A text tinkles on the phone. It’s my old friend, Chantal Flores – London florist extraordinaire. Could I come along to shoot her stunning creations (my description, she’s far too modest) commissioned by One Events for the launch of their new event space at One Belgravia (imagine a majestic property at the bottom of the Queen’s back garden and you’re in the ball park).
Of course I will, I tell her. But me being me, I look at this differently. I see an opportunity to arrive early and shoot some behind the scenes black and white. Chantal agrees. Chantal has always been wise like that.
Every photographer, if they are honest, adores black and white. Depending on whom you speak to, some will say it’s the tonal range of monochrome, some will tell you it’s the traditional feel of the photographic medium. But the naked truth is this: it makes things – sadly even bad photography - look more arty. Don’t believe anything else.
So, lucky me, I spent an hour, just me and my 50mm lens, capturing the creative chaos as Chantal’s crack team of floral ninjas get to work. And the results, I think, are breathtaking. It was a great afternoon and evening and yet another example of why being a photographer is a wonderful way to earn a crust.
Below are a few examples from the wider set…
