Fine Art Photography Exhibition at Little Botanica

I've had a lovely morning sipping delicious tea whilst hanging a display of my Fine Art Flower Photographs (aka Lolliography) at the gorgeous venue Little Botanica, 741, Pollokshaws Road on the Southside of Glasgow. 

Little Botanica is passionate about floristry, and they are also keen on a good cuppa and a big bit of cake! 

If you are nearby, do pop in for a pot of tea, you will find a whole host of beautiful things at Little Botanica, where they create stunning wedding flowers for your big day and even host tea tasting events! 

All the photographs are signed by the artist (me) and for sale. They make perfect gifts, so choose your favourite from the collection, there are roses, daisies, orchids and bunches of other flowers too!

Inspired by Felix - Fine Art Flower Photography by Laura Hudson Mackay

I have three adorable nephews, Matthew, Felix and Joseph. To all three I'm known as Auntie Lolli. 

If you have read my previous blog posts you'll know that I recently exhibited a selection of fine art photographs with Bespoke Art Gallery at House for an Art Lover.  Felix (4), came along to the event with his parents and he gave me this lovely card he had made to wish me a successful day. 

Felix likes flowers. Auntie Lolli also likes flowers and inspired by my lovely nephew, Lolliography was born. I am now busy working on a collection of black and white floral images for an exhibition in an utterly lovely venue on the South side of Glasgow (more details will be posted here soon).

For now, it's Friday and time for a G&T in the sunshine surrounded by beautiful flowers, just hope I don't trip up over my tripod!

LHM Photography Tours of Marrakech and beyond...

The Photography Tour, booked and arranged by Passeport Travel, involved a small group of clients visiting Morocco to celebrate a special birthday.

It all began with a brief health and safety lesson, "Mind your heads." (there are many low archways in Marrakech) "Look out for Donkeys, mules, mopeds, taxis and carts...all at once!"

Over the next few hours I gave technical advice and hands on photography tips and tricks. I explained how to improve exposure, understand composition, get the best from the camera in ever changing lighting situations and shooting from different viewpoints. During all this, we all took in the magical sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech. The group discovered many hidden gems away from the usual tourist trail, from spice souks, food markets, flower stalls and palaces. At the end of the tour we sat on low chairs in the sunshine, each sipping a well deserved glass of mint tea while the cry of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer wafted by.

Since the tour I've been delighted to receive two wonderful quotes from the group, which I've shared below, along with a small collection of images I managed to capture in-between teaching.

"Our morning with Laura in the Medina was a real highlight. Marrakech is such a photogenic city and to see it through Laura's eye was an utterly pleasurable experience. We explored secret markets, stunning stalls, cultural sights and met all manner of wonderfully photo-friendly subjects. This is one of the most fun ways to explore the souks and is thoroughly recommended."

Mr A Conti, Passeport Travel

"Shira felt her day with you was not only educational, but a pure joy getting to know you and spending a little time seeing Marrakech through your eyes. I enjoyed it equally and think you may have an additional career path looming if you're interested! Thanks, Laura." 

Mrs S Solomon

If you would like to enjoy a full or half day photographic tour of the souks, palaces and hidden gems of Marrakech with an experienced professional photographer, book now by contacting me directly at info@hudsonmackay.com

LHM Photography to exhibit at House for an Art Lover

This Sunday, 14th April 2013, I'm delighted to be exhibiting my latest series of Fine Art Photographs for sale at House for an Art Lover in Glasgow. Further details for the event are below. Please do come along to what promises to be a wonderful exhibition in a fabulous venue!

The new series includes Limited Edition Photographs inspired by the Arabian fairy tales from 'One Thousand and One Nights'. Last year I found an original Victorian copy of the tales in Young's Interesting Books on Skirving Street in Glasgow.  The Victorians were fascinated by these tales of djinns, genies, sultans, palaces and magic. In this series of artwork I have sought to invoke the spirit of Arabian fantasy contained within these tales.  

Here is a sneak preview titled 'The Djinn of El Badi Palace'...

© Laura Hudson Mackay Photography

More details from Bespoke Art gallery...

We are delighted to invite you to the Bespoke Art Fayre at the prestigious Charles Rennie MacKintosh House for an Art Lover on Sunday14th April. 

This will be a wonderful day at a truly stunning venue which we are delighted to be returning to for the 3rd time. Highlights of the day are as follows:

• A chance to view artwork by some of the country's leading artists and discuss their work at one of Scotland's most iconic arts venues
• A live classical pianist will be playing throughout the event
• Afternoon cream tea will be served throughout the event by House for an Art Lover (included in ticket price)
  
• £5 entry fee includes all of the above with profits from ticket sales going to Yorkhill Children's Foundation Registered CharityNumber SCO07856

Please note tickets are limited and booking is advised via http://www.bespokeartgallery.com/page60.htm more information and just some of the artwork can be seen on the attached flyer.
We look forward to welcoming you there!

The Wonderful Endorsement

Today I received an amazingly kind endorsement for my photography from my absolute favourite writer...Tahir Shah. 

In 2010, after reading and being inspired by two of Tahir's books (The Caliph's House & In Arabian Nights) a door opened and I travelled to the magical country of Morocco for the first time. I fell completely head over heels in love with the country, having since renovated a riad (traditional courtyard house) in the heart of the Marrakech Medina and now spend as much time working there as I can.

Not many people would be so kind to take time out of their busy lives to send an endorsement. Thank you Tahir.

I'm over the moon! 

"Laura Hudson Mackay's photography captures the essence of the lands through which she journeys in the rarest and most wonderful of ways. Through her lens she reaches the raw magical underbelly, which so often escapes travellers." 

Tahir Shah, Author & Filmmaker

I'm travelling back to Morocco next week to host a photographic tour of the souks, palaces and hidden gems of Marrakech. During the tour I'll be on hand to give camera tips and techniques and discover more of the raw magical underbelly of Marrakech! I can't wait.

Our Favourite Shop...

Shopping in Marrakech can be an exciting experience and one of my favourite shops is Mustapha Blaoui's Tresor des Nomades. Hidden behind large wooden double doors, there is no shop sign to indicate the treasures which lie within. You could easily walk right by. 

However, if you're lucky enough to step inside, you'll find it piled floor-to-ceiling with lanterns, tables, masks, pots and chairs. 

There was certainly enough treasure and inspiration here to help us furnish and almost fill up Riad Romm'an. 

A real Aladdin's cave just waiting to be explored. Mustapha Blaoui's Tresor des Nomades, 142 rue Bad Doukkala, Marrakech. Tel: 024 38 52 or 024 385 240

 

Daily Life in Marrakech ...

The Changing Man

Deep in the Light Souk

Mint Tea anyone?

A captured smile at Riad Zitoun Jdid

Riad Zitoun Jdid

Here's a link to more... Daily Life in Marrakech