Nathan J Hulse

Aimee Luis - Glamour shot

2018-02-09T19:56:00.000+00:00

Aimee
© 2008 Nathan J Hulse

I deleted many posts on my photoblog as I realised over time some of the links to other websites were now dated and no longer there. As I still want my photos and portfolio (of sorts) available for people to view, I'm in the process of reposting some of my old photos from shoots I have done. This shot is of Aimee, one of my early glamour shoots.

The previous day to this shoot I was in Camden Town, London for a press event. On the way back I saw the tartan skirt which I thought would be great for the shoot. Only on the way to the studio did I realise that I'd need a shirt as well. I found some school girl shirts in Tesco which fit just great.

Since adding my details to the picture, I now use the website for my music. Incidentally, I still have the skirt which I keep meaning to sell on ebay, size 8.If you're interested in it, let me know.

Incorrect Exposure at Celebrity Big Brother

2018-01-08T18:30:00.000+00:00

Whoops
© 2018 Nathan J Hulse

For some reason I missed photographing the women going into the Celebrity Big Brother house for this seasons Celebrity Big Brother. Looking at some of the names I'm not sure if Channel 5 could be done under the trade description act. Anyway, I made the journey to catch the men going in Friday 5th January. I only knew 3 of them. John Barnes (footballer) Shane Lynch (Boyzone) and Wayne Sleep (a dancer).

One contestant I didn't know was a male drag artist called Shane Jenek, known professionally as Courtney Act. Their introduction to the world of big brother certainly caught them with a lack of underwear. As he walked down the steps, he managed to catch his dress and whoops, of it came, exposing tape to hold things in. People close enough behind would have also saw a few things they weren't expecting to see. Perhaps, when he finally leaves the house down the steps, he'll consider putting on some underwear to at least save some embarrassment.

My pictures were syndicated vie Alamy Live News from this event. Meanwhile, you can see the expression of someone thats just lost their dignity.

Emma Willis outfits during Big Brother 2013 p1

2017-07-10T12:54:00.000+01:00

When I started Photographing Big Brother, it was still a really popular program. Ratings dropped and It switched to channel 5. A really popular program for them. Davina was a great host on c4, but she always wore black. Not great for the fashion pages. Emma Willis took over and remains the main reason I still continue to photograph the evictions and launch of Big Brother. Compared to Emma Willis who now hosts the show, who wears colourful outfits. Great for the fashion pages. I've decided to go through my pictures for each years Big Brother and put all the outfits together. My woman's fashion brand knowledge is non-existent so I can't tell you any details about the outfits. I'm sure you'll agree, Emma looks good.

Emma Willis 21st June 2013
© Nathan J Hulse

Emma Willis 09 August 2013
© Nathan J Hulse

Emma Willis 04 September 2013
© Nathan J Hulse

Emma Willis 13th Sept 2013
© Nathan J Hulse

Emma Willis at Big Brother (2015)

2015-05-25T17:52:00.000+01:00

Emma Willis
© Nathan J Hulse

Big Brother is now back in full swing with a new set of housemates. One being evicted on the opening night. I bet he was pleased. It's nice to photograph Emma Willis each week. She usually wears something colourful which always makes for a nice picture. While I know many women like black, bright colours make a much better picture.

Do you have any favourite housemates. The Second (or first) to be evicted was Adjoa Mensah, she seemed quite willing to pose for pictures on the way out. I am now busy playing bass guitar for an Elvis Tribute Act with Lee Memphis King as Elvis, so it's possible I may miss a few friday night evictions.

Hollywood A listers: Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks

2013-10-30T16:10:00.003+00:00

Tom Hanks
© Nathan J Hulse

Sandra Bullock
© Nathan J Hulse

I managed to catch the first few days of the London film festival. Probably not quite to the standards of the Cannes film festival, London does still manage to attract some big Hollywood A listers. Due to other commitments I only managed to catch 2 days out of 10. I did manage to photograph Tom Hanks twice in one day, first at a photocall in the morning, then at the BFI opening gala. The following day Sandra Bullock (at the Gravity Film Premiere - Not all pictures are Taken by Nathan Hulse on this link) was in town, despite the rain she managed to dazzle and have her legs out on show. How many others would do that? A few days previous Harrison Ford was also in London. I managed to catch few US actors which is quite rare for me these days.

Big Brother 2013 (UK)

2013-09-02T10:00:00.000+01:00

Emma Willis
© Nathan J Hulse

It's been a while since I've last updated this photoblog. I have been busy mostly with a company photographing private events. However, I have recently been back doing the Big Brother evictions. The lovely Emma Willis is now hosting the show and it's worth going just to see Emma in opinion.

The normal Big Brother has finish and now on the Celebrity Big Brother part of the show.

Toddler cleaning teeth Latest additions to Alamy

2013-02-27T10:00:00.000+00:00

Toddler Cleaning Teeth
© Nathan Hulse

Child care and oral health for Toddlers. Shooting stock is a gamble and some guess work for what picture buyers may want. I've some some success with similar subject in the past, so I thought I'd try again. It's quite difficult to get a toddle to pose when they have other things they are more interested in doing.

Band photos - Shindig

2013-02-21T19:00:00.000+00:00

Shindig promo picture
© Nathan J Hulse

As I am a musician as well as a photographer I sometimes get asked to photograph bands. Last year one such band approached me to take pictures for their new CD and promotion pictures. It is an old band with a new name. The CD cover also had extra artwork which I had to try to visualise in my head when taking the pictures. You can see the CD cover here.

I used Studio 3 in Potters Bar. It can get a little cramped in there with a few people plus drum kit and guitars all over the place. The white background works so the picture can be dropped in on posters and other material that show promoters may use the picture for.

Music Awards

2012-11-08T23:37:00.003+00:00

Gary Barlow
© Nat Jag/WireImage

The Music Industry Trust Awards in London on Monday 5th November 2012 saw Gary Barlow win the award. He already knew when he arrived as the whole event was in his honour. Not bad for a self taught pianist. Many celebrity guests including Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa, Kimberley Walsh and of course the man himself Gary Barlow, plus many others.

Ice Age Live: World Premiere?

2012-11-06T12:33:00.000+00:00

Nicola Mclean
© Nat Jag / WireImage

I was ask to photograph the celebrity arrivals for the 'Ice Age Live: A Mammoth Adventure' World Premiere. Only I was there Friday evening 02 November, and there had already been shows on 1st November and an afternoon show on that same Friday. Was it a World Premiere?

There was a mediocre guest list, with only a handful of that list turning up with their family to watch it. Pictured is Nicola Mclean.

Hamina, Finland Latest addition to Alamy

2012-09-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hamina Town Hall
© Nathan Hulse/Alamy

A recent trip to visit family gave me the opputunity to photograph some attractions or local landmarks in the town near where I was staying. I packed my tripod for the long exposures required for low light / night photography.

I hope you think it was worth it. You can view my full collection on alamy here which inlcudes other pictures taken during my few days stay in Finland.

Sam Faiers Book Signing

2012-05-29T10:00:00.000+01:00

Sam Faiers
© Nat Jag/WireImage

Weekend book signings on the outskirts of London sometimes get missed by the regular London press guys, as such they can be quiet for some signings. One such event was Sam Faiers from The Only Way is Essex aka TOWIE signing copies of her book at WHSmiths in Brentwood, Essex. I'm not a fashion expert, Sam in my opinion made a good effort with her choice of outfit, certainly not a drab black outfit.

Caroline Monks Party

2012-02-07T14:44:00.000+00:00

Nicola McLean
© Nathan Hulse

I would guess many people would say "Who is Caroline Monk". She is Cancer survivor and hosted a party to celebrate the women involved in her cancer makeover campaign. She is also a PR and is involved amongst others the mercury prize awards. I did attend (as a photographer) a previous party of her's which was so well attended by celebrities, it was possible the same could happen on this occasion. Luckily it didn't and a few turned up, including Nicola Mclean who was recently in Celebrity Big Brother.

My Flash cable decided to stop working, I could only use the flash mounted on the top hot shoe, which tends to leave a horrible shadow in the background. On the link above, are my pictures, plus those from another photographer, you can see my pictures are slightly brighter, but also have the shadow in the background right.

Albelli vs Blurb books comparison

2011-09-12T17:06:00.000+01:00

Both book covers

I recently ordered a book on Blurb.com, then a few months later a similar book from Albelli.co.uk. A friend asked how they compared with each other, so here are my few observations and conclusions. The books weren't ordered as a comparison, therefore wasn't intended as a direct comparison. Both were hardback with printed covers, Blurb book ordered with extra cost luster pages, while the Albelli one wasn't. I couldn't use Albelli's software on my mac as I have an older operating system, their online book creation software worked for my simple book design in this instance.

The print quality of both books is perfectly acceptable for me and the colours matched as close as possible to those displayed on my colour corrected monitor. The first observation is that the cover pictures, which was an extra cost option for both are different. The extra cost with blurb is approx £8.00 and £4.00 with albelli on the book sizes I ordered. With the Albelli book the cover is glossy, while the blurb book is matte (glossy on their softcovers).

While the blurb book was ordered with luster pages as an extra cost option, it's also an extra cost with albelli at 15-20p per page depending on book size. The Albelli book pages were as glossy as the blurb book. The pages in the blurb are thicker, which you can see by the advertised paper weight.

Albelli Book binding

Blurb Book Binding

The other observation is the inside front cover of both book. In the blurb book you can see the stitching, while the albelli book is covered up. On a closer inspection the pages are glued or similar in the albelli book. I did have more pages in the blurb one, there may be a cut off point when they switch to stitching as I have another smaller blurb book which is glued.

Is one better than the other? Should you choose one over the other? I don't think so, they both offer slightly different book sizes. I will continue to use blurb.com for my annual personal portfolio that I have started doing, even if just to keep the sizes consistent. Albelli.co.uk will suffice my other book needs. If you want to be able to offer your books to the public for sale, then blurb is you option as they are the only company that I'm aware of that offer this service. I have used apples book service, via Aperture software, also available via iPhoto. I wasn't so impressed with the quality of that book. Whoever you may use, it's great to look at pictures on pages of a book, rather than on the screen. It's much easier to hand round to other people to look at as well.

Let me know how you get on with your books.

Law and order on Alamy

2011-08-30T11:45:00.001+01:00

Council Chambers or Court Room
© Nathan J Hulse

Well, not quite as the title of this post suggests. More a picture council chambers, that is sometimes used as a court room for film sets. Law and order does prevail in these places, with many decisions being made.

Since the beginning of the year I have noticed that gekko images has been "Closed for re-development work" and still is. Not a good way to see images if no one can access the site. Although my link to log in still works. I have managed to block all my images from being sold, if anyone is able to buy images through the site. Gradually I shall be moving my collection to other picture libraries I use, Alamy seems to be the obvious choice for most of them. I just have to find the original files from my own records.

My stock collection with Alamy is becoming a miss-match of various subjects rather than a specialist style I was hoping to concentrate on.

Amy Winehouse - 1983-2011 - rest in peace

2011-07-25T14:47:00.001+01:00

Amy Winehouse July 2010
© Nathan Hulse

Like many others I have been shocked and saddened by the news of singer Amy Winehouse death. I only got a chance to photograph her as a paparazzi twice, the final time thanks to photographer Danny Martindale who told me she was at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square in London. Where Amy was, there were likely many paparazzi about. Sometimes getting a clean picture wasn't easy. This picture seemed to sum up Amy's personality (that I knew about) quite well. One last drag on the cigarette before getting in her waiting car.

A sad loss to the music world. I often wonder if we are best to remember people in their prime, rather than in old age and they were great once. Amy was still great. Consider Buddy Holly, we only know the keen rock n roller vs Elvis whom many remember for being over weight, rather than the fresh faced rock n roller. Anyway, enough of my rambling.

Recycling on Alamy - latest additions

2011-07-12T15:33:00.000+01:00

Recycling Wheeled bins ready for delivery to residents
© Nathan J Hulse

In my local area the refuse collection is changing which means new wheely bins or wheeled bins. Not being one to miss a photo opportunity I noticed all the bins being lined up in the street and being made ready for collection. I thought this could make for a useful picture. A little different from my normal subjects, now available via my collection on alamy.com.

Katie Waissel at the Mayfair and Nicola Roberts at Radio 1

2011-06-09T20:00:00.002+01:00

Katie Waissel in London
© Nathan J Hulse

It has been really quiet for me recently, which means I have to be a little more pro-active. Thursday 2nd June was one such day I decided to do just that. I met a friend in London first, then headed to The Mayfair hotel. Always a popular place for celebrities to stay. I had about an hour to kill before looking at something else I had information about. Within a few moments of me arriving I saw Katie Waissel. Katie was in X-Factor 2010. I had previously taken her picture during the x factor live tour. She then left about 30 minutes later. Jedward were also staying at the Mayfair, even though I saw them, I wasn't quite so interested about taking their picture. Although some hysterical girls in the area where over the moon to see the twins. I also left to go and check out something else.

Nicola Roberts at Radio 1
© Nathan J Hulse

As I mentioned already, I had information that Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud was due to be at BBC Radio 1 for the debut airing of her new single 'Beat of My Drum'. I've not heard it yet myself. Many seem to like it. A slightly longer wait at Radio 1 for Nicola, she looked great and signed for all her fans waiting to see her.

Blue perform at 1000th Thriller Live musical

2011-06-07T16:35:00.001+01:00

26th May 2011 was the 1000th performance of Thriller Live. I've been a fan of Michael Jackson for some years. A chance to see some of this show was a real bonus for me. Blue were due to perform "Man in the Mirror" and I was one of a few photographers allowed to photograph this. A live performance and no miming, a rare thing perhaps these days.

I only had my 17-40 wide angle lens with me, luckily I was close to the stage. Shots only processing in Aperture 3, no photo manipulation. All shot between iso 1000-1250.

Stacey Solomon Book signing in Essex

2011-05-31T10:10:00.003+01:00

The past few photo events I have done have been book signings. I don't get to do many of these. I noticed Stacey Solomon was doing a book signing at WH Smith in Chelmsford, Essex, which is not too far for me. So I headed over there. A nice little drive and nice town. There were only half a dozen photographers present for this. Had it been in central London during the week, it would have been different.

It amuses me how people can publish their biography at such a young age. Their life has only just started. I realize that celebrities have to cash in on their fame while they have it these days. Gone are the time people release their biography after a life full of events. I also thought it amusing that the books were being offered at half retail price, I'm told this is usual for new releases.

Katie Price signs books in Welwyn Garden City

2011-05-17T20:17:00.002+01:00

Katie Price latest book signing seemed to avoid the big London stores, instead she went to a smaller shopping Mall called the Howard Center in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire as well as a few locations after. Also looking on from the side was Leandro.

Picture taken with 24-70 lens and processed in Apples Aperture 3.

Cat Deeley during the Royal Wedding preparations

2011-05-04T09:20:00.001+01:00

During the week leading towards the Royal Wedding there were many celebrities near the media areas at Buckingham Palace. I only managed to see Cat Deeley. I was really lucky, I just walked through Green Park as I got to the bottom she appeared. Moments later many other photographers were also there pointing their camera lens through the wire fence. At the time she was probably presenting a spot for a news report on the forthcoming nuptials.

I went there to photograph some of the pre-wedding preparations and capture some of the atmosphere leading up to the Wedding.

Enrique Iglesias (and Lemar) at the O2 arena in London

2011-04-05T15:15:00.013+01:00

Enrique Iglesias

I've been really lucky to get ask to photograph a few music events recently. As I'm a musician it's always good to do concerts. The only downside is, I have to concentrate on taking pictures more than the actual concert itself. Friday March 25th Enrique Iglesias was performing at the O2 arena on London.

Prior to the concert I tried to find out the shoot position. This would usually be; front of the stage or the mix position (half way up the auditorium). We were told front of stage. Great, no need to carry super long and extra heavy lens with me. I took my 24-70 and 70-200. When I got there, I was told, we're shooting from the mix position. Great! While it's not great to hear that, it's not so bad, as shooting from the front of the stage, you tend to have shots looking up the performers nose. Not very flattering. Despite not having the correct lens with me, Enrique did walk down a long walkway. When he done that, I got most of my shots. Lucky for us, he done that on the 3rd song and not after we had to leave.

Lemar

The support act was Lemar. We were front of the stage for him. Notice the up nose type shot.

You can still see the audience hands in the way, on reflection I perhaps should have done a few shots and made the audience part of the shot, rather than try my best to avoid it. The things you think of afterwards eh. Something to consider next time. A great show and my sister was quite Jealous at me getting there and doing it.

JLS and others perform at Rays of Sunshine Concert

2011-03-29T10:45:00.001+01:00

JLS performing at the Rays of Sunshine Concert

Friday 11th March I was lucky enough to be asked to cover the Rays of Sunshine concert held at the Troxy in East London. This was a charity event, the Rays of Sunshine charity raises money to turn wishes into happy memories for children living with serious or life threatening illnesses between the ages of 3 and 18.

Performers at the concert seemed to be all x reality tv talent show contestants, including JLS who were headlining the event, Olly Murs, Joe McElderry, George Sampson and Spelbound. Also performing were Tinchy Stryder and The Saturdays. Spelbound were amazing to watch, but difficult to photograph. As I was at the front all night, I made sure I had some hearing protection, this wasn't because I don't want to listen to the music, just to stop my hearing getting damaged.

Pictured is JLS performing at the concert.

Jet Harris 1939 - 2011

2011-03-18T12:19:00.003+00:00

It is with great sadness that I write this post. Jet Harris the original bass player with Cliff Richard and The Shadows passed away last night 17 March 2011. Jet had been ill with cancer for the last few years and struggled on with performing. The Rapiers worked with Jet for the last 25 years. He will be missed by us all any many others that have known him and influenced in those early years by him.

This is a rare picture I took of him playing and using my bass guitar. I was normally on stage with him.

Jet Harris in Weymouth, 2008

Here is some more information on Jet Harris's career:-

Jet Harris was a UK pioneer of the electric bass guitar. He was the first person in Britain to play the Fender Precision Bass guitar in a band.
Jet Harris was the original bass player with world-renowned instrumental group the Shadows. Some of (Cliff Richard and) the Shadows greatest hits came during his time with them.
Jet Harris thought up the name the Shadows
With Cliff Richard and the Shadows - Jet's chart career was staggering.
When the Shadows won international fame in their own right with their chart-topper “Apache” in 1960, Jet’s driving and innovative bass playing was central to their sound.
Jet Harris left The Shadows in 1962. He broke new boundaries in the 1960s by transforming the bass into the lead instrument on his number one hit “Diamonds” and chart-topper “Scarlett O’Hara”
Jet has appeared on 24 No.1 hit recordings - the singles include: "Living Doll", "Travelling Light", "Please Don't Tease", "I Love You", "The Young Ones", "Diamonds", "Apache", "Kon-Tiki" and "Wonderful Land".… Jet was a pioneer of 6-string bass playing. The sound was dubbed “The 6-string Thunder Thrill”
In 1964 Jet received the New Musical Express Award for Top Instrumentalist of the Year
Jet has inspired and been revered by guitarists who followed in his wake including, Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Bill Wyman and Fleetwood Mac’s John McVie
"Nivram" has become a 'standard' and is acknowledged as a classic example of a bass guitar solo.
Jet received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Fender guitars in 1998 and he continued to actively tour until a few weeks before his death
In January 2010 Jet Harris received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s New Year 2010 Honours List
In 2009 Jet Harris was diagnosed with a form of cancer. The primary site of the cancer was unknown. CUP (Cancer of Unknown Primary site) accounts for 4% of all new cancer cases*

*Figures taken from the Cancer Research UK website www.cancerhelp.org.uk/type/unknown-primary-cancer/