HAPPY HOURS AND PRINCESS SOPHIE'S VISIT

Dec 10, 2015

Sometimes I struggle to call my corporate photography work 'corporate' because in all honesty, it couldn't be further from the truth.

I'm really happy to be able to share this blog post with you and I hope you appreciate the brilliant enthusiasm and work ethic of the individuals working voluntarily at this club, in order to make events like this happen. I am so privileged to be working with some fantastic services and charities, but am very aware that I often get booked for day trips out, to document a service they provide - or in this case when they are visited by royalty. I arrive when all the hard work has been done. With this in mind, I photograph with a view to introduce Happy Hours, the individuals attending and the fantastic work that goes keeping them running. They are the purpose and reason behind every photograph.

So here's a bit more about the event:

Happy Hours is a service in Stourbridge ran by Johnny Fawkes and Sharon Atkins with a team of volunteers, providing great opportunities and events for local adults with learning disability. The group on this occasion was visited by Princess Sophie (also Countess of Wessex) who presented them with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade which a voluntary group can recieve. Other local dignitries included Deputy Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Mohammed Hanif, and deputy mayoress Zabeda Khanan and also Major Sylvia Parkin (and Mr. Alan Parkin), the Queen’s representative from the Lord Lieutenant’s Office.

Happy Hours were keen to get me along to document her visit and also to capture their Christmas Party and regular disco night afterwards. I had so much fun. Considering I also get the opportunity to photograph dancefloors with my wedding photography, I haven't seen one yet that topped Happy Hours disco. So much freedom and no shyness about busting out your best moves - it was infectious and I couldn't help but join in.

Also, special thanks to Hannah Jones whom recommended me for this job (you can see her delivering the Christmas starters below). Word of mouth is often the best way to reach some services and charities for these special events, so if you know of a group that might appreciate a natural, relaxed photographer with this kind of experience hook me up!