Published

New Website - richardpardon.co.uk

Yesterday saw the launch of a new website which is now mobile friendly! Taking a look at recent analytic stats and market trends, the increase in use of mobile devices used to access websites is ever-increasing. With the old website being built using flash it limited who could view the site. In comes the launch of the new site whereby the usability across different platforms has increased dramatically. Almost 50% of yesterdays views were from a mobile devices which previously wouldn't be able to view my work! With some exciting new projects coming soon it couldn't be better timed. It gives me great pleasure to say that the site is now up and running, viewable from almost any device.

This site will see a constant stream of updates over the coming months including some exciting new functionality and personal project coverage. Be sure to check out the new website, located at www.richardpardon.co.uk and keep an eye out for future developments.

Events - BTCC Brands Hatch Season Opener

This weekend Brands Hatch marked the start of the 2011 British Touring Car Championship, and with spring finally here is there a better way to start the season off?! This years record breaking line up took on the indy circuit in it's first three rounds, and gave a thrilling day's racing.

The British Touring Car Championship event is always a great day out, as not only do you get all the hype which comes with the BTCC, but the support races provide nail-bitingly close action all day long. Today we had the pleasure of watching the ever manic and crazy Renault Clio Cup, the stunning Ginetta G50's, the fast-paced Formula Renault and not to mention the Porsche 911 Carrera Cup which look and sound phenomenal!

Taking interesting photographs of the fast-paced action from a spectators position is never easy, and is why this year my partner and I wanted to do a slightly different take on the day's racing. Trying to find interesting viewpoints (albeit hard with thousands of visitors, chain link fences and various scaffolding for the TV cameras obscuring your view) all in order to frame the photographs differently, yet still capture the motion proved a challenge.

For a full gallery, please click here, and if you are interested in any of the photographs featured in the gallery (or have requests for specific cars) please do not hesitate to contact me. I am very interested in working with race teams for editorial or commerical work, so if anyone is interested, get in touch! Edit: Hannah's blog is now live and updated with photographs from Brands Hatch so be sure to check it out.

For part of 2011, I want to blog more about behind the scenes and how I work. The photograph below is taken of me at Brands Hatch by my wonderful other half, Hannah Couzens. Being a spectator on the day, it meant alot of walking around the circuit trying to find different vantage points/angles to capture something different from the norm. The Domke Little Bit Bigger bag is my on-location bag of choice for this type of work, allowing me to literally throw lenses in and out of the bag, quickly changing to ensure nothing is missed. It's rugged exterior means I can drop it at an instant, and not worry about my gear.

One thing which is often overlooked is the Domke range of accessories, and although I first turned my nose up at the thought of it, their Shoulder Pad which can be attached to any manufacture shoulder bag (contoured shape to sit comfortably on the shoulder) means it is incredibly comfortable even to lug the heavy bag around all day. Highly recommended!

Website Launch - richardpardon.co.uk

It is with great pleasure that I can announce the launch of my new website, richardpardon.co.uk:

The new website aims to show a portfolio of work, across varying different criterias such as Portrait, Landscape and Stock. Future additions are already in the pipeline alongside a large personal project I am currently planning. Please feel free to take a look at the new home of Richard Pardon Photography and get in touch with any comments you might have via the blog or contact page. Hope you enjoy! :)

Events - British Business Champions Launch 2011

The British Business Champions Awards are the only independent national awards programme recognising the success, innovation and talent of British companies across different business sectors.

I was asked to photograph the launch of the East of England Business Champions event at Harpenden House Hotel, and knowing the success it can bring to local businesses I was delighted to cover such an event.

With my better half, Hannah Couzens speaking about the triumphent success of her business in the recent 2010 FSB awards, it was a great opportunity to point the lens at her and not have her duck out of the limelight. Above is a photograph which was published in the Business Monthly magazine, and if your interested in finding out more about the awards, feel free to check out their website.

 

 

Photoshoot - Most experienced car salesman?

When a PR agency contacted us and explained the story behind Don Burgess, quite possibly the most experienced car salesman still working today, it wasn't a hard decision to wether we'd provide the photography for it (even if we flew to South Africa the next day!). Arriving at the dealership for which Don worked, it wasn't long before we saw his key to success. His passion for the cars in which he sold shone through, and his ability to listen made it incredibly easy to see him as a 'friend' rather than a salesman. With Don complimenting me on my own method of transport, the Honda S2000 we were always bound to get along! :)

It was a pleasure photographing Don at Brayley Honda for his 75th birthday, even managing to sneak a few photographs of his pride and joy, the Jaguar inbetween PR shots. Don't ask us how or why, but Hannah Couzens even managed to get Don leaping in the boot of a CR-V for a fantastic shot, shame it never made it to publication!

The story has been published in various formats, few tearsheets below:

Originally published in "Car Dealer" Magazine and "Institute of The Motor Industry" Magazine

Published - Orbis Ring Flash Website Gallery

Ever heard of FlickR? If you haven't you're missing out. Unlike any other site, its simplicty to share photographs, gain exposure the world over and meet interesting new people is unrivalled. Flickr bridges new career gaps from amateur to professional photographers, and it's not uncommon to read how the photographers you admire today, started off uploading on FlickR. Following on from an earlier post about my Orbis Ring flash, James Madelin (creator of the Orbis) spotted my photograph in the Orbis FlickR group and was impressed with it's originality. As such James has now asked to display it on the OrbishFlash.com website. Excellent!

FlickR isn't just a website, it's a community of photographers ranging from the weird, to the down right brilliant. It is full of inspiration, ideas and new techniques to help move your photography to the next level.

For those who haven't, feel free to check out my FlickR account here and if you like, add me as a contact! :)