BT Storytellers: A Gold Carpet Engagement

 

When I was chosen in July as a BT Storyteller, I never imagined that two months later I would be standing alongside the gold carpet at the BT Olympic Ball snapping photos of internationally renowned athletes, celebrities and Royalty!!  This was my first assignment as a BT Storyteller and it was a Whopper!

It was a day full of nervous anticipation and adrenaline.  I couldn’t calm my imagination as I sat in Costa drinking the enormous cup of coffee that I ordered, all the while thinking, “As if I really need more caffeine right now.”

When 16:30 finally rolled around, I couldn’t wait any longer and I phoned my BT contact, Jasmine, to let her know that I had arrived.  Then it was time to check in and get my accreditation.  (It’s always a great feeling when they actually find your name on the list.)  Name checked off, I received my wristband and lanyard and proceeded to the bullpen area.  On the way there, I met Caroline, whose job it was to bring the BT Athlete Ambassadors over to have their photo taken both with me and by me.  I also met fellow photographer Antony, who helped me to feel comfortable and filled me in on what to expect throughout the event.  Part of his job, as event photographer, was also to chronicle the night for all the Ambassadors and Storytellers in attendance.  That was a lot of fun too, having my photo taken on the gold carpet, again something I never expected to get to do.

I was lucky enough to be joined at this event by another Storyteller, Tom Mallion, of @TwoWheelDocs whose documentaries are truly exciting and inspiring.  Do check out his videos on YouTube if your interested in the Olympics and seeing his story of the games from a very artistic and entertaining point of view.

Check out my previous post for more about the behind the scenes action and the people the made the day for me.

The arrivals began about 6:00, with the arrival of Dai Greene Team GB 2012 Hopeful in the 400m hurdles.  It continued for the next two hours, a steady stream of the nations best and brightest.  For me, there were several highlights, whom I would like to showcase in my photos below.

Just a few highlights from the night.

-Miranda Hart, co-host of the ball, stops for a quick snap.

-What a dress!  Sharron Davies Union Flag train certainly captured the patriotic mood.

-American and former Olympic Athlete, Ed Moses, representing the good Ol’ U S of A.

-Ade Adepitan, paralympic basketball star, looking especially dapper in a red shirt and blue velvet jacket.

-Big smiles from Lee Pearson MBE, Paralympian Equestrian.

-A quick glimpse at Princess Anne as she heads into the ballroom.

-Bryony Shaw, Olympic Windsurfer captures the spirit of the games wearing a dress with adornments made from a sail.

-World Cycling Road Race Champion, Mark Cavendish and his girlfriend Peta Todd pose for some snaps.

-Sir Steve Redgrave, Denise Lewis and Audley Harrison are interviewed by the worlds media.

-Former Spice Girl, Mel C, aka Sporty Spice, lives up to her name by attending one of the sporting support events of the year.

Throughout the event, the Storytellers team were extremely encouraging, helping me to really feel a part of the event and fit in with the other photographers who were there doing their job, just as they’d done hundreds of times before.  They reassured me that it was alright to get involved and hold my ground.  By the end of the night, I was definitely doing just that, really letting everyone know that I was there and calling out to the athletes to look in my direction along with the rest of the group so that I could get the shot, with the perfect line of sight.

Not only did I get to take some fab photos of many of my favorite athletes, but I was also lucky enough to have my photo taken with some whom I respect the most, including the Brownlee Brothers (Alistair and Jonny, Team GB Triathletes), Ade Adepitan (Team GB Pralympian, Basketball) and Lee Pearson (Team GB Paralympian, Equestrian).  What an honour!

My first assignment as a BT Storyteller was more than just a great day out, it was inspiring.  It has shown me a whole new genre of photography and how accessible it can be with a bit of hard work.  I was also inspired by the athletes themselves.  Even in front of the lenses, both photo and video, they seemed to remain quite humble and willing to stop for the odd interview or quick snap before heading into the venue for a great night of entertainment, which lasted into the early hours.

 

Thanks to everyone on the BT Storytellers team for affording me this opportunity and I really hope to work with you all again very soon!

Please check out my Events Mini portfolio from the Portfolio tab here on the blog for lots more photos from this fab event.