Dave Charnley Photography: Middlebrough Press Photographer: Documentary coverage of the Duchess of Cornwall

My latest royal photographyjob was a freelance commission to document the Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to Teesside, to lend her support to a literacy campaign aimed at improving low levels of literacy.

I’m always happy to get jobs via recommendations from happy clients, and when the National Literacy Trust told me the VIP’s name was under wraps, 25 years as a press and commercial photographer mainly North East based, told me it was either royalty or a very senior politician.

As usual, the job was embargoed but I received the brief eight weeks in advance.This was my first job involving a new service from Dave Charnley Photography – adding sound to still images. I’m working with a specialist digital editor to create audio slideshows - photos with a soundtrack if you like.

Adding in sound means I can bring the shots to life and add atmosphere. For instance anyone choosing the CD option within my digital Intimate, Signature or Exclusive wedding packages could have key moments in the bride’s father’s speech added in to their album, or even the first dance music. It’s an exciting concept and I can see this service being popular with my wedding photography clients. It takes me into another area and extends my service range but at the same time doesn’t take away from my core photography business.

The weather on the day that the Duchess arrived at the Central Library to take part in a creative writing workshop held by children’s author Vivian French. Moving onto Middlesbrough’s Centre Square was glorious and the 500 school children from across eight Middlesbrough schools were in loud form.

The Duchess was wearing a pale green dress and coat that really added some colour to the photos, and I found her to be very engaging. She took a real interest in the children and their families and was happy to take part in the celebrations, with a deft high-five with Rory the Lion, Middlesbrough Football Club’s mascot!

Working with my usual simple bag of kit that is all I need to take great photos, I joined the group of other press and freelance photographers plus camera crews in central Middlebrough and had to move quickly to get the best shots for my client, the National Literacy Trust, who were sharing the photos with local press and Middlesbrough Borough Council’s press office.

I followed the Duchess as she moved on to a reception at MIMA to meet some young literacy champions and service users from Middlesbrough Community Leaning Service.

It was a busy itinerary to photography but even with a packed schedule and surrounded by photographers all wanting the same high impact shots, everyone agreed that the Duchess was exceptionally nice, and I was glad I had captured many of the behind the scenes moments of her chatting to children that made up the day, as well as the more ‘official’ versions.

My client was pleased with the results too, telling me ‘Huge thanks, the pictures are great and I’m really pleased with them - thanks!’ I never tire of hearing that the client is happy and that I’ve hit the mark.