Blog
Home Spa with Helena
Just before Christmas, I was assigned to travel 400 km across Provence, to make a portrait of author Helena Frith Powell – and to do a better job of it than her last photographer. Based in the South of France, Helena is known in the UK for her books on French living, as well as a DIY guide to creating a luxury spa at home. A portrait of her in spa gear was needed for the cover of the Daily Mail’s Inspire magazine, and the Mail’s previous photographer was not welcome back.
Llamas and Rosé: Why Not?
The link between a llama and Provence rosé wine may not at first be obvious. But on a recent advertising photography commission, I was thrown into the world of social media influencers and discovered that they have a growing presence in the wine industry. On this occasion, llamas were brought to a wine-making chateau for some unusual lifestyle photography, and I was reminded of a portrait shoot that I’d done years ago…and would have preferred to forget.
Monaco’s Marzocco Brothers
The Marzocco brothers have made it to the top in Monaco. ‘La Tour Odéon’, where I made their portrait recently, is one of the Marzoccos’ giant property development projects in Monte Carlo – and the tallest building in the principality. In bright, white, glass-walled surroundings of one of Monaco’s most expensive apartments, I worked around summer sunbeams and soap bubbles… and learned of an extraordinary escape from the Italian mafia.
Bulgaria: A Quest for Roses
This spring, I travelled to Bulgaria’s idyllically-named Valley of Roses. On assignment as photographer for Aramco World magazine, I was to make portraits and a reportage. Yet, as in the South of France, Bulgaria’s climate was out of kilter this year, and what should have been a straightforward assignment about growing Damascus roses to produce rose oil, turned out to be a challenging mission indeed.
Ferrari Collector
Some people collect stamps … others collect Ferraris. French magazine Le Point celebrated Ferrari’s 75th anniversary this year, and I was assigned as photographer to make portraits of both a Ferrari collector and a Ferrari caretaker – the latter an ex-champion racing driver – in the Lubéron. The loyalty and emotion that this brand inspires are impressive – as are the price tags of its products.
The Doctor’s Wife
He is a celebrity doctor to the stars…she is his artist wife. I was the photographer commissioned by Donna magazine to make portraits of the Müller-Wohlfahrts at their South of France villa this summer. The couple have been married for 50 years, and friends say that Karin’s artistic career has always been in her husband’s shadow. Now, it is her moment for the spotlight. Karin’s French Riviera home is a haven to her sculpture and painting, and it was a privilege as photographer to capture pictures of this strong, creative woman, her artworks…and her husband.
Photo Synthesis in Arles
As a full-time editorial and corporate photographer, it can be challenging for me to make the space to develop my own photography practise. At last, one project I’ve been working on for years, intermittently, has come to completion. ‘Photo Synthesis’, a reflection on green plants’ ability to transform light into matter, is being shown at the beautiful Galerie Huit Arles this summer, during the photography festival ‘Les Rencontres d’Arles’. From its beginnings in mud and tangled vegetation, to this solo exhibition held in a refined Louis XIV-style salon, Photo Synthesis has been quite a journey…albeit a peaceful one.
Wild Swimming
When a magazine client asked if I had any ideas for a South of France, photography-led, travel feature, I didn’t have to think too hard. As summer in Provence heats up, and the Côte d’Azur gets crowded, there is only one thing to do in my opinion: wild swimming. I regularly escape inland, up to hidden spots beside mountain stream and lakes that are not too far from the French Riviera… but where the water is cool and peace reigns.
Tennis: Boss Behind-the-Scenes
Few tennis fans may know his name, but Andrea Gaudenzi is one of the sport’s most powerful figures. I was asked as photographer to make his portrait in Monaco for Bloomberg Businessweek magazine. Executive chairman of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals), this former professional player is apparently drawing from his extensive experience in both business and tennis to lead the sport out of a financial hole. Andrea was an accommodating subject, juggling balls at the Monte Carlo Country Club in fierce sunshine for my portraits.
Cheese Gold in Provence
It is an invitation that I will treasure for a long time. Proposed not as a photographer, but as a jurist, I had been welcomed to attend the prestigious biennial Provence Cheesemaking Contest to judge the quality of the very best cheeses in the South of France. It was no small honor to be part of the judging process. Cheese is one of the pillars of French gastronomic culture and this event would select and bestow recognition on the region’s very finest cheese-makers.