Introducing [DEVELOP]

For 2013 we're got a challenge to set you each month, something to get your teeth into to help you [DEVELOP] your photography skills. Some of them might be familiar concepts to you others we hope you'll never even have heard of, but by tackling them we hope you'll try out something you wouldn't have done otherwise.

This is a project for anyone who wants to get better at photography whether or not you've ever thought of yourself as a photographer before. We've got challenges for people who own a DSLR or a simple point and shoot. Some of the challenges use old-school film and some require no camera at all.

If you want to commit to the project you can join each challenge on our Facebook page through the monthly event and upload your contributions. Or if you're not on Facebook send us an email. We'll see how it goes, but we're hoping to give out certificates at the end of the year for all those who get stuck in!

So first things first... introduce yourselves. What's your name, how old are you and where are you living? What do you spend most of your time doing? And what do you love to photograph? Is there anything you want to [DEVELOP] this year in your photography?

A little challenge...



Did you get a new camera for Christmas? What a treat! Or perhaps you're about to finish your 2012 365 project?  Have we got a little challenge for you...

Mustard Yellow is going to be posting a monthly photographic challenge to help you push your boundaries and keep you on your creative toes! The first one will be up next week, what a way to start the new year, so keep your eyes peeled.

This post is especially dedicated to our lovely friend Indy, who's been passionately growing as a photographer through her 365 project with this group. These challenges are hopefully to help the group members keep on growing.

But before the first challenge... we need a name for this little project... any ideas?

Night Photography Session


Last week we took this lovely lady out to take some night photos- she dubbed it a Master Class, but we wouldn't like to be so presumptuous. It had rained and it was dark (but not too cold) so everything was shiny and the Christmas lights were out in force. We snapped away, tried out some new things on Indy's camera. She got the best shot of the night, but we weren't too jealous because she bought us hot chocolate to warm back up.  


P.S If you'd like your very own lesson... check out our shop. 

#6: Little Ones


Even the cake was in tiers is our series tips for weddings. The title comes from an overused and not so funny wedding speech joke, "It's been an emotional day...". What advice did you wish someone had told you before your wedding? We're collating all the etiquette and expertise here.


Having some of the smaller members of your family involved in your ceremony can be a very sweet and personal touch. But try not to stress about them performing perfectly- there's very little they can do that would actually ruin your day. To keep things in perspective: 
- allow them to practise, but don't stress out about timings
- try to encourage the adults not to make too big a deal of it (this way they wont know there's anything to be nervous of).
-having a special job, like sprinkling flowers, can be a good thing to focus on and feel important.
-go with the flow! If a ring bearer ducks out at the last minute it wont matter. 

One of the cutest flower girls we saw this year didn't want to let go of her Daddy's hand, so he walked down the aisle with her. It wasn't planned, but it was very sweet.

#5: Mr & Mrs


Even the cake was in tiers is our series tips for weddings. The title comes from an overused and not so funny wedding speech joke, "It's been an emotional day...". What advice did you wish someone had told you before your wedding? We're collating all the etiquette and expertise here.

A quirky piece of wedding themed etiquette: salt and pepper are considered a married couple! And as such should always be passed up and down the table as a pair. Especially romantic to remember this at a wedding.

Still time to buy our Christmas gifts



Looking for easy peasy, super-fun gifts? We might be a bit biased (just a tad) but we think our vouchers would make a great present!

We've got vouchers for photography lessons or for photo sessions: maybe you'd like a family photo shoot for your sister and her cute children or a portrait session for your friends who just got engaged. Check out our little shop!




Here's the complete list of vouchers: 
Couple or Engagement Photo Session
Baby or Maternity Photo Session
Family Photo Session
Extended Family Photo Session

Photography Lessons
Wedding Album
Wedding Stop Motion Video

Feel free to contact us if you have any queries: mustardyellowphotography@gmail.com

#7: Make space


Even the cake was in tiers is our series tips for weddings. The title comes from an overused and not so funny wedding speech joke, "It's been an emotional day...". What advice did you wish someone had told you before your wedding? We're collating all the etiquette and expertise here.


If you want beautiful, bright fresh photos of you getting ready in the morning then put a little bit of thought into where you'll get ready. If possible get dressed in a room that is more than big enough for you, the big white dress and anyone you want around to help. Consider space for the photographer and the amount of light available. Removing unnecessary clutter is a good idea too!

This also applies to the rest of the day, though you might have less control over what goes where. Think through what clutter can be removed and what's around the key areas you'll be having photos. Are there ugly signs or posters in the ceremony venue that could be removed or hidden? Keep the top table uncluttered particularly of tall bottles or flowers which could obscure faces during the speeches. 

#4: Don't be Shy


Even the cake was in tiers is our series tips for weddings. The title comes from an overused and not so funny wedding speech joke, "It's been an emotional day...". What advice did you wish someone had told you before your wedding? We're collating all the etiquette and expertise here.

You've just got married for goodness sake, you're wedding is the one day where you should drop your usually strict ban on PDAs and show how much you're in love. Holding hands, kissing, whispering and giggling all strongly recommended.

The Geese are Getting Fat


Celebrating with: hanging candles; eggnog; a rosemary wreath; paper ornaments; a Christmas branch; mulled drinks; Happy Birthday Nativity and Christmas bread. 

Giving: wrapped up fresh bread; keyring tools; wrapping with pom poms; our handmade version of this book; an indoor fire; the projecto mini projector; moleskine diaries and a DIY camera kit



Wishing for ... this book, Brownswood Bubblers Three CD, this book, Punch Brothers Who's Feeling Young Now,  Floreat by Mara Carlyle, this sequin blazer, a knitted jumper, a smart pair of trousers (32W 30L), a little projector, printing ink & screen, a holga lens for DSLR, nice plant pots (like this lozenge shape one), a mini greenhouse, some whiskey, tea pigs and some not too fancy loose leaf english breakfast tea.

And crossing our fingers for some spray chalk; etching liquid; a sequin tablecloth; a pen that writes on food and a ukelele.