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Going to the Ball!

Photographing the Emerald Ball for Kemp Hospice.

I have done a number of events for Kemp, mainly providing first aid cover for their walks etc. I received a message via facebook asking for raffle prizes. I replied to that, to say that I would provide a voucher for a portrait shoot to the value of £300.00. I also emailed the organiser of the event, Emily, to offer to photograph the ball. This would be the 11th Ball that I had photographed.


There was a dress code of black tie, with a hint of emerald, I wore green socks. I arrived at Hartlebury Castle 45 minutes prior to the start time to check out, where and how I was going to do the shoot. There is a large hall, which was very beautifully laid out ready for the meal.



There is also a reception room and a side entrance door, where the guests entered the building, This had been rather romantically lit! By arriving early I had plenty of time to explore each room to check out the lighting, the backdrop that the hospice had asked me to use.

There was some exceptionally nice complimentary gin being given out in the main reception area. I don't normally drink gin, but I did try a sip or two. This gin, much to my surprise is made very locally, at Callow Hill, near Bewdley.



The next couple of people that I met were musicians. Two lovely ladies with a violin and a cello. They set up in the main reception and played some exquisite music. Mainly well known classical pieces, which had me tapping along, even wanting to whistle, which would have been most inappropriate! I was lucky enough to have a few minutes to chat with these, very talented ladies. Sadly they left before I had enjoyed enough of their music.



The lady in the middle is Liv, I think that she is one of the full time fund raising team at the hospice, and acted as the "Compere" for the evening. Absolutely charming! Like so many people who I have met who work in hospices, an absolute force of nature.


Jayne was welcoming everyone as they arrived, standing in the hall and greeting them. Somehow, I imagined that she would know them all - wrong! People arrived in groups, and I was initially able to photograph them as they arrived. But quite quickly the reception room became full of excited and happy people. I was gradually able to ask people to come over to the backdrop, so that I could get their photo. This was an absolute delight. Photographing a wedding, or indeed a Ball. People are dressed up in their very best clothes. Looking and feeling a million dollars. So photographing them is a delight. Unlike Colombians, who I have recently photographed. English people are very reserved about having their photo taken, except at weddings and balls! Is this a coincidence, I think not, best clothes and a very nice gin, work their magic.


As above, Jayne is one of the worlds wonderful humans. Hospice fund raiser of the year 2024, she is also a force of nature, and I am proud to say that she is in my very small group of people I call friends! She is a delightful host, greeting people with a smile! Here she is with her "Tesco" ladies. These four ladies, work at Tesco in St. Peter's, Worcester. They turn up regularly to help out with hospice events. They are an absolute tribute to the good nature of some people, charming to a fault and so generous!



Similar to a wedding, there is a period of time at a ball, as the majority of the guests arrive, keen to get a drink, and to talk with their friends. The reception area is brim full and the noise is at a maximum. I am rushing around trying to spot who I have already photographed, and those that are still to be photographed. There is then, a good number of people whom I have already photographed, but now their friends have arrived, they want an image or two together. This part of the event is very busy, a lot of fun, wonderful images, but very hard work. This is probably where some of the magic of event photography actually happens.


This last image is of everyone getting ready to enjoy their meal. There was a couple of little games, to win a bottle of champagne. By this time, everyone was very happy and excited. The photo was taken from a balcony at the end of the hall. A dramatic feature of the room.



This lovely event raised over £16,000.00 for the hospice. Being able to contibute in my way, using my skills and passion is deeply rewarding. The person that won my photo voucher contacted me the following day, I am looking forward to a family photoshoot with him.

Photographing a ball is quite hard work, but nowhere as tiring as a wedding. The favorite bit for me, apart from actually taking the photos, meeting and chatting with all the people!

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