An amazing job, media photography. Take today, one minute I’m sitting enjoying a spaghetti in Donatello, next minute the owner Mikael says “I wonder Graham, would you do a pic with me and Micheal Aspell?” He had just entered the restaurant, not expecting media attention at all, just wanting lunch, but like the true gentleman that he is was more than happy to pose for the pic!
Nice to meet Patsy again at the Aloka Launch in East Street, Brighton.
Walking back from Snowman ball to the car it was pouring. I hurried up West St., no coat or brolly. There was a girl sitting on the pavement. I can only assume she was homeless because why be there? I asked her that question, What are you doing here?” she just shrugged her shoulders and stared down West Street. I never give to people on pavements, but I couldn’t help giving her a pound. With her permission I took a quick pic, I don’t know if she was hungry or not but saw the irony of her sitting in the rain and cold outside of Wokmania, where there were loads of people munching inside. Photo in Time Out section

It was super to asked by Janet Parsons at Chestnut tree House to cover The Snowman Ball again this year. Lots of friends there too including Claire Love, JAG, Stacey Bunn and Julie Graham
Visited the team at Brewin Dolphin this morning. Took a super team shot by the dolphin statue at their new offices. An excellent cup of tea from Michael too!
Brighton artist Julie Anne Gilburt and her family were devastated when the family pet, a much loved Chug dog called Bella went missing from Brighton seafront near to Julie Anne’s gallery. Thinking she had just wandered off, a frantic search commenced but Bella was not found. It soon became apparent that Bella had been stolen.
Julie’s family, husband Jonathan and their two children Alisha & Suzie were inconsolable particularly as they doubted the chances of ever seeing Bella again. Low and behold a week later Julie Anne received a telephone call from a person stating he had bought Bella in the nearby Sussex seaside town of Littlehampton. There was much caution as the family had already had hoax phone calls from people saying they have Bella, after posters were displayed in the Brighton area, but this particular call seemed genuine and a definite lead, (pardon the pun)
Julie Anne’s husband Jonathan met the person at Littlehampton who had bought Bella in good faith for £200 from a third party.
So against all odds Bella was reunited with her delighted family
The whole incident affected Julie Anne very much, and determined that other dog owners are made aware so they don’t suffer the same ordeal as her family suffered, organised a dog chipping day at her Brighton gallery.
Pics in my Latest Events Gallery

Had my annual pilgrimage to see the Pumpkin man and his display at Slindon. Sadly Ralph Upton died earlier this year but his son Robin is carrying on with the event. This year’s theme is Sunflowers and Butterflies in memory of Ralph. Pics on my Latest Events gallery

A good night at Donatello last night. Sue Addis invited the mayor and a group of traditional dancers from a town in Sardinia. It was good to meet the JBPR team again and Allison Fearns and Danny Pike from BBC Radio Sussex

Was very pleased to be asked by Claire at LWS to take some launch pics for a super company at Shoots at Washington called Euphoria Lifestyle. Amongst other things they sell super Jacuzzi’s, something that I found a constant fascination during the shoot. Dan Clark of Red did one of his yummy risotto demos, and we all had a very good time. I did a group shot at the end which resulted in me getting a soaking, but hey, who cares!

Did some promotional pics for Lambs Rum which was a nice job, and bumped into Dermott O Leary as well! Pics on Media Life of Dermott
Went to Ambrose The Love Inn Birthday. A great occasion with an unexpected pic of two lovers on an East Street roof enjoying their moonlit summer love!

I was affected by the death of Michael Jackson. It prompted me to take the pic “Chiller” on my Art for Sale gallery. I put the tea and toast in the pic because most people woke up to the news that morning, What do you think bad taste?

Three Reasons I Am Pleased I Did Not Go to the Pub Last Sunday!

Although I am a freelance photographer there is often the temptation, particularly on a Sunday, to forget about photography for a while with preference to calling in at a friendly pub with my wife Barbara for a pint and some delicious pub grub.
I had that feeling last Sunday. It was a warm day that left me feeling a tad lethargic, particularly as I had been photographing a social event the evening before.
Barbara and I drove from Littlehampton over towards Steyning, for no other reason than it seemed a reasonable place to go. I always have a camera in the car because if I don’t I know I will see a good photo opportunity and be annoyed if I am not equipped.

The pint option was still firmly in my mind though as I parked the car in Steyning High Street.

Reason One
We strolled up the High St. In front of us was a man with a large dog. He stopped to look in an art shop. As he approached the window of the shop a cat that had been asleep on the sunny window ledge inside the shop, shot up and looked indignantly at the large dog who had invaded his space. They were inches from each other, it really was a close encounter. If it wasn’t for the window separating them fur would be flying!
Fortunately I turned and captured the moment as they were eyeballing each other as you can see.

The pint now firmly on hold, we opted for a cup of tea and a snack in a High St café.

Reason Two
I glanced out of the café window and noticed an artist on the other side of the road with a large canvas that he had on an easel positioned in such a way it did not obstruct passing pedestrians, although lots of pedestrians stopped to admire his work. As he was painting away, it occurred to me that street artists need never be lonely with all the interest they attract.
Curious I walked over and spoke to the artist whom I now know is Paul Cutts BA. The painting on his canvas was of the white clock tower in the centre of Steyning High St. I like photographing artists at work because I can’t paint myself so am fascinated at the skill.
Similarly
I like photographing musicians because I can’t play a note either! Photography offers a way of contributing to the arts without possessing the individual skills required.
I asked if I could take a photo and he was quite happy for that to happen so here it is.

Reason Three

Driving back over Steyning Bowl we noticed a field with what appeared to be fishing rods pointing into the sky. Not very likely I thought as there was no water up on this part of the downs. I pulled in though and armed with my trusty camera went to investigate. To my surprise they were fishing rods although the lack of water. Members of the Sussex Casting Club were having a competition. With large lead weights on the end of their lines members cast to see how far the lines go.
Common sense really, it’s a wide open space that bothers nobody. The picture does look like they are trying to catch sheep in the distance.

They are the three reasons I am pleased I didn’t have a pint. Within an hour I managed to capture three totally different photographs of Sussex situations and pursuits that in my mind are fun.
Pics in my Latest Events Gallery

Anna Carey from Anna Carey Events asked me to take some restaurant web pics at Artisan in Lewes. Very inspirational inside, English food with Polish twist!

Whites Bar and restaurant in Steyning had a good foodie weekend. I was invited along by Murray Media to take pics for local publication. Good to see Mike Read and Mark Williams doing their bit! George and the White family are a real inspiration and I recommend Whites in Steyning to anyone passing. Pics in my Latest Events Gallery

Went to the Brighton Frocks fashion show at the Metropole, to take pictures for Sussex Life. A really good organized event. Superb fashions, brilliantly modelled on a well lit cat walk! A couple of nice pics too of Patsy Palmer

A super night at La Tropicale in Hove to launch Brighton Frocks. Lots of fashion and good photo opportunities for Sussex life magazine. Thanks to Rebecca Dwyer and all the Brighton Frocks team.
Looking forward to the show Friday night

I wanted to be a photographer because I felt, quite wrongly, that I would be in my comfort zone all the time. Last Thursday was an example of where that theory didn’t apply. I had been asked by the Fire Fighters Charity to attend their “Spirit of Flames” awards at Wembley Stadium. That was fine as I have photographed many an award ceremony, however part of the day was dedicated to visiting the Prime Minister at No 10 Downing Street for nominee photos with the PM, that I was responsible for taking! We all arrived at those big gates that you see on television. Lots of sightseers were there peering through the gates hoping for a chance glimpse of someone I suppose. In addition there was a peaceful demonstration on the other side of the road. We were soon invited inside the gates by the armed police on duty. We then had to be searched in a room put by for this purpose before being allowed to continue any further along Downing Street. A few yards further and we came to that famous door. I took lots of photos of people standing by it and was lucky enough to have my photo taken by Beth from The Fire Fighters Charity. The policeman on duty and the man in charge of the door were very helpful through this process. I have often wondered what was on the other side of that door and I was soon to find out.
When the group was assembled we all went inside. The first thing you have to do is turn your mobile phone off and leave it in a pigeon hole for collection when you leave. We were directed along a corridor to flight of stairs lined with photographs of former Prime Ministers. David Ginola was with us too and was as interested as the rest of us in this unique situation. Upstairs we entered three large rooms. The White Room was where I was to photograph nominees with the Prime Minister. Everyone was given drinks and canapés and a chance to chat first. It was super to meet Hazel Blears and Sadiq Khan who were on hand also to chat with guests prior to the arrival of the Prime Minister. Instructions were given to me as to how the photos were to be taken. Is was all very much a precision operation with each photo shoot lined up and ready for thir picture with the Prime Minister. It was well organised and went very well. The Prime Minister then said a few words of admiration to the Fire Brigade representatives present. He then left the gathering but Hazel Blears and Sadiq Khan remained for more photo opportunities with guests. I quickly scanned through my pics to make sure they were OK. Appart from a few minor probs they were OK!
We then departed Downing Street but not before I managed to get a photo of David Ginola and the PC on the door being good sports and posing for an arresting picture! See my pic gallery. We returned to Wembley stadium for the Spirit of Fire evening. The awards were hosted by Nicholas Owen who I Know from previous events so all went well. The ceremony was a mixture of humour and emotion as various award winners and celebrities came together on stage for the presentations.
I have put a selection of photos on my Latest Events Gallery from the day, including one or two hurriedly taken Downing Street interior shots as lots of people were curious as to how it looked inside.

Every now and then I happen to bump into a photographer that really inspires. It happened again at Impure Gallery run by Jamie McCartney and Nic Harvey whom I both admire greatly. There is an exhibition of photos their by a photographer called Martin Schreiber. Many years ago he photographed the young Madonna nude for $30. The photos are now worth a fortune and Martin travels the world showing them.
Martin was a great guy to photograph. Cigar gripped firmly between his teeth he was happy to indulge the photographers present. He even had his old Nikon F camera with him that took the original photographs. Check out some of the pics in my Latest Events Gallery

Attended the launch for www.bedsinbrighton.com at Gerrards Hotel at the New Steine
It was super working with Karen from Alchemy PR. Between us I think we managed to photographed everyone at the event and maintained a good sense of humour too despite minor incidents on the way!
Some of the pics in my Latest Events Gallery

Enjoyed a stroll down the seafront as night fell. Captured the pier and the doughnut stand in the dark. Check pics out on my art for sale page

Absolute sent me to a launch of a new Chinese Restaurant called Pearl in Western Road Hove. It was a good evening with a very nice atmosphere. Peter Jarrett welcomed everyone at the door. My family always assume that when I go to jobs like this its some sort of jolly with lots of food and drink and a high old time! They seem to forget that there is a small matter of producing good pics and accurate documentation for publication.
I have to say though, the BBQ chicken, fried noodles, tempura vegetables and spring rolls were delicious!

The Brighton Bible was launched at Karma, produced by Peter Jarrett and Diana Frangi. A super record of Brighton people and events. I took pics for Verity and Absolute.
I had a particular interest in the Brighton Bible as some of my pics are in it.
Besides that I knew I would meet a lot of friends there and I did.
Taking pics at Paul Craig's Karma is not for the faint hearted. Light is very low and sometimes its like trying to photograph a black cat in a coal cellar! However when you see your work successfully completed it gives that extra feeling of satisfaction.
An amazing ammount of people wanting pics done, more than usual.

Attended a launch at the Sky Bar in Brighton. This is the third time I have attended a launch there. The proprietor is the very attractive Zoe Urben whom the last time we met was in Art at 5. Her mum is an artist and was exhibiting there. I photographed Zoe holding one of her mums pics, now she has a business of her own!

Photographed Donatello’s Sue Addis at The Dome in Brighton for JBPR. She was photographed with dancers on steps inside the building. Never told dancers what to do before, I’m not much good as a choreographer!
The dancers were great though, and you can see the pic in my Latest Events Gallery

Went to a super launch in Steyning for Absolute. Whites pub and restaurant is a family run business and has a real family feel to it

Attended a secret camera shoot with a celeb today!

Verity also asked me to attend The Old Market off Western Road to attend and animals charity dinner evening. This came about because of my friend Peter Mantle who was auctioneer for the evening! Amongst the guests was June Brown, Dot Cotton from Eastenders. Prior to taking any pics of June I was advised that she was feeling a bit tired so I approached her very carefully and we soon got chatting about the last time we met. In no time she was posing for pics bless her and she seemed to enjoy being photographed with various other guests at the dinner. There was a super band playing too called Gardenia, very cool sounds. Agian watch out for future editions of Absolute

Verity from Absolute sent me to an open evening at Beauty Secrets at Hove. I have taken pics there before and know a lot of staff so consequently enjoyed the occasion very much. You do have to be careful though when working in such places. Consent has to be gained from moving from the main part of the store to one of the many smaller rooms where various treatments are being applied. It can be very embarrassing walking in on some treatments where the ladies are in various forms of undress! The staff at Beauty Secrets are all super though and guide me through the system to get the pics I need without the embarrassment. Watch out for the pics in a forthcoming edition.

Was invited by JBPR to attend The Royal Pavilion in Brighton to a press call to photograph Forthcoming Gardens Week and the Private Prince. I love photographs at the Pavilion because it is so photographically rich! It was good to photograph multi award winning gardener Andy Sturgeon (4 times RHS gold medal winner) as part of the Gardens Week. We then moved onto photographing The Private Prince. In this particular case, the Prince Regent was photographed in a private moment, having a shave! We used the backdrop of the Royal Pavilion for this, capturing the prince shaving in the reflection of the Pavilion pond, much to the amusment of people waiting to catch a bus the other side of the Pavilion wall.
Barbara and I love attending family events and Stacey’s birthday party in Arundel was no exception. The 1920’s was the theme for the party and everyone joined in the spirit of the occasion with super costumes, Flappers galore! It’s great when people make you welcome so thanks to Stacey, family and friends. Stacey insisted on telling everyone that the occasion was all about her, and none of us were in any doubt about that!
A good selection of pics including traffic stopping pics in Arundel High Street.


When you first become a photographer you tend to lean towards subjects that make you comfortable, landscapes or close up studies that don't answer back, or friends and family who are appreciative of what you do. Being that the majority of my pics are media- people based, this is now quite second nature to me, my comfort zone if you like. So it was nice to go back to family and friend pics to photograph baby Niamh in Burgess Hill recently. Naimh belongs to parents Kylie and Duncan and brother Jos. The photos were taken at grandparents Chris and Barbara's house in Burgess Hill. The group shots were taken using paraflash, whilst the close up pics of Kylie and Niamh were taken with a flash gun attached to the camera, but with the light bounced of the ceiling to soften the effect. No special backgrounds were needed as the pale curtain and walls at the house were excellent for this purpose. Paraflash can be a nerve racking experience as the camera settings are set to Manual, aperture and shutter speeds have to carefully selected, so I maintain correct exposure by test shots first, then paying attention to the camera's histogram. My pics are always taken RAW initially so there is greater latitude to adjust exposure etc., if necessary. Baby Niahm was very happy to go along with the photo shoot whilst parents were slightly edgy, but relaxed as we progressed through the session