Back garden photography

Whilst I want to be a journalist, I'm also aiming to become a successful fashion photographer. And although the photographs featured in this blog post aren't related to fashion, I need all the practice I can get with my Sony Alpha.

Today, for example, has been a sunny summer Sunday at home, so to pass the time, I took a few snaps of the back garden blooms. Please tell me what you think, and if anyone would also like a photo shoot for free, please give me a buzz!

(For an example shoot, click here)

Hampton Court Palace Gardens

How I may look in thirty years time? This photo of my dad wasn't going to be

 uploaded to the blog (it was actually to demonstrate to him how to take a photo of

someone), but after looking back on the photo, I found I liked the complementary

co-ordination of the different browns. My sister said this particular shot makes

him look a bit like a gardener - I think she's forgotten that he is a gardener.

Today, I'm wearing...

Today, I had an enjoyable day out with my father at Hampton Court, where we took a walk around Bushy Park, a brief wander through the gardens at Hampton Court Palace, and a boat trip along the Thames to Kingston and back.

Although my dad opted for shorts and trainers, I decided to wear something a little smarter. The photo below was taken just inside the Lion Gate of Hampton Court Palace Gardens, near the famous maze.

TOPMAN TIPPED POLO SHIRT

JASPER J CONRAN BROWN LEATHER BELT

PRIMARK STRAIGHT INDIGO JEANS

TOPMAN BROWN LEATHER LACE-UP SHOES

Nike vs Adidas - Greenpeace Detox Challenge

Yesterday morning, I was e-mailed a press release from Greenpeace about the detoxification of three sportswear giants - Puma, Nike and Adidas. Initially, I was excited for the fact I had been sent a press release (someone thinks I'm press!), but while reading the Greenpeace article, I learnt that these huge corporations are responsible for releasing hazardous and hormone-disrupting chemicals into Chinese rivers.

(Image source: greenpeace.org)

H&M Autumn Catalogue

Yesterday, the H&M catalogue for next season's collections popped through the letterbox. Having had a flick through its 403 pages, I was in awe at not only some of the new pieces, but also at the photos captured in the shoots.

On the street, Woking

What I adore about these four lovely girls is their collective showcase of relaxed
summer style. Although I won't deny each of them is dressed well individually,
their separate looks complement one another beautifully when together, almost as
if they all belong in the same high street collection.

As for these two young chaps... Well, they insisted I take a photo, and it just so

happened to come out quite nicely.

A Saver's Guide

15% off orders at Missguided.co.uk

Blanche tailored pleat dress, £24.99
(Image source: missguided.co.uk)

Thanks to a complimentary bottle of Missguided nail varnish (worth £5) with the August issue of Cosmopolitan UK, I can reveal the promotional code to Missguided.co.uk's latest offer.

By entering 'SPLASHMG15' when you reach the online checkout, you'll receive 15% discount on your total order.

This special promotion is available up until Saturday 20th August, and although it does not apply to sale items, Missguided's fashion range is reasonably priced even without the discount, so you'll still be redeeming a decent offer. 

And don't forget to buy the latest issue of Cosmopolitan to get your own free bottle of colourful Missguided nail polish.

(To visit Missguided.co.uk, click here)

The infamous neckties

If there's anything my former sixth form colleagues will remember about me, I'm sure my vibrant neckties will be high on the list. Due to a business wear policy implemented in my final year, smart attire was a must, but while my peers donned open collars, I preferred to look that extra bit sharper, if not more colourful too.

From left: white, neon pink, orange, yellow, neon green, green, blue, lavender,
purple/gold paisley, silver, brass, leopard print, khaki green, black, old school tie

As you can imagine, the brightly coloured ties always caught my eye, however in my naivety, I never thought their lucidity would lead to teasing and a plentitude of 'peanutting'. The yellow tie in particular seemed to cause the most grief for my fellow students, of whom some feigned being blinded by its luminescence.

Then again, what is so wrong with a slither of colour? Although an individual who enjoys wearing formal attire, I don't like to come across as too serious. I like to think the bright colours reflect my enthusiastic and free-spirited personality, adding a playful tone to the confidence and classiness I try to portray in wearing formal pieces.

But though the the vibrancy of my ties might be burnt into my classmates' memories, the teachers were at least impressed, voting me "best dressed boy" at the end-of-year dinner dance. Not that I like to boast about it, of course - it is only a small award after all. Nevertheless, it was still nice to know my efforts in dressing smartly were not in vain.

One year later, my infamous neckties are still with me, now folded neatly in a drawer at home. I'm just waiting for next week, when I can wear them to work experience with the Woking Informer. My only query - which tie is best for first impressions?

Today, I'm wearing...

From now on, I'll be posting more of my own outfits in addition to the usual material. These blog posts are inspired by the #TodayImWearing hashtag on Twitter and the self-uploads of famous fashion bloggers. When I can afford to buy more clothes and accessories, I may start uploading photos to Lookbook.nu too!

BLACK BROWLINE SUNGLASSES, TOPMAN

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES T-SHIRT, NEW LOOK

HAWAIIAN PRINT SWIM SHORTS, TOPMAN

RUSHU SANDALS, RIVER ISLAND

Belated birthday gifts

Admittedly, this blog post in itself is belated, since I received the the following birthday presents two weeks ago while still in Bournemouth. However, I have been meaning to blog about my gifts, so here they are...

From Lauren (whose nail art I featured two weeks ago), I received two bars of Galaxy chocolate and three pairs of themed socks - Animal from The Muppets, Mr T Weenicon, and Lego Star Wars. When it comes to socks, I usually prefer to wear patterned pairs, but these are still funky. As for the chocolate... Well, I was peckish.

But from Lilly, I received a special gift that should prove useful in my future fashion photography ventures - "The Fashion Photography Course: First Principles to Successful Shoot - the Essential Guide". A bit of a mouthful for a book title, so I just refer to it as the fashion photography book.

Though in spite of its long title, the book truly is an essential guide, containing all I need to know about achieving a successful photo shoot. From cameras to lighting, from inspiration to editing, the book is a genius. Or at least its author is. The chapter on editing techniques, for example, was particularly interesting, having introduced me to the very exciting 'liquify' option on Photoshop. However, since I am in support of natural beauty, you won't see any "digital boob jobs" or such like on this blog.

And that's about it - a few lovely gifts from two good friends. Next year, I leave the teens and turn the big two-zero (well, it seems big), so I wonder what presents I'll be getting then? If any, of course.

Irish Dance Dresses: A Review

High-kicking the feis into fashion

Yesterday, I was officially introduced to the world of feis (pronounced 'fesh'), the world of Irish dance competition. Having been educated in the goings-on and customs of such contests by my friend, Aisling, I had a fair idea of what to expect, but despite this prior knowledge, those few hours at Salesian School in Chertsey were a surreal experience.

The principle reason for attending the Emerald Championships was to support Aisling at her first competition in two-and-a-half years. The fashion element - aka the dresses - was purely a secondary interest. Nonetheless, the various designs and colours of dresses were, shall we say, interesting...

Camden High Street, London

I really like this woman's cream waterfall cardigan, especially its contrast against

the rest of her black outfit. A simple yet lovely style for a cool summer's day.

As you may have guessed by now, the guys who grab my attention in terms of style
are those who dress smartly with a streak of individuality, so it's no surprise why this
young man caught my eye whilst in Camden. He wears his white jeans well with his
two-tone patent shoes, and I absolutely love his brushed-back hairstyle.