Last year was my busiest so far with more business, more photos and more new clients than ever before.
On top of that I published my first book, Tring People - Portraits of a Town which was an amazing experience. They say that to improve you need to be out of your comfort zone and I think from about April to October I was thoroughly out of mine!
On selecting my favourite images of the year it always surprises me how much variety I encounter, something which makes the job increasingly interesting - and challenging!
I do a lot of work with schools, colleges and universities but I’m not that comfortable uploading images from those shoots so it’s easier just to leave them out. However if you are interested in seeing a selection visit Berkhamsted School, Lockers Park School, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, West Herts College and the University of Northampton.
And in no particular order, here we go…
The petrol heads amongst you will know this Mad Max dune buggy-type monster is an Ariel Nomad. We shot this at about 5am (if not earlier!) near Ashridge and this was one of the key images I was keen to get from the shoot. We spent plenty of time shooting this wonderful car in water, mud and dust but I like the serenity of this shot. Man and machine in harmony!
It’s been a pleasure to shoot the Pepper Show for the last five years or so. Apart from being an excellent fundraiser for a very worthwhile cause it’s also a fantastic live music show. This was one of those ‘right place, right time’ images. Singer Tom Billington was giving it large on stage when all of a sudden his son stepped up right next to me and - click. Father and son in musical solidarity!
Earlier in the year I was commissioned by Help for Heroes to photograph former soldiers and their artwork for an upcoming exhibition exploring how art can help their recovery. This was taken in the Help for Heroes garden in the naval base in Plymouth.
This photo of former model Beverley Dodds was commissioned by a skin cancer charity. Beverley used to cover herself in Coke to help get the perfect tan. She is now recovering from skin cancer and this image was featured across many national newspapers, magazines and websites.
The following three images were taken for my book Tring People - Portraits of a Town. I told each sitter that there were no rules and they could do anything they liked. This gentleman closed his eyes and looked so serene I couldn’t resist.
One of my favourites. The relaxed pose, the confidence and a face full of stories.
Taken at a local butchers in Tring. I love the attitude!
This was taken at the newly refurbished South Bank Centre in London. The company which commissioned me had been responsible for the carpentry on these multi-coloured ceiling lights.
Help for Heroes asked me to come to their HQ in Wiltshire to photograph their choir.
The Little Sock Company, based locally, needed some imagery to promote the launch of their new business. I spent a morning crawling on the floor with lots of little people while they played. Terrific fun!
This was taken in a synagogue in West London and commissioned by a stone supplier. I had never stepped into a synagogue before so I was totally overwhelmed and honoured to be with them while they prayed.
A commercial project commissioned via Satellite Creative to shoot a trailer business in Hemel Hempstead for its new website.
This PR shoot for Uno buses features a stunning De Havilland DH 90A Dragonfly and some shiny new Uno Dragonfly buses. The plane seemingly flew very close to the buses getting a tad closer every time!
This was one of a series of images taken at the University of Northampton’s degree show. These exceptional portraits, that look like photographs, are in fact incredibly detailed paintings.
This wonderful tightrope walker, part of the The Bullzini Family featured in Waddesdon Manor’s spectacular weekend event, Feast. Shortly after this was taken I was ushered away - just in case!
Taken at Arctic One’s ParaTriathlon at Dorney Lake in the summer, this is Arctic One ambassador and European, World & Paralympic Champion, Andy Lewis MBE.
I was approached by leading trainer brand, HOKA to photograph various running events for a press trip. The runs took place just down the road from me in Tring, Ivinghoe and ending up at Champneys.
I undertake about a dozen interiors-style shoots every year from luxury homes in London to major construction projects but this is closer to home. This is the newly-opened Home Office in Tring, offering freelancers and small companies a space to meet and rent office space.
Backstage at the Swanbourne Music Festival this is the guitar rack belonging to frontman Roy Stride…
…and Scouting for Girls in action.
Countess Spencer giving a talk to students at the University of Northampton.
I spend a lot of time at the wonderful Court Theatre in Tring photographing and filming various shows. This image was of the sell-out rock musical Rent. Definitely one of the highlights of the year!