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Mark Lord Finalist in Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year awards
1st May 2019

We are all thrilled to announce that Mark Lord has been a finalist in the prestigious international photography competition The Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year for the third year in a row! Last night it was announced that his image ‘Fish and Chip’ received Highly Commended Place in the ‘Food on the Phone’ category.

Two of Marks photographs made it through to the final round of the competition, and will be on displiay, alongside each of the other finalist images in an exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London. The exhibition runs at the Mall galleries until May 5th, and will then go on a national tour for the year. Marks image, alongside the other finalists, can be seen on the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year awards website here

The awards get more competitive with each year. This year over 9,000 images were entered from 77 different countries & every image was subjected to preliminary judging. Each of the shortlisted images were presented category by category to a panel of judges. The judging panel was made up from highly talented people at the top of their careers from both the food & photography world. Judges this year included industry experts such as David Loftus, Xanthe Clay & Alice Waters amongst others (you can look through the full list of judges here.)

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“Fish and Chip”
Highly Commended Place in the ‘Food on the Phone’ category


Surprisingly, this image was actually taken on a Samsung S6 phone. Mark says;

“As a photographer who originally learnt on film before moving onto digital cameras the technology of being able to capture such high quality images on a mobile phone amazes me. This image ‘Fish & Chip’ a Cornish Bream photographed on a much loved but elderly piece of Cornishware was taken at the end of a food photography shoot. I am pleased to say it made a delicious lunch after being grilled!”

Surprisingly, this image was actually taken on a Samsung S6 phone. Mark says;

“As a photographer who originally learnt on film before moving onto digital cameras the technology of being able to capture such high quality images on a mobile phone amazes me. This image ‘Fish & Chip’ a Cornish Bream photographed on a much loved but elderly piece of Cornishware was taken at the end of a food photography shoot. I am pleased to say it made a delicious lunch after being grilled!”


“Long Day Picking” 
Finalist ​ 

This image was taken at Sandy Lane Farm, growers of organic vegetables, who have often been featured in Mark’s ‘The Artisans’ series.

“I have really enjoyed going back to Sandy Lane Farm time & time again. The farm is not far from home enabling me to get there early, the best time capture the fresh morning light with the dew on the leaves. George, Cate & the team at Sandy Lane take such special care of their small corner of the planet & I feel my image ‘Long Day Picking’ of farm hand Marlene really captures the hard work & dedication needed to run an organic farm.”


This image was taken at Sandy Lane Farm, growers of organic vegetables, who have often been featured in Mark’s ‘The Artisans’ series.

“I have really enjoyed going back to Sandy Lane Farm time & time again. The farm is not far from home enabling me to get there early, the best time capture the fresh morning light with the dew on the leaves. George, Cate & the team at Sandy Lane take such special care of their small corner of the planet & I feel my image ‘Long Day Picking’ of farm hand Marlene really captures the hard work & dedication needed to run an organic farm.”


Final Words from Mark

“This is far beyond what I would’ve hoped for when I entered the competition back in the winter & I feel very lucky to have been a finalist three years in a row...No one was more surprised than me when I discovered that one of my images had reached the final stage.  It was with great excitement that Becky & I made our way up to London for the unveiling of the exhibition last night.

It was such an honour to see my work in such a prestigious gallery alongside such talented photographers. The gallery was packed with 400 guests at a Champagne Taittinger reception many of whom had flown in from across the world for the occasion. It was a lovely evening compered by Blur guitarist & cheesemaker Alex James.

Congratulations to those shortlisted, the finalists and winners. Such incredibly photography of our food from around our beautiful world.”

Fingers crossed for the same again in 2020!

If you would like to look through more of Mark’s stunning rural work, browse through our countryside and farming gallery. To see more images documenting local organic food and the artisans that produce it look here. And If you would like to Mark to work with you to photograph your small artisanal business, get in contact!

 

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Artisan Photography
Giffords Circus
29th April 2019

I have visited several of the Giffords shows over the years and I have often thought it would be a lovely thing to photograph. The opportunity arose last year during our long, hot summer so I ran away with the circus! I spent seven days with Giffords Circus over the Summer capturing images whilst the team were relaxing between shows but also taking shots of rehearsals, preparations and backstage during the show. Occasionally I also sat in the audience during the show but this wasn’t predominately what my project was about.

The circus is visually stimulating with the contrast between the show and behind the scenes. I wanted to set myself a project that wasn’t lead by a brief so I had the freedom to let the project develop and capture whatever peaked my interest. I have always enjoyed editorial work and capturing images of makers, creators, producers and performers. Photographing Giffords during their tour across the English countryside enabled me to almost become part of the ‘on the road’ experience.

For anyone who has visited Giffords there are several instantly recognisable faces. Nell Gifford founder & creator of the circus is an inspiring person to meet. From the initial idea of the circus & buying their first tent in 2000 to developing the wonderfully creative, otherworldly show that you see today. Entertaining millions of people along the way & inspiring in many the dream of running away with the circus.

 

Tweedy the clown is one of the most naturally funny men I have ever met, sometime I was crying with laughter behind the camera whilst trying to focus! Tweedy can just turn it on when a camera is pointed at him and that was just a joy to photograph. I felt that the images I captured over my project were of the man himself, behind the greasepaint so to speak. I shot images of him practicing, he dedicates so much of his time each day honing his already impressive skills (the sound of Tweedy blowing his trumpet resonating across the fields!) and spending time with his family who were on the road with him during the school holidays.

Nancy is brilliant on and off stage, she has an amazing face and so much life to capture. Anyone who has ever seen Nancy in a Gifford show knows that she gives her all on stage. Right from the start one of the images I wanted to capture was of her right after she came off stage without touching up her make up, in colour, raw look at camera, sweat and mascara running! This confrontational image capturing the essence of performance, this has ended up being one of my favourite images of the project.

Right from the start of my project I wanted to capture the essence of life of the circus behind the scenes. Taking the mask off the performers and capturing them as real people. A good example of this is the gent who along with his family launches himself off a see saw across the circus ring, during the day he is playing chess and drinking the strongest coffee imaginable.

I will always have fond memories of my time with Giffords. From the moment I met someone at the booking office at Daylesford, how welcoming everyone was from the performers, the behind the scenes staff, Nell and her children and all of the administrative staff when I met them. The circus looks idyllic wherever its sits but I have to say as it sat in the Chiltern Hills in the beautiful Stonor Park it looked spectacular. It was certainly well worth the walk up the hill to get the shot. Caravan life is a strong memory that will reside with me for years to come, the performers back at their caravans, resting, cleaning their kit, making clothes, playing games and musical instruments.

Please step into the wonderful world of Giffords Circus & view my images taken during the long, hot summer of 2018.

Please step into the wonderful world of Giffords Circus & view my images taken during the long, hot summer of 2018.

VIEW GALLERY

ALL OF THE IMAGES THAT APPEAR IN THE GALLERY ARE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AS LIMITED EDITION PRINTS. EACH PRINT IS A LIMITED EDITION OF 25.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PURCHASE GALLERY.

During the Summer of 2019 Giffords are hitting the road once again with their brand new show Xanadu.

Roll up, roll in to the stately pleasure-dome for miracles, song, symphony and enchantment. Musicians, horses, clowns and tumblers enfolded in this joyful paradise, with music loud and long – the Giffords Circus caravan will be taking to the road for a 2019 summer of love.

It is midsummer 1973 in Hyde Park and the flower power movement is at its height. Hippies, hipsters, rock stars, musicians, wild women and global nomads with Shamanic horses gather to play, sing, dance, protest and perform. Policemen and a family of out-of-towners get caught up in the celebrations. Will they get in the groove? Nell Gifford builds a pleasure dome and Tweedy has a job in the kitchen as he thought everyone was talking about “Flour Power”. As evening approaches, the ever more chaotic event careers towards a joyful, transcendental finale. Be there or be square!

We’ve already got our tickets to find out more about Giffords click on the button below

GIFFORDS CIRCUS

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Uncategorised
11 Best Cities in The World for Photography Buffs
5th March 2019

The city landscape can vary so much country to country that what you thought you knew about ‘urban photography’ can change in an instant. Because cities are constantly evolving they provide continually new inspiration. 

We’ve put together our list of the best cities for photography buffs. These cities all inspire us to stretch our idea of city photography in unique ways, adding something different to the conversation between photographer and subject - whether that’s a model you’re working with or the city itself. These are the best cities for urban landscape photographers with portrait photography ideas in there too. We would love to know how each of these cities prompts you to push your work in new and exciting directions.

And of course, no list can include everything, so let us know if there’s somewhere you really recommend!

1. Venice

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: A City On Water 

Venice is a uniquely beautiful and atmospheric place, with its winding backstreets, grand Gothic architecture and canals punctuated by charming bridges.

You won't find a single car in sight. There are none in the city; instead people get around by Venice's distinctive gondolas and other canal boats. Although it's often a very busy city, the lack of cars also lends it a certain peace. Visit in winter if you want to skip the crowds! 

There's no shortage of photo opportunities in Venice. You won't be able to resist taking photos at every turn - every narrow street and glittering canal practically begs to be photographed. It's easy to wonder the streets for hours - prepare to get a bit lost! You can even take a day trip around the beautiful lagoon and its smaller islands.

Plus, there are plenty of historical sites St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, The Bridge of Sighs, and many impressive art galleries.  


Best Spots for Portrait Photography

The whole city during Carnival season!

The Carnival of Venice happens every year in the weeks leading up to Lent. Visit the city during the festival to see the elaborate costumes visitors and residents don for the occasion (and perhaps get dressed up yourself.) Expect ornate Venetian masks, baroque gowns, and menacing capes. It's an otherworldly experience, and a great excuse to party. 

The atmospheric city is a perfect backdrop for portraits during the Carnival. Just make sure to ask permission before taking photos! 

2. London

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: Quintessentially British Architecture

We recommend bringing your lunch up to the top of the Tate Modern for a view of the London skyline. This is one of our personal favourite spots for urban photography in London because it offers such diverse views of the city landscape from one (free & easily accessible) location.  

The classic architecture of St Paul’s and the Faraday building is straight ahead, and the ultra modern buildings of the City are to the right, plus you get to see the selection of iconic bridges crossing the Thames.

Later in the afternoon, you can usually find a man on South Bank below blowing giant bubbles for tourists, which make for some excellent and unusual frames for St Paul’s.

Best Spots for Portrait Photography

Camden Lock has long been a meeting ground for the UK alternative scene, making it a real bucket list item for a London photography trip. It is very crowded so we recommend shooting from the hip. For even more portrait photography ideas, head into the markets for exciting range of backdrops that change season by season.

3. Barcelona

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: The Sagrada Familia 

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Perhaps one of the most iconic buildings of the modern era. Started in 1882 and oozing with Gaudi’s unique character, this Unesco World Heritage site has been 136 years in the making so far. Here, urban photography meets medieval Gothic and surreal 1920s modernism.

Head to the Placa de Gaudi, just over the road from the cathedral. Here you’ll get a wonderful shot of the Sagrada Familia reflected in the small lake at the centre of the park.

Best Spots for Portrait Photography: Park Guell

Another Gaudi masterpiece (this one finished!) Park Guell is up on a hill and receives the most beautiful quality of light. The curving, semi-subterranean tunnels will frame your subject beautifully and allow you to capture some truly creative shots.

4. Paris

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: Sunsets on the Eiffel Tower

Head to Montemarte to frame your shots of the Eiffel Tower with beautiful historic French buildings. This will add a classically french, romantic twist to photos of this iconic landmark.


Best Spots for Portrait Photography: the Louvre

Perhaps no one can use the Louvre as iconically as the Carters but we can sure try. With its moody lighting and beautiful surroundings, the settings will enrapture your subject - so all you have to do its capture that wonder.

5. Vancouver

What you won’t find anywhere else: Rugged nature right in the heart of the city!

Wander around the University of British Columbia campus and you get the feeling of an ultra modern city that has just been transported to the middle of the wilderness. Vancouver synthesises the wildness of nature with city living like nowhere else.

Best Spots for Portrait Photography: Stanley Park

A quick trip over to Stanley park allows you the opportunity for some beautiful shots that feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere- without having to traipse all your gear and outfits way out into the woods. It’s not strictly urban environment photography, but we couldn’t skip this from our list.

6. Hong Kong

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: Urban Design Like Nowhere Else 

Beautifully designed and colour blocked estates, that are eminently Instagrammable. The whole city landscape seem to have been designed first and foremost to be photographed. 

If you want a shot of Choi Hung estate, try get there early, as a lot of these estates fill up early with photographers. (Though you could also stick around and watch for the tangle of tripods, extension sticks and the folks laying on the floor for the perfect angle!)

How to Find This Shot: 

From Choi Hung MTR Station take Exit C4. Walk into the Estate and turn left which takes you to the car park. The colourful basketball court is on top of the structure.


Best Spots for Portrait Photography: Mong Kok

An urban landscape photographers dream! Mong Kok is an iconic neon saturated street, gorgeous for night time photography. 

7. Reykjavik

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: The Northern Lights

Whilst many other places experience the northern lights there’s no place like Reykjavik. Gorgeous Icelandic design and breathtaking scenery take the experience to a whole other level. Whether you’re in the city centre or looking out across the coast, Reykjavik is the perfect place to photograph the aurora borealis. 

When photographing in Iceland, remember to protect your lens from getting foggy in the extreme weather - when changing between temperatures try and isolate your camera by putting it in a plastic bag or at least wrapping it in a scarf- your body can adjust a lot quicker to getting back into a warm car than your camera can!


Best Spots for Portrait Photography: Northern Lights Again!

The northern lights are so unique, that we had to have them twice.  

Bringing people into your shots can really emphasise the sense of scale, and emphasise the natural beauty of Iceland. Remember to warn your subject top stay ultra still to avoid blurring out of the long exposure.

8. New York City

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: Skyscrapers Galore

As the largest metropolitan area in the world, it’s no surprise that urban photography in New York is all about the skyscrapers.

This clever spot features one of the cities first and best loved skyscrapers; the Empire State Building. Washington Street aligns perfectly to give this beautiful view of the Washington Bridge with the Manhattan skyline in the background and the Empire State Building framed perfectly by the legs of the bridge.


Best Spots for Portrait Photography: Brooklyn By Night

Brooklyn is home to some of the world’s most innovative and experimental drag queens. Ask the performers beforehand if they’d be willing to pose for 

Check out drag photographer extraordinaire Magnus Hastings for inspiration.

9. Los Angeles

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: Instagram Heaven

LA is probably the most Instagrammable city in the world, which for photographers can lead to feeling vemödalen: “the frustration of photographing something amazing when thousands of identical photos already exist.”  

This doesnt mean its not worth going, you just need to find your own unique take. 

Spots like the Santa Monica Pier can change incredibly over the course of a day, giving you a huge variety of light and atmosphere to capture.


Best Spots for Portrait Photography: Venice Beach

For this same reason, we would recommend sticking near the beaches for candid portrait photography, where people are more relaxed and prone to spontaneity.

If you’ve already got a model, Beverly Hills’ iconic palm trees and the art deco glory of the Getty Museum make excellent settings - and try out the art district neighbourhood for an ever-changing selection of world class murals.

10. Washington DC

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: DC's Monuments & Memorials

DC is chock full of iconic monuments that look dramatically different at different times of day, and year. The white stone really takes on the colour of the surrounding sky at dawn and dusk

Consider using a neutral density filter, the longer exposure time will (hopefully) filter out tourists wandering in and out of shot.


Best Spots for Portrait Photography: DC Metro

Ride out to the suburbs where everyone starts to relax and you can get some wonderful candid shots of people transitioning between their home and work selves.

The iconic 70s palette adds a warmth to the shot that is hard to achieve on other Metro systems.

11. Tokyo

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else: Sakura

The blooming of the cherry blossoms represents for many the Japanese concept of ‘Mono no aware:’ a Japanese term for the awareness of impermanence (無常 mujō), or transience of things, and both a transient gentle sadness (or wistfulness) at their passing as well as a longer, deeper gentle sadness about this state being the reality of life.

Head to Tokyo's parks in early April to experience the cherry blossoms in their full glory for yourself, and capture some truly beautiful shots. 


Best Spots for Portrait Photography: Harajuku

Is there any style more closely associated with a specific location than Harajuku?  The birthplace of kawaii culture and Japanese pop culture, you'll see people decked out in a full array of unique and colourful outfits. 

Explore the area around Harajuku Station, but definitely make sure to explore cute backstreets such as Takeshita Street and Cat Street.

Many people come to Harajuku with the expectation of being photographed, which makes for some amazing opportunities with willing subjects. Check out the iconic FRUITs magazine for inspiration.

But remember: being photographed regularly means that people expect a level of professionalism. If you’re asking someone to pose for you, have your settings sorted out first. Or, shoot from the hip and then make sure to ask them afterwards and be polite. Always remember to say "Thanks a lot" : どうもありがとう (Doumo arigatou)

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list as much as we did making it. And we weren't joking about wanting your recommendations- what cities inspire you and where would you like to go photograph next? 

Let us know in the comments!

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Wedding Photography
Emma & Charlie – Dry Sandford & The Tythe Barn
24th July 2018
Wedding Photography, Wedding Photography Launton, Bicester Wedding Photographer,

Rarely am I happier than when I wake up on a sunny Saturday with a Tythe Barn wedding ahead. We headed off to meet Samson at the barn before travelling together to Dry Sandford for the wedding preparations. There was a fair bit of travelling between locations so Becky was on hand as our designated driver. Becky dropped me off at the salon where today’s bride Emma was getting ready with her bridesmaids & she then whizzed off to drop Samson with Charlie the groom. I captured shots of Emma & the other bridesmaids having their hair & make up done. It was soon time for the bride to have her veil put in place before making the short hop home to make the final preparations & get their dresses on.

Meanwhile Sam was with the Groom & Groomsmen getting suited & booted before heading off to the pretty little church in Dry Sandford.

The Bride was ready to go so we did some shots of them outside in the sunshine before we headed to the church where an eager groom & congregation were awaiting their arrival.

Emma headed into the church followed by her bridesmaids & a couple of furry friends who had an important job during the ceremony.

It was a lovely service but one of the highlights has to be the Best Man ‘forgetting’ the rings only to be upstaged by Charlie & Emma’s dogs trotting up the aisle with them. So lovely to have them as part of the day.

Another highlight has to be the lovely poem by Emma’s daughter Neive. She did a fabulous job, quite an undertaking to stand up in front of so many people at a such a young age & delivering it so well.

It was soon time for the happy couple to walk back down the aisle into the sunshine.  Whilst the guest mingled in the churchyard we took some great shots of the happy couple under a flurry of confetti & some group photos in the shade of the beautifully decorated lychgate.

It was then time for us to jump in the car & head off to the barn. We hoped to catch up with the Bride & Groom in their Bentley on the A34 but there was no way our  little car could catch up! It’s always lovely to arrive at the barn with everything so perfect, I often wonder what the guests think as they walk in. Its lovely in any season but when the doors are open & everyone can gather in the garden its something else.

Whilst the guests were mingling we took a few more group photos before taking Emma & Charlie to do some photographs of the two of them in the lovely grounds. The sun was high in the sky & the weather looking fine all day we made plans to come out again in the lovely golden light of the evening.

Emma & Charlie headed into the barn to the congratulations of their friends & family. There were some fantastic speeches with tears & laughter along with some of the obligatory embarrassment for the Groom!

    

After a delicious meal we took the happy couple into the evening sun for a few more shots of the two of them & then it was time for the first dance as husband & wife.

Soon everyone joined them on the dance floor & were soon slinging each other round to the sounds of a traditional ceilidh band. It was great fun & we managed to get some fun shots without getting in the way or being trampled underfoot!

We left them all dancing the night away!

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