Cyber Busking?

I've decided that one way to raise money would be to let people pick songs for me to cover on the acoustic guitar. Simply go to http://localgiving.com/lukeyates and make a donation and let me know what song you'd like me to have a crack at.

Nothing is off limits - but bear in mind I'm not the world's best singer... I will do my utmost to entertain and amuse tho...

As a textbook example of this - have a look at today's offering. Enjoy ;)

It's Official... I'm running a Marathon!

(originally posted on Facebook)

Right the physio thinks she can get me to the finish line, I'm feeling characteristically stubborn, so let's do this... time to make it official.

I hereby declare the following:

Regardless of whether I walk with a limp forever afterwards , and even though my stretching exercises will probably frighten the old ladies of Brighton, on Sunday 6th April 2014 I *WILL* be running (and even hobbling/crawling) a Marathon, and I'd like YOU to visit my LocalGiving page and help me raise money for a cause I've become very attached to. Please.

Being a shameless individual, you can assume I will be open-minded to requests/dares/bets and anything however painful (but only to me) and embarrassing (probably mostly for my wife and kids) that might cause you to delve into your wallets

Please go to localgiving.com/lukeyates for more info about my run, and to donate!

Thank you you lovely bunch - you are fantastic! x

How we roll in the studio...

I do studio photo shoots a little different to most, so here's a run-through of how I do things at Way Ahead Photography...

Step 1: You come to the studio and have a brilliantly fun hour. No stuffy photographer (just a very chatty me!) no need to take off your shoes (it's not the Ritz after all)... we chat lots and take loads of photos and you get to see the photos as we go along, so you know how amazing you look!

Step 2: The proofs are sent to you digitally, so you can choose 30 images you like. This gives you a chance to be objective about the shots, with no interference from a pushy salesman (or "photographer" as they sometimes call themselves...). You already know what you are paying and what you are getting, so there are no hidden costs and no emotional blackmail!

Step 3: Once you have selected your photos, they are tidied up and sent to you hi-resolution with no watermarks (either digitally on on a CD) YOUR photos. Do what you like with them (even post them on Facebook and say how amazing the photographer was :) )

The outcome? You pay a piffling £99, have a huge smile on your face and are the proud owner of beautiful photos that will give you pleasure for many years.

You can come back to me for great quality prints/canvasses etc, which I ill do for you at a great price using my brilliant local suppliers and contacts, but you are equally welcome to shop around! They are YOUR photos, after all!

You can contact Way Ahead Photography on Facebook by messaging, or email luke@wayaheadphotography.com or phone 07956584178

New Website Goes Live!

I am very pleased to announce that I've been putting the quietness of January (sadly an occupational hazard!) to good use and have completely redesigned the Way Ahead Photography website!

I've been privileged to be involved in some amazing photo shoots in the past year or two, and I wanted to reflect this by updating the website with a whole bunch of new images.

I have tried to clean up the design of the new site so that it is all about the photos. Lots of lovely full screen images, and not a lot of waffle from me.

Because let's face it, all that trite "I am passionate" and "I am committed" stuff is really boring, and self-absorbed. I'd rather let my photos do the talking...

Also I've listened to my lovely customers who have made it clear that my main selling point, is me and how I do photography. So the new site proudly sports my name in nice friendly joined-up writing, placed carefully above Way Ahead Photography, which I think is significant. I want people to feel they are dealing with a personable human being at all times - not some faceless corporation!

I want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank to to all the amazing people I work for and with, and also to Steve Smith from Mantaur, a good mate and my web server guru!

Black Friday - Way Ahead Stylee...

PHOTOSHOOT COMPETITION

Today this limited edition art print by Way Ahead Photography is being auctioned by Bamfords in Derby as part of a Guinness record-attempt charity auction - for Annabel's Angels and some other excellent charities.

I've decided to run a competition a bit like the penny auction sites.

So here's what you have to do to try and win a FREE 1 Hour Photo shoot and 30 images on DVD at my studio.

1) Go here to the Justgiving page and donate a quid (or more if you want) for each guess you would like to make.

2) Send a message Way Ahead Photography on Facebook PRIVATELY, and have a guess what the picture will sell for. You can have as many guesses as you like, but please can you make a DONATION of at least £1 to Annabel's Angels for each guess!

3) Watch/listen to the auction live here (the photo I've donated is Lot 1728). Psst - I don't mind if you bid too

4) The CLOSEST ORIGINAL GUESS to what the picture actually goes for in auction wins the free shoot! "ORIGINAL" as in only one person must have guessed the amount that I deem the winner. There can be only one!!!

Please note my decision is final, and that you will need to be able to get to my studio in Hythe, Kent (UK!) to claim the prize!

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU X

PRESS STATEMENT: Thank you Herald! (and your lovely readers!)

(as posted on the Herald's Facebook page)

Hi folks - a massive thank you for your support on this, and to the Herald for bringing it to your attention. Both very much appreciated 

I would never want to be somebody seen as grumpy and I hope my inpromptu chalk campaign today raised a few smiles - it certainly had people chuckling outside my studio - as well as highlight the importance of not tolerating this sort of thing. 

I am very aware that the majority of dog owners are lovely decent people who do clear up after their pets, and that sadly as with many things in life, just a few people spoil this. And I don't think that's fair or right.

We are very proud of our lovely High Street in Hythe and work very hard to try to make our shops as friendly and inviting as possible, so we really don't appreciate this sort of thing occurring. 

Also there are health implications to small children and old people in particular who come into contact with abandoned dog mess, so it is an important issue and one I feel we all need to stand against. Oh and it's illegal too of course!

There is currently a beautiful photo of a husky dog in my shop window, I am a big fan of dogs and have enjoyed lots of fun doggie photo shoots at my studio. I would simply like people to be able to come to my studio, enjoy the photos in the window and enjoy photo shoots at my studio without the risk of stepping in something unpleasant!

Thanks again for your support, and don't forget your chalk! 

Luke (Way Ahead Photography)

40-40: We have lift-off!

Pleased to say I finally got round to kicking off the 40-40 project (well I have been a busy boy over the Summer after all!)

And what better way to set the ball rolling than a fun photo shoot with one of my oldest chums, local businessman, writer, film director and musician, Andy Coughlan.

Andy used to be in my first ever rock band (the wonderfully named "Yak"...), is constantly grinning and is a thoroughly top chap. I'm not sure being 40 really bothers him in the slightest and in many ways he hasn't changed a bit!

Thanks Andy! :)