I must admit that when I received the Canon Powershot S90 for my trial, I was initially a little bit disappointed that it wasn’t, say the 1Ds MkIII, and kind of cursed myself for saying that I’d be happy to trial compacts as well. But funnily enough, within 5 minutes of playing with the S90 on Christmas Eve when I (quite fittingly!) received it, I did a complete 180 and was absolutely blown over.

As it happens, only a little while back I purchased the Powershot G11. I really wanted a near enough compact sized camera, which I could carry around in my pocket and take to music gigs etc, which would have full manual control and the capability to shoot raw. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t really know that there were other options out there than the G11 (and the previous models) for what I wanted, so I didn’t really even look around for anything else. Well as it happens, the S90 has exactly the same sensor as the G11, only everything is packed into a smaller body (nearly as small as my Ixus), and the lens is faster at f2 compared to f2.8 on the G11. The question I’m asking myself now is: how did I not even know this camera existed?

Obviously being smaller in size, there are less controls on top of the S90 than the G11 (and lets be honest, it’s these controls that are like a siren call to us photographers looking for a compact). But all that is forgotten once you discover the two click-stopped direct control rings on the S90, one of which is at the base of the lens and is SO very satisfying to use – from setting the aperture to any other functions you might want to assign to it. Now, after having used the S90, I feel a little bit at loss with the G11 without the nice ring around the lens, what a silly thing to omit from that particular camera.

There is really no difference in the quality that these two cameras produce. I like to shoot wide open where ever I can, and both of these cameras allow for me to do that, but the faster lens on the S90 does make a huge difference to me. It also means that it doesn’t really matter that much that the ISO range isn’t as wide as on the G11. The only ‘negative’ on the S90 I can think of is the shorter zoom at 3.8x as opposed to 5x on the G11.

Unfortunately I don’t have very many ‘proper’ samples of photos from the S90, as for some reason the battery charger was omitted from my box – and the battery didn’t fit any of my other gazillion canon battery chargers. I did have the camera with me in Finland, and the battery lasted approximately 2 minutes outside in -16C. (So it’s safe to say the camera/battery is not really the best option for ‘extreme’ conditions).

I did manage to snap a few pictures on New Year’s Eve though. The picture below was taken nearly at midnight. It was pitch black, apart from the street lights, but the S90 didn’t really have a problem. These sort of conditions also show what a difference the ability to shoot raw on a compact makes.

In conclusion, and I REALLY hate to say this, I would recommend the sleek S90 over the bulky G11 any day (not to say that the G11 isn’t a GREAT camera – it is, I just prefer the same greatness in a smaller package). If you are looking for a properly compact sized compact camera, with full manual control and raw ability, this camera is pretty perfect. I really wish I would have known about it before I bought the G11, and am now secretly kind of hoping I could exchange the G11 for the S90… :D

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolution for 2009 was to ‘remember to see the big picture and keep working towards goals that might not be clearly in view just yet’. I think I did do that. It has been damn hard, feeling almost impossible at times, but I think I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. For 2010 my resolution could be to have the strength push towards taking the final steps into a more emancipated way of living, and once you get there, remember to enjoy what you’ve achieved, but never stop working towards being better/happier/closer to where you want to be.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, he probably didn’t give birth per say, but Ride became a father in December.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. For which I’m grateful for. I don’t think I could have handled that sort of things this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
France, Switzerland and Finland.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A HOLIDAY. One that lasted more than 2 days.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don’t know the exact date, the whole year is pretty blurry on dates. But there was one specific moment when it really hit me that hey, I’m a professional photographer – people pay me to take their picture. I know it sounds simple, but it’s a pretty profound shift inside.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Taking my business to the level it is at now in such a short space of time. There’s nothing big headed about that statement, I have worked fricking hard for it and I am proud of myself for it.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Sometimes losing sight of the goals and sinking into a funk. Not having time for anyone, least of all my loved ones or myself.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Funnily enough, I’ve been pretty ok this year. I’ve only gotten ill on the few days that I’ve had off. I guess the body sort of ‘gets with the program’ when it realises there are no other options but to push through and live on pure adrenalin. Probably can’t go on forever though.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My tilt shift lens, hands down. Plus quite a lot of other photography-related things.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Susanna has proven to be an absolute star this year. Both on professional and personal front.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
There are some people that have disappointed me… by getting annoyed that I haven’t been in touch (through lack of time), or by dropping all communication whatsoever. Phone lines for example work in both directions.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Camera gear.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Booking a shedload of exciting weddings.

16. What songs will always remind you of 2009?
Kings of Leon - Closer.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Both.
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Sleeping, socialising, relaxing, loving life, exercising.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve at home with Stu. Christmas Day and Boxing Day with Stu’s family.

21. How did you spend New Years?
Sitting in a sauna in very snowy Finland.

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
In some ways.

23. How many one night stands?
0.

24. What were your favourite TV programmes?
True Blood, err… nothing else comes to mind.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is a strong word, but certainly dislike.

26. What was the best book you read?
Hmm, maybe Audrey Niffenegger – The Time Traveler’s Wife.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Crikey… haven’t had much time for that. Damien Jurado, Citizen Cope, Tiny Vipers… oh and Kings of Leon, as I’m always late to the party. :P

28. What did you want and get?
To make a success of my business.

29. What did you want and not get?
To find and buy a flat.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Burn After Reading (although this was probably released in 2008).

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Shot Eleni & David’s wedding. I turned 33. Jaysus.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having two full time jobs…

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
A complete meltdown.

34. What kept you sane?
Self belief.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Colin. (And also Robert Pattinson… just a little bit. Sorry Colin)

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Stirred? None.

37. Who did you miss?
Everyone.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
So many lovely clients, some of whom have become friends.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
You can do things you never thought capable of when you put your mind to it.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Not now but soon,
The most beautiful light
Will wake us to pillow fighting excitement

Best days of our lives
Better be the best days of our lives
Bring on the best days of our lives
Coming right up, woah
Coming right up
If we can just get through this one.
Imogen Heap – Not Now But Soon

Autumn was pretty much all about the engagement shoots!

Starting with Anna & Chris…

… Erin & Ben…

… Sam & Adam…

… Katie & Sam…

… Fiona & Peter…

… Erika & Jon…

… Simona & Dan…

From early December it was back to weddings, starting with Emily & John.

And last weekend I did a family shoot with the Bennetts.

There’s still one wedding to go until I wrap up 2009. My calendar for next year is looking crazy to say the least, which is a good, if slightly daunting, thing. There are so many lovely weddings ahead though that I can hardly wait to get stuck in!

Yes, yes, will do something about the Cornwall pictures at some point when I have a minute… :P

Recently I was invited to attend a round table discussion with Canon UK, which was organised by Canoncamerabuzz. It was an opportunity for me and a few other professional photographers to see the whole lineup of Canon’s DSLRs (including the brand new 1D MrkIV, which started shipping this week) in the same room, and hear about some of the processes behind developing new bodies and lenses.

I didn’t really have any expectations for the evening, apart from getting to fiddle with the 1Ds MrkIII (which was very satisfying indeed – I still definitely cavort over it more than the new 1D MrkIV). What I came away with was a clearer understanding behind Canon’s decisions for their line-up and who the average end user actually is (i.e. not me). As professionals, we tend to have a bit of a skewed perspective on what the next camera models should do and what kind of features they should, or shouldn’t, possess. Add to that the fact that for someone like me, coming from a film background, it’s hard to get my head around the fact that the majority of dSLR consumers these days have never even used film, which was kind of clarified to me when I was questioning why the 1D MrkIV isn’t full frame. As it goes, the market for full frame isn’t as big as I would have though. For me, it’s the only sensible thing to do but, as product specialist Mark Burnhill from Canon UK explained, the majority of dSLR users are of an age that have always shot with a crop sensor, and that’s what they find ‘normal’. To me, that seems completely perplexing! When I started my move to digital, via an EOS 350D and 20D, I felt restricted, not only in what I saw through the viewfinder, but in the fact that I couldn’t use my lenses to their full effect. So when I finally got my hands on the 5D, and subsequently the 5D MkII which I now use, it literally felt like I could breathe normally again. Until I now heard Mark rationalise the issue for me, I couldn’t for the life of me understand why someone wouldn’t want a full frame camera.

The other interesting fact was how infinitely bigger the market is for the lower end models, the pro end of the line is practically a drop in the ocean when it comes to Canon’s dSLR sales. Obviously that is going to have an affect on what the development efforts will be concentrated on. Interesting no? Perhaps this has always been obvious to everyone else, but I’ve never really even considered all of this when scratching my head about why there are so many crop sensor models, and a dizzying amount of different lower-end models with only marginal differences, about. A shocked shiver went through the room when Mark asked us what we thought of the possibility of coloured dSLR bodies, apparently that’s the latest demand from the Japanese market. Uh huh. Give me a pink Ixus to slip into my pocket any time, but please leave that sort of gimmicks out of the ‘proper’ cameras I say!

After all these ‘revelations’, my position hasn’t really changed. Ever since I started using SLR’s in the early 90’s Canon has, and always will be, the manufacturer for me, and in my opinion their lenses are head and shoulders above the rest. And the fact that even after looking at the realities of ‘where the real money is’, they keep on developing new and exciting pro gear for us to play with is a testament to Canon’s dedication to quality picture-making.

How was that for sounding like a real Canon fan girl (which of course I am)? :D

I know, I know, I need to blog about what’s been happening on the house-hunting front, about Cornwall and all the other stuff that I haven’t had time to blog aboout. Soon, I promise. Well, perhaps not a firm promise, but at least a promise to attempt!

Last night I attended another quizzy quiz organised by 3 as part of the 3mobilebuzz team.

The Alphabet Bar was decked out in a very festive manner. One of the bonus rounds involved creating a gingerbread man. Here’s my scary effort.

@michchapman & @phaslehurst

@liamgh representing.

First mince pies of the year (for those who actually like them… ie not me :P).

@liamgh, @michchapman, @pebaline and moi.

Stuff Magazine won the coveted trophy. For some mysterious reason we came last. Even though we only got like 3 questions wrong! Obviously a fix I say…

Some people get excited on night buses…

Oh and by the way, this was the first night of really testing my new G11 in some challenging conditions. Considering it was really dark, and I’m pretty pleased with how it performs. But obviously it never will beat a proper SLR with a good lens, as is clear from the previous 3popquiz pictures…

But looksie here, on Sunday I actually did something that wasn’t work-related, so I now can offer you this very rare ‘normal life’ themed blog entry. You lucky, lucky people. What happened was that last Christmas all the Taylor siblings, and their better halves, got gifted with these ‘experience vouchers’ for a chocolate workshop. It took us 10 months to get organised enough to actually book and attend this strange sounding occasion (which is odd since you’d think the idea of chocolate was a tad more motivating wouldn’t you) – and yesterday was finally the big day.

When we met with Nikki, Ian, Chris and Amy outside the course centre, there were a load of other people there waiting for the workshop to start, which got us all a bit nervous – I certainly got that first day of school sort of feeling. Stu gave his best shot trying to persuade everyone that going straight down the pub would be a much more sensible thing to do, but our curiosity won over in the end. We followed the others (who, incidentally, asked us whether we were the ‘chocolate lovers’… umm) in and down to the cellar. Once there, the first thing we had to do was to get kitted out with lovely plastic aprons. At this point it was all looking suspiciously like a mortuary experience, rather than anything chocolate-related.

Luckily the latter part of the day was a bit more fun as we got our hands dirty – quite literally and exuberantly. I was pretty proud of my efforts until I made the mistake of looking over to the other tables and seeing their professional level (non-messy) creations. I somehow get the feeling that we were the only group who had been gifted this experience, while the other folk in attendance had actually paid for it themselves and took it all quite seriously. Oh well.

Messy as it was, the actual making the choccies bit was pretty good fun, and we got to go away with a bag full of goodies made by our very own hands (boy did I feel ill in the evening).

After the workshop Stu finally got his wish as we went for a nice meal (albeit in a strange place [yes yes, chosen by me]) and to the pub, before heading home. Scary school flashbacks aside, it was really nice hanging out with the Taylor gang after a very long while. I do miss living closer to them and seeing them more often. We’re off to Rayleigh next Sunday for the first time in a long time, and hopefully I’ll get to see at least some of the new houses everyone else seems to have been buying lately. :D

I am pretty amazed and happy about what I have managed to accomplish in just a year, and how quickly I seem to have established my business. I have a healthy amount of weddings booked for next year, and currently get more inquiries than I am able to accommodate. People keep telling me how ‘lucky’ I’ve been, getting my business established and actually making some sort of profit so quickly (I did make a pretty big loss in the first financial year, mind). I do believe you make your own luck though, by trusting your gut feeling and your abilities, being honest about who you are, and by working bloody hard. Luck alone gets nothing done unless you put the hours in.

At the moment I find myself in a bit of a slump. I think it’s because I’ve just realised that the summer just whizzed by without me even noticing. We’ve also started looking around for somewhere to buy, which is demoralising to say the least. Prices are astronomical, and no amount of working or saving seems to get us anywhere closer to a deposit for anything decent. I’ve just moved from searching for two bedroom sh*tholes onto searching for one bedroom sh*tholes. Cheery. I miss our flat in Finland.

I guess there’s nothing else to do than to keep your head down and plough on, and hold on to the faith that it will all be worth it in the end.

And since it’s become a bit of a routine, here are a few images from last month.

Magali & Jeff got married.

Had a blast shooting Sophie & Henry’s engagement photos.

I made a bit of a departure by doing a jewellery shoot for Melanie Eddy.

Trinh & Alastair got married.

Had an engagement session with Heather & Mark.

Took baby portraits of Jodie…

…and Alice.

Right, what has happened in the last month then. Well, S and I celebrated 10 years together (I say celebrated, we got chinese take away :P), which is another perplexing time vacuum conundrum in itself. I think the rest of the month will be explained via the images below. Very sorry to re-hash content from the other blog, but have no time to take other photos at the moment. Hopefully I will get to do some personal projects again in the winter months.

Eleni & David got married on my birthday. (Oh and someone asked me what I do with my t/s lens, so here’s one example.)

Baby Lucinda was born.

The first couple to ever officially book me (back what seems like a lifetime ago), Sarah & Dan, finally got married.

I did an engagement shoot with Ana & Alan for charity.

Carolyn & Marc had a kick-ass wedding at Leadenhall Market.

And finally, I got to return to The Garden Museum for Claire & Ben’s wedding.

Oh completely forgot to add Georgina & Mark’s engagement session on the last day of August! :D

So that’s August pretty much wrapped up. It’s been hectic to say the least, but has also included some real high points of the summer. Tonight Sooz is dragging me to Westfield for a ‘mini makeover’ of some sort. Let’s see just how small they manage to make me (it was a bad joke the first time round and hasn’t really improved, sorry).

On the actual day I got lots of pressies from Susanna, one of them being her offering to assist me for free at the wedding, which was very kind of her indeed. I also unwrapped one present from her only to find a book I’d lent to her earlier, which was a bit peculiar, but thoughtful, as everyone hates a non-returning borrower. :D On closer inspection I saw that she had actually gotten my book signed by the author, none other than Mr Ethan Hawke himself! How awesome is that! (You must excuse me for I can’t seem to stop using the word ‘awesome’).

Three presents in one: Sooz posing with my Ethan Hawke autograph, taken with my new E75. :D

The biggest surprise awaited me when I got home from the wedding though, and went to transfer my images from the cards to the computer. I thought something looked ‘off’ with my desk, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was. Only after turning the computer on did I eventually realised that there was a brand new 24″ wide screen monitor sitting on my desk! I was pretty gobsmacked I can tell you that much. :D It takes a brave person to try to surprise me, and S had definitely gone all out on this one. I must say that I love love love the extra screen space. I’ll just have to get the calibration right as I’ve now noticed that yesterday’s edits look awfully dark on the monitor here at work. Have now ordered a Spyder from eBay, and hopefully once it arrives I can truly enjoy the benefits of the new beast. Can I please say awesome again.

Thank you for all my amazing presents (oh including shopping vouchers from Marjut – woo!), and all the birthday wishes I got via text and Facebook. <3

But for now, I just have to make sure it doesn’t kill me first. While I still have my full time day job as well, there just is no extra time for anything. Every waking hour is pretty much about work in some form, even if the photography side of things doesn’t really feel like work (but trust me, all the nitty gritty of running a business sure does). For now I’m just trying to keep my head down and plough on. If I get through this year in one piece, it will all be worth it in the end I hope. I have some amazing clients (now this does have something to do with genuine luck as well) and weddings in beautiful locations coming up next year. I really can’t wait. That goes for each and every one of them.

In other news, Miikka finally got married last Saturday, and even if it meant travelling all the way up to Juuka, of course we were there. We treated the (8 hours each way) drive as a road trip, as that was pretty much all the ‘holiday’ we’ll get this year. The weather was perfect and Finland was definitely showing its best. The only minus side of being on the road for most of the 4 days we spent in Finland was not having any time to meet up with other friends and family. You can look out for pictures of the wedding over at the wedding photography blog, but for now, here is a quick collection of snaps from along the way of our road trip.