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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Chef Portrait Photography – Busy Kitchen

Chef Portrait Photography – The story of a busy service in a hot kitchen

I had to pinch myself to remember that this was a working day.  I was about to set foot into a different world.  A world that I have admired from afar.  For those of you who have learned your jus from your gravy and your tuile from your biscuit will know what I’m talking about.  Having been spellbound by all things chef, this was to prove one of the most exciting shoots of my career so far.  The client?  I.O. Shen Master Grade Knives.  Natalie, the big boss, is already immersed in the world of the chef and wanted some Chef Portrait Photography to appeal to the people who actually use her knives in their kitchens.

Armed with a enormous collection of Natalie’s quite stunning knives we set off to join Head Chef Wayne Sullivan and his team in Cirencester.  When we arrived prep was already in full flow.  I found myself skipping between the different prep areas recording the chefs’ knife skills.  Josh grabbed his new knife eagerly from Natalie and within less than a minute had almost amputated his index finger.  ‘They’re sharp then’, he mumbled in awe.

Lunch service soon began and things really started to heat up in the kitchen.  Chef Wayne was a sight to behold, in command of his team and creating works of art on the plates.  A splash of shouting and drizzle of swearing was all that was needed to create a smooth running service with very happy customers.

I love working with I.O.Shen.  Natalie has fabulous ideas and together we create lovely images.  I’m so pleased with the end results.  So is Natalie.  She has all of the images plastered across her office in canvas.  She stares dreamily at them while thinking up her next knife design.

Click here more info about I.O.Shen Master Grade Knives

 Chef Portrait Photography | © Kelly Jo Photography

This first image of Chef Wayne stood in the middle of his busy kitchen was the biggie.  It took an hour to shoot and features over 25 images blended together.  Can you spot some strategically placed I.O. Shen Knives?

I O Shen Master Grade Chefs Knives

Chef Portrait Cooking

Head Chef with his team

Chef Plating Up

Head Chef Portrait

Head Chef Preparing Food

Chef Portrait at the Pass

Head Chef Portrait Photography

 

 

 

Pet Portrait Photographer Meets…French Bulldogs

Pet Portrait Photographer meets French Bulldogs – My new friends!

As a Pet Portrait Photographer I get very excited to meet new creatures.  I’ve been having fun with my new pals at Premier Bullz!  I was welcomed by Fudge, Lucky, Rosie and the gang. Lots of excitable bouncing, wagging and tongue flapping!  Each little scrummy creature had their own personality and attitude.  It was fascinating to observe their little world.

And so heralds the start of a lovely new chapter.  I’m going to be working lots with Sara of Premier Bullz.  We’ll be creating some portraits and delicious artwork of her gorgeous gaggle of French and English Bulldogs.  Being a Pet Portrait Photographer has got to be up there with the best jobs in the world!

The Frenchies were adorable.  The snuffled around me.  They snorted and oinked their way hither and thither.  It was really hard to concentrate on photographing them, they’re so cute and crazy!  No wonder they get the nickname Batpig!  I completely fell in love with these characters and relish the thought of seeing more of them.

I’m extremely excited to launch my all new 2015 Pet Portrait Photography package – your chance to own some simply stunning, timeless images of your little friend to treasure.

Do you have a beloved best friend whose portrait would take pride of place on your wall?  Why not get in touch for all the info.  Gift vouchers are also available.  Click here to contact me!

French Bulldog | © Kelly Jo Photography

French Bulldog Portrait | © Kelly Jo Photography Buckinghamshire

French Bulldog Pet Portrait | © Kelly Jo Photography Buckinghamshire

French Bulldog | © Kelly Jo Photography

French Bulldog | © Kelly Jo Photography

French Bulldog Pet Portrait | © Kelly Jo Photography Buckinghamshire

Dog Bulldog Portrait | @ Kelly Jo Photography

French Bulldog | © Kelly Jo Photography

French Bulldog | © Kelly Jo PhotographyAll images © Kelly Jo Photography – Pet Portrait Photographer

A Family Portrait Like No Other

Family Portrait Photography on Location with Kelly Jo

I had worked with this wonderful family several years ago and when Julia came to me for a meeting to discuss ideas for a very different family portrait I was very excited.  Julia was insistent that she wanted a unique portrait that gave you loads to look at while capturing the essence of who they are as a family.  I had the idea of cramming as many of the family’s belongings as possible into a space that was relevant to them.  We ended up in a stable filled with a porridge bowl, books, wellies, sports kits, cooking stuff, magazines, clothes, equipment and lovely little clues as to who each one of them are.

The shot took 3 hours to dress and comprises of lots of different images blended together to ensure the lighting was correct.  This has to be one of the most satisfying shots I’ve taken, such a lot of detail work, just what I love!  What do you think?

Would you love to have your own unique, special family portrait?  For more info please get in touch here

Family Portrait in Stable

Baby Portraits Buckinghamshire | Newborns

Baby Portraits Buckinghamshire – Charlotte is here!

Baby Portraits Buckinghamshire – Client: Richard, Liz and Charlotte

A mere four weeks after excitedly celebrating ‘the bump‘ in photos, Richard and Liz walked back through my door adorned with cheeky, tired grins.  In Liz’s arms lay the bundle of beauteousness long awaited – Baby Charlotte Poppy!  Three and a half hours of motorway mayhem had taken it’s toll and the little lady was very unimpressed with the whole situation.  A much needed feed and new nappy later and we were off again, recording the next chapter in this adorable family’s life.

When I looked through the lens I absorbed the image of Richard and Liz gazing at their new treasure with so much love.  I wish I could bottle that sense of pride.  And I could understand it…that little lady is totally edible.

From meeting a potential bride and groom all the way to being honoured with the title ‘Aunty Kell‘, this is a spectacular story I’m so proud to have told.

You can see the beginning of the story with Richard & Liz’s Wedding Day here

For another look at the Bump Photos with Charlotte still yet to make an appearance click here

Baby Photography Buckinghamshire

Baby balanced on arm

Family & Baby Portait

Close Up Baby Image

Close up of Baby's Hand

Baby Girl Portait

 

Baby Photography

 

 

Cooking with Masterchef 2012 Finalist Andrew Kojima

In the kitchen with Koj

I’m a huge Masterchef fan.  I even got through to the auditions once, they wanted me on but when I told them I wouldn’t cook meat they politely ushered me out of the production office – they couldn’t rewrite the programme just to accommodate a veggie.  It didn’t matter, I was just thrilled to have seen how it all works.  We watched Andrew Kojima, or Koj as he is known, intently during the heats of Masterchef 2012 and were thrilled when he got to the final.  When the chance to cook with him came up (an auction ‘prize’ at a charity ball fundraising for our beloved Taylan’s Project) we simply had to go for it.  Our table at the ball clubbed together and were the proud ‘winners’ of a coached dinner party with Koj.

Koj arrived at our pal Nikki’s house and we started to create a fabulous three course dinner.  Nikki, her daughter Hannah and I got to work under Koj’s direction. We prepared Goat’s Cheese, Pear, Potato & Onion Tartlets for starters.  For main course the meat eaters had Rack of Lamb with Provencal Herb Crust and the veggies had Butterbean, Pea & Thyme Croquettes all served with a smoked aubergine puree, bulgur wheat patties, broad beans and a tomato and mint salsa.  Dessert was a stunning Ginger Creme Brulee with rhubarb, almond crumble and shards of caramel.  The techniques and processes Koj taught us were exciting & awe inspiring.  From basic kitchen organisation through to knife skills and clever tips, Koj reinvigorated my love of cooking and inspired a new desire to get experimenting.  It’s easy to see how Koj has gone on to great things since Masterchef, cooking with the likes of Michel Roux Jnr, Gordon Ramsey and Heston and has created his own successful business.  You can find out all about Koj and his story by clicking here

Here are some images of our special evening, one I’ll never forget.

Andrew Kojima Cooks

Food Prep - herb butter

Andrew Kojima Chef

Chef teaching

Oil Oil Pouring

Koj preparing food

Bright green Broad Beans

Goats Cheese Tarts

I.O.Shen professional Knives

Koj Cooks

Chef using knife skills

Butterbean Croquettes vegetarian

Preparing a creme brulee

Andrew Kojima

 

Pregnancy Photography with Kelly Jo

Bump Celebration

Richard and Liz – my lovely loony bride and groom got married in 2011 and I was lucky enough to have been a part of their very special wedding day at The Tythe Barn in Launton.  Rich and Liz are….how can I say?  Lunatics, luscious and extremely lovable.

From the day I met them I knew I’d met a couple who see things the way I do and feel the way I feel.  From being their wedding photographer I would now say I am their pal, life-long.

A few months ago Richard and Liz popped round to see me with cheeky excited grins on their faces…they had some news!  I was so overjoyed to hear that a gorgeous little addition to the happy family was due to make an appearance at the end of June.  Of course photographic plans were hatched and last week we got together for a Bump Celebration.

This bubba is going to be cherished and I can’t wait to meet him or her.  It goes without saying that I’ll be photographing the next chapter of the story – newborn scrumptiousness.

Watch this space!

For more information on Pregnancy and Newborn Baby Photography email me here OR why not give me a call? I love a good old natter! I’m on 01296 730389.

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Pregnancy Photography Buckinghamshire

Wedding Photography at Britwell House, Oxfordshire

One Snowy Day in Spring…

Laura & Fred basked in the hot sunshine of March 2012 and decided to set their wedding date for a year later.  Spring 2013 however didn’t materialise.  By the time the big day arrived winter was still clinging on stubbornly with its icy fingers.  We did what Brits do best; sleeves were rolled up, last minute weather related adjustments were made and a stiff upper lip was displayed by all. The weather simply enhanced the excitement and created a sparkling, magical atmosphere. Everyone snuggled in safely for the ceremony and Laura gracefully arrived at Fred’s side.  Serene and smiling throughout, Laura was determined to keep calm and carry on with our plans for the photographs.  Donning her practicle boots and armed with a huge surge of adrenalin, Laura hitched up her dress and strode down the steps of Britwell House to play in the snow with her new husband. None of us felt the cold as we took in the beautiful gardens and marvelled at the beauty of the house dressed in white.

This was one of those unique days where fate played its part…Britwell House is a fairytale venue for a wedding. Laura & Fred are a fairytale couple & a true joy to be around.  And the snow made the fairytale complete, the frosting on the cake.

To see more of Laura & Fred’s Snowy Wedding Day click here

Wedding Greeting Card

Britwell House

Wedding Shoes on Swan

Wedding Flowers

Bridesmaids Hands

Usher

Wedding Ceremony

Bride and Groom

Bridesmaids

Bride and Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids on the stairs

iPhone Wedding Photo

Snow Wedding

Snowy Wedding

Snow Kiss

Bride

Bridesmaid

Bride

Bride & Groom in the Snow

Audi Wedding Car outside Stately Home