US
Julia is on a mission to develop the Studio Faire blog into an informative, entertaining blog about the Douglas Usher journey to set up a creative retreat in rural South West France. With a focus on the creative reader who is interested in joining us on this journey (perhaps you are interested in relocating yourself, would like to visit us once we’re sorted or are just curious to see if we succeed!?!?). The blog will share the highs and lows of our move to France, initially covering subjects like planning the move; how to find property to buy and/or rent; making an income from art, design and photography; cultural things to see and do in the area; and integrating with the community. The blog will move and grow as we get closer to the dream of setting up Studio Faire, covering subjects like how to set up a business in France; renovating, decorating and kitting out the studio and artist accommodation; and organising residencies, talks and workshops.
Colin is on a mission to build his portfolio of style, editorial and corporate photographic portraiture, prior to our move to France, and is looking for creative types to help him build this portfolio through an inventive, experimental editorial style photo-shoot which you will be able to use freely for self promotion.
YOU
We are on a mission to find three really interesting artists/designers/writers/poets/musicians/bands for three editorial shoots, two in Scotland and one in France, which will allow Colin’s imagination the freedom to create a really fantastic set of photographic portraits. Colin will post these photographs on his website which will be shared extensively in France. Julia will also attend the photo-shoot in order to write a blog about you and your business on this Studio Faire blog and share this on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest pages. You will obtain a set of photographs to use to promote your business in any way you please. We can guarantee that he will not leave the shoot until you have something that you are satisfied with!
WHEN & WHERE?
The competition is for TWO people based in Scotland and ONE person based in France.
The competition will run for two weeks starting 10 October with THREE people/groups being selected at the end of that period.
The winners will be announced on this page and on our Facebook and Twitter pages on the 3o October.
The Scottish photo-shoot will take place at an agreed location (either your workspace or a mutually agreed alternative) on a Saturday or Sunday in November.
The French photo-shoot will take place at an agreed location (either your workspace or a mutually agreed alternative) on a mutually agreeable date next summer.
The Scottish location will be not more than 1.5 hours drive from Edinburgh and the French location will be not more than 1.5 hours drive from Agen.
The shoot will take up approximately half a day (Colin will then work on the images before handing them over).
HOW?
Subscribe to the Studio Faire mailing list below (or if you have already subscribed, share the e-newsletter received with 5 relevant contacts), share this page using one of the share buttons below and leave a comment at the bottom of this page so that we know who you are…
This is exciting!
WINNERS
Scottish winner #1:
Corneilius and Rachel of Edinburgh based company, R. Bell Artists. Specialising in interiors, all decorative arts, restoration, gilding and original artwork.
Scottish winner #2:
Rachel McCrum, Poet and currently BBC Scotland’s ‘Poet in Residence’. Originally from Donaghadee, Co Down, Northern Ireland, now based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
French winner #1:
Lionel Lebon, B&B owner, Qi Gong teacher, artist and musician in the Lot-et-Garonne, France.
All images by Colin Usher.
From top:
Model Rachel Flett for Stewart Christie & Co.
John Jackson of Braw Beard Oils
Janine Ferguson, pilates instructor from Inspire Pilates
Boom Barbers Stylist for Stewart Christie & Co.
Angela Hahn RMT, Clinical Massage Therapist
More examples at colinusher.com
‘Colin did a fantastic job on my professional photos for my new business and website (designed by his wife Julia Douglas). I have always been extremely self-conscious of having my photo taken, but Colin’s sense of humor, engaging demeanour and calm nature put me at ease right away. For the first time in my life I have photos of myself that I am truly proud of and can confidently use to promote my business. I receive positive feedback on a regular basis from my clients that it’s refreshing to see the face of my company prior to our meetings. Colin truly has a gift for bringing out and capturing the best in people!!’
Angela Hahn RMT
Clinical Massage Therapist
www.angelahahn.ca