What a performance!

I'm so lucky, the last fortnight has been all about my two passions - theatre and photography.

I was so pleased to be asked to capture the action of the fabulous medieval romp that is The Canterbury Tales.  The show was being performed at the Headgate Theatre in Colchester, Essex by The Colchester Theatre Group.  With plenty of bums, beds and banter they deservingly played to full houses every night and I'm sure those that were unable to get tickets were very disappointed!

As you can imagine, there were endless photo opportunities and choosing 15 images for display in the foyer out of approximately 500 was quite a task! One worthwhile though!  The cast enjoyed their disks of pictures, each of them contained 210 images - a fantastic memory of their involvement in this extremely challenging & rewarding production.

And then if my love of theatre wasn't already completely satisfied...along came the truly touching performance of Kindertransport.  This time performed at the same venue by Headgate Theatre Productions.  A great set,  stage transformed into an attic full of wonderful artifacts making the production so believable.

 

The play follows the journey of ten year old Eva, escaping Nazi Germany for a new life in Manchester. A journey undertaken by 100s of children in 1936. Her hopes of being reunited with her parents are dashed by the outbreak of war. 

Buzzing on adrenalin...and cake!

Wow, what an inspirational couple of days it's been...all starting yesterday at the Sales & Mentoring Club run by Steve Clarke and Mandie Holgate.  It was my first (and certainly not my last!) time at the club.  A packed morning full of ideas, discussion and debate leaving my mind buzzing with all the things I have to do...oh yes, I've made a list but the question is, is it full of blues?  

Next stop, the Great Hadham Golf & Country Club...time to Turbo Charge Your Business with Steve Clarke.  This free networking event was very well attended with a great mix of people.   Steve's presentation was lively, informative and fun - as expected!  A thoroughly enjoyable evening with a raffle and donations for Macmillan Cancer Support,  I hope they did well.

And then this morning it was up bright and early for the Business Women's Network 2nd birthday bash at the Stoke by Nayland Golf & Country Club.

Cakes from the Wonderland Bakery

Cakes from Wonderland Bakery

Makeup by Michelle Court

With plenty of business women, lots of stands, a professional make up artist, individual cup cakes decorated with our individual businesses and the opportunity to have your headshot taken by me...it was an incredibly productive morning! And the highlight of our morning, guest speaker Harriet Griffey talked to us about the art of concentration...hmmm, I definately need some practice there! 

Harriet Griffey speaking at the BWN birthday bash

Sally Parkinson Photography

07849 854308

www.sallyparkinson.co.uk

Looks like I'm blogging!

Welcome to my first ever blog...long may they continue!

This isn't the only first for me this week.  On Saturday I successfully ran my first Outdoor Photography Workshop.  The groups are small, there were 4 of us.  A really nice number to be able to get to know the students and their cameras.


We started at 10am in the lovely cafe at The Minories in Colchester.  The weather wasn't great but we didn't notice the rain as we immersed ourselves into the subject of photography.  After some talking the cameras came out of their bags and there was no stopping us.  The purpose of the day was for the students to have a clear understanding of Shutter Speed and what you can do with it.  I'm a very practical person so playing in the Minories garden with colourful windmills was perfect for them and for me.  We also popped over to the Castle Park and practiced on the little fountain there.  I held the umbrellas whilst they snapped away. It was great seeing that 'lightbulb moment' or the 'penny drop', so so satisfying.  I truly feel that they grasped the subject well and their enthusiasm for homework was wonderful.  They can't wait to practice and send me their work, that's terrific.  In a couple of weeks we'll meet for part two at Beth Chatto Gardens where they'll learn all about the use of aperture 
and depth of field ... without any techy talk of course!

Some spaces left for the next couple of 'part one' sessions...

Finally....I read today that a family photograph is one of the most treasured items a mother can have...would you agree?

Coming soon...especially for Mother's Day...Sally Parkinson Photography 'On the Road'.  30 minute fun studio sessions in Colchester for £10.  View your images in your private online gallery and purchase prints.  Date to be announced very soon..