Another rather long gap

Tons of stuff is happening, too much to put in here but I will be SUCCINCT.
We, Laura and I, are setting up a new website, for the Jewellery.
This means, developing the BRAND. So a logo has to be designed. The the website designer, who formatting and doing first page for the site only, has to be supplied with pics. Of course.
I have pics, which are professional and done by Ester Segarra. They are great, but out of date.
Decision time. I cannot afford to hire a photographer for a self administered site where we will be constantly changing the material. So, learn to do it myself, after all these years.
Er, need a new camera.
Off to Tottenham Court Rd, get a lucky tip off and end up at Spectrum. Highly recommended professionals.  Lost of ££s and many good tips later, I head home and start practicing. I need to learn fast, so telephone backup is crucial while I learn where the knobs and buttons are, and what they are meant to do.
I already had some good equipment, like a white tent, good tripod and one good light... so I could make a start.
But then, how to get the lovely white background? I have photoshop, but have never learned how to use it. ...   LONG, long story and I am beginning to get a hang. I had a great, 1-1 session with the owner of Computer Angels, in Fulham. But there is such a lot to learn, talk about a steep learning curve.

Very first attempt at photography

After photoshop, is now usable. 330mm diam

This is one of 8 abstract pendants, made at the suggestion of a potential client in the hope that she would take them. 

And she did! And what is more she has every intention of representing me amongst her small stable of makers, and with luck buying considerably more. 

In the meantime I am nearly at the end of the process to get registered with Fairtrade, so I can boast about it and use their promo material. It is of course a good thing. 100% recycled silver, and Fairmined gold. It is very early days and FM gold leaf is not easy to obtain, and what there is is way way more expensive than the normal. Happily I use very little, but it has to change for gilders who use more than I do. They would never be able to afford to use Fairmined, and that is pointless.  A bit more expensive, yes, but not 5 times the price!     

i was teaching at West Dean last weekend... a great time. Luckily the class had a good waiting list, so they asked me back for October.  A great pleasure teaching there, and lots of very happy students.

 

Manius, small brooch, 330 mm diam.