Mad March

Well it's been sometime since I had a moment to update this blog, March really has been mad, I've lots going on and even more planned and may even find time to take some photos.

Firstly, The free exhibition, “Canal Side” an attempt to capture the many faces of the canal in all weathers and seasons, is now wonderfully displayed in the Cafe Clique, Getliffe’s yard, Leek, Staffordshire until the end of April 2012.

The canal has been part of my life for over 15 years since moving to our current house over looking tunnel pool near Leek. It's the first thing I see every morning, its proximity means that a quick walk nearly always includes a stretch of it's banks and its ever changing face means I never tire of it. Over the years the canal has featured in many of my images but this is the first time that it has had star billing.

The images are a mix of digital photographs and slides, taken along the Leek and Caldon branches of the Trent and Mersey Canal over a number of years and most of the images are being exhibited for the first time.

This small stretch of canal, only about 10 miles in length, running down the picturesque Churnet Valley, it is very lightly used and has a quiet backwater feel to it, lots of deserted stretches and over hanging trees.

Second my new exhibition Dusk till Dawn is to start on the 1st of May at the Foxlow and will run for the whole of May. I will also be at Art in the park on the 12th and 13th of May, more details on both nearer the time.

The Leek United building society has also changed it's web site to show my spring photos, the Winter ones went down very well so I'm hoping that these will be just as well received.

I've done two long photographic trips this month, one to the Lake District and the other to York, and a number of shoots for Totally Local Leek and some stuff for my Buxton daily photo blog.

All in all a great few week, possibly the busiest I have ever been, today is no less hectic with two photo shoots to work on from yesterday, three lots of prints to be mounted, two lots to be delivered and an exhibition to collect, and an other photo shoot to finish off from last week. On top of that the picture from the Lakes and York need doing and the Dusk till Dawn exhibit needs finalising!

Finally I was interviewed last week by Rosie Lovenbury for her collage course and she has now put the article on line you can see it here

The picture below is a possible for the exhibition, taken on the side of Derwent Water near Keswick.

Stuck what to get the love of your life for Valentines day?

Why not get them a photographic portrait of the one they love most in the world,
their dog!

A dog portrait sitting, either at home or on walkies, is a great way of capturing their individual personalities and provides you with a lasting memory of your best friend.

Vouchers for a sitting are at a reduced price of £25 until the end of February and can be used up to the end of August. Each sitting comes with a free 5"x7" mounted print.

Please call on 07801 058345 or email brett@bretttrafford.com

1 year old today!!!!!!!

I've made it, the difficult first year is over and I'm still here, although that not really the full story. I've been doing this in some form for 20 years so it's no surprise that I've managed another year, but as a full time business the year mark has now been past, so lets look to the future.

I've lots and lots going on, last month I took over 2500 pictures, more than the last 3 January's put together, and most of that was ground work for new projects and exhibitions. Starting with exhibitions, my first starts on March 1st at Cafe Clique in Leek and is a celebration of Leeks canal. The next one is on ice for the time being as I am looking for a venue, but I'm still shooting for it.

I am also re-starting my photography courses, with 1-2-1 tuition, 1/2 day photography walks and a photography course all coming up.

I'm also booking a number of stalls at spring fairs and craft markets to show off my new range of prints, including my new panoramics, and cards.

To celebrate this mile stone I am going to run a few offers during the month so keep an eye on my facebook page or follow me on twitter.

A few pictures taken a couple of weeks ago of Ziggy, Max and Max's humans.

Going to the dogs

Just time to share a couple of shots from my latest portrait session with Bella.