Christmas Weekend

The very first wedding I photographed was that of some friends.

Last week had the pleasure of meeting up with them for a weekend, almost a year on, and had a lovely time. Quite a few of us had cameras, so I had the fun of sharing a few hints and tips here and there, and we all had the Christmas tree to practice on...

A new camera!

My mum owned an Olympus XA2 when I was little. It was the first camera I remember playing with.

It's a 35mm film camera with a fixed 35mm f3.5 lens and only three focus settings, with fully automatic exposure.

I've just picked up a second hand copy off Ebay, and it will be my Mum's birthday present. Not being tech. savvy, she's always wanted another since hers broke.

Looking forward to running some film though it.

Keep your eyes open for a few of the shots over the next month.

thanks to KenRockwell.com for the image

Music Photography

Had great fun shooting album covers for Hope Generation Band - here's my favourite shot of the group...

Published!

It's slightly ironic that until recently, despite being a professional photographer, I never had a camera on me when not working.

I decided to buy a Canon G11 and have had several hours of great fun with it, and am remembering the joy of carrying a little camera in my pocket. The shot on the left was taken with it, and will shortly be published in a book' Canon Powershot G10/G11: From Snapshots to Great Shots'. On shelves around the new year.

Photojournalism

I've loved shooting at the Cenotaph the last two years, but this time I was working for a news agency. The lucky photographers with press passes had the joy of a clear view to the Queen and the dignitaries. Despite the heads, the lines of soldiers and a tree, I managed to get some good shots. A few of the PM and some shots that captured the Cenotaph, the soldiers, the wreaths, and the occasion.

They didn't make it into today's papers, but I'm holding out hope for the 11th.

I'd upload one, but I have to wait to see if my agency sells any first.

The joy of photojournalism is the feeling of being on the cutting edge, but you have to be quick. By the time I was sending my photos there were already several online from other news agencies. Better luck next time perhaps.

Cenotaph Service

This year I will again be photographing at the Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph in London.

This time though I will be working for YNMS media agency as a freelance photojournalist. Will let you know how it goes!

Above is a photo from one of my previous years...

Out and About

Autumn is my favourite season by a mile.

As it's the off-peak wedding season, it gives me the chance to take a little pocket camera out and about.

Here's a shot of the lake at Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey.