Simon Carr Photography

I’ve finally found the time to post something from the MyVision 2010 workshop in Brighton.

My assignment was a funky B&B called Snooze. Usually you would find this trendy establishment full of guests who enjoy the ‘difference’ that Snooze offers with it’s themed rooms, and warm hospitality. But, as I was there mid-week in the winter things were a little quiet with guests. So with the obvious story for my photographs out of the way, I had to think of a different slant.

Owners Paul and Tony pour an awful lot of creative energy into their brand. I witnessed many hours of discussion, deliberation and determination on how they planned to design 2 new rooms that were being built on the upstairs floor. The concept of a 60’s theme saw them trawling the internet sourcing original unwraped 60’s wallpaper, fixtures and collectables. They clearly had a lot on their plate getting things right for the Snooze brand and finished in time for guests that had already booked the new rooms.

Here is a selection from my ‘upstairs’ ‘downstairs’ story.

I have just returned from an extensive 4 day photojournalism workshop in Brighton.

I was lucky enough to be one of twenty photographers from the UK to be selected for this incredible journey of learning.  And what a journey it was. Day one I was given a brief over breakfast to go and shoot a story at a funky B&B called Snooze. Eight hours of intensive photography was followed by a no-holds-barred critique that ran into the early hours of the morning.

Day two saw me back at Snooze working even harder and digging deep for that ‘moment’ in an image that captivates the viewer. This was followed by another extremely late night, each image questioned, dissected, and questioned again.

The team spirit and friendships created was a really moving experience for me. We finished the workshop on Wednesday evening by introducing our assignments to the other teams and watching slideshows of the photographic stories. The standard of photography and visual storytelling was incredible.

After an emotional few days a little steam was then released in the bar, I think I finally got to bed at 4.45am, not great for my cycle training!

I am awaiting the OK to post my work, slideshow to follow.

As a image size test for the new blog, and as the year draws to a close, I thought it would be fun to post a few of my favourite images from 2009.

This image of Becky in the bridal suite of Parklands Quendon Hall won me a first place award in the International Wedding Photojournalist’s Competition. I am quiet proud of this considering the strength of the competition from around the world.

I am known for my natural documentary style of photography, but some couples ask me to create a few artistic portraits of them during the day. I love to do this and push myself to come up with something a little different.  This shot of Liz and Steve is a perfect example.

Their reception was on the farm where Liz grew up. I arrived early and had a good recce around, as soon as I saw this old Scimitar sports car buried under a pile of barbed wire, I knew I could make a great portrait from what appeared to be a bit of a mess! A quick check with the compass showed that the setting sun would be in the ideal situation, and a little off-camera lighting completed the shot. All of ten minutes work, I always plan and set things up on my own, just taking the couple away from their guests for the absolute minimum amount of time that I can.

The guys loved the final shot, along with another I took in a chicken shed!

I never impose these portraits on my couples, if I am requested to shoot naturally then that is what I do. But, when the opportunity arises I really enjoy creating these portraits, and always keep it light hearted and most of all….fun.

Jessica and her make-up artist add the final touches at the Andaz Hotel. Stephen and his brothers make their way to St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Rector is some cool dude.

St. Clement’s Leigh-on-Sea.

My wife Sarah and I married at this church in 2003. i really enjoyed being back there and capturing all the magic moments for Fran and Dan.

Kerry and Frank also wanted to add to their documentary coverage with just a few romantic portraits. This image was shot at Parklands Quendon Hall. Again, everything was prepared before I took the guys away from their guests, and had the shot in the bag within 10 minutes.