Gone To The Dogs ……

Our first engagement of the year took place last week when we spent a fantastic afternoon with 1st Military Working Dog Regiment  and photographed some of the incredible dogs and their handlers.  Never work with animals?  Nonsense! These guys were great, to a point.  Most were more than happy to sit patiently . Some couldn’t contain their excitement, and I have to admit, one or two looked like they just wanted to eat me and my camera!

Although the Veterans Portrait Project is about promoting UK Veterans, I feel involving serving members of the Armed Forces is also important.  They are our future Veterans and, in this case, the working dogs also.

Although the profile of working dogs has probably increased since operations in places like Afghanistan,  many of us are not aware or we often forget what an important role they undertake. From protection work, to detecting IED’s, Arms, Explosives, drugs and everything else in between.  Both dogs and handlers are trained to the highest  standards and deserve every accolade awarded to them.

One of the stars of the show was Charlie, a 5 year old Springer Spaniel, and his handler Bobby. The bond between these guys is immediately evident and it is obvious why they were recently nominated for the Friend for Life award.  Bobby and Charlie also appeared at the famous Crufts dog show earlier this year.

 

 

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

It’s Not About The Money……

I have kind of neglected the project blog for too long.  I really struggled to do many engagements last year.  Mainly for one reason…..finance!

We have been fortunate to have been looked after by a number of companies, Manfrotto UK and Elinchrom to name two.   Without their support The Veterans Portrait Project UK would not have gotten off the ground.

Taking the project on the road incurs costs.  Fuel, accommodation, feeding etc.  Until last year I was able to meet these costs from my own pocket.  Something I remain happy to do where I can.  I tried a new strategy last year, to get more bang for the buck by cramming as many engagements as possible on each visit to UK, whilst at the same time trying to raise funds to assist in meeting our costs.

From the outset I decided that I would not make any personal gain from the Veterans Portrait Project.  Also, I would not accept financial assistance from any of the charities or organisations who do so much for our Veterans and Forces Personnel.  I believe this is better spent elsewhere.

I have, however, found reluctance in generating donations from corporations who deal and make a profit from their dealings with the Forces .  The Veterans Portrait Project UK is a social undertaking, aiming to raise awareness.  We are not a charity, we do not provide assistance or services and I believe this may be the reason for their reluctance.

At the end of 2016 I found my own finance pot was running dry and found myself with 2 choices.

1.  Let the project fold.

2.  Carry on regardless.

Having been involved with the Veterans Portrait Project UK for 2 years now, I still am bowled over by the reaction of the Veterans, Service Personnel and the families of those whom I have the privilege to photograph.  I have also had a fantastic reaction from many outside the Forces community The thing is, they get it!  They get what we hope to achieve.

I have opted for the second choice.  It’s not about the money, I will continue to fund the Veterans Portrait Project myself and hopefully we will achieve our aim.  It may take a bit longer than planned, but we might just get there!

We held our first portrait engagement last week and already have a number of further engagements planned throughout the year.  If you have an event you would like to invite us to, please get in touch.

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

The Senior Service…..

Last year when I set about tracking down supporters for the Veterans Portrait Project UK I contacted all of the service associations.  The Royal Naval Association were the first to get back to me and the first to see value in what we wanted to achieve.

Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CBE, CB. Commander Maritime Command NATO HQ.

Susan Tubman

Tug Wilson

Jimi Tubman

I was invited to attend this years RNA annual conference so last weekend I traveled over from Germany and headed to Folkestone for my first encounter with Royal Navy Veterans. Having attended a few of these events I kind of know what to expect.  Blazers, badges and medals seem are the order of the day and the pride is always evident.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part and told me their fantastic tales.  My thanks also to General Secretary Andy Christie for looking after me.

You can find more information on the RNA on their RNA Website.

 

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

Military Meets Insurance…..

One thing I hope to achieve with the Veterans Portrait Project UK is help dispel the misconception that all veterans are elderly and served in the war.  In the UK we now have veterans who are in their mid twenties, some of whom are suffering as a result of their service.  I was on the lookout for a less conventional venue to take some portraits and hopefully one that would reinforce my point about younger veterans.

I was put in touch with Chris Holt, one time Royal Engineer Officer and holder of the MBE.  Chris heads up the Lloyds military network in the city of London, a group I knew nothing about.  It turns out they are the largest RBL branch in London and actively support many forces and veteran charities.  With the assistance of Sam Aiken we arranged to meet at the offices of JLT Group in the city and conduct a portrait shoot.

We set up in a conference room with a fantastic view over London’s financial district and as the day progressed we managed to get a complete cross section of Senior officers, junior NCO’s, male, female and of course the younger veterans I was looking for.  A fantastic day.

The Lloyds military network are the huge supporters of London Poppy Day, held in November each year.  This year we have been invited to attend.

My thanks to Chris, Sam and to Brian Stanley at Concept Building Services  for the initial introduction.

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

Royal Hospital Chelsea – Home of the Chelsea Pensioners

At the end of last year I was sitting at this very desk wondering how I was going to get access to some of the venues I had in mind for our launch.  It now seems like a lifetime ago.  Having hosted a few Chelsea Pensioners during my service years I knew how in demand they are and that it would be difficult to get access to a bunch of them at the same time.

I contacted Katie Kennedy at the Royal Hospital Chelsea (home of the pensioners) and pitched the idea to her.  I was thrilled by her positive response and enthusiasm.  Katie receives multiple requests from the media on a daily basis yet she immediately agreed to give, an as yet, unknown entity access.  Better still we had a full day!

For those not fully aware, the origins of the Royal Hospital Chelsea can be traced back to the 17th Century.  Currently there are around 300 In Pensioners (IP) all of whom are accommodated within the hospital grounds.  In order to become a Chelsea pensioner you must fulfill a number of requirements:  You must:

• be over 65 years old
• have served as a regular soldier (former officers must have served at least 12 years in the ranks before receiving a commission.)
• have no dependent spouse or family
• be “of good character”

A detailed history of the Chelsea Pensioners can be found here.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is located just off the banks of the river Thames.  It is not a small venue by any stretch of the imagination yet somehow I couldn’t find it, damn you body compass!!!  In my defence, Tom Tom got it wrong also.  After cruising round the area a few times I bit the bullet and asked someone.  We were close by.

State Apartments – Royal Hospital Chelsea

We were shown to the State Apartments by the incredibly helpful Emma Pollock.  The venue for today was as grand as it sounds.  Oak panels, huge oil paintings, ornate ceilings, and all very, very old (don’t touch anything)!  The building was originally designed as a dinner room for visiting royalty.  We set about setting the studio up and the Pensioners began arriving.  One of the first was Frank Mouque, a Royal Engineer (Sapper), being a Sapper myself I had a connection with him immediately.  For someone in his 90’s Frank cuts a spritley figure.  He mentioned he had his original training photograph from 1943,  no sooner had I finished saying “you should have brought it with you”, he was off out the door and across the courtyard, returning a short while later clutching said photograph.

John Humphries was born in 1914 and joined the Royal Engineers in 1934.  He recalled one of his first jobs was looking after the horses, his unit had no mechanical transport.   He also managed to escape twice from POW camps during WW2.  John was amongst a handful of Sappers we photographed today.  The Royal Engineers moto ‘UBIQUE’ translates as ‘EVERYWHERE’, how fitting.

John Humphreys OBE

Frank Mouque

Unfortunately our grand venue suffered a power outage soon after we got under way, meaning a quick strip out and relocation to the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary.  Not as grand, but none the less a great venue. A few more photographs then it was time for the pensioners lunch.  We had also been invited to lunch but first some of TV interviews, a new experience for me.

Lunch in the Great Hall…….yes, it is also as grand as it sounds.  We were joined by Emma and In Pensioner (IP) Steve Lovelock.  I had briefly established that Steve and I had served in Hameln, Germany.  A place where I had spent most of my career and where I now live.    We had a great conversation about our exploits (not for publishing) and how great our time serving in Germany had been.  Although we were years apart we had both frequented the same establishments and got up to the same shenanigans, in fact many of the places we had in common are still there today.

One thing that I was aware of before our day here, the Chelsea Pensioners tell their stories time and time again and, I assume, can sometimes tire of hearing their own tales.  Today when they were recalling their memories to us they seemed to have an extra glint in their eye.  Maybe it was because, as veterans, we could relate more to them?  I don’t know, I do know that they are all incredible people and we made a lot of new friends.   I was also reminded one of the pensioners that in 18 years time I would qualify for a red coat and a spot in the Royal Hospital Chelsea.  If the situation arises I could think of no better place to spend my latter years…………

Thank you to Katie, Emma and all of the Pensioners for a fantastic experience.  We will be back soon.

The Great Hall – Royal Hospital Chelsea

You can find out more about the history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Chelsea Pensioners here.

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

The Gear……

I have been asked a number of times about the equipment I use for the Veterans Portrait Project UK.  Here is a list of the main equipment I take with me on a typical engagement:

Lighting and Backdrop

4 x Elinchrom BRX 500 Compact Flash Head
2 x Elinchrom Skyport Speed Transmitter
2 x Elinchrom 21cm Reflector
1 x Elinchrom Rotalux 100 x 100 Softbox
1 x Elinchrom Rotalux 50 x 130 Softbox
1 x Manfrotto Background Support System
4 x Manfrotto Stackable Light Stands
1 x Manfrotto 055  – Tripod + 498RC2 ball head
1 x Sekonic L-308S Light Meter
1 x Colorama Paper Roll (1.35x11m) – Arctic White

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baggage

Manfrotto Prolight LW-99W
Manfrotto Prolight LW-88W
Manfrotto Pro 70

Cameras & Lenses

Canon 5D Mk3
Canon 6D
Canon 650D – video
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
Canon 17-35mm f2.8L USM – video

Accessories

Gaffer Tape, 240v extension leads,  Model Release Forms, Batteries, Battery Chargers, Bulbs, Scissors, etc

A large car……

IP Thomas Fox – Royal Hospital Chelsea – Home of the famous Chelsea Pensioners

The Veterans Portrait Project UK relies on the support of the following companies:

Elinchrom

Manfrotto UK

The Flash Centre

If you are in the market for new equipment please consider using them.  Tell them Spike sent you 😉

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

First Engagements …..

Charlie Martell

Now fully embedded in our hotel we could begin to get the show on the road.  After an initial mix up over conference facilities we were able to set up our studio and test fire.  Being relatively new to Studio lighting, the next few days were to be a crash course, but I was in safe hands.  Thankfully Elinchrom and Manfrotto UK had offered to extend their support to the UK project so my equipment mirrored that used by Stacy in the US.
A few weeks prior to arriving in London I had used the Sapper network and touched base with Charlie Martell.  Charlie is known as the ‘Charitable Adventurer’ due to his various challenges (and a few Guinness world records) including rowing the Atlantic, Pacific and skiing to the North Pole, all in the name of good causes.  Charlie had graciously agreed to take part in the Veterans Portrait Project and came down to London to see us.  Initially I watched as Stacy went about interacting and photographing him, the first of many masterclasses.  My turn, the nerves were now kicking in but I refused to let them show.   Why was I nervous? I knew what I was doing, didn’t I?
After a while I began to relax and even enjoy myself. It wasn’t until I looked at my watch I realised we had been there for 2 hours!   Thank you Charlie.  Thank you for seeing value in the Veterans Portrait Project UK and finding the time to take part, it was a pleasure.

First engagement over, equipment tested successfully.  So far so good.

———

Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstans) strive to make sure that no one who has served our country battles blindness alone.  Since 1915 they have been assisting and supporting veterans who have been blinded due to accident, service or illness.  Our first major engagement was to take place at the Brighton centre, an impressive building overlooking the English Channel.

The Trophy room made and ideal location to set up and it wasn’t long before the veterans began coming in.  WW2 veterans and National Servicemen and Woman alike.  One thing that struck me was the sense of humour that we all connected with immediately.  I was greeted by one individual like a long lost friend.  Steve, he said, How are you Steve?  Have we met before?  I asked.  No, everyone here is Steve, the guy in the gym is Steve, the guy in the canteen is Steve…………….

Clifford Gower

Robert Dunn

Elizabeth Anne Nelson

Every one of the veterans here made an impression on me.  I do consider myself a veteran, however, these guys and girls had been involved in more action in a few years than I had seen in almost a quarter of a century.  Inspiring, enthralling, funny and extremely welcoming.

We had a fantastic visit to Brighton and I can’t wait to go back.  My thanks to Mark Wheeler for making it possible and thank you to everyone who took part, including:

• Clifford Gower who was blinded during a German Stuka attack during WW2 in North Africa.  You can read more about Clifford here
• Elizabeth Nelson who was an Operations Officer at Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.
• Robert Dunn who served as a Signaler during WW2 and made it through the North Africa Campaign.

We didn’t get lost today and I only drove past the Blind veterans centre once.  I did take a wrong turn leaving Brighton, but I knew where I was 🙂

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

Here We Go…….

It took a whole lot of planning and more than a few sleepless nights, but I think I managed to pull it off and with more success than I could  have hoped for.  I am sitting at home back in Germany reflecting and taking stock of what we achieved and I feel fantastic.

I’m going to do a couple of posts covering the 17 days I have just had launching the Veterans Portrait Project in the UK.  Firstly though I need to thank a few individuals and organisations who have gone a long way in helping my dream become a reality:

Manfrotto UK supply our equipment cases and stands.  As a long time Manfrotto user I am incredibly grateful for their support.

Elinchrom who supply our studio lights.  Something that quickly became apparent to me was the difference quality lighting makes to and image.  These guys produce the best.  A personal thanks to Elinchrom president Chris Whittle for being so enthusiastic and supporting the Veterans Portrait Project UK.

Louise and the staff at The Flash Centre in London for being our post box and accepting our deliveries.  Also for allowing us leave you with all of the packaging.

Concept Building Services Ltd put a roof over our heads and took us out for dinner whilst we were in London.  These guys do a great deal for service charities and veterans.  I thank them for immediately seeing the worth in the Veterans Portrait Project UK.  My sincere thanks to Managing Director Joe Carty,  Steve Whitlock, Brian Stanley and Jan Powell.

We also have many other supporters whom I will point out over the next few posts.

My thanks and gratitude to you all.

——

After a dash across Europe, a ferry across the English Channel and a Hotel in Dover, I found myself at Heathrow airport waiting for an early flight to arrive.  Remember, Stacy and I had not yet met in person so I was a wee bit nervy. My thanks to the guy who had stepped off another long haul flight, sat down at the Grand Piano in the arrivals hall and banged out some of Coldplay’s finest.  You took my mind off things for a while.

Eventually my two American visitors appeared, hugs and introductions, Stacy and Trish were here.   Immediately I proceeded to make myself look like a muppet when we couldn’t find my car as we were on the wrong floor of the car park (loosing my sense  of direction was to become a recurring theme).

Heathrow airport is a mere 18 miles from our hotel which, according to Google maps, should take 40 minutes.  150 minutes (2.5 hours) later we arrived!!  On the plus side, we used the journey as a getting to know you kind of thing.  It didn’t take long to figure out that the sense of humour found in the military obviously knows no borders.  The Tracy and Trish roadshow was soon in full swing, they were like a tag team and I was put me at ease.

Hotel reached and car parked, rooms not ready (we were rather early).  No matter, the staff at the hotel took our bags in and we headed to see the wonderful folk at the Flash Centre who had the studio gear waiting for us to collect.

A 20 minute tube ride followed by a walk in a circle (Google maps this time) finally found us at Aladdin’s cave.  A quick introduction and thank you to Louise and a lot of boxes appeared.  Unpacked, repacked, taped and balanced, the 20 minute minute tube ride back looked slightly more daunting with all of this gear.  I think this was my first wrong turn on the tube system, so heading in the wrong direction we righted my wrong and eventually got back to the hotel where our luggage volume had now doubled.  Rooms still not ready we headed out for a walk around the City.

Having taken 2 flights from the US to arrive early in the morning and taking into account a 6 hour time difference, Stacy and Trish were surprisingly fresh.  I, on the other hand, had made the 100 mile drive from Dover that very morning and I was hanging out.  Well I do have a few more years on those two……..!!!

Phase 1 was complete with the minimal of fuss (save a few wrong turns).

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

Almost there……

1 week to go until we converge on London.  The planning is done, the press release is out and my ferry is booked.  The BBC contacted me yesterday.  Nothing confirmed, but an exciting step in the right direction.  We have had confirmed coverage from Forces TV and the British Forces Broadcasting Service who will accompany us to the Royal Hospital Chelsea also Soldier magazine and national Radio will be covering the Veterans Portrait Project UK.

The British Government recently announced 3 days of commemorative events to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which is fantastic. Unfortunately this made things a difficult for some of our launch engagement venues which resulted in some rescheduling and panicking.  It will be a memorable weekend to be in London.

You can find out more about VE Day 70 here

In an attempt to keep current and seek inspiration I generally have a video or podcast playing when I’m in the office.  Recently  Scott Kelby  released the latest video in the trailblazer series entitled, Powerful Woman in Photography.  The first  interview is with our very own Stacy Pearsall , founder of the Veterans Portrait Project.  I have seen many of Stacy’s interviews, mainly as research as we have yet to meet in person!!!  This one is the most powerful.  Stacy lays bare her combat experiences, how it feels to lose friends and colleagues in combat and how her own injury lead to the Veterans Portrait Project.  An inspiring, humbling and extremely moving account which will strike a chord with veterans and service personnel alike.  You can view the video here.

I am now literally ‘chomping at the bit’.  Almost 3 weeks of meeting some of our countries veterans, meeting and working with Stacy.  Being a more hands on kind of student, this will of course be a huge learning opportunity for me.  One that I will grab with both hands.

The VE70 weekend is also a huge date in the military re-union calendar, particularly to Army and Navy veterans.  The annual rugby match will take place at Twickenham on 9 May.  Having attended this event on more than a few occasions I know there will be a huge number of veterans attending.  If you are going and fancy joining the Veterans Portrait Project UK family please drop me a line and we will let you know the details.  We would love to see you.

I’ll update the blog as we head into the launch so please stay tuned.  I best start packing……………can’t wait!!!

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk

 

What it means to be a Veteran…..

Although we have only taken a limited number of portraits up until now, we though it may be interesting to find out what being a veteran means to those who have served.  During the portrait session we ask the ladies and gentlemen we photograph the following question:

“What does being a veteran mean to you”?

We’ve made up a word cloud which will be updated as we grow.  Here’s our first results:

I can’t say I’m too surprised by the results.

SP

The VPPUK Team

web@veteransportraitproject.uk

www.veteransportraitproject.uk