Independent on Saturday - Brights

New story out today... brave the frosty morn and get yourself a copy of the Independent for my latest story with the delightful Mr Lee Holmes. Hair, as ever, by the impeccable Mr Natty. Out you go chaps... get some colour in your wardrobe!

Mr Natty takes New York

 

Mr Natty and I took a little trip to New York recently... spreading the word about all things Natty. In between nattering Natty our good friend Mr William Gentle (aka Backyard Bill) took some fine shots of Mr Natty for his fantastic blog - there is, as ever, a link to it on the right. Go visit and tell Bill how amiable and talented he is.

Esquire Big Black Book

In New York the other week I caught up with my old Arena mucker, Mr Nick Sullivan, now Fashion Director at US Esquire and the brains behind The Big Black Book. It's very well thought out gentlemen's organ that I highly recommend. Now in it's 5th year, it is, as the lady at Hudson News in JFK noted, 'expensive', but worth it. Some lovely stories by the esteemed Mr Poynter, Mr Roper and Mr Clarke.

The Jane Hotel - New York

On a recent visit to New York I shacked up at the delightfully appointed Jane Hotel. It has been lovingly and thoughtfully restored in an early 1900s style. The hotel has a long and chequered past. It was notably the hotel that housed the Titanic's survivors after that fateful night in 1912. As someone who used to stay at the old Gramercy Park hotel back in the day, it feels like a real slice of a New York from days gone by (although the staff are far more attentive and the rooms are clean).

Boden Women Winter 2011 - Scotland

Now if Maine was cold... Scotland was bitter! We shot this way up on the Cawdor Estate near Inverness. It is the most incredible location and the whole crew shacked up in the estate lodge (miles from anywhere) where we enjoyed wholesome dinners, roaring fires and the odd wee dram to fight the bitter July weather. I swear, the world is upside down in terms of weather. My hardy Scandi crew always enjoy a challenge (I guess this felt tropical to them) and it was one of the most fun shoots ever. Must mention the great umbrella work by Kelly Rippy. Thanks fella!

Boden Men Winter 2011 - Maine

Despite the fact it's set to be 17C tomorrow, winter really is on it's way (surely?). Here's our latest trip to make it to press... all set on the beautiful Maine coastline. Hey, it looks like Blighty... and it's an amazing place to shoot, there's lakes, rugged coasts, sandy beaches, forests and cobbled streets all within an hour of each other. The weather is bloody lousy too - just like home. We shot this in July and it was wet and freezing.

Favourite Football Kits Ever # 7 Ajax Amsterdam 1987

 

If you follow this blog (you probably don't), then you'll note that this image is not up there with the usual photo-journalistic standard that I set for my historical football posts. Stay with me...

This particular shot features one of my all time favourite players, whose name has particular relevance to the bouquet he is carrying in tandem with the 1987 ECWC trophy. Arnold Johannes Hyacinthus Mühren (on the right - with the flowers), in my opinion, has the best left foot of all time. OF ALL TIME. Though saying this, the best goal he ever scored for Ipswich Town was in an FA Cup 6th Rd replay in 1981 (against Nottingham Forest) with his right peg (previously only ever used for standing on). The very young Matt Brooke Studio almost fell off the drainpipe he was holding onto in the capacity crowd when said event happened. All seater stadiums? Allocated seats? Pre-booking? What's that all about?

Football Picture or Fashion Shoot?

 

You decide. 

Football kits Saint Etienne etc. blah blah

 

Ok, this is getting a little repetitive. What it is it about this once mighty French football team that so inspired a generation of sports photographers?

JohnnieB Winter 2011 Film

A little video Gemma and I shot and I edited for your delight. Lovely colour work and general finessing by Dionne Loftus. This is a Northern People's Film Production. Enjoy. If you'd like to watch in higher res... check out the johnnieb.co.uk website.

JohnnieB Winter 2011

Here are a selection of images for the new season Johnnie B winter 2011. All shot up the road in Aldeburgh. A cracking few days was had by all, in particularly wintry conditions (considering it was July). All shot by Gemma Booth, my old mucker from The Face and Arena days way back when. As for all this nonsense about the youth of today, I can only say this young bunch were a joy to hang out with. We've just finished the Spring shoot and I will post that in the new year.