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Britpop: Birmingham Vintage Festival

Hardluck Hotel — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:00:37 +0000

Back in September I was given the chance to exhibit at the second Birmingham Vintage Fair as organised by the incredible Rickie Josen. As well as showing off a few of my photographs I also took some more of the event as it unfolded, which can be seen in this post.

Having seen the short promotional film produced by Glacier Films of the inaugural event, I thought it would be a great opportunity to do my own film of this britpop themed event. I decided to base the film around the song ‘Comfort In Food’ by The Nortons who provided the music on the day. This is the result.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The fair once again took place in the fabulous surroundings of the AE Harris buildings in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, which is a great venue and is much a part of the character of the fair as the people.

Thanks to all the traders and musicians who made the fair such a success included – Bianco Rosa, Vees, Midlands Face Painting, Creative Open Workshops (COW), Rhinestone Cowgirl, Urban Coffee Co, Birdie Gingham, Dress your Soul, Ears & Whiskers, Grandma Chic, Meeni, Delilah, White Tree Studios, Art Angel Marie Nemeth, Chitty’s Cake Company and The Nortons.

Find out more about Birmingham Vintage Fair on their website -http://www.birminghamvintage.co.uk

Music: Comfort In Food by The Nortons – find out more about them and where they are playing via their Facebook page.

Shot on a Canon 550D and edited in Final Cut.

Vintage Chic Wedding Fair In Nottinghamshire

Hardluck Hotel — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:00:56 +0000

In a warm and sunny June, the Vintage Chic Wedding Fair held their third event in the beautiful surroundings of East Bridgford Hill, Nottinghamshire. As well as taking some photographs of the event, which can be seen in this post, I put together this short film of the many exhibitors who made the day such a success.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Vintage Chic Wedding Fairs are totally relaxed and friendly and their upcoming events are at the following locations:

The Centennial Centre, Birmingham
Sunday 22nd April 2012, 1.30am - 4.00pm
and
Stancliffe Hall in Derby
Date to be confirmed in 2012

To keep up to date with their plans for 2012, please visit their website -http://www.vintagechicweddingfair.co.uk

Elegant vocals once again supplied by the incredible Simon Partridge - http://www.simonpartridge.co.uk

Filmed at the Vintage Chic Wedding Fair on 26th June 2011 – East Bridgford Hill, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom. Shot on a Canon 550D and edited in Final Cut.

Bearwood Handmade Winter Fair

Hardluck Hotel — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:54:38 +0000

‘What if Christmas this year, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, in Bearwood. means a little bit more…’

A huge thanks to the Crafty Muthas who did a great job hosting and organising the Bearwood Handmade Winter Fair and really making Christmas mean a little bit more.

The fair was held at St. Mary’s Church, Bearwood, Sandwell on Saturday 3rd December 2011 and featured over 40 local artisans. The whole event was a credit to the local creative community and the people of Bearwood and beyond came in their hundreds to pick up that extra special christmas gift.

It was a also great opportunity to take photographs that showcase some of the extremely talented exhibitors’ and their work and I thank you all for allowing me to do so.

If you prefer you can see the complete set on flickr – here.

For more information about the Crafty Muthas and news of upcoming events visit – craftymuthas.posterous.com

All photographs were taken on a Canon EOS 550D camera with processing done in Lightroom.

Birmingham Vintage Festival: Britpop

Hardluck Hotel — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:32:17 +0000

At the end of September I was lucky enough to be able to exhibit at the second Birmingham Vintage Fair as organised by the incredible Rickie Josen. As well as showing off a few of my photographs I also took some more of the event as it unfolded.

Thanks to all my fellow traders and musicians who made the fair such a success, including – Bianco Rosa, Vees, Midlands Face Painting, Creative Open Workshops (COW), Rhinestone Cowgirl, Urban Coffee Co, Birdie Gingham, Dress your Soul, Ears & Whiskers, Grandma Chic, Meeni, Delilah, Hardluck Hotel, White Tree Studios, Art Angel Marie Nemeth, Chitty’s Cake Company and The Nortons.

Check out more about Birmingham Vintage Fair on their website – Birmingham Vintage Fair.

All photographs were taken on a Canon EOS 550D camera with processing done in Lightroom.

Bearwood Shuffle 2

Hardluck Hotel — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:22:51 +0000

Before I knew it September had rolled around and it was time for the second Bearwood Shuffle, with more live music on the Bandstand in Lightwoods Park. Having had such a great time at the first event I decided to return and photograph the bands again.

It was an real treat to see more local bands along with more established acts from further afield.

The Bearwood Shuffle was brought to you by new non-profit group the Bearwood Promoters. Find out about future events and everything Bearwood by visiting - We Love Bearwood.

All photographs were taken on a Canon EOS 550D camera with processing done in Lightroom.

Scenes from the First Bearwood Shuffle

Hardluck Hotel — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:25:13 +0000

Back in July I took photographs at the first Bearwood Shuffle, a free afternoon of local bands bringing the Bandstand alive in Lightwoods Park. It was a fantastic event with great music from local bands.

The Bearwood Shuffle was brought to you by new non-profit group the Bearwood Promoters.

Find out about future events and everything Bearwood visit – We Love Bearwood.

All photographs were taken on a Canon EOS 550D camera with processing done in Lightroom.

Vintage Chic Wedding Fair: Nottingham

Hardluck Hotel — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:40:47 +0000

I’ve been to all the previous Midlands Vintage Chic Wedding Fairs and each one has been amazing. On 26th June the latest Fair took place at the rather grand venue of East Bridgford Hill in Nottingham. Once again the quality of exhibitors was outstanding and all credit must go to the organisers for putting together such a great event.

Meeni was once again exhibiting her beautiful wedding pieces and if you were unable to attend the event and you missed the opportunity to purchase unique hand-made arts and contemporary craft pieces ideal for your vintage themed wedding you can buy directly from meeni.

Visit meeni’s Etsy shop – www.etsy.com/shop/bymeeni

Or for a commissioned piece contact meeni via her website – www.meeni.co.uk

For more information about the exhibitors and news of upcoming events visit – www.vintagechicweddingfair.co.uk

All photographs were taken on a Canon EOS 550D camera with processing done in Lightroom.

THE MUPPETS

Hardluck Hotel — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:59:14 +0000

IT’S TIME TO LIGHT THE LIGHTS

Go to Review

In 1976 on ATV (the Midlands local TV network) I watched The Muppet Show - the new series from puppeteer and genius Jim Henson. From that moment I was a lifelong fan.

Now 35 years later The Muppets are returning to the big screen and couldn’t be happier. Originally titled ‘The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time’ this new film, now simply known as ‘The Muppets’, stars all of the regular Muppets alongside Jason Segel, Amy Adams and a host of cameos including Dave Grohl and Ben Stiller. The plot of the film involves oil being found beneath the Muppet Theater and oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) plans to raze the Muppet Theater to the ground in order to drill. Walter (a new muppet character), and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) must try to stop Tex by staging The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever, raising the $10 million needed to save the theater. In order to stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever however, Walter, Mary, and Gary must help Kermit the Frog reunite the disbanded Muppets.

The first trailers for the film were clever parodies of romantic comedies and recent films like The Hangover Part II and Green Lantern.

Green With Envy Parody Trailer

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Fuzzy Pack Parody Trailer

Click here to view the embedded video.

Being Green Parody Trailer

Click here to view the embedded video.

The first full trailer for the film was released in June and set every Muppet loving bone in my body tingling.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Newest Trailer – The Pig With The Froggy Tattoo (Added 16 09 2011)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Alongside these trailers Disney/The Muppets Studio have been releasing some great posters including Sam The Eagle as Captain America.

The film is scheduled for release in the US in November but for some strange reason it’s not getting to the UK until February 2012. Not sure I can wait that long for a long overdue fix of Muppet mayhem.

OPINION

The Muppets (2011)

I first fell in love with The Muppets one Sunday afternoon in 1976 when ATV screened the first episode of The Muppet Show. Since then I have followed the exploits of Kermit and Co and have waited 12 long years to see them return to our cinema screens. Originally starting life as ‘The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time!!!’ this film, co-written by star of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Jason Segel, is a tribute to the old school Muppets movies, where the Muppets have to come together to put on a show to save the day.

The Muppet Studios

Directed by British co-creator of Flight of The Conchords James Bobin, with songs by Conchord Bret McKenzie, the film is filled with the spirit of Muppet creator Jim Henson, who’s image can be seen throughout the film. The film itself begins with Walter (Peter Linz), the world’s biggest Muppet fan, travelling to see the Muppet Studios, which are now run down and near derelict, the Muppets themselves disbanded. From this sad opening the Muppets sense of joy and optimism builds as the gang gets back together to combat tycoon Tex Richman, played by Chris Cooper, who plans to bulldoze the Muppets from existence if they can’t raise ten million dollars by the end of their telethon show to save the studio and their very name. Chris Cooper is fantastic as Tex, a man who initially can’t laugh but eventually does thanks to one of Gonzo’s failed stage tricks. Jason Segel and Amy Adams as Gary and Mary, Walter’s brother and his girlfriend, as well as a bunch of cameos, ably support the Muppet cast.

The Muppets get the gang back together.

Even though Jim Henson is no longer with us, his big-hearted voice shines through this film. From a wonderfully recreated Muppet Show opening sequence to the way Kermit addresses the assembled Muppets when they think they have failed to save the studio, this is a testament to the characters Jim created. Their joy and friendship is something that we as the audience feel as well – we are part of this fuzz and felt family, and it’s great to have them back. These characters have been a part of my life for over 35 years and I am pleased to see my own children fall for their terrible jokes, magical musical numbers and emotional truth. I hope that future generations will continue to embrace these puppets who can make us laugh and cry and bring us such unadulterated joy.

The Muppets with creator Jim Henson

Tex Richman at one point tells us that now is a hard and cynical time and the Muppets are no longer relevant. But in such a hard and cynical time The Muppets are exactly what we need.

Directed by: James Bobbin

Written by: Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller

The Muppets created by: Jim Henson

Cast

Gary – Jason Segel

Mary – Amy Adams

Tex Richman – Chris Cooper

Kermit/Beaker/Statler – Steve Whitmire

Miss Piggy/Fozzie Bear/Animal – Eric Jacobson

Gonzo/Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Zoot – Dave Goelz

Peter Linz – Walter

Songs – Bret McKenzie

Music – Christophe Beck

Click here to view the embedded video.

Birmingham Vintage Fair: Vintage, Shabby Chic & Handmade

Hardluck Hotel — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:39:31 +0000

On 25th June Rickie Josen hosted the first Birmingham Vintage Fair at the AE Harris buildings in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. My partner Madeline had a stall there so it was a great opportunity to photograph some of the other exhibitors.

The building was filled with an incredible collection of vintage clothes, accessories, handmade crafts, food and some excellent coffee care of Urban Coffee Co. There was live music throughout the day and I was lucky enough to see Dakesis perform in the afternoon.

It was a great showcase for some of the very talented people of Birmingham and I hope that Rickie has many more of these events planned.

Keep up to date with information about the exhibitors and news of upcoming events by visiting – Birmingham Vintage Fair.

All photographs were taken on a Canon EOS 550D camera with processing done in Lightroom.

Protected: Wednesbury Awards Night

Hardluck Hotel — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:41:19 +0000