The British Society of Hand Surgeons – Hardback Publication.
I was originally contacted by the society to shoot “two or three” Good News stories of successful hand surgery patients. They “liked my editorial style” having looked at my website and seen the positive Google reviews for me on Google Maps – They needed someone in the Midlands to shoot each of the participants who were to be featured in the Hands Reworked publication.
My first shoot was Cricket Coach – Kathryn Whyle. Hand surgery meant that she could continue in Wolverhampton and the general Midlands area – teaching and promoting cricket for girls. She regained the use of her hand to be able to demonstrate bowling techniques. My shots demonstrate this.
The next Good News Story featured David Walker – Guitarist. Although originally keeping me in the Midlands area, David was located in Stamford in Lincolnshire. But the Hand Surgery Book researcher said she was so pleased with the Cricket shots – if I was happy to go further afield then she was happy to send me. David was so pleased with how the photoshoot went that he wrote to both the surgeons and researcher singing my praises.
Karen Sheldon – in Hednesford was my next port of call, and supposedly the last of my 3 commissions. When I phoned to book our shoot I asked if there were any hobbies that I could take photographs of that involved her using her hands. She suggested flower arranging, which we duly shot when I went across. But then out of nowhere she remembered that before the operation – she loved to play the violin!! We duly shot that too!
A real character with a powerful tale to tell was Ade who was busy restoring an old barge at Otherton Boat Haven in Penkridge. A serious inoperable condition meant that his little finger had to be removed, this was a huge success and enabled Ade to continue on his boating endeavours. Snapping him snapping kindling for the log fire on board the canal boat.
The client was now very happy to send me in various directions and I love shooting on the hoof, making memorable and meaningful images of a very eclectic set of people. Hearing their stories, picking up the vibe and coming up with views and angles that will enhance this prestigious publication. This is Heavyweight hopeful Richard Riakporhe – Boxer – photographed at the specialist Boxing Gym facility at Leicester University.
And last but by no means least is Gold Medal Winning Weight Lifter Emily Campbell at her specialist Gym in Derby. As a European Champion needed tendon surgery after chronic wrist ache. With the Commonwealth games coming up in Birmingham, it was vital to do the right kind of training.
The surgery was obviously a stunning success as Emily represented Great Britain and took the ultimate prize – a Gold Medal. She was a delight to shoot and see her pumping iron and lifting incredible weights.
The whole project – was an absolute blast – photographing people and their individual stories was a dream job. Minimal brief and the opportunity to find and unlock an image as unique as the individual involved.
I ended up photographing double the number of patients than originally envisioned, a testament to the first class nature of my work.
A set of pages from Hands Reworked, a beautiful bound hardcover book to highlight the wonderful work performed by the talented surgeons that helped perform life changing operations.
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