General

The brief was to get photos of the Leckey salesforce at their seminar which took place at the Marriott Hotel, Forest of Arden. Portraits for the new website plus any less formal, fun shots if possible. Shot during their lunch break in around 2 hours… delivered back on disc, same day to catch the flight back to Northern Ireland. Leckey provide specialist equipment and support for childcare, disability aids and associated equipment. Great team of people… if you need help… check them out. Click here… www.leckey.com Speak to Gillian Parker Marketing Manager

Le Pot au Feu, Damrak, Amsterdam

Actant, a specialist software company required a testimonial shooting in Amsterdam as part of their on-line marketing function so despatched me, with kit to record the piece.  I arrived at LeoPark Options in plenty of time and set up ready for Joost van der Poel, the companies owner and principle trader to deliver the item to camera. (see it here)

"Joost van der Poel" Leopark Options, Amsterdam

The whole team, Paul and the guys, made me really welcome so thank you all for your hospitality and invaluable advice. I had a few hours spare before my flight home so the guys went out of their way with a map and directions so that I could do a quick tour around the city and take in some of the sights. I’ve taken a few typical (Arty black & white) Amsterdam views which I hope you enjoy. All taken on a small Canon compact as I was travelling “light.” (View photos here)

Final thanks to Tony Wardle and David Maskens at Salestorque… the client and the post-production facility in London.

A new client needed a corporate style portrait as part of her promotion and advertising strategy. Kathryn (you know who you are!!!) It was a pleasure to get some shots for you to choose from even if we were both sandwiched between other photo jobs and business meetings. Kathryn will be providing business consultancy and advice to ensure companies meet their environmental targets and responsibilities. Good luck with the new venture. Watch this space…I’ll be happy to post more info as the business takes off. Good luck.

Shot s few publicity photos to help promote a fundraising event later in the year.  The “Tin Cup Challenge” offers the opportunity to enjoy a fun golf  tournement (is that the right word?) at Shirley Golf Club. All in aid of a locally based charity… “Troop Aid”.

Left to Right. Albert Sutton, Jim Inkester, Pam Sutton.

Operated by Pam & Albert Sutton to provide emergency packs for injured soldiers who often get flown back home with just the clothes they were wearing when they were caught in enemy action. The packs contain towels, shampoo, shaver etc. All the normal stuff we take for granted that they might need to help them in a small but vital way as they receive treatment back home.  Photographed with Pam & Albert is Jim Inkester, formally of the the !st Staffords who was seriously injured in Basra in 2006.  Jim suffered severe head trauma alongside other injuries during a mortar attack on his barracks.  He considers himself lucky and has thrown his support behind the “Troop Aid” initiative.

If you would like to be involved in supporting Pam & Albert in their work, put together a team to enjoy a round of golf and attend the “Tin Cup Challenge” Ball. Please get in touch.

Left to right. Neil Clarke (SD Voice & Video) Pam Sutton, Albert Sutton, Lee Cassidy (SDVV) & Jim Inkester

Shot some interesting action images for the new “Birmingham Press” sports section recently at Solihull Ice Rink.” The Renault Solihull Barons” V “Trafford Metros” Ice Hockey game. Those of you into your photography will understand the demands of low light, combined with fast action which can be challenging. Calls for a high ISO, decent shutter speed to try and stop the action, a fast lens helps plus a smidgin of luck too!. Managed to get a few good shots so the night wasn’t a waste even if The Barons did lose to Trafford. That said they put up a sterling effort against a team ranked much higher in the league. Final score 3 : 6 so well done The Barons I say. Exciting stuff with the odd “Gentlemanly” scuffle thrown in for good measure.

Had fun taking photos of mums, dads and kids on saturday for a Chelmsley Wood Library/Solihull College information session. We were promoting various courses available… mine are the Introduction to Digital Photography courses (as they would be!!) which usually run for 10 week blocks at Hatchford Centre and also at No 2. Blossomfield. Took loads of photos as people were walking through with their shopping. Many stopped to chat and had a “Free” photo taken. Great fun. We were very busy and just to add a bit of tension the printer stopped working which was a little hectic but thank you to everyone who waited patiently while we fixed it. Give Val Weaver a call at Hatchford Centre on 0121 788 0319 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0121 788 0319      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0121 788 0319      end_of_the_skype_highlighting if you would like to learn more about your digital camera, how to get the best from it and more.

Some of you will know already that I’m a member of a vibrant business networking organisation. Namely BNI and specifically,  Solihull Foundation Chapter of the BNI,  although the network spreads right around the globe.  We are a group of like-minded businesses aiming to provide, a high level of service, quality and value for money, covering skills from property to plumbing… IT &  communications through florestry and top notch solicitors. We meet locally every week to provide both support and to help everyone generate good business.  If you think you would like to join in let me know and I’ll be more than pleased to have you along as my guest. If nothing else you’ll enjoy the breakfast!!! and you my a even add value to your business too.

Thanks to Peter Ritchie of GBNS who was on safety car duty for the British Superleague events at Silverstone recently, I managed to get along and shoot some exciting motorsport images. I took along a talented colleague, Dan Stone for company. We both managed to get some satisfying images and enjoyed the athmosphere of raceday. Included european  Karting and Classic series racing.

A video project coming to fruition is a series of Health & Safety programmes which have been commissioned by SD Voice & Video Ltd of Solihull for one of their clients.  SDVV provide expert data handling, communication and video conferencing facilities to a wide range of business both in the UK and on the continent. Check them out.

In a childcare setting these called for video sequences with children and staff to show both safe and good working practice. The programmes will be put on-line using an interactive training package by Lee Cassidy and his team at SDVV.  This will allow staff right across the UK  to access and maintain their training and safety standards on a day to day basis. Nigel Billing of PES Consulting Ltd oversaw the Fire Safety aspect of the production to ensure compliance with both safe working practice and as importantly…the law!

Alan Fullard, a talented Singer Songwriter based locally in Solihull came to me with his latest album “Out of Nowhere”. Specifically one of the tracks entitled “Pot of Gold”. Alan wanted a music video to help promote the single and the album so we worked together to produce the video.

Shooting over a couple of days in Shropshire (great views …terrible weather!) and also at a local beauty spot where we were able to take advantage of a sunnier day. Also at “The Banquet” a great little cafe in Acocks Green (thanks guys for your help). Check out the album which is available on download at Alans website and enjoy the video too. Great to work with you Alan… a very special talent and a real pleasure.