Tootsievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery

Hearts, Daggers, Love, Danger. This Fine Designer Jewellery is something different. And so was the shoot!

When I took a call from Jo Taylor of Tootsievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery, my heart immediately started pumping. As she described her new jewellery brand and outlined the look of the collection, I was intrigued. Anatomical human hearts? ECG heart beats? Daggers and blood? All lovingly crafted from the finest precious metals. The whole collection is made from ethical and sustainable gold. Each piece is created from either recycled or Fairtrade gold, in 9ct or 18ct. Jo is clearly a master in the world of jewellery. Tootsievalentine was born and Jo is bringing her very own creations into the world with a huge explosion of glamour, luxury and love. Jo’s excitement and the sheer unadulterated passion with which she described her new business made me eager to see it in the flesh.

I met up with Jo for a coffee and to take a look at the jewellery. Hannah White, makeup artist extraordinaire, joined us. She really likes coffee. But more importantly she wanted to see the pieces too. Jo, Hannah and I were now forming an awesome team, creative minds whirring together. We worked on ideas for a shoot using a model to make these gorgeous, delicate, yet ballsy pieces of jewellery really stand up and be counted. It didn’t take long to come up with a plan and off we went. Jo finalised all the pieces for the shoot. Hannah went away to plan makeup and confirm the model. I took a few Tootsievalentine pieces back to the studio to play with for test shots. We were ready.

Two shoots, two looks

First day of shooting came. This was just Jo and I in the studio. We used a specialist jewellery lighting box to create a seamless white background. Perfect product shots for the website. These images had to be technically spot on and were a real challenge. There are four types of metal finish in the Tootsievalentine collection and it was important to make sure these were consistent. It was a full day, shooting hundreds of exquisite pieces of precious gold. Reflections and light on metal is difficult to photograph to say the least. With patience and love, we nailed it!

Tootsievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Our second shoot saw the studio filled with wondrous stuff. Our beautiful model, Scarlett, arrived with Hannah and her usual thirty-three and a half ton makeup kit. Jo arrived laden with the whole range of Tootsievalentine jewellery, all categorised and ready. Jo also has a fab eye for styling and took on sourcing the clothing for the shoot too – multi-talented! We played all day and I have to say, it was exhilarating. Everything came together the way the team had envisaged. I love it when a plan comes together. Have a look at what we did….

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Last but by no means least, Jo Taylor. Founder of Tootsievalentine. Click on the name to read about the brand.

Toostievalentine Fine Designer Jewellery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Follow Tootsievalentine on Facebook by clicking HERE

Autumn Colours – a celebration

Getting involved in this season’s beauty

I’ve been meaning to get out and about in the Autumn colours with my camera for years. I’ve always made excuses….I’ve got too much work on. It’s a bit chilly. I should really watch Game of Thrones again.

This year I decided to get a grip, grab the camera and get out there. To ensure maximum leafage and treeage would be to hand I went with my pal Marianna to Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. On arrival it was clear that there were many leaves and trees. We were presented with a display of fiery reds, vibrant oranges and glowing yellows. I love this season. This little trip was very good for the soul. I’ll let the images do the talking. Have a look…

Autumn Colours

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

Autumn Colours | © Kelly Jo Photography

 

 

9 Years of photos with Kick Hair

Kick Hair & KJP. A selection of our creations

I’ve known Dom of Kick Hair Ltd in Twickenham for about 20 years. We go WAY back. He started his own salon and I started my own photography business. It seemed daft not to team up for some creative shenanigans. Back in 2009 we planned to do a shoot with a model at the salon. This would be one of my first forays into hair & fashion photography. I’d been running the business for a couple of years and was ready to start doing some different stuff. Dom was hankering after making some images of his own work. He wanted to hang some photos up in huge format in his cool new salon.

To find a model wasn’t easy. As we didn’t have a budget it was up to Dom to find someone local who would be happy to do the shoot for poos and giggles. It is surprising that Dom wasn’t arrested. He loitered in the local Greggs. He walked slowly up and down Twickenham High Street staring at good looking ladies. OK, this isn’t true. It was Burger King. Dom loitered and stared until he finally found our model. He carried out some test styles. He created a strange silvery tube prop and was ready.

Photographing with Dom

Working on a shoot with Dom is, well, unique. He’s a perfectionist, just like me. And my god, he can faff. I think he should have letters after his name. Domenic Hand F.A.F.F. It has to be exact, that’s only right. On our very first shoot in 2009 I would take a photo, just line up for another and suddenly I’d see shhhzzzzzzoooooom, Dom whizzing past my viewfinder and oh, back of his head shot. I would give the model a suggestion for a pose. Dom would suggest she did something different simultaneously. I would spend ages messing about with lighting, taking hundreds of shots. It was all a bit messy. But we got there. Over the years we learned how to work together. When we do a shoot now we’re like a well oiled machine.

The team has grown too, we now have the gorgeous and talented Hannah White as our makeup artist. Hannah adds a whole new facet to our creative collaboration and I have to say, the three of us are a sleek operation.

Here are Nine Years of Kick Hair. A lovely journey we’re proud to still be on….

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2009

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2009 (shoot later that year)

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2010

Kick Hair © Kelly Jo Photography2011

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2012

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2012 (2nd Shoot)

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2013

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2014

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2015

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2016

Kick Hair | © Kelly Jo Photography2017

Pigeon Poo, Podcasts and Iain Lee

My encounter with Iain Lee, broadcaster on talkRADIO. And podcasts.

I’m a big radio fan. I listened to Iain Lee on BBC 3 Counties Radio for years and loved his breakfast show. It was a sad day when he left. It was a happy day (night) however, when Iain began his new show on talkRADIO, “The Late Night Alternative with Iain Lee” weeknights from ten pm. The show is flippin’ brilliant. Once again Iain can muck about and be far naughtier without getting his wrists slapped. Being an old git I’m usually far too tuckered out to stay up and listen to the show live so turn to his podcasts to get my fix. And thank you Iain, for opening a door on a whole new world. Iain was a guest on Adam Buxton’s podcast and vice versa. I became a Buckles addict, a Podcat. Then Adam sent me off on an adventure to various other recommended podcasts, the stand out being S-Town. Please, please, dear reader, go and listen to S-Town. But I digress, back to Mr Lee.

The Photo Shoot

I’d been in touch with Iain a long while ago about musical matters. My girl Millie had even called into his BBC breakfast show once to have a big row with him about pigeons. She was defending them against Iain’s claim that they’re all manky. Iain had taken a look at my website and when the time was right, he contacted me to do some promotional photos for him. He liked the idea of an industrial feel to the images. I had just the place.

We headed off to Westcott Venture Park in North Bucks. I’m very familiar with this place having gained permission to spend hours poking around in its derelict, grungy, haunting buildings. The site used to be the home of a rocket testing facility in the fifties and sixties and is the location of numerous abandoned spots. The site still whispers clues to its past as you explore. Iain and I clambered around the places I had scoped out. Not phased by cobwebs and copious amounts of pigeon poo we bravely sought out locations for our shoot. I think you’ll agree, the photos work pretty darn well. Iain is just the best bloke to hang out with, the craic was immense. What do you think guys? Guys?

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

Iain Lee | © Kelly Jo Photography

 

 

 

Tres Corazones, Wendover – Food Photography in Buckinghamshire

Tapas & Cocktails – a taste of the Med in leafy Wendover

When I get a call to go to a restaurant to create some Food & Drink Photography, I couldn’t be happier. I get very excited at the thought of playing with beautiful dishes of food, but this time the drinks to accompany were just as artistically pleasing.

Tres Corazones is a thriving tapas restaurant in the middle of Wendover. It’s always busy and buzzy, with Katrina heading up her successful family-run business. Katrina runs the restaurant with her two daughters, hence the name Tres Corazones ‘Three Hearts’. Katrina is also very proud of her exclusively Spanish kitchen team. The authenticity of the food at Tres Corazones is guaranteed.

Tres Corzones is not only renown for its high quality food. It has made a name for itself with its very special selection of cocktails. The ingredients are all the best on the market and made with precision and care. I have to admit I may have had a couple of taster sips. Divine!

If you’ve been to Spain and have a severe craving for authentic tapas, Tres Corazones is waiting to transport you back to that special place. Remember to book in advance!

For more information visit Tres Corazones

To see more of my Food Photography please have a look HERE

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

Food Photography in Buckinghamshire | © Kelly Jo Photography

 

 

Highgate Cemetery – Angels, Architecture and Ivy

In search of an angel

I decided to have a few hours ‘off’ last week. I grabbed the camera and made my way to Highgate Cemetery. It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go. The architecture of a derelict prison I photographed in Barbados was likened to Highgate Cemetery in a book I read about it. This made it one of my must-photograph locations. Many of you will know I have a fascination with anything a bit spooky. Man-made mixed with nature is a combination I’m always searching out.

I’d researched the cemetery online as soon as I learned of its Gothic Victorian statues, spires and tombs. One grave, that of Mary Nichols, drew my attention. Mary wasn’t a notable person and died of diabetes and heart failure in 1909. The stone carved memorial on her grave is however, unique. A human-sized angel lays atop a bed of clouds on the grave, a pillow underneath her head and her hair flowing. She looks so peaceful among the trailing, creeping ivy. It was a moving moment when I saw her.

The cemetery had a calm yet somehow foreboding atmosphere about it. The Circle of Lebanon is a ring of locked tombs holding shelves of coffins within. The Egyptian Avenue leads into the circle and has tombs along each wall. Each tomb has space for twelve coffins and was purchased for a single family to use. Today the tombs also house a very rare, very large breed of spider called Orb Weaver. Thankfully they must have complete darkness and never come out into the light. I was fascinated to discover that all of the tombs’ original door keys are still held safely by the cemetery to this day.

There is a real sense of history at Highgate Cemetery. I was fascinated by the strange Victorian obsessions. I could feel sadness, peace, and a loved the little nod to humour here and there. I know it sounds like a really weird place to want to spend a few spare hours. I assure you that if you do choose to step through the gates you will be entering a world like nowhere you will have experienced before. The West Cemetery is the oldest part and can only be accessed as part of a tour.

Here are a few of some of my photographs from the West Cemetery.

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo PhotographyThe Sleeping Angel on her bed of clouds

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo PhotographyThe Circle of Lebanon

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo PhotographyThe Egyptian Avenue

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo PhotographyThis was a carving for a grave holding a husband and wife

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Highgate Cemetery | © Kelly Jo Photography

Boogienotes – Band Photography

Band Photography by Kelly Jo

I was recently introduced to a lady with a plan. The lady is the gorgeous Angela Nottage, the business brains behind Boogienotes – a group of professional musicians. Little did I know I was about to embark on a photographic adventure where I had free reign to create. Little did I know that I was about to meet a remarkable bunch of characters that have left me whirling in a swirl of awe.

Let me tell you about Boogienotes. The leader of the band is Miles Nottage, Angela’s husband. Miles is a pianist, composer, singer and the ‘Head of Rock, Pop and Jazz’ at Stowe School. The first time I heard Miles play was in April at a charity concert and I was photographing. I had to shake myself and remember to press the shutter button – his performance was spellbinding. Add to that the rest of the immensely skilled band and the result is spine-tingly.

Boogienotes are a flexible bunch. They perform in various line-ups. They may be a chilled Jazz Trio for one gig, then belt out chart stuff and modern classics as a Rock & Pop Band for another. Switch people around and you have larger Jazz Ensembles or a ‘Little’ Big Band. They can suit any type of event or gig, they are professionals, they are fun and by Jove, they are talented.

The band have got a huge gig coming up on 27th May at Stowe School – they’re supporting  lovely local superstar Tony Hadley. There are a few tickets left if you fancy it, find all the info here. It’s going to be a night to remember and my money is on Boogienotes stealing the show.

Let me introduce you to the band:

 Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyMiles. Leader. Writes, sings, plays. When he crafts a tune on a Steinway it makes you feel all weird.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyRob. Bass. This man is cool. He has the moves. He has the swag.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyMatt. Drums. Unwavering, unshakeable. Concentratey. Slick. Knows how to put a pair of brushes to good use.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyPaul. Guitarist. What this guy can’t do with six strings isn’t worth listening to. Unassumingly awesome.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyKate. Sax. Smooth, elegant. Adds an air of sophistication to proceedings.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyMolly. Vocals. Voice like molten Lindor chocolate. This young lady is quite simply magical.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyJim. Vocals. Likes to belt out a tune. And boy can he belt ‘em out. Rock. Pop. He’s your man.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographyChrissy. Vocals. Rich, strong voice that can blast you off your feet. Epic and adorable all at once.

Band Photography | © Kelly Jo PhotographySheridan. Vocals. Performance on the grandest of scales. This man renders human beings helpless with one cheeky wink of his eye.

* * *

LISTEN TO BOOGIENOTES! Here’s a link to their recent live performance of Seven Nation Army, with photos by yours truly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wTvpTl1lN0

The band has other fantastic guest musicians that often join them and Boogienotes continues to evolve. They are available for hire for a huge array of events and can supply a line up to suit your needs exactly. To find out more head on over to their website www.boogienotes.com

I feel truly honoured to know these guys and I’m so excited to be able to show them off in all their glory. Get some Boogienotes in your life too!

Band Photography by Kelly Jo

Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups

Photographing the new range of Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups

I got a call from Hattie at Penguin Books to ask if I’d come along to their London offices on the Strand to photograph the new range of Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups.  I’d heard about the impending release of these books. To have the opportunity to do the promo photography for them made me do a little wee wee dance.

We set up at Penguin Books with a plethora of props and interesting objects carefully collected by Hattie and her team. We smeared ketchup, splashed tea, squished bacon sandwiches and sprinkled love hearts.  The result was a series of cheeky images that made us chuckle.

It’s not often that I photograph products that cause me to spontaneously burst into fits of laughter.  Or lols.  If I start to say or use ‘lols’ without sarcasm I will deserve to receive The Mid-Life Crisis as a gift.  These books are very clever.  There is a book to suit either someone you know or indeed yourself.  I think I can relate to pretty much all of them in one way or another.  Apart from The Hangover.  I try not to have those any more due to a complete inability to survive them whilst retaining satisfactory parenting skills.

I am a huge fan of Ladybird Books and I still have my original collection.  They are real life treasures.  The new range is nothing short of hilarious.  They will become new treasures, cunning gifts and a great way to celebrate Ladybird’s 100th birthday.

You can order the whole range here

If you would like to know more about the authors, follow them on Twitter – Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris

Have a look through some of the finished photos and behind the scenes shots.

© Kelly Jo Photography – COMMERCIAL images

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

The Ladybird Book of The Hipster | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups| Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

The Ladybird Book of The Shed | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups The Shed | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

The Ladybird Book of The Mid-Life Crisis | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books The Wife| Kelly Jo Photography

The Ladybird Book of Dating| Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Adults | Kelly Jo Photography

Ladybird Books for Grown-ups | Kelly Jo Photography

The Ladybird Book of The Hangover | Kelly Jo Photography

 

 

 

 

The Nut Tree at Murcott | Images by Kelly Jo

The Kitchen, The Chefs, The Food.

This is The Nut Tree at Murcott.

Some jobs aren’t like actual jobs. An assignment might present you with a day in your career that leaves you grinning insanely and gibbering like Murdoch off of the A Team.  The day I spent ‘working’ at The Nut Tree at Murcott was one such occasion.  I had eaten there once before and was hugely impressed.  Attention to detail.  That’s what I love and that’s what I found there. The chefs paid every last bit of their attention to the detail on the plates they were creating.  They then handed those plates to me and I got to work paying every last drop of my attention to it too.  Once photographed, I then stuffed the food into my mouth paying little attention anything else.

I found delicious heaven in a little corner of the bar area of The Nut Tree at Murcott.  That’s how I spent my day.  I zapped between my little studio set up and the kitchen.  I got stuck in the with action there and watched in amazement as dish after perfect dish left the pass, each one a little work of art.

Here are selection of the images I created for them that day.  Can you spot one of the famous I.O.Shen Knives?  They’re a firm favourite in the kitchen here.

It’s a relaxed, friendly place with awesome staff to look after you and food to blow your bonce.  Here’s their site: www.nuttreeinn.co.uk

All of the images you see here are using natural light and I am able to set up in most locations for this type of work.  If you would like to know more about my food photography please GIVE ME A CALL!  Let’s do it on the phone….01296 730389

For more food images have a look at my FOOD page on the Kelly Jo Photography website here

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo PhotographyHead Chef Mike and the team

The Nut Tree | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Head Chef Mike| © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Waiting Staff | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree and IO Shen | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Plating up | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Chef | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Egg Separating | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree on the Pass | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Food | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Chef | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree Golden Raspberry | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

The Nut Tree at Murcott | © Kelly Jo Photography

 

Company Photo Shoot

Databasix team up for a company photo shoot

I met Kellie and Regina, the female contingent of Databasix UK Ltd at an Afternoon Tea.  Yes, we were stuffing our faces full of cake and yes, we were networking.  Ladies like us never stop.  Networking that is, not eating cake.  We were attending a business networking event for ladies who belong to The Athena Network. There were lots of business connections being made all around the room and many Rosedene Bakery scones being munched.  Multi-tasking skills at their most useful.

Kellie and Regina and I got talking, got laughing and realised we had lots of things in common.  In addition, the ladies and their colleague Paul were in the market for a photographer to do a company photo shoot for them.  They wanted images for their new website and social media profiles to show them as their true selves.  Databasix is a company that can help make a business’s data work hard for them.  Kellie, Regina and Paul are keen to make this process fun, easy and far from a boring chore.  In short, they’re all a right laugh.  And they chose me to take their photos.

Before I knew it I was heading through the security gate at the sunny Harwell Campus in Oxford.  This is the home of science boffins, cool geeks, atoms, spacey things, and the Databasix office.  We played with our surroundings, messed around with ideas.  I loved every minute of it.  The Databasix team were a dream to work with.  If you need your data to work harder for you, get these guys on board.  You’ll laugh your way to a smooth running, streamlined business with useful data making you lots more pennies.

If you’d like a company photo shoot of your own get in touch, click here to write me a nice email

Team Company Photo Shoot | © Kelly Jo Photography

Company Photo Shoot by Kelly Jo | © Kelly Jo Photography

Company Photo Shoot | © Kelly Jo Photography

Company Photo Shoot | © Kelly Jo Photography

Company Photo Shoot | © Kelly Jo Photography