BIPP Panel

Spain

Great week in Spain visiting my parents (above) with friends Mark & Polly and their family. The week flew past with the parties, meals out, games of Tennis and hours in the pool. Poppy learned to dive and Skye learned to put a bread basket on her head!

May Baby Of The Month

Here are the May 2011 competition entries from Barrett & Coe, Kingston. Have a look at previous winners here;

http://www.barrettandcoeportraits.co.uk/baby-of-the-month.shtml

Old London Road Street Party

Old London Road's St George's Day Street Party was a great success! A fine time was had by all - including my daughters, Poppy and Skye (on the merry-go-round above). The band in the top picture were really good - Soul Beat from Kingston.

Drawing Competition

The images show the first winners of the family portrait drawing competition being run by Barrett & Coe, Kingston. The competition is still going on and entry is open to children aged under 12 in participating Kingston restaurants (currently Frankie & Benny’s, Strada, Tony Roma and now Frere Jacques). First prize is a family portrait session plus £300 of gift vouchers. Congratulations to joint winners Emily and Jack!

David P MacDonald

I’m delighted that I’ll be working closely with a new mentor for the next 12 months. David P MacDonald is one of the UK’s very top wedding and portrait photographers. He has won over 150 awards and is the only photographer to have photographed the Beckham’s children in their home. David is also on the judging panel of the Master Photographers Association. In addition I'll still be working very closely with all the talented people at Barrett & Coe.
http://www.davidpmacdonald.com/

Drawing Competition

A new Barrett & Coe drawing competition is happening in Kingston. In participating restaurants kids aged under 12 can draw a picture of their family and enter it into the competition. There'll be a first prize of a fantastic family photography package worth £375 plus lots of runners-up prizes.

The picture above is by my daughter, Poppy, with just a bit of help from my niece, Catherine.

The Kingston restaurants where you can take part are Strada near the Rose Theatre and Frankie & Bennys in The Rotunda. Best of luck to all those who enter!

Alex Comes Home

On 5th December Alex had to go into hospital with what turned out to be pneumonia caused by a flu virus. Thankfully she has now recovered and she has come home after spending 12 days in hospital. She’s had to put up with severe pain (and has been weened off the morphine!) and constant other aggros such as the lady in the bed next to her with the world’s loudest ring tone. Of course, she missed Poppy (3 ½) and Skye (2 months) hugely. Both girls have been amazing throughout. At first Skye joined me in the studio whilst Poppy stayed with friends for most of the weekend. Then my mother came over from Spain to help out and Alex’s parents returned from their cruise and pitched in as well. Huge thanks to everyone who has helped look after the girls, cheered Alex up in hospital or has sent us their best wishes - we really appreciate it!

Since Alex also works in the business, running the studio during the Christmas period has been pretty hectic. With only a few minor set backs we are on track to deliver everyone’s pictures in time for Christmas.