you may have seen me release a series of photographs for download as desktop wallpapers throughout 2015. It's something I plan on doing much more, especially as I travel more around the world and the UK. It's my way of saying thanks to all those who subscribe, visit the website and interact with me online (and at photo walks as well!).
You can now find all of the wallpapers I make available in one place over on the wallpapers page. I've set this page to update itself automatically, so whenever I publish a new blog post with new wallpapers they will appear over on the wallpaper page. Available wallpapers include some breathtaking photographs from the Scottish Highlands, memories from Venice and also some photographs I shot recently during quite possibly the most amazing golden hour at Richmond Park (UK).
Tutorial & How To Videos
Not many people know this - mostly because I haven't promoted or advertised that I actually produce them - I have a small but growing series of videos available for you to view for FREE online. The videos mostly refer to how to do certain things in Light Room, such as using the adjustment brush to full effect, creating effective smart collections and generally the way I edit and post-process my own photographs to create my look.
What's more if you have a question about Light Room or my post processing that you want to ask you can complete the form over on the Tutorial Videos page and I'll produce a video showing you exactly how I do it.
Access to the Blog Archives
On a regular basis I get asked questions about photography, my approach and Olympus cameras. Often, I'll write a full reply (like I have done previously for Gavin Hall) but on occassion it may be that I have already written an article on a subject or given my thoughts on a topic and so I'll link to that instead. To make older blog posts easier to find I have created a page that shows older blog posts all in one place. You can take a look at the Blog Archive right here, or of course you can scroll to the bottom of any page on my website and click the 'Blog Archive' link.
I hope that these changes and adjustments will make the content and resources I put together easier to find and easier to access.
Project Portrait
I'm incredibly excited to announce the start of my Portrait Project.
I said back in early 2013 that I would start a Project this year with the aim of photographing just 50 people. If I'd have announced this back in January like I planned then perhaps 50 people would be an easier target, but we're already in May so it will be a push to make 50 portraits by the end of 2014!
I've included all of the details below in a Q&A format, so read on if you have questions.
If you're already interested and want to register your place in the final 50 just drop me a line and let me know or visit the Take Part appliction page
What's the deal?
I'm looking for volunteers - people who want their photographs made (or even people who are unsure about it)! If you're interested just register your interest right here: Here's a quick Q&A style list of facts about the project:
Q: Why are you doing it?
A: Portraits are the thing I enjoy photographing most. I enjoy interaction with people and making photographs that people like! The lighting and the technical side of things are pretty simple when it comes to making a portrait - the challenge can often be having the right conversation to get the right expression. This is the part I enjoy most.
Q: How much will it cost me if I volunteer?
A: It's free! Chances are if you come to me for the portrait I'll even buy you a drink.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Just fill out the form at the top of this page or head on over to the 'Take Part' page
Q: Why is it free, Won't it cost you money?
A: It may cost me a little something, but mostly it will be my time. I'm hoping to meet with you somewhere local, somewhere half-way or on a photo walk or meetup. This is a project that I really want to do for fun so I'm happy to spend a little something to do it and to invest my own time. I will be offering fine art prints for sale too: hopefully a few sales will cover any fuel costs I may incur and keep Mrs Rammell from telling me off for spending our money to make photographs of other people. I doubt that but it's worth a try ;)
Q: Where are the portraits going to be made?
A: We'll make arrangements on an individual basis: Some people can come to my place where they'll be offered endless amounts of tea and home made cakes. If you'd prefer however, or it's not convenient I could always meet you halfway depending on the distance. Or, as mentioned above if our diaries align and we're going to be meeting at a photo walk or meetup of some kind, then perhaps I could make your portrait then?
Q: Where are you based?
A: I live in Berkshire. Surrounding towns for me include Maidenhead, Bracknell, Windsor, Ascot, Slough, Wokingham and Reading. If you're local to me then perhaps we can put a date in the diary to make this happen. Check out my location on Google Maps
Q: Will the portraits be done in a Studio?
A: Some, yes. Others, no. I've got a studio I often set up at home and I'd like to use it for a good number of the portraits. However if the weather permits I'd quite like to do some of the portraits outside too (or even in doors, but just not with the studio set up). This project will be running until December so during the summer I'd like to get some Vitamin D if I can - we don't see enough sun in the UK - let's make the most of it!
Q: After the Portraits are made and edited, where will the be shown online?
A: They'll go right here on this website into the Portrait Project Gallery.
Q: Can I use the photographs?
A: Yes you can! As photographer I shall remain the copyright holder but I will grant all volunteers use of the photographs online for Facebook Profile Pictures and that sort of thing. I would appreciate it if you could use the photographs with my tiny little watermark in the corner to share the love, but that is optional. I will provide you with files large enough for 8x10 prints. If you would like larger prints then I can provide you with those
A: How will you use the photographs?
Q: The photographs will primarily be used right here on the website on the Portrait Project Gallery for the foreseeable future. I don't plan on selling any of the photographs at all and I shan't pass any copyright or usage rights onto a third party unless otherwise stated. If anything ever comes up I will always get in touch with you first and check with you. It's what I would expect so It's the way I'd like to work it for this project.
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: Absolutely anyone who is 18 or over. This project is open to anyone who would like to come and have their photograph made. You don't need to be a model or a photographer - You just need to have a face (any kind will do!)
Q: I know someone who might like to take part.
A: Excellent! Tell them about the project and link them to this page. If they're interested they can register their interest too. You can tweet them a link to this post. Or you can email them a link or even share it on Facebook:
Q: Can I take part with a friend?
A: You certainly can! I'd happily meet you both (or all of you) on the same day. However, the portraits I make will be of individual people. This project won't include portraits of groups or couples.
Q: Will you give me a print of my portrait?
A: Yes! Of course! Prints won't be free however. I send all my prints out to a OneVision imaging. Prices start from £25 for a single 8x10 fine art print.
Q: What are you getting out of all of this?
A: To meet interesting people. To make portraits that people are (hopefully) happy with. Satisfaction. Practise. A portfolio of Portrait photographs.
Q: What's unique about this project? People have done portrait projects before you.
A: I'm aware that I'm not the first to run a project like this and nor shall I be the last, I'm sure. For me this isn't about creating something that no one else has done before. It's about the interaction I'll get with you and it's about practise. It will be a great chance to meet a lot of wonderful people and hopefully make a photograph you can really enjoy. Of course, no two photographs are the same so the photographs themselves will be unique
Apply Now
The first 50 people to apply will feature in this project for free. To take part register your interest right here on the Take Part page.
I look forward to meeting you and making your photograph!
Apply now
To take part and register to participate simply get in touch via the Take Part Page