Moose Photoshoots by Marta
35 Awards International Photography Competition
35 Awards International Photography Competition
Last year, for the first time, I found courage in myself to take part in one of the largest and most prestigious international photo competitions - 35awards. It was the 7th edition of the 35 Awards. It is a significant challenge for me, because the best photographers in the world take part in the contest.
How to build a photographic career abroad?
When building your own brand, when you are building a photographic career also abroad, it is extremely important to challenge yourself and to be recognised not only locally but also internationally. It is true that the quality will always defend itself, but without a well-developed brand and name, there is no chance of being recognised.
A great dilemma arose
In the meantime, a war broke out in Ukraine with Russia. Sadly it is related to this competition because it has been organized in Russia. A great dilemma arose. I got messages telling me to quit as a lot of people are withdrawing and I can expect a bad PR. They often forget that not everyone is in such a good position to give up something. Especially if you work internationally and try to stand out among others in a given industry. That someone would be looked at regardless of their country of origin. This competition is known all around the world and the achievements in it are also recognizable. I decided to submit my photos for those reasons. I represented Spain and Gibraltar in 7th edition- 2021/2022
The results of the 35 Awards International Photography Competition
And yes, we finally have the results. Last year's edition was attended by 124,827 photographers from 174 countries, who sent 470,000 photos! Therefore, today I can share with you, the greatest success so far in my career as a photographer. My photo is among the BEST 35 PHOTOS in the FEMALE PORTRAIT category. Moreover, I’m in the top 300 best photographers in the CHILDREN STAGED PHOTOGRAPHY category. It is a great honor for me and a motivation for the future.
At this point, I would like to thank my mother, whose photo was in the forefront, and my loved ones for their support and patience.
Communion photosession with Moose Photoshoots in Gibraltar
Do you want to know what is the best way to select the best photographer for your child's communion in Gibraltar? Which offer is right for you? As there are so many offers and photographers in Gibraltar you have every right to feel confused.
Who is the best communion photographer from Gibraltar for you?
First of all you should think about the budget for this purpose. It’s also worthwhile to ask your friends for recommendations. Then look for photographers in the area who specialise in children photography. Each of us specialises in different types of photography. For communion the best will be a person who photographs kids mostly (so no wedding or newborn photographers, because they specialise in reportages or studio photography mostly) and who like children. Then the photographer’s style should reflect your preferences.
If you think about having the communion photoshoot with me it’s absolutely an option. Let me tell you some more about what it looks like.
See my portfolio and get a feeling of which kind of style I practise
My portfolio is available here, there you can find more information and get a feeling of which kind of style I practise. It is one of the most important decisions. If that doesn’t “click” then maybe you should consider to keep looking. Photography is an artistic expression. It’s crucial that the portfolio of the photographer reflects your expectations, that way the chance to get it right is much higher. With me you can choose two types of the photos – my personal natural style, but full of colours, lights and contrasts or fine art. More information about the differences in those styles here: Fine art photography or natural photos - what is the difference?.
Choose the best suited communion photoshoot package from my offer
When you are sure that the portfolio reflects what you would like to see with the final product it’s time to select the best suited communion photoshoot package. Children who are going to the communion are 6-7 years old, so I personally recommend a one hour photoshoot package. There is a 1,5 hours offer where you can choose 2 different places, but it can be strenuous for kids at this age, it’s quite long. We are aiming for a pleasant experience for the children and the parents and would like to avoid bad associations with the photoshoot. The most amazing pictures are taken when a child is excited, happy and relaxed. Usually the first 15 minutes of the photoshoot is focused on getting to know each other and to leave the stress behind.
Communion photoshoot in Gibraltar - how does it look like?
After selecting the package and the place we are booking a photoshoot. The responsibility to prepare the clothes lies with the parents. We can take some pictures with the family members, communion is a very important event for the whole family, I just need to be made aware of the fact that this is what you want so I can properly plan the scenario of the shoot. Please try to arrive on time, because sometimes I have a couple of photoshoots the same day and I can not be late.
When the photos are ready?
The last thing that you must have in mind is that it takes up to 6 weeks to finish editing the photos. That is why you should consider booking early to make sure that the photos are available when you need them. I am usually booked for 3 month in advance, so if you plan to have a communion photoshoot ready in May, you should write to me in January/ February latest. That way we can make sure that everything is smooth and ready for this important event.
Click on the photo to see it in the lightbox view.
Fine art photography or natural photos - what is the difference?
Fine art photography or natural photos – what is the difference? Communion, family, child, woman, couple. All of them You can have with me and choose the style.
You often ask me what fine-art photography is and how it differs from natural photos.
I decided to write about it. Let me start with a basic definition of fine-art photography.
"Fine-art photography is a photography created with the vision of the photographer as an artist, using photography as a medium for a creative expression. The goal of fine-art photography is to express an idea, a message, or an emotion. It is not simply documenting a subject as the camera sees it." Suorce: Wikipedia
When You choose a fine art photoshoot…
You give me the freedom to create your images. I don’t have to strictly stick to the same colors that the camera found when taking the picture. I can style, create an artistic reality that will become your photos. They usually are more paintery, looking more like an artistic picture than a photograph.
I fell in love with fine art photography because I painted my whole life. I created pictures, copied from the greatest painters like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, etc. I sold more than one picture when I was in college. With time, my passion for art and painting turned into a camera. But there is still an artistic soul in me. And this form of photography allows me to be fulfilled not only professionally but also artistically.
It’s best to tell me as much as possible about your expectations when booking a photo session, about the models, who will take part in it, whether it is to be occasional, such as birthday or communion and anything else that you think might be relevant. I should always know how many people will be in the session and at what age. We should choose a place and clothes for the session together. If we want to create a special staging, we need to think on how to achieve it, how to prepare, and what to bring. We can create sessions in sunflowers, oranges or sessions with heroes from fairy tales. We can tell stories about Your relations by creating photo story reportages. Therefore, the key to success is to create a unique idea for unique photos.
Have a look at the photos in here, to understand what fine art photo edition means:
When You choose a natural photoshoot…
You should understand that natural photos do not mean that I did not edit them and I take them straight from the camera. I always assume that someone comes to me for photo sessions in order to get something from me that you will not do yourself – with a phone or other camera. I know that you expect from me the skills and experience in which I have specialized. That you come to me knowing my style, believing that I will show what’s best in you.
When editing natural photos, I try not to change the shots. It neither adds or subtracts anything from the photos. I do not create light, I do not shape the body, I do not create additional shadows, I do not change the nature of the photos and, above all, I stick to the original colors, for example your clothes.
At the end i will show you photos of the family session, taken in Alcaidesa, 1.5 before sunset. There are photos in 3 stages of work:
- Photos from the camera
- Natural photo edition- my own, original style
- Fine Art photo edition
Click on the photo thumbnails to view them in their original size.
Christmas Photoshoot with Moose Photoshoots
Since it’s December, I would like to show you and tell you what the Christmas photoshoot with Moose Photoshoots looks like. And what you can expect. It is true that this year’s Christmas mini sessions are over but they have raised many questions. As a result I have decided to write this short note to make everything clear for you.
First of all, booking a Christmas photoshoot with Moose Photoshoots is already available in September and the reason for it is because the shooting commences in November.
Please try and remember this because spaces are limited and later down the line it is very difficult for me to agree to additional photo shoots because I am not capable of finishing them to the best of my abilities for you on time.
To book a session, you pay a deposit of 30 euros, you agree to all terms & conditions regarding our cooperation, you choose whether you want your photos done with fine art effects or natural. The reason behind it is because the price of the photoshoot depends on it. And finally we arrange the details. I would like you to communicate to me all of Your expectations about the style of the photoshoot, inform me about the amount of people involved as well as the age of the participants.
Are you wondering how to prepare for Christmas Photoshoot?
- Scenes and props will be prepared for the photoshoot.
- You are responsible for the clothes.
- Magical effects can be added to the photos.
- During the photoshoot you are responsible for siblings and other children that came with you and are walking or crawling, also recording videos and taking photos with phones/cameras is prohibited unless it has been agreed with me.
- It's important that you arrive on time or a few minutes early, please don't be late, I leave very little or no gaps between photoshoots to allow more time for editing and I may not have enough time for you at the photoshoot if you're late.
- Standard waiting time for the finished products is 1-2 weeks but may extend over the summer months and holiday period.
Natural or fine art photos?
One thing that many of you wonder upon is whether you want natural or fine art effect photos. Let me explain. First of all, natural photos do not mean they are unedited at all. By this I mean that I don’t add any special effects such as lights, shadows, snow or that I don’t merge your pictures together. I will have these ready for you in the form that you have chosen.
The fine art style allows me to create a totally different photo, it gives room for my ideas and imagination to show off. In these photos, I allow myself to create so many varied designs. With fine art effects I can combine different shots for you, I can add special effects and make Christmas photoshoot with Moose Photoshoots even more special and magical.
My Christmas photoshoot offer
The basic Christmas package come later with five photos. If you choose more than five photos, you will need to bear in mind that the first five photos will be ready for you before Christmas but the remainder of the photos you have opted for will be delivered to you in the New Year. I always try hard to estimate the amount of work I have taken on to be able to meet my deadline and provide you with the photos on time.
Editing Christmas photos
Let me show You the proces how it looks in these two photos. You can see a photo straight from the camera, then an edited photo, but a natural one, and at the end a photo with a fine art edition.
I hope You understand everything and hope to see YOU next year ! For now I want to wish You Merry Christmas and all the best in New 2022 !
And here You can see the final effect of one of my favourite Xmas photoshoot I have done this Year.
Social media bad lack 2021
Bad luck has haunted my social media since the beginning of 2021. In February, I started to get messages that someone from various places in the world was logging in to my facebook (@Marta Losieiwcz account) and that I would confirm or change my password. And so I did. But, ... I also got signals from people that they were getting strange e-mails from me and whether I was the one who sent them?
Hackers sneaked into my e-mail
I was aware that I had lost control of my Facebook account @Marta Losiewicz when hackers who had sneaked into my e-mail and social media started to "use" my advertising account on the Moose Photoshoots Wedding & Family Photography fanpage.
Unable to regain access to my social media accounts
That day, I asked for my account to be verified. But I have not been able to get it back, and I have not managed to get it back, as well as I have not managed to get back my old e-mail (marta.losieiwcz@o2.pl). After 30 days, facebook completely disabled my account as if it never existed. As a photographer, I lost my personal account, my fanpage account that still exists but I’m unable to regain access to it despite trying, and an instagram account that was directly linked to my facebook account (@moose_photoshoots).
Several years of work just disappeared. I lost my network of friends, which I had built up over the years, traveling all over the world, taking part in various projects and exchanges. I lost an account when I was over 10 years old with all my memories and photos. Once I realized that the case was unwinnable and I would not get back what was hacked, I started all over again. I opened a new account @marta.dankiewicz.3, a new fanpage Moose Photoshoots and a new account on instagram (@photographergibraltar_).
Suddenly… logged out of Instagram
And when it seemed that everything was fine, when I learned to be systematic in publishing on social media, at the end of October, I was suddenly… logged out of Instagram asking to log in again. It's just that the SMS code never came and my account was disabled. Suddenly just like that. I thought it was a mistake, that a text message would come, or that I would get a message that they had broken the system ... But no, ... Nothing. No responses, no contact for messages to customer support. And this way I lost another account, this time only on instagram.
You can learn from my mistakes
And I am telling you all this so that you can learn from my mistakes. First of all, do not connect your Instagram accounts with Facebook, so as not to lose both accounts at once. Secondly, give access to the company fan page also to another one whom you can trust. So that you still have access to your fan page and instagram. Thirdly, I will no longer use SMS as a two-factor security because it never got to me when it should. I secure a standalone application with codes. Which I can access from various phones, not just one, in case I lose one.
And passwords...
Passwords must be different for your accounts so as not to make matters easier for hackers. Because whether it was - bad luck or a lack of caution, or maybe someone not friendly with me- but starting from scratch is never easy. And if it can be avoided then it must be done. In connection with the above, I cordially invite you to like my latest instagram account: @moosephotoshoots where you can follow my adventures with photography, motherhood and traveling.
Create Your child modelling portfolio with Moose Photoshoots, children's photographer from Gibraltar
If you are convinced of the extraordinary beauty, personality and modeling career for your child, create your child modelling portfolio with me. I specialize in children's photography and many of my photos have been featured on the pages and covers of children's magazines such as UK Prestige Magazine or International Kid Model Magazine.
For such a session, it is best to develop concepts in advance to choose the right outfits and choose the right place for photos. It is best for children and adolescents to be professionally groomed or with make-up (only if they are teenagers). Parents are always welcome as assistants and support for their children. Because the most important thing is their well-being and a sense of security. They can also be very helpful in properly illuminating the scenes or making small models laugh.
If you want to create your child modelling portfolio with me, do not hesitate and write to me.
When is the best time to take pictures of your child?
First of all, when the child is well rested and can easily concentrate. Ideally, it should be a day off from work or school. Then we meet at the agreed place, preferably two hours before sunset (this is the best daylight for photos).
What is the best place to create your child modelling portfolio?
They are all allowed. It can be a selected beach, forest, park or even city streets. It is best to choose a place that will give you a lot of possibilities for the chosen concept of the photo. Will it be a city session, a session with a pet or promoting a selected brand of clothes. There is one important rule. We don't take pictures in direct sunlight. We do not face the model to the light which, for example, shines through the leaves.
Who can attend such a session?
Virtually every child with exceptional beauty and a positive attitude. Ideally, however, it should be older than 7 months and able to sit. It is easiest to work with children over 6 years of age. They are able to listen and follow the photographer's instructions.
If you have any questions about building a portfolio for your child, please write to me.
Fine art wedding photos with Moose Photoshoots - Gibraltar - Alameda Gardens and Catalan Bay Beach
This time I would like to present to You after wedding photoshoot edited with fine art. Francina & Oleg loved my fine art style and trusted me to make their wedding photos the way I see it. It was a 2 hours package so we went to two locations: Alameda Gardens and Catalan Bay beach. It was the middle of the summer, very hot, and also middle of the day.
I allowed myself to do some of the photos in vintage style as well.
If you would like to book Your wedding with me don't hesitate to write.
Gibraltar elopement with Moose Photoshoots - Wedding photo session
I wanted to tell You more about wedding with me in Gibraltar.
Maria & Eoin have come to elope from Ireland. It was just the two of them for this most romantic event. They selected a package with natural photos. They booked me for 2 hours (normally, my wedding package has 1,5 hour and only one place for the photoshoot after the ceremony) and received 50 photos.
Wedding photo session - Gibraltar Marina and Europa Point
During this time we took some photos at the ceremony in the registry office and then we did a photoshoot. First in Gibraltar Marina and than In Europa Point, where the lighthouse is. Wedding was in the middle of the day, so the photos are very bright, full of lights, shades. Let me show them their story through my photography.
Before and after - fine art wedding photography
I'm presenting to You one photo that I have made in two versions. One natural one and one with a vintage style edition. As You know- I'm a fine art photographer, so I can change the photo into a fairy tale picture.
Next time I will present to You the same package with a different couple that trusted me and choose a fine art photo edited package. You will have the possibility to compare and decide which one You like most.
Permission to publish my photos
I need You to be aware that without Your permission to publish my work and Your photos every package costs more. (It is written on my website and in the contract as well). You probably want to know - WHY? Let me explain. I’m a photographer and it is very important for me to have the opportunity to share and show my work. I’m spending a lot of time putting my heart into Your pictures. So let’s say that those who agree that I publish have a discount. And those that want to keep their photos private pay normal prices.
That’s why it is very important to understand Your possibilities with me and select the best package for Yourself.
Baby and Portrait Photo Awards - photographer Gibraltar
Baby Photo Awards and Portrait photo awards are websites where professional photographers can share their best children, maternity and portrait photos. The most creative photography artists from all over the world submit their works to contest for the highest places in the rating list. Which means that it is also a great place to find a great photographer for yourself.
I started to take part in this monthly contest for photographers because it allows me to find my place among peers.
Moreover it motivates me to create my own small projects, not only commercial photo shoots. I have those ideas in my head and turn them into the image. The image that has a vision and message. It brings my photography to the highest level.
So I want to present to You photos that have been successfully awarded. You can also read a story about each of the image.
"Conjure up spring"
The photo was created with a thought about a magical view on the first day of spring. Giulia wanted to be a fairy and that's how the idea for an enchanted photo bringing spring was born.
"Vintage Portrait"
Art photography allows me to show the world from a different perspective. In this case, in the old, vintage style. I changed the spring portrait of Lena to a classic, romantic one. Looking at it reminds me of my own childhood. When, as a little girl, I picked flowers for my mother's bouquet.
"Magical book"
The photo was taken in the golden hour, before sunset. It aims to promote traditional book reading. Because nowadays, reading books is the real magic. Magic that takes us to the limitless world of imagination.
"First spring together"
It was taken at the beginning of a Spanish spring. Lola is "theoretically" a dangerous dog. So puting next to her 10 months old Zoe was about to show that even if the dog looks dangerous, she is friendly and calm, and loves spending time with Zoe, enjoying their first spring together. Appearances can be deceiving. And you shouldn't judge by appearance.
"The Dreamer"
This photo shows the power of dreams and imagination. Children believe that everything is possible. I wanted to show that but also wanted to present a fairy tale, dreamy style, looking like a drawing to put someone into magical childhood world.
"Reflection of memories"
This photo was made to show the power of objects and the memories stored in them. Grandma looks at herself in the mirror and suddenly freezes, staring at the necklace. A necklace that awakens her memories. It symbolizes the passing of time and how important it is to find time and talk to older people who can tell us so many stories about their life and memories, adventures. Especially since the time together is running out.
"Red rose"
The photo of "red rose" was inspired by the book "The Little Prince" where the rose was the only friend of the main character.
"To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world....”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Other awarded photos:
After the wedding Photoshoot in Sevilla
This is the story of David and Adrianna's magical wedding session. A couple in love with the Spanish city of Sevilla. I believe this is a photo shoot worth telling about because it brought me my first award in wedding photography.
The photo session in Sevilla - Spanish Square and Maria Luisa Park
We met with the bride and groom at their polish- spanish wedding in Poland during the summer of 2020. We have planned the sessions at the end of October due to the tolerable temperatures this month in Seville. It was a special, foggy morning on the Spanish Square. Thanks to this, when we met in the morning to start the pictures, one of the most popular tourist spots was almost empty. We had the whole Spanish Square to ourselves. We took pictures inside and outside. Then we moved to Maria Luisa Park. The fog disappeared and the swans and ducks were a beautiful addition to the photos taken there.
The heart of the old town in Sevilla
We heard the most comments from passers-by when doing the third part of the session in the heart of the old town. We heard that "they would not like such a session and why the young couple wanted to have photos in the middle of a city full of people. They just didn't know that this was the next place in our session and the last part of it. It was here that the young couple decided to take photos of their new family member - a puppy that they recently took to their home.
Photos in the fine art style
The young people fully trusted me, despite the fact that I took their photos in the fine art style, which I usually use for children's sessions. Thanks to this, their session acquired a magical and unique character and added a fairy, magical character to the photos. It seems that thanks to the processing of fine art, their session became such a success. Of course, without them and the charms of the beauty of Sevilla, it would not be the same. I am grateful for the trust and the opportunity to be their photographer.
The award-winning photo taken in the Spanish Square
As for the award-winning photo, we took it in the Spanish Square, with an old couple walking in the background holding their hands. I found it a perfect moment to create a unique picture. An image that has acquired additional meaning. Because when we look at a young couple in the background, we see this old couple loving each other, going through life together. And we automatically wish for new married ones to share a similar story. That they can age together and support them all the next years, cultivating their love.
