November « 2009 « Nathalie Marquez Courtney Photography

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Archive for November, 2009

Photo pressies

November 30, 2009

I thought I’d compile a list of possible photo pressies, for any one stuck hunting. If you have a photo-lover in your life (or, indeed, you are one) one of these awesome gifts might tickle their fancy. A mix of things I own and love, and things I’d love to own. You know, if I was a rich girl (na na na na na…)

Polaroid is dead (or not…), long live the Fuji Instax Mini 7s.

Fuji

I first read about this cutie on Haus Maus way back in May, and have been lusting after it ever since. It’s an instant camera that spits out fun business card sized pics with really lovely tones. Get it at the Photojojo store or on Ebay.

Shootsac

Geared at regular shooters who don’t want a black bulky monstrosity hanging off their hips while the shoot, the Shootsac was created by well-known and loved US wedding photographer Jessica Claire. It’s designed to hold just your lenses and extra bits (not your camera) and for use while you shoot. I love all the different designs – check it out here, and head here for international shipping.

Etsy prints

A great gift for any lover of photography is a beautiful photo. Be inspired by the super affordable artwork available on Etsy. Some recent faves of mine include Alicia Bock (her ‘Paris: A Love Story’ 2010 calendar just arrived in the post, and it is beautiful) Young Willing Skin, Yvette Inufio, the beautiful work and gorgeous polaroids of Susannah Conway and the fab miniatures of Erin Tyner.

Random bits

Etsy is also great for all sorts of other photography themed things – from letterpress notecards, necklaces, prints, polaroid collages (I have this one, and love it) and labels, there are tons of pretty and affordable pressies to be had.

Unravelling e-Course

I started Susannah Conway’s Unravelling e-course last year, and due to a series of ill-timed and unfortunate events I didn’t get to finish it, but what I did do I absolutely adored. A mix of photo assignments and writing exercises, it would make for a great gift.

The Photojojo Store

Jammers with everything you never knew you always wanted. Things my beady eye has spied include these cute polaroid picture frames, this deadly Diana lens, handy white balance lens cap, seat belt camera straps and this cool little cube that helps you keep your horizons level.

And if Santa was a millionaire….

This. Of course.

Tomorrow: Photography book recommendations.

Tags: photography pressies, presents for photographers
Posted in Personal, Photography | 2 Comments »

All fogged up

November 29, 2009

There’s nothing like the buzz of an International rugby game to warm you up on a cold and foggy Saturday afternoon. Ireland were playing South Africa so off Eoghan and I trotted to the Davin stand for some roaring and some rugby.

But before we left, I snapped a few pics from our balcony of the crowd pouring up the road.

Crazy fog, eh?

And this was at just after 2pm!

To give you an idea of just how crazy the fog got, here’s a little triptych – the top shot was taken just before the game started, the middle one at half time, and the last one just minutes after it finished (by which stage you could barely make out the far posts, let alone the players)

Here are a few other pics:

Right after Sexton’s first kick over the posts…

Got distracted by this girl’s lovely hair…

Should have been a try here. Not least of all because of the great view we had.

And just after the whistle went, with the final score Ireland 15 to South Africa’s 10.

I celebrated by having my first taste of the most delicious thing in the world – hot chocolate with Baileys and marshmallows. It was amazing, and had I not drunk it all so quickly I might have taken a picture! Maybe next time…

** Updated**

So I had another Baileys hot chocolate tonight, just so I could take a few pictures. Yes, that was the reason…

(p.s. Sorry about the grainy pics. Shot at 1600 ISO and it shows.)

I love when the marshmallows start getting all gooey and melt-y… Yum.

Tags: Baileys hot chocolate yumminess, Croke park, fog over Croker, Guinness Series, Ireland v South Africa
Posted in Personal | No Comments »

Circus shoot

November 27, 2009

Some shots from when I tagged along to the KISS photoshoot, shot on location at Circus Vegas way back in June – I have no idea why I didn’t post these before. The show is run by my family, as many of you know, so I went along to make sure no one stepped in any pony poo or got roped into making candyfloss; things like that. I snapped these pics alongside Beta Bajgartova, who was the photographer on the job.

I know I’ve said it before, but Beta is so awesome. Not only is she a great photographer, but she openly shares her knowledge, always listens to any suggestions or ideas I throw out there, and answers any question, no matter how silly. Having someone like that helping me as I learn, try, succeed and sometimes fail is amazing.

Tags: circus, circus fashion shoot, circus photography, circus vegas
Posted in Photography, Portraits | 2 Comments »

Holidays are coming…

November 26, 2009

For weeks now I’ve been telling myself too soon and not yet. Christmas thoughts, ads and banter seem to creep in earlier and earlier and I’ve been trying hard to keep them at bay and suddenly – next week is Decemeber! Eek. I’m hoping to get my cards and gifts through Etsy and other online shops this year (how cool are these porcelain milk jug vases?), so I really need to get my rear in gear if I want them to arrive on time.

One area I didn’t need any encouragement on though was baking. Yvonne, Kel, Ethan and I had a wee baking session one cold and rainy evening and here are some snaps of the results.

These star-shaped cookies were very cinnamon-y and very yum. Closer to Christmas we’re going to make them again but pierce holes in the top and hang them off the tree.

I can in no way take credit for this handiwork – my arty friend Yvonne created and decorated the tree and snowman (reminder to self: be sure to invite Yvonne around for the next baking sesh). I did do the butterflies though..

Love this! Again, Yvonne’s handiwork. And in case you’re wondering, yes, that beaded, iced blob in the corner IS a rugby ball and yes I am responsible…

Tags: christmas baking, edible decorations, festive treats
Posted in Food | No Comments »

Those eyes

November 24, 2009

Doesn’t this little guy just have the most gorgeous eyes? Such a cutie.
His name is also Ethan, and he was born just a week after my Ethan (well, he’s not mine, but you get my drift) so we bonded over a shared love of coloured building blocks and bubbles.

I know you probably don’t need or want to see all the pictures from the bubble series… but he’s just so happy and smiley and cute that I had to post them all.

We spent the afternoon in the very pretty St Anne’s Park in Clontarf. It was right after these bump shots, so although it was cold, the light was was gorgeous. Bokeh-licious (sung to the tune of Destiny’s Child Bootylicious…. no? Anyone?).

They’re the cutest family.

Remember being swung like that? It rocked. I wish they’d invent a funfair ride that swings you around like that. I would a pay a good €2.50 for that.

The cuteness continues.

I know all toddlers are happy, but this kid was really bringing the LOLs, you couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

A serious shot. I love this.

Some family shots…

This is part of a series we did for the fam’s Christmas cards, hence the Santa in the background…

Shooting from between the roses (yes, roses! In November) in the park.

And last but not least, I grabbed this quick shot after Ethan cheekily pulled off his hat and before his mum promptly squished it back on. Love those wispy blonde locks. And the eyelashes (why do boys always get the lashes? No fair!)

Tags: family portrait photography, park life, photos and bubbles, toddler photography
Posted in Photography, Portraits | 2 Comments »

Be inspired: Arthur Elgort

November 19, 2009

AE1 AE2

I let out an audible sigh whenever I look at Arthur Elgort’s work.

His composition blows me away, as does the sense of playfulness and humour that you get from almost every image. He is truly inspirational.

Head on over to his website and indulge in some more visual yummy-ness. His early work – featuring young start-ups like Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista – is particularly drool-some.

Tags: arthur elgort, when I grow up I want to be like...
Posted in Inspiration | No Comments »

Still loving leaves

November 18, 2009

Even if they are starting to get a bit mushy and dangerous.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

KISS Model Search Finalists

November 16, 2009

People believing in you is a funny thing to wrap your head around.

As some of you might know, my main job is working as a Deputy Editor of KISS magazine. On occasion, I accompany the lovely Beta to photoshoots, where I learn all sorts of on-the-job tricks (one big one: stand-alone ladders are amazing, particularly if you are shortie photographer snapping a gazelle-like model).

For a while now, Fashion Ed Corina (who blogs for Stellar mag here) and Ed Sarah have been encouraging me to do a shoot myself. I was all “No way Jose” – I need to practice more, get better gear, and generally learn how to not suck so much before my pictures can be splashed across 25,000 copies of anything.

And that was that, until I returned from my Bali hols. While sifting through a gazillion emails, Corina appeared behind my desk and coyly says, “Guess what you’re doing on Friday?”

Which is how I found myself with 10 gorgeous KISS Model Finalists, shooting a pretty Sartorialist-inspired fashion story, the results of which are below and in the current issue of the magazine.

Throwing me into the deep end and seeing if I would swim, or sink in a sea of badly composed, dodgily exposed shots is not a risk a lot of people would take, and I can’t thank the girls enough for pushing me in. Ladies, you are legends; thank you for being so encouraging and supportive.

And now, for the model finalists – the winner gets a contract with 1st Option, which is pretty sweet. In no particular order, here they are…

Zoe:

Grace:

Tamyn:

Anna:

Bronwyn:

Chloe:

Samantha:

Niamh:

Poppy:

Alison:

Tags: fashion shoot, inspired by The Sartorialist, learning on the job, portrait photography
Posted in Photography, Portraits | No Comments »

Amanda & Bump

November 13, 2009

Some women have all the luck.

I photographed Amanda’s first bump back in Feb 2008, and again in April (I also snapped what popped out). She had the cutest, neatest bump and it appears that the bump gods have smiled upon her once again.

She is seven months pregnant and I only hope I look half as gorgeous and serene and glowy whenever I decide to get sprogged.

We shot these just last weekend, but lucked out with the most glorious day imaginable. Still freezing, but glorious.

We got proud Dad Conor in for a few shots…

I know. My ovaries are lurching just looking at it.

When Amanda was pregnant with Ethan, we took this lovely pic of her in one of Con’s shirts. So she dug it out again and we grabbed a sequel.

We took advantage of that rare thing, an Irish blue sky, and headed out to the balcony for a few more.

Amanda, congrats again! Thanks for being so cool and obliging, for letting me stand on chairs, kneel on beds, and for getting your tum out in the freezing cold!

After we finished the bump shots, I moved on to Amanda and Con’s incredibly beautiful baby boy, Ethan. I’ll post that session soon, but I couldn’t resist one sneak peek shot, taken before he got all bundled up for the park…

Okay fine, two…! He loves kissing Mum’s bump – adorable.

Tags: bump & baby photographer, bumps & babies, Maternity, maternity photography
Posted in Maternity, Photography, Portraits | 4 Comments »

Feeding time at the zoo

November 3, 2009

Looking like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth – at least not when it’s so busy being spread all over his face!

As messy as it is, feeding Ethan is great craic. When I get shots like these, I feel really grateful for my camera, and for photography. I just love his expressions in them.

Tags: feeding time, messy toddlers
Posted in Ethan, Personal | 2 Comments »