Becky&Robert-380

We've already started our Spring Workshops, with a session on Lightroom Basics at CaLM HQ last weekend. Fab session - I just love Lightroom, so teaching it is always fun.

Our forthcoming workshops are detailed below. It would be great to see you on one, but don't forget, we can always arrange some one-to-one tuition at a time and place to suit you.

Saturday 4th March - Camera Skills, Exposure Control & Flash Workshop

Venue Cloverley Hall, Calverhall SY13 4PH  

10am - 2pm                   Cost £30

Basic camera skills, understanding exposure (getting off Auto) and basic fill-in flash

Most suited to DSLR or bridge camera. Additional flashgun

Saturday 11th March - Editing for Competition Workshop

Venue - 4 Moreton Wood

10am – 2pm               Cost £30

Limited to 8 places

What do judges look for? Some hints and tips on how to compose your images following some simple guidelines.

A laptop with Lightroom, Photoshop or Photoshop Elements would be advantageous, however there will be a screen mirroring the process.

Saturday 18^th March – Studio Workshop

Venue – Calverhall Village Hall, SY13 4PE

Morning session - 10am – 12:30pm                        Cost £30

Afternoon session – 2pm – 4:30pm                        Cost £30

Register for both sessions                           Cost £50

Full studio set up with strobe lights and 3m x 6m backdrop.  Full instruction on controlling the light to get best effect. Two sessions  - first will explore portrait shots with a young couple, second session on how to light a bodybuilder to show his physique.

Morning session – Faye and Ed – engaged, soon to be married

Afternoon session - Lee - a male bodybuilder

Please register your interest by emailing [email protected] or call 01948 890466

What a great month January was. Wedding photography bookings are going well and we have had some beautiful photo shoots including a newborn, a christening, property shots and some head shots for a local business. We've also had our first photo booth of the year. 170129_Amelia_edit-101-2

I really love the newborn baby photo shoots - those little bundles of joy are just so gorgeous.

We have a lot of fun with the Cake Smash sessions too - the expressions when the child realise it's ok to dig right into the cake are adorable.

Exciting times ahead too.. We have some workshops later this month and into March. We have some great models lined up for our studio lighting workshop, a great location for the Camera Skills day out and plenty of classroom based tuition including Lightroom Basics and Editing for Competitions. Wedding Fair's start soon and our diary is bulging already for the year - how will we fit it all in????

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Wow - we're changing our name..! CALM Logo

But why, I hear you ask... Well, when we became 10stop Photography in 2010, we were geared towards training for people interested in photography. Many photographers know that a 10 stop filter is something you use to get a long exposure, which calms a rough sea or makes dreamy clouds in the sky - ideal in Landscape Photography. It was (and still is) a great name for our business as it was then, but we've changed over time and 10stop is no longer fitting the bill. We do lots of wedding photography each year (and family portraits, cake smash's, new born etc. etc) and we get a lot of feedback from brides, grooms and parents commenting on how relaxed we are, how they felt no pressure and how 'calm' we appear when all around is panic.  

If you stop and think about it, this is a big deal - so much risk.. Will our wonderful customers follow us? Will they know how to find us in the future? Will we loose our place in the Google Rankings?? So much to consider...

Something we haven't had to ask ourselves - will this affect the quality of our work, or the relationship we have with our customers? These were easily answered with a big fat 'NO"..!

A name change won't affect our work - still high quality, value for money, no hidden costs or gimmicks and always two photographers for the cost of one..! When we meet our customers, we introduce ourselves and Chris and Libby Middleton, so they already know our name. It took us quite a while to figure out the initials spell CALM (Chris And Libby Middleton) - as Chris said, 'Why didn't we see this sooner???"

So here we are - the new name is CALM Photography - bear with us while we change everything over - website, bank, Facebook, emails etc.etc. We will point anything 10stop towards CALM for quite sometime, so you can still reach us via email or the website going forward.

Oh and look out for some special offers coming your way... It's party time - time to celebrate and we want to do that with you..!

Chris & Libby x

R&K-1174 Wow - it's 2017 already..! Happy New Year..!

So much happened in 2016 - our busiest year yet. We had lots of lovely weddings and a huge number of photo booth's too..!

Wedding photography in Shropshire is a real delight. It is a truly beautiful county which offers some stunning wedding venues. We photographed weddings at Wroxeter, Soulton Hall, Hawkstone Park, Tern Hill Hotel to name but a few. Over the boarder in Staffordshire, we had a super wedding at one of our favorite venues, Somerford Hall. We travelled as far as Southport and as close to home as our own parish Church.

Wedding photography is our passion -  we often joke about being serial wedding goers, but never having to buy a hat or take a present..!  I love a good wedding - everything from the hymn's in church, to the confetti, to the cutting of the cake - what's not to love about such a joyous occasion? Everyone is smiling and having a good time.

It's also a real privilege to be a part of the big day for so many couples. I get to spend time with the Bride as she gets ready with her bridesmaids, and Chris has some fun with the Groom and his bestman or men..! 

So, long may it continue. 2017 is looking like another busy year - bring it on..!

Libby

New for 2015, 10stop now have a white Inflatable Photobooth..! Fun, fun, fun guaranteed for each and every occasion - Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays - Get the family together in a never-to-be-forgotten, fun and exciting way..!

See the Photobooth Info page for full details and take advantage of this low, low, low introductory price - we'll hold it down as long as possible..! You won't find better value..  

Bookings now being taken - contact 10stop Photography today. Darrens30th067 20150207_221729

It was the first time we have used a male model and I must say I found it a real change..!  Amazing how the ladies were really engaging with Jack..!!  Joking apart, the day I believe, was a real triumph with a mix of experience the workshop was as intend - a group of people sharing ideas as well as being coached with a more formal approach.  The idea was to keep the theory to a minimum, diving into more of the science/art as required, and so ensuring the workshop members spent more time behind the camera..!!  For me it was a day full of surprises with good fun and banter.

Well done to Jack who was new to modelling but said he'd had a good day with lots of laughs.

Many thanks to all who took part, with you  it would not have happened..

Feedback Received:  Thanks for a most enjoyable day. You covered a lot of ground in a relatively short time and the purpose of each set up was explained very succinctly. Really good. I was impressed by the professionalism of it all as well. I've been on RPS workshops that were not conducted as well.

We are very excited to be entering the wacky world of photo booths..! Yes, that's right - we bring you an opportunity to dress up and act the fool in front of the camera, for all to see..!

An ideal alternative to Wedding favours, we offer unlimited visits to the booth and a 6x4 print of each visit for your guests to take home at the end of the night.

A super way to have some fun at a Birthday Party for guests of any age* from 1 to 100..!

Mark that Anniversary in style - lots of choice in the dressing up box provided..!

What’s included     ~

• Unlimited photo booth visits
• Quality photography
• Instant 6x4 prints (one per visit)
• Dressing up props
• Customised photo template
• Your own gallery on our website
• Trained attendants

Get in touch and book now for your event..!

[email protected]

01948 890466

07545 612326

*children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult

STUDIO LIGHTING WORKSHOP Saturday 21st March 2015, The Old Jack Calverhall, 09:30 for 10:00

This is pitched at beginners and novices.  There will be people on hand to help out with getting you sorted...!

So why not come along and have ago with real Studio Lights and a Real Model..!

We can promise it will be different to what you are normally used to, and are sure you will go away with images that you will be pleased with..!

Booking is essential as places have to be limited to 8.. But do not worry we will add you to our waiting list for the next one..

Email [email protected]

For us the workshops have proved successful on many fronts.  Firstly, it has enabled us to test ourselves, our knowledge and skills.  Secondly 

it has been great for us to be able to pass this learning on to others so they to can improve.

We have met some great people during this time and made some real friends.  We like to think that we have managed to support the Whitchurch Photographic Society members and help them move their skills on.  That was one of the original goals and we are pleased to have seen some real individual progress.

Well its all over and what a great weekend we had.  After another couple of hours getting images onto the website we popped in to see the Big Draw at Fordhall Farm and saw the output of some great drawings depicting the countryside.

The spectacle of the afternoon was the Pop Up Choir at the Methodist Church.  What a great afternoons entertainment of which the participants must be very proud.  For the short amount of time they had been rehearsing the quality of the sound was fantastic.  Well done to Ken for whipping them into shape. They were accompanied by the Ukulele players from Ellesmere that played and sung some great tunes.  And Market Draytons very own Guitarist from "Prospect Road", (Sorry I didn't catch his name)

We then had to take off to visit the Red Lion and be entertained by a Flamenco guitarist. The quality in what he was playing was extraordinary.  Watching his fingers pluck and strum and walking the frets was mesmerising. I guess in an Arts Festival the opportunity has to be taken to present many varied forms and genres and that is certainly what has happened through this weekend.

It was then time to leave and make our way to the library (after we waited for the storm to pass).  Here we found a small auditorium had been created for the performance by Ghost Trains.  A great selection of songs and was great to here them "Stripped Back".  And what a great use of the Library, usually a place of quiet and study turned into a place of entertainment, brilliant..!

We are also members of the Whitchurch Photographic Society and were charged with removing the Photographic Exhibition at the Festival Drayton Centre.  We have had some lovely feedback on the quality of the pictures which is great after the members put so much effort into it.

And finally back to the Sandbrook Vaults to be entertained by Hickman and Quinn and the last beer of the weekend.

For us it has been a great experience and has created some great memories that we will talk about I am sure when we meet up with you.  The highlight I think has to be the youngsters in Seussical Jr "The Cat in the Hat" and the Tonks play "Blackout" the latter really gripping we with the story telling and interaction.

Hope you all have enjoyed it also and look forward to doing it all again..

Chris and Libby

We were then treated to cakes at the library for judging of the Bakeorama.  I must say there were some great delights on display and plenty of tasters..!! Congratulations to Mrs Priestly for pipping the other contestants across the line.

Outside there was something brewing and whilst we were chatting music struck up from a "Ghetto Blaster" and suddenly line dancing was underway.  I am told this is a Flash Mob where impromptu performances happen.  As we watched more and more participants took part and Libby could not resist the foot tapping and eventually succumbed,

It was then the turn of the Street Performers.  We were entertained by Saxophonist, accordion, violin and guitar with great vocals.  In Market Drayton..!!! Something tells me we need to see this more often..

As we moved through the afternoon we saw children and adults putting animation skills to the test with Stop Frame animation supported by Hullabulloo Arts at the Clive and Coffin.  We joined the queue for a visit into the Bell Tower to witness people having a go 

at bell ringing in St Mary's followed by a well earnt rest in the Red Lion to listen to an Open Mic session of poetry and Prose.

In the evening we returned to St Mary's for an evening of choral songs performed by the Gallery Singers.  A real treat of great harmonies and a great spectrum of genres.

Today we have a visit planned to Fordhall Farm for the Big Draw, a definite visit to the Methodist Church to listen to the Pop Up Chior.  Later to the library for some live music by Ghost Trains and wrapping up the afternoon with Flamenco Guitar at the Red Lion...

We will get images onto the website as soon as we can.  We are pretty busy..!!

This evening we visited the Stafford Orchestra at St Marys Church and were well entertained.  This was following a day of visits to see Pumpkin Carving in progress, The Big Piano and listening to stories by Jack "Trick" Evans.

Tomorrow our day kicks off with the Tonks Youth Theatre, Buskers and a Flash Mob in Drayton town finishing the day back at St Marys to hear the Gallery Singers..

Plenty more of course going on, details can be found here:  http://draytonartsfest.org/events-programme/saturday-1st-nov.html

Say hi if you see us, you may get your picture published here..!

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What a great evening we've had with the Junior AmDrams at the Festival Drayton Centre. The show is 'Seussical the Musical Jr.' at Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton from 30th October to 1st November. A Junior Theatre & young adults musical production based on the stories of Dr. Seuss. Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all the favourite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage. This is fast, fun, colourful, full of energy and entertaining for all the family. Tickets are available from the Festival Drayton Centre box office on 01630 654444.

See more pictures here - Seussical Jn.

The Drayton Arts Festival got off to a great start last night with the Line Dance Social Evening at The Grove School. National DJ Paul Bailey got everyone up and dancing to a great selection of foot tapping music. When we popped in the evening was in full swing with a lot of happy dancers ready to step out for our cameras. To see the pictures from the event, go to Line Dance 25 Oct page

At 10stop We like to think that we help people understand their cameras and how to think more creatively when taking their photos.  From the initial capture to the post processing and improving.

Tomorrow night a mini field trip to Ightfield Church will enable participants to think about what they can do creatively within such a lovely tranquil part of Shropshire, whilst others will be able to get more in depth knowledge of Editing Images.

We both went to see an inspiring presentation by the renowned photographer Charlie Waite at the weekend.  Even though the M5 to Worcester was very stop start, the journey was well worth it.

Something that struck a chord with both of us was regarding Integrity.  Capturing the moment as you truly saw it.  Also, I think, this also goes a long way in not just the lengths you are prepared to go to get the awe inspiring image, it is also about how you create art from an image you captured and how far you are prepared to go beyond the truth..!!

Charlie has a exhibition running from the 23rd June at the National Theatre London.  If you are around it would be well worth taking a look..  Otherwise take a look here.  

Of course, Monday nights may never seem the same again after 10stop bring you an evening of Something Different. There are 4 distinct activities planned for this Monday evening - 

1. Capture Fruit in Water
2. Empty the Bottle
3. Use the Cube
4. 'So-still-it's-dead' Life

This evening will build on some of the camera skills you have learnt to date, but there will be help on hand if you're unsure. You may find a tripod and flash gun useful, but not essential (pop-up flash will be fine).

It will be all change on the sound of the bell - Lots of fun guaranteed..! 

A relaxed start at 10 with tea, coffee and a chat, set the scene for a great atmosphere that ran throughout the day. Chris began with the domestics, then down to business with theory on lighting set-ups for best effect.

​Using Libby as the model in the morning session, everyone had an opportunity to set up the lighting options, use a reflector for fill in light and take plenty of test shots to practice the theory.

During the lunch break, Chris went through everyones images. Lots of laughter accompanied the learning, as snacks and sandwiches were consumed. Our model for the afternoon session arrived and so it was back to work for all.

Nicky put everyone at their ease. With a variety of outfits and Chris changing backgrounds and gels on the lights, a variety of options were presented for the shoot. Everyone had the opportunity to take their shots and direct Nicky for the pose they desired.

​A final run through of the images rounded off the day. Everyone had achieved a selection of interesting images and some excellent shots of Nicky.

Take a look at some images from the afternoon on the Studio Workshop page.

Libby on the other hand will be getting to grips with adding inclement weather to an image to pump up the impact.  Why not come and get the knowledge..!

See you at the AMICA Centre, Ightfield North Shropshire.

in Camera Skills a visit to Ightfield Church by kind permission of Rev'd Michael Last.Please bring tripods with you for those wishing to do the Low Light exercise.

See you there for a 7 p.m. prompt start.

We arrived at 10 and were lucky enough to get a lift to the caves in the Hawkstone Land Rover. The weather was very kind to us all - not too hot, not too cold and sunshine at just the right monuments. 

Following the idea's on the cards handed out at the very start, everyone took the opportunity to use their skills and improve their camera techniques. 'Wide angle', 'telephoto', 'reflections' and 'texture' were all guides to get people thinking about what they were taking and how. In the caves, low light photography was a challenge to many. 

After an hour or so exploring the caves and stunning views from the far side of the site, we had lunch then took a very steady walk back towards the 'Greenhouse', where our day began. Stopping off by The Column, several fitter souls took the many stairs to the top to get an even better view. Rowland Hill has never been so photographed - a great opportunity to introduce 'perspective' from the idea's card.

Huge thanks go to Hawkstone Follies for their support and making this a great day to remember.

Hawkstone Follies Field TripA 'Grand' Day Out

So, the dates for your diary are October 30th to November 2nd - there will be a host of 'art' themed events for the duration of the festival, from live music to theatre performances, fine art exhibitions, painting workshops, art house films and, of course, photography.

See website http://www.draytonartsfest.org

We are both involved in the organisation of the event, so watch this space for the latest news

Chris & Libby x

ps - we went for a stroll around Market Drayton this morning - despite the poor weather there were some interesting shots to be had... take a look at some of the images in the slide show below...

Tomorrows workshops are still going ahead as all the roads are clear and the weather hopefully will not be too bad for us to meet up.  Chris will be reviewing last week aperture exercise and any other interesting images people would like to share before kicking off discussion about Shutter Speed..  Libby will be building more knowledge in the Image editing room putting together lots what have been done over the past couple of weeks and some techniques to change the background in your images.

Look forward to seeing many of you and drive safely.

We are also pleased to say that the Field Visit for the 15th of March is being organised at Hawkstone Follies.  If you want to be part of it let us know.  Cost will be advertised soon.

See you later.

All that remains now is for us to wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year

Chris and Libby Middleton

If you want to be part of the party email Chris and Libby at [email protected].

Due to the amount of content this workshop is limited to 12 people..  Be quick...!!!

Cost £15 payable on the day

We need to control the numbers and vehicles so let us know if you would like to join us and also help ferry others.

Meet 18:45 at The Old Jack in Calverhall.  Will return by 21:30.

Our next Photo-technique session is this Monday, 15th July, at the AMICA Centre in Ightfield. The fun starts at 7pm.

This week in Camera Skills, Chris will be leading the discussion on multiple exposures and composition... Should be fun as he's bought some card and glue for a 'practical' session..! Very 'Blue Peter'...!

Libby will be on hand in the Image Editing group for any practical help with your images. We'll also be taking a look at Adobe TV to see practical help with PS Elements.

Bring along your questions, cameras, laptops or images on memory sticks and anything else you would like help with.

Tea and coffee available.

See you there..!

Chris & Libby

As the next session is just around the corner, what's on the agenda for Monday - 

Image Editing:  Helping you put into practice last times demonstrations. Building on layers, spot healing, cloning etc.  Suggest you bring 3 images that you want to work with on either a memory stick or your laptop and Libby will offer guidance.  Lets face it, if you can think of something you want to do to an image there is usually a multitude of ways to get there. 

Camera Skills:  Building on exposure Chris will be introducing Filters and how they can help improve your exposure control. We will look to get some low light experience, so if you have a tripod please bring it along.

Look forward to seeing you there..

Chris & Libby

This week, we are focusing (no pun intended..!) on Shutter Speed and Metering in the Camera Skills session, and Adding Blur and Changing the Background using Photoshop Elements, in the Image Editing session.

You can also print your images up to A3 and mount them if required. All materials are provided for a small fee.

Bring along your questions, cameras, laptops or images on memory sticks and anything else you would like help with in the 'clinic'..!

Tea and coffee available.

See you there..!

Chris & Libby

Monday, 3rd June sees the start of our planed photo-technique sessions. The fun starts at 7pm at The AMICA Centre in Ightfield, Whitchurch. There's no need to book - there's no membership fee - entry on this first night is FREE, then after that it's just £4 on the door (or £2 if you are a member of the Whitchurch Photographic Society). 

The sessions will run every other Monday evening throughout this summer and will be a chance to get together with others who share an interest in photography and want to learn more about their camera, composition and how to edit and print images.

The first session will be a celebration of the launch and give us an opportunity to learn about you and your needs. Bring along your DSLR or Bridge camera if you want to 'take control' and move away from Auto. For those interested in photo editing, either bring an image you want help with on a USB memory stick or bring along your laptop for more hands on advice.

We welcome all levels, from beginner to the more experienced, as we see these sessions as an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences in photography.   

See you all on Monday..!

Chris & Libby

p.s. Don't forget to tell your friends too..!

We enjoyed Ilfracombe and discovered 'Verity' there. She's a 60 foot tall 'Damian Hirst' creation. In his usual style, this bronze goddess has been created to stimulate debate about his work - some find it shocking, others are in awe of this statue. It depicts a pregnant woman, holding scales in one hand and thrusting a sword skyward with the other. Hirst has 'peeled back' the skin on one side to reveal muscle, bone and the growing foetus. As with all 'art' this creation is subjective to the viewer - a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it..!

We had a great day by the river at Watersmeet, but the weather was too good (can you believe it..!) to get the 'moody' images we enjoy creating. The dogs enjoyed the water though and Chris got a great shot of Raven shaking the water off after a good swim.

Clovelly was a delight. With steep, cobbled streets, it's not the easiest of villages to explore on a wet day..! But what a treat - walk down to the harbour for a pasty and back up to the New Inn for a Devon Cream Tea..! Both strategically placed to ensure sustenance is available just when you need it..! We had a lovely day here and it's defiantly a place we will return to one day.

See some of our new collection here - North Devon

Pitched as a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, these 'drop-in' sessions should appeal to anyone who is looking to get more from their camera or enhance their knowledge on the latest photo editing techniques. For those who are already members of the local Whitchurch Photographic Society, there will also be the opportunity to learn about mounting prints to the standard expected by the club. So you can come along, take a picture, edit it, print it and mount it all on the same night..!

The fun begins at 7pm on Monday, 3rd June at The AMICA Centre in Ightfield. Price on the door is £4 (or £2 if you are a member of the Whitchurch Photographic Society).

Full details are available under our 'Workshops' link - no need to book, but if you are interested, just drop us a quick email so we have an idea on numbers and we'll keep you posted on what else we are planning..!

Chris & Libby

p.s. Don't forget to tell your friends too..!

Keep an eye on this page as more pictures are added through the season. http://www.10stop.co.uk/p745804314

https://twitter.com/10StopPhotos

Keep up to date with all the very latest news for 10stop by following us on Facebook. Regular up-dates and prizes to be won..!

10stop photography are proud to present their new web site. It's taken several weeks of work (an hour here and there..!) to get the new look site up and running.

'Still a work in progress, but we are very excited with the new look' said Chris, as the finishing touches are added to the site.

New Workshops are now available to book on line, with more to be added this week. 'We hope to offer a selection of basic skill workshops for anyone interested in improving their knowledge and looking to get started in this fantastic art.'