The Fish Spot, Dominica.
During my 3 week trip to the Caribbean I had the chance to visit Dominica, an island South of Antigua. Unlike Antigua, Dominica is a really mountainous island with natural hot springs and tropical rainforests. Dominica is overflowing with fruit and veg and they have an abundance of wildlife above and below sea level so food is not scarce.
We found that when we stayed there we spent little to nothing in the shops except for the basics because the fruit and veg markets in Roseau (the capital of Dominica) were so fresh that we didn't need much of anything else. Some things we found ourselves- picking limes off the tree (for our homemade rum punch) or grabbing a hand of plantain from the garden to make chips in the evening -in one place we stayed we even had pineapple growing right outside our back door.
All of that I could really get used to, however seeing a Boa Constrictor down the path of our eco-hut was NOT something I could get used to- I guess every country has its ups and downs (gulp!)
Despite my encounters with sperm whales, giant leatherback turtles, boa's and rainbow coloured parrot fish... Fresh local food is something about Dominica that I'll never forget.
The photographs below are from an amazing opportunity I got got to capture local life. One night whilst hanging out with some local guys we decided to get something to eat after a few beers, they promised to take me and Alex to one of their favourite spots- the Fish Shack down the road in their neighbourhood. We gladly agreed and hopped off, beer in hand, to find ourselves some fresh catch of the day. When we walked in through the wooden doors we were immediately greeted with the characteristic Caribbean nod of the head, then a basin full of fish was presented from under the bar and we were asked to choose our fish of choice, and I chose Marlin.
The lady who prepared the fish for us gave me the amazing opportunity to capture her in action and gladly welcomed me into her workspace. She was a master of her craft, keeping the locals fed and watered. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you have fresh catch and a sturdy kitchen. I can honestly say it was some of the most delicious food I've had,
Half Moon Bay Hotel, Antigua.
A postcard of Half Moon Bay Hotel, 1960.
Half Moon Bay Hotel in Antigua was once a hotel for Hollywood’s biggest, it was visited by stars like Audrey Hepburn, Elton John and Eric Clapton, it had over 100 rooms and a 5* Chef. The original hotel (pictured on a postcard above) was built in the 1960’s, but became the victim of Category 5 Hurricane Luis in 1995.
The original American owners saw this as an opportunity to expand but the Antiguan Government decided it should pass hands to someone else who was of more financial benefit to the country. This was the beginning of a long legal battle between both parties.
Due to over twenty years of neglect, the property is now derelict and abandoned (and really eerie).
Gaelle & Germain
On Thursday I got to take Gaelle & Germain on a pre-wedding shoot in Antigua, we hopped from one beach to the next ending up at Shirley Heights lookout. Surrounded by steal drums and a rum punch - these destination wedding shoots aren't so bad. Gaelle & Germain are so much fun and bursting with love. Can't wait to shoot their Palma wedding in October- I'll say goodbye for now on this Caribbean Island and catch you on a Mediterranean one.
Laura & Tony
Making the long trip down to Ilfracombe, Devon, is always worth it, but this time it was special as I got to meet Laura & Tony who're tying the knot here next June. There's nothing like putting a couple to the test the first time you meet, and Laura & Tony didn't bat an eyelid, they braved gale force winds to climb up the side of a steep rocky hill just to get these views. Looking at how relaxed and natural they are in the shots you'd never have guessed that we nearly got blown off the side!
Denmark's finest Dim Sum
This year we spent Valentines weekend in Copenhagen and it was perfect. The city was absolutely gorgeous and the sun was shining the entire time (but.. it rarely reached above -3, eek).
The food scene in Copenhagen is thriving and there's no shortage of places to eat out, the only downside is the need to take out a small bank loan before you go because it's a little bit on the expensive side. Despite this, we managed to find the most beautiful little dim sum haven in the middle of the Meat Packing district- Magasasa Dim Sum & Cocktails, it was so delicious, and affordable!
We made a nut roast!
Whilst trying to be well behaved humans and reduce our meat consumption, we decided to commit our lazy Sunday to making a damn good nut roast.. And it was definitely that.
I have to say, it was a bit time consuming, but the ingredients were cheap and it was worth it! All you need is:
2 large parsnips
Oil, to grease
1 small savoy cabbage, 4–6 outer leaves only
150g hazelnuts
40g butter
1 red onion, finely chopped
150g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
100g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
100g stilton, crumbled (or other vegetarian-friendly cheese of your choice)
100g brown breadcrumbs
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
1 free-range egg, beaten
The recipe is outlined in the article below, oh and remember plenty of seasoning (because I forgot... But it was still very tasty!)
**Manchego the Norfolk terrier not included
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/dec/15/how-cook-perfect-nut-roast
Women's March on London, 21/01/17.
"We marched for the protection of our fundamental rights and for the safeguarding of freedoms threatened by recent political events. We united and stood together for the dignity and equality of all peoples, for the safety and health of our planet and for the strength of our vibrant and diverse communities.
We came together in the spirit of democracy, honouring the champions of human rights who have gone before us. Our numbers were- and still are - too great to ignore. and the message to the world is clear: We're here, and we aren't going anywhere!"
- https://www.womensmarchlondon.com/10-actions
Pie & Vinyl, Southsea.
Pie AND vinyl... What more could anyone want?
We went for the 'Freeranger' chicken, ham hock and cheddar Pie, of course we had to top it off with shallots, mash and peas and P&V's Wavy Gravy. Oh and we bought the new XX vinyl for dessert.
GO! It's so good. http://www.pieandvinyl.co.uk/
Amsterdam
We had two tickets to see the Pixies, not a lot of money and only two nights in the city, but our very last minute weekend break in Amsterdam couldn't have been more amazing!
Amsterdam really is like something from a children's book with the lopsided houses and narrow cobbled streets, then there's the not-so-children's book places but I'll leave that for now (ha).
Whilst in Amsterdam we stayed just outside the city in hotel V, it was phenomenal in every way, we had the most amazing food and drink (pictures of Hotels V's beautiful breakfast below), the staff were so personable and approachable and it was just a €2 train ride away from the city centre.
We took a canal cruise, visited the hipster-esque area of De Pijp, got some amazing veggie food and had some rum and hot chocolate in -3degree weather. We truely paced the streets of the Dam until we couldn't pace anymore. All in all, it was bloody fantastic.
Tunnels Beaches
The beautiful Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe- the most exotic location in all of England, and a dream venue for any wedding.
Meriem and Simon
Had the pleasure of shooting the most beautiful wedding yesterday in sunny Devon. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Reeve.
Bethell's beach
Months later i'm still getting through the NZ photo backlog, these are a few snaps of a night we spent at Bethell's beach in the North Island- featuring Pudey the cat, Hilly's house and a hidden beach festival. Take me back?
Summer walk to Kingston
It's easy to forget sometimes that I live in such a beautiful place. Big shout out to Talulah who walked 8 miles last weekend (and complained less than me). Happy Summer!
The lost roll.
This is a roll that almost slipped the net, I found it tonight and forgot it even existed. These are from the same camera (Mamiya 645) using the same type of film (Kodak Portra). only this time most shots were taken at the hauntingly beautiful and peaceful Angkor Wat temples, Cambodia- the last two are stray shots from NZ.
They almost got away, so glad they didn't.
NZ on 120mm film.
These photos were all taken on a Mamiya 645 using 120mm Kodak Portra film, I was a bit worried about how they would turn out as the rolls sat in the back seat of our campervan in the baking heat for two months... but something great happened and they cooked really well.
Eating fish & chips in Mapua, wandering around Wellington in the sun, making breadboards on the South West coast- I think I left my heart in NZ. I'll be back!
Bride and groom Edel & Conor at their wedding at Beech hill country house wedding, derry.