For a photographer who is at his most stimulated when shooting people, the opportunity to float around the periphery of a bunch of people who totally ignore you is manna from heaven...
Read moreTrasierra...
Nestled in the hills north of Seville it's the most amazing place to spend some time. It is owned by the wonderful Charlotte Scott, a Brit who arrived in Andalucía in the 1970s and spent several decades turning a crumbling old Manse into a very special boutique hotel.
Read moreNot just any old office launch...
“… This inventive and beautifully lit approach made the evening photogenic and interesting…”
Read moreA short guide to masks...
“… From nowhere, something which had previously only warranted a passing thought has became a big issue, mainly because looming large on the August horizon is the first post-lockdown wedding commission…”
Read moreMust see: Ole, Ole, Ole - come on the road with the Stones
“… If you read this and seek-out the film, then maybe keep a close eye out for some incredible footage of Jagger on stage during a rainstorm. There is one image - which only last a few secs - of him caught in the lights and the pouring rain - it’s a breathtaking visual and something, to a photographer’s eye, that really is quite magical…”
Read moreEngagement photography in Paris...
“… I don’t like to over plan any day of photography; an approximate outline with plenty of room to breathe is my preferred MO and it’s usually the same for those who employ me…”
Read moreCool stuff: The work of Bradford Young...
To gain a better understanding of what makes Young so sought after, take a look at this feature on the terrific website Film School Rejects, a constant source of thoughtful posts on the state of cinema today...
Read moreVery, very interesting view on mirrorless cameras...
“… This piece by Robert Rittmuller is a great take on the current industry shift, or not, to mirrorless camera tech. Enough from me, read the piece - super interesting…”
Read moreMust see: HBO's The Fourth Estate...
“… This riveting and superb look behind the scenes during the paper’s reporting of the first months of Trump’s premiership is edge of the seat stuff…”
Read moreNot just Santa who’ll Be busy...
While Father Christmas plans who’s been naughty and/or nice, I’m keeping very busy, finishing off what's been a terrific year. I've been lucky enough to enjoy a long list of great commissions stretching in to the winter and several reflect an evolving trend for more and more reportage coverage for corporate clients.
In times past, a request from a corporate client to shoot a Christmas function would have filled me with dread. This would mean endless 'grip and grins', leading to very staged results, devoid of any feeling or creativity. But in today's marketplace companies have loosened-up and allow photographers to shoot what they see, recording something really atmospheric and genuine. This appeals to employer and employee - and allows photography to be interesting for internal use and social media.
I believe variation is key to keeping your work fresh and remaining stimulated. And there's absolutely no reason to moan about shooting at Claridge's, Scotts, Battersea Park, Somerset House and Fetcham Park, to name but a few.
So, below is a handful of shots which I think sums-up winter and the festive period...
Spring at Kew...
“… I love to look back on an image like this to pull me back in to the day, and thanks to Mr & Mrs Pink for allowing me to illustrate it…”
Read moreBlackfriars Bridge at midnight...
"... So, over Blackfriars Bridge we all ventured, and in the middle of fun this image, to my mind, summed-up their whole attitude to the wedding..."
Read moreSocial Media Holdout? Too right.
"But post a tweet, and everyone knows what you’re doing at that moment: idly looking at a screen, chasing after notice... "
Read moreFive Came Back, essential viewing...
"... Five Came Back is at times almost overwhelming in its detail and varied subject matter, chronicling so many facets of how film and war intertwined during World War II..."
Read moreIntimate table detail at The Connaught
I'm being commissioned more and more to shoot smaller weddings in venues with a very intimate feel. It might be a private dining rooms in a luxury boutique hotel or a lovely residence with a family party feel. Yet in every case, the events are very specific in their design and attention to detail is of paramount importance.
One such recent shoot was at The Connaught hotel in the heart of London's Mayfair. This stunning venue dates back to 1815 (when it was called The Coburg) and, in its various incarnations, has always been frequented by the great and good.
Katy and Jonathan had chosen to hold their small wedding ceremony close by - at The Mayfair Library - before they and their party walked through the gardens behind Farm St Church and into Mount Street.
After a relaxed drinks reception the 30 or so guests were treated to a sumptuous meal in The Carlos Room, and it's here we photographically pick up the day, because the detail was absolutely stunning...
Entirely lit by candles, Katy's vision was brought to life by suppliers operating at the very top of their game. I recall walking into the room and being struck by the soft orange hue. The light whispered pure luxury while still being inviting and comfortable - the perfect combination which allowed this tight-knit group of family and friends to enjoy themselves to the full.
So, in the hope the photography reflects the scene, here is a little corner of The Connaught in all its romantic glory.
Below, as usual, are only a few from the set. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
