Bishop Stopford Prom

So straight after Kevin & B's wedding it was off to Bishop Stopford's prom. Had a problem with the Lastolite Hi-Light, whoever put it away last time hadn't folded it properly, so the spring steel inside was twisted! Always carry a Leatherman tool, the pliers did the job much to our relief! Next problem, all the viewing stations had been used at home so had to reset all the IP adresses. Then we realised we hadn't set up the new event in Graham's excellent Event pro software. That only took a couple of minutes as we were only charging £5 a photo mounted with no other options and only one photographer, me! Elaine was running the viewing stations and the Click printing system, plus handling all the sales and mounting the photos.

Then the Click switched itself off! This is an ultra-reliable piece of kit, but it wouldn't reboot. I could hear the fans struggling so decided to give it 30 mins to cool down as the sun had gone in and we were outside. I started shooting the tables and the presentations inside the event. As that drew to a close I went out and checked settings etc and prepared for the rush! I restarted the Click but was swamped by eager year 11's in some magnificent outfits wanting to give it some attitude on the White screen studio. I explained to them as I shot that the pictures would be on the website but not available on the night. When I had a few spare seconds I glanced over at Elaine and could see surrounded 20 deep by eager customers, and clear bags with mounted photos in were being proudly displayed, so I knew it had decided to work!

So from 10 pm til 12am we worked flat out and produced nearly 200 framed photos between 2 of us! That's down to experience, excellent kit, and very willing participants who knew value when they saw it. We get close to Studio quality photos at 9"x 6" in seconds using the same gear as in the Studio, but we work faster,

So thank you everyone at Bishops, and here's your free video as a thank you! Click the link below, then use the HQ button!



Bishop Stopford Prom

Kevin

Ok, I didn't really want to do weddings as I can't bear the thought of something going wrong and letting a couple down on their big day! But Kevin called me and when I explained my concerns he told me not to worry as he had other people with cameras. So I took THREE cameras with me, six memeory cards and six pare batteries, plus spares for the flash guns:) I called the St Albans registry office the day before and cjecked on restrictions for photographers etc.

I arrived almost two hours ahead of the wedding in case my ultra reliable car broke down so I would have time to get a taxi :) I met the Registrar and she was lovely and helpful. I took some practice shots but pretty much nailed the lighting straight away, really easy with the D700 and SB-900 combo. I decide to shoot RAW just in case.

Everything went really well, got Kevin and B arriving, shot reportage style with some artistic shots of the Canon, Rings, Flowers etc to pop in the video. I had agreed a fixed price with Kevin for all the images on DVD as no-one else would. Can't believe one guy asked for over £5k just to cover a one hour civil ceremony! I made this video as a present to Kevin and B for such a pleasant day. I certainly will do weddings now as it was enjoyable and rewarding. They are very happy and that's what counts! Here's the low res version on the video i made for them, there is a high res version being blown onto DVD as we speak.

Kevin

Putney Park School

Great night at Putney Park School. We shot their charity fashion show which was very well organised and all the kids had great fun. then we moved into the green screen studio and put the girls onto various magazine covers. Here's a link to the video we made for them. We raised a lot for their cause, and the girls went home with stunning photos printed instantly and frmaed while they watched. We were flat out but enjoyed the night.


Putney Park School

Nurses

This version shows the funnier shots in the studio, and the whole crowd having a great time. This was also at the Nurses and Engineers Ball (see below) and shows how we manage to capture the atmosphere of the night. That's why we bring two photographers :)

Nurses

Nurses

This is a short video of some of the photos we took at the Nurses and Engineers Ball at Chilcott Hall in Southampton. This is the parent friendly version showing the arrivals and shots in our white screen high key studio. A great night, we were flat out shooting and printing, the students took full advantage of the crazy pricing we offered, and the area we had to work in was perfect.

Nurses

Joe Hussain Trophy

A video of some of the photos taken at New Hall School whilst we were covering their Joe Hussain Trophy competition. Yes, that's Nasser Hussain awarding the prizes. His late father Joe taught Cricket and this day was in his memory.

Joe Hussain Trophy