Handmade Series 2 with Mel Giedroyc, Tom Dyckhoff and Sophie Sellu – Channel 4 and Plimsoll Productions Behind the Scenes: Photographing for Channel 4’s New Show I had an absolute ball doing the photography for Channel 4’s latest show, which premieres tonight (Wednesday, 21st September 2022) at 8 pm! Being part of such an exciting project was very exciting, and I’m thrilled to finally be able to share my photos with you. The images I captured are being used by Channel 4 and Plimsoll Productions for the show’s marketing, and it feels great to see them out there! Working with a Great Team One of the highlights of this shoot was the incredible team I had the pleasure of working with. Alongside the fabulous Mel Giedroyc, the show’s judges are the brilliant woodworking expert Sophie Sellu and design academic Tom Dyckhoff. Both Sophie and Tom were fantastic to work with – so easygoing and down-to-earth, which made the whole process run smoothly. Of course, Mel was a joy, as always, bringing her infectious energy and humor to the set. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to photograph. Showcasing My Photography I’m really pleased to be able […]
Read OnMalory Towers by Enid Blyton at the Passenger Shed, Bristol. Capturing the Magic of Malory Towers for Studio Three Sixty I recently had the real pleasure of photographing the set and bar of the Enid Blyton-inspired play Malory Towers. The production was beautifully brought to life by the talented team at Wise Children, and it was showcased at The Passenger Shed, Bristol. This exciting project came through Studio Three Sixty, a company that specializes in audience experience design. The set itself was the creation of the incredible Lez Brotherston. Photographing the Set with a Creative Eye As a Bristol photographer, I’m often lucky enough to work on unique projects like this. Being on the set of a theatrical production, especially one as beloved as Malory Towers, allowed me to get creative with my approach. I wanted to make sure I did justice to the detailed and immersive design that Lez Brotherston brought to the stage. This was a fantastic opportunity to break out my wide-angle lenses, which really came in handy for capturing the full breadth and depth of the set. The play’s setting had so much intricate detail, from the nostalgic touches of the boarding school to the inviting atmosphere of the bar area. […]
Read OnSomething a bit different, my photography on a Japanese skirt. A Unique Collaboration I was both intrigued and delighted when I received an email from a Japanese clothing company called Keith requesting to use one of my photographs on a skirt. As a photographer, you never quite know where your work might end up, but this was certainly a first for me! It’s always exciting when your images take on a new life beyond their original context, and this collaboration was definitely a fun and unexpected twist. You can see the final product in Keith’s catalogue and on their website, where my photo beautifully complements their Autumn fashion line. The Story Behind the Photograph The image in question was originally taken during a shoot at the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum. I had been commissioned to capture the beauty of the arboretum for their Autumn collection, and the photos from that shoot were intended to highlight the vivid seasonal colors and natural beauty of the location. Westonbirt, known for its incredible array of trees and vibrant landscapes, is an iconic spot in the Cotswolds, especially during Autumn when the foliage is at its most stunning. When I heard that Keith wanted to feature one […]
Read OnThe Beauty of Westonbirt Arboretum Through Photography Last year, I had the incredible privilege of being the official photographer for Westonbirt Arboretum, one of the most breathtaking tree collections in the UK. This commission allowed me to immerse myself in the natural beauty of the arboretum, capturing its changing seasons and vibrant activities to support their marketing efforts. Each visit was an unforgettable experience, showcasing the arboretum’s magic through my lens. My name is Paul Groom, I’m a Bristol photographer, working around Bristol, the South West, the Midlands and the UK. Westonbirt Arboretum, located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, is not just a haven for nature lovers; it’s a photographer’s dream. With over 15,000 trees from across the globe, the arboretum offers endless opportunities to explore the majesty and diversity of the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the arboretum provides the perfect backdrop to experiment with light, texture, and composition. The Role of Trees in Enhancing Mental Health Spending time among trees is not only visually inspiring but also deeply restorative for the mind. Research has consistently shown that connecting with nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. At Westonbirt, walking […]
Read OnPortrait Session photo shoot with musician, public speaker and podcaster Katie Elliott Recently it was my great pleasure to photograph Katie Elliott for some new press shots… I know Katie as a talented multi-instrumentalist, at the moment she’s perhaps most well known for her piano playing (here’s a Spotify link to her beautiful album of piano music ‘Walking The Edge’ also available on Amazon), but she’s also a podcaster and public speaker who’s picking up a lot of attention. Katie’s company Little Challenges is ‘a place to find ideas, tools and inspiration to make being human a little bit easier’. You can find out information there about her podcasts and also forthcoming book. Katie asked me if I’d like to do a portrait session… the brief was to take a set of images which would cover all of her various needs. We started with the headphones image above for her podcast.
Read On