I love instagram and have found a wonderful community and a wealth of great photographs.
Please have a look and “follow”.
https://www.instagram.com/walterdirks/
I was given permission to take photographs and my lens captured a particularly beautiful biomorphic work. It sat on his workbench illuminated by light from the skylight above. The beauty of the sculpture, the perfect lighting, and my nascent compositional skills came together, allowing my simple camera and its basic light meter to capture a moment of pure harmony.
The original colour photograph captured the magic of that day and unknowingly contributed to setting me on a path to a future in photography. Years passed, and the digital age has prompted me to revisit this formative image as a retrospective black and white.
This new version is more than just a picture; it is a narrative that spans years, a dialogue between the analog past and the digital present. It stands as a testament to a crucial moment when, guided by Henry Moore's silent teachings, I captured more than a sculpture; I captured a future whispered through my camera's aperture. This photo is a blend of past insights and present skills, honouring the day when light, form, and ambition came together, laying the groundwork for my lifelong photographic journey.
Looking at the photograph now I can see how the lighting accentuates the textures and form of the sculpture. The strong composition, with the use of negative space creates a dramatic effect and draws focus to the sculpted form, creating an impression of quiet strength and serenity.
Henry Moore was one of the most prominent sculptors of his time and I am deeply thankful for the way he inspired me, even without knowing it. His studios and gardens are well worth a visit…
#henrymoore.org #sculpture #art
I recently had the privilege to photograph the iconic chalet that was used for the Netflix series, Sex Education. It is situated on a slope on the edge of The River Wye commanding beautiful views. My photography was used to market this luxury property and has had significant editorial exposure. Here are a few articles with some of the photography, https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/sex-education-house-sale-symonds-yat-chalet, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/sex-education-house-market-1-181600593.html]]>
Fortune, however, was about to shine again, but not from the horizon. A chance meeting with a compassionate manager on an industrial estate in Canmore changed everything. My jacket, jeans, shirt, and scarf, all dry cleaned and returned to their pristine state, as if the lake's waters had never touched them. His refusal to charge me was a gesture of goodwill that left an indelible mark on my trip to Canada.
As a token of gratitude, I'm sending him the photograph of a fleeting moment before life decided to make a splash. I hope he sees not just the majestic Mount Rundle and the serene Vermilion Lake but also a reflection of his own kindness.
This photograph is for sale in the Fine Art gallery.
I was lucky to grow up in a time when turning up with polished shoes, shirt neatly tucked in and a sharp pencil was valued… These values are still important to me and now it is using the very best cameras, electronic support and software…and of course having polished shoes.
I have recently been reflecting on my long career as a professional photographer. In particular…. about brand integrity, marketing and client relationships. I owe a debt of gratitude to so many for what I have learned along the way and in particular I think of the studio where I trained in Canada. Upon arrival in the UK one of my first clients was BMW (GB) Ltd. Talk about in at the deep end! I very quickly learned the value of “attention to detail” and client customer relations. To say nothing of “Brand Value” in an above the line product. Along with my many other clients I was privileged to work with many gifted marketing managers at BMW over an 18 year period. …in particular Andy Clarke and Paul Harris. Both who eventually moved on to even bigger things like a Global Brand Consultancy, Rolls Royce and McLaren. I discovered that although I was a servant and a small cog in a much bigger marketing machine I could make a difference and although a freelance I discovered the value of working as a team.
Over the years I discovered that my work was much more than just taking photographs. I learned the importance of reflecting well the values and brand quality of my clients. I always want to make them look good in all I do, my presentation, what I say and of course….through great photographs. The result for me has been that many of my clients although starting out as small business have grown into National and even International Companies and I was part of the journey. One local company became the front runner to the now huge “serviced apartment” industry. It has been great to be part of their successes even though my part was small. Sadly there are some businesses on a slippery slope who only think of the bottom line, cut corners in marketing, devalue the brand and become mediocre.
Honesty, Integrity, loyalty and expertise and all the values we admire are well documented.. but something I intend to explore more in future is the value of “selfless exceptionalism” a concept I discovered from the book Greatness by the psychologist Dr David Cook. I am lead to believe there lies fulfilment, success and greatness. I continue to love photography with a passion and I am looking forward to the next phase… hopefully with much “exceptionalism”. Be encouraged and don’t be dragged down by purveyors of doom and gloom. Make the most of every precious day….. make it “exceptional” !!
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Going through some older photographs I was delighted to find this photograph of "The Princess Royal" with "The Coneheads". It was a pleasure to be the "official photographer" on this event and capture the moment. Her Royal Highness has been one of the most dedicated hard working Royal ...I am so glad I found this picture.
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]]>Well last weekend I got close…
Most of my photography work is related to business … including people but not weddings.
Last weekend I took a photograph of my daughter just before we left for the church on her wedding day. I had to didn’t I?
I always try to capture the essence of my subject… even in architecture. I am really pleased with this shot of my daughter … this is the essence of Grace.
]]>Do you need "fresh" headshots for your business?
The last couple of years has meant that many profile photographs are "old' and "outdated" as people have isolated or worked from home. As we move forward it will be easier to update these photographs. Many companies I work for are already doing just that...especially as "new employees" arrive.
If you want “fresh”professional headshots to update and enhance your internet presence please get in touch. I promise I will make you all "look better" than my friend in the photograph.
An Experience
I have just added a new camera to my array of photographic equipment. It is from a well known camera maker who is fast rising as a supplier to the digital professional photographic market. A leading camera testing company DXO rate the sensor in it as one of the best ever. My Canons now have a Sony stablemate.
Last night I had one of those “fail” nightmare dreams. I was on an assignment and working with a “film” camera (Pentax 6x7 with a 45mm wide angle lens). After hours of grooming and photographing interiors I had an awful thought..”Is there film in the camera?” Yes there was but as I unloaded it, the roll of 120 film started to unravel and separate from the light proof backing paper. Hours of shooting were lost! The dream got me thinking.
In the days of film and before digital I learned how important it was to load and maintain my cameras…. I used the best in the day and my 4x5 Arca Swiss with leather bellows and micrometer drive was an exquisite work of art. If a sheet of film was not loaded dust free, shots were ruined. The film was loaded in the dark and you only found out after the shoot if you had got it wrong! I shot 1000’s of rolls of film over the years and can honestly say that no big disasters happened or film was ruined at the lab. I had a 5 year project that took me on trips around the world and after a two week period of shooting I would rush my film to the lab with great anxiety hoping that the thousands of pounds spent on travel and hours shooting were not lost. A precarious existence with so many variables to say the least.
Shooting with film required extensive preparation with no Photoshop bailouts or chimping. If lighting, composition and attention to detail was not meticulously adhered to the result was a “fail”. I always had in mind that I was only as good as my last shoot and it was all down to me as a self employed photographer to make sure I delivered….every time! In our instant digital world we can immediately see if we have “the shot” with no long agonising hours of waiting while the film is being processed.
My new Sony opens up a potential I didn’t even dream of back in the days of film and almost every shot is now perfect in execution. Compared to the days of the family camera and film that went to Boots we can now “all be photographers by comparison”. Yes. the standard is much higher now but so are the demands from sophisticated marketing people who are more visually literate than ever. Getting “the shot” and getting the job done when clients are spending a lot of money is still a huge challenge. Every assignment that I do comes with years of experience and problem solving. With that behind me I have a greater confidence but I still feel a tension and excitement with every new assignment. The “butterflies’ mean that I never take a shoot for granted and that I still prepare meticulously and never underestimate the value of experience.
I continue to love photography with a passion and every assignment is a thrill. For those interested in photography I am going do a bit more “one to one” tuition. In light of Covid protocol I am doing outdoor exercise “walk, talk and take photographs”. Assignments will continue as always ....
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Andy Hague is a jazz institution in Bristol and he has influenced and provided encouragement for many musicians over the years. He recently played a Miles Davis tribute to the Kind of Blue Album with his band at The Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival. I was thrilled to hear the gig but also thrilled to get this reflective photograph of Andy as he listened to a solo being played by Terry Quinney.
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I recently had the privilege to photograph this beautiful property for Knight Frank Bristol. Nine days after launching, the house had two offers over the guide price and needless to say the owner was delighted. I was informed that some people had journeyed over 4 hours to view the property based on the details and the photographs. I am always pleased when my photographs do the intended job as in this case. ]]>
I am developing my Instagram site and have found a wonderful community and a wealth of great photographs.
Please have a look and “follow”.
https://www.instagram.com/walterdirks/
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My first visit to Paris and I am hooked on this beautiful, creative and stylish city. This trip was a long weekend break but I would love to spend more time taking photographs and absorbing the culture... a photographic project would be treat. ]]>
I love Uganda and its' vibrancy .... people, landscape and wildlife. I recently went on a trip with some photographers who were keen to improve their skills. Part of the trip was in a game reserve and I felt fortunate to get "up close and personal" with this water buffalo... They are one of the most dangerous animals...to look at this guy with his little "birdie" friend singing on his back you might find that danger hard to believe... Yes... of course I was a 300mm lens distance safe. It is always nice to get a shot that you are pleased with and even better when you get the added 'bonus"... I always am looking for that little extra something in in getting "the shot" . I think the others who came on the trip to Uganda with me felt they were able to "get " many great shots and I think they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the trip...as did I.]]>
After the recent snow, I went out for a walk along the canal at Bathampton and I took a few photographs of the rapidly disappearing snow and ice. They say the best camera is always the one you have with you. My always with me camera is either my Fuji XT2 or my iPhone 8 which is great.
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]]>For my clients I will be able to shoot very high detail pictures which will be visibly clearer on the printed page...from double page spreads to 6 foot plus display panels.
Here is a test picture that I have just taken.... the full file size is 48 inches across at 300 dpi .... It is not possible to convey the true size here but if you get in touch I can send a sample jpeg. http://www.walterdirks.com/p370686843
http://www.walterdirks.com/p427690011
It helps to have something which connects the heavenly event to the earth so I decided on Tintern Abbey ( established 1131 AD) near Chepstow. The reasoning was that it was close to Bristol and as a ruin it has witnessed and survived much. I could imagine inhabitants fearing “ the end of the world ” when an eclipse would come and although my photographs show little of Tintern… it turned out to be a great location.
After leaving a slightly cloudy Bristol and driving through some fog I was thrilled to find clear skies and arrived in good time to set up. There were others around with cameras and even a lady with an iPad who asked if she could sit beneath my camera…I suppose she assumed that I had good kit and would get a good shot so she would as well. I used a 300 mm lens and tethered my camera to a laptop so I could make adjustments without looking directly at the sun. As the peak approached so did some clouds which slightly covered the sun and made getting a crisp shot of the sun impossible. On reflection I am thankful that they arrived because in the end they enhanced the event and added to the drama.
Some years ago I had the privilege to meet with and photograph Dr. David Block the eminent astronomer in South Africa…. It was clear from the outset that he was passionate about the heavens and in particularly watching the “birth of stars”. His telescopic photographs that I have seen are extremely beautiful and take my thinking much further than “three score and ten”. The eclipse this time around was equally beautiful and did the same….
The landscape was scorched by the widespread brush fires which the rangers light to bring new growth but the animals were plentiful and it was a delight to see them looking so good. I was thrilled to get up close enough to see the whites of their eyes...but not so close that I became lunch! As a photographer I am a danger to others...when the ranger was frantically shouting and waving us to escape a charging bull elephant I was shouting to our driver to wait so I could get the shot. The driver panicked but wisely followed orders... I did not get the shot...it took me quite a while to adjust and see reason. The "shot" is now written permanently in my minds eye and I lived to tell the tale so a mixed blessing.
I have now included some of the photographs I did get in my Fine Art gallery and will be adding some more when I can...http://www.walterdirks.com/p704354399
It is hard to believe but winter is just around the corner. On a recent "dog walk" in the rain I spotted these beautiful red leaves and thought "I must come back with my camera and take a picture" but of course the moment and light would pass as would the inclination. It was at that point that I remembered my iPhone with its reasonable camera in my pocket. Here is the result... they say that the best camera is the one you have with you....be encouraged and don't miss an opportunity.]]>
]]>In May 2012, I had an exhibition of my landscape photography at The Glass Room gallery at The Colston Hall. It was a joint showing with my friend Sheona Beaumont (now a celebrity of One Born Every Minute ! ). The exhibition was aimed to coincide with The Bristol Festival of Photography which runs annually in the month of May and it was well received.
This year I decided to have an exhibition in my local and favourite coffee shop...Rubicon, Chandos Road, Bristol as part of the BFOP. Over the last couple of years I have built up a library of photographs which reflect the thriving Bristol jazz scene. I was one of the official photographers at the Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 2014 and was thrilled to get many photographs that I really like. David Redfern (famous jazz photographer) had an exhibition of his work at the jazz festival and it sowed the seeds for me to do "Bristol Jazz Photography" ...photographs of jazz performed in Bristol.
Jonny Bruce - Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 2014
Although space is somewhat limited at Rubicon I will make sure to include as many local people as possible...this may take the form of some montages. A more comprehensive book is also on the way .... printed and also hopefully as an available to buy ebook.
The exhibition will run from May 1st -31st each day from 8am - 6pm and I will post some more information and links as they become available.
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The prizes have been given out and I have been successful. My photograph of the little girl playing with her yellow balloon in the Cabot Circus fountain was winner in the 15:00 -16:00 hourly category. Moonrise over the docks was highly commended as runner-up in the 18:00 - 19:00 hourly category and also highly commended as runner-up in the Visit Bristol - Visitor Guide front cover prize. One of my prizes was given out by Bristol Mayor George Ferguson who commissioned me to photograph architectural projects for him some years ago. It was great to catch up with him after the event.
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I decided to enter the “24 Hours In Bristol” photographic competition. A task was set for hundreds of photographers to photograph Bristol in a 24 hour time frame on October 19th, 2013.
At the stroke of midnight I was ready and took several pictures in the city centre. I was constantly distracted by “happy” people enjoying Bristol night life but they were good humoured and fun to chat to. At three am I was tired and decided to go home for some well earned sleep. At the crack of dawn I was back out taking pictures…. I walked miles in search of that “special” shot. I was on the look out for an interesting person to photograph and finally saw a really fit looking lady getting out of her car. I new straight away she was “the one” and she said “Yes” ....I could take her picture for the competition.
Bristol’s future belongs to the children. Children love puddles and Cabot Circus has the best puddle ever. I have watched children and families absolutely adore the fountain that rises out of the ground. Parents don’t mind their children getting wet and I can just hear the positive response when children are asked if they want to go shopping. I am so glad I was able to photograph this little girl as she played in the water...the sun was kind and briefly gave me a wonderful light. The parents were delighted with the picture I showed on the back of my camera and they were more than happy for me to enter the picture.
By evening I had some really nice pictures including The Matthew on the move and also a “Moonrise” over the docks. Each photographer was given a computer generated time slot in which one entry had to be taken. My slot was 20:00 - 21:00 and I decided to go for The Clifton Suspension Bridge. Thousands of people from all over the world visit the bridge every year and countless photographs are taken of it each and every day. I set myself a challenge to make a picture that would stand out from the rest...of course that is a huge challenge and perhaps unrealistic given my time slot of 20:00 - 21:00. Certainly it was not “the blue hour” or “sunset” and taking the photograph from a spot where thousands have photographed the bridge made my personal challenge even more difficult!
Having a specific focus to photograph Bristol was a worthy project. It has given me greater insight into Bristol life and some wonderful hidden places which I intend to photograph when there is less of a time constraint and the light is right. If I have some success in the competition that would be great but I feel I already have my reward from the hours spent “looking” @Bristol.
Here is a link to my entries... http://www.24hoursinbristol.co.uk/gallery/walterdirks
Walter
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After and long run of commercial photography I finally got around to photographing my dog Moses. He is just over a year old and a very handsome boy. Regular runs on the Bristol Downs and a swim in the lake at Blaise Castle keeps him fit and vital. Black dogs are quite difficult to photograph with harsh light so I used a large soft box to diffuse it..... I managed to bang off two frames before he was off but the "Head Shot" was in the "can".]]>
I am delighted to announce an exhibition of my landscape photographs at Harveys Cellars in Bristol. They have a great gallery space (next to The Bristol Hippodrome in Denmark Street) and will be showing my work for six weeks from May 16th, 2013.
Attached is a link which gives more detail about the exhibition and an invite to the "private view".
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=e9ba3ca2a2d1317774a3e2a15&id=3aee38c3f9&e=2d90ce2fad
]]>Top quality photographs reveal the “essence” of what makes a property special and help it to “stand out”.
I regularly photograph everything from “Town Houses” to “Country Estates” for top agents. My photographs feature in Country Life , local magazines (many cover shots), national newspapers, websites and estate agent brochures
If you are thinking of selling your property give me a call…or ask your agent to. I offer bespoke property photography which all agents will be happy to use.
Have a look in my Architecture - Property gallery...
Photographing my musician friends and being able to listen to my favourite music was great fun. Although I was only around on the Sunday there were many bands playing in the foyer of the Colston Hall and my intention is to be at the event for the whole weekend next year and take a lot more pictures.
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My senses were acutely awakened in my early years by the Canadian outdoors. The sky was big and mostly blue with fluffy cumulus clouds. The grasses had that wonderful earthy aroma... especially just after a thunderstorm. The storms made my heart race with excitement, flashes of lightning were almost blinding and the thunder claps deafening . Sometimes the wind was so strong I could lean into it and almost imagine that I was flying. Not surprising that I love being outdoors with a camera. I will be including four photographs that I took while in the Rockies on my recent trip to Canada. I had to wait for a couple of days to let the snowstorms that were in the area pass through...I think the wait was worth it.
My latest exhibition starts on November 29th, 2012 and will run into the New Year. It is again at The Rubicon Cafe, 26 Chandos Road, Redland which is open everyday from 8.30 am and closes at 6.30pm. I am hoping for continued support and if exhibition photographs mounted in acrylic are ordered before December 16th you will be almost certain to have them for Christmas.
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I am back from a most amazing trip to Canada. It was wonderful to catch up with family and friends and also spend some time in the Rockies taking photographs. I will be spending the next week on post production which should yield the basis for my next exhibition which will once again be at the Rubicon Cafe in Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol. The exhibition starts around the beginning of December (date tbc) and will feature some of the wonderful winter wilderness from my trip. The above photograph is of the view that greets visitors to the Rockies when they approach through the Foothills on a back road.]]>Another joy of living and working around Bristol has been the appreciation I have received for my recent exhibitions and being part of The Bristol Festival of Photography. It seems Bristol people enjoy looking at photographs and have a genuine interest and some even buy :) . I will be going to Canada for a visit soon and plan to take some new photographs which I will include in my next exhibition....venue is yet to be confirmed.
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My photographs will be mostly the same as the Colston Hall showing with an additional one or two. My intention is to give those who were unable to view the last exhibition another chance to see the pictures. I will also offer the photographs at a "special price" for the duration of the show.
I really hope that many of you will visit the exhibition...I will spend a fair amount of time at the Rubicon so I might see you there....the coffee is great.
]]>In August I have another show in a smaller more intimate venue. I will include some of the photographs from The Colour of Landscape but also plan to shoot some new material ....an announcement will appear closer to the time.
All the photographs recently exhibited are for sale in various sizes.....if you are interested in purchasing please contact me throughout this web site to discuss.
]]>Special thanks goes to all those who have come to the exhibition....I really appreciate it.
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Well it is time for my first post on this blog. First of all thank you for visiting my website....I really hope you enjoy the photographs.
On May 3rd I will be putting up an exhibition of some landscape photographs at The Glass Room Gallery in the Colston Hall, Bristol. The exhibition called The Colour of Landscape is joint with my friend Sheona Beaumont.
Sheona writes: “Images of landscapes are often held to be emotive and personally meaningful: memory, document, evocation of situation, expression, spirit, wonder are all levels of meaning given to photographs taken of particular places. In this exhibition, two photographers draw on both their local connections to Bristol and their experiences living and traveling abroad, to consider the photographed landscape as coloured with such meaning. Sheona Beaumont uses digital manipulation to create collaged or inverted scenes, often highlighting the spiritual dimension of our relation to our environment. Walter Dirks captures the beauty in simplicity, reflecting on an uncluttered way of seeing as much as on the harmony of nature’s forms and colours. Together, they seek to re-enchant our looking and to celebrate the brilliance of the world around us.”
Some of my pictures for the exhibition were taken in Africa and others fairly close to Bristol. It has taken me a long time to separate my emotional connection to landscape from my personal experience and memories. It is greatly liberating as I no longer feel constrained by geographic location. This all came about when I got up at 5 am a few weeks ago and travelled to Exmoor to catch some photographs at that beautiful time of day when the light is so soft. A picture I was delighted to capture bears a striking resemblance to one I took in Africa at a similar time of day..... I hope you will come and visit the show which runs from May the 4th until June the 2nd.