Handywork

Have you ever noticed whilst you watch the news that a barrage of flash guns go off every time a politician lifts their hands? Simply it makes for a better photo and gives a hint of their character. Whenever I photograph an event I am constantly watching my subject and waiting for that moment. Here's some of my handy work...

Cheers!

When The Bollington Brewery Co won a bronze ‘Best Bitter’ award at last week’s Great British Beer Festival, there was only one place to shoot their PR photos – at local landmark White Nancy, which features in their logo. I love distorting reality in a photograph and wanted a dramatic look with a stormy sky, despite it being a bright evening. By a mixture of deliberate under-exposure and careful use of flash I achieved the effect I was after.

All this was created in camera and some post production to the RAW file to further boost the contrast was all the computer work that was necessary.

Congratulations to Lee and Kirsten who own the brewery and the Vale Inn in Bollington where you can sample these marvellous ales. And of course to Kim, the master brewer.

Thanks too to the fell runners who helped out with carrying all the props up and down, just a bit of extra training for them.

I enjoyed the celebratory beer at the end of the shoot.

And here's me behind the scenes, it was quite a bright evening as you can see. Who says the camera never lies!

I photographed BBC broadcaster, musician and general funny man Mark Radcliffe yesterday as he gave a talk at Waterstones, Macclesfield promoting his new book 'Reelin' in the Years'.

Great bloke and humour in every sentence, was hard to stop laughing to get the shots. Must read the book.

Cuba Revisited

I'd love to go back to Cuba, it's a wonderful characterful place teeming with life and old American gas guzzler cars. The next best thing was going through my photos again. I've been updating my commercial website with some personal work. Here's a selection of those which made the cut:

Bake Off!

Ruth Clemens, finalist and runner up in the highly popular BBC show, The Great British Bake Off was at Macclesfield Waterstones signing the book of the series and doing an effortless icing demonstration. I also got some first hand bread making tips from her - thanks Ruth.

Coronation Street Star at East Cheshire Hospice

I've been working at East Cheshire Hospice again and had the pleasure of meeting Corrie star Samia Smith who plays Maria. She's a patron of the hospice and was also being filmed by Granada TV to help promote the hospice's upcoming Midnight Walk. She spoke openly about her father who was cared for by the hospice in his last days and describes the hospice as a happy place. I couldn't agree more; I enjoy meeting the staff and nurses and there is always a very calm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere about the place. Samia was a joy to photograph, so easy to talk to and really cared about the patients there. Do support the hospice through the walk if you can - take a look at their website. They need to raise a phenomenal £6000 per day to keep running. I've decided to do the Midnight Walk myself, so if you'd like to donate to the hospice please do so by following this link.

MAST Appeal

I have been supporting Macclesfield Hospital's MAST appeal as they aim to raise £150,000 for a new digital breast scanner by December. This is John Jones who supports the appeal by playing his accordion in the hospital corridors - great to have a musical accompaniment whilst I took his photo. Please take a look at the MAST website to learn more about this worthy cause.
And a Fun Day was held at Macclesfield Town F.C. and a great time was had by all.
Life size table footie too and Verve Brands took on the Macc pros and won! Come on you whites...



And Verve Brands blew up my photos life size too, they looked great - thanks guys.

World Cup

Well it's all kicked of and the usual agony of supporting England has begun. East Cheshire Hospice were holding a World Cup party and asked me along to record the evening.

The first goal:

The one against:

And the general agony:

At least the band The Screaming Beavers were worth a watch!

Ryan Giggs at East Cheshire Hospice

Manchester United star Ryan Giggs is an avid supporter of East Cheshire Hospice in Macclesfield. The hospice needs to raise a mind boggling £6,000 per day to keep running and somehow with lots of generous support the team there manage to do it. A very worthwhile cause to support.

Ryan was a perfect gent and chatted happily with patients and staff alike, signing loads of autographs.

25th Anniversary

Congratulations to Greater Manchester Chamber's Breakfast Club on its 25th Anniversary. A good event was had by all with the usual quality networking opportunity. A few photos I took for them - rather an early start though!