LSWPP Qualification

I was fortunate to spend time with Martin Grahame-Dunn at his Coventry Training Centre during 2008. Martin's qualifications include: FMPA, FRSA, FSWPP, FBPPA, QEP, Hon.FMPA, Photographer and Fine Artist, Past National President United Kingdom Master Photographers Association, Past Chairman of the Admissions and Qualifications Board, Course Director of the International Academy of Professional Photography, International Lecturer and Judge, Consultant and Educator of Professional Photographers Worldwide - so he knows a thing or two! A two day course in May covered:

- The constituent elements of a ‘Licentiate’ panel
- Critical Analysis
- Learning important ‘Rules’ of composition and image design
- re-evaluation of the essential core skills of ‘Lighting, Posing & Composition’
- Identifying a style commensurate with Licentiateship and ‘Merchantable Quality’.

The next six months were spent reviewing my work and preparing a panel of images for presentation at out next session. I presented 20 of my portrait and 20 wedding images and was awarded my qualified status of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (LSWPP).

What are the judges expecting of a Licentiate… We are looking for images that show the applicant is in full control of the medium. The images should show correct camera technique, full control of the lighting and the final production of the finished image. Many images fail at the last hurdle because the final digital file or print quality is poor, showing banding from ink jet prints, blemishes that should have been retouched or poor presentation. Very often colour balance is wrong. We expect to see that the photographer is in control of the subjects portrayed and in the case of people, that they are posed in an attractive manner and good expressions obtained.

More images from my Licentiate panel

Mount Buller

We visited Mount Buller in Victoria, Australia, a few years ago. Stopping to allow the boys to ski, Linda and I retired to a warm little coffee shop. We entered on one side where the sun was shining strongly and hundreds of people of all ages were skiing down the snow slopes of the mountain. On the other side we were presented with this glorious image on the horizon as the mountain range stretched off into the distance. What a sight! The mountains really were that cool and blue. You can see the green of the forest in the foreground. (Olympus E300; 200mm @ f2; ISO 100)

Another award

I was awarded 'Child Photographer of the Year' at the Big Into Baby Awards 2008. My 30 years experience as a teacher no doubt helps me understand and work sympathetically with young people. My photography is both classic and contemporary but always relaxed. Sessions take place at my home and garden, at your own home or a location that is special for your family, or in my Lurgan Studio. You can view my children's portrait portfolio here.

Some of the comments parents have made to me:

"I simply had to thank you in writing for providing us with such wonderful photos of Reece. We have loved looking through them over and over again and are thrilled with the end results. Everyone felt so comfortable and at ease (working with you in our home). Reece took to you immediately - your certainly do have a special knack when working the children. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience." PW, Banbridge

"Just had a quick peek and am absolutely thrilled with the shots. Thanks for spending so much time with us today and making the whole experience so enjoyable. Cheers!!" RB, Banbridge

"Oh Drew, there are not enough words to express how wonderful the photo's are!!! Friends have been viewing and everyone thinks the same. They are all lovely. Thanks again Drew for the fun time at the Studio." WT, Dromore

"Just wanted to say the photo of Dan with the kids is totally awesome… how on earth did you manage to get all those lively wee ones in the same place and facing in the right direction at the same time… unbelievable!"

White Wedding Pages

The current issue of White Wedding Pages includes a four-page feature on a recent wedding of mine. Deane and Debbie were married at Knocknamuckley Parish Church and travelled to the Seagoe Hotel for a lavish reception. Deane and Debbie were great fun to work with and, as enthusiastic Glenavon fans, requested a photo shoot at Mourneview Park. Deane and Debbie asked me to do their wedding long before I had started photographing weddings. They knew my work and were adamant that they only wanted me to shoot their big day. I am most grateful for their confidence and we're all delighted with the images.

Dromore Athletic Club

Dromore Athletic Club held an open cross country event on fields bordering the Lurgan Road and adjacent to the town's Community Centre. I was made very welcome but at no stage felt like joining in! You have to raise your hat to these athletes, young and older, who push themselves to compete in such a strenuous sport. Many of the images can be viewed at sports images.

Closkelt Pipe Band

I photographed the official Closkelt Pipe Band photograph in the rehearsal room at Closkelt Orange Hall. The folk at Closkelt always make me very welcome and I enjoyed our time together. To order images please see pipe band images. Click on the thumbnail and then Add to Basket.

Dromore Town Hall

Following on from the re-development of Market Square, Dromore Town Hall is in the course of a tidy up. Jim Brown and Geoff Stevenson of Banbridge District Council have heads for heights as the work continues.

Family Portraiture

I am now taking booking for family portraiture in January. My photography is both classic and contemporary. Sessions take place at your own home, or in my Lurgan Studio. The time we spend with your family will be fun, enjoyable and rewarding for all members of the family. My portrait subjects become friends and enjoy complimentary portrait sessions for life with generous discounts on purchases. See my portfolio of family portraits.

The Black Ball

Lower Iveagh Royal Black District Chapter No1 held a final function to end it's 160th anniversary year by holding a Black Ball at Dromore Rugby Club - the first such ball in Dromore for over 20 years. Members took part in elaborate opening and closing ceremonies and Sir Knight John Wallace sang the Blackman's Dream and the Shepard's Boy. Images from the Ball may be viewed at drewmcwilliams.com.

Happy Anniversary

Betty and Sheddy Graham celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with their family in the Belmont Hotel, Banbridge. Betty and Sheddy were married in Donaghcloney Presbyterian Church on 2nd December 1958 by Rev. Alderdice, Bestman was Douglas Graham and Bridesmaid, Georgie Graham. They held their wedding reception in theImperial Hotel Banbridge followed by a week's honeymoon in Bangor Co Down. The family asked me to record the occasion and I hope you like the result. I have only a limited number of appointments still available for Christmas Family Portraits until 11 December. I will resume 5 January.