28 Jun 2012

Event & Press Photography | Durham Tees Valley Airport, Darlington















One of my recent commercial bookings was to photograph a VIP press call and stakeholder event at Durham Tees Valley Airport, between Darlington and Stockton on Tees. A large audience from Teesside and the surrounding area came together for the launch of the 'A world on your doorstep' marketing drive. This is aimed at showcasing KLM’s three flights a day to Amsterdam and its connections from there to 80 destinations across the world, and emphasising the commitment to the airport by the airline and its new owners Peel Investments (DTVA) Ltd.

My brief was to capture shots of the key speakers and circulate among the audience to get a set of photos that summed up the success of the event and could be used with press releases, online and in marketing materials. The good lighting and open layout of seating area in front of the speakers’ podium gave me a good environment to set about getting the best possible pictures of the presentations, the question and answer session and the networking session. Working fast is a must to photograph business events like this, where people want to make the most of their time and then be away. 

Many of the shots were going in the photographic diary pages of magazines and newspapers across the north east so taking the photos and getting people’s names down meant some expert juggling of camera equipment and pen and paper, but after 20 years as a busy press photographer covering the North East of England I’ve got that element down to a fine art! Event photography is challenging. I need to be everywhere at once, working unobtrusively so the pictures show people looking relaxed, but all the while looking out for that front page picture opportunity. And I also work to give sub-editors a choice of styles, and landscape and portrait orientation to suit their page layout. But that’s where my newspaper background kicks in so it’s second nature to me to work discreetly but still get the pictures that the client needs. 

The event was covered by the Northern Echo and the Gazette as well as local radio and TV, and working alongside other media people is great for seeing old friends and contacts from my newspaper days. As professionals we are all used to working around each other so everyone gets the shots and interviews they need, whether it’s for print, Facebook, online or broadcast media. While the guests were networking we went outside for some shots of Peter Nears, the Strategic Planning Director for the airport’s owner Peel Group; KLM’s Commercial Director Vincent Kas; and airport Chairman Robert Hough; against the crisp and colourful branding above the main entrance. 

On commercial photoshoots key images for the media are often needed the same day, sometimes within the hour, but it’s all part of the service at www.davecharnleyphotography.com  I recently covered the Olympic Torch relay in Saltburn and my images were with the picture desks within minutes of the torch going through – I might not get a medal for it but you could say it was my own personal best! 




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Direct Website Link to Dave Charnley Photography



13 Jun 2012

Middlesbrough Mima Documentary Photographer : Fashion Rules Event

















I had the pleasure to be the official photographer to document the 'Fashion Rules' event at mima, Middlesbrough. This was a first fashion style event for mima - which was a real fun event to photograph. Event organisers We Do Marketing kindly forwarded on an update below...

Fashion Rules Report 
Whether you’re a high street honey, a designer doll, a pin-up princess or a retro rocker ‘Fashion Rules’ had a bit of something for everyone. With over 1000 people through the door ‘Fashion Rules’ took place on June 7th at Middlesbrough’s iconic art gallery mima and celebrated all that is great about Britain from the hottest local designers to everybody’s favourite high-street stores. The fashion catwalks were a shining success with non-stop queue’s to get into the shows throughout the evening. 

Starting with a bang the models brushed off their guitars and rocked the runway in this season’s hottest trends from Topman, Vintage Vogue, Laskasak and Yakuza. In the candy theme the models swung down the runway in pastels, florals, cheeky checks, and oversized summer vests from Topshop, Marks and Spencers, House of Fraser, USC and Lazy Joes. Fairytale Romance was the next look with Kate Fearnley, Debenhams, Psyche and Greenwoods showcasing suave suits, razor sharp tailoring, romantic ruffles and delicate dresses. 

The rockin’ runway then ended how it started - with a big bang! Models strutted their stuff in red, white and blue as they partied down the catwalk celebrating, waving union jacks flags and even break dancing. POP-UP Paradise was a stream of terrific tie-dye, haute home wares and dazzling diamonds as local designers and shops including Lazy Joes, Lots of Loveliness, Diamond Heaven and Mink took over mima’s ground floor to showcase their hottest pieces. Debbie Isley, the owner of Lot’s of Loveliness loved being part of the night and was delighted with how well everything went. She said: “It was great being part of Fashion Rules and being able to showcase my quirky home wares and jewellery to the residents of Middlesbrough at such a big event.”   “I have had a lot of interest and visits from customers who I met at the event – the response has been fantastic!” 

Outside, the Marquee Vintage Market appealed to quirky Queen’s of every era – whether on the lookout for an authentic 80’s cocktail dress, a pair of Geek Chic Lego earrings or high waisted Levi shorts it was every fashionista’s idea of heaven. As well as fashion there were also plenty of hair & beauty treats including hot new business Miss DigiNails who can print any design or picture you want onto your nails. Shazana Arshad, owner of Miss DigiNails was very proud to be at ‘Fashion Rules’ and was extremely thrilled with the opportunity to launch her business at the event. She said: “It was our first real opportunity to let Middlesbrough know who we were and we couldn’t have asked for a more fashionable and high profile platform to launch ourselves at – the whole event from start to finish was fabulous.”  

Up on the terrace very British tea and cake was served and with decedent delights from The American Cupcake Company, That Cake and The OldeYoung Teahouse with everything from whoopee pies to push pops, it was a scrumdiddlyumptious heaven for all the fabulous fashionistas. The biggest Eclectic Boutique in town brought vibrancy to Middlesbrough and mima was filled with a huge buzz as customers streamed through the doors creating an electric atmosphere. 

Fashion Rules was a fabulous event from start to finish that will not be forgotten soon.  




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Direct Website Link to Dave Charnley Photography