If you are getting married this December, January or February here’s a chance to win a luxury honeymoon. Four weddings return’s to our screens and they are looking for contestants to take part! Contact 4weddings@itv.com for further information. Meanwhile don’t forget to check out Priory Weddings for your Photography, Video and Red Carpet Hire!
This account is written in both French & English
Je suis arrivée début Mai a Dublin pour mon stage de fin de première année de BTS Commerce International. Pendant deux mois j’ai travaillé au sein de Priory Studios. Ce fut une très bonne expérience. Je me suis très bien et très vite intégrée dans cette petite famille. Je fus très surprise en voyant les prix que propose le studio, mais j’ai réalisé qu’une photo passe dans les mains de 4 ou 5 personnes avant de la remettre au client, donc en fin de compte, les prix sont relativement raisonnables, surtout lors de promotion.
J’ai découvert beaucoup de choses, aussi bien le coté administratif que les séances photos. J’ai pu assister a un mariage a l’Ouest de l’Irlande, ou Priory Studios était photographe et caméraman, des séances photos de familles, de communion, commerciale, une conférence sur la photographie… et pleins d’autres choses !
J’ai également beaucoup appris de chacun : Vladimir et la retouche de photos vraiment très impressionnante; Laura et les photos de mariages ainsi que l’actualisation constante d’un site internet et la realization d’album de mariage; Sonny et son beau travail de cadres et de tableaux. Linda et Mairead avec leur grande polyvalence et leur implication dans les différents domaines (confectionner un cadre, faire les comptes, accueillir les clients…) de l’agence. Ainsi que les 23 ans d’expérience en photographie et en management de Dominic.
Tout le monde m’a beaucoup donné chaque jour de mon stage. Je remercie cette belle équipe pour m’avoir fait gagner en expérience (aussi bien dans le travail qu’en anglais) et en maturité.
J’éspère que vous allez apprécier ce petit power point que j’ai réalisé sur Priory Studios.
Cassandre
I arrived in Dublin on 1st May for my end of first year work experience which I completed over two months in Priory Studios. It was a wonderful experience as I quickly incorporated into this friendly family. My first impression was that the price of the portraits was very expensive but I soon realised that most of the work passes through the hands of 4 or 5 staff members before it is received by the customer and that each stage uses the highest standard possible so I then changed my mind and now feel the price is very reasonable, especially when there is a promotion.
I also now have experience in the extensive administration required to run such a large studio and I was fortunate to attend a wedding in the West of Ireland where Priory Studios covered both the Photography and the Video. I went to a conference on photography, photo shoots for several 1st Holy Communions, family portraits, executive portraits, commercial and PR photos.
I also learned a lot from each of the staff: Vladimir is an expert on photo retouching and airbrushing, Laura on wedding photography & album design, Sonny and his fine work with making frames and canvas portraits; Linda and Mairead with their versatility and their big involvement in every aspect of Priory Studios, one day cutting mounts & framing, next day doing accounts, and equally important displaying great patience with customers during a sale. As well as the extensive experience in photography and management which Dominic has.
Everyone gave me a lot and learned every day of my work experience.
I thank this wonderful team for making me gain experience (in work and in English) and maturity!
I hope you enjoy watching this short slide show which I made about the work of Priory Studios.
Cassandre
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Terms & Conditions:
Book a pre-studio planning session to discuss what to wear, portrait sizes, prices for extra copies etc;
Offer includes Studio session (normally €75)
Framed Portrait (normally €175) of The Grandparents.
Offer does not include the Family Group photograph. (Please request a price list)
Not applicable with any other special offer
Offer expires October 31st 2011
Session to include at least 3 generations
Portraits to be chosen within 10 days of your session.
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Craft Master As seen on RTE1 by Laura Leonard
Our shoot took us to Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda where we were asked to photograph participants and judges for a new TV series called “Craft Master”. Craft master is presented by Sonya Lennon and starts Tuesday 6th Sept at 7pm and runs for 6 weeks on RTE1.
“Over the course of the six part series presenter Sonya Lennon will meet a total of fifteen apprentices all hoping to represent their chosen craft in the final of Craft Master to be in with a chance of winning the prize, a stand in Showcase – Ireland’s International Trade Show for Irish producers and with the Irish Craft Industry being worth almost half a billion Euro annually it’s all to play for.” [http://www.rte.ie/tv/craftmaster/]
Similar to the other Big Mountain productions, we worked on a live set. During our shoot we had the pleasure of meeting Fashion designers Paul Costello and Louise Kennedy. We can’t reveal the winner of the show at this stage but can give you a sneek peek at some of the photo’s we took at the gallery. More photographs to follow as the Craft Master show progresses! Photography by Dominic Lee & Laura Leonard (Priory Studios)
For further information about the show visit: http://www.rte.ie/tv/craftmaster/
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“Richard Branson’s Necker Island home in flames” by Laura Leonard
So sorry to hear that Richard Branson’s Necker Island home has been destroyed by fire. News reports from the BBC have said twenty people escaped unhurt. The fire was caused by a lightning storm and Sir Richard was quoted saying ”My office was based in the house and I have lost thousands of photographs and my note books which is very sad. But all family and friends are well – which in the end is all that really matters.” Actress Kate Winslet reportedly helped Richard Branson’s 90 year old mother to safety.
Dominic spent a week on the Carribean Island shooting Richard Branson in his hobby mode of Kite Surfing for his second charity book. Dominic’s books entitled Out of Your Tree 1 & 2 depict the private pursuits, passions and inspirations of notable personalities. Priory Studios has raised over 56K for The Central remedial Clinic and The Irish Cancer Society from the sale of the books.
We have some beautiful photographs of Richard Branson’s Necker Island home to share with you, in particuar the lovely panoramic view from the crows nest. We hope the Branson family will be able to rebuild their home as quickly as possible.
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Judges at the Irish Professional Photographers Association were stunned by the high standard of submissions during Round 1 of the awards programme on Monday 9th May but the highest accolade ever received by Priory Studios went to photographer Laura Leonard LIPPA in the open art and creativity category.
The award winning photograph depicts model Kathleen Augusto (originally from Peru) and is reminiscent of a romantic 1940’s Casablanca scene. This modern take illustrates a scantily clad young lady in hotpants and fur stole draped across her shoulders, seated on an elegant chesterfield leather court chair. The focus is clearly on the model, who confidently wears her fringe across the eyes. One could be forgiven for suggesting the hair style is of a 1960′s Beatle esque era. However, the addition of the vintage background, cigar and smoke adds to the ambience and Hollywood feel of the photograph. You would almost expect her to be listening to “As Time Goes By” being played on the grand piano.
The hair was styled by Stephen McCarron creative director at Aidan Fitzgerald Hair Salon in Blackrock, Co. Dublin who will represent Ireland at the World Hairdressing Championships later this year. Stephen previously won a silver medal for Ireland at the Mondial de la Coiffure in Paris. The Irish Hairdressers Federation will host the OMC European Cup 2011 at the RDS, Dublin on 29th and 30th May 2011. We wish all of the team at Aidan Fitzgerald Hair Salon continued success with their award winning hair creations.
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Copyright law under review.
I attended the Copyright Review Committee public meeting in Trinity College today #CRC11
While this was a “Review”, it quickly became clear to me that the committee’s agenda is to attempt to introduce “Fair Use” to the Copyright Act 2000. However, the term “Don’t Want to Pay” is more appropriate in each and every aspect of those in favour of this change.
One speaker, a website owner, actually believes he should be exonerated from Copyright Law because he is not responsible for any Copyrighted material posted on His website by Joe Public. He is just like my local Copy-Shop owner who thinks likewise because he allows the customer to operate the copy machine while he stands at the cash register and therefore never sees the copyright sticker!
Media publications would never dream of publishing a painting by Graham Knuttel or an extract from a Maeve Binchy book without asking their permission first but many of them have no problem riding rough-shot over Photographers work because they know there is a very slim chance that we could afford to sue for breach of Copyright.
YouTube can detect a copyrighted track of music when you submit a video to their site and they offer two choices, switch to one of their copyright free music tracks or they offer the copyright owner a share of advertising relative to that video.
A new feature on Google Images will allow you to drop in an image and Google will tell you where it is being used on the www. So the technology exists which means this notion of “Fair Use” is nothing more than an attempt to deprive the creator of his or her rightful reproduction fee. Photographers make a living by selling photographs and deserve to be treated with the same respect as musicians, artists, and writers. There is great advertising value to be gained by using our images on the www but the Copyright Law must protect us from those who wish to make a living at our expense. Fair Use is not Fair Play.
Details of this review can be found at the following link:
http://www.djei.ie/science/ipr/copyright_review_2011.htm
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Bags and Bling in Aid of The Somalia Famine Relief Fund by Laura Leonard
Priory Studios had the wonderful opportunity to get involved in the ‘Bags and Bling’ project organised by singer and fund raiser Sharon Crosbie. The idea is people can donate their designer handbags and bling to be sold in aid of the Somalia Famine Relief appeal on the 20th August.
The shoot took us to ‘Lost Society’ a real trendy and chic, if somewhat eclectic bar in Powerscourt Town centre, Dublin yesterday. We only had a short space of time to get some publicity shots and then had to race back to the studio to get the images retouched and sent off to the national media. Lost society is a fabulous setting for photography. The tall windows adorn the rooms from floor to ceiling allowing us to work with beautiful and perfect ‘North’ light with which to photograph our models.
The main bar area is really chic with funky mood lighting, all adding to the ambience and cool atmosphere of the place. One of our models Amie, posed wearing a gorgeous Fran & Jane dress, with handbags and bling to match. She is surrounded by some of the handbags going on sale including lables such as Prada, Chanel, Hermes, Deborah Veale and Knuttal. We wish Sharon & Co huge success with this project. The official press release is here with further information on how you can help.
‘Bags and Bling’
Fundraising sale of bags and jewellery for Somalia
Saturday 20th August
10am – 5pm
The Lost Society, Powerscourt Townhouse, South William St, Dublin 2
It started with a conversation between neighbours on a sunny Sunday morning about the tragedy unfolding in Somalia. As women, the need to do something to help the mothers of Somalia and their children was compelling and so an idea for a bag and jewellery swop among friends has now spiralled into a fantastic designer ‘Bags and Bling’ event.
Sharon Crosbie, Chairperson of the charity First Step Georgia, immediately contacted her good friend Caroline Desmond of MCD who has been wonderfully supportive of the idea. Caroline in turn has rallied her friends to donate their bags. These friends include Jedward who are donating a bag that they have customised especially for the event.
’The generosity of people in offering their bags, jewellery and time has been overwhelming’ said Sharon. ‘TV3 were in touch offering to help as soon as they heard about the idea, and the artist Graham Knuttel has donated 10 signed bags. The ladies behind ‘Fran and Jane’ have donated jewellery from their stylish boutiques. Aidan Fitzgerald, the well-known hairdresser has donated 200 goodie bags and Irish designer, Deborah Veale has donated a beautiful bag from her collection.’
The owners of the ‘The Lost Society’, the fantastic venue in Powerscourt Townhouse have generously given the use of their premises for the day.
The phones are hopping with enquiries and pledges of support. Depots have been set up in Cork city, Kinsale and Carrigaline and the good ladies of Cork are clearing out their wardrobes for this excellent cause. Keelin Egan in Castleknock has mobilised the Castleknock set and some glamorous donations from these ladies are on their way!
‘This is going to be such a fun ‘girlie event’’ said Sharon, ‘There will be bags and bling for every age group and every pocket, and plenty of genuine designer bags including Gucci, Prada, and Fendi so come along and bring your friends, your sisters, your daughters, and your mother too!’
Can I go? Entry to ‘Bags and Bling’ is open to everyone. Admission is free and all proceeds will go to the Somalian Famine Relief Fund administered through the office of Mary Robinson.
How can I donate a bag? Contact Sharon Crosbie on 086 835 6665
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The Tenements, as seen on TV3 by Dominic Lee
Our photo shoot took us to one of the Tenement buildings in Dublin’s Henrietta Street last month to photograph the Winston family. The shoot was commissioned by TV production company; Big Mountain for a new series called “The Tenements”. The series is presented by Bryan Murray and starts tonight on TV3 at 9:30pm. The four part documentary takes families back in time to discover their ancestors living conditions. Bryan uses the 1911 census of No 7 Henrietta St to depict the history of the overcrowded, harsh living conditions in the Dublin slums. The research advisers behind the program are lead by Catriona Crowe, Senior Archivist at the National Archives of Ireland and Diarmaid Ferriter, Professor of Modern Irish history at the University College Dublin.
When we arrived at the Tenements we were a little overwhemled by the massive rooms and high ceilings. One couldn’t help but wonder how they were able to heat such a vast area. As a photographer, you sometimes arrive at a venue and have difficultly figuring out what to do with your subjects due to various limitations. Not on this occasion! You immediately sense the grandeur of this building, the rooms are adorned with oil paintings, statues, artefacts, mirrors and ornate furnishings. It was of course at one time the dwelling of the elite, taken over by the local authority to house the working class during Irelands independence. The high ceilings and beautiful natural light flowing through the rooms with all its faded glory was the perfect setting for our photography.
The Tenements starts tonight 3rd August 2011 at 9:30pm.
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The Genealogy Roadshow as seen on RTE1 by Dominic Lee
Our photography shoot took us to the fabulous setting of Slane Castle, where filming took place for the final series of The Genealogy Roadshow.
If you can imagine the Antiques Roadshow meets Who do you think you are? – The Genealogy Roadshow comes to our TV screens, on Sunday 21st August at 6:30 pm on RTE1 and is presented by well known TV and Radio personalty Derek Mooney. It will be aired over four weeks and will take viewers to Carton House (Co. Kildare), Adare Manor (Co. Limerick), Glenlo Abbey (Co. Galway) and Slane Castle (Co. Meath).
The show will feature ordinary people trying to trace their family tree and irish ancestry, some having connections to famous or infamous relatives! The Genealogy team embark on searching for ancestors of the explorer Ernest Shackleton and trace links to Arthur Guinness. They will also be seeking connections to Dublin-born rebel Wolfe Tone.
Complete with its own ancestry and history, the majestic Slane Castle was the perfect setting for the final series of the Genealogy Roadshow. Owned by Lord Henry Mount Charles, Slane Castle has been his family’ s ancestral home since 1701.
The Big Mountain Production company had just one day to shoot the final series of the show and we were given the task of taking publicity shots and documenting the day’s events.
We photographed the genealogy swat experts Turtle Bunbury, (Historian and Author of Vanishing Ireland), Nicola Morris, (director of Timeline Research) and John Grenham (Professional Genealogist)
We were asked to come up with a shot that would portray their investigative roles in the programme. The use of a wide angle lens and the addition of shades added to the fun element of their shoot.
But, what was most interesting about this particular shoot was that we were part of a live audience. Members of the public were invited along to participate in the show. In the Slane Castle series, over 200 people arrived with all manner of stories and evidence of their past. Some had the opportunity to be selected to talk about their story with Derek Mooney.
As you can see from our accompanying photo gallery some of the shots were taken in the grand ballroom. Notice all of the technology used for the show, in particular the iPad! We are not the only fans of using the Apple device for the purpose of displaying media. We use them to give Wedding couples their photo’s! Priory Weddings
The four-part series of The Genealogy Roadshow starts on 21 August 2011 and ends on 11 September 2011.
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People turned out in their droves on Saturday August 20th 2011 to support The Somalia Famine Relief Fund.
Bags and Bling went on sale at Lost Society in Powerscourt Centre, Dublin where Sharon Crosbie and volunteers raised a massive €24,000. Support from Xpose, Deborah Veale, Jedward and Louis Walsh to name a few, in addition to the many members of the public who donated their designer bags made this worthy fundraising event a huge success. Congratulations Sharon! and well done Dominic for doing all the photography. #charity #bagsandbling #somalia
Xpose TV3 Coverage: http://bit.ly/p8a6FB
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