Commercial // Queen Elizabeth Hall London // BBC School Choirs

Last week I had the great thrill of working for the BBC as they filmed the School Choir of the year finals at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s South Bank. The best bit is being able to roam around backstage and poke my camera into all the bits we don’t usually get to see. The organisation involved in managing six choirs, celebrity judges, guest singers and a timed to the minute broadcast is awe inspiring and also fascinating. I’m sure that we in the wedding photography community could learn a huge amount from the detailed shot planning and technical skill that goes into each show. I’m still trying to think that one through! This time I was actively encouraged to get behind the scenes shots as input for a book that’s planned for later in the year.

Despite all the technical challenges of getting the job done whilst keeping my head out of the TV camera’s view, it was impossible not to be stilled and stunned by the power and beauty of the children’s choirs. Wow. It was really very special and one to watch out for in April when the shows are broadcast.

Commercial // BBC Big Sing Xmas Special

As well as weddings and portraits I also do commercial work for a range of organisations, including the BBC. You might have seen the Big Sing on TV this afternoon. Here are a few shots I took backstage and during rehearsals at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a real honour to have the run of a building like that and to see the huge planning effort that goes into a flagship broadcast at first hand.

The RAH, ready for business:

Bryn Terfel warms up:

Jodie Prenger can still bring the house down, even in her curlers!:

Ruby Turner swings a bit of gospel into the house:

Bryn Terfel, the nicest, and biggest, man in the world:

Jodie all scrubbed up and ready for her close up: