Last week I couldn't believe my luck when I photographed The Hoff!! When I came face to face with the TV legend in Cheltenham I felt like I was transported back in time sitting on my parents sofa watching one of my favourite TV shows..Knight Rider!! To my surprise Michael Knight...sorry ..David was much taller than expected. I'm tall at 6'1 but he was waaaay taller...maybe 6'4! He was a friendly chap but slightly reluctant to be photographed. After a little persuasion by yours truly he whipped off his disguise...a beanie hat....gave me his Hollywood smile and struck a pose!! In that brief fleeting moment it felt like he had suddenly morphed into a super hero!! I only wish he had Kitt with him!
The Tipi Outdoor Wedding of Charlie & Ollie at Home Farm, Beachampton
I've shot a lot of weddings over the years but Charlie & Ollie must be two of the most happy and charming people I have met! I started the day at Charlies parents house to photograph the bridal prep. I was immediately struck how calm and relaxed it was, Charlie was sipping champagne, hair in rollers having a natter with her bridesmaids! :-) . I was made to feel incredibly welcome and part of the team! After drinking two cups of tea and capturing some great moments I headed over to Home Farm, Beachampton, near Milton Keynes where Ollie was getting ready.
The venue was amazing! I LOVE outdoor summer tipi weddings and this was right up there! The atmosphere was great, so chilled, relaxed and fun :-) The sun was shining and I got on doing what I do best..capturing all those fun candid moments. There were plenty of cool shots to be had around the venue with a lovely old barn and a huge willow tree to play with! A great day spent with great people! Congratulations Charlie & Ollie and thanks for letting me be a part of of it! :-)
- Nichola & Richard - Glorious Gloucestershire Wedding!
A few weeks back I had the pleasure photographing the amazing wedding of Nichola & Richard. The day was so much fun starting with Nichola getting ready at her home in Cheltenham and being interrupted by her Dad calling to ask for insurance advise! :-)..what better time to get your insurance sorted out! The ceremony and reception was held at Hatherley Manor Hotel on the Cheltenham/Gloucester border. It was a fab day and even a little bit of rain didn't get in the way as we still managed to get outside to make the most of the great surroundings! Congratulations Nichola & Rich and all the best for the future!! :-)
Ride Social - Sean Conway & Mel Nicholls
I've been so busy recently my blogging has taken a back seat..oops. Let's get back on it!
The great adventurer Sean Conway recently completed a 400 mile GB coastline triathlon, he is also an ambassador for Ride Social, Britains biggest social community, designed by British cycling to help people find like minded cyclists so they cycle together. Pic of Sean and the amazing British wheelchair athlete Mel Nicholls before they set off today for their bike ride!
Bella Italia abseil the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth for Dreams Come True
I had a fun time on a recent assignment down in Portsmouth. Bella Italia management were abseiling down the Spinnaker tower to raise funds for Dreams Come True, their chosen charity for the year. There was also special guest appearances from the Minions and also youtube sensations Sapphire and Skye. It was a great day with awesome weather thrown in! Congratulations to all of the participants! Here are a few pics from the day.
Connie Celebrates Her 105th Birthday!!
Today I met Connie, a truly inspirational lady who was celebrating her 105th birthday at Brockworth House Care Home..yes I said 105th!! :-) It was amazing to watch Connie sing songs, knock back glasses of wine and get emotional opening her birthday cards including one from the Queen and prime minister. Happy Birthday Connie!!
Antiques Roadshow Filming at Tewkesbury Abbey
Busy day today! I was out and about across Gloucestershire photographing all sorts of interesting news stories and stopped off to photograph the filming of BBC TV show the Antiques Roadshow at Tewkesbury Abbey. The shows presenter Fiona Bruce was also there to chat to visitors.
Stow Horse Fayre
Had the opportunity to photograph the Stow on the Wold Horse Fayre today. It was a great experience with lots of great picture opportunities!
Portrait of Playwright Amy Rosenthal
Lauren & Ed
Here's a few sneaky pics from the wedding of Lauren & Ed! The day was amazing with incredible weather and the coolest bunting you will ever see! :-)
Military Veterans
I always enjoy photographing military veterans as we owe them so much. The last couple of days I photographed these two legends :-)
The Way of the Cross at Gloucester Cathedral
I photograph many things on a daily basis but today I got to photograph the Good Friday performance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ outside Gloucester Cathedral. The event was performed by the people of Gloucester and really was a thought provoking spectacle! The image below was taken after they had walked through the city centre with the cross and finally came to nailing Jesus to the cross. If you're a bit squeamish you had to avert your eyes when the Roman soldier hammered in the nails as fake blood was used. I love this image as it focuses on the raw emotion.
David & Holly Pre Wedding Shoot at The Cheltenham Park Hotel
Gloucester Rugby Players Cook up a Storm at Bella Italia
Had a fun time last night photographing the Gloucester Rugby guys making their own pizzas and waiting on tables at Bella Italia in the Gloucester Quays. Everyone threw themselves into it and I even got to eat a tasty pizza invented and made by Gloucester legend Terry Fanolua! Cheers Terry
Employee Portraits - Every Business Them!
Business Portraits..every business needs them! I have lost count the number of times I have gone into a business looked up and noticed some out of focus, dark, grim pictures of the company employees. In my opinion great clean staff pictures displayed proudly on the wall instantly projects a sense the company cares for its employees and more importantly will care about its customers! :-)
Portrait of Cheltenham Town FC Manager Gary Johnson
Being an ex footballer myself and an avid football/sports fan I love being in and around professional sports teams. Today I was asked to photograph Cheltenham Town FC manager Gary Johnson. I've met and photographed Gary before and he's a very relaxed friendly guy so I was looking forward to photographing him again. After photographing him in his office for a couple of minutes I suggested a quick shot outside to give a sense of the club and the surroundings. I think I captured a nice relaxed shot of Gary showing his jovial character!
Fun portrait shoot with Dr Alex Peterken - Headmaster of Cheltenham College
Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron
With the current hot topic being the EU debate It was interesting to meet Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and hear his views on the subject. I was there to photograph a Lib Dem meeting with Tim being the guest of honour and lead speaker. Aside from the standard speaking pictures during the meeting I was looking for a more intimate portrait of Tim. During a small break I was able to take 30 seconds or so to capture this portrait. Initially Tim was all smiles but I wanted to see a different side to his character so asked him to think about the current EU debate for a second. I was happy with the outcome as I think I captured something a bit different!
Portrait of WW2 Normandy Veteran George Peters. George has recently been awarded the Chevalier De la legion D'Honneur by France for his part in D Day
I am always honoured when I get the opportunity to photograph military veterans who have given so much over the years for us to enjoy our current way of life. Here are some portraits I took ofGeorge Peters aged 93 at his home in Cheltenham. George is a Normandy veteran and has recently been awarded the Chevalier De la legion D'Honneur by France for his part in D Day. When I arrived George seemed genuinely excited that he was going to have his photograph taken and that his accomplishments were being recognised. He was a proud former serviceman and dressed immaculately for the shoot.
George is now partially sighted so I had to assist him in getting into the right positions for the shots. His sense of humour and lovely smile were a real inspiration! During the shoot George let slip that only one person has ever said thank you to him for what he gave to the country during the war. I felt so sad for George and slightly guilty on behalf of my generation that we don't show our appreciation when we meet these amazing men and women! Needless to say I gave George the utmost respect and tried to make him feel like royalty during the shoot. :-)
Business Breakfast
I love photographing business breakfasts as not only are they interesting with some amazing speakers but they are a great way to network and allow different businesses in the county to maximise their skills and services...oh and I would never turn down a traditional English fry up!
