Musical Theatre at its best !

I was asked the other day what sort of pictures I liked taking best – and though I enjoy all genres of photography, I have to say I’m a sucker for the theatre.  Inside, I reckon I’m a frustrated thespian, with all those artistic frustrations just itching to get out…..

So when I was asked if I wanted to shoot the PR Press release for the upcoming opening of The LION KING in Manchester, I had to be held back in my eagerness to be there.

The presentation was made by Thomas Schumacher – Producer and President, Disney Theatrical Group at the Comedy Store in Manchester – members of the cast – in full costume – sang, and acted their way through a number of songs from the show, with full explanations as to how the costumes, sets and props were created to create Africa on stage.

The costumes were amazing, with so much detail, some of which I’m sure will be lost from the back of a huge auditorium.

I’m booking my tickets later this week……..

To view the rest of the images - CLICK HERE

Once Upon a Smile Official Launch Party

The official launch party was held at the prestigious Hilton Hotel in Manchester on Saturday – February 18th.  Although it was bitterly cold, the stars turned out in droves to support this new Charity. With actors from Emmerdale, Shameless, and Coronation Street, plus stars from the X-Factor it was a fabulous evening.

Kitty Brucknell - X-Factor

Peter Dickson - The Voice of the X-Factor

Jennie McAlpine - Coronation Street

Johnny Robinson - X-Factor

The rest of the images from the evening can be seen by following THIS LINK

Model Portraits and Portfolios

On Sunday this week, we ventured outdoors to complete a portrait shoot with the beautiful Luceh.  The weather was poor, grey and overcast – and which eventually descended into Britain’s most famous weather – drizzle.

We’d gone for the urban look, and on hunting down a backstreet, we came across the most absurd thing.  A toilet (brand new and complete with installation labels) had been discarded in a back alley.  The burning question then was …. “could we ignore it?”  the racing answer came back a a resounding NO !!!

Luceh was a star, and immediately agreed that it had to be used – all the other rubbish was already there, and we didn’t need to try and find extra props… it was all so surreal, and yet so much fun.

On a more serious note – we got some amazing images of her despite the cold grey day.

You can find the rest of the images by CLICKING HERE

Zach Braff – AKA JD of Scrubs Fame

Star of TV and film Zach Braff hits the UK stage for the first time in All New People, the wonderfully witty comedy, hailed by the New York critics. Zach Braff (Scrubs), nominated for 17 Emmy Awards – writer, director and star of the award-winning Garden State, is a three time Golden Globe Award nominee and Grammy Award winner. Directed by the acclaimed Peter DuBois, who most recently directed the Evening Standard nominated drama Becky Shaw at London’s Almeida Theatre. This hilarious new comedy features an acclaimed ensemble featuring Eve Myles (Torchwood), Paul Hilton (National Theatre, Donmar) and Susannah Fielding (RSC, National Theatre).

The Press call was held at the Opera House Manchester earlier this week.  It was a pleasure to photograph Zach, and the rest of the cast performing here, before moving to London’s West End for a lengthy run.

To see Zach in the UK was a pleasure, and it was wonderful to photograph such a pleasant individual.  A consummate professional who knew exactly how to work the press photographers gathered together.

Many thanks to the Opera House, and to the cast for being so pleasant and co-operative on the day.

The cast of All New People pictured outside the Opera House, Manchester.
(Left to Right: Paul Hilton, Eve Myles, Susannah Fielding, Zack Braff)

More Winter Landscape

It’s been a fabulous week weatherwise….. I’ve been able to get out and about with the camera whilst on a weeks holiday.  The snow has been perfect, and though we’re predicted lots more this weekend, so far there has been just enough to make things interesting.

I Had to go out towards New Mills in the Peaks, and so whilst I was there, carried on up to Mam Tor (The Shivering Mountain) the tops were beautiful, with enough snow for effect, but not too much to make things difficult.  We walked up the cycle track at the back of the Tor, and came back down the steps to the car park.  Right up on the trig point were some hang glider folk, waiting for the wind to drop before they set up to fly.

For me it was hard enough getting the camera stuff to the top of the Tor, never mind all the gear that this chap had with him.  He said he was off back down the hill to wait for the wind to lessen.  This means – from my point of view, that he’d have to lug it all back up again later if he wanted the chance to get airborne; and with the temperatures hovering around -5 it must have been much colder up there….. I wished him good luck and went for hot chocolate – much more civilised.

Winter Landscapes

It’s been a while since my last proper blog post, mostly due to workload, and then as usual home life took over in the gaps in between.  My trusty 24-105 lens failed, but thanks to the Canon CPS service, the repair was done, and the lens returned to me within 6 days, which included a weekend.

So yesterday – and just before a major shoot, for one of my clients, I decided to head out and give it a road test.  We headed out to the Peak District, and one of my favourite locations – Higger Tor, which is not far from Stanage Edge.  The rugged landscape is beautiful, and with a bit of winter sunshine in late afternoon it was superb.

The grouse were constantly calling, and the wind was fierce, which resulted in some images being a little blurred – I wanted to keep the ISO low, but it was impossible to shoot more than a handful of shots at lower shutter speeds.  However, the long shadows, and golden glow more than made up for it.

Fotoshop by Adobe………. Enjoy

Why not do what ALL the celebrities do, Photoshop your life…