Ever since I heard about CatPawCino opening on Newcastle's Famous Quayside I've wanted to visit so when Abigail and my lovely friend Harriets birthdays coincided with only 2 days between them a visit to CatPawCino seemed like the most amazing birthday experience and you know how I prefer an experience to a thing!

CatPawCino is located right within the heart of the quayside, easily accessible by foot, public transport or car they have a standard £5 admission charge for an hour spent within the cafe although that does include a soft drink, tea or coffee and yummy cake.  I decided since we were celebrating we would instead go for the £12 per person afternoon tea which also includes the admission charge.  We were also told that although it's only an hour of time that they don't mind if you stay longer if it's quieter which it was last night although I imagine weekends are slightly crazy and booking in advance is recommended for weekends and holidays.

I really must say though that CatPawCino isn't about the yummy food it serves, it's not about the beverages, it's about the cats that you get to spend time with, there's just nothing like it, I don't think I can actually find the words to describe the joy it gave me to be in an environment where animals and humans are just peacefully co-existing, the cats are total poppets, you're not allowed to pick them up which means they come to you, you can of course go and stroke them and they're all just chilling out around the coffee house, on book shelves, on giant cat gyms, on shelves on walls and on chairs, you very much feel that this is the cats domain and you are merely honoured guests.

They ask that you don't use flash to take photos but there's really no need as the garden themed room is so bright and airy that you almost feel you are outdoors, other than that you can snap away, you can practice your cat themed photography, something which I of course embraced, in truth I could happily go back once a week just to photograph the pretty felines.

There's not much more to say really as it's so magical that you really do just have to go and experience it, oh and make sure you have a bowl tea, completely different and quite delicious.  So let me just end with a flurry of photographs dedicated to the purring little ones who made yesterday quite special for my daughter and beloved friend.

Mini Cruise to Amsterdam from Newcastle

When I  asked Abigail if she wanted to finally go on a mini cruise to Amsterdam from Newcastle to celebrate her 14th birthday and her resounding response was "Yes, when do we go?"  Now I must admit that by the time I actually got on the DFDS website to book I'd left it until just a few days before we were about to sail so I knew that we wouldn't especially get the best deal, in the end it cost £204ish for our 2 bed seaview cabin.

The last time I went on a cruise was the Norwegian Epic mini cruise from Rome to Barcelona, see how they both have the same name?  Mini Cruise?  Well let me tell you, that is where the similarities end unfortunately.  Whilst I sailed the med in the lap of luxury enjoying fabulous food, wonderful weather and great company the DFDS mini cruise felt more like I was sailing across the North Sea in an overpriced 1980's velour clad budget cabin.  Now it's no surprise that people just kind of deal with it when you consider that a lot of the passengers simply seemed to be there for the alcohol, perhaps that's why the cheapest thing on the boat was alcohol, no surprises then that there were uncouth men throwing up on the back of the bus on our transfer from Ijmuiden to Amsterdam.  Perhaps they couldn't afford to eat?  After all, a trip to the Pizza restaurant left us with a €60 euro bill for Abigail and I, that's 2 pizzas, a lime and soda and a diet coke!!  A trip to the buffet restaurant cost us a staggering €75 after we "splashed out" on a large bottle of still water.  Breakfast was the least expensive at €32 euros but at least it included the drinks.

The cabins were so basic they didn't even come with a tea tray or kettle and there was only 1 european plug point for both of us, in this day and age, 1 plug socket per cabin just isn't enough.  Still at least we could see the sea, those poor people in economy, well that doesn't bear thinking about, I just can't imagine how bad it is down there.  I wondered if Commodore Class would be any better, at least they got complimentary breakfast, wifi and a TV, yes a TV, we had europop radio, 3 or 4 channels of the stuff.  Now I know that satellite wifi isn't the best, I've been there and done that before but I would have thought they could install it ship wide and not just in a couple of the bars.  I think one of the main problems might be the age of the ship itself, both the Princess Seaways and King Seaways were built in 1986 and refurbished in 2006, that's still 10 years ago, a very long time indeed! I think my biggest kindest suggestion would be that they take these ships out of service, or up their service, maybe a pool would be a lovely idea, better bedding, a kettle, more plug sockets, anything to make it more of a mini cruise than a budget ferry trip.

Now you may be thinking that my scathing review means I had a horrible time but I actually loved spending a couple of carefree days in the company of my beautiful daughter Abigail (who didn't complain about anything, not even the cabin) and we adored our 5 hours in Amsterdam, and that's it people, that's all you get, not even vaguely enough time when you consider it takes around 17 hours to get there!  We did however spend a pleasant 75 minutes on board Terra Nova, a 110 year old luxury boat cruising around the canals of Amsterdam with around another 10 people, this is the way to see Amsterdam, don't go on the crowded boats, go on the comfy lovely one, the cost was €37 for Abigail and I, one day later and it would have been 42, child age seems to end at 14, better than on the boat though when it ends at 11!  After our cruise we wandered and walked and we ended up on the roof terrace of de Bijenkorf, Amsterdams oldest luxury department store, we only went for the cake but it did not disappoint!

5 hours is enough to give you a taste of the madness and beauty of Amsterdam, home to 500 museums ranging from bags and purses to death and my personal favourite, the Kattenkabinet

, a museum about cats with it's own cats.  I hope that we might return sometime soon but we'll fly with KLM and we'll stay in central Amsterdam or maybe out amongst the canals where it's quieter and prettier and the smell of cannabis doesn't hang so heavily in the air, Abigail will certainly not have a problem recognising the smell of drugs as she grows older.  Amsterdam is a curious city, full of colour and dare I say it, iniquity all muddled together with culture and beauty and the curiousness of hustle and bustle beside the peaceful canal life where time seems to slow down, well just for a while anyway.

I wouldn't say I hated the mini cruise but if I were to be persuaded to get on board again it would have to be in the luxury of Commodore Class, perhaps DFDS could turn my head with just a little more luxury and then I'd deal with the food prices as it was at least well cooked and a great selection of vegetarian Abigail and carnivorous me.  Just a bit more sparkle and a little less tired would work a treat I think and whilst they might not think a pool would be good surely a jacuzzi or two would be nice.  I loved the Sky bar but it was messy and uncared for and crowded with smokers ignoring the designated places and basically smoking wherever they felt like it without anyone to stop them, just because you're outdoors doesn't mean it's any more pleasant.

We even spotted Holly Bobbins Dutch beagle cousin!

So to sum up, I loved time spent with Abigail, I loved Amsterdam but the cruise itself should just be named the no frills ferry.

Lola Jeans Summer Menu Preview, Newcastle upon Tyne

I adore Lola Jeans, both the original in Tynemouth and little sister on Market Street in Newcastle are dog friendly, have a great relaxed vibe, stylish decor and food that tantalises the tastebuds with each exciting mouthful.

Last night I excitedly went along to an exclusive evening to sample their brand new summer menu which launches on Tuesday 3rd May at the Market Street bar and on the 10th of May at the original Tynemouth bar.  I wasn't sure what to expect and hoped they weren't changing things around too much as I love the food so much but I couldn't have been happier, they've not only enhanced the range with some sparkling new choices but some of the firmer favourites still remain.

We started the evening with a welcome cocktail, a Lady Eleanor non the less, they actually go to the trouble of juicing pink lady apples which is then combined with Prosecco, I can see my girlfriends and I happily sipping away on one too many of those on a sunny afternoon and that's what the whole summer menu is really about, even if it's raining (or snowing, heaven forbid but it's possible given the current weather conditions) the menu is so sunshiny, fresh and vibrant that you won't even notice the abhorrent weather outside of the windows!

I won't talk you through every single dish as I know you come here for the photos so I will share with you my highlights and then we'll get straight onto the sumptuous images of the most delicious food I've had for ages.

I think my favourite savoury morsel I stuffed into my greedy little mouth last night was the Chicken Parmigiana sandwich, yes you did hear that right, a Panko and Parmesan breaded chicken breast topped with home made Napoli sauce, crispy rocket and mozzarella all served up in a brioche bun, it's like heaven for your tastebuds, it's sparkly and zingy and every bite makes you feel like you are sitting in Napoli itself.

I won't talk too much about the tribute to Monsters Inc in a burger because I don't want to spoil the surprise but if you are manly and you like a big high stacked rich burger with steak then you want to make sure you order the James P Sullivan, this is definitely one for those who have a man sized appetite!

There was only one sweet treat on the menu last night but it did not fail to disappoint, the gooiest chocolate fudge sauce all enrobed in filo pastry and served up as a chocolate fudge spring roll, oh my goodness, I had 2 of these because I am not ashamed to say that I adore puddings and in fact I hadn't eaten all day in preparation, nothing quite prepares you for the scrumptious delight that is a chocolate fudge spring roll.

and with that I'll just tempt you a little more with my favourite images from last night 

Best friend Harriet was of course ready for the challenge of another night accompanying me to an event but she's definitely got the blogging bug and her Twitter account which concentrates on the delights and wonders of Heaton so go check her out!

Now then, the food I tasted last night was divine but if I'm honest I to eat clean as much as I possibly can and that's not easy when you're eating out with friends so imagine my delight when I received a copy of the new Lola Jeans clean eating menu which launches on the same dates at the summer menu, I just can't wait to try the superfood salad, the clean and mean bun-less burger and Lolas steak and eggs, they've even introduced a brand new baked sweet potato.

I can see Holly Bobbins and I will be frequenting Lola Jeans a whole lot more often when we're going to the beach at Tynemouth or maybe I'll just drag her for an urban walk and call in at the Market Street bar instead.

Spring Photo Shoots in North East England with Mandy Charlton Photography

It's spring now you know, it really is, even if you can't see it out of your windows, feel it in the air or you keep thinking it's Christmas because it's started to snow again (it never snows at Christmas when you want it though does it?) it really is actually spring and I know it in my heart that the weather is going to break soon and we'll be blanketed in wall to wall sunshine, May is always the loveliest weather month and there's really no better time to embrace the spring flowers, the blanket of wild garlic in Jesmond Dene or Armstrong Park or the Rhododendrons and Azaleas in bloom in most of the wooded areas around our region.  Or maybe your garden has just sprung back to life and you want to have photos at home to celebrate that, whatever the reason it's simply a wonderful time to get outdoors with your families and have some updated photographs.

Did you know that for the month of May the £30 mini session is back?  A simple 30 minute session outdoors at Jesmond Dene, Heaton Park, Armstrong Park, Leazes Park, Saltwell Park or Tynemouth and you'll get a complimentary 7x5 print upon placing an order from your online gallery which you'll have access to for a whole month.  I'll even give you 15% off all of the prices for the first week your gallery is live.

Winter has seemed the longest this year not only from a personal perspective but also a business perspective so I'm so thankful that I have at least met lots of lovely babies at home and if you're just about to have a new lovely addition to your family you might want to enquire about a newborn lifestyle at home, suitable for all babies under 6 months and usually shot on the family bed, it's different, it's relaxed and it'll give you images you'll cherish forever.  It's only £75 for the session and you'll get a 12x8 print and online gallery/discount as above.

Of course you may be one of those super lovely clients who wants all of the images and you want to have your photo shoot at a location of your choice, my all inclusive sessions are available for only £250 (Just a £75 retainer to book) and they're a little longer than the regular ones, they're great for family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries or just because.

I love doing what I do, I think that shows in the images, in a saturated market place I think my images really do stand out from the other stuff out there and whilst business becomes more of a challenge I'm always going to keep on fighting and while there are babies to photograph and families to capture I'll keep on going.

To book your session email mandy@mandycharltonphotography.com today

Newcastle Photographer
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

How to edit your photographs with Instagram

I've been wanting to talk about this for ages but 2 things have finally inspired me to sit down and write it, firstly I went to give a talk to the Jesmond WI last Monday about photography and Instagram and the ladies were so lovely and very receptive and I feel I gave them something solid they could go away and experiment with as well as telling them some stories of my life and travels including the infamous story of Wakefield, if you've not heard about how I accidentally ended up in a hotel which was being used as a brothel do ask me about it the next time you see me!  Secondly I read Lucy's post about Instagram this morning, I love her blog and her Instagram, I find her inspiring, her style of photography is so different to mine and I am overawed by the way that she sees life through her lens.

I see the world in photographs, something has happened to my brain I think because it wasn't always the way, I see every light change as an opportunity, just ask my friends, no one gets quite so excited about changes in the light as I do, I walk around constantly stupefied by the beauty I find which surrounds me everywhere I go, no matter how many times I take the same dog walk I can always find something different and beautiful to photograph.

I use three cameras for the photography you'll find on my Instagram, A Canon DSLR, a Fuji CSC and my iPhone6s and often no one can tell the difference which is quite interesting but it's maybe because for the most part I am sharing travel photos and panoramas or Holly out on a walk in her surroundings.  Mostly if I want to share a portrait it will be something I've captured with my DSLR because I'll need to use that depth of field, something an iPhone really can't capture due to the teeny weeny sensor, on the whole though it does a pretty good job.

For editing big projects, weddings and portraits it's all DSLR and it's all edited in Photoshop and Lightroom but sometimes if I'm travelling I have no issues with using the wifi on my camera, and then doing a simple edit in Instagram, after all, my images pretty much look as they should when they come out of my camera after 10 years, I'm also not that good at Photoshop, haha!

So, I want to give you an example of an image which was taken with my iPhone6s in low light and then I'll show you what you can do with Instagram, it's all sliders so it's so easy to use and you can make beautiful images using just an iPhone and Instagram, I think especially with the 6 and 6S models as with each new iPhone the camera has just got better and better.

It astounds me, firstly that the recent models of iPhone really are as good as they are at low light photography, it has definitely not always been that way!  Instagram though, not using any filters just knowing what to do to manipulate an image so that you can bring the most out in it, usually to get a shot in the city in the evening you would have had to go along with your big DSLR, set up your tripod and then edit in Photoshop or Lightroom or both but now you can take it and share it within minutes something which has proved to be invaluable if you are taking travel photos on assignment, people love to be immersed in the places you share because they want to feel like they're there with you.

So here's the down low on Instagram editing and I hope that you can use the tips here to take better instant photographs on the go.

Of course there's still the old adage, you can't make a bad photograph look good with excessive editing so try to take something which looks not unpleasant before you pop it into Instagram.

There are other simple editing apps but I wanted to go with the most popular and easily accessible, it's also super simple because it's a combination of sliders, just remember to try and achieve these effects on your own, don't be temped to use filters if you can because ultimately you will be able to define your own style on Instagram.  I was delighted to discover that I now have over 4000 people happily following and commenting on my Instagram, it's been a pretty fast growth once I finally had it all figured out but I adore Instagram because I love sharing images of beautiful places and people and things and making other people happy when they see them and really that's what it's all about for me, creating images which make people smile, which make me smile, which add some quality to life and future history and memories.

Now go on, get out there, take photos, edit sympathetically and then share with me what you've been up to.