Sunday 21 December 2014

ISABELLE



For a recent university project we had to create a small digital publication, I decided to work together with Isabelle on a small shoot. I'll be updating my website once I finish editing and then I'll carry on with a couple of other projects that I currently have in mind. It has definitely been a busy few weeks, oh what it's like to work in retail around Christmas!



Saturday 20 September 2014

Instagram #3

The past few weeks have definitely been a bit hectic. I've had a couple of photography jobs, moved houses and visited home, hopefully things will be back to normal soon. Oh, I also grabbed a few new pairs of shoes so it makes up for feeling so stressed!


Saturday 6 September 2014

MADE IN THE UK

When it comes to the fashion industry I always think it's important to invest in brands that make an effort to create, design & distribute to the country they are based in. Not only does it help to develop new talent but it helps to create more jobs and it makes it a little better for the environment. 

After doing a little bit of research I've grabbed a few of my finds, some items of clothing and accessories that have been made in the UK.

Probably one of the pairs of shoes that I have had my eyes on for the longest time, I'm definitely close to snapping and grabbing a pair of these. They create them in a couple of different colours (I already have the Oxblood variation, whoops). Dr Martens are definitely worth a look at, especially their Made in England range. 

Definitely of my favourite finds when researching for this blog post. I've been trying to find a good quality, well made Mac for quite a while. I often struggle with longer length coats due to the fact I'm not the tallest! Last spring I managed to grab a very similar navy version of this in Topman, definitely regret holding off and saving for this version instead!

The different colour options for this Jumper are definitely a bonus, while I've shown the cream option above the pastel blue or pink would make a great addition to a wardrobe. Having a bit of colour definitely isn't a bad thing, especially not when used with the right combination.

It's my 21st coming up in the next few months so I have my eyes constantly peeled for any nice watches that I come across. While I absolutely love this watch due to it's classic feel I definitely think the price point is one to consider. Saying that, however, you do get quality with price, and this is definitely a brand that's worth investing in if you have the chance to. 





Thursday 4 September 2014

UNI ESSENTIALS

It's the end of summer and time to go back to University & College, I've decided to put together a couple of things that have saved me in my first year of university. 

While I've added a Macbook to the list, this definitely isn't essential. I really mean any Laptop, or even an iPad. I study Fashion Communication and often need to use Photoshop & InDesign in lectures, therefore I need something a little more hefty than a laptop to browse the web and run Microsoft Office. I think it's worthwhile investing money in a descent computer, I still use my iMac from when I first started college 4 years ago. While they can be expensive, it's definitely worth it in the long run. 

Having a reliable computer is important, but so is backing up your work. I might sound like a Lecturer here but around deadline time I couldn't even imagine the feeling of turning your computer on to a hard drive failure. Time Machine on MacBook is constantly reminding me to back up my work, while I know it's important however, I definitely need to stop clicking on the little 'Remind Me Tomorrow' option!

I don't even need to explain how important these are, grab a few before University as you sometimes have to hand them in with assignments so they slowly seem to disappear.

An excuse to buy another pair of shoes, maybe? Either way, walking to and from campus can be a treck, something reliable on your feet is always a good call. I recently grabbed another pair of Nike Free Trainers and they're honestly one of my most comfortable pairs of shoes I own, definitely worth a look into.

Power Bricks can be used to charge most portable devices, obviously depending upon what one you choose to buy. They're always handy if you're out all day or in the library for a couple of hours. Especially when you want to check Facebook on your phone instead of minimising your work on the computer, still counts as being productive then, right?

Being organised is probably one of the most important qualities to have when trying to juggle essays, placements, part time jobs and socialising. Moleskines are great for this as depending upon the version you buy you have a descent bit of space to scribble in and plan away the week.

I've tried to generalise a couple of essentials, while they're important to me it will differ depending on the course or subject you've chosen. 


Wednesday 27 August 2014

INSTAGRAM #2

The past month of summer has seemed to go far too quickly, probably because I'm spending the majority of the time moving between two houses and working but there's nothing new there.
I have spent a bit of money on new shoes, bags and a trip to Edinburgh (whoops) but I'm going to try and refrain myself from now on to save up for driving lessons and some new camera equipment.
I also found myself flicking through the photos of NY from the beginning of the year, definitely need to pay another visit there again in the near future.


Monday 11 August 2014

JORDAN


Since I've been finished university for the summer I'm trying to do a couple more shoots to help build up my portfolio and because it's something I'm passionate about.


Wednesday 6 August 2014

BRISTOL #1



As I mentioned previously I paid a visit to Bristol recently to visit family, and just generally to explore a new city.
While we were there we grabbed some amazing food, if you're ever in the area I recommend paying a visit to Bagel Boy, who really do have the best bagels. While around the area it's worth popping into St Nicholas's Market where the bakery stall was far too tempting, the variation of food and cultures under one roof was quite something.   
One thing that's quite apparent is that were definitely a food orientated family, nothing is better than finding a nice cafe or restaurant regardless of if were on holiday or not.
It was quite nice to pay a bit more attention to the interior of different shops and cafes, I'm going to try and do similar posts to this but around Newcastle a bit more. There's definitely a few hidden places that need a bit more recognition for the quality of food they serve.

I've also added a couple more photos and an Interior page over on my photography website & Facebook page, so feel free to check them out!


Friday 1 August 2014

INSTAGRAM

Little update as I haven't posted in a couple of days because I've been away, and everyone knows how much I love a bit of Instagram.
I took a trip down to Bristol to see some family and generally explore the city last week and I've took plenty of photos, so expect a post coming up in the next few days. I was obviously camera happy as always and I'm trying to work out the best way to share the images with you, hopefully it'll all work out. 
Anyway, heres a peek of what I've been up to and although its nice to be away I love being home. Exciting few weeks ahead are planned!


Monday 28 July 2014

DECOR


Moving into a new house next year is making me all excited with different home DIY ideas and ways to organise my room. It definitely won't look as nice as my Pinterest board but I'll still be getting excited either way. This little mood board contains a few images that I'm using as inspiration for next year and years to come.

Forgive me for my lack of posts the next week also, I'm off on a family holiday to Bristol so I won't have my laptop to make any posts and I'll be pretty busy. Im going to take my camera however so expect a couple of interesting blog posts once I get back. I have some new shoots planned too, exciting!



Friday 25 July 2014

FESTIVALS

Seeing as it's summer that always means theres a few more music festivals around this time of year. I've been to some in the past (T in the Park a few times) and I'm off to Creamfields in August, as I feel like I have a bit of knowledge I'm going to list off a couple of things to remember to bring. Plus, it'll act as a little check list for myself next month!

- Tent
- Bag
- Toiletries (toothbrush, comb, dry shampoo, hairspray, SPF, toothpaste & deodorant)
- Clothes (Shorts & Rain Coat are always a good combo)
- Food & Drink (snacks & wine more than likely...)
- Plastic cups
- Wet wipes & antibacterial gel
- Festival / bus / train tickets
- Phone
- Wallet & money

That's pretty much everything I normally take, always try to pack as light as possible as normally there's a trek to the campsite when arriving and leaving. The first year I went to T in the Park I brought twice as much and barely used anything, it just added to the pain of having to drag it all back again covered head to toe in mud and not feeling too good after a glass of wine too many!





Thursday 17 July 2014

WEBSITE & FACEBOOK

I'm not sure if you have ever noticed but photography has always been a big part of my blog, something I've always enjoyed and found interesting. Over the past two years or so it has become more apparent that it is going to be something I will always enjoy doing and be a form of inspiration.
While Im studying Fashion Communication I've also decided to have a go at setting up my own photography website, initially it's going to be something to share the work I have created amongst others and use it as a creative outlet. Alongside this blog, of course.
I can't lie though, in the future I would love to think of it being a form of income regardless of how big or small.

Anyway, long story short. I'm going to leave links to both my website & photography Facebook page so feel free to have a browse, leave any feedback or even give it a like.

Thankyou!







Monday 14 July 2014

PLAYING


A couple of the songs I've been listening to, might be worth giving a few of them a listen.

In other news, I'm nearly finished moving into my new house, hopefully some form of Ikea Haul / Room Tour / Home DIY project will be on it's way within the next few weeks.

Friday 11 July 2014

INSTAGRAM UPDATE

I used to do Instagram recaps around once a week, but I found that I was rambling on about anything and everything. Saying that however, I love flicking back through Instagram as it reminds me of what I've been up to the past few weeks. Due to me enjoying these types of posts and they often get a good response I'm going to start doing them again, but maybe once every couple of weeks instead.

Anyway, since my last ramblings I've since finished my first year of university, been to London a few times and found some lovely little restaurants. Been house hunting, spent too much money on shoes & clothes (shock, I know). Basically,  I've just been enjoying my last few weeks of university and spent money that I don't have!

                                                 INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST


Tuesday 8 July 2014

ORGANISATION

In general day to day life I would like to see myself as an extremely organised person, however, lately I've definitely been slacking with my excessive organising and list making. 
Currently I'm going through an important time in my life, going through university, moving into a new house and facing all the new obstacles that comes along with it. To help get myself back on track with both blogging, my new website (www.samsparksphotography.com) and getting back into my old mindset I've set myself a few new resolutions. After all, who needs a new year or a fresh start to make changes, there's no better time than now, ey!

1) Blogging
I absolutely love running a blog, making LookBooks and also having somewhere to ramble away to. I'm going to start carrying around my Moleskine notebook much more and jotting down as many ideas I get for the future, both blogging and future projects. By planning my days a little more carefully and scheduling in a blog post every so often I then know that I have a set amount of time every few days to sit down with a cup of tea and be proactive. 

2) Money
While I'm quite good with my money spending habits it's definitely something I'd like to improve. Making a list on paper or even a little spreadsheet so I can easily see what money I have coming in and out, this will then help to save my money a little easier and might curve my shoe buying habit. 

3) Photography
Since starting university it has become apparent to me that career wise photography is going to be a massive influence and will also be involved within my future goals. I have always been a lover of magazines, especially anything that is filled with photography, regardless of the genre. With this in mind I'm going to start collecting anything that I find inspiration in, regardless of if it's a clipping from a magazine, a random business card etc. Having a book that is filled with inspiration & things I find motivational will be great on any days where I get a mind block. Plus, it'll be a physical version of Tumblr or Pinterest, always a positive thought!

While I definitely don't have the most interesting resolutions out there, it's something that I want to keep in mind and remember. There's no point in promising myself to make 3 blog posts every week, when realistically that's going to be a bit hard to commit to at first, but in the long run it is definitely a possibility. 


Friday 6 June 2014

05.06.14

After however many months of wanting to start a series of LookBooks I've finally gotten around to it. Hopefully after a bit of practice and habit over the summer I'll be able to carry on with the series once university is up and running again in September. 




















Sweatshirt - WEEKDAY, Jeans - TOPMAN, Bag - AMERICAN APPAREL, Shoes - NIKE, Watch - CASIO.

After recently investing in a new DSLR I decided to have a walk around Newcastle and do a few test shots. While I was there I decided to grab a few snaps to complete my first LookBook, hopefully the first of many.



Monday 2 June 2014

WANT




Current Spring / Summer wanted items. Clothing that's slightly more relaxed has started to draw my attention more than my usual likings of fitted shirts. Zara cotton trousers are a slightly smarter alternative to tracksuit bottoms but are a welcomed alternative to jeans in my current wardrobe.

Friday 23 May 2014

DANIEL


DANIEL was a fashion shoot that linked into a university module, the unit was split into two areas both Photography and Journalism. It was to be styled and presented in the style of the publication - Fantastic Man.



Once the final publication was created it was then transferred onto InDesign and exported to be printed as the final magazine spread.



DURHAM








Thursday 15 May 2014

ECLIPSE


"ECLIPSE" is a fashion film from one of my most recent modules at University.

Created by Myself & Chris McParlan.

Thursday 8 May 2014

NY


As you may know I traveled to New York in February for NYFW, (Bit of a late post, I know).
I decided to do a little recap and as a little re-introduction into my blog as I've been majorly slacking on posts, hopefully now summer has started it'll be back to normal again soon!