Black and White definitely still has it's place.

Recently I've had the pleasure of working with a local vintage Bentley restoration company in Hertfordshire. NDR specialise in bringing pre 1931 Bentleys back to their former glory, and I have to say, their knowledge, passion for the cars, along with their craftsmanship and attention to detail is just incredible. Where possible, original methods are still used (seats and body panels still being stuffed with horse hair is just one example) to restore the cars and it's fascinating to see such artistry in this day and age.

For me, as a car lover, this was a really exciting shoot. Briefed to capture the atmosphere of the workshop, and to show off the craftsmanship within the team, I spent half a day buzzing around trying to get some great shots which will be used on the company website.

It's all too rare these days to see really nice black and white images being used on websites, but converting to black and white is something that I really enjoy. It really does suit certain subjects and I knew immediately that these shots would look great in monochrome. I supplied Neil at NDR with both colour and black and white copies of each image and we both agreed that the black and whites really stood out.

I have also been shooting some of the beautiful cars that NDR currently have for sale. More on this to follow...….

New Studio Space

Until recently I always hired a studio space when necessary, and did all of my editing work from a home office.

Last year though I started to get itchy feet, and wanted to separate work from home. So, I now work from a remote office with a small studio space. Not only does this mean that I can tackle  studio projects, but it means that I get to keep fit by cycling to the office when not  out on location

The office itself is in a beautiful spot on a farm between St Albans and Hitchin, and I couldn't be happier with it.

I have invested in some shiny new studio equipment, and to date have photographed a local comedian (@vickyarlidge) and various products including furniture and jewellery. There will be plenty more to follow, so watch this space!

Sent to a care home, at 31.

And what a care home. Newly built Buckelsham Grange in Ipswich was the location, and it was a very enjoyable shoot.

The brief was to photograph the interior and exterior spaces, and also to capture a range of models enjoying the facilities to add a lifestyle element to the images. The shots will be used in marketing and advertising material.

Bucklesham Grange boasts spa facilities, a hair salon, a cinema, private dining rooms, a sweet shop, beautiful gardens and even chickens and Doves to keep the residents entertained. This was always going to be a very busy day, but with a little help from my assistant Tom, I think we got a really nice set of images......

A fresh new website!

My fresh new website launched last week, designed by my good friends at The Collective Design.

With much larger images, and being built in html it's a vast improvement over the old site, and you can now enjoy it on your Ipad or Iphone. Please head to www.marksims.co.uk to check it out!

It's a tough gig..........

Last week, as you'll know if you follow me

on twitter, I was working in the Caribbean - The British Virgin Islands to be specific. Boat

International Media flew me over to cover the Loro Piana sponsored Caribbean Superyacht Regatta. I'm a lucky man.

Before you think this blog post is purely about me being smug, it was honestly really hard work. I had a great time, and went to many places that were absolutely spectacular, but with early starts, late finishes, and love of rum, by the end of the week I was exhausted.

I was really busy in the run up to this event, and it was only confirmed last minute that I would be going at all, so I didn't have a lot of time to research where I was going. This meant that I didn't really know what to expect. I have to say, I was blown away by the area - It was totally stunning. The local people are friendly, very laid back, and I can definitely see why Richard Branson chose to buy an Island there - I would too if the opportunity arose!

The event went very well, with great sailing conditions throughout, and some lively parties in the evenings.

Based mainly on land, I saw pelicans, needle fish, sea turtles, and lizards (One chose to make my bedroom his home!). Another photographer who spent most of the week buzzing around over the race action in a helicopter, saw iguanas, pink flamingos, and Tiger Sharks. I certainly didn't expect such a vast array of wildlife, but it made the trip all the more enjoyable.

Thanks to all of the Boat International Media team. As always it was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to seeing you all at the next event.

Here are a few photos from the week, and once I have had a chance to work through everything, I'll probably add more. Enjoy!

Making time.

As a photographer ideas occasionally pop into my head for an image or series of photographs that I think would be really striking or interesting. Regrettably these little opportunities often get missed, or I just never get round to doing them. I'm a busy man these days, but making time for these little escapades and experiments is something I've decided I should really improve on.

The last time I did this I took one of my favourite shots (the watercress farmer above). I really love this image. I like the man and his proud expression, but I also like the colours, the textures, and the way his two Border Collies were looking at me and him - It really draws you into the photograph.

I entered this image into the National Portrait Gallery Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize a couple of years ago, but sadly they didn't rate it as I do and it didn't get through to the final exhibition. Mind you very few of the 10,000 entrants do! I'm proud of this photograph, and it now hangs on the wall by our dining table.

Shortly after I entered the portrait prize I had another idea, but for a series of portraits this time. At this stage I won't disclose what my idea is, but I have finally decided to make time time to start on the project this Friday, and I'm very excited about it indeed. It should provide a fascinating insight into rather unusual, and largely unseen society.

Watch this space - All will be revealed in due course!

Debenhams Ottaway and more!

Well I really don't know where the last five or six weeks have gone since I last posted on my blog - Time is flying by! Things have been rather busy, which is fantastic. Fingers crossed it will stay this way.

So what have I been up to? Well, I've been working on a series of profile shots for Debenhams Ottaway Solicitors in St Albans (see example above). Over the next couple of weeks I will be shooting head and shoulders portraits of all fifty staff for intranet use.

Other recent jobs, to name a few, have included photographing famous Russian chef, Anatoly Kohm, for Yachting Magazine Russia, I have photographed The University of Hertfordshire school of pharmacy, I've taken photos of the new olympic white water centre, and shot some Scalextrics for a advertising campaign. A mixed bag I'm sure you'll agree!