Damian Brown Photography Blog

ORIGINAL MUSIC?

2010-12-09T12:49:00.007Z

http://dlo247.bandcamp.com

Nothing is totally original these days right? Well check out my music, £2 get's you to very different tracks...

Share Share Share :D

Barcelona - France - Sitges - ETC

2010-12-04T12:09:00.005Z

A lot more from this set on my facebook

Poesía 4 - Viladecans

2010-12-03T17:27:00.001Z

Poesía #1 - Viladecans Noviembre 2010

2010-12-03T00:57:00.002Z

Let's take a second to think back

2010-11-12T02:15:00.001Z

I realised awhile back how important it is to recognise where you've come from, your family history, your personal choices whether bad or good.

For me a lot has been expressed in my music and photography but more importantly it's all about how I focus my life now.

Know your history. Create your future.

NEW YEAR NEW WEBSITE/BLOG

2010-01-29T22:13:00.002Z

Hi visitors and followers.... this is a post to let you know that as of this week I shall no longer be updating this site BUT I have an all new, all in one site/blog over at:

http://www.damianbrownphotography.co.uk

Go there, take a look around and let me know what you think!!

ps thanks for following so far, your support is priceless.

A time for reflection and inspiration

2010-01-10T23:52:00.003Z

First post of the year, I really must post more!

Just wanted to share a few videos with you. About this time of the year I take time to catch up on many things, amongst which are movies and books which inspire my photography. Ok so perhaps books, well they inspire my travel, my love to explore and to experiment. But right now I've been catching up on movies, not the usual comedy "rubbish" I watch to chill out but inspiring stuff, movies with great cinematography.

You might remember way back when, I shared with you "Notte Sento" which was a great timelapse shot video. Well right up there with the wow factor was this movie by Chris Jones called The Passenger, check it out (hit full screen, and if you have decent sound, turn it up):

What makes this extra special to me is that it was made in it's entirety by one guy, Chris Jones. To be fair to the video, I need to see the DVD quality version. The trailer can be found at http://www.chrisj.com.au/thepassenger/trailer.html

Next up, take a look at the trailer for this Italian movie I watched, it's now in my collection. It's called L'Amico Di Famiglia (Family Friend) and seriously, every single frame would make a great photography. Wow. Watch it in HD (if there's a blu ray version out there, get that!) Seriously, this trailer does it ZERO justice:

And finally, I've never been a huge fan of CGI... I always seem to focus on the unreality in it all. Jurassic Park didn't hit me like it seemed to hit everybody around me and don't get me started on Avatar. Actually I went to see Avatar at IMAX, twice... once sold out for weeks, the second time so full the only seats were useless. This next video is purely CGI, the work of only one man, Alex Roman.. and it's exquisite. If you have HD then please click the link below this video and watch it in HD. Either way, full screen and sound:

The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.

--------------

Inspiring? Get out there and create something then. I know I will. Peace.

A short visit to Shanghai...

2009-12-31T01:05:00.005Z

A sprawling city working very hard to push into 2010 as an important part of modern China, Shanghai certainly is a worthy stop on a trip to China and an exciting way for me to finish off 2009 both work related and as a tourist. I was working for a private client but had plenty of time to myself. It was my first time to China and was a good introduction to China.

With Shanghai being as modern as any other city, it's left me wanting to go out there again to see Beijing, Xian, the other Provinces, the Wall etc... what I would've classed as "real China", the China I learned about growing up. The China that captivated my generation through the movies it produced, that motivated my dad when he was young to learn Chinese, martial arts and become a Kung Fu master (a title he doesn't personally use though. His students call him Sifu Leung)... anyway, that's the china I still have to see more of but for now.. Shanghai was a good experience. Plus while they have WuShu Master on regular tv... what do we get here in the UK? Total Wipeout.

Yes it was busy, cold (but not as cold as home!), and I fell and fractured my hand but it was a place full of sights, interesting people, very cheap and very wholesome food and tea, tea, tea... love it. 12 hours on a plane and 8 hour time differences I could do without though!

Here are a few cool shots, taken with a point and shoot (canon g10):

Entering Shanghai the fastest way possible (on land).. The Maglev at 430km/h (hence it's a bit shaky)

Ok so I go to grab a coffee and what do I find?

There are a whole lot more on my facebook page so feel free to check that out at http://www.facebook.com/db247

I had planned to do a 2009 wrap up post while I was out there but hadn't figured on blogspot being a banned website over there so I haven't been able to access my own blog, facebook, twitter etc while I was there! So I'll do that very soon! It's been a year of extremes... And I think it'd be good to put it into words, and images where possible... So, see you next year!

Final Wedding shoot of 2009 - Shugborough Hall - Katie and Simon

2009-12-20T16:04:00.005Z

So I've survived 2009! And to finish off, as far as weddings go at least, I shot a cool wedding at Shugborough Hall last Saturday. Of course, England being England, it was freezing cold and for once I mean it wholeheartedly and literally! But the wedding party had hot chocolate, mini mince pies and brownies after the ceremony while everybody enjoyed the afternoon at Shugborough.

Thanks to the venue, and for their amazing compliment - They said I was "the nicest photographer they have ever had!" What a compliment! If you want to check them out for your wedding take a look at their site at this link http://www.shugborough.org.uk/weddings-190

Now I know a few great photographers that shoot there too who I'm sure are at least as "nice" as me, so I accept the compliment but won't get big headed! I guess it's because we choose to shoot the wedding mainly in an informal manner, stealth/ninja like ... and so we don't boss people around or try to control the day. I believe a wedding should be shot like that, I'm there to report on the day not to make it happen. This isn't 1985!

Right, so thanks to Katie and Simon for having me along.. it was a short session and one to remember. Couldn't have asked for better! So here are a few favourites, which I struggled to choose.

If you're interested in booking or know anybody who might be interested in my style of photography and working, then please say hello. Email me or give me a call. I can be found on twitter and facebook too.. click the links and say hello.

I'm off on my travels again this week, this time I'm being sent to Shanghai, China! I missed out on a wedding in Mexico in Summer 2010 by the way, because I was already booked up! So.. please... book me somebody in Mexico ;)

Right... Photo time:

I'm back... after a long ... long.. well I was busy, then I was away...

2009-12-03T22:08:00.002Z

Sorry for the big gap between last posting! What's been happening? Well... I was very busy with the end of the season, still have another few shoots before the year is out including a trip to China later this month!

Most recently I was away in Jamaica. Spent a day or so in Spanish Town and then 10 days in Ochi (Ocho Rios) ... I loved Jamaica, the people, the food, the weather of course! Going from 30+ everyday to 3/4 degrees here is not fun! Where did I leave that bottle of rum again?!

So as it's been awhile here are a bunch of point n shoot snaps I took while I was away... the rest are on my facebook page if you're connected with me on there. If not... click and add me!

Remember, bookings are going well for next year and 2011 but please give me a shout if you need anything doing. I look forward to hearing what you thought about this years work as well!

Out with the disaster relief team... hauling a big piece of machinery up to the top floor.. no cranes involved... MORE MANPOWER!

This cat even passed by the place we went out for my send off on the last night... Spy cat?

As you can see Jamaica is full of amazing sights, people and food. I love how the majority live off the land, share produce, and create some great food. Go there, if you know people there or you know people who know people, hook up with them from day one and see the real Jamaica, not the safe all inclusive hotel boundaries Jamaica. Otherwise, do some tours... stay safe but enjoy yourself.

Oh if you're reading this and think I should practice my point n shoot technique, and would like to send me off travelling from time to time, then get in touch :D

Amy and Joma are now married!

2009-10-25T14:03:00.002Z

I'm going to keep this short and sweet: Amy and Joma are a top couple, the wedding was good fun and a pleasure to shoot.

My day with them started at Amy's moms where Amy and the girls were getting ready, a whole two blocks away from where I live! Then it was off to Stockland Green Methodist Church and finally off to grade II listed Highbury Hall in Moseley.

I won't go into the typical four seasons in one day thing, the fact that Joma got an Everton FC cake as a surprise, and that I'd like to thank Joma's dad for the dessert.. so I better stop rambling and show you my highlights:

Mr Eric Roberson keeps it friendly in Brum.. his "second favourite city"...

2009-10-11T19:31:00.005Z

Mine too ;)

Seriously, that's what he said.. Birmingham is his second favourite city. See.. not just locals can see the charm we have!

Anyway.. this was his second time playing in Birmingham and after a packed night at the Jazz Cafe in London, the turnout was a little smaller than expected but it didn't stop Eric Roberson blitzing the crowd with soulful, humourous, good positive energy for a nice long set.

Unlike other artists that have come and gone this guy and his band took time to chat with the fans, have photos.. never a problem. They were chilled and the crowd later repaid him with dancing, singing, good vibes.

I wasn't that familiar with his music before this gig but yep.. this guy can sing and entertain.. ably backed by a good band. Check his site at this link www.ericrobersonmusic.com

He has written for and collaborated with the likes of Dwele, Slum Village, Jill Scott (amazing live show), and so on.. and now for your eyes.. here he is. Oh first up is the support act.. (name to be added in a moment when i get the link..)

Seriously... don't pass the singer on the stage your bag... Sorry but Eric's face says it all!

I guess the main man singing into your camera phone whilst it's recording the show isn't so bad...

Aleena +Richard make Monday weddings cool!

2009-10-06T23:19:00.007Z

A wedding on a Monday - that's a rare treat for a Brit like me... Mondays are usually full of editing the weekends weddings.. blogging (ok, ok, not that often)... admin'ing... houseworkin'... (yes I do!) and study...ing.

So check how it turned out when good friends Aleena and Richard got married a couple weeks back at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham:

Edit - This comment was sent to me on facebook today, from the bride above: "Monday weddings are made cool by close family, loads of friends and one brilliant photographer. Thanx babe!!

Hayley and Andrew are now married!

2009-09-30T13:09:00.007Z

Slightly busy.. slightly slow to post this and the next two blog posts.. so without further messing about here are a few images from Hayley and Andrew's wedding earlier this month (It's just about still September I think!)

I'm in the middle of school season as well as wedding season as well as EXHBITION season (get over to the Drum in Birmingham to see real photos, photos in real life.. not internet renditions!)

Enough chat, here are some photos:

The Exhibition has landed! B There!

2009-09-22T21:19:00.008Z

As the regular readers and anybody who has had to endure my whinging knows...

I was recently asked by an arts centre in the City to shoot their exhibition which is funded by the City Council and to be archived by them.

The exhibition will run for three months in it's initial location (The Drum | 144 Potters Lane | Aston | Birmingham | B6 4UU) then after that I'm hoping to grow the project through further funding. A website is almost ready and possibly a book via blurb (to keep it simple)... The exhibition has it's launch night tomorrow.. I have to speak about it, answer questions etc etc.. come support me if you can, it's last minute and in Birmingham, UK so no worries.. it's on until mid December.

Anybody interested in the future of the project, who should be included, who wants to help with funding, and so on.. get in touch!

*last minute edit.. here's a shot by my friend Clive Blair (another great photographer) of me at the launch:

If the Bride wants fairytale... she gets fairytale!

2009-09-13T21:13:00.008Z

Everything was spot on... the weather, the venue, the dress, the shoes, the car, the golf buggies, the duke of marlborough ... hold on! Golf buggies? the duke? the weather?! Yes!

Had a great day shooting the wedding of Nicky and Mark on Saturday, starting out at Nicky's house in Warwick, then the ceremony at St Mary's in Warwick and onwards to the reception at the one and only Blenheim Palace , a world heritage site that is home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough (they live in the wing next to the wedding reception venue) and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Golf buggies were hired to zip around the Palace grounds, and the weather was just amazing. Honestly I could spend hours in those grounds taking photographs of beautiful brides and grooms! Really looked forward to it and really enjoyed the time I spent there. Wedding photography is definitely a privilege, I don't care how corny that sounds!

Big thanks to everybody on behalf of the couple and myself. Both venues were stunning and the fairytale wedding was one to remember!

Mr and Mrs Handley

2009-09-05T22:08:00.004Z

I'm on a roll this weekend, yet again somehow I've managed to post the latest wedding in record time! Seriously.. I'm too busy to be this fast! Or too excited?! Must stop drinking green tea at night. Seriously though, I'm a night time camomile man, yes... I got older this week.

Anyway back on topic... today saw me shooting Joanne and Adrian's wedding over in Tamworth, and at Newton Regis for the reception. Big thanks to all involved, including Anita at Brittons Caterers for feeding me and my assistant. Food is always the key to a man's heart!

The day was chilled out, the bride was traditionally late (though the blame lies with the bridesmaids we're told!) and the weather stayed dry if a bit chilly! Goose bumps all round! We love England.

That's enough of me...

Just to finish off to let you know the Simon at Flipstorm UK is currently working on my website showcasing the current project, soon to be exhibited at The Drum, the website will be www.strongbrum.com but don't go there just yet, it's not up :P

Joy and Paul... Married!

2009-09-04T19:15:00.004Z

Possibly the quickest blog post I have ever posted... I shot a nice small wedding today over in Bromsgrove, sunny and bright Bromsgrove, so I have a bit of time this evening to show you a few highlights, a few simple moments of expression that I thought were worth sharing.

Hope you like the images:

Gemma and Neil... Scott!!

2009-08-30T19:16:00.005Z

etting a break from preparing the exhibition coming up, Gemma and Neil kindly hired me to cover their wedding day yesterday, and as ever I want to share a few highlights with you...

The wedding took place at St Mary's in Selly Oak and the reception at Corus Hotel in Solihull, where Frank looked after everybody very well. Many thanks to all involved on behalf of the happy and very chilled out couple!

Not much to say today as I'm absolutely ready for a warm cuppa, english summer is in full downswing, and to put my feet up for a change! Just time to say Gemma and Neil... CONGRATS.. you are a very cool couple, nice and relaxed and I'm sure you're going to have a great time in Mexico... I'm kinda jealous! If you need any spanish phrases just let me know! And Neil.. I want to see sombrero photos on facebook when you get back!!

Joanna and John ... Married!

2009-08-20T23:47:00.004Z

Coventry.... what more can be said... when the whole wedding breakfast receives word that their "football club" has won 0-2 and yours has lost 2-0 (yours being the club that relegated theirs many years back ;) ) then it's never a good thing to be the only Villa fan in the vicinity when the beer and wine has been flowing for a while...

Lovely couple, good weather, friends together, real good craic (yes I'm half irish)!

Enjoyed shooting Joanna and John's wedding the other week and thought I'd share a few highlights from the day. The b+w bias is pure coincidence, the whole set of previews is mixed as per my usual style... still waiting for the special couple who hire me to shoot all black and white!

And just a couple others... guess where these guys were off to...

This little missy loved it...

So there you have it... wanted to post this up for you to have a mooch.. extremely busy with the exhibition, check the post below this one!

The B-Strong exhibition is coming very soon!

2009-08-18T23:49:00.004Z

Just a quick note to let you all know that the B-Strong exhibition is well under way and the next couple weeks will be extremely hectic but ultimately positive, educational and uplifting... Check out the venue's own entry, written by them, regarding the exhibition I'm shooting.. their theme, my images..

http://www.the-drum.org.uk/event/b-strong-by-damian-brown

Couple more happenings to show you when I get a chance... very hectic with weddings too.. it's that time of the year!

Until then... a preview (albeit with me in it instead of the artist that will be in the real version!)

And then became ... Becci and Mike Erbilur-Gray!

2009-08-08T19:48:00.004Z

Cool couple, nice mix.. british.. turkish... and the smell of those cupcakes... yes, I've forgotten the rain already!

The wedding took place at Wethele Manor, a 16th century farmhouse out near Leamington Spa.. definitely a place worth checking out for a venue if you're local. The staff worked hard along with the bridal party and not even a spot of english summer downpour could beat the day... it was beautiful, a good laugh too! And those cupcakes... (well no I didn't try one, I'm not that pushy! Plus the photos of me shooting at weddings that are appearing on facebook aren't doing me justice!)

Definitely want to wish Becci and Mike all the best, I'm sure while they're out there in sunny Sri Lanka right now they'll be thinking of us all trying to work out what weather we'll get next! One of you lovely couples need to take me abroad to shoot your wedding ;)

As always, here are a few favourites and, as the youth would say, a few randoms from the wedding day:

And sorry.. I have to add this just for myself...

Lisa and Jason.... MARRIED!

2009-07-20T20:31:00.007Z

Earlier this month I had the privilege of shooting Lisa and Jason's wedding over in Stone and Stafford. What a great day, chilled out couple, fun family and great guests. Oh and the food? Let's just say I've never had appetizers like those at a wedding before! I didn't mention Jason's a bit keen in the kitchen, did I?! Perfect man ladies? Well, he's taken!

The prep photos started with the girls getting their hair done at Salon 74 in Newcastle Under Lyme then into the house for everything else! The wedding ceremony was at Christ Church in Stone and the reception was at the White Eagle Polish Club.

You might remember the engagement photos from earlier this year, well here are a few favourites from the wedding day, hope you enjoy:

So there you have it, this blog post I chose to go all b+w and I think it works well.. still haven't gone all b+w on a wedding yet tho!! Could yours be the first?!

Birmingham Artists Session #1

2009-07-16T22:19:00.004Z

In preparation and as a side project for an exhibition I'm shooting for The Drum (September til November) I shot a few artists from my city, Birmingham... A few I have known, respected, and once upon a time jammed with, and a few newer to me who I'll definitely be keeping an eye on.

Birmingham as ever is full of amazing talent that needs to be seen, experienced and nurtured. This city is home to many good things, many huge influences musically and artistically and long may that last.

For the strobists out there just two speedlights were used, some shots just one, and a softbox. The backgrounds were just painted walls, and one projector screen in one set.

A good session indeed and I'm hoping to run a few more soon to give local talent the "exposure" they deserve. Here are the previews:

Leeanne Stoddart - Poet (A'cappella/soul/hip hop .. according to her myspace .. to give you a better idea!)

Next up is Applz Sanra - Vocal artist and producer

Ahmed.. Film maker.. and I'm waiting for his website!

The one and only Juice Aleem - New album out very soon! I don't need to say more... do I? Ok.. one of the finest. (I have a preview copy!)

Kokumo - Dub Poet .. One very cool dude... ya heard!

Jaskirt Dhaliwal - Photographer of the exhibition currently on show at The Drum entitled British Asian Musicians. Check her out at http://www.jaskirtdhaliwal.co.uk

The What Supreme/ Wasif Sayeed - Hip hop artist.. (that's all i'm putting Wasif! It encompasses you man! HIP HOP - HIP HOP)

Of course I am one of Birmingham's strong artist presence so it's only right that I do what I can to help some of the people I meet with along the way.. check out their links (click on their name) and surprise yourself!

Delhi was....

2009-07-09T12:30:00.008Z

Bonkers!!!!

I had a great time, a great experience in Delhi last week! Really.. you have experienced nothing until you have been to Delhi...

The noise, the traffic, the food, the people, the colours, the heat, the history... wow. I'd love to go back and tour india a lot more (contact Prashant at India Invites for help, great service), see where my grandparents came from and learn more of the real india. Yesterday my nan's sister died in South Africa so it's only right that this week I blog this...

I don't want to misrepresent India, so when you think of the poverty.. think of the extremes.. India is huge and so anything it has will be huge in relation... yes there is poverty, yes there are people sleeping in the streets, little kids begging but there are also many hard working people and also many who are extremely rich.

India is a country of extremes, disparity, warmth on many levels, and a country steeped in history and contrast.

Here are a few snaps from my short time in the capital, snapped with my g10:

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
Mahatma Gandhi

Amanda and Steve are MARRIED!!!!!!

2009-06-17T17:55:00.008Z

Yes believe the rumours people, every now and then we get a bit of rain here in the UK... Typically at the height of a busy wedding season... So to just make it interesting it decided to absolutely bucket down this June on Amanda and Steve's big day!

Most people would see that as a problem... but not those two!! (It might be safe now to mention that I had to get into my car through the boot in the morning as the central locking went wonky... I'd have gone in the studio van if that didn't work! No way I'm missing a wedding shoot!)

The wedding took place in the beautiful surroundings of Bridgnorth... with the reception at Swindon Golf Club in Dudley. Definitely give Bridgnorth a visit if you're checking out real English hotspots... great for a day out... just try to go on a sunny day!

As always.... just a few of my favourites from the day:

My trip to Spain (with my new Canon G10)

2009-05-30T16:17:00.002Z

Yes I did it! I bought the Canon G10... and nervously waited for it to arrive in time for my little trip out to south spain.. Well here are some of the "snaps" I took. It is a very capable camera, hopefully I can do it justice ... just need a few more trips abroad, if anybody wants to send me somewhere I promise to take some photos ;)

And now you know I can't resist a bit of wedding photography.. but this poor groom was left "out in the cold" for so long it was ridiculous.. love this shot though:

This photographer definitely seemed to work a lot more natural! Great textures, colours and styles out there in Spain! Love Sevilla! ¡Viva la novia!

A mate contemplating La Alhambra!

And finally me on the last night.. messing with the ambient light and flash.. worked out well i think.. shame about the model ;)

Yu + Yao - Married! (The English Party!)

2009-05-17T16:37:00.007Z

So what happens if you get married in your home country and a load of your friends and work colleagues that live here in the UK want to celebrate... well have another wedding party! It's really that simple, who needs an excuse for a party?!

Yu and Yao are two very successful people living here in the UK, one managing an R+D company in London and the other on a research fellowship here in Birmingham (yes they commute a lot, I'd say that travel comes natural!) and they recently celebrated their marriage in China and England, which is where I step into the story!

The wedding celebration took place at The Moat House at Acton Trussell where the staff were very helpful and friendly and the food spot on... also the weather held out well and the small party of friends and work colleagues was just ideal, a really fun bunch to spend time with :)

It was really cool meeting them before the big day and it's going to be even cooler seeing their faces when they check out the previews! If only they'd found me before the wedding in China.. how awesome would that have been?!

Here are a few of my favourites from the day:

Something beautiful...

Something classic...

And of course one from the party itself, after a quick change to the chinese dress :)

Kiddie shootin' season is underway!

2009-05-16T16:46:00.004Z

Shooting children can be extreme fun :) It requires patience, and persistence, but is always good craic! I'm in kiddie season again, with a lot of school visits booked up and home portrait sessions. Real good fun!

Thought I'd share a few images from a shoot I had in the week on behalf of a good friend who runs a model agency here in the UK and Marbella, Studio 4 Models.

Ideally you want to let the kid go wild and do what he wants to do! Some of the best shot images from this shoot came when we let him go mad beating the fence and chasing the cat.. Can't show you much but here are a few outtakes to keep you going...

Lauren + Chris Wedding Highlights!

2009-05-11T23:36:00.003Z

Had the pleasure of second shooting with Rachel Walkden at the weekend and thought I'd share some of my personal highlights from that wedding. Lovely couple, beautiful locations (best of all being Grim's Dyke where Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan lived, very funny and embarassing best man's speech ... oh and not to mention the string quartet!!!

Anyway.. here goes...

So there you have it.. don't forget to check out Rachel Walkden's blog where she has blogged her highlights from the day!

Ps soon to come highlights from Yu and Yao's wedding celebration which took place the day after in Acton Trussell! And when I get a chance... you get to see some of my holiday photos too!

A mini trip 35 project...

2009-04-27T16:33:00.007Z

Don't know if you all remember this marvel of photographic technology... The Olympus Trip 35mm... well a dear old friend lent me one recently to give it a bit of a service and see if it was still useable. So I carried it with me on a few trips ... well, had a chance to see what resulted and thought I'd show you some...

REMEMBER: The following images were shot with an old Trip 35mm, which has fixed focus points and very few adjustable settings.. that and the film I used was rather old (my old favourite Fuji Neopan which I used to uprate)...

It's been a busy fortnight!

2009-04-20T14:27:00.017Z

So it's been a very busy couple of weeks what with family business, a lot of behind the scenes organisation, shoots I can't show you :( and travelling down south a few times, not to mention booking some exciting weddings and oh, booking a week away in spain... but I thought I should keep you up to date on what is happening about the moment with Damian Brown Photography.

Last week I implemented some much needed changes to my wedding photography brochure. I wanted to make it fresh, easy to follow and exciting! It had to be honest and inspiring as well.. because basically that's what photography should be about.

Especially photographing a day like a wedding day, for many people that is the most important day of their life, so it's important that the wedding photography is well considered, and that the couple chooses a professional that can capture their style and character and create images that will be fresh for a long time to come.

Here's the wedding brochure:

http://www.damianbrownphotography.co.uk/damianbrown%20weddings.pdf

Also spent some time down at a studio in Hertfordshire and met some very cool photographers. One worth checking out is Rich Page at http://www.richard-page.com who is an award winning marine photographer who also worked in press in London.
One of Rich's shots from Tokyo 2004 :

(Oh and i'll be posting up a new profile photo he shot while we were in the studio ... likely on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=731768340&ref=profile ) I think he's managed to make me look less ugly than I am...

Take a look at this guys Flickr while you're at it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25427750@N05/ Jon Day from Cheltenham.. this guy is worth keeping an eye on. Here he is:

ps here is a preview of the new Lifestyle Portrait brochure!

Engagement Shoot - Justin and Becky

2009-03-29T18:15:00.006Z

It's a big moment when one of your best friends comes to you and books his wedding day! Not because it's another great wedding to shoot, but because you see one of your boys so happy and so in love... it's a milestone in life and it's a massive privilege to be a part of, shooting or not!

So we just popped off for a quick engagement shoot... but why he didn't take me to tenerife when he proposed to her on the beach I'll never know!

Engagement Shoot - Jason and Lisa, Birmingham

2009-03-26T21:40:00.013Z

Had a great time earlier this week shooting the engagement session for Jason and Lisa who get married later this year... Man, they were fun! I can't wait to see what the wedding day holds!!

We had a real good time, some crazy moments, and managed to dodge the typical British weather and one mean traffic warden who had started to take down my details (I'd spotted a must shoot location and Jason and Lisa were well up for some guerilla style shooting... )

Hope you like these as much as I'm loving the set. (I still haven't decided what few to show you at the time of writing this! edit.. just going to choose a few of the best, arrgh too tough!) Did I say we had a great time? Wow. This is supposed to be "work"!!!

Musiq Soulchild at the Drum Arts Centre, Birmingham

2009-03-23T18:46:00.012Z

Last saturday I was invited over to the Musiq Soulchild gig to get some images... Here are a few and a link to the rest (I think i've got a bit carried away again) Oh and I couldn't get that tune "Just Friends" out of my head this morning!! That brings back memories...

Check out Punch, a UK Music Development agency based in Birmingham, and The Drum while you're at it...

Check out the full gallery at this link: http://www.damianbrownphotography.co.uk/musiq.html

Back in Action

2009-03-20T23:46:00.009Z

Well after the traumatic times we've been going through lately it was great to get out and shoot another wedding.. This time a lovely little wedding over in Belton at the Queen's Head.. Nice and small attendance, great couple and very friendly people all round :)

Here's a glimpse of how it went.. Hope you like...

A tale for another day?

2009-03-10T21:04:00.022Z

So today we received a difficult phone call. My nan had been rushed into hospital, again, with possible pneumonia or as they thought a little on, her third stroke...

Now.. this isn't supposed to be a depressing post. It's a message about communication and about fighting to the death.

The two photos you see below were taken a while back. She was staying at a residential home.. oddly in an area not remotely near to us nor to her home, despite our efforts to bring her closer... shady dealings between social services and certain residential homes.. but that's a tale for another day.

When she was taken into there, she had been unwell. She was seriously lacking in strength. Yet she kept trying to escape. Once in the hospital, she tried to leave... note to nurses, you might consider putting the bars up on the side of the bed when my nan is in your hospital!

Now anyway.. she's a real fighter. She's been in the UK since the 60s having moved from Kenya, where my mom was born. For decades she's gone about her business, caring for her family, visiting the temple, so on. With no help. So how would you feel if you lose all your strength and can't do that? How would it make you feel if no matter what you did for independence you always ended up back in that sick bed?

Take time to use what you have while you have it.

Also. It reminds me how important communication is.

Three doctors told me today that the outlook is very very grim. She was out cold all day, until 6pm when she came round, recognised us there.. and tried to tear off the breathing apparatus! Now while we had been waiting, one nurse told me that the last thing to go is the hearing. She recommended I take the chance to say to her any last words I had... now regardless what I actually said the point is this: Think about it, the last thing to go is the hearing.

Communication is vital in any relationship, even when someone you love is dying.

As an aside, I found Psalm 37 in Gujarati on youtube and played that to her while she was unconscious. She's not a christian, she's a hindu, but she appreciates what the Bible says.

Eventually the rest of the family came. They are definitely a topic for another day...

edit: She just died (00:54 11th March 2009)

Notte Sento

2009-03-09T12:24:00.011Z

So this was sent to me this morning... thought you might like it...

It's a short film made with 4500+ still photographs.

Italian language with English subtitles.

A girl misses her train to Milan and is set to wait overnight in Rome until dawn. However, a chance encounter with a guy changes her plans and the night lights of the capital turn into the background to a tender love story.