Nat Jag Pictures

Sam Faiers Book Signing

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 29 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Sam Faiers
© Nat Jag/WireImage

Weekend book signings on the outskirts of London sometimes get missed by the regular London press guys, as such they can be quiet for some signings. One such event was Sam Faiers from The Only Way is Essex aka TOWIE signing copies of her book at WHSmiths in Brentwood, Essex. I'm not a fashion expert, Sam in my opinion made a good effort with her choice of outfit, certainly not a drab black outfit.

Ronnie Wood at Sony Radio awards

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Ronnie Wood
© Nat Jag

I have been away for a few months so quiet on the photography front for me. I'm starting to get back to normal.

Monday, I decided I was going to check out the 10th anniversary arrivals for "We will Rock You". I got their too late to get a spot in the press pen, so I headed to the Sony Radio awards. Again, I wasn't inside with the rest of the press guys, so I took a change outside. While most celebs were photographed inside, Ronnie Wood arrived and wasn't photographed by them. Luckily I got a shot with him looking right at me. And very pleased too as I'm a fan of older music, which makes these photos even better.

Hans Klok and The Houdini Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:01:00 +0000

Hans Klok
© Nathan Hulse

I attended a photocall for 'The Houdini Experience' featuring Dutch illusionist Hans Klok. I had never heard of this guy before. It turns out he is well known across Europe and even had Pamela Anderson as his assistant for six month in Las Vegas. I enjoyed the photocall so much, I went back the following day to see the first preview show.

After attending both the photocall and actual show, I can say you actually watch the show without a camera in your hand. I have spoke to one photographer that books to see shows twice, once to photograph it, the second time to watch it. As a press photographer, it's great to get to photograph concerts, you don't get to enjoy it in the same way the normal public do as you have to concentrate on getting the shot.

If you like magic, illusions or circus performances you will probably enjoy this top class show. With some great illusions and amazing performers. You can catch the show at the Peacock Theatre on London between 23 Feb 2012 and 25 March 2012.

Tech info:- This shot was taken with my wide angle 17-40 lens at ISO 800 f/4 1/100 and processed in apples Aperture 3. No extensive photo manipulation, just a little contrast boost.

Caroline Monks Party

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Nicola McLean
© Nathan Hulse

I would guess many people would say "Who is Caroline Monk". She is Cancer survivor and hosted a party to celebrate the women involved in her cancer makeover campaign. She is also a PR and is involved amongst others the mercury prize awards. I did attend (as a photographer) a previous party of her's which was so well attended by celebrities, it was possible the same could happen on this occasion. Luckily it didn't and a few turned up, including Nicola Mclean who was recently in Celebrity Big Brother.

My Flash cable decided to stop working, I could only use the flash mounted on the top hot shoe, which tends to leave a horrible shadow in the background. On the link above, are my pictures, plus those from another photographer, you can see my pictures are slightly brighter, but also have the shadow in the background right.

Winter time

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Car driving on road, Finland
© Nathan Hulse

In the UK the winter is currently very mild. In other parts of the world it's business as usual. I've just returned from seeing family in Finland and took these pictures before going out visiting friends. In the UK, the country would probably grind to a halt when it snows. In Finland however it's business as usual.

Winter in Finland
© Nathan Hulse

Big Brother final 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I attended all but one of the Big Brother evictions in the latest series on channel 5. I was pleased to be covering them for Getty Images. When I first consider photography on a more series level, submitting to Getty Images was always one of my ambitions. Although I was hoping to submit to Getty Creative rather than editorial. Still, I achieved a goal.

Aaron Allard-Morgan
© Nat Jag

I can't admit to being a huge fan of Big Brother, I only watch it when I'm there at the house. I started to cover the evictions after the show had reached it's peak and started to lose ratings. The last series had poor ratings, however it must be pointed out that for channel 5, it was probably one of their shows getting higher viewing figures.

To the right is a wide angle shot of the winner Aaron walking out from the interview area. You can see the row of photographers at the top right. This was the first time I'm aware a winner was booed when they left the house.

I wonder how the Celebrity Big Brother will be, and if I'll get asked to cover that?

X Factor Childline Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Mary Byrne and Rebecca Ferguson
© Nathan J Hulse

An X factor childline ball was held last week (20th October 2011) at the Savoy hotel. "Great" I thought, a chance to photograph some of the most talked about people in the UK at the moment. Sadly, it was the most talked about people last year that I would get to photograph. In addition, it would only be two of them, Rebecca Ferguson and Mary Bryne. Remember them, I do, just. Also, present was Polly Woodward from the Gadget show, not a large name in the celebrity world, she is very attractive so worthwhile photographing. Also present were Esther Rantzen and Dermot O'Leary.

Big Brother first eviction

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:20:00 +0000

Tashie Jackson with host Brian Dowling is the first evicted
© Nat Jag

I'm lucky to be in the few that are covering Big Brother this season. Channel 5 only have limited space for press this season. However with the shows popularity dropping, the number of photographers would as well, even without the limited space imposed by the new outdoor set. I have also noticed the number in the audience seems to be lower this year. Perhaps they just don't have as many in, or not so many people want to be there on the 'live' eviction.

In addition to the standard shots, I try to get something a little different by capturing the whole scene. You can see the smaller audience with big gaps. Sadly the watermark covers the people in the picture. I'm sure you get the idea.

Big Brother ends as Big Brother Starts

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:11:00 +0000

Paddy Doherty leaving the house after winning Celebrity Big Brother
Host Brian Dowling waits to greet him.
© Nat Jag

I was lucky enough to cover the final of Celebrity Big Brother. Thinking that was the end for the season, only to find out that a new non-celebrity Big Brother was due to start the following day. I was at the start of the new Big Brother for channel 5. With the snappers in a new position looking down made it good for some wide angle shots to capture the whole event.

They are only allow in 10 sometimes 12 photographers. Many of the agencies that used to attend most weeks during the previous series were denied access this season. A shame. I think they look on the mail online to see which agency's pictures are used, forgetting to check the magazines as well. Still I was pleased to be able to cover the start and end of the recent series.

Albelli vs Blurb books comparison

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Both book covers

I recently ordered a book on Blurb.com, then a few months later a similar book from Albelli.co.uk. A friend asked how they compared with each other, so here are my few observations and conclusions. The books weren't ordered as a comparison, therefore wasn't intended as a direct comparison. Both were hardback with printed covers, Blurb book ordered with extra cost luster pages, while the Albelli one wasn't. I couldn't use Albelli's software on my mac as I have an older operating system, their online book creation software worked for my simple book design in this instance.

The print quality of both books is perfectly acceptable for me and the colours matched as close as possible to those displayed on my colour corrected monitor. The first observation is that the cover pictures, which was an extra cost option for both are different. The extra cost with blurb is approx £8.00 and £4.00 with albelli on the book sizes I ordered. With the Albelli book the cover is glossy, while the blurb book is matte (glossy on their softcovers).

While the blurb book was ordered with luster pages as an extra cost option, it's also an extra cost with albelli at 15-20p per page depending on book size. The Albelli book pages were as glossy as the blurb book. The pages in the blurb are thicker, which you can see by the advertised paper weight.

Albelli Book binding

Blurb Book Binding

The other observation is the inside front cover of both book. In the blurb book you can see the stitching, while the albelli book is covered up. On a closer inspection the pages are glued or similar in the albelli book. I did have more pages in the blurb one, there may be a cut off point when they switch to stitching as I have another smaller blurb book which is glued.

Is one better than the other? Should you choose one over the other? I don't think so, they both offer slightly different book sizes. I will continue to use blurb.com for my annual personal portfolio that I have started doing, even if just to keep the sizes consistent. Albelli.co.uk will suffice my other book needs. If you want to be able to offer your books to the public for sale, then blurb is you option as they are the only company that I'm aware of that offer this service. I have used apples book service, via Aperture software, also available via iPhoto. I wasn't so impressed with the quality of that book. Whoever you may use, it's great to look at pictures on pages of a book, rather than on the screen. It's much easier to hand round to other people to look at as well.

Let me know how you get on with your books.

Law and order on Alamy

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:45:00 +0000

Council Chambers or Court Room
© Nathan J Hulse

Well, not quite as the title of this post suggests. More a picture council chambers, that is sometimes used as a court room for film sets. Law and order does prevail in these places, with many decisions being made.

Since the beginning of the year I have noticed that gekko images has been "Closed for re-development work" and still is. Not a good way to see images if no one can access the site. Although my link to log in still works. I have managed to block all my images from being sold, if anyone is able to buy images through the site. Gradually I shall be moving my collection to other picture libraries I use, Alamy seems to be the obvious choice for most of them. I just have to find the original files from my own records.

My stock collection with Alamy is becoming a miss-match of various subjects rather than a specialist style I was hoping to concentrate on.

Pixie Lott lipsy launch

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Pixie Lott leaving the Lipsy launch
© Nathan J Hulse

I mentioned in a previous post that I took minimum equipment with me on one day with a few events on. I was asked to photograph Pixie Lott for the Launch of her Autumn/Winter launch of her Lipsy Collection. The photocall was for 1pm. It was pouring down with rain, I decided not to go. Had I have gone I would have taken a full bag of equipment and missed my last job of the day. Instead, I took minimal gear and decided to photograph Pixie leaving her event at the published time of 7pm. It was a good decision in my opinion. On the way in, she wore a black outfit. Coming out, she had changed to a red outfit, less photographers had the red outfit which in my opinion is a much better one. What do I know, I'm a bloke.

Kelly Brook - did I have a right to be there?

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:30:00 +0000

Kelly Brook at the Bulmers Cider Garden
© Nathan J Hulse

A few weeks ago there were a few events all on one day. The last of the events would be more of a paparazzi style photography than standing in a press. Doing that with a full back pack of gear isn't great. Other photographers are likely to just pull your backpack and make things difficult. I decided to take minimal gear with me one body, 17-40 and 50mm lens. I left my second body and 70-200 lens at home. I knew I wouldn't be to far from the celebrities and I rarely sell headshots, which I use my 70-200 for. I would still be getting the shots I needed. However, one photographer didn't see it that way. He told me I had no right to be there because I had no 70-200. Well, I was accredited I got the shots I needed. You decide. Shot taken with 50mm lens.

Berlin Wall 50th Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:01:00 +0000

Today 13th August 2011 is the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall. I'm not entirely it's an anniversary to celebrate, rather a time to remember those lives that were lost during the East/West German/Berlin divide.

I'm not a historian, so my facts and knowledge will be limited. I became interested in the wall last year when a heard a German tell me they use to work at the "War Museum". I didn't think Berlin would have a museum for the war so I checked and miss heard, it was "Wall Museum". This sparked my interest in the Berlin wall, why was erected and what did it stand for? When I was younger I was aware of the wall and I remember it coming down. I didn't really know that much about it. I was invited over to Berlin by friends I had met that lived there and visited three times. Each time I was there, the weather wasn't on my side to get great picture, snow, rain or just over cast. When it wasn't overcast or snowing, it was too dark to get any great shots without a tripod. I may go back another time. Anyway here are my few shots for the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Wall going up.

The Berlin Wall was originally built in 1961 by the communist authorities of East Germany in order to stop East Germans from fleeing west. At least 134 people lost their lives at the Berlin Wall.

Plaque where the Berlin Wall once stood
© Nathan J Hulse

A former section of the wall called the East Side Gallery
© Nathan J Hulse

Check Point Charlie
© Nathan J Hulse

Daisy Lowe at the Girly Show

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Daisy Lowe at the Girly Show Lounge
© Nat Jag

The Girly Show Lounge on Sunday 24th July was the only decent event I managed to get to for that week (24th - 30th) due to other commitments and lack of decent events. Luckily it was quite quite reasonable one with model Daisy Lowe attending (I think also performing) at the Girly Show lounge at the Windmill International. A few other celebs were spotted while waiting outside.

Rock Assembly with Tinchy Stryder and others

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Martin Lewis talking about fee's and student loans
© Nathan Hulse

I was asked if I (or anyone from my team) would like to cover the Rock Assembly at O2 on 20 July 11. It's a free event and loud assembly for kids with a few current and upcoming music artists performing. As I am first and foremost a musician, a chance to photograph live shows is always a bonus and good thing for me, what ever musical style. I like to see what is happening on the music scene and what age group like certain acts.

Tinchy Stryder in Arena pointing mode
© Nathan Hulse

The event started with a talk from money expert Martin Lewis talking about university and fee's. Good advice for the young generation about to embark on their next stages in life. Following that it was onto the main event. Top of the bill was Tinchy Stryder, not before one of the Audience sung acappella to the other 16,000 members of the audience, he was surprisingly good.

Other acts on were Chipmunk, Diversity, girl group Parade and SoundGirl, Hadouken plus dance troop diversity. The hosts were AJ and Clara from Kiss FM. Click here for full gallery.

Tech Info:- Equipment used, 17-40mm and 70-200 lens. All files processed through Aperture 3. Quick simple and easy. Pictures shown taken with 17-40mm lens.

Amy Winehouse - 1983-2011 - rest in peace

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:47:00 +0000

Amy Winehouse July 2010
© Nathan Hulse

Like many others I have been shocked and saddened by the news of singer Amy Winehouse death. I only got a chance to photograph her as a paparazzi twice, the final time thanks to photographer Danny Martindale who told me she was at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square in London. Where Amy was, there were likely many paparazzi about. Sometimes getting a clean picture wasn't easy. This picture seemed to sum up Amy's personality (that I knew about) quite well. One last drag on the cigarette before getting in her waiting car.

A sad loss to the music world. I often wonder if we are best to remember people in their prime, rather than in old age and they were great once. Amy was still great. Consider Buddy Holly, we only know the keen rock n roller vs Elvis whom many remember for being over weight, rather than the fresh faced rock n roller. Anyway, enough of my rambling.

London Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:59:00 +0000

London Eye, a photo by Nat Jag on Flickr.

On a recent trip into London I took a few friends of mine to see some of the usual attractions that London has to offer. I didn't have my tripod with me, I still managed to get this 30 second exposure by balancing my camera on the wall. I still had the strap around my neck just incase it fell into the Thames below. Unusually for me, just a photo that wont go to any agency.

Taken with my 17-40mm lens

Via Flickr:
London eye (and County Hall) at Night

Recycling on Alamy - latest additions

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:33:00 +0000

In my local area the refuse collection is changing which means new wheely bins or wheeled bins. Not being one to miss a photo opportunity I noticed all the bins being lined up in the street and being made ready for collection. I thought this could make for a useful picture. A little different from my normal subjects, now available via my collection on alamy.com.

Joe Jonas in London

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:11:00 +0000

A few weeks ago a had an email from the assignment desk asking if any photographers would like to photograph Joe Jonas. Two pieces of information were given. A chance to photograph him at a hotel in the afternoon and another chance when he went out for a meal in the evening. It was a paparazzi opportunity, not an official photocall. I had a photo job in the afternoon so I took the evening chance with Joe Jonas. I expected there would be a few other snappers and scream girl fans. There was nothing. I was the only one there, other than people that were there anyway. Joe arrived and I did get a great shot. I had a quick look at another job, then came back. I was still the only snapper there. Joe came out and I got better shots. For some reason, I called him "Nick"! Not sure why I made that error. Honestly, I did know his proper name. The following week he was at Radio 1, I understand there were 50 screaming girls outside. How lucky was I to get it so quiet.

The Queen and Prince Philip with the Camerons at Downing Street

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:09:00 +0000

My first proper assignment at 10 Downing Street, the residence of the Prime Minister of England. I had photographed the door before which can be seen on my stock collection with Alamy. Tuesday 21st I was asked if I could get there in time for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's arrival as the Prime Minister was hosting a lunch for the Duke's 90th Birthday. I got there just in time. Balanced on top of my ladder, with my 70-200 lens on my camera, I managed to get this shot and a few other which can be licensed via Wire Image. A photo that 3 years ago I would never have thought I'd take. With the Queens in frequent visits to Downing Street, I probably wont get the chance to again.

If I get asked to photograph someone at Number 10 again, I have a few things I know I didn't do, which I'll remember for the next time. Just like anything, you learn by your mistakes and experience. Nothing wrong with the pictures, just a few more variations I should have done, even in the few seconds we all had to take our pictures of the event.

Natalia Kills at Cherrytree Records Showcase

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:11:00 +0000

Monday 13th June I responded to an email asking if anyone would like to cover the CherryTree Records Showcase at Kings College, London. Despite replying 30 minutes after the email was send out, I still was first and maybe the only one to respond. Great. I actually miss-read the email expecting to see Taylor Momsen perform, only to be told she was a guest and would be ushered off to a VIP area, where I wasn't allowed to go.

As for the showcase, there was no specific area for the photographers. The few of us there, just stood almost at the front with the rest of the young audience behind us. I had my wide angle lens 17-40 and a long lens 70-200 for head shots. At times, the wide angle wasn't wide enough. The lighting was a challenge for this as it was only in a small room for student events, not major concerts.

As for the concert/showcase, a special guest appearance from Ellie Goulding, followed by Collete Carr, Natalia Kills and Frankmusik. I then left as I thought I saw girl group The Saturdays head towards the lift to exit. I grabbed a few shots of The Saturdays minus Una Healy as she left ahead of me. When I tried to get back in, I was so far away from the stage, I could only just see the top of the artists heads, that was the end of my night.

CherryTree Records brought Lady Gaga to the World and I think Natalia Kills will be the next big thing, but what do I know about modern music, I'm almost 40.

A night in London with Sienna Miller, Jameela Jamil and Bip Ling

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:10:00 +0000

Thursday 09 June 2010 was an average Thursday night in London. A few events that were average and then visiting the theatres at the conclusion of the night to photograph those celebrities that appear in shows.

The first of two events I looked at was a ShelterBox Pop-up shop launch, I understand Jameela Jamil was DJ'ing for the night. A few other guests arrived including Amber Atherton from TV show 'Made in Chelsea'. I didn't have a clue who she was until a few days previous. I don't watch these programs.

The next event was the launch of the Whisper Gallery in Eastcastle Street. The main guest on our list was Bip Ling. Again if I'm honest I didn't know who she is. I did ask her for a picture.

Bip Ling and Myself
Photo by Lee Tinklin

After these two events I visited a few theatre shows ending up at The Royal Haymarket theatre where Sienna Miller is performing (until 11 June). Sienna Miller is a popular celebrity to photograph so there were quite a few paparazzi there already.

So there you have it, a night out on the town. All with a 17-40 wide angle lens.

Mischa Barton visits Flash Trash in London

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:05:00 +0000

At recent event which was published for 6:30-9:00pm, by 8pm we don't expect anyone else to arrive, more we would look at the door for those leaving. Then from behind and crossing the road, not getting their driver to pull up to the door, walks the OC actress Mischa Barton wearing a rather interesting white and black outfit. Sadly for me, I wasn't on the best side (in my opinion) for this outfit. Check out FilmMagic to see more of my pictures from this event.

Katie Waissel at the Mayfair and Nicola Roberts at Radio 1

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Hulse) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:00:00 +0000

It has been really quiet for me recently, which means I have to be a little more pro-active. Thursday 2nd June was one such day I decided to do just that. I met a friend in London first, then headed to The Mayfair hotel. Always a popular place for celebrities to stay. I had about an hour to kill before looking at something else I had information about. Within a few moments of me arriving I saw Katie Waissel. Katie was in X-Factor 2010. I had previously taken her picture during the x factor live tour. She then left about 30 minutes later. Jedward were also staying at the Mayfair, even though I saw them, I wasn't quite so interested about taking their picture. Although some hysterical girls in the area where over the moon to see the twins. I also left to go and check out something else.

As I mentioned already, I had information that Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud was due to be at BBC Radio 1 for the debut airing of her new single 'Beat of My Drum'. I've not heard it yet myself. Many seem to like it. A slightly longer wait at Radio 1 for Nicola, she looked great and signed for all her fans waiting to see her.