Our IWI Neighbourhood Bosphorus Cruise

Sailing down the Bosphorus on a perfect summer's day

What could be more fun than a sunny day out on the Bosphorus with a group of friends? So, for our last IWI Moda/Kadikoy Neighbourhood coffee morning, we did just that. We cruised along, with Europe on one side, and  Asia on the other, up to the entrance of the Black Sea, where we dropped anchor and enjoyed a wonderful day.

We met at Kandili, where we waited for our boat

On the way, we saw this vintage ferry boat, out on the water

Come on in, the water's great!

Everything was provided for us; the food, the drink, the stunning view, and the inviting water. The lunch, produced by the crew, was excellent. Unfortunately, everything looked so delicious that I, for one, just got stuck in and forgot to take a photo, so you will just have to think of every type of mezze that you can imagine. The table was groaning with so much food, that we thought that was all, and everyone filled their plates. Then came the fish, freshly cooked on the outside barbecue. It was so tender and succulent that we had no trouble in pollishing that off too, helped down by a couple of glasses of wine.

Everyone was quite relaxed...

...as we sailed along the Bosphorus

Several members had brought along dessert. It looked so inviting that we couldn't say no! Fortunately, everyone swam before lunch, otherwise flotation might have been a problem after all that delicious food. It was such a happy day, and one that I, for one, will always remember with a smile.

AWAI Stock Photography Workshop, Paris Day4&5

A rainy evening in Paris

On day four, it was our turn to shoot the models in the apartment, which was just as well as it was raining. Here, Lise and Louis were there to help us. We learned about studio lighting and how to use reflectors to get the light exactly where we needed it.

Our first models were partners, so their interaction was playful, 

which helped a lot for getting ideas for our shoot.

Our other model was the beautiful Alison, 

who was so lovely and easy to work with. 

Each of us was given the opportunity to be in charge of the shoot; to direct the models and set the scene. It was quite challenging to think of how to set the scene on the spur of the moment! Lise gave us a good tip for the future. She keeps a notebook where she jots down ideas before a shoot, so she can get down to work quickly.

We tried shooting Alison in a small mirror, 

but the reflections were difficult

So we moved to a larger mirror, which was much better

That evening, Valerie and I went out to shoot Paris at sunset.

 These are the locks that lovers have attached to 

a bridge over the Seine

One side of the bridge was full of locks,

so they have started on the other side

We were taking photos of the setting sun...

...when we turned around in time to see the sun

shining on the Notre Dame Cathedral

We were getting some interesting shots, when it began to rain, so we took shelter under the awning of a nearby cafe. We hadn't thought about rain, so I had only taken my camera and tripod, and Valerie only had 15 Euro with her. We then had to decide whether to buy umberallas or wine? Umberellas or wine? ...and plumped for the wine. The rain then came down in torrents and we had to wait for a break in the weather to make a run for it back to the hotel. We got soaked, but managed to save our cameras by tucking them under our t-shirts.

Rain on a window in Paris

On day five , after all the practical work of the week, we had the opportunity to ask questions of Lise, Shelly and Louis. We also heard how we could take  a giant step forward in in finding success in our stock photography businesses. I learned such valuable lessons during the AWAI Paris Stock Photography Workshop, that I cannot thank the team enough. Shelly, Lise, Louis, and Bonnie, you were all amazing. I had the happiest time. And John and Mimi, your hospitality was second top none. I am off out to shoot some more now. Wish me luck!

AWAI Stock Photography Workshop, Paris, Day 3

This is me, concentrating hard on my task. Photographer, and friend, 

Jerry Newsome took this. See more of his work here.

This is another shot of the group taken by Jerry.
Bonnie, on the left, is checking up on us!

On day 3, we split up into 2 groups. One group went to an indoor model-shoot in an apartment, while the group I was in shot in natural light on the streets of Paris. Unfortunately, it kept on trying to rain, but we managed to keep our cameras dry and complete the assignment.

 First, we chose a quiet street, although people kept popping up in the background, like this road sweeper.

We then went down to the lower walk-way of the River Seine to continue our shoot. We chose a spot where we could include the Notre Dame Cathedral as our background. This was the first time I had used professional models, but our instructor, Shelly, was so patient in explaining how to get the best from the model for great shots, that everybody thoroughly enjoyed this session.

The models were great fun too, and we enjoyed getting to know them, 

and interacting with them. 

Later, we went to a cafe for a coffee, but couldn't resist continuing to shoot. Other patrons were wondering what was going on and many people wanted to know if we were photographing famous French film stars, while others got out their cameras to take photos of us taking photos! We had such a fun day!

Style is everything! (by Jerry)