lujonrael

March Updates, Three shoots in the bag this month and would it have been so hard to have shown a little bit more respect when it was needed?

in

A very warm welcome back to my little piece on the web

It has been a busy month this last month with not one, but three photo shoots and a cremation thrown it in the mix as well.

We finally got to do our shoot with singer Alexis Victoria Hall that was originally planned for January. That shoot was postponed because of both Amy and I being down with the flu. So I am glad it happened because it was a shoot twenty years in the making. It was that long ago and more that Alexis first contacted me for a shoot. For whatever reason we never got around to it, so made up for it with this short but sweet shoot. It was a month when Mercybongo came back for her sixth shoot and the promise of more shoots to come later in the year. I also got to go on location with male model Lee Henshaw at a local (ish) Art Gallery. What a brilliant place to shoot. We even had good weather, so did some stuff outside the gallery. And to top it all off it was also fun !

On a more down beat note I attended the cremation of Patricia my friend whose daughter I used to work with many moons ago. It was a decent send off for her, if a little chaotic and unorganised. I felt a deep sorrow, not just for the passing of Patricia but of what I thought was the rudeness of some of the mourners. At lesst three times some peoples mobile phones went of, with no urgency to turn them off. Sadly there were others who turned up late and were still filling through the doors right up until the end of the service. I know its wrong to compare cremations and maybe it is just me, but it would have been nice if everyone showed a bit more respect and for starters turned off their cell phones. But it must be said, that at the end of the day Patricia did get a good turn out of people to pay their respects. And I suppose that is really all that mattered,

This April will be a bit quieter with only one photo shoot planned featuring the lovely Indian model Munira come back for her second shoot with us. We are going to do some edgy fashion shots with fluffy pick jackets, pencil skirts, ballet boots and toilet roll middles.

We do not have anything else planned, so a bit of an easy month compared to March. Hope to see you all again next month and enjoy the offerings we have for you here today.

X



February Updates, welcome to all the new stuff and a sad farewell to a friend, remembering Patricia Nyajeka

in

A warm welcome back to my little piece on the web

Apologies for the lateness of writing this blog, I should have done it yesterday but had been in the studio in Derby working with singer Alexis Victoria Hall so by the time we got back home, both Amy and I were exhausted. This month just gone has been a busy one with shoots and family stuff to do like the funeral of my beloved Aunt Jane in Northampton. My uncle and cousins and greater family gave Aunt Jane a good send off. It was not a morbid affair as some funerals can be and I learned a lot about my aunt that I did not know before. There was a tear jerker moment when the song 'The way we were' by Barbara Streisand played over the ceremony. And when the curtains closed around the coffin, all I could think to say was 'Goodbye Aunt Jane … and thank you x.

Hats when it hits you that you will never see her again.

Aunt Jane in our memories.

February also witness the cruel hand of fate fall on another friend of mine, Patricia Nyajeka.

Patricia was the mother of a lovely model I used to work with on many projects called Lorna Nyajeka. I got to know Pat as we called her, through Lorna, whom she was very proud of. She was born in what was then Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe in Africa, She was a good women and was only one month younger than me. She asked me once to design a flyer to publicize a class reunion in a hall of all of her friends from home which I was glad to do. I even got to photograph the event and meet the good people there. It was a very friendly event, full of warm African hospitality in an English country house. Good memories. Life does not seem fair sometimes, its very arbitrary and often cruet

so then you have to take the bad times to hold dear the good times. But its never easy in reality. My thoughts are with her family and those she loved.

A few weeks ago we got to work again with the flaming redhead Lydia Clifford at the Boardroom Studio in Derby and dot some great stuff. Sadly the second model Zoe Birtwhistle could not make the shoot which was a shame. Maybe again at some future date? So a huge thank you to all there. Lydia, Shadrine from Kavour Beauty. Phil Lynam and of course Amy.

This March has already started on a good foot with a shoot yesterday featuring awesome singer Alexis Victoria Hall in Derby and will be followed by two more shoots, one with the lovely Mercybongo and a third with male model Lee Henshaw on location. So keeping us busy.

So I would like to say a big thank you to my parents for putting us both up for the night, as well as their company at the funeral.

See you all in March for another update and I hope, plenty to view.

Do take care of yourselves and enjoy this months blog x.

September Updates and a special mention to 'Parcel-farce'

in

Welcome back to my little corner of the web.

September was a placid month again, I had wanted to go to the City and capture some architecture pictures as well as street photography. But every time it came to the weekend it was either bad weather, or we had something else to do. Maybe this October we can get down there and photograph something of interest? We did however manage to do a three model shoot at the Boardroom Studio, featuring the makeup of Shadrine at Kavour Beauty and the loveliness of Mercybongo, Munira Model and Yoo Yoo. And it was great fun with some good results … in-fact too many for publication.

Cast your mind back a few months ago when I sent a parcel containing a Camera to Romania so it could be chipped to do Infrared photography with it. The camera that was stolen somewhere on its journey back to me and I only got an empty box back for my troubles? Well we filled in a claims form that was given to us over the counter at the local post office and mailed it to the shipping company's address. After a month or so I contacted the shipping company to see how it was claim was progressing The shipping company I shall simply refer to as 'Parcel - Farce,' told me that it was with the claims department and that I should wait for them to contact me. So it was to my surprise when I contacted them again a week ago to say I have not heard a sound from them, that they tell me they never received it in the first place. So someone in Parcel - Farce lied or is lying to me I wish I could say I am surprised, but I am not. When you look at other people dealings with Parcel - Farce, its easy to come to the conclusion that they are as useful as a tampon in a swimming pool. In fairness when you read about any shipping company on liner its like reading a horror story, with very few printing the times they have done a great job. Such is the way things go, but I for one will try to avoid using Parcel - Farce any more. And fingers crossed for the smooth journey through the department concerned of my resubmitted claim. I shall keep you all informed.

I am in the studio again tomorrow, so should have something new to show you all at the end of October. Until then take care of yourselves and enjoy this months blog.

x

Augusts Updates and 'Well he would say that, wouldn't he? '

in

Welcome back to my blog and little piece of the web that is mine. Good to have you back and hope you enjoy this months offerings?

It was going to be a quite month as opposed to July, with no model shoots at all Yet back in July I was contacted about shooting with a new model Lydia Clifford and I just jumped at the opportunity. We also squeezed another new shoot in with favourite Monalisa Moyo, back again in-front of the lens. So aside from them its been an peaceful, uneventful month. I would like to add a thank you to all those who like and watch my blog. With a special mention to my father who wrote a really lovely email to me saying how he enjoyed the pictures. I do not often get a lot of comments and often met with indifference because I think people have an expectation of a certain quality of work so don't mention when they get it. I put images up on Instagram and the such which sometimes go on to get two likes- WORLDWIDE!! Now I am not fishing for compliments, applause or feeling sorry for myself, but it is always good to get feedback (good or bad). So at least you know where your going wrong or getting something right? Now I know what you might be thinking, so his father said something encouraging to him and to use the Mandy Rice - Davies quote 'Well he would say that, wouldn't he? ' But it took me back a bit in a pleasant way and it felt good. Feedback, suggestion, requests and even constructive criticism, is better than silent indifference people. Nuff said ….…...

September is shaping up to be a busy month with a three model shoot at the Boardroom Studio in Derby, organised Shadrine my makeup artist at Kavour Beauty. Get well Shadrine, we need you fit and active on the day.

Please enjoy this months blog

x


So please enjoy this months blog

July Updates, what turned out to be a very busy month and a lesson never to send parcels to Romania !

in

Welcome back to my little corner of the web.

There were two shoots this month and a shoot taken on the last day of June (so technically for all sakes and purposes this month) Blessed with four great models to work with Mercybongo and Carl Tilson. Maryna Sedin and Marie Jean Saxton, they have kept me busy snapping and editing.

We also managed to travel to my parents home and see them which is always good. Not just to get away from our house, but to spend quality time with them is worth the journey. I managed to do one of the shoots on location in my Fathers lush garden as well as them taking us to Rushden Lakes for some magazine shopping and photo taking around the buildings. It was fun,Amy and I loved it, So thank you greatly to Mum and Dad x

Now here is a word of caution …. if your thinking of sending anything to another country (in this case Romania) you might want to think again about it. I sent an old camera to a man in Romania who could chip the camera so as to make it take Infrared images only. I know I already have a camera that does that, but I wanted a higher spec and it made use of my trusted old Nikon D3. So I sent it via the post office carrier (I shall not mention their name here!) at the princely sum of £50.00 only for the empty box coming back to me a few weeks later! Apparently it got as far as Bucharest and customs did not like it and sent it back, but between there and my front door some thieving turd helped themselves to it. Returning the empty box like trying to rub my nose in it! The Royal Mail recommended I call the Romania Customs and ask what happened to the camera? but that is as futile an effort as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest! Taking the piss obviously, I think they just said that to get rid of me. It worked. Although I have put a claim in, I have still not heard anything from the carriage company, and don't hold out much hope. Oh well, I guess some things just were not meant to be and I shall not do that again. Lesson learned.

Hope you enjoy this bumper month of pictures to make up for last months lacklustre offering.

x

June Updates and a sorry case of Old Mother Hubbard syndrome

in

It has been a very quiet month this June and I feel like Old Mother Hubbard going to her empty cupboard. There has been no model shoot or visits to the studio (I took a break!!). Although I am actually going to be doing a shoot on location on the 30th June, so too late to go into this months blog. Never mind. Julys blog will be a bumper harvest, so hold out till then.

Earlier this month I sent an old camera I had sitting around Romania to have it chipped so it can do Infrared shots and a 24mega pixels. I had my doubts about it but sent it through Parcel Force. Cost me £50. It came back to me, (or at least the box came back to me!) a few weeks later minus the camera. According to the tracking it got to Bucharest and was refused at Custom & Excises. So then between there and my front door, someone helped themselves to the parcels content. I have put in a claim for its cost and postage, but I shall learn a lesson. Never send parcels through Parcel Force and never to Romania. Thieving arseholes !!! The worst bit is that I had a gut feeling this would happen. Like a sixth sense. Should have listened to it. Never mind.

I hope you enjoy this months very short blog and come back for much more next month.

January Updates and welcome back for the New Year 2023.

in

Welcome back to Lujon Rael Portfolio, I do hope you had a great Christmas and New Year?

Amy and I spent some quality time with my Mum and Dad down at their place in Northamptonshire, so it was just nice to have a scene change and to see them both again.

Aside from that it has been fairly quiet this month. Mainly on account that its too bloody cold and everyone is skint after the Christmas binge. There has not even been a trip up to see all my friends (?) at Clinic 8 for a change, although I am now getting appointments to see me a few times this coming February. Oh what fun we shall have, I Can’t wait !! Better things to look forward to this coming February is another shoot with Aasiya Azeemali who we last snapped in November. This will be a head and shoulders beauty shots of Aasiya wearing a few different hijabs and makeup provided by Shadrine from Kavour Beauty.As well as this,a second shoot later in the month with new model to me Elle Jones will take place. The theme of this shoot is a nod to the late Norma Jean Baker in style. Both shoots will be held at The Boardroom Studio in Derby.

It only leaves me to say I hope you enjoy this months offerings

x

December Update Christmas and my continuing adventures at Clinic 8

in

Welcome back to the final blog update of 2022, and how the year has gone fast.

As of writing this blog, Christmas day (or Mariah Carey Day as I like to call it) is past and building up again for the a rival of the new year. I already have some shoots booked in for doing in February when things start to come alive again, as well as some appointments in Clinic 8 … a place where all your dreams do come true and of which I am a frequent flyer! At the start of the month I visited my favourite clinic to have laser done on my left eyeball. I have had it before and it is a drawn out procedure of some Doctor zapping you with his laser gun. This session I was stuck with a young Doctor who thought he was Roy Rogers or Quick on the draw Mcgraw He zapped my into oblivion, shooting from the hip. Now its safe to say I do not like laser any more than I like being at Clinic 8 in general. Laser is up there with root canal, colonoscopy, cervical smears (so I am reliably informed!) and the odious pleasure of having a small camera rammed down your knob! As perceive as it may sound, I actually prefer injections into my eyeballs as I am used to it and it is over very quickly. Unlike laser which is thirty or more minutes of agony and torture.I hate it and recoiled in pain when he would not stop zapping me after I told him it hurt, only then and after I gave him a string of experlatives did he finish inflicting pain on me. Saying that he guessed I did not like the procedure, top marks to that man for working that one out all by himself! So for the new year, my new years resolution will be a simple one …. NO MORE LASER !!! It should not be a hard one to keep.

Collected here on the website and blog are some much better things I have done this month, including getting to work with the lovely Mercybongo model She was a real treat and we got some great stuff to finish the year off with. I will be back in the studio come February 1st, for a second shoot I have planned with model Aasiya Azeemali. So roll on February.

Thanks then to Phil Lynam at the Boardroom Studio for his help. To Shadrine at Kavour Beauty for all her makeup work. To Chris and the ladies at Flowers To Yours and the Brambles Florist. A special thanks to my long suffering wife Amy, and to you all seasons greetings

.Enjoy the blog.


October Updates and a warm farewell to Uncle .... a life worth remembering

in

Welcome back to Lujon Rael Portfolio this month.


We aim to please our viewers and friends, but must start this month off with some sad news of the passing of a dear Uncle. Ly Va Sinh (or Uncle as we affectionately refereed to him) passed away earlier this month with his family by his bedside when the end finally came. Originally from North Vietnam, he came with all of his family to the UK via Hong Kong back in the late 1970's. Which was no mean feet on a boat as they did then. Anyone old enough to remember the late 1970' and early 1980's would be aware of the 'Boat People' fleeing to safety back then. My wife included on that same boat as Uncle.

He was the mayor of his town in Vietnam and was always welcoming to Amy and myself whenever we would be in his house. Uncle had a warm smile that lit up his face when he was pleased about something and he also possessed a good sense of humour. I can remember once Uncle offering me some Chinese Rice Wine. I knocked the whole glass down straight and he paused to see my reaction. It was like having a red hot poker in your throat and Uncle thought it was so amusing to watch me flap my arms about like a demented chicken in a clumsy attempt to cool my mouth down. On another occasion Uncle laughed enthusiastically when I put some orange peel in my mouth cut to make them look like monkeys teeth. So what I am saying here is that Uncle was a very good and loving man. He leaves behind a very large extended family of several generations and all of whom love him and miss him. But he is with his beloved late wife and in a much better place now I believe. And in no more pain. The martial arts star Bruce Lee once said 'To reach true immortality, you must first lead a life worth remembering.' I think that applies here and it is no glib statement to say that Amy and I will both miss him. But we will remember him … and so I would like to dedicate this months blog to the memory of Uncle Ly Va Sinh.

For Uncle and the Ly family ... the love of the loved ... Safe journey home x

In other business, I had a great shoot this last month with Marie Jean Saxton at the Boardroom Studio in Derby, that went well. The results of which can be seen below, I am at loggerheads with Clinic 8 of my local Hospital again as they called me in for an appointment at 9am Sunday morning, only to be told they had cancelled it weeks ago and had not got around to telling me. They had also booked me in for an appointment today to have dye washed through my veins. Something I did not know about as nobody discussed it with me. This appointment was then cancelled later that day in a phone call from the hospital. They apologised as it was a mistake and they did not infact need to do this invasive procedure. Which was just as well. Because after yesterdays debacle, I had already made up my mind I was not going to turn up anyway, so there !

Clinic 8, a place where dreams do come true !

Hope you enjoy this months blog.

Project – 'Lujon Fressonique' Update

in

Work in progress here of this new project and this time with some added Fashion captures from the Marie Jean Saxton shoot. Them mixed with some more flower snaps all using the plastic fantastic home made pinhole lens. Blurred to perfection.

September Updates

in

Hello and welcome back to Lujon Rael Portfolio blog, I do hope you are all in good health.

Starting this months blog of on a positive note, Amy and I managed to do a long planned shoot in Nottingham Train Station one Wednesday afternoon this last month.

Everything went to plan – EVERYTHING !!!!

No late arrivals, no awkward travel passengers or station staff and we managed to do all the hair makeup and shooting within the two hour maximum we promised the station manager. And it was fun. Have a look over the results below and see for yourself what makeup artist Shadrine and two models Monalisa Moyo and Fern Thompson did together.

On a less positive note, Amy and I were due to travel down to see my parents and for me to accompany my Father to a long awaited concert with guitarist Steve Hackett at the Royal Derogate Theatre in Northampton. Sadly it turned out when we arrived at Nottingham Train Station that a student somewhere between Nottingham and London had decided to play the Mondo Death game of Student Verses Train with a predictable outcome and to a full on gory effect. Now while there are no right way to kill yourself … as its all bad and all sad ..,, but this very selfish way of removing yourself from the human gene pool has huge ramifications for lots of other innocent people. Obviously the friends and family of the student, but then there is the driver and staff of the train also. The passengers onboard the train and what ever plans they had being lost in this act of self destruction. The emergency services staff called out to attend the scene and the poor persons who had to clean all the blood and guts of the track. And to myself who could not get down to see my parents and attend the concert. My dad sat alone with a spare seat next to him that I should have taken, watching the show. But then I suppose its like what John Lennon once said that 'Life is what happens to you when your busy making plans.'

Still on a lighter note, be sure to come back next month as we have a shoot in the fabulous Boardroom Studio in Derby featuring the return of stunning Marie Jean Saxton.

Please enjoy this months picture offerings. x

December Updates and a belated seasons greetings.

in

I am writing this to you from a few days into the January New Year 2022. So not strictly up to date. I had wanted to complete this before I went away for the holidays with Amy, but got bogged down with other matters. So here it is Decembers blog … completely free to enjoy without Covid and with apologies if a bit late.

Starting the month of I would wish to say a big thanks to our friends Chris and Wendy at Flowers To Yours and Brambles Florist, without their help I could never get the monthly flower images done. They are an invaluable help, so thanks. It is only fair to give a mention also to Amy who is always at my side and joins in the fun of the shoots. We went away to my parents house over the New Year period where they very kindly took us out into the wilds of the countryside to do some landscape photography. As well as a trip to this brilliant magazine shop in Rushden Lakes shopping centre where I managed to capture some shots for next months 'Architectural Metaphor' page. I would like to thank them deeply and say how much Amy and I appreciate and love them both. You can see the results of our trip away later this January.

There was no model shoot in December and will not be one until the end of February, but there is a years review slide show to have a look over for the greatest hits of 2021.

Enjoy the show.