Caroline's Gift...

I met Caroline about seven years ago and while working together on the XL Bermuda Open tennis tournament we became good friends. She moved to London in January and it has been wonderful to have another friend here from Bermuda. Caroline and Sarah are twins and incredibly close. So Caroline wanted to give something special to Sarah and her husband Dan to celebrate the arrival of their son Thomas. She gave them a gift certificate for a portrait session. Thomas was born in November - the original plan was to do a newborn shoot, but with everyone's travel that did not happen and we finally managed to do the session last weekend. And I am so glad because Thomas is just a dream!

This beautiful courtyard is at the back of Caroline's flat. The light was soft and as it was a very windy day it was wonderfully protected. And I just love this corroding iron bench, the yellow tulips - and of course the yummy brick...

He really is quite the reader! And is that Thomas the Tank Engine on the cover?




Pooped - I think he'd had quite enough of playing 'peek-a-boo'...

I love Paris in the Springtime III

A few more from my weekend in Paris - This shot is from the Chimera Gallery of the Notre Dame Cathedral that is 46 metres above the ground. The name comes from the statues on the corners of the balustrade that were designed by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century. They are all different and a wonderful mixture of hybrid beasts, fantastical birds and mythical monsters.

And this is the one from my 2004 visit. In both is is hard to see the Eiffel Tower, but the curve of the tower is identical to that of the front creature's ear.

Victor Hugo's novel 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' was first published in 1831. Being there I could just picture little Quasimodo trolling the narrow balcony and winding stairs...

Below is the shot from 2004 - in November there were hardly any people at the top with me - it was a drizzly day. But this time there were so many people - I had to frame it higher so miss the Paris skyline. I guess everyone loves Paris in the springtime...

This Cupid is still on a table outside the bookshop at the gate of the Jardin des Tuileries. In 2004 there were pumpkins and gourds instead of blue flowers...

We spent four hours walking from our hotel to the Eiffel Tower, another two there climbing over 600 steps then a tiny, scary elevator to the top. But the view was just breath taking...

Nikki, Alex and I were quite the trio shooting like mad - and a good advertisement for Nikon with a D200, a D300 and a D700. I have not seen their shots yet, but it will be interesting to see the three perspectives of Paris...

Click here to see Paris I and Paris II...

In Motion

I have known Lizz for about 30 years - we used to dance together at the Jackson School of Dance. We both took every class we could and spent all our time at the studio. A few years ago, Dale Butler gathered a group of local photographers together with a view to publishing a book on Dance in Bermuda. Each photographer chose which schools/groups we would shoot. I chose In Motion and spent 3 weeks photographing their rehearsals and performances. It was such a joy to be back at City Hall and total déja vu. Watching the tenderness, camaraderie and nonsense among the girls brought back so many great memories. Later that year I asked Lizz if I could join in a class from time to time. I had not danced in 17 years as I had injured my knees and back, but thought if I was gentle that it would be fun. Well - so yummy! And soon I was taking class 2-3 times a week - followed most nights by a long hot bath. I have now shot their showcase three years in a row and taken headshots for most of the teachers. I will be back in Bermuda just in time and am looking forward to seeing what her amazing teachers and students have in store!
From May 8th to the 16th, the dancers at the In Motion School of Dance will showcase what they have learned for parents and friends at the 12th Annual In Motion Dance Showcase. This year's Showcase, "Dance Radio!" under the direction of Lizz Pimentel will be a whimsical journey across the airwaves featuring cameos from some of Bermuda's top radio personalities.
Through participation in the Showcase, dancers learn cooperation, stage presence and the projection of their individual personalities in a fun and safe environment. The performance features both boys and girls from as young as 18 months old.
Tickets are available at www.bermudatix.com

The Smith Family...

Last weekend I went down to Graham and Lucy Smith's home in Surrey. A beautiful house on a quiet, little street lined with blossoming trees. It was an absolutely perfect afternoon made particularly enjoyable by their amazing children - Samuel, Patrick and Edward. I think they just might be my most willing subjects to date... and their chickens, though not quite as cooperative were just marvelous. I had such a fabulous time and I think - and hope they did too...
Here are the images from their Collection...

Samuel sneaked up and put a daisy on Patrick's ear -

Samuel's feet are quite something - I guess the swing does get a lot of use as there is no grass underneath...

The blossoms are so beautiful, but they are just coming to an end so with the lightest breeze it snows petals.

If there is brick about I'll shoot it - I just love the rough texture and warm hues. I will really miss it when I leave London. Maybe I'll build a brick wall somewhere to use for shoots...

Back to Bermuda!

So... I am moving back to Bermuda in two weeks!
It has been an amazing ten months here - I have felt so inspired shooting in such different light and dramatic seasons. And made the most of London's museums, galleries and theater. From the National Ballet of China performing Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House to the Pimlico Opera Company performing West Side Story at the Wandsworth Prison. The Tate, the Barbican, the National Gallery, The British Museum. It has all been just wonderful and I have learned so much.
And I was not as busy shooting as I have been over the last decade in Bermuda which enabled me to spend time looking at the work of other photographers for inspiration and resources. I feel revived, have a renewed passion for my art and am looking forward to shooting in Bermuda again.
Here are some of my favourite photographs from my time in London...

July 08 - The Mills Family were adorable... though Cece was a little unsure of the bubbles.

October 08 - The Baines family session was amazing! The autumnal foliage was glorious and they were all so happy and cuddly.

The squirrels are everywhere and they are saucy little critters and come right up to one in search of a peanut or morsel of bread...
April 09 Richmond Park There are hundreds of deer wandering through the park. They are just lovely and keep a watchful eye but did not seem phased though I came quite close...

Claire and I spent the afternoon wandering through the Park. There were so many beautiful spots and I love the drama of the bare trees.

November 08 The Stern family in Holland Park. This shoot was wonderful and little Alex was such a dreamy baby!

September 08 The Royce Family - Sam was hysterical - such an expressive little face... and an early interest in music...

April 08 Raj and Mia in Holland Park. It had snowed two days earlier and was still very chilly, but Mia did not seem to mind. Raj did completely bundle her up from time to time though...

March and April 08 Alana is a friend who was gracious enough to let me shoot her... twice...
I am a huge fan of brick! In my tiny mews alone there are seven different shades and hues. And the wall just outside my door was perfect with Alana's colouring.

The daffodils and cherry blossoms in Hyde Park were just divine...

October 08 I spent a weekend in the Cotswolds and nearly skewered myself on this gate. Thankfully it was cold and I was wearing two sweaters and a winter coat. Despite that protection, I had a huge purple and green bruise for almost two weeks. I love the combination here of the US flag inside the shop and the UK flags across the street.

Hearts are my thing - I see them everywhere and have hundreds of shots of them. From leaves, or shadows to blobs of gum, peeled paint and rocks.

March 08 Marble Arch and the Albert Memorial

Hyde Park March 08 The trees are enormous and create beautiful silhouettes in the late afternoon sky.

Big Ben from the steps of the National Gallery and sunset in Leicester Square

The weather is beautiful now, so I plan to do a lot more shooting in the next couple weeks so will have more to post soon...