“Thank you very much for the photos of the Brain Game, they are brilliant and just what we wanted. I am really pleased with how the new light design came across in the photos and you have captured the evening’s atmosphere wonderfully!”
Amy Downing – Corporate Events Development Manager , Marie Curie Cancer Care
It’s that time of year again when Marie Curie Cancer Care team up with Housebuilder to raise extraordinary amounts of cash for their cause. Supported by Housebuilder Media and NHBC, this event is a major highlight in the Marie Curie calendar. As a seasoned event photographer my task was to capture the energy and excitement this gala celebrity evening had to offer.
Each year I try to build on my own expectations as well as the organisers, such as I might try out some new lighting technique or a new lens. This year I invested in a brand new Nikon 35mm f1.4. This is one of the best general use lenses on the market with outsanding depth of field in low light, perfect for event work. It’s wider than the 50mm f1.4 so better for those for groups and excellent at close range, as you can get really close up into the detail. On my other camera was my 135mm f2 lens – this lens is small and less intrusive than my 70-200mm so works well in crowded rooms and again creates a great bokeh!
Helping generate atmosphere as well as donations there were was a team of well know faces including presenters Anneka Rice, Penny Smith and actors The Chuckle Bros, Linda Robson, Vicki Michelle and a guest appearance from Antonio Carluccio via video link. They hosted a bunch of exciting games and quizzes and it was my job to capture the interaction and excitement generated throughout the eventing. Guests were treated to a 3 course dinner during the quiz action before they were then catapulted into full auction chaos with renowned auctioneer and commentator Jonny Gould.
There were teams from major housebuilders which included Barratt, Crest, Taylor Wimpey and Bellway – mixed with suppliers, lawyers and the people behind Housebuilder Media all in it for fight to crown themselves with the Brain Game trophy.