Birds of Prey photos, along with some tasty fact nuggets to nibble It’s time to celebrate the birds of prey! Here’s a run-through of some of the various birds I’ve photographed over the years, with some interesting information alongside. All of the photos on this post are taken from an extended photography project I did a few years ago which went on to form two separate exhibitions, all of them were taken at the ICBP – The International Centre for Birds of Prey, a superb conservation project who are currently working on a Hen Harriers breeding project with Natural England. The photos went on to be exhibited at The Tobacco Factory (OWL) in Bristol and Under the Edge Arts in Wotton-under-Edge (BIRD/BATH). The approach I chose to photographing the birds during this project was to try to show the birds in an intimate and uncluttered way, mainly this meant having no background showing which can often normalise the photos or distract the viewer. I also chose a different colour background for each bird depending on their feather colour, this was done by shining various different colour gels on the backdrop: red, pink, yellow, blue, green. It was a real privilege […]
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Westonbirt Arboretum – Two Epic New Play Areas Photographing Westonbirt Arboretum: A Stunning Day Out Near Bristol I had a fantastic time photographing the two brand-new play areas at Westonbirt Arboretum this month. These exciting new zones, named Holford Hollow and Branch Out, are beautifully designed spaces made from wood, rope, and natural materials. They sit harmoniously within the Old Arboretum, surrounded by magnificent trees, creating an environment that encourages children to explore, discover, and engage with nature off the traditional paths. It’s a superbly creative design that blends very nicely into its surroundings, and I’m thrilled that my photos are now featured across the internet as part of the official press release announcing their opening.
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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 […]
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Something 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 […]
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The 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 […]
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