Summer Ball
On 27th May, the University of Hertfordshire held their annual summer ball at the Forum in Hatfield. Revellers were entertained with funfair rides, games, DJs and a selection of impressive live acts including Roll Deep and Feeder.
The headliner was Ellie Goulding and as the official photographer for the night, the onus was on me to capture the rising star in all her glory. I must admit such responsibility often terrifies me because if something goes wrong, there is no back-up but in truth, it adds to the excitement and the adrenaline rush is something else. I never know what to expect at each event I cover so it is a massive surprise each time and one of immense relief too.
I am honoured the Summer Ball published my photos of Ellie, which made it onto the front page of their entertainment section. There are plans to publish more photos in the University of Hertfordshire’s student publication, Futures magazine. Keep your eyes peeled this month as the latest issue is due to be unveiled!
To see more photos, you can visit The Forum’s Facebook page here and here also.
fpa dinner & dance 2010
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I debuted on this blog and my first entry was about the fpa (Family Planning Association)’s fundraising dinner and dance.
I was asked to be their official photographer again this year, and although the format was the same, the venue was different and so were some of the guests. Plaisterers Hall in the city of London was the chosen venue and date was 11 November. A champagne reception and entertainers welcomed the guests before they were seated to a sumptuous dinner, followed by an auction, raising £20,000 on the night. As you can see, the grand hall itself was perfect to capture the atmosphere of this special event, not to mention the expressions of the guests.
You can see more photos from the night on the fpa’s Facebook page here. To learn more about the fpa and the causes they raise awareness for, click here.
Let it rain
On Thursday, 12th August I took the M25 to Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire for the launch night of a new salon. Rain Spa specialises in holistic therapies and offer a variety of treatments including sugaring, reflexology, threading, massage and nail care.
Toasting the launch with organic champagne and strawberries, the opening night attracted quite an eager crowd, many of whom were keen to book treatments. Jennifer King, the lady behind Rain Spa, invited me to record this special event, which no doubt meant a lot to her. Anyone who’s set up their own business will understand the effort, time, stress and satisfaction that comes from taking on such a venture.
The ambiance inside was very enticing, and if you’re a spa queen like myself, will be excited about what treatment to try first.
For more information on Rain Spa and to see all the photos from the launch night, visit its Facebook page here.
Shooting Star
Last week I had the pleasure of shooting a portfolio for young and upcoming actor PJ Selby. PJ’s already appeared on the small screen – in a British Gas advert and a music video for Sound of Eden, as well as appeared in panto nationwide. He’s been on the road recently, as part of a travelling theatre company, performing in schools and now PJ is ready for more.
I shot his photos around the lovely county of Essex, where PJ hails from and must say, he was an entertaining individual to work with. I sincerely hope he goes far and ask you to keep your eyes peeled for this bright star.
You can see more photos of PJ on my Facebook group page here.
Royal Ascot 2010
This week has been Ascot and yesterday I sampled my first experience at the regal annual racing event in Berkshire. No day is more special than Ladies Day at Royal Ascot. I could have people-watched all day – the sight of ladies dressed from head to toe in classy attire was a lot of fun to photograph.
Here are a few pictures from the day. For more photos, visit my site www.afsheen-shaikh.co.uk.
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week’s over and I’m reflecting on one of the shows I photographed. I was kindly invited to come backstage at the House of Blue Eyes autumn winter collection 2010 in collaboration with Illamasqua on 20th February.
The brains behind HOBE is stylist Johnny Blue Eyes who’s worked with a host of bands and artists such as the Scissor Sisters and The Noisettes. He’s also responsible for persuading Kate Moss to return to the catwalk where she modelled at one of his shows.
This isn’t the first time HOBE and Illamasqua have joined forces, and creative director and make-up artist Alex Box was at the forefront of making all of Johnny’s angels vibrantly colourful.
My favourite shot
Illamasqua's Alex Box
More exclusive photos can be seen at www.afsheen-shaikh.co.uk.
London IMATS 2010
London paid host to its ninth IMATS (International Make Up Artist Trade Show) on the weekend of 30-31 January and this year it was held at Alexandra Palace for the third year running.
For a make-up artist, this event was heavenly for cosmetic gems unbeknown to the British high street and for a photographer, it was another dimension, coming face to face with truly remarkable creations and photographing them.
With Tim Burton’s forthcoming depiction of Alice in Wonderland due to hit the big screen this year, it’s no surprise cosmetic brands are jumping on the bandwagon with limited editions of nail polishes and make-up with Alice in Wonderland as the theme. IMATS took inspiration from the film and recreated some of the notorious characters.
A personal highlight was seeing make-up artist extraordinaire Alex Box (behind the Illamasqua range) speak candidly about her passion for creativity, expression and of course make-up. Her fascinating take on using bold colours and designs makes me want to push the boundaries and step out of the safety circle so I am going to gear up for some wacky experiments with the war paint.
Meanwhile here are a selection of images from this year’s IMATS. You can see more pictures at www.afsheen-shaikh.co.uk.
Hello, hello…and the fpa dinner & dance
Welcome to my photography and make-up blog and the long-awaited first entry. I’ve decided to keep a blog on matters tying into my business but also my passion for photography and make-up.
While my website (www.afsheen-shaikh.co.uk) is a professional platform to showcase my work and a marketing tool, there are so many things I’d like to share with you, and this blog is the ideal place to do it.
So without further ado, I’m kicking off the blog with news of the fpa annual fundraising dinner and dance, which was held at Lincoln’s Inn in London last month.
The fpa (Family Planning Association) is the UK’s leading sexual health charity. They campaign to make people in the UK aware of the informed choices about sex and to enjoy sexual health.
Asked to be the official photographer for a charity event was a huge honour if not a little nerve-wracking with the huge responsibility bestowed upon me but I’m relieved to say such feelings dispersed as quickly as I settled into my routine.
The grand hall full of guests dining at the fpa Dinner & Dance fundraiser
The fpa team were so wonderful and accomodating, and it was an absolute pleasure to meet Chief Executive Julie Bentley too.
Some photos are available to view on my website but also the fpa feature a few on their website. The event’s special guests included Jo Brand (who was hosting the evening), their newest patron Davina McCall and Clare Balding (who was the compere for the auction). Clare was on top form with her razor sharp wit and I have to admit, Jo Brand didn’t let me go unnoticed when she picked on me as I took her photograph.
I hope you enjoy looking at the photos. Please note you can join my Facebook group or Myspace page to be kept up to date with announcements and news.
