Hamina, Finland Latest addition to Alamy

Hamina Town Hall
© Nathan Hulse/Alamy

A recent trip to visit family gave me the opputunity to photograph some attractions or local landmarks in the town near where I was staying. I packed my tripod for the long exposures required for low light / night photography.

I hope you think it was worth it. You can view my full collection on alamy here which inlcudes other pictures taken during my few days stay in Finland.

Caroline Monks Party

Nicola McLean
© Nathan Hulse

I would guess many people would say "Who is Caroline Monk". She is Cancer survivor and hosted a party to celebrate the women involved in her cancer makeover campaign. She is also a PR and is involved amongst others the mercury prize awards. I did attend (as a photographer) a previous party of her's which was so well attended by celebrities, it was possible the same could happen on this occasion. Luckily it didn't and a few turned up, including Nicola Mclean who was recently in Celebrity Big Brother.

My Flash cable decided to stop working, I could only use the flash mounted on the top hot shoe, which tends to leave a horrible shadow in the background. On the link above, are my pictures, plus those from another photographer, you can see my pictures are slightly brighter, but also have the shadow in the background right.

Amy Winehouse - 1983-2011 - rest in peace

Amy Winehouse July 2010
© Nathan Hulse

Like many others I have been shocked and saddened by the news of singer Amy Winehouse death. I only got a chance to photograph her as a paparazzi twice, the final time thanks to photographer Danny Martindale who told me she was at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square in London. Where Amy was, there were likely many paparazzi about. Sometimes getting a clean picture wasn't easy. This picture seemed to sum up Amy's personality (that I knew about) quite well. One last drag on the cigarette before getting in her waiting car.

A sad loss to the music world. I often wonder if we are best to remember people in their prime, rather than in old age and they were great once. Amy was still great. Consider Buddy Holly, we only know the keen rock n roller vs Elvis whom many remember for being over weight, rather than the fresh faced rock n roller. Anyway, enough of my rambling.

Recycling on Alamy - latest additions

Recycling Wheeled bins ready for delivery to residents
© Nathan J Hulse 

In my local area the refuse collection is changing which means new wheely bins or wheeled bins. Not being one to miss a photo opportunity I noticed all the bins being lined up in the street and being made ready for collection. I thought this could make for a useful picture. A little different from my normal subjects, now available via my collection on alamy.com.

Katie Waissel at the Mayfair and Nicola Roberts at Radio 1

Katie Waissel in London
© Nathan J Hulse

It has been really quiet for me recently, which means I have to be a little more pro-active. Thursday 2nd June was one such day I decided to do just that. I met a friend in London first, then headed to The Mayfair hotel. Always a popular place for celebrities to stay. I had about an hour to kill before looking at something else I had information about. Within a few moments of me arriving I saw Katie Waissel. Katie was in X-Factor 2010. I had previously taken her picture during the x factor live tour. She then left about 30 minutes later. Jedward were also staying at the Mayfair, even though I saw them, I wasn't quite so interested about taking their picture. Although some hysterical girls in the area where over the moon to see the twins. I also left to go and check out something else.

Nicola Roberts at Radio 1
© Nathan J Hulse

As I mentioned already, I had information that Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud was due to be at BBC Radio 1 for the debut airing of her new single 'Beat of My Drum'. I've not heard it yet myself. Many seem to like it. A slightly longer wait at Radio 1 for Nicola, she looked great and signed for all her fans waiting to see her.

Blue perform at 1000th Thriller Live musical

Blue perform at Thriller Live
© Nathan J Hulse

26th May 2011 was the 1000th performance of Thriller Live. I've been a fan of Michael Jackson for some years. A chance to see some of this show was a real bonus for me. Blue were due to perform "Man in the Mirror" and I was one of a few photographers allowed to photograph this. A live performance and no miming, a rare thing perhaps these days.

I only had my 17-40 wide angle lens with me, luckily I was close to the stage. Shots only processing in Aperture 3, no photo manipulation. All shot between  iso 1000-1250.

Stacey Solomon Book signing in Essex

Stacey Solomon in Chelmsford
© Nathan J Hulse

The past few photo events I have done have been book signings. I don't get to do many of these. I noticed Stacey Solomon was doing a book signing at WH Smith in Chelmsford, Essex, which is not too far for me. So I headed over there. A nice little drive and nice town. There were only half a dozen photographers present for this. Had it been in central London during the week, it would have been different.

It amuses me how people can publish their biography at such a young age. Their life has only just started. I realize that celebrities have to cash in on their fame while they have it these days. Gone are the time people release their biography after a life full of events. I also thought it amusing that the books were being offered at half retail price, I'm told this is usual for new releases. 

JLS and others perform at Rays of Sunshine Concert

JLS performing at the Rays of Sunshine Concert

Friday 11th March I was lucky enough to be asked to cover the Rays of Sunshine concert held at the Troxy in East London. This was a charity event, the Rays of Sunshine charity raises money to turn wishes into happy memories for children living with serious or life threatening illnesses between the ages of 3 and 18.

Performers at the concert seemed to be all x reality tv talent show contestants, including JLS who were headlining the event, Olly Murs, Joe McElderry, George Sampson and Spelbound. Also performing were Tinchy Stryder and The Saturdays. Spelbound were amazing to watch, but difficult to photograph. As I was at the front all night, I made sure I had some hearing protection, this wasn't because I don't want to listen to the music, just to stop my hearing getting damaged.

Pictured is JLS performing at the concert.

Jaime Winstone and Paloma Faith at PPQ fashion show during London Fashion week

Pandemonia at PPQ Fashion show

At the time of writing, I'm in the middle of Jury service, which is interesting, yet it restricts me be able to get to events to photograph. It's a busy time at the moment as well, London fashion week is in full swing. I manage to get to one event to photograph some outside arrivals. Really I need to do much more than just one event, it's still great fun to get out to one though. I managed to get to the PPQ fashion show at Somerset House. A few people arrived including Paloma Faith and Jaime Winstone. I don't just photograph celebrities arriving at these event, here is one character that looked great Pandemonia. 

Nancy Sorrell at Stephane St Jaymes fashion launch

Nancy Sorrell

Currently I'm doing Jury service, which restricts my work for the next few weeks. It seems to be usual that I miss all the fun stuff when I'm busy with other commitments. I did manage to get to one last event before my service started. The  fashion launch for Stephane St. Jaymes Spring/summer collection. Just before London Fashion week starts, although by the time this post goes live, LFW will have ended. I could have stayed to cover the actual fashion show, I decided not. Here is a shot of Nancy Sorrell, wife of comedian Vic Reeves. Also in attendance was ex Eastenders actor Ross Kemp and Princes Michael of Kent.

As I normally mention, all the photos on my blog and on the first link included are taken by myself (except where I state otherwise). In this instance they are available for commercial use via Famous Pictures. If you are interested in prints of my pictures contact me for details.

Berlin - Brandenburg Gate on Fotolia

I recently went to Berlin, Germany to Visit a friend. I didn't get to take as many pictures as I would have liked to have done. Also the weather wasn't in my favour for quality images for stock use. I did however, manage to capture a few of the Brandenburg Gate, or Brandenburger Tor, if you live in Germany.

NatJag - Fotolia.com

As they were only taken on my 8MP camera I didn't feel the quality would be good enough to upsize and submit to my collection at Alamy. Instead I sent it to a microstock site called fotolia.

There have been many discussions about micro stock sites on photography forums as they sell pictures at a very low price. This is very good for many people that have personal blogs and want quality images to use without the huge cost that businesses would be able to afford for slightly more exceptional images. I only have a small collection on this site as I removed much of it a few years ago. They still have strict quality controls and one of my images wasn't accepted. Next time I visit Berlin, I will perhaps take my tripod and get some exceptional images of the city.

Also see a rejected image by fotolia on my rarely used blog site at Shutterchance.com

Radio times party with Terry Wogan

Terry Wogan

Last week on 18th January there was a Radio Times Cover party at Claridges Hotel in London. The event was listed as 'No Press Access'. This didn't stop many photographers from turning up outside the hotel anyway. I was really pleased to have photographed broadcasting legend Terry Wogan. Although it wasn't a posed studio shot, it was still nice to have seen him through my lens.

I am now away in Berlin for a few days.

As I mostly try to to point out, all the photos on my blog and on the first link included are taken by myself (except where I state otherwise). In this instance they are available for commercial use via Famous Pictures. If you are interested in prints of my pictures contact me for details.

Hollyoaks actress Melissa Walton celebrates her 21st Birthday in London

Melissa Walton
© Nathan J Hulse

It is very quiet for me at the moment. Things should be picking up soon, with few lifestyle shoots being planned.

The other week I went to the Café de Paris in London for Melissa Walton's 21st Birthday. This was as a paparazzi photographer rather than being in a press pen or something similar. Melissa Walton is in Hollyoaks. I was hoping a few of the other actresses from the show would also turn up. Sadly for me they didn't. I'm sure it didn't stop Melissa enjoying her night.

2010 - A few favorite or special pictures

Jodie Marsh

I thought it would be interesting to have a look through my pictures and post a few pictures that either I like or were special to me for a reason. I've not included any shots that I have already posted. Non of these pictures were very successful for me. That's not always the point for me.

This first shot of Jodie Marsh was taken in February 2010 at a Haiti Earthquake fundraiser at the Roundhouse in Camden Town. There weren't many photographers at this. There weren't many celebrities either. As a result, many photographers left after an hour. Another photographer Brian Jordan of Celebrity photos UK and myself stayed, the promotors/pr promised free beer. Jodie Marsh arrived and Brian asked a busker outside the venue if we could borrow his guitar, he obliged.

Nicola Roberts

The second shot of Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud was taken after a day in London. I had a few events to cover. A free concert "Music for Mum's" for Cancer in Covent Garden, with Gabriella Cilmi, follow by the variety Club annual dinner and ball at the Hilton Hotel in London. On my way back to the station I walked past the Mayfair Hotel to see a friend of mine. Within 10 minutes Nicola Roberts walked out wearing this stunning outfit.

Rihanna

This final shot was taken of US singer Rihanna at London's o2. It isn't technically a great shot. I found out the day of the concert photographers would be at the mix position 2/3 back in the venue. I would need to longer focal length than I had. I couldn't have hired a lens (which I didn't think about at the time) I decided to purchase a 2x extender. This creates problems,as I will loose 2 stops of light, in addition the quality isn't great unless stopped down to at least f8 (f5.6 is the minimum on the 70-200 f2.8 lens). There were many other photographers there with nikon cameras (great at high ISO) and 400mm prime lens. I was surprised how good some of the shots were, although not tack sharp, I had caught what I needed to of the concert. This taught me a few things; next time I should hire a lens.

Finally I would like to wish anyone that reads this best wishes and blessings for 2011. Thanks for looking and following.

Saturdays help for Breast Cancer

The Saturdays

Not much from me this week as I went to Berlin for a few days. The night before (13th December) I was given a choice of events to go to. I choose one that supported Breast Cancer, Concert For Cure. For a few reasons, one being that it was for a good cause and the second was that I would get to shoot some live performances. Girl group The Saturdays were the headline act. Other acts on were Daisy Dares you and Lauren Pritchard. We only got 1 song from each act. Here is my favorite shot from the night.

Technical info:- Lens used on this shot was 17-40 (we were right on top of the stage), Other lens used for head shots (pictures seen in link) 70-200 processed the RAW file in Aperture 3.

As (almost) always, the direct link includes all shots taken by myself on the night, including posed shots on the promotional boards.

I'm back in the country with Kylie Minogue on Sunday

I'm now back from my 2 month tour of Holland. This means I'm back to taking photos. My first job back was the 2nd day of the Jingle Bell Ball. The main person I wanted to photograph was Kylie Minogue. 20-25 years ago being in front of Kylie and taking her photo would have been a dream come true. It isn't the first time I'd been fortunate enough to take her picture. The first time wasn't so great for me. Unfortunately, concentrating on taking a picture means I don't remember the moment. I have to make sure I get the picture, rather than be in the moment. She looked stunning as you can see from the picture.

Please note:- not all pictures in the event gallery at famous are taken by myself.

Ultimate Big Brother Final and Parties to Follow

Winner Brian Dowling with Davina McCall

The end of Big Brother (or is it) with the final on 10th September. If you watch big brother you will know who the winner is. Here I have presented a favorite picture of mine from the Ultimate final. I wasn't a fan of the program, it was however great to be at the eviction nights. The crowd were great and I got friendly with a few regulars. In this picture is the winner Brian Dowling with the shows presenter Davina McCall. I wanted to try top capture spirit and excitement of the event,  with the house in the background the other photographers and camera crew. Taken on the wide angle 17-40 mm lens.

Naturally following the end of Big Brother is the wrap party.  Sadly, I found out about this too late and missed many of the housemates who arrived before I got there. Similarly, Josie had a reunion party later the same week. Again, I expected they would all arrive later in the evening, once again, they were early.

More housemates enter the uk big brother house - 2010

More new housemates entered the big brother friday. Would you have chosen the same ones to enter the house. Click the picture for link to more pictures from the event.

Just as I went to push the post to blog button, my late catch up of big brother revealed that Laura (2nd from R) had already left the house. No staying power some of these contestants. Not that I'd want to go in the house.

Sunshine evicted from Big Brother then is goes dark

Yvette Martyn, better known as Sunshine in the last series of Big Brother, became the third housemate to be evicted from the house. If your a big brother fan, you will know that already. Moments after her eviction there was a power failure in the area and the house was in darkness. The live episode went off air. As the eviction is filmed for a few reasons, 10-15 minutes a head of transmission, viewers would have got a blank screen before hand, In fact just before Bens stand up comedy piece

Click on the picture to see this and more of my pictures taken from the third eviction Big Brother 11 eviction. Most of my celebrity pictures are available through Famous Pictures and Features agency.

Tech info:- lens used 17-40 and 70-200 for the head shots and distance shots (on the stairs). All processed through Aperture 3.

Holly Valance and Gemma Atkinson all in black

Gemma Atkinson

Holly Valance

Gemma Atkinson (R), an actress who use to be in Hollyoaks and grace the pages of many lads magazines is trying to lose her usual vivacious look wearing a black dress with no hint of cleavage at all. This shot was taken at a premiere for a film she is starring in called "Baseline". It was a rather low key premiere with just a few of the key actors and actress' in attendance.

At another event for Elizabeth Ardens 100th anniversary, former Neighbours actress and singer (remember Kiss Kiss?) Holly Valance (L) and others attended. 

As nice as black outfits are, nice colourful ones would be much better. It's summer and a time to be bright and colourful.