John Cooper Photography Blog

Two met from the Bru Jet.

2011-11-16T14:04:00.001Z

Two actors I've produced headshots for, Joy McAvoy and Paul Clark featured together in the recent Irn Bru 'Bru Jet' campaign, you might remember the TV ads a few months ago.
I've just found a whole load of videos on You Tube including the TV commercials and also some really funny live stuff on the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Well worth checking out if you're in need of a laugh. Paul told me that the Bru Jet is real, several Irn Bru guzzlers were to win a holiday in Tenerife with Paul and Joy looking after them on the flight and at their holiday destination.
Good work guys. If you can call going on holiday 'work' :-)
See them in action as Derek and Jackie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggg3Jp0LXPE

Michael Neto, Magician.

2011-09-23T12:04:00.000+01:00

Following on from my recent post about photographing magician Michael Neto, his website is now live and can be seen at michaelneto.co.uk.

The images were composed to allow the letterbox framing needed for his website and I'm really happy with how they look. The pictures on the homepage and 'About Me' page are the ones I did for Michael.

Bookmark the website and make sure you see him at his next show.

You can view more Glasgow portrait photography at my website.

Glasgow's newest event venue.

2011-09-23T11:45:00.001+01:00

The Fullarton Suite, Glasgow. - Images by John Cooper

The Fullarton Suite in Glasgow's Tollcross Road is a fantastic new venue, catering for weddings, corporate events, party's and functions. I was hired to produce interior and detail images of the venue for their website, which you can see at thefullartonsuite.co.uk.

Magic!

2011-09-01T00:21:00.002+01:00

Michael Neto, Magician. - Images by John Cooper

Magician, Michael Neto hired me to produce these portraits for his new website. These will appear in a 'letterbox' format on his homepage.

Michael, who's from Portugal, has lived in Glasgow for four years. During that time, he's been awarded the title 'Scottish Close Up Magician Of The Year' three years running and had his own show at MagicFest in Edinburgh, so he's clearly at the top of his game.

Michael had a very strong idea of how he wanted to present himself in his photographs, sending me loads of other magicians websites as examples of what he liked and what he definitely didn't want. The idea was simple - sophisticated, stylish magic for an adult audience, not kids party's so strictly no bow-ties, top hats, wands or other magic cliches.

I came up with three main concepts, all environmental portraits which I'd light, and use the location to inform the mood of the portrait. The idea being that he's shown out of context, or in slightly unexpected environments. Rather than shouting 'I'm a magician' we wanted to keep it simple and understated, so instead of shoving props in the viewers face, a couple of the shots show him simply handling a deck of cards. The first, is under a tall bridge. This is the most 'mysterious' looking picture and as close as I wanted to get to the 'spooky magician' idea. Using the gloom under the bridge, with strong colour from the trees behind and light creeping into the darkness of the tunnel walls gave the sort of impact that would take this photograph well beyond the realm of a snapshot.
The second image is much more casual and natural, in what he's wearing and how it's lit and posed. Using some blue graffiti out of focus as the background, Michael's in a contrasting red jumper and avoiding eye contact with the camera, kind of like he's just killing time in the street practicing with his cards.
The third image is on a rooftop. Simple, classy and dramatic. I wanted to use a stormy looking sky as our background. This was shot day-for-night. Working in the middle of the afternoon, I wanted it to look like dusk, which required 500 watts of light and 5 stops of neutral density filtration for those interested in the technical stuff. This image will be cropped to thigh height to get the composition needed for the website.

Of course, during our portrait session, I had to insist on seeing Michael at work. He showed me a few card tricks, and I'm still trying to work out how he did them. Totally amazing, and completely different from watching magicians on TV. I'll post a link to the website when it's ready and I'm looking forward to seeing him at his next performance.

Visit my website to see more Glasgow portrait photography.

Scott Kyle and Colin Little

2011-08-03T13:14:00.005+01:00

Scott Kyle and Colin Little. - Images by John Cooper

Actor and entrepreneur are not words you would normally expect in the same sentence however, both apply equally to Scott Kyle. During our recent headshot session, Scott told me a bit about his background. While studying acting at college in Glasgow, Scott watched the two years above him graduate and then struggle to find work as actors. 'That's me' he thought 'I'm next'. Rather than face defeat, or take on unrelated work just to pay the bills, Scott took the risk of forming his own theatre company in order to create work for himself and some of his friends. An idea that could have amounted to nothing, with Scott's drive, determination and talent, it became a big success.

He found a play in his local library of all places, called 'Singing I'm No A Billy, He's A Tim', written by Des Dillon. The play puts Glasgow's Old Firm, sectarianism, and belonging under the microscope. Scott's production company NLP (No Limit People) took the show on the road, a tour that would last four years, playing to packed venues and attracting both critical acclaim, and a new audience. Many who saw the play had never been to a theatre before and were pulled in by the subject matter and rave reviews. Although the show has now ended, you can purchase a DVD of a performance at The Citizens Theatre from NLP's website. I've watched the DVD and couldn't recommend it highly enough, whether you're a football fan or not.

Along the way, Scott managed to pick up The Stage's Best Actor Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The slideshow above includes headshots and portraits of Scott, and his friend and colleague Colin Little who played opposite him as Tim in the play.

Look out for Colin in The National Theatre of Scotland's forthcoming production of 'Men Should Weep', and Scott in Real Radio's pantomime, 'Aladdin'. I hear NLP are currently working on another production entitled 'The Tar Factory' and if his track record is anything to go by, Scott could have another smash hit on his hands.

Visit my website to see more actors headshots and portraits.

Portraits of actor, Mark Cox.

2011-06-29T15:51:00.001+01:00

I had a great headshot and portrait session yesterday with actor Mark Cox. Mark is better know as one of Craiglang's finest, Tam Mullen in the hit BBC Scotland sitcom 'Still Game' and as a regular in it's sketch show predecessor 'Chewin' The Fat'.

The slideshow below contains some of the best images, shot at my studio and at a nearby location in Glasgow.

Visit my website to see more actors headshots and portrait photography in Glasgow.

Mark Cox Portraits - Images by John Cooper

Jacqueline and Mark's Wedding At Dunblane Hydro

2011-05-31T15:54:00.006+01:00

This picture from Jacqueline and Mark's wedding at Dunblane Hydro has been getting a lot of attention and praise. One of those cases where all the elements of a successful image come together at the right time. I'll take the credit for lighting, composing and timing it well, and the expressions (every single one), placement of the subjects and the genuine sense of fun come down to Jacqueline, Mark and their friends. Jacqueline is a West End musical actress, currently performing in Wicked (if you follow the link, that's my headshot of her as well). Most of her friends are musicians and performers too, so their theatrical experience and showmanship has come to the fore and really made this a one off.
I love it. Could we repeat it? Don't know about that, and why try? It's done.

Visit my website to see more wedding photography.

Des Clarke Promo Shots

2011-05-17T19:29:00.002+01:00

Des Clarke Promo - Images by John Cooper

I had a great session with comedian and radio presenter Des Clarke a few weeks ago. You'll probably remember Des as one of the presenters on SMTV Live a few years back. Des has a show at the Edinburgh Festival this year, called Comedy Jam and needed portraits to use on posters and fliers to promote it. I haven't seen the finished article yet, but will post it when it's available.

I hadn't seen Des do his stuff before, so he invited me to his show on the last weekend of the Magners Glasgow Comedy Festival. The gig was in a very intimate room at The Corinthian and took the form of a chat show. Really laid back atmosphere and very entertaining guests.

Des also presents the breakfast show on Capital Radio, so check it out from 6am every weekday and make a date for Comedy Jam when the Festival comes round.

Visit my website to view more portrait photography.

Edward's Got Talent!

2011-04-25T12:30:00.001+01:00

Edward Reid

It was great to see one of my clients, Edward Reid doing really well on Britain's Got Talent.
Unconventional, but definately entertaining. That's one of my headshots of Ed above, and you can watch his performance on the link below.
Go Ed!

Britain's Got Talent - Ed Reid.

Tim Hetherington killed in Libya.

2011-04-21T10:49:00.004+01:00

I'm extremely saddened today to hear that photographer, Tim Hetherington has been killed in Libya. Tim was a highly respected and talented photojournalist. His film Restrepo, about a platoon of US soldiers serving in Afghanistan was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Film this year. He also spent eight years documenting political upheaval and it's effects on the people of West Africa.

It appears that Tim was traveling with a group of anti Gaddafi rebels, when they were attacked by mortar fire, which also seriously injured photographers Chris Hondros and Guy Martin.

My thoughts are with their families and friends.

Author, Sheri Benning.

2011-04-20T18:25:00.001+01:00

Sheri Benning Portraits - Images by John Cooper

I produced these portraits of Canadian author Sheri Benning to support the inclusion of
her poems in a new anthology. We split her session between the studio and some outdoor shots nearby.
Her publisher loved the images, and Sheri must have liked them too as she subsequently hired me to produce some family pictures for her too.

'New Poetries V' is available to pre-order from her publisher, Carcanet Press's website.

I Am The Devil!

2011-04-18T17:17:00.001+01:00

I posted a blog a while back about an image of mine being published as a book cover. The picture is one of myself, shot speculatively for exactly this type of use. I didn't know at the time how it was going to be used. Now, I do. And it looks like I've crossed over to the dark side.

I'm scared.

Photographing The Photographer

2011-03-24T12:15:00.003Z

A few weeks ago I was commissioned by renowned landscape photographer Colin Prior. Colin needed portraits as he's often asked by the press for a headshot to publish along with articles. While it's very flattering to be hired by another photographer, it's also quite daunting, especially when the photographer is one of Colin's standing and talent. So, we kept it simple producing images in the studio using both flash and daylight to create images which would read well at thumbnail size on the printed page.

Colin was great to work with, and obviously when you put two photographers together the discussion invariably turns to cameras and photography. I learned about his search for the ideal medium format digital back (if one exists) and the coming revolution in mirrorless cameras.

I was glad that we seemed to be on the same wavelength as far as his portraits were concerned, both appreciating simple, strong composition and uncomplicated light.

I was delighted and surprised when Colin gave me a copy of his latest book 'High Light - A Vision Of Wild Scotland'. As usual, the images are stunning and while I'm familiar with his majestic landscapes, what really impressed me were the detail shots. Beautifully framed and detailed close up images, almost like still life's of tiny fragments from our landscape. Eggshells, stones, grass, rocks. These pictures seem to speak as loudly and clearly as the sweeping vistas and dawn light when it comes to communicating something about the wilderness of our country. Available to purchase from Colin's website, I couldn't recommend the book highly enough.

Visit my website to see more portrait photography.

Print Of The Month

2011-02-03T20:40:00.001Z

For around fifteen years now I've been producing and selling fine art prints of Glasgow's architecture, so I thought it was about time to broaden my horizons and make some images from further afield available for sale too. So starting this month, I'm going to select a 'Print of The Month' and offer it for sale at a 20% discount, for one month only. A new image each month, with no real theme or concept behind them, other than they're pictures I like which are not of Glasgow. After the discount period, they'll still be on sale, but at the usual price. Just a way for me to try and highlight some images which don't get seen often enough.

The image for February, is of the Red Fort in Delhi. In black and white, not red. The range of contrast in the scene really pulled me in, from deep black shadows, to bright highlights, all emphasizing the overlapping curves in the masonry. To buy the print in 3 different sizes, visit my website. Another image will be announced in March. Stay tuned to this blog, or 'Like" my Facebook page for information on new images.

Headshot Bingo!

2011-02-02T16:43:00.000Z

Last night was a good one for Headshot Bingo, the enthralling game where I spot my actor clients on TV. I scored a hat trick with:

Rebecca Elise in a public information commercial about breastfeeding.

..... and both Jordan McCurrach and Jason Harvey in Taggart.

Well done to all of you. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to more Headshot Bingo. The prizes are not as good as the Lottery, but it's more fun and the odds are better.

Anita Vettesse

2011-01-19T16:23:00.001Z

It was good to see one of my headshot clients, Anita Vettesse on Taggart last night.
Speaking of Taggart, a few days ago I photographed David Goodall, who as well as
being an actor, is the fight choreographer on Taggart, among other things. I'll post a blog
soon including his headshots.
You can view more of my actors headshots at my website.

And The Winner Is.......

2010-12-22T09:55:00.002Z

I can't believe I've actually won a competition! Unfortunately, not through skill, but luck. Hey, I'll take it where I can get it. California Sunbounce make the best reflectors on the market, so I entered their competition, and won. I've never won anything before, so I'm chuffed. I'll soon be receiving an Olympus Pen compact camera. They've put a couple of my images and a link to my website on their blog - have a gander.

Sunbounce Blog

Update: Got the Olympus from Sunbounce really quickly. I'm sure it's a great compact camera, but I had no need for it, so put it on Ebay. It sold within 2 hours, and for a decent price. Gotta love Ebay.

Jordan McCurrach

2010-11-03T09:35:00.002Z

Jordan McCurrach Finals - Images by John Cooper

It's difficult to miss Jordan McCurrach on TV just now. He's currently appearing in Being Victor on STV, Push on Fiver, and recently in Taggart (Fallen Angels). It's great to see him doing so well. The slideshow above is playing the headshots I did for him last year. Check out Jordan's website to see what else he's up to, and visit my website to view more actors headshots.

New Book Covers

2010-10-22T16:55:00.000+01:00

I just received a statement from one of my agencies about two images which have been licensed as book covers. I don't have much information yet, apart from one is a UK publication and the other, a USA publication. Likely to be thrillers.

The one of the open door and chair, I took in a tiny church in Crete a few years ago and the one of the sinister looking man on the stairs was done in an empty house in Glasgow while I was working for an ad agency, recording the building prior to development.

I've had book covers licensed before, and its always nice to see this type of creative work being used commercially, but this time it'll be a bit strange, as the sinister, creepy looking guy on the stairs is me!

It's odd to think that people will be reading a book with not just a picture I took on the cover, but actually me on the cover. It has me wondering if the image of me will influence the readers imagination of the character in the book. Weird feeling.

I've been expecting you ..... Mr Tingey

2010-09-29T21:11:00.005+01:00

Giles Tingey. - Images by John Cooper

Giles Tingey is a pianist and radio presenter working between Scotland and Canada. He recently commissioned me to produce portraits for use on his website. Fully tuxedoed-up, Giles looked every inch like James Bond, so we made a series of pictures which I think have a sort of 007/21st Century Rat Pack kind of feel.

Keep reading for your Licence To Kill...

We started by making some headshots at my studio, then into town. Giles had arranged access to the fantastic Metropolitan Bar in Glasgow's Merchant City. It's one of his regular gig venues, and he wanted to use their baby grand piano. Nice work Giles - it was a tremendous location and fitted our needs to a tee. I felt that using the piano as a prop was a bit too literal. So, we went short on piano pictures and long on headshots and environmental portraits using our sumptuous surroundings. The great thing about our location was the variety of styles of decor they've got. We had a clean, sharp contemporary area with beautiful window light, then a few paces away we've got texture and atmosphere almost like a cheap bar in Havana. But not cheap. Or in Havana. The result is, I think, a great series of stylish, contemporary pictures which have the type of atmosphere necessary to promote Giles work as Piano Bar musician, without relying too heavily on shots of him playing piano.

I was in my element and could have stayed all day trying out different ideas and lighting. I'll link to Giles website when it's finished, until then, enjoy the slideshow.

Oh, and if you have any cheesy Bond cliche's you'd like to use, feel free to leave them in the comments.

Sugar Bullet

2010-09-28T20:08:00.003+01:00

Glasgow Girl Group, Sugar Bullet have been enjoying a lot of press attention recently. As a five piece, the girls got through to the X Factor Boot Camp, then decided to withdraw from the contest. They've now re-emerged with a new four piece lineup and are all set to trouble the hit parade. I was commissioned to produce photographs of them to support press and online promotion and we had a great session on Friday, making portraits and 'live' performance shots at my studio. Enjoy the slideshow, and watch out for these pictures in The Scottish Sun this Saturday.

Sugar Bullet. - Images by John Cooper

The Glasgow Room Resurfaces.

2010-08-17T17:27:00.004+01:00

Here are some pictures of new slicker, lighter Glasgow Room at it's new location in the St Enoch Centre. If you're looking for top quality prints of Glasgow, including mine and want to buy them in a city centre location, then head down to The Glasgow Room on the 1st floor of The St.Enoch Centre.

The Glasgow Room Is Dead. Long Live The Glasgow Room.

2010-07-07T09:12:00.002+01:00

Following the recent bad news, now some good news. The Glasgow Room is relocating to the St Enoch Centre. We start work transporting everything to a shiny new, custom-designed-and-built- by-Alan, unit today. A new era dawns this weekend. Will follow up with pictures. Hurray!

Family Portraits

2010-07-06T18:04:00.002+01:00

Family Portraits - Images by John Cooper

What's that expression - 'never work with children and.... something?'

I couldn't remember the rest, so I agreed to shoot the Craig family, including

their pet dog. I'm jesting of course, Woodruff's behaviour could not have been

better, and I could see that he was a very important member of the family.

David wanted a set of family portraits to celebrate his Mum's 80th birthday

so we shot some family groups and individual portraits of the junior members

at my studio in Glasgow.

They were a great family to work with and we had a lot of fun producing these pictures.

Family sessions like this can be carried out in the studio, or on location for more

realistic surroundings and impromptu shots in a natural location. Visit my website

to see more portrait photography.

Pre Wedding Photography Session in Glasgow

2010-07-06T17:38:00.002+01:00

Pre Wedding Portraits - Graeme & Susan - Images by John Cooper

These are some of the portraits I made recently of Graeme and Susan as

part of their Pre Wedding Portrait Session (I'll need to think of a snappier

title for these). I shot Susan's brothers wedding a couple of years ago, and

it's really nice to be asked back by a family. Recommendation is always the

most satisfying way winning new work.

Their wedding will be at the fantastic Saint Andrews In The Square at the end of

July. I'll post again with pictures from the big day in due course. In the meantime

you can go over to my website to view some more of my Wedding Photography.

Pre Wedding Portrait Session

2010-06-25T18:14:00.006+01:00

Pre Wedding Portrait Photography - Images by John Cooper

I had a great pre wedding portrait session with Simon and Lynsey last week. The slideshow above displays some of the highlights. Lynsey and Simon are having a double ceremony. First is their wedding at The House For An Art Lover in Glasgow, followed by a traditional Chinese wedding at a restaurant in China Town, Glasgow, complete with the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. This is going to make for an excellent variety of images for their wedding album - two wedding ceremonies and two venues in one album. They're a really nice couple and I'm looking forward to getting some great images with them at both events.

Visit my website to view my Wedding Photography In Glasgow gallery

All my wedding clients get a complimentary pre wedding session, including a framed print of their choice. Apart from the opportunity to get some great additional images in less formal surroundings, it's also a really good way of giving the couple some 'practice' at being photographed. After the pre wedding session, they have a better idea of how the process works and realise that it's actually good fun. This can reduce any nerves they might have about being photographed on their big day. I'll post pictures from (both) their weddings in August.

End Of An Era For The Glasgow Room

2010-06-14T16:55:00.007+01:00

For the past eleven years, my main retail outlet for fine art print sales, has been The Glasgow Room in Princes Square. Owned and run by my friend and colleague, Alan Maclean, The Glasgow Room has been important in helping build a client base for my photography, offering prints of my personal work of Glasgow's architecture for sale to the general public. The gallery also represents Adrian Brannan, Adrian McMurchie, Bryan Evans, Avril Paton, and many other Glasgow artists. I will therefore be extremely sad to see it go at the end of June this year. Princes Square has changed ownership over the last few years and the brilliant minds now managing it have decided that this innovative, independent and unique retail gallery does not fit into their plans for upgrading the shopping mall. Instead, they will be replacing a much loved local institution with, wait for it..... a decorative glass wall! I know. You can hardly contain your excitement.

So, while we say goodbye to over a decade of customers and friends, The Glasgow Room is looking for a new home. Watch this space for further news.

In the meantime, as always, you can visit my website to purchase Photographs of Glasgow's Architecture, directly from me.

Katie & Derek's Wedding At Dryburgh Abbey

2010-06-03T14:21:00.006+01:00

Wedding At Dryburgh Abbey - Images by John Cooper

This slideshow is from Katie and Derek's recent wedding at Dryburgh Abbey. Beautiful day, fantastic location and some great photogaphs. You can visit my website to view more Wedding Photography.

Headshot Photography

2010-05-31T18:32:00.004+01:00

Claire Knight - Headshots - Images by John Cooper

I had a great session recently with Glasgow actress, Claire Knight. You might recognise Claire as Iona McIntyre from BBC Scotland's ace soap opera River City.

I also had the pleasure of producing headshots for Claire's partner Simon McCallum last year. Visit my website to view more of my actors headshots.

Portraits At BBC Scotland

2010-05-31T17:34:00.003+01:00

BBC Portraits - Graham Stewart - Images by John Cooper

I was commissioned a few weeks ago by BBC Scotland presenter, Graham Stewart. Graham presents Reporting Scotland as well as current affairs and music radio shows. I was recommended to him by some of my existing actor clients, for whom I'd produced headshot photography. We shot a range of images of Graham in both the Reporting Scotland and radio studios and it was great to get a behind the scenes look at BBC Scotland's state of the art studios at Pacific Quay. Graham's portraits will appear on his new website www.grahamstewart.com.

Vet School Images

2010-04-24T00:07:00.004+01:00

Here's a slideshow with some images from a recent architectural photography assignment at the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital. Visit my website to view more architectural photography.

Small Animal Hospital. - Images by John Cooper

Actors Headshot Slideshow

2010-04-16T18:23:00.000+01:00

This is a slideshow of Hannah Donaldson's headshots.

Hannah Donaldson Finals - Images by John Cooper

Save Radio 6 Music!

2010-03-02T12:24:00.006Z

Not a photography post this time, but just as important. BBC Radio 6 Music is under threat from politicians demanding expenditure cuts at the BBC. Read more about the grim situation on Facebook here. If you don't already listen to 6 Music, I highly recommend you give it a go, especially if the inane wittering and lame chart music on Radio 1 fails to float your boat. Radio 6 Music offers a wealth of first rate programmes by DJ's such as Huey Morgan (Fun Lovin Criminals), Jarvis Cocker (Pulp), Marc Riley (formerly of Mark and Lard and one time bass player in The Fall) and a host of others. 6 Music plays actual, proper music. It is a good thing.

Sign the online petition and do your bit to spend your your licence fee on something worth having. There has been a lot of interest in 6 Music since this news broke, attracting thousands of new listeners - go on, be one of them.

Actor, Jason Harvey

2010-02-04T09:58:00.015Z

Jason is a talented actor enjoying success in Scotland's homegrown film and TV industry. Having had lead parts in Taggart and other television productions, he appears in Neds (to be released this year) written and directed by Golden Lion winner Peter Mullan and will soon start filming Conquering Heroes, written and directed by Robbie Moffat. As a self employed joiner, Jason has the flexibility to take time off when needed to work on acting gigs. After I shot Jason's headshots recently, he was kind enough to provide the following information about these upcoming productions and his experiences working with Peter Mullan on Neds:

" NEDS - The film, which is written and directed by Peter mullan tells the tale of a teenage boy, growing up in Glasgow in the mid-Seventies, who becomes embroiled in gang culture. I filmed my 3 scenes in which I play a bus driver in August and back for a day in December for A.D.R. (audio digital replacement). It was an amazing experience to be working with Peter. A very down to earth and easy going guy. I had been given a script of my scenes about 2 weeks before filming but realised pretty quickly that the scenes would be mostly improvised which I prefer as, if shot properly, comes across very naturally.

I had to have a beard for this part which took about 7 weeks to grow. My first day on set Peter said to me whilst touching my beard "is that real?", found that funny. When I went back for A.D.R, all clean shaven Peter said to me "Look at you wee man, you look about twelve" ha ha. Neds is released this year (2010).

CONQUERING HEROES - This film, which is written and will be directed by Robbie Moffat is a thriller set around an army barracks. As the soilders wait to be called up on their next tour of duty, someone has a vendetta against the army and is killing the soilders one by one.

Filming for this is February and March. I play a soldier called Danny Cameron so at the moment I am in training to be as fit as possible to portray the character as best I can. I will be filming my scenes at the end of February into March. I've been fortunate enough to have worked with Robbie before in films Rain Dogs and Finding Fortune. "

Read further about Neds and Peter Mullan at Screen Daily and check out Jason's showreel here.

To see more of Jason's headshots visit www.johncooperphotography.net and www.johncooperphotography.co.uk

The Mother Of All Panto's

2009-12-10T12:06:00.007Z

More actors who I've recently produced headshot photography for.

This time, it's Johnny McKnight (top, left), Jordan McCurrach (top, right), Hannah Donaldson (bottom, left) and Chris Stuart Wilson (bottom, right). All four are involved in The Byre Theatre in St. Andrews production of Mother Goose. You'd be forgiven for thinking that Johnny McKnight is synonymous with Scottish Panto as he wrote this version of Mother Goose. He doesn't appear in it as he's busy performing in 'Sleeping Beauty', which he also wrote, at the Macrobert Arts Centre. Jordan plays principal boy Jack, while Hannah is principal girl, Jill. Chris Stuart Wilson is choreographer.

'He's behind you!' Etc.

2009-12-10T11:45:00.007Z

Another two of my headshot photography clients who are also appearing in panto this year are actors Johnny McKnight (above, left) and Anita Vettesse (above, right). Both are performing in 'Sleeping Beauty' at the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling. Johnny wrote the pantomime and also takes the Dame role as Fairy Kylie Contrary, while Anita gets to let rip as baddie, Queenie McMeanie. My son, Ewan is only two and a half. I reckon that's still a bit young for a panto, but I really want a good excuse to go.

Break A Leg!

2009-12-10T11:29:00.005Z

I'm going to be posting from time to time to plug the productions my acting clients are involved in.
Two guys I've recently had the pleasure of producing headshots for are actors Derek McGhie (above, left) and Darren Brownlie (above, right).
Both are currently appearing in the pantomime 'Ya Beauty And The Beast' at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow. Derek takes the lead role of Prince Charming, while Darren is choreographer and understudy. Best of luck to both of you, and the rest of the cast and crew.

If you're an actor interested in hiring me to produce headshots for you, more of my work can be seen at www.johncooperphotography.net

Headshots - The No.1 gift for actors.

2009-08-24T15:11:00.006+01:00

But don't just take my word for it. Mark Westbrook, of Acting Coach Scotland and author of acting blog.com recently compiled a list of the best gift ideas for actors, and Numero Uno, Top Of The Pops, was - new headshots.

Mark is a highly experienced acting coach, actor, director and writer, based in Glasgow. Check out his article here to read what the "Oh, that's great, but I was really hoping for headshots", options are.

Mark's blog is full of first class advice and lessons for professional and aspiring actors. So, if you're an actor considering lessons or one to one tuition to help refine your craft - he's your man. And, if there's an actor in your life who you think could benefit from top quality headshots, you can read more about my headshot service in the post below and at my website www.johncooperphotography.net

Actors headshots

2009-07-19T23:52:00.011+01:00

I'm continuing to do a lot of casting portraits, or headshot photography for actors, with a growing list of theatrical agencies referring their clients to me. Actors whom I've produced headshots for are also referring their friends and colleagues to me, which is great. Recommendation by an existing client is always the best type of promotion - one satisfied customer leads to others.

I think part of my success in this field is due to taking a slightly different approach to many other photographers. I don't send actors away with dozens or even hundreds of images on a disc, but work with them to select a small number of great shots, and then do the final processing on those shots only to ensure that they have really great quality portraits. Also, I avoid the temptation of using a 'production line' set up for these shots, where each actor is shot with the same tried and tested lighting and posing. I assess each individual and use a variety of lighting/backgrounds and camera positions which I think suit the individual and shows them at their best.

I love the technical and aesthetic side of headshot photography. All I have to work with is someone's head and shoulders, but that is different every time and everybody's face shape, skin, hair and eyes responds differently to the shape and quality of light used, so it's not uncommon for me to work with multi-light set ups to sculpt the light and produce an image which, while faithful to the subjects natural appearance, has atmosphere, character and depth. Anyone can aim a camera at someone and take a photograph of their head and shoulders, but I prefer to treat each shot like it's a potential magazine cover. I think my subjects deserve it. After all, it's these pictures which casting directors use to decide who to audition for a role, and they can therefore have a significant effect on an actors' career.

You can learn more about my headshot service here.

Actors Headshots - Images by John Cooper">

Wedding At Park Circus.

2009-03-13T16:15:00.008Z

Wedding At Park Circus - David and Radhika - Images by John Cooper

Congratulations to David and Radhika, who's wedding I had the privilege of photographing recently at Park Circus Registry Office in Glasgow. This was just a small affair to make their union legal. Their official wedding will be a spectacular Hindu ceremony in London, lasting three days! Some guys have all the luck. Visit my website to see more examples of Wedding Photography In Glasgow

Book Cover

2009-02-11T13:31:00.006Z

One of my images has been used for the jacket of Sophie Hannah's new novel 'The Other Half Lives'. The photograph is of a shaft of sunlight on a carpeted staircase in a big, old, derelict house in Glasgow. I was photographing the house for a property developer who wanted to record its condition before renovation works, and while I was at it, I took the opportunity to get some atmospheric and spooky detail shots.

I haven't read the novel yet, but with a cover like that, it's bound to be a good, if scary read.

Winter Discounts!

2009-01-29T18:28:00.006Z

To help alleviate the winter blues and do my bit to fight the global recession, I'm having a sale!

All my prints are available to purchase at a 20% discount until the end of February, so now is a great time to grab yourself a bargain and bring some new photography into your home or place of work for 2009. You can visit my print galleries here. Just add the image you want to the cart and pay securely online with PayPal. Prints are despatched within 48 hours of receiving your order. Easy!

You still here?

Don't hang around, go and check out what's going to look great on your wall!

New Images

2009-01-24T16:38:00.015Z

I have some new images available to purchase as prints. These were shot during the last months of 2008. Click the coloured title to link to it's page on my website.

Girl At The Window

Corner Detail, St. Vincent Street

Round Window, St. Vincent Street

Column Detail, Mitchell Theatre

Total Class!

2009-01-08T11:51:00.004Z

I found this video recently on You Tube. Two of my all time favourite musicians, Tom Waits and Iggy Pop, both demonstrating that they are also very fine actors, directed by Jim Jarmusch in 'Coffee And Cigarettes'. A masterclass in having an awkward conversation. Ok, if you watched the video before Friday 9th, watch again. I've replaced it with the clip I should've posted the first time. The previous one hardly got started. This is 10 minutes long. 10 minutes which you will not be wasting. Enjoy!

Lions And Shooters And Jimjams

2009-01-07T13:18:00.010Z

My studio remains available for hire into 2009. 2008 was a good year for the studio, with a small group of photographers at various levels in their careers using the facility on a regular basis.

Highlights of the year included Japanese photographer Kai Sawabe coming over from Berlin to shoot Celtic striker Shunsuke Nakamura for a Japanese sports magazine.

By complete coincidence, The Hoops appeared again when Herald photographer Simon Murphy shot a beautiful series of portraits of former Lisbon Lions players and had too much fun with Charlie Nicholas, Frank MacAveny and a few bottles of champagne. His images were for the Celtic Opus book. Before you run down to WH Smith for a copy, be warned, this book is a luxury item and priced for the serious fan only.

Other (non Celtic related) news - Adrian Turpin shot stills of actor Gary Lewis for promotion of the film Three And Out. I may have put my foot right in it. I was chatting with Gary while we waited for Adrian to arrive. I didn't recognise him, and said something along the lines of ''so, you're an actor. Must be tough finding regular work''. Gary graciously replied "Ehh, I manage to get by." Later, the penny dropped and I realised who he was. For anyone else who doesn't recognise his name, here's a few highlights of his career. He was Billy Elliot's dad. He was directed by Martin Scorsese alongside Daniel Day Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz in Gangs of New York, he was in Ae Fond Kiss, Carla's Song, My Name Is Joe, Shallow Grave, and on TV - Prime Suspect, Rebus and Taggart to name but a few. He has also received a BAFTA nomination and British Actor of the Year nomination. So Gary, I reckon you're getting by just fine. Sorry for not recognising you.

This was an interesting shoot for Adrian, he was asked at very short notice to provide pyjamas and a shotgun for the job. Yes, a shotgun. Fortunately, Adrian is well connected at the BBC and was able to fulfill the necessary nightwear and firearm requirements thanks to their props department.

David Boni shot stills for Dollond & Aitchison's recent TV ad for Nikon lenses.

Not all photographers using the studio are occupying such dizzy heights in the industry, and I look forward to welcoming photographers at all levels in 2009. So, if you need studio facilities for a specific shoot, or just want to sharpen your lighting skills, call or email to check availability.

New Year, New Blog.

2009-01-06T17:16:00.030Z

New Year's a good time to start a new project, so here it is, my first attempt at blogging.

I'm using this inaugural post to announce the arrival of the blog and to introduce my new branding. The logo is simple, graphic and descriptive and is based on a recent image I produced, Ionic Column II (snappy title as always). The logo and new slick, black style, appears on my print sales website www.johncooperphotography.net, and will shortly be on my portfolio site at www.johncooperphotography.co.uk and my commercial site at www.architecturalimage.co.uk (is that too many websites? Maybe something else to look at this year).