The talented artist is Marne Potgieter and she has kindly given me permission to display her work.
In 2015 I spent time in Sierra Leone documenting the British Governments support to the Ebola Crisis. Dark times for many, much the same as the world is now experiences with COVID-19.
You can read about this in my older post "Sierra Leone" and "Sierra Leone - Part 2, Streets & People". Also don't forget to check out Marne Potgieter on her Facebook and Instagram @marnepotgieter.
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I am happy to announce that my Weddings portfolio is now online.
I am based in South Wales near Swansea and cover the UK. Check out the new Wedding Portfolio for more information and pricing.
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It's been quite a ride, my qualification spurring me onto become a full time professional photographer in the military, working in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and even for the - as was - Prime Minister David Cameron as the Official Photographer to 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office.
Have a read through the article below, which has been kindly authorised for me to share on my blog by Professional Photography.
You can buy the full magazine at the Future Publishing website or go direct to the issue here.
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Armistice Day - The First World War officially ended on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day on the eleventh month, 1918. A year later began the act of a Two Minute Silence on the anniversary of Armistice by those who did not want to forget the millions killed, injured and affected.
Now generally called Remembrance Day, people in their millions stop and observe the Two Minute Silence at 11am on 11 November each year in the memory of those who have been affected in all conflicts since that day.
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The Arboretum is a place of remembrance for both military and civilian personal serving our nation.
The Arboretum covers a massive 150 acres and has a memorial for every service and major unit within the Armed forces and civil services. It was opened in 2001; seven years after its original conception by Commander David Childs CBE who wished to see an established national focus for remembrance.
The Armed Forces Memorial honours those members of the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) who were killed on duty.
The Memorial is a stunning piece of architecture. It comprises of a 43 metre diameter stone structure made up of two curved walls and two straight walls. On them the names of those honoured.
Since the end of World War II the men and women of the Armed Forces, often as part of United Nations, NATO or other international coalitions have taken part in more than 50 operations and conflicts across the world.
It’s not just Service Personnel who’ve made the sacrifice. Behind every name on the Memorial are the wives, husbands, partners, parents, children and colleagues who loved them and who live with the pain and consequences of their loss every day.
Palestine 1945-48
Malaya 1948-60
Yangtze 1949
Korea 1950-53
Canal Zone 1951-54
Kenya 1952-1956
Cyprus 1955-1959
Suez 1956
Arabian Peninsula 1957-60
Congo 1960-64
Brunei 1962-64
Borneo 1962-66
Cyprus 1964 to present day
Radfan 1964
South Arabia 1964-67
Malay Peninsula 1964-65
Northern Ireland 1969-2007
Dhofar 1969-76
Rhodesia 1979-80
South Atlantic 1982
Lebanon 1983-84
Gulf of Suez 1984
Gulf 1986-89
Pashawar 1989-90
Namibia 1989-90
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Kuwait 1991
Iraq/Kuwait 1991-2003
Western Sahara 1991 to present day
Northern Iraq/Southern Turkey 1991
Air Operations Iraq 1991-2003
Cambodia 1991-93
Former Yugoslavia 1992-2002
Sarajevo 1992-96
Georgia 1993 to present day
Rwanda 1993-96
Angola 1995-1997
Croatia 1996-98
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1996 to present day
Kosovo 1998-2002
Sierra Leone 1998 to present day
Sierra Leone 1999-2002
Congo 1999 to present day
Kosovo 1999 to present day
East Timor 1999
Ethiopia & Eritrea 2000 to present day
Macedonia 2001-02
Afghanistan 2001 to present day
Balkans 2003 to present day
Iraq 2003 to 2011
Libya 2011
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I have now won the portrait award two years running after just pipping Rupert Frere to the prize.
It's an honour to have the opportunity to be able to enter the competition and I feel privileged to have won a prize after competing against some of the most dedicated photographers I know.
To see the rest of my entries, check out my other blog post 'My entries to the Army Photographic Competition 2016'
Here is the winning Image.
To see more work from other Army Photographers check out our Facebook page and Instagram
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Over the past five days I have covered the arduous Cambrian Patrol exercise in Wales, photographing soldiers from the Czech Republic, Australia and the UK, been knee deep in mud on the Sennybridge training area, had a run-in with a group of wild horses, photographed Welsh Assembly Members on a VIP visit, had a flight in a Puma helicopter - ticking another mode of transport off of my list - and had the honour and the privilege to be part of the Aberfan memorial service marking 50 years since one of the worst peacetime disasters in British History, which was by far the most important part of the whole week.
Cambrian patrol is a week long military skills exercise run over rugged mountain terrain in Wales where teams from around the globe compete to win Gold in each of the stages of the event by showing their soldiering skills and military prowess. The competition included a simulated helicopter crash site and Chemical, Nuclear, Biological and Radiological serials.
Darren Millar AM and David Rowlands AM were just a couple of the VIPs to visit 160th Infantry Brigade during Cambrian Patrol, where they tried out the latest military kit and took a ride in a Puma helicopter.
At 0915 on the 21st October 1966, a mountain of coal waste slid into a school and houses in the Welsh village of Aberfan. The disaster, one of the worst in British peacetime history killed 144 people, including 116 children. I had the honour and the privilege to attend the 50th anniversary memorial at the cemetery where the bodies of the victims lay in eternal peace.
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Earlier today I was looking through my archives and stumbled upon a set of unedited portraits taken at Kent beach in Sierra Leone whilst deployed on operations fighting Ebola. I was scouting for locations for a shoot and exploring the beautiful country a little.
We arrived and made our way to the beach where I met the guys in the photos. Taking the opportunity and great light I captured these portraits before setting down the camera and - randomly - having a game of frisbee with them. I think we lost...
Disc throwing aside, the guys were pretty cool and a good laugh.
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Here are my entries to this year's Army Photographic Competition, please let me know what you think. (Some are entered more than once)
The categories:
Portfolio (Consisting of six images - Portrait, Sport, Equipment, Ops & Training, PR, Black & White)
'Tell a Story' (Four images from a single job showing the story)
Portrait
Soldiering
Sport or Adventure Training
Online (Any image on which the public will vote)
PORTRAIT
A 3 Rifles boxer
SPORT / ADVENTURE TRAINING
Royal Signals boxers compete against one another
EQUIPMENT
An issued water bottle
OPS & TRAINING
Soldiers carrying out a command task in Cyprus
'PR'
The Senior Bandmaster of the Massed Bands of the Guards Division
BLACK & WHITE
A Royal Signals soldier operates a Bowman radio set in the back of an armoured '436' comms vehicle
PORTRAIT
A 3 Rifles boxer
SPORT / ADVENTURE TRAINING
Mountain biking Cyprus
EQUIPMENT
Mess tins, Rations and Hexamine stoves
OPS & TRAINING
Public Order Training
'PR'
Trooping the Colour, Horse Guards Parade London
BLACK & WHITE
A boxer from 3 Rifles
FLOOD DEFENCE TRAINING
RAB and the Environment Agency teach soldiers how to check and record flood defences around the UK
PUBLIC ORDER TRAINING
Soldiers play both soldier and rioter during public order training in Llydd
The Army Photographic Competition is run annually and is open to all Regular Army and Army Reserve personnel, cadets of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Army Cadet Force (ACF), University Officer Training Corps (UOTC Army) and Ministry of Defence civilians who work directly for the Army. It is divided into two categories, amateur and professional.
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This past 12 month journey I have exercised as a Combat Camera Team photographer in Poland, Deployed to Sierra Leone on OpGRITROCK to record the events of the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease and covered various events including the military stewards at Wimbledon on my return to the UK.
The following images are just part of that journey.
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Out in the community you are met with inquisitive eyes, happy smiling faces and cheerful heckles. As a soldier it feels strange to be met with such kindness and respect as opposed to the usual hostility I have experienced over the past decade. As a photographer - it bloody brilliant!
Bustling market stalls; loud music, car horns and crazy taxi bikes are just some of the things you will experience while out and about. I have seen street sellers carrying stacks of denim jeans on their heads and have been swarmed by children, attracted to the camera like bees to honey.
Sierra Leone is a colourful, beautiful, positive country. Here are its streets and People.
BIKES USED AS TAXIS WAIT FOR A FARE IN FRONT OF MARKET STALLS
BIKES USED AS TAXIS WAIT FOR A FARE IN FRONT OF MARKET STALLS
A MAN POINTS AT ME AND LAUGHS AS I TAKE HIS PHOTO
TWO MEN REPAIR A MOTORCYCLE
A POLICEMAN DIRECTS TRAFFIC ON A BUSY STREET NEAR FREETOWN
A MAN POINTING AT A POLICEMAN IN A BUSY MARKET PLACE. MOMENTS LATER THEY WERR ALL LAUGHING.
A POLICEMAN STOOD ON PATROL AT A BUSY MARKET PLACE
CHILDREN SWARM AND POSE FOR THE CAMERA WITHIN SECONDS OF SEEING ME
CHILDREN POUNCE TOWARDS THE CAMERA ON THE STREETS OF FREETOWN
CHILDREN POSE FOR THE CAMERA
CHILDREN PLAY FOOTBALL AT THE SIDE OF A DIRT TRACK ROAD. THEY SPOT ME AND WAVE AT THE CAMERA.
A CHILD CARRIES A SMALL WHEEL AND TIRE ACROSS A BUSY ROAD WHICH IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING LAID
A GIRL IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM CROSSES A BUSY ROAD WHICH LEADS INTO FREETOWN
A MAN AND WOMAN PASS A BUSY MARKET ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
TWO WOMEN AND A YOUNG GIRL WAIT TO CROSS A BUSY ROAD. IN THE BACKGROUND A BUSY MARKET PLACE.
A MAN AND TWO WOMEN WAIT TO CROSS A BUSY ROAD. IN THE BACKGROUND A BUSY MARKET PLACE.
A WOMAN LOOKS STRAIGHT AT MY CAMERA AS WE DRIVE PAST LOCAL TAXI BIKES
SHOPS AND STALLS LINING THE STREETS
A WOMAN WALKING DOWN A STREET IN A GENERIC STREET SCENE
BRIGHT COLOURS OF BUSY MARKET STALLS BUSTLING WITH PEOPLE
A STREET SELLER CARRYING A PARCEL OF DENIM JEANS ON HIS HEAD
A STREET SELLER SHOWS THE GOODS HE HAS FOR SALE TO A MAN IN A YELLOW T-SHIRT
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS STOOD ON MAKESHIFT SCAFFOLDING
A MAN WEARS A HAT FASHIONED FROM A CEMENT BAG
STAFF FROM ONE OF SIERRA LEONES EBOLA RESPONSE CENTRES POSE FOR A PHOTO
FOUR MEN SIT AT THE SIDE OF ONE OF FREETOWN'S MAIN ROADS. ONE LOOKS BACK AT THE CAMERA.
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Despite its natural beauty in 2014 the country became the centre of attention across the globe as it was hit by an Ebola outbreak, which has killed over 3600 people to date.
What astonishes me is the people’s spirit and resolve to not only embrace the aid, which the international community has given, but also how they help their selves through social mobilisation in order to stand united in the battle against the disease. The countries infrastructure is not as robust as that of more developed countries, nor is the education system, but that does not mean they do not know what needs to be done.
The British Department for International Development (DfID), UK Aid, the British Military and other None Governmental Organisations (NGOs) may have set up treatment facilities and control measures but it is the local people who are doing all the real work. We the taxpayer and fundraisers have merely provided the platform and the launch pad on which to run operations to tackle the disease.
It must also be noted that the country is not only religious, but that an age-old spiritual culture runs deep within the veins of its people. This has lead to illegal burials and washing of infected bodies as part of the victim’s rights of passage. These practices are becoming less and less through education from NGOs, the government and religious leaders supported by the organisation FOCUS 1000.
The West African country gets its name from the hills that surround what is now Freetown, which in 1462 were named “Serra Lyoa”, or “Lion Mountains” by the Portuguese explorer Pedro de Cintra. The country covers over 27,699 square miles and has a population of over six million people with over one million of those living in the capital. The main religion is Islam followed by Christianity and unlike other parts of the world the two religions live and thrive together in harmony.
Sierra Leone is home to the third largest natural harbour in the world and the country has relied on mining, especially diamonds, for its economic base. It is also among the largest producers of titanium and bauxite, a major producer of gold, and has one of the world's largest deposits of rutile. Despite this natural wealth, 70% of its people live in poverty.
In the seventeenth century the British founded the Royal African Company establishing trading posts on the islands of Bunce and York and a century later over 40,000 slaves were returned to Freetown after the abolition of slavery in England.
The 90's brought the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel war that led to the intervention of the International Community led by the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). The war has been officially over since 2002 and the process of rebuilding Sierra Leone and re-establishing its failed institutions is currently underway.
TWO SIERRA LEONEAN FEMALES WALK PAST A SIGN DISPLAYING THE WORDS "STOP EBOLA"
A MAN WALKS PAST A NATIONAL YOUTH COALITION BANNER
A COUPLE SELL FRUIT IN FRONT OF A PAINTED WALL DISPLAYING THE WORDS "EBOLA STOPS WITH ME"
A MAN WASHES HIS HANDS AT ONE OF THE MANY HAND WASH STATIONS DOTTED AROUND SIERRA LEONE
A COUPLE OF YOUNG MALES GIVE A 'THUMBS UP' AS WE DRIVE PAST
A SMALL SHOP PAINTED WITH THE UNION FLAG
THE HILLS BEHIND THE KERRY TOWN TREATMENT UNIT (KTTU)
A MAN AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN FRONT OF PALM TREES
A HUT DWARFED BY THE HILLS BEHIND
A MAN PUSHES A BICYCLE PAST A GROUP OF HOUSES AND SHACKS
PEOPLE QUEUE ON THE CORNER OF A STREET, A SMALL SHOP CAN BE SEEN PAINTED WITH A UNION FLAG
A COUPLE OF SMALL BOYS PLAY FOOTBALL TOGETHER OUTSIDE OF A CHURCH
THE SUNSET BACK LIGHTS THE DUST DOWN A ROAD OUTSIDE OF THE NATIONAL EBOLA RESPONSE CENTRE (NERC) IN FREETOWN
THE WORDS "DO NOT KEEP SICK PERSON AT HOME IT COULD BE EBOLA" ARE PAINTED ON A BLUE TARPAULIN COVERED HUT BEHIND A GROUP OF WOMEN
ONE OF SIERRA LEONE'S RIVERS TAKEN FROM A BRIDGE
A COUPLE OF YOUNG GIRLS CARRY A 'COOL BOX' TOGETHER
CHILDREN PLAY FOOTBALL ON A BEACH IN FREETOWN
AN AERIAL PHOTO OF LEICESTER IN FREETOWN
CHILDREN CARRYING TUBS OF WATER FOR THEIR FAMILIES
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HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN INSPECTS HER TROOPS
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN INSPECTS HER TROOPS
THE FOOT GUARDS MASSED BAND CONDUCTED BY SENIOR DRUM MAJOR COLOUR SERGEANT SCOT FITZGERALD
THE FOOT GUARDS MASSED BANDS PLAY
THE COLOURS OF THE GRENADIER GUARDS ARE TROOPED THROUGH THE RANKS
The Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past Her Majesty followed by The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.
FOOT GUARDS MARCH PAST ON HORSE GUARDS PARADE
FOOT GUARDS FORM THREE RANKS AFTER A MARCH PAST
THE COLOURS OF THE GRENADIER GUARDS
AN OFFICER FROM THE ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY
A CAPTAIN FROM THE BLUES AND ROYALS MARCHES PAST ON HORSEBACK
A CAPTAIN FROM THE LIFE GUARDS MARCHES PAST ON HORSEBACK
At the end of the parade the Queen rides in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her Guards.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH LEAVE THE PARADE AND RETURN TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH SMILE AS THEY LEAVE THE PARADE
Imagery by Paul Shaw LBIPP.
Copyright © MOD/Crown Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved
]]>3,500 years old Kabul is situated in the North East of the country. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and is home to over 3 million people. It sits at around 1800m above sea level-roughly 400m higher than Ben Nevis-making it one of the world’s highest capital cities.
After the events of the past decade and beyond, it is quite easy for us to judge Afghanistan and its people. Isn’t it a war torn sand pit whose people care little for their neighbour or their country and simply allow themselves to be overrun by extremists? If you ever have the opportunity to pass through the streets of its capital you’d be surprised.
The city is like two worlds colliding. Corrugated metal buildings are dwarfed by high rise flats. Electricity pylons, transmitter masts, cars… as many cars as any busy city centre, even billboards advertising broadband internet. Ironic when our own country still sports areas out of reach of ultra-fast fibre optics.
I was surprised to see school children in their uniforms going to and from lessons, popcorn being sold from the side of the road and the full body burka being swapped out in favour of the head scarf. It’s a far cry from the visions of many.
It’s a site I may never have the opportunity to see again in my lifetime, so please, allow me to share some of my imagery with you.
Enjoy.
KABUL AT SUNRISE
CHILDREN SIT AND CHAT
LOCAL WORKERS
A MAN LIGHTS THE BURNER ON HIS POPCORN STALL
CHILDREN WALK TO SCHOOL
BOTTLE MAN
BROADBAND INTERNET?
KABUL
TIMES OF CHANGE
RE-BUILDING
BICYCLE
TWO MEN WALK HOME FROM WORK
DEBATE
BURKA
SCHOOL CHILDREN IN UNIFORM
Imagery by Paul Shaw.
Copyright © MOD/Crown Copyright and Copyright © Paul Shaw LBIPP 2014, All Rights Reserved
]]>Archaeologists believe that civilization may have begun in the area as early as 3,000 BC and there is even evidence of human habitation from as far back as 50,000 BC. The country has a deep history and has witnessed many military campaigns, notably by Alexander the Great, Arab Muslims, Genghis Khan, and modern-era Western forces.
In the present day, compared to that of our own, the people of Afghanistan lead a relatively simple life. They are generous and honourable and although not possessing the technology that more developed countries may have, they have ingenuity and a way of making things work. They do things their way and in their own time and for them, it works.
I am now nearing my six month mark and it will soon be time to leave a remarkable country, with remarkable people that have been torn apart by terror.
Here is a variety of images from around Helmand.
SANDSTORM
RAIN AND SANDSTORM
RECONSTRUCTION
HERRON
AN AFGHAN ANT
TROOPS AT SUNSET
GUNNER
FOB PRICE
Here are a variety of images from around Kabul.
QARGHA AND KABUL AT DAWN
MEDIA OPERATIONS
BLACK HAWK
ANAOA (AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY OFFICER ACADEMY)
Imagery by Paul Shaw.
Copyright © MOD/Crown Copyright and Copyright © Paul Shaw LBIPP 2014, All Rights Reserved
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Armistice Day - The First World War officially ended on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day on the eleventh month, 1918. A year later began the act of a Two Minute Silence on the anniversary of Armistice by those who did not want to forget the millions killed, injured and affected.
Now generally called Remembrance Day, people in their millions stop and observe the Two Minute Silence at 11am on 11 November each year in the memory of those who have been affected in all conflicts since that day.
Last year I was fortunate enough to visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The Arboretum is a place of remembrance for both military and civilian personal serving our nation.
The Arboretum covers a massive 150 acres and has a memorial for every service and major unit within the Armed forces and civil services. It was opened in 2001; seven years after its original conception by Commander David Childs CBE who wished to see an established national focus for remembrance.
The Armed Forces Memorial honours those members of the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) who were killed on duty.
The Memorial is a stunning piece of architecture. It comprises of a 43 metre diameter stone structure made up of two curved walls and two straight walls. On them the names of those honoured.
Since the end of World War II the men and women of the Armed Forces, often as part of United Nations, NATO or other international coalitions have taken part in more than 50 operations and conflicts across the world.
It’s not just Service Personnel who’ve made the sacrifice. Behind every name on the Memorial are the wives, husbands, partners, parents, children and colleagues who loved them and who live with the pain and consequences of their loss every day.
Palestine 1945-48
Malaya 1948-60
Yangtze 1949
Korea 1950-53
Canal Zone 1951-54
Kenya 1952-1956
Cyprus 1955-1959
Suez 1956
Arabian Peninsula 1957-60
Congo 1960-64
Brunei 1962-64
Borneo 1962-66
Cyprus 1964 to present day
Radfan 1964
South Arabia 1964-67
Malay Peninsula 1964-65
Northern Ireland 1969-2007
Dhofar 1969-76
Rhodesia 1979-80
South Atlantic 1982
Lebanon 1983-84
Gulf of Suez 1984
Gulf 1986-89
Pashawar 1989-90
Namibia 1989-90
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Kuwait 1991
Iraq/Kuwait 1991-2003
Western Sahara 1991 to present day
Northern Iraq/Southern Turkey 1991
Air Operations Iraq 1991-2003
Cambodia 1991-93
Former Yugoslavia 1992-2002
Sarajevo 1992-96
Georgia 1993 to present day
Rwanda 1993-96
Angola 1995-1997
Croatia 1996-98
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1996 to present day
Kosovo 1998-2002
Sierra Leone 1998 to present day
Sierra Leone 1999-2002
Congo 1999 to present day
Kosovo 1999 to present day
East Timor 1999
Ethiopia & Eritrea 2000 to present day
Macedonia 2001-02
Afghanistan 2001 to present day
Balkans 2003 to present day
Iraq 2003 to 2011
Libya 2011
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While not quite Full Metal Jacket the Combat Camera Team is there to film and capture history in combat if the need arises. We are all fully trained soldiers.
As some of you may know from reading my Bio page, I am a professional photographer in the British Army. I am currently serving as part of a small team who make up the Combat Camera Team (CCT) in Afghanistan, a position which is voluntary and only available to military photographers.
Photography has always played a big part in the Army dating back to 1915 and is now a trade group with the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC). Predominantly stills photographers, we also specialise in Electronic News Gathering (ENG) which is the role I have for the current 6 month operational tour.
The photographic expertise of the "trade" spread the full spectrum from Royalty to technical Equipment and Combat but our main focus is on media output and historical archiving. For more information check the British Army Photographers Facebook Page
I have recently had a 'Hometown Story' published in the 'Huddersfield Examiner' and the 'Yorkshire Post' which tells a little about me and the job I am doing in the desert. I have posted it below.
Image by Sgt Bardsley RLC (Phot). © MOD/Crown Copyright
A Huddersfield soldier serving in Afghanistan is capturing history as the British relinquish security control in Helmand Province to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
Sergeant Paul Shaw a former pupil of Newsome High School, is an Army photographer based in Camp Bastion and is part of a three man Combat Camera Team (CCT).
The CCT consists of a team leader, photographer and video operator. They follow troops out on the ground and around various bases throughout Helmand, covering the transitional work and the handover of control to the ANSF.
The team, because of their military training, can capture events across parts of Helmand Province where the mainstream media may not be able to go, and therefore keeping the public informed of the work of the British Forces.
“I have always had a creative eye, and an interest in photography. I had reached the top of my trade and had to either change trade or Corps in order to progress any further.”
In his spare time Paul enjoys climbing and martial arts, and also runs his own photography business. The environment that he is working in for the next six months comes with its own set of challenges he said:
“The biggest challenge is trying to film whilst wearing the same kit as an infanteer, and being aware of our surroundings at all times.”
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No; Nedile is a fresh and real outdoor experience.
"not to be missed for the world"
My partner and I spent three nights at Nedile during a longer stay in South Africa. It was to be my first Safari and although a great fan of Sir David Attenborough and his countless naturalist programmes, I wasn't sure what to expect. The only thing on my mind was the prospect of some cracking imagery rather than an encounter with a lion or an elephant.
20 hours of travelling including tube train, 11 hour flight and 4 hour drive saw us arrive at the reserve where we immediately 'signed our lives away...' Great.
Here we met our ranger, Barend and his mighty British Land Rover—Hurrah. Once at the lodge we had a couple of hours to freshen up and have lunch before heading straight out on our first drive—beyond tired—but not to be missed for the world!
"we keep our distance, quietly, in a canvas topped Land Rover"
Our first drive not only introduced us to 'sundowners' and an amazing sunset, but gave us our first glimpse at 'three of the five.'
LION CUBS
As I took this shot of two lion cubs I awoke a new passion.
SAVANNA (AFRICAN) ELEPHANT
A large bull elephant stares back at me while we keep our distance, quietly, in a canvas topped Land Rover.
SQUARE-LIPPED (WHITE) RHINOCEROS
This little fellow—half the size of the vehicle—stands quietly among the grass of an open plain.
It was not until my last evening at the lodge that the fourth of the five was spotted. A Buffalo. An old male with sores on his front legs, probably ejected from his herd.
AFRICAN (SAVANNA) BUFFALO
South Africa boasts a great variety of wildlife and is home to the famous 'Big Five.' These are the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino which were said to be the most dangerous animals to hunt back when we knew little about the damage we could cause the world. Each year people travel from around the globe just to see them, often not interested in the other wildlife on offer.
Although I did not see a leopard, we will most certainly have driven passed several. Oh well; just one of many reasons to head back out there.
GIRAFFE
PLAINS ZEBRA
BLUE WILDEBEEST
GREATER KUDU
IMPALA
WARTHOG
ROCK HYRAX (DASSIE)
COMMON WATERBUCK
TSESSEBE
KLIPSPRINGER
BLACK-BACKED JACKAL
LION CUBS
A BIRD IN FLIGHT
DUNG BEETLE DUNG
LION PAW PRINT
"big smiles and a hearty breakfast"
Nedile Lodge sits in the heart of the Welgevonden game reserve and boasts some of the best panoramic views the area has to offer. The lodge can house up to ten guests with seven amazing staff who really know their stuff.
The days consist of a 0600 wake up call with coffee and 'crunchies' (biscuits), then in the vehicle by 0630 for the morning drive. The first drive lasts for around four hours with a fifteen minute stop for bush coffee and crunchies, arriving back at 1030.
Upon your return you are pleasantly greeted by hot face towels, big smiles and a hearty breakfast on the balcony of the lodge overlooking a watering hole. Your time is then your own to use the pool, watch the many animals and admire the views, or have a drink or three until a beautiful lunch at 1400.
Your evening drive sees you in the vehicle at 1515 to catch a radiant sunset—whilst sipping 'sundowners,' eating dried fruits and meats with crunchies before breaking out the spotlight for some nocturnal wildlife.
Finally you return after dark, greeted in the same manner and treated to some of the best food South Africa has to offer.
"an experience not to be missed"
Nedile has been one of the best experiences of my life. The relaxed and highly skilled staff should be highly commended and although I did not get to know everyone personally, I would like to express my thanks to all at the lodge.
I also had the privilege of meeting the owners—who built the lodge just over ten years ago. Amazing, down to earth visionary people who have brought the wonders that are Nedile into being. It is an experience not to be missed.
I now have the Safari bug. Who knows what the future may hold...
References
Mammals of Southern Africa Pocket Guide Book
Bush Coffee made with Amurula, Coffee and Hot Chocolate
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"a great amount of enthusiasm needs to be thrown into every group as you push a camera into their personal space"
I started my professional career as a nightclub photographer in various clubs in Salisbury, Wiltshire where I shot images for their websites. This gave them the opportunity to sell their clubs vibe and show the antics of their patrons from the previous night to attract a greater clientele.
"Your kit also takes a good beating"
Nightclub photography presents it's own challenges, alcohol being top of the list. Dealing with and photographing drunken men and women can go one of two ways and a great amount of enthusiasm needs to be thrown into every group as you push a camera into their personal space, while at the same time trying to not be overwhelming.
"Sigma 28mm 1.8D EX DG Macro lens"
Your kit also takes a good beating, from the crowds on the dance floor to the beer and sticky cocktails that they manage to spill onto your camera most nights that you are there. I started off with a D700 and moved quickly onto a D3 with a Sigma 28mm 1.8D EX DG Macro lens and SB-600. The Sigma is the perfect lens for the clubs, it's light weight and does not stick out far from the camera body.
Unfortunately one of the clubs where I started my career no longer exists since the Great British Recession however I am pleased to say that the Chapel Nightclub, Salisbury's main club, is still going strong. www.chapelnightclub.co.uk
Here are some portraits taken at the events the nightclubs ran during my time there. Skepta is among them.
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After rummaging around my archives and older blog posts I came across a few old fashion shoots, some of which I still love and some of which I would alter if I was to re-visit the projects again.
The next four photos are shots of Lauren Crampton and were taken in studio. The session was a fashion and portraiture shoot with two changes of clothing. I still love this set of images.
This following set was taken in an old dairy farm in Wales. I would love to return to this site with a full set of on location lighting as originally I used an off camera SB-600 flash bounced off of a silver reflector to light the subject. This, however is no longer possible as the site is now an estate of modern housing. The shoot was fashion and portraiture with a few changes of outfit throughout.
The last shoot of this post is of Ben Heneghan (TheZIllaz Lead Singer) and Lauren Faye Morrison and is a shoot that I would like to re-visit. I shot the pair at two separate locations within the same morning. The first at an old mill and the second in an old car garage in Huddersfield.
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One of the biggest problems for photographers is their digital workflow. Organisation of their files and folders into a logical structure and using naming conventions that make sense. For someone who is starting out in photography or those who are not very computer literate, this can sometimes seem daunting. Starting early will save you a lot of pain in the future.
Deciding on a name for your imagery can be an absolute nightmare. Creating a big long file name combining the shoot name and the date seems the logical solution when looking back through your work. The problem with long file names become apparent when trying to view them on screen or when copying them to CD/DVD's for archiving. Keeping them in order can also cause some people problems.
On screen your computer tends to 'clip' long file names making them unreadable. You can get around this by changing your folder view, but this takes extra time eating into your already tight deadline.
When burning your files to a CD/DVD most burning software only allows 127 characters in length to comply with ISO (International Standards Organisation) standards and believe it or not, 127 characters can easily be swallowed up by some imaginative users.
Finally, ordering your files and folders can also cause some people issues. Computers order their filenames by the first character then the second, then the third and so on.
"Your meta data contains the date information"
There is a simple solution to all of these issues and I shall try and be brief.
- Choose a folder in which to keep all your images. A folder called "Pictures" is perfectly fine.
- Name folders with the date and shoot number backwards: 20130301 (YearMonthShootNumber)
Start with the year and then the month using a 4 digit year and 2 digit month format (YYYYMM). The final 2 digits are the shoot number and not the date. Your meta data contains the date information and if you do more than a single shoot in a day this allows you to separate them out. The same as storing negatives.
- Add a short description: 20130301 - Smith Wedding, 20130302 - Kate H Fashion and Portrait
- Add an image number and remove the description on files within the folders: 20130301-001, 201301-002, 201303-003
"a logical and organised way of storing our images"
So far we have created ourselves a logical and organised way of storing our images but we have not discussed how we can use this for workflow. How we edit our "Original" images, saving an "Edit" copy and and a resized "Output" copy will be covered in another blog post, but for now all we have to do is create a "RAW", "Edit" and "Output" sub folders within our main shoot folder.
This allows us to keep our work all in one place but our file versions separate.
All that is left to do is keep regular backups by copying them to another drive or CD/DVD or using a backup program.
Enjoy!
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Located near St.Athan, a town just west of Barry in the vale of Glamorgan, the Boys Village is a curious collection of decaying buildings including a chapel, gym, dining hall and varying styles of accommodation. Opened in 1930, and built by the Ocean Coal Company welfare committee, the camp provided a summer retreat for boys from mining communities in the valleys to the north, a place where they could learn skills and express themselves without getting up to too much mischief. Also, the beach was close by.
As the site developed over time, it also became a place of learning for older youth studying apprenticeships. Nationalisation of the coal industry saw ownership of the village taken up by the ‘Boys Clubs Movement’, an organisation that supported working boys from the ages of 14 to 18, all across the UK. Time spent at the village needed to be paid for, and the decline of the mining industry exacted a heavy toll on the village, the income of valley communities suffering terribly. The site was finally closed in the early 90′s. Despite remaining in allegedly good condition for many years, in the last 12 months (particularly) the buildings have been heavily vandalised, and demolition work has also now started.
Blists Hill Victorian Town is an open air museum in Telford, Shropshire. It has actors, actresses and volunteers bringing the town to life and is one of ten museums that are run by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.
A PORTRAIT OF A CANDLE MAKER USING A SIGNLE OFF CAMERA FLASH
A PORTRAIT OF AN ENGINE DRIVER USING A SINGLE OFF CAMERA FLASH
A PORTRAIT OF A TANNER USING A SINGLE OFF CAMERA FLASH
A PORTRAIT OF AN APPRENTICE SCREEN PRINTER USING A SINGLE OFF CAMERA FLASH
A PORTRAIT OF A POST OFFICE WORKER USING NATURAL LIGHTING
A PORTRAIT OF A FEMALE FROM THE VICTORIAN PERIOD USING NATURAL LIGHT
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Maybe this is a future project? Workmen.
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You can view his website at www.jonesmrjones.co.uk
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We carried out carious fashion style shoots throughout the day with a couple of outfit changes. The location was perfect for the style of shoot and really added depth to the images.
The setting for the below imagery was at an old saw mill on the outskirts of Andover in Hampshire.
THIS WAS THE FINAL SHOT OF THE DAY AROUND LUNCHTIME. THE SUN WAS BLAZING. THE MODELS ARE IN SHADE AND LIT WITH AN OCTA BOX.
A CROSS PROCESSED INDOOR SHOT
A CROSS PROCESSED INDOOR SHOT OF A MALE MODEL IN A SUIT
THE FEMALE MODEL HOLDS A CHAIN IN A POWERFUL POSE WEARING A CAT SUIT STYLE OUTFIT WITH HOOD.
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Below are the ones I chose.
FISTRAL BEACH - NEWQUAY - UK
WINDERMERE - THE LAKE DISTRICT - UK
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL - UK
CIGGERETTE BUTT - SALISBURY - UK
A SWAN BESIDE HER NEST WITH SALISBURY CATHEDERAL BEHIND - SALISBURY - UK
OLD ROMAN ROAD - GROVELEY WOODS - WILTON - UK
'WELLY CHUCKING' - SALISBURY - UK
HAY STACK - WILTON - UK
DESERTED TELEPHONE BOX - SALISBURY - UK
MERRY-GO-ROUND - SALISBURY - UK
LONE SHEEP - WOOKIE HOLE - CHEDDER GORGE - UK
ROPES - TENBY - WALES
CROSS - CALDEY ISLAND - TENBY - WALES
BOATS - NEWQUAY - UK
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Our aim is to provide fishing for those returning from Operational Tours. The therapeutic qualities of fishing is such that anyone can benefit from the rest and relaxation of the sport, even if they’ve never fished before. We can cater for veterans from all conflicts (Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan and WWII).
This also provides, in a modest way, a means by which those of us not in the Services can show our appreciation of what they sacrifice for us.
They watch whilst we sleep, they enter conflict to keep our peace. Will you volunteer to give them a little in return?
Fishing for Forces: Providing a days fishing for Soldiers returning from operational duties, viewed 25th April 2012, http://www.fishingforforces.org/
Below are a selection of shots form the day including mentoring by Chris Tarrant.
FIRST TIME ON THE LINE
A PROUD CATCH
CHRIS TARRANT SHOW A SOLDIER HOW TO TIE ON A FLY
CHRIS TARRANT MENTORS A SOLDIER IN THE ART OF FLY FISHING
LOOKING ON - CHRIS TARRANT IN A FISHING NET HOPEFUL OF AT LEAST ONE CATCH
RESULT - CHRIS TARRANT AND HIS PUPIL PROUDLY SHOW OFF THEIR ENDEVORS
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Widely regarded as the most challenging motor sport competition on the planet, drivers travel around the globe, battling it out on some of the most unforgiving terrains and enduring extreme weather conditions, to be crowned the world’s greatest driver.
Each rally follows the same format – 2 days of reconnaissance on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by Shakedown on Thursday, and 3 days of competition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The rally route is made up of Special Stages – the competitive parts of the rally where drivers must race against the clock to achieve the fastest stage times, and the Road Sections which link each Stage and are part of the public highway.
There are currently 15 different countries who host a round of the WRC, with many more countries holding ‘candidate’ rallies with the hope of being included on a future calendar.
The following shots were taking at various stages of the Rally.
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THE OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
AN OPEN AIR PLAY HELD AT OLD WARDOUR CASTLE IN SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE
AN OPEN AIR PLAY HELD AT OLD WARDOUR CASTLE IN SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE
A FLAMENCO DANCER AT THE SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE
RUSSIAN MONKS PERFORM AT STONEHENGE IN SALISBURY
A THEATRE PERFORMANCE WHERE THE AUDIENCE SIT INSIDE A BLACK BOX AND WATCH ACTORS AND ACTRESSES PERFORM ON THE OUTSIDE
A BAND AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY HEALD IN THE CATHEDRAL CLOSE
TWO ACTORS RE-ENACT A DEFEAT
WEAPONS AND A GAUNTLET SIT ALONG SIDE A MODERN DAY 'PIMM'S' PITCHER
TWO ACTORS IN FULL PLATE ARMOUR BATTLE IN THE MARKET SQUARE IN THE HEART OF SALISBURY
A RE-ENACTMENT OF THE SLAYING OF THE DRAGON BY ST GEORGE
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A while back I had the opportunity to photograph the homecoming parade of 2 RTR (2 Royal Tank Regiment). These men and woman had just completed a six month gruelling operational tour in Afghanistan.
The men and woman from the South West were greeted by hundreds of families, holiday-makers and flag waving children as they marched past. They were joined by the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band.
Between September 2010 and April 2011 the regiment spent six months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The 'Tankies' were involved in fighting the insurgents, patrolling towns and villages, repairing schools and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
2 RTR were founded as B Battalion, Tank Corps in 1917 and first saw action in World War I with the birth of tank technology. In 1992 they merged with the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment keeping their own original title, becoming the second regiment to be equipped with the Challenger 2 in 1998.
The weather was perfect. Welcome home.
For more information and stories from Afghanistan please read my Afghanistan and Kabul blog.
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The idea behind the first shot was to try and capture the image of a young gambler with a bit of attitude. The hat is there to give the impression of a slightly cocky man, one who would walk with a swagger perhaps. His arm is outstretched and he is flicking his cards towards the viewer as an offer to challenge him. The cash falling represents his willingness to put his money where his mouth his.
The idea behind this second shot was originally to show the effects of redundancy to the Armed Forces. I made the decision to change this to be generic as redundancy applies to a greater audience. The shot shows a man who has been made redundant from a job that he enjoyed with a passion. It's not that the subject cannot get another job, but rather that he cannot see a way ahead after his "whole world" has been taken away from him. Instead he has taken to drink and drugs.
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