Friday 25 June 2010

The Fonz





Last June Henry Winkler visited Candleby Lane School in Cotgrave Nottingham as part of the annual First News reading tour with First News editor Nicky Cox. Children now know Henry as the author of the Hank Zipzer books, the various adventures of an underachieving kid. But when I was growing up he was The Fonz the king of cool. Henry has dyslexia and found school difficult but as an actor, author and film director is able to prove to kids that your ability or inability to learn has little to do with how clever you are. Happy Days was one of my favourite programmes when I was a kid and The Fonz was my favourite character. I never thought one day I’d get to meet him never mind be asked to photograph him. He’s a lovely down to earth funny man and OMG it was simply brilliant to meet him.

Thursday 24 June 2010

Helen Barnes











Helen Barnes is an international slalom canoeist aiming to represent Eire in the 2012 Olympics. Last year she contacted me to shoot some portrait and slalom shots for her website and then on the 24th of June this year I was invited along to Helen’s world record breaking attempt at 100 rolls without at paddle, which took place at the David Lloyd Centre in West Bridgford. Helen achieved the record and now features in the Guinness Book of Records. It was a great day with Trent FM radio presenters Twiggy and Emma providing the commentary and local school children, from the three schools where Helen regularly teaches, shouting their support. Musician Alex Chapman provided a brilliant mix of acoustic pop and folk songs (www.alexchapman.co.uk) On the same day Sytner of Nottingham presented Helen with a fab pink Mini. Lucky thing. www.helsbarnes.co.uk