2013 - photography review - Norfolk commercial photographer
2013 was a busy year for my commercial and press photography work, we had Steve Coogan filming in the area for his Alan Partridge film: Alpha Papa, I spent a big chunk of the Summer travelling the country shooting for the Kingswood & Camp Beaumont childrens' adventure camp brochures and had a big commission from the Norfolk Coast Partnership to put together an image library of people using the North Norfolk coast responsibly.On top of this I also photographed many Norfolk holiday cottages and Bed and Breakfasts - I always get great feedback from the property owners with them often telling me of increased bookings as a result of being able to present professional, crisp images of their rental properties online for potential customers. When photographing a holiday property I aim to provide the client with a comprehensive set of images which show not only the property's exterior and wide interior room shots but also a good selection of detail shots of the features and quirks which define the character of the property. What many property owners also find very useful is that I have an extensive image library of North Norfolk attractions and landscapes which they may choose from to really sell the area on their website or brochures.
We have some incredible holiday cottages along the North Norfolk coast with stunning views across the saltmarshes, what's more they are generally furnished to extremely high specifications, if I didn't live here, I'd definitely come and stay here in one of these!
Along with the usual holiday cottages I also shot some fashion work - notably one shoot for a designer featuring some neon coloured beachwear which looked great against the backdrop of our Norfolk coastline!
I've been lucky enough to be commissioned to photograph for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival for the last three years, I'm always so impressed by the varied and fascinating selection of shows and events the festival lays on and this year was no exception. I can't recommend the festival enough, they present shows which are often thought-provoking, funny, inspiring and world-class, can't wait to see what they've got lined up for 2014!
A little later on in the year I was asked to photograph The Hoste at Burnham Market's annual Classic & Supercar Rally with a meeting & VIP tour at Sandringham House followed by a drive out along the North Norfolk coast and prize presentations for the best turned out vehicles. Some absolutely gorgeous cars!
I also did some work for The National Trust with an afternoon's shoot at Blickling Hall, following a family around the grounds as they enjoyed the various activities and facilities on offer, ah those warm summer days, can't wait for them again!
I've been photographing for Kingswood and Camp Beaumont for a number of years now and always have great fun on their shoots - this year we visited all of their UK centres which involved trips to the Isle of Wight, Wales, the Peak District, Staffordshire, Kent, South Yorkshire and of course their two Norfolk centres in West Runton and Overstrand. This year we were particularly lucky with the weather which always helps when photographing outdoor activity centres! The shoots for them are always interesting and I often find myself in a climbing harness stood on a precarious ledge (or on a 12x12inch platform on the top of a wobbling telegraph pole!) photographing the children taking part in the high ropes activities or paddling out on the sea on a paddleboard with approx £10K worth of photographic gear around my neck praying that I won't fall in!
I shot a couple of triathlon/fun-runs in 2013, again we were very lucky with the weather and got some great shots which were used in a full page feature in the Eastern Daily Press.
Between the paid commissions I often like to get out & about and document life in the area - I spent a snowy day early in the year photographing the local pheasant shoot, love those gun dogs.
Being a thriving coastal town relying on our fantastic tourist trade Sheringham has many events throughout the year to bring people into the town, from the Carnival featuring the famous carnival parade and superbly popular events like the pram race and raft race to the hugely popular 1940's weekend which goes from strength to strength every year.
2013 saw the opening of the new skate park in Sheringham - The Strip, a fantastic facility for the skaters and BMXers of the region, I documented the development and building of the skatepark from a gravel covered corner of a car park to a beautifully designed piece of concrete heaven for the kids. The skate park is a result of years of hard work by Rob Sayles (bass player in the amazing local band - The Yow Yows - well done Rob & Caz! Incidentally, for any potential bride and grooms to be reading this - The Yow Yows play many weddings each year, their energy, musicianship and awesome set list guarantee a brilliant wedding evening!)
Another good chunk of this Summer was spent hanging out on the North Norfolk Coast photographing various activities along the coastline (hard life eh!) for the Norfolk Coast Partnership to create a publically accessible image library to help promote the area. The activities ranged from horse-riding, birdwatching, cycling and walking to sailing, kayaking and seal-watching. I love my job!
Being an RNLI lifeboat crew member on Sheringham Lifeboat does give me access to shots that most people don't get the chance to see. My photographs have been featured in various RNLI publications and books. I also supply our station website with a regular supply of photographs of the boys (and girl!) in action, it's just a shame that the cameras aren't as big a fan of the water as I am!
As well as the Commercial and PR commissions I also shoot for the local press - regularly as the main contributing photographer for the Just Sheringham magazine and I had plenty of shots published in the EDP and North Norfolk News last year - it's a great excuse to get out & about with my cameras and meet new & interesting people (when I'm not keeping on top of the wedding photography and custom album designs)!
If you would like to commission me for commercial photography for your website or brochures please do get in contact, I operate a very straightforward all-inclusive rate as a commercial photographer in Norfolk and always ensure I fully understand the requirements of the client regarding how the images are to be used and the message to be conveyed before commencing a shoot. Drop me a line!