Calvendo self-publishers in conversation: Lucy Antony

From vintage minis to colourful Portmeirion via some lovely seals in Norfolk – Calvendo calendar publisher Lucy Antony, aka Lucy Antony/Loose Images in her photographer guise, has a wonderfully eclectic portfolio and a love for detail, as she tells us in our interview. She also lets us in on how she honed her photography skills through a 365 project and has some excellent advice for first time Calvendo users.

Lucy in the sky ... loving this levitation-cum-self-portrait shot!

Lucy in the sky … loving this levitation-cum-self-portrait shot!

Lucy, can you talk a bit about your background as a photographer and how and when you took up photography?

I’ve always loved photography. My dad was rarely seen without a camera, and I suppose I took my lead from him. I have all his slides and cine films in my attic! So, I took for photos for years, but it wasn’t until I did a 365 project – taking a photo every day for a year – a few years ago that my skills improved to the point where I thought ‘yes, these are worth showing to the world’, and started my Facebook page Loose Images. Since then I have sold works to the local city council, a restaurant used some shots for an award they won, and of course, via Calvendo. I have made calendars for friends and family as presents for a number of years (my mum always asks for one for Christmas!), so that’s why I thought I would try some online with Calvendo.

I highly recommend the 365 project for improving photography skills, though – I tried macro work, long exposures, ‘trick’ photography and self-portraits, the latter something I thought I would never do. Although in my case I combined trick photography with self-portraiture, producing a number of levitation shots, including my ‘Mary Poppins’ shot which was great fun!

Vintage Minis calendar, by Lucy Antony/Loose Images

Vintage Minis calendar, by Lucy Antony/Loose Images

How would you describe your style and approach as a photographer? Continue reading

CALVENDO self-publishers in conversation: Kevin Mcguinness

He was born in Birmingham, grew up in New Zealand, returned to Old Blighty in his late teens and has travelled loads. He also loves the softness of misty mornings and forests which has resulted in some stunning photography: Meet Kevin Mcguinness, a portrait and fine art landscape photographer who has not only created some wonderful calendars with our platform but can also give some very good advice for Calvendo self-publishers.

11081112_1101950186498374_4669665617821654216_n

Kevin, can you talk a bit about your background as a photographer and how and when you took up photography?

I first got interested back in the late 90s, so my discipline was in film, and it wasn’t until ten years later when I got my first digital camera that my passion for photography really took off. Since then I have travelled the world seeing new countries, diverse cultures, beautiful ancient ruins and enjoyed every minute of the journey that photography has taken me on.

Kevin's Whispering Woods calendar

Kevin’s Whispering Woods calendar

How would you describe your style and approach as a photographer? Continue reading

CALVENDO self-publishers in conversation: Jon Grainge

From fashion to aviation, “I shoot what I like” says ex-RAF trainee jet pilot Jon Grainge. A few months back, he started using the Calvendo platform because it was, as he puts it, the next logical step for him to also produce calendars, after already publishing his own photo books and magazines. We agree!

Print.jpgbk-1

Jon, can you talk a bit about your background as a photographer and how and when you took up photography?

I have had an interest in photography since I was at college in Taunton in 1965 when I loved taking pictures of graveyards in black and white. After I left the RAF (trainee jet pilot) I retained my interest in aviation with visits to many air shows which I photographed with an assortment of cameras. This I continue to the present day. After my retirement I took up shooting fashion models and to combine this with my love of travel, I arranged many trips around Europe and North Africa  to obtain some classic images. It was just before this period that I qualified with the Institute of Professional Photographers.

Jon's 'Cotswold Cottages' calendar

Jon’s ‘Cotswold Cottages‘ calendar

How would you describe your style and approach as a photographer? Continue reading