Taba Heights Golf Resort Egypt

For everyone that loves golf I have now made a 2011 Taba Heights Golf Resort Calendar with images of the golf course that I have taken throughout its subtle season changes.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/hshippey/calendars/6502723-1-taba-heights-golf-resort


If you are more into a Coffee Table Book you can get your own Taba Heights Golf Resort Coffee Table book here.
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1503591

Taba Heights Golf Resort Coffee Table Book

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150284181688418&ref=ts

Jan Heesbeen the General Manager for Marriott Red Sea Resort to the left and me in the middle and my hubby to my right.

I have a Permanent Photography Exhibition of 9 images that I have taken of the Taba Heights Golf Resort, Egypt.

The Sinai Mountain Range together with the azure waters of the Gulf of Aqaba gives me great inspiration when photographing the golf course. You have spectacular backdrops at every turn. 
I have had the great pleasure to photograph the Taba Heights Golf Course throughout all its seasons. You might not think that a golf course in the desert changes throughout the year but it does be it more subtle than in Europe. The golf course also gives you great opportunity to photograph rare and exotic birds that migrate through the area.

To get to know more about Taba Heights and what it has to offer check out their website: www.tabaheights.com/golf

Dubai here I come!

I have received what I think is the best Christmas present ever! Yes, I know it is a few days early... but I just could not wait with the great news I had to tell you now. We are after 3 and a bit years in Egypt moving back to Dubai. I am so super excited about the move, there will be so many new great opportunities and many photography ideas that needs to be realized.

If you are short on Christmas ideas for your loved ones and you cannot give them a move to another country then here are a few ideas that I have come up with.

For the music lover maybe this cool guitar USB Flash drive? It is a 4GB USB Flash drive so it can come in very handy. Maybe something for my dad? He plays the guitar.. hum not a bad idea. 

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Guitar-4GB-Flash-Drive/dp/B004F1MU6W/ref=sr_1_134?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1292767261&sr=1-134

 or for your fashionable lady friends maybe a handbag USB Flash drive?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004F1V28E/ref=s9_simh_se_p23_d0_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-no-results-center-1&pf_rd_r=0W9CVC06CHYGC2WM5C3F&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1263465782&pf_rd_i=USB-minne%20i%20form%20av%20en%20systemkamera%20i%20miniatyr

or this very multi useful Swiss Flash drive? 

http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Army-SwissFlash-USB-Drive/dp/B001E6T636/ref=sr_1_180?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1292767335&sr=1-180

My personal favorites and for all you photography crazy friends there are a few different options to choose from.

A Nikon 70-200 large thermos.

 A Canon 24-105 Coffee mug.

 or this very cool 4GB USB Flash drive that looks like a miniature DSLR camera.

The photography gifts I found on a swedish website called: http://kaffebrus.com
http://kaffebrus.com/nikon-70-200-stor-termos-objektivmugg-1439.html

Good luck everyone with your Christmas shopping!
Oh yes maybe I should also mention if you are interested in getting someone you know some Wall Art and 2011 Calendars for Christmas please take a look at my collection at Red Bubble. I unfortunately don't think they will arrive on time for Christmas though.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/hshippey

Greeting card

2011 Calendar 

Framed image

Or if you have a golf fanatic friend this golf book is a great gift it has wonderful golf images taken of the Taba Heights Golf Resort by yours truly and on top of that Golf Pro tips on how to play each hole! Take a peek here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1503591

Sending you lots of Christmas Cheer from a warm Egypt!

The golden hour in the Egyptian desert.

I was out early one morning this week on a photo shoot it was an assignment that needed an early start on my way to my location I saw these trees so I snapped some quick ones to capture the trees solitude. 

To capture the Sinai Mountains true cinnamon colour you need to be up early before the sun gets too high in the sky or photograph early afternoon just before the sun sets behind the mountains. What do you guys think? A desert forest is there such a thing? If yes I think this might be it.

I read a lovely article today regarding food photography that later made me click on this link about taking photographs from above. It really gave me some inspiration so I think I will try some overhead shooting and see what comes up. I'll keep you guys posted in the meantime you can read the article as well, maybe you also get inspired to photogrpah something different or in a different angle?

http://www.learnmyshot.com/Photography-Tips-For-Shooting-Overhead

Gearing up for a busy week ahead

Hi there,
I am at the minute multitasking with both trying to figure out how to get my photo gallery incorporated into my new website design, I think I have managed to figure out how, now I just need time to get it all done. As well as I have a busy week of photo shooting coming up, in the meantime I also need to clean my censor I saw on the last interior shoot I did that I had some dust specs visible and they are very irritating to have when you know you don't have to. So better get them out of the way before I start shooting. 
I will let you know once my new website is up and running my web address will of course be the same www.shippeyphotography.com
Today when I was walking for lunch I saw the eagle sitting on the driving range just 5 meters away from me. I so wished I had my camera with me to get some nice close ups of it. It looked absolutely magnificent. I saw it at the same spot yesterday as well so maybe tomorrow I will bring my camera with me and try to capture a few frames of it. I think tomorrow might be my last chance to capture it because as of tuesday there will be a lot more people around on the driving range trying to get ready for this years International Taba Heights Pro-Am golf tournament and I am guessing the eagle will then choose to sit someplace else while he is waiting for everyone to leave again. 
If you are interested in purchasing any of my images for Christmas or any other occasion you can take advantage of this promotion that lasts till the 14th of November 2010, 15% Discount when using this:
Discount Code: hshippey_is_on_sale_2887
You can buy my art work as postcards, on canvas or framed or as large posters.
Take a look at this website to choose your image that you like. http://www.redbubble.com/people/hshippey/portfolio/art
Below are images that I took while visiting a nearby bedouin camp here in the Taba region. Let me know if you would like to join me on my next Photography Excursion here in Egypt.

Relaxing in the sun!

Hello!
Well I am not really relaxing but I do live in the sun so its part true :-)

I woke up this morning feeling that I really need to get started or should I say finish my new website design soon for some reason I am just fed up with the way it looks right now. I have been on the task of changing it for a while now but am working very slowly on it and never really finish it always a photo shoot or something else coming in the way.
www.shippeyphotography.com
I shot this image the other afternoon while the sun was setting behind me. My model Nicci was great she did loads of different Yoga positions like the Warrior among others I do not know the names of on this rock it looked a bit dangerous at times to see her stand on one leg on the rock but she was definitively in the zone or had the proper Yoga concentration going on. It was brilliant to photograph.  Thank you Nicci for the help. I would love to do it again next to a pool in the morning sun I think that would give a very relaxing feel to the image. Or another afternoon it is always easier to persuade a model to work afternoon than really early mornings ha, ha ;-)

Well I just thought I should say hello to let you know that I am still around. I better get back to my website now and see if I can finish it soon. I will keep you posted.

My images have been in a few sports and travel magazines this month which is always fun to see. I have also sent images to a Garden and Home Magazine that requested some of my images so we will see how many they will choose to use. Lets hope its many ;-)

Yesterday I did an interior shoot at a hotel so I also need to get them edited and delivered to the client. I have another one scheduled for tomorrow. I saw last night that I had some dust specs on my censor so better schedule a cleaning of it today before the shoot tomorrow. No need to take extra time in photoshop for silly things like that.
Over and out for now.
Helen

One of the more relaxing images the model is looking out at the Red Sea.

Photography Excursions anyone?

Hi,
I am very excited about a new photo excursion that I am planning into the Egyptian Desert. It will most likely happen in the next two weeks, fingers crossed. If we can get all the planning done with Jeeps and guides. You don't want to get lost in the desert!
I am also very keen to start some photo courses for beginners to intermediate enthusiasts as well as do more Photo Excursions. But not sure we have enough clientele base here in the Taba area of Egypt. If anyone are interested please let me know I am also happy to set up one on one photo sessions to fit your skill level.
I have this morning been working on images that I took while trekking in the Lake District in England. Looking at them now makes me want to go back and take images now when the leaves on the trees are changing colour as well as taking some images once the frost arrives and the first snow. I guess I will have to plan that for next time not sure I will have time next year though... we'll see. I did fall in love with the area though I must admit with it's beautiful landscapes at every turn.
I am right now reading a book by Bear Grylls, Facing Up he is telling his story about his trek up to the Summit of Mount Everest. (It's a great book) I know that my trekking is nothing in comparison but the lakes did test your fitness at times some of the hills were pretty steep and very high but once up there it was all worth it. The views that lay in front of you were amazing. Similar in the way of how Bear describes what he sees on his trek up towards the summit...
I had reacently on my trip to Dubai bought a new camera bag and I was very grateful for it I used to have the Lowepro Sling Shot bag but have now exchagned it to a Lowepro Mini Trekker and it was very comfortable to use in comparason, the sling shot is not comfy for long walks.
I think I only used one lens the whole time, at least my favorite was my Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM.
As I mentioned earlier I am still working on getting my images from the lakes ready but here are a few that are ready so far for you to view.
If you would like to buy any of them for editorial purposes or website use please contact me and we can discuss the options that are available.
Hope you all have a great weekend! Why not take your camera out for a spin? and let me know how you get along I would love to see your creations.
I will this afternoon take a model down to the beach and take some sunset images. I'll show you later how it turns out so stay tuned.
Ps. If you or someone you know are interested to do some photo excursions or photo courses with me please do not hesitate to contact me and we can set it up.
Cheers,
Helen

Portrait photo shoots

On my recent trip to England I brought back a soft-box for flash, I have since then tried to get hold of a light stand and that is not as easy as it sounds when you live so remotely as I do. But I managed against all odds at least that is what it felt like :-)
I am so happy with my new setup, I asked one of my friends the other day if she could model for me so that I could try out my new gear. I did not only buy a soft-box I also got a new lens 50mm f1.4 and a reflector and some other bits and bobs to fill out my camera bag with.
We planed the shoot to be straight after her work so that we could get the photo shoot under way and then afterwards meet up with some other friends for dinner.
I had in my head a photo shoot plan of what kinds of shots I wanted to do. I needed a chair as a prop and since I don't have one (I know it sounds silly but I do not have a chair in my house, I have bar stools but not a normal chair) anyway my model does so I thought, great I will come to your house then. In hind sight it probably would have been better if she would have brought the chair to my house. I have more plain walls than she did...as well as her ceiling is not white! I had planned to bounce one of my flashes against the ceiling and I think it got drowned due to that the ceiling was not white but peach.... ha ha but in the end we managed to get some great shots. The chair did not play a large role in our photo shoot as I had originally planned. I wanted to make very bright portraits so that the face is almost washed away only leaving some contours. That is not what I did not in camera at least I did more of that in Photoshop afterwards. I learned a lot by looking at the images afterwards of what I would like to do different next time with the light set up. So I would like to make another photo shoot and make some changes. My model is soon going away on holiday unfortunately so either I hurry up and get this next photo shoot underway or I will have to change model. I luckily have another model coming in a few weeks time. That I can use as well. I'll keep you guys posted :-)

I have for a few weeks now been waiting for a sunset with no wind you know when the water reflects everything like a mirror. I have another shoot planned in my head that I would like to do and it would be ideal to do during those circumstances but I am thinking I might be waiting in wain it being winter soon and all and more wind in the afternoon to come. Should have done this shoot during the summer! The greatness of  hindsight again. So I might just have to try and do the shoot now and see how it goes with wind. I will let you know how I get along.

I got new T-Shirts to wear on Photography shoots!

On my latest trip to England I got myself some new shirts to wear on photo shoots as well as some more photography gear such as soft boxes, reflectors and a new lens, 50mm 1.4f.
What do you guys think of my new shirt?

I personally love the shirts which is good since it is me that will be wearing them. :-) I just need to make sure I don't grow my hair too long since then the website will not be shown on the back.

I still would like to get a great pair of trousers with loads of cleaver pockets that I can wear together with the T-shirt on photo shoots. I did find a pair of Hugo Boss while I was in the UK but to my surprise they were too long in the legs! Since when have I had that problem? Never. I didn't get them so still need a comfy and cleverly made pair of trousers, but still nice and fashionable not a pair of combat trousers for photo shoots. I need them to look representable since you are after all representing your company/yourself while you are on photo shoots never forget that.

All suggestions are welcome and if I can buy them in Egypt even better!
I will hopefully get my light stand in a week or so. I have spoken with a guy that can get me one which is great because then I will be all set and ready for almost any eventuality of photography.
It is always good to prepare for the unexpected don't you think?
I wish you a great weekend.Cheers,
Helen

Buy My Prints

http://www.redbubble.com/people/hshippey

Herb Garden at a Hotel.

Hi there,

Hope you are all well. I have this week busied myself with lots of different things such as editing images that I took in Sweden on my last trip, I still have loads to do before I am finished, as well as editing images that I have taken this week. I have had several different motifs that I have taken photographs of.  Peaches, Champagne bottle for a magazine as well as an Herb Garden at a hotel. It is really nice because what they do is they have this lovely looking herb garden where guests can sit and relax in the shade of the dens trees, it looks splendid together with their overall hotel landscaping as well as they use these organic growing herbs in the hotel cocking! I was walking around between the rows of lovely growing basil, rosemary, dill, lemon trees and olive trees it is mesmerising to feel and breath in all the different scents. Very relaxing you really envy the guests and want to be one of them, to be able to just sit and relax for a bit. I might come back and do just that if I ever get the time. 
I think it is a splendid idea for a hotel to have access to their own herb garden, no need to stress over deliveries that are not arriving on time since you have it all outside in your own garden. They even play nice soft music in the garden for the plants not for you as a guest even though I am sure that you can sit and take part of the tunes whilst reading your book. They play the music for the plants to make them grow better they have the speakers positioned so that they are towards the herbs they play twice a day different kinds of tunes to make sure that the herbs get exactly what they want. 
I have photographed other hotels in Sharm el Sheikh that have taken the same idea of having their own fresh grown herbs at their doorstep but they have taken it one step further they also have vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, pumpkin etc. that they can easily grow here in Egypt in their gardens solemnly for use in their cocking. I don't think I saw any speakers in their garden though...