Happy New Year!

I wish you all health wealth and happiness for the year ahead.

Hot Metal!

Just before Christmas, I spent a day at a Steel works in Scunthorpe, photographing the various aspects of the process that use Parts and software provided by Rockwell Automation.

I'd been looking forward to it, a proper industrial scene, just as you might imagine, firey, dusty hot and loud!

I've included a few pics below, including one of me in my romper suit! kindly sent to me by Mark ritson of Inspec Solutions.

Following my recent success in being awarded "UK Commercial photographer of the year 2009", i have been filmed by Ventura Film Productions, for a Future TV program, "A day in the life of a professional photographer". Myself, with another 4 top photographers, will be featured in the Program to be aired next year, not sure exactly when and where as yet, but will keep you all posted.

The film crew spent the day with me last week, and we went off to one of my local clients based in Rugby, Quartzelec, Many thanks goes to Jody Townsend for arranging the shoot and appearing on camera. They wanted to film me at work, and i chose a 'typical' day at a 'welding firm', great sparks, lighting etc...but very noisy!

On return to the studio, I set up a typical studio shoot, using some boring looking nuts and bolts - thought it would be interesting to freeze them in ice and light effectively with coloured gels - they seemed to like it anyway!

As the day went on, Jo was introduced into the filming, not at all impressed by that i hasten to add, and we finished off with an interview - about my career - flipping hec, i went on, sorry for rambling, just very nervous, and pleased to say, i enjoyed the whole experience very much. This could be the start of my new TV career!

Following the filming day, i have been stacked out with different jobs, keeping me very busy, and Jo just about holding it all together. The studio has seen all sorts of sittings including a 'local' Calendar shoot, with very scantily clad men!

We Welcome Two New Clients...

We recently carried out work for Alan Paine, the leading outdoor clothing company, very tricky shots in the studio, showing the clothes as if being worn but without the models body in the shot! lots of photoshop trickery at work here!

We also recently carried out work for McCarthey Stone , photographing new developments for their website, so thanks to Emma and everyone at McCarthey Stone for their continued business, l'm looking forward to the spring!

Commercial Photographer of the Year!

I have done it!

Been awarded UK Commercial Photographer of the year 2009, by the Master Photographers Association, at the Annual Awards Presentation on Sunday evening in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

Jo and I travelled up to Newcastle on Sunday for the Awards presentation. We knew we had won Wedding Portfolio of the year for the Midlands region, and were delighted about this. We were looking forward to collecting our trophy.

We also new that I had been awarded a Certificate of Excellence for a Fantastic Commercial Picture I also entered. Little did we realise, that this image won me UK’s Commercial Photographer of the year 2009! We saw the image, alongside hundreds of other entries on the exhibition wall, and it looked great – and so did lots of others.

The Actual Awards Dinner and Presentation was like the “Oscars”.

A very prestigious event held at the Newcastle Hilton Hotel. The function room was set out for around 400 photographers and their guests and many top professional photographers from Overseas. To be a part of this is a huge event is such an achievement, and we were delighted and excited to go along.

During the evening, we all enjoyed a fabulous meal and plenty of wine… in fact, probably too much wine!

The Awards presentations began. Slideshows of all the Final Entries were shown and the winners announced.

There were some truly inspirational images, truly beautiful.

It then came to the Mario Acerboni Wedding Portfolio Award. We new I had to collect a trophy for winning the Midlands region. Myself, along with the 12 other regional winners, formed a group on stage to collect our certificates and trophies and be photographed by the official photographer.

Before I had chance to sit down, my name was called out again, and I had won Runner-up! I came second Overall – WOW. Fantastic, there were some amazing entries to beat.

The evening continued with yet more champagne flowing and great company and yet more awards.

Then The Awards of Excellence began, Best Portrait Photographer, Best Overseas Photographer, Best Wedding Photographer, Best Commercial Photographer, Best Industrial Photographer, Best Advertising Photographer…Best Pet Photographer…

Each category had a selection of finalists, and the Commercial Category Came up, with a fantastic selection of four images, one of which was mine, I couldn’t believe it. They announced the winner was me, and Jo about jumped through the roof! I had to go on stage to collect my Oscar! I was buzzing!

Towards the end of the awards were the Awards of excellence “special Silver awards” – to be given to outstanding members

That was ME! I had to collect my Silver Oscar for my efforts, and was awarded UK’s Commercial Photographer of the year 2009!

After the ceremony, I was asked, alongside the other major winners, to be interviewed by the TV Cameras – OMG, how nerve racking was that! And after all that wine…It turns out, that I have been chosen as one of the 5 top professional photographers to be filmed “a day in the life of a professional photographer”….watch this space for further news on this…..

I can’t quite believe it yet, This is a massive achievement for me, within my industry. After years of photographing all manner of things/situations, I have finally reached the top of my profession.

I feel great. Here’s to 2010, and a huge Thank you goes to all of my clients I have worked for over the past 5 years or so. Long may you continue to book me to create some stunning imagery, of which will enhance all of your businesses.