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.

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. 

Katie Price signs books in Welwyn Garden City

Katie Price in Welwyn Garden City
© Nathan J Hulse

Katie Price latest book signing seemed to avoid the big London stores, instead she went to a smaller shopping Mall called the Howard Center in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire as well as a few locations after. Also looking on from the side was Leandro.

Picture taken with 24-70 lens and processed in Apples Aperture 3.

Cat Deeley during the Royal Wedding preparations

Cat Deeley at Buckingham Palace
© Nathan J Hulse

During the week leading towards the Royal Wedding there were many celebrities near the media areas at Buckingham Palace. I only managed to see Cat Deeley. I was really lucky, I just walked through Green Park as I got to the bottom she appeared. Moments later many other photographers were also there pointing their camera lens through the wire fence. At the time she was probably presenting a spot for a news report on the forthcoming nuptials.

I went there to photograph some of the pre-wedding preparations and capture some of the atmosphere leading up to the Wedding.

Enrique Iglesias (and Lemar) at the O2 arena in London

Enrique Iglesias

I've been really lucky to get ask to photograph a few music events recently. As I'm a musician it's always good to do concerts. The only downside is, I have to concentrate on taking pictures more than the actual concert itself. Friday March 25th Enrique Iglesias was performing at the O2 arena on London.

Prior to the concert I tried to find out the shoot position. This would usually be; front of the stage or the mix position (half way up the auditorium). We were told front of stage. Great, no need to carry super long and extra heavy lens with me. I took my 24-70 and 70-200. When I got there, I was told, we're shooting from the mix position. Great! While it's not great to hear that, it's not so bad, as shooting from the front of the stage, you tend to have shots looking up the performers nose. Not very flattering. Despite not having the correct lens with me, Enrique did walk down a long walkway. When he done that, I got most of my shots. Lucky for us, he done that on the 3rd song and not after we had to leave.

Lemar

The support act was Lemar. We were front of the stage for him. Notice the up nose type shot.

You can still see the audience hands in the way, on reflection I perhaps should have done a few shots and made the audience part of the shot, rather than try my best to avoid it. The things you think of afterwards eh. Something to consider next time. A great show and my sister was quite Jealous at me getting there and doing it.

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.

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.

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.

Big Brother Semi-Final and Final Josie Gibson wins

Mathew Firsht and Davina McCall

As many followers of the show will know the winner of Big Brother is Josie Gibson. I'm sure you have all seen pictures in the news by now. It is my aim to show you something different. At all the shows I have been to in the last few series there is always a warm up guy, Mathew Firsht. Mostly he tells the same stories and jokes each week. He does a great job of getting the crowd going. Rarely we see him with Davina McCall, as shown in the shoot to the right. Clicking on the picture will take you to the full gallery of pictures from the Big Brother Semi Final.

Camera Operator

Lastly from the final show. I've always noticed a few camera operators up high. They can't go anywhere once the show starts, if it rains tough. So below one of the many camera crew that bring you Big Brother. Finally a picture from the Final of Big Brother; Josie Gibson, the winner.

Davina McCall with Big Brother 11 winner Josie Gibson

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.