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The Ultimate Guide to Second-Hand Prime Lenses for Portrait Photography
Photoshoot Tips, Photo, Personal elliott mariess Photoshoot Tips, Photo, Personal elliott mariess

The Ultimate Guide to Second-Hand Prime Lenses for Portrait Photography

Over the years, I’ve built most of my portrait kit second-hand—and honestly, I wouldn’t do it any other way. From trusted Canon primes to odd vintage finds, buying used has let me shoot with high-end glass without spending a fortune. In this post, I’m sharing the lenses I rely on most, how I pair them for different shoots, and some thoughts on adapting older lenses for more creative work. If you’re thinking about picking up a few portrait primes, this should give you a solid starting point.

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Guernsey Woollens A Heritage-Inspired Fashion Shoot
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Guernsey Woollens A Heritage-Inspired Fashion Shoot

I was asked to photograph a modern collection inspired by traditional Guernsey jumpers, but with a warm-weather twist. Working around the island’s harbour, I focused on capturing a balance between styled product shots and more natural, atmospheric moments. From casting to location to light, it was about finding ways to make something heritage-driven feel lived-in and current. Here’s how I approached it.

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Why the Time of Day Matters for Perfect Wedding Photos in Guernsey
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Why the Time of Day Matters for Perfect Wedding Photos in Guernsey

Thinking about when to schedule your wedding photos? The time of day can completely transform the mood, colours, and feel of your images—especially in a place as naturally dramatic as Guernsey. From golden hour magic to the pitfalls of midday sun, this guide breaks down everything you need to know (and what to avoid!) to get the most from your wedding photos. Plus, there's a handy sunlight calculator to help you plan the perfect moment.

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A Look Back: Ami & Maxwell’s Bohemian Brighton Wedding at The Secret Barn
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A Look Back: Ami & Maxwell’s Bohemian Brighton Wedding at The Secret Barn

Back in 2018, Ami and Maxwell braved Brighton’s windiest wedding day to say “I do” in the most effortlessly cool, boho-chic celebration imaginable. From a windswept ceremony on the iconic Bandstand to a festival-style reception at The Secret Barn—complete with Moroccan lanterns, handmade décor, and a Citroën named Kermit—every detail was pure magic. Oh, and let’s not forget the vegetarian feast, the live band, and the wedding film that had them in tears. Ready for a nostalgic dive into one of my all-time favorite weddings? Let’s rewind.

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The Power of a Limited Colour Palette in Photography
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The Power of a Limited Colour Palette in Photography

Ever wonder why some photos pop with color, even when there aren’t that many hues in the frame? It’s not magic—it’s science. By intentionally limiting the color palette, you can create images that feel more vibrant, focused, and emotionally compelling. Whether you’re shooting a wedding, a portrait, or an ad campaign, understanding how color works can take your photography from good to unforgettable.

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Of Pots and Photographs, A Photographer's Athens Adventure
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Of Pots and Photographs, A Photographer's Athens Adventure

Exploring Athens with a camera meant navigating pottery-filled museums, markets brimming with hidden vintage cameras, and ancient ruins watched over by grazing turtles. Between photographing historic temples and encountering laid-back local cats, the city unfolded into an endless visual feast—one I’m still unpacking, photo by photo.

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Crafting Emotion, Not Perfection
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Crafting Emotion, Not Perfection

Perfection is everywhere—flawless images polished to clinical sharpness—but the photos that linger in your mind are often the messy ones: grainy film, motion blur, the raw energy of a hard flash. In this post, I’m diving into why I embrace imperfection in my work, using film, creative filters, and painterly techniques to create images that don’t just show a moment but feel like one.

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A High-Fashion Photo Shoot for Olivia May Younger’s Album RED
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A High-Fashion Photo Shoot for Olivia May Younger’s Album RED

For the launch of Olivia May Younger's RED album, we created a photo shoot that combined high-fashion elegance with raw energy. Drawing inspiration from iconic fashion photographers like Terry Richardson, Carin Backoff, and Eniko Szucs, the shoot was set at The Old Government House Hotel in Guernsey, using its stunning Red Room and Cocktail Bar. From the dynamic motion captured with rear curtain flash sync to the soft lighting that highlighted Olivia’s features, the photos tell a story of confidence, glamour, and the bold spirit of her music.

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The Ultimate Wedding Budget: How to Plan Your Guernsey Wedding Without Stress (Or Tears)
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The Ultimate Wedding Budget: How to Plan Your Guernsey Wedding Without Stress (Or Tears)

Planning a wedding in Guernsey can be a dream come true, but managing your budget effectively is crucial. This blog post breaks down essential tips for creating a realistic budget that captures the essence of your special day without overspending. From prioritising must-have elements to finding local vendors who understand the unique charm of the island, we’ll guide you through the financial aspects of wedding planning. Learn how to make informed choices while still achieving your vision, ensuring that your celebration is both memorable and manageable. Read on to discover how to navigate your wedding budget with confidence.

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Honest Review of Aftershoot AI Culling
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Honest Review of Aftershoot AI Culling

Struggling with time-consuming photo culling? As a wedding photographer, I tested Aftershoot’s AI culling feature to see if it could speed up my workflow. From rejecting key moments like the first kiss to rating blurry test shots as five stars, the results were surprising—and not in a good way. Read my honest review to find out why I won’t be renewing my subscription. If you value quality and control in your photography, this post is for you.

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A Night at The Drunken Duck with Charlie Sherbourne and the Nightbirds
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A Night at The Drunken Duck with Charlie Sherbourne and the Nightbirds

When Charlie Sherbourne and the Nightbirds asked me to shoot a moody bar scene, I knew we had to capture more than just the band playing music. The goal was to bring the raw energy of their sound into the images, reflecting the gritty, intimate vibe of a live gig. With the perfect setting at The Drunken Duck and some creative lighting and haze, we set out to craft something that felt real, unscripted, and full of life.

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Jessica and Graham’s wedding photos at les cotils Guernsey
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Jessica and Graham’s wedding photos at les cotils Guernsey

Jessica and Graham’s autumn wedding at Les Cotils in Guernsey was a celebration of love, family, and creativity. From vibrant seasonal décor to heartfelt moments in the stunning gardens, every detail told their story beautifully. With international guests, playful personal touches, and plenty of laughter, this day was as unforgettable as the couple themselves. Dive into the magic of their Guernsey wedding—photos and all!

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The Big Glow, Understanding the Southern Surge of the Aurora Borealis in Guernsey
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The Big Glow, Understanding the Southern Surge of the Aurora Borealis in Guernsey

Last night, Guernsey’s skies lit up with a cosmic surprise—an aurora borealis display that felt more Iceland than island life! As I stood there, camera in hand, snapping away at the shimmering greens and purples, I couldn’t help but wonder... why is the northern lights’ magical glow suddenly crashing down south? From solar storms to sneaky science, here’s everything you need to know about why the aurora is making a dazzling guest appearance in Guernsey—and how you can capture the spectacle before it disappears!

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Instagram vs. The Tate, Is It Art or Did Someone Drop It on the floor?
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Instagram vs. The Tate, Is It Art or Did Someone Drop It on the floor?

Ever looked at a modern art piece and wondered, “Is this art, or did someone accidentally spill paint all over the canvas?” You’re not alone! From garden gnomes to multi-million dollar urinals (yes, really), the line between fine art and decoration can get a little blurry. But fear not—this article is your guide through the maze of skill vs concept, and why some art ends up in a gallery while others get stuck on hotel walls. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about art, and maybe even embrace that chaos on canvas!

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