Mike Patterson Photography

My new Facebook Fan page

2010-07-06T10:34:00.013+01:00

I am still getting quite a few hits to this old blog site so I thought I would put a link to the new Facebook page I created specifically for Mike Patterson Photography.

If you are a Facebook user then please become a fan and don't forget to pop in and say hello :-)))

Mike Patterson Photography's blog has moved ...

2010-03-04T17:24:00.001Z

Hi Everyone,

Yep, I still exist, honest!!! I keep apologising for the delay in posting but most of it is due to my focusing on what I need to do to get the business the way I want it for the future. Also, the blog is moving to a new home, so please make sure you update your RSS feed to the new site to ensure you get the latest and greatest from there instead. The new site is Mike Patterson Blog.com.

One of the biggest perks of having a self hosted site is the ability have much larger pictures from all the sessions I cover whether it be from portraits, engagement sessions, weddings to boudoir.

Thank you everyone who has read and commented on earlier posts and I look forward to seeing you at the new one.

MONDELLO PARK PHOTOWALK, JapFest 2009

2009-08-29T11:39:00.008+01:00

I was recently made aware that I was one of 21 people across Ireland asked to attend the Mondello Park Photowalk that is taking place on the 6th September this year.

I feel very fortunate and honoured to have been picked but had better start practising the various techniques required to get some nice shots.

It is a unique opportunity to get access to a lot of areas that are not normally made available to the general public and to do something I enjoy. The other unique twist to this is that this will be a day off for me from the usual weekend shenanigans and it means taking pictures for personal enjoyment which is something I have been lacking of late.

Volvo Ocean Race exhibition

2009-08-23T14:19:00.008+01:00

As I am out the country, I was fortunate to have some pictures taken of my print at the Exhibition I spoke about earlier.

Thanks to Aafke Bakker & Nico Den Heeten for taking and sending across the pictures for me to post.

Continuing the Volvo Ocean Race Festival theme ...

2009-08-19T07:53:00.028+01:00

As I indicated in the post below, I have one image selected for the free exhibition being held in Galway this weekend.

However, I wanted to provide a couple, ok more than a couple then, of images I took at the event which I really like and would want to share them with you. The rest of the set which contains well over 100 images can be found here - Enjoy!!

In the shot below you can just make me out. I am under the letters o and n.

This is the view from one of the apartments facing the main stage.

Got to have the Green Dragon boat in amongst these shots somewhere lol

We were also very lucky with the weather during the event with some amazing sunny days and a few drops of rain just to remind everyone of the typical Irish weather system we have here.

Aslan:

The Stunning:

Lucia Evans:

General Band whatnots:

FREE Exhibition from LookWest.ie & Pix.ie Volvo Ocean Race Festival Photo Competition

2009-08-17T17:10:00.019+01:00

Today I was fortunate to be asked if one of the images I took during the recent Volvo Ocean Race stopover here in Galway could be used for an exhibition that is being held here in Galway. I obviously said yes as it was such a monumental event which I thoroughly enjoyed being part of.

In a nutshell, over 10,000 images were uploaded and of those 100 were chosen to be represented in the exhibition.

The image in question is this one:-

The exhibition will take place this weekend in Galway (21-23 August) and is free to anyone who wants to see them.

Details can be found here

New Blog

2009-08-12T10:19:00.002+01:00

The new blog is slowly taking shape and will still be a while before it comes online as I want to ensure it has been tweaked to my liking. I will in the meantime still continue to add bits and pieces here.

A tad outdated

2009-07-29T16:21:00.004+01:00

I have been sooo bad of late with the blog and there is no excuse for it, it is me just being plain lazy.

So, I am back and will be posting a lot more images to get everyone's juices flowing again lol

The plan is also to convert this to another format that is a lot more pleasing to the eye so watch this space, it has been a long time coming....

Matthias & Kerstin

2008-09-30T15:30:00.066+01:00

I was contacted recently to do a portrait session with a couple from Germany. This was the 4th time they had visited Ireland over a 15 year period and it was to be a pretty special trip for them both, more on that later.

One of the requirements was to find somewhere that was romantic and we all know that we are not short of a place or five here in the west of Ireland. The other reason for this request was that Kerstin did not know anything about the portrait session as it was a surprise present for their 25th wedding anniversary they had celebrated just before coming to Ireland.

Here are a selection of images taken.

Now this last one is really special to me especially in light of what Matthias & Kerstin did after the session. The last shot of the day was taken on the bridge as you can see below.

However a little while after these were done I had a surprise email from them both with a couple of photo's attached. As part of their wedding anniversary celebrations, they had a party with family and had the images printed to show everyone their fantastic time here in Ireland. One of the images taken at the party was them holding one of the shots and you can see the result in the last image shown.

I just hope that my wife and I will be in love as much are you are after 25 years of marriage!!! More images are on my web site - www.mikepatterson.com

Car Park shoot

2008-09-29T15:40:00.062+01:00

I am a member of Galway Camera Club and a shoot was arranged in an underground car park here in Galway. The idea of the session was to get people used to and being more confident using using off camera flash. Some of the members that turned up were very new to photography and using flash, so basic schooling was given showing how things work and what can be done by changing various settings. Everyone was let loose and had a go at working with Nicola and Carl using either standard camera flash on stands with umbrellas or using proper studio lighting too which was great fun.

Here are a small selection of images taken during the couple of hours we were there:

These two are using natural light only.

Here is one of my shots using off camera flash.

Thanks to Sean for organising and bringing the various kit for everyone to use. Also a huge thanks to Nicola and Carl for braving the cold too - great sports!!

There are other images contained within the portrait section on my web site that are using similar techniques. Go on, you know you want to go and have a look - www.mikepatterson.com

Oscar Ball

2008-09-23T21:08:00.032+01:00

Galway was fortunate to have its own Oscar night recently but with a twist. It was a Make A Wish Foundation charity fundraiser here at the Clayton hotel owned by John Glynn.

I was there to help cover some of the guests with the help of these two old timers who proved to be a real treat and a laugh too. I have no idea how they did the twist the fork trick but it really got everyone wanting to know its secret. I think the best one was the two teaspoons trick, which was hilarious watching when people were rubbing the spoons on their chest trying to generate enough static - yeah right, if that was ever going to work!! lol

There were lots of people here willing to dig into their already deep pockets and provide some help and assistance to a worthy charity so well done everyone who took part. There were also some excellent prizes to be won including a childrens quad bike and protective gear, massive LCD TV, paintings and trips to various amazing hotels in and around Ireland.

For those who were there and want access to see the images via www.mikepatterson.com, please email me directly to mike[at]mikepatterson[dot]com to get the password.

Here are a small selection of images taken on the night.

Maternity SHoot

2008-09-21T11:52:00.008+01:00

As my business is growing, I am looking to offer maternity shoots as part of my portfolio of services.

I am looking for volunteer's to try various ideas with and have a specific look in mind for these shots. However,I am always open to suggestions so you can have your creative input too. The shoot will be free and you will be given images in exchange for your time.

Ideally I would like someone who is

*1+ month pregnant
*5+ months pregnant.

Please email me at info[at]mikepatterson[dot]com for more information and if possible please include a photo.

Thanks

Trash the Dress

2008-04-23T16:44:00.024+01:00

I hate the term "Trash the Dress" as it really gives the impression that the session is about ruining your dress for the sake of some unusual pictures. It clearly isn't about that but more about having a set of images that are done after the big day and it also gives you the opportunity to wear your dress again. I would also like to add that I seen some great work where it is both bride and groom, so come on guys, why not give it a go...

There were articles written in the New York Daily News and also in the New York Times recently about this phenomenon which is very popular in countries including USA, Australia and in the UK too. It would seem the brides of today are also a little more adventurous and this would explain the recent examples of this trend here in Ireland. I think that is more down to brides seeing shots posted on-line whilst doing research and planning for their own weddings.

I am sure there are a few brides out there that would like to try it and we have some great locations in this country. If you are up for a fun session then please get in touch with me at info(at)mikepatterson(dot)com.

Carrie & Gerard - Engagement Pics

2008-04-20T20:36:00.083+01:00

After many weeks of emailing back and forth, I finally had the pleasure of meeting with Carrie and Gerard for an engagement shoot in Dublin.

I had originally planned to allow about 2 hrs for the session based on our various discussions. That was a great idea at the time but as the day went on and as we were all enjoying it so much it was somewhat disregarded. We had also planned to go to certain locations but somehow in the end we just did our own thing and it worked a real treat.

I can't thank you both enough for the amazing time. For being such great sports when I asked you, whether it be to either stand somewhere, sit here, sit there, put hands there, adopt a certain pose and be all sloppy - lets be honest, that last bit wasn't very difficult either hahahaha.

Oh, I can't wait to try that Italian wine you kept going on about too.

Paintball

2008-04-20T20:36:00.052+01:00

Some people who know me will know that my biggest vice is paintball. I have been playing for almost 19 years now and have had some major exciting times with it over the years ranging from doing it as fun to taking it a whole lot more serious and eventually doing it every weekend . The sport has become so successful it has taken me to places like Barcelona, Toulouse, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, Oregon, London and Euro Disney Paris to name but a few.

Like everyone who tried it for the first time it was in the woods pretending to be Rambo and plotting to ruin the other sides chances of success. I went back and enjoyed it even more than the first time - I was gloriously hooked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paintball as a game has evolved so much in the last few years and has moved from the woods to areas that are much more spectator friendly. One of the gripes in the past was when you played in the woods you just couldn't see what was going on the other side of the field if that was where the action was. Woods ball is still a major part of the game of today and I think it will be with us for some time. I mean it's just too much fun romping around in the dirt.

Some of the significant changes in the game include the the equipment used. Everything is becoming so much more lighter, faster, easier to operate. Just imagine the markers (guns) being able to shoot as quick as your finger can pull the trigger. The markers themselves are more than capable of going a high as 32 balls per second - now that's fast!!!

So, how has it changed I hear from the back?? I have got some YouTube videos below showing what I mean as I believe its easier for you to see for yourself - enjoy!!!

Finally a new house to call home ...

2008-03-27T13:25:00.017Z

It has been a few months in the making after the last attempt went cock-eyed. If you have not read the story on my blog, here is the link for you to get an idea of the pain felt at the time.

So after months and months of waiting and watching we found the right place at last - yipeeeeeee!!!! It was well worth hanging on as we managed to secure a decent enough place especially in light of the current market being what it was. It is much bigger than the last place but that was a conscious decision to go that route in light of the way the business is rapidly growing. At this rate I may end up with a proper office/studio combination - watch this space!!!

All in all, what a manic week with moving and also trying to get the web site live. So without sounding too boring, thanks again to everyone for bearing with me whilst most of the office was boxed.

www.mikepatterson.com is finally live......

2008-03-24T16:16:00.011Z

www.mikepatterson.com is now finally with us and I would like to thank everyone who has provided the necessary input where required.

Screenshot as shown

Back down to earth

2008-02-18T15:06:00.016Z

I was supporting another Galway photographer very recently and what a wedding it was - gorgeous bride, doting father, happy groom and fantastic weather, even if it was slightly chilly but hey, it wasn't raining.

On the way from the church service to the reception, the father was involved in a car accident with some family members from the UK he was transporting. I wont go into great detail as to what happened but I am glad to say that all is well except for some cuts and bruises and a broken leg.

By the time we get to the hotel, we go outside and take pictures before heading inside to finish off. At this point the bride is still unaware of the preceding events as her sisters, who were bridesmaids, did not want her to know until the pictures had been done. So you can imagine how shitty everyone felt, the bride was in bits as her mom had died 4 years previosuly in similar circumstances.

It's at times like this that you realise just how important people are to you, how important it is to say I love you to the people closest and to appreciate everything we have. So, what am I trying to say. Well, her dad was 2 cars behind us on the way to the hotel and therefore it could have happened to us.

My web site

2008-02-03T09:49:00.002Z

Well, the saga still continues but I am so glad to say that it is finally getting closer to going live, which will mean I can sing to my heart's content about how wonderful I am as a photographer. But hey, if you are reading this, then you already know that dont you HAHAHAHA.

Seriously, I keep meaning to get it finished and I only have myself to blame for the delay, so a huge thank you to those who have patiently sat in the background, waiting, waiting more and giving me the extra little push I needed to finally get it completed.

Something from the weekend

2007-11-28T23:02:00.001Z

If every portrait session was like this, I would be such a happy bunny. I have never met such an amazing family and all the kids were just brilliant. The day started around 10.30-11:00am and finished around 3.30pm and then having to get back to show the images at 8pm. What a long day, but it was sooooooo much fun!!

The nice part was that not once did anyone complain especially as the day was a typical winter's day. The the images from the day are so varied, ranging from railway crossing/tracks (where I nearly electrocuted myself but thats another story), forest and beach to name but a few.

Thanks again Zoe!! ;-)))))

What to do on a cold winters evening??

2007-11-22T12:14:00.001Z

I had the pleasure of taking my first kiddy pictures a few days back - thanks for helping Anne!!

Now keeping in mind its winter, it's also fairly late in the day as it was raining all morning, it's cold and I am at the mercy of two little girls. I was trying to remember all these wonderful secrets I had read by other photographers as to keep them amused and to get them to pose. Well that all went out the window on the day. With it being so cold, it wasn't easy to keep them amused long enough to get the shots needed but hey I don't think I did too bad in the end.

Belfast Fasion Week 2007

2007-11-03T16:21:00.001Z

I was very fortunate to be allowed to take some shots at the 2007 Belfast Fashion Week show which took place in the The Baby Grand at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.

In its 3rd year now and definitely making a statement as each year goes on with it fashion ideas made are made available to the general public. In total, 11 models are used over the 3 days the show goes on for with the support of institutions like Toni & Guy Bobby Brown to help.

A small selection of images taken at the event which was great fun (from a photographers point of view of course)!!!

A few more other shots are available at my Flickr site

House is gone........

2007-10-31T18:16:00.000Z

I am a little saddened today as the house I thought we had bought is no longer to be. We decided to pull out of the purchase after having seeing the report done by an independent surveyor.

Sooooo, it starts again. All the driving around looking at all the various properties to see which one is for us. Hopefully the painstaking comparison of places, you know the one - which one had the better fireplace or had more/bigger bedrooms, which one had gas or oil central heating, the list is endless. Lets hope it wont take as long again (fingers crossed)!!

Dawn & Peter

2007-10-22T16:15:00.000+01:00

I was really excited about this wedding for a number of reasons. One of them being Dawn, the bride to be, was wearing a red dress. Now I know I am easily pleased but this was a first for me with a bride not wearing the traditional colours, so bear with me whilst I try to control myself.

The ceremony and reception took place at the fantastic Offley Place Country House Hotel in Hitchin. To be honest, the Offley web site does not do the place justice at all and you would be spellbound by its old charm when there. It's the kind of place that you can not but like. Ok, so do you really want to know why I took such a shine to the place?? I know this is going to sound crazy but it was for the staircase. I have seen some amazing pictures of brides where a grand old staircase was used and I really wanted to try and capture that amazing sense of grandeur from it.

Enough of my waffling for now and check out the images below. Please don't forget to leave comments too.

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Red dress images will be here soon!!!

2007-10-22T16:11:00.000+01:00

"Where's the Red Dress wedding pictures??" I keep hearing.

I am working on them again as I decided to change the images I wanted to post. They will be up pretty soon, honest guv'nor!!!!

Nicola

2007-10-18T16:52:00.002+01:00

Recently, I was able to grab some time with Michelle, a good friend of mine along with her daughter Nicola. We went to a park area close to where I live that has a castle with a kids play area, stacks of fields as well as a wooded area. Everyone uses this place to go walking, strolling or taking the dog out and now and then someone on a bike too. I would probably say it was more a case of the dog taking the owner(s) for the walk. I shall miss coming to this idyllic little spot when I move in the near future (more about that later).

I wanted to try something different and I have to say I had a great day. Nicola is a real poser and has no trouble putting hands and legs wherever was asked - very professional considering she has never done anything like this before!!!! Up until that session, I had never worked with children either so it was truly refreshing from that point of view.

The other highlight of the day was having Galway's only "Lion Dog" running around and chewing my reflectors, my ear and anything else he could get his razor teeth on.

One of my favourite shots of the day where Nicola is looking like a real young Puff Daddy, veeeerry cool!!

Grainne & Ian's wedding

2007-10-16T19:30:00.000+01:00

5 October 2007 will be a date for me to remember for a long time as it was my first wedding in Ireland and boy, what a fantastic venue. After a 4 hour drive from Galway, I did get a little lost but I made it with loads of time to spare.

Here are a selection of shots from Grainne & Ian's wedding that took place at the Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club in Waterford on . Such a great location and I could not believe how well the grounds are kept - amazing!! The only other golf club I have played at that was more impressive was the K-Club near Dublin. Keeping in mind the European Ryder Cup was held there this year, that should give you an idea as to how well it was kept.

The weather was fabulous and I was soooo hot in my two piece suit, so can you imagine how the groom and the bestman felt in the 3 piece glad rags!! Grainne looked stunning as did the bridesmaid.

Maxine & Banny's wedding

2007-10-15T21:01:00.000+01:00

I was fortunate to be involved with Maxine & Banny's wedding in Southport, UK on 8 September 2007. The wedding itself took place at the All Saints church in Rainford with the reception taking place at the Houghwood Golf Club. Oh and did I say it was my first ever wedding as a shooter of any sort!!!!!

One of the funniest moments was having to part the two weddings cars due to a slight mishap. The 2nd car (the one behind) got caught up in the bumper of the 1st car. Now, I know the photographers are there to help but me standing on the front bumper whilst Rob, Zoe's husband, was lifting the other to unhook them must have been a sight indeed. Thankfully there wasnt anyone there with a video camera.

Here are a few shots of the great couple. I kept saying during the day that Maxine looked so much like Grace Kelly, amazing likeness!!!

Here at last......

2007-08-30T19:49:00.001+01:00

Well I have finally got round to setting up the blog site for my new business, a little scary but its all go now.

A little info about myself so here goes.

As the title says, my name is Mike Patterson and I live in a small village called Oranmore just South of Galway. Maire and I were married in September 2005, I don't smoke, I don't drink a lot and don't have any pets anymore, even though I sometimes wish I still do as I miss Wonky a lot. Brown hair, blue eyes .....

Blimey, this sounds like a dating profile (not that I would know of course)!!!

I became a full time photographer a few months back after deciding it was time for me to get more involved with something I really love and enjoy. So now the fun begins.

So why have a blog?? Well it is really a way of me keeping everyone updated of the latest developments and ongoings as and when they happen. It will give you an idea of the quality of work I provide and generally give an insight into this photographers world.

Please visit often and leave comments too as it shows that I am doing things right.