Joanna Millington

Cut & Cloth and a welcome return.

2011-09-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well - it's been a while!
I've missed this blog, it was my baby for a long time, and without it I've no doubt I would still be a happy amateur photographer. But it's kind of been a victim of it's own success and I now live in a wedding shaped world. I've been overwhelmed with how everything has taken off and couldn't be happier - but I do miss this old girl and have decided it's about time I gave her the love she deserves. I'm going to find the time to blog once a fortnight (more if I can, we'll see) - whether it be a whole story or even one shot, I'm making the effort to keep this one alive. I do have a photographic life outside the marital kind (don't get me wrong - I LOVE the wedding side of things) and it'll be fun to air some of it. So why not :)

First up, a handful of shots from Norwich Fashion Week (yes, believe it!). I was asked along by Flint hair to cover their part in the Cut & Cloth show - a collaboration between local hairdressers and independent clothes stores - and love working with this team so much I was happy to join in. With hair by Flint and Flamingo Amy, make up by the lovely Emily at Love Moi Makeup, clothes by Dog and Catfish, and an after party at the Birdcage, why wouldn't I... ;)

The team wanted a group shot so I asked them for their best vogue face - Flint owner Conor kills me in this photo!!

(not Cat or Dogfish outfits - but what's a fashion show without a little local 'couture'...)

Ah, feels good to be back xx

House music

2011-07-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Regular readers may remember my first blogpost feature on Cherry Cherry (RIP). Whilst I was there I came across a beautiful papercut, and vowed to follow up it's creator. As is natural in Norwich it didn't take much investigation... me: "kate, who did this?" kate: "that'll be Su Owen, would you like her number?". And with that I thought I had a feature on a crafter on my books. What I didn't expect was to get a returned call from Su saying that she'd jacked in her teaching job and set aside her papercuts to set up a new Home! So a few months on and House cafe 52's doors are open, the license is in place, the menu is expanding and I thought it was time to let you in.

House is a home from home. All the furniture and crockery is sourced from boot sales and secondhand shops, ie: worn in and comfy. The walls are lined with local art to be bought and books waiting to be read. This is the kind of cafe where you feel comfortable to come alone, buy tea (there's lots and lots of tea, tea is Su's speciality) and just hang. I went along with a couple of friends for a quick brew, bought toast and peanut butter for breakfast, settled on the sofa, and ended up buying a fish finger sandwich for lunch 3 hours later!

Kids are not only welcomed, but encouraged - Su is a mother of 3, god knows where she finds the time - and has catered not only with food but also activities.

And now her evening license has come through the fun has only just begun. Regular evenings are popping up such as Freestyle fingers, an arty evening for both relaxed and serious crafters, and - on the night I popped along - Tunesday Record Club. A night for dusting down your old vinyl (anything, I repeat anything, goes...) and taking your turn on the decks...

Set just yards from the Art Centre on St Benedicts this is the perfect pre gig bar, it's cosy, lively and has some great tunes...

Oh, and in case you're interested, I couldn't go down without taking something to slot on the decks myself... so what did I take? An old fav of mine... Je Suis Un Rock Star of course!

Don't knock it till you've tried it!!

Dinner time - a venture into music...

2011-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

A little fun here. Thought I'd try my hand at some stop motion for a music video. Sargasso Trio needed a quick and fun video for the release of their new single Dinner so we came up with the concept of a never ending dinner party. Naively I thought we could knock this up in an hour, though the reality (and more importantly the constant rain) meant it took the best part of two days. I now think Nick Park must be the most patient man in the world....

However, the end results are fun - and the song is bloody great!

Enjoy x

Sargasso Trio

2011-05-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Sargasso Trio, where do I start? Firstly, they are good friends of mine, so it may sound as though I'm biased, but honestly truly I'm not. Both my partner and I have worked in or around the music industry on and off for years and met more musicians and bands than I care to mention. But on all my travels, for these guys, I hold a torch.

I don't know whether it's their totally eclectic mix (couldn't even begin to categorise them), their versatility - they switch instruments and singers on nearly every track, their talent - and they are very very talented, both as songwriters and musicians, or the fact that, however good their recordings, they blow it out of the water on stage (which has always been a personal benchmark of mine). Whatever it is, I can't praise Emily, Ben, Pete & James enough. Being a big fan of the Ian Dury school of song writing, the line "she thinks he loves her for her mind, he thinks he loves her for her bum" is pure genius!

These few pictures, if truth be told, were taken some months ago whilst they were rehearsing for their second album. I've also shot them in the recording studio and in a wood, but the pictures don't really matter.

What matters is that album number two Get To Grips (following the fantastic Burnin' Burnin' Burnin') is finally out on July 4th. And if you want a taster, the launch night at Norwich Art Centre is on July 2nd where you can pick up some pre release copies!

Oh and if I haven't sold it to you yet... Listen and turn it up!

Bo Nanafana

2011-05-14T02:49:00.000-07:00

What. A. Night!!

This was a couple of first's for me. The first time I'd shot in a nightclub (such hard work, hats off to Rod Penn, the resident Bo Nanafana photographer!), and perhaps rather ashamedly, my first ever Bo Nanafana! If you've lived in or around Norwich long enough you've probably been to at least one in your time. If not, then let me tell you you're missing out.

Regularly held at The Talk, the nights are themed with titles such as Ju Ju Jamboree to Carry on Swinging. But always with one thing in common, dressing up and having fun!

Tonight's theme was Tropicana with a very Cuban rhythm. Held in the magnificent Spiegeltent as part of the Norwich & Norfolk Festival tickets sold out months in advance and the doors opened to a long queue of festival goers and Bo regulars all decked out in feathers, flowers and fedoras.

Love this guy! This is the second time I've encountered magician Bob Percy, and he never fails to impress. Seriously, if you're having a party, hire him... you're guests will thank you.

Nights always start with a quick dance lesson dependant on the nights theme. So no excuse not to get down later...

Outside in the Spiegel gardens guests lounged under the stars while DJ's played all night and the Relish boys served up the most incredible gourmet burgers (my venison burger may have saved my life from the late night tequila session...).

And the highlight of the evening? The one and only Cuban Brothers! I caught them once years ago playing in Shoreditch, but they just get better and better. I've never seen so many smiles in one room. Love love love these guys x

Somewhere in here is Helen Stoneley, one of the Bo Nanafana directors and the lady who invited me and my camera along for the evening. Thanks Helen, I had the best night x

Keep your eyes peeled for the next Bo, back at The Talk. You can bet I'll be there... x

Clutter City

2011-05-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

On a sunny Saturday in April I decided to take my camera down to Norwich Arts Centre and spend the day with Clutter City. Having popped in on many occasions I knew what to expect, but this is the first time I spent an entire day there, and the first time I realised just how much talent there is under that little church roof.

Clutter City is a local arts and craft fair organised by Kelly Robb and this April saw it's 3rd Birthday (hence balloons... everywhere!). Every corner from the grassy entrance, through the hallways, and right up onto the stage, is crammed with handmade goodness. From jewellery, to screen prints, cakes to clothing, stuffed puppets to, well you get it - pretty much everything.

Many stall holders have now become regulars and it's not hard to see why. The place is buzzing all day, the atmosphere relaxed and almost that of a harmonious family. People come to browse, chat and shop. And when they've had their fill there's still the NAC cafe bar which hosts live music all day.

I had the best day and stayed long after the last stall had packed up and gone home. In fact I had such a day I've decided to take part in the next Clutter City on 2 July. 'Doing what?' you say... well you'll just have to pop along and see :D

I came across Tawny Owl and the Birds Of Prey playing in the bar. You must hunt them down!

ps : Sadly I don't know every stall holder and didn't want to add a few random links. But if you are a Clutter City stall holder, please by all means send me your link and I'll add a list. Hope to see you all on July 2 x

Un après-midi avec Girl Dubois

2011-05-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to take some promotional shots for the wonderful Girl Dubois and enjoyed the day so much I thought I'd share some images with you. Girl Dubois are two girl outfit Antonia and Helen who's french/english vocals cover classics such as Roxanne and Girl accompanied by that most french of all instruments - the accordion.

The day of the shoot was a scorcher and we decided to shoot in The Bicycle Shop on St Benedicts. Antonia had arranged for make up artist Johanna Martin to meet us there. Johanna, you might be interested to know, worked on Lark Rise to Candleford and also (I was strangely excited to discover) Last of the summer wine! So while the girls and I drank more wine and Pastis than is perhaps professional Johanna not only made the girls look beautiful but also filled us in with gossip on Nora's curlers (and some...)!

Honestly, I drank so much that afternoon it was a wonder I was able to focus my camera! But thankfully we did manage to get some shots in and the girls looked fantastic.

You can catch Girl Dubois regularly at The Plough Norwich, and also at Play Fest in May - I strongly recommend you do.

Jusqu'à la prochaine fois, au revoir x

A Most Curious Wedding Fair!

2011-04-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's ever got married, thought of getting married, or is even an 'always the bridesmaid never the bride' type will no doubt have come across at least one wedding fair in their time. These events are grand affairs, filled to the rafters with dresses, cakes and limos. And while I know many who enjoy them, frankly they leave me a little flat.
Thankfully I'm not the only one.
Becky Hoe-Hale is one of the new breed who believes weddings should be unique, personal and most importantly, fun. Founder of A Curious Party vintage hire company she decided Norwich needed a Curious Wedding Fair that would be all of these things! And so on a sunny Saturday in April St Andrews Hall become home to some of the most creative wedding vendors in the region (and beyond in some cases!). She was obviously on to something as the doors opened at 11am to a big queue and over 900 visitors mingled and browsed throughout the day.
I even managed to bag my first ever stall - but had to leave it in the capable hands of Paul & Lisa (thanks guys x) so that I could cover as much of the day as I could. There was so much to see that by 5 o clock I was drained. But it was a fantastic day, everyone had made such an effort and it showed. I could've posted a thousand pics here as there was so much to see!
And as we walked home to a well earned wine, stall props under arm, I hinted to Paul (for the first time ever in 17 years) that actually, it would be quite nice to walk the aisle... ;D

Mrs Hoe Hale herself, seen here second from left. It should be noted that Becky gave birth to her first child - the beautiful Bella - just weeks before the event. Certainly not a girl who believes in putting her feet up!! x

I LOVED the tea room x

Becky has plans to make this a regular affair (after a well earned break no doubt) and I'm sure I speak for everyone there when I say it can't come soon enough x

Prim Vintage Fashion

2011-04-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Being a child of the 70s my student days in the mid 80s consisted of trawling charity or 'secondhand' shops as they were then known. There, if you were lucky, you'd find some local stylish gran had cleared out her wardrobe and you could fill up a plastic bag with some foisty, slightly grubby goods for a couple of quid to be scrubbed and fixed up at home.

Oh how times have changed! Second hand has now become vintage, with stock sourced from specialist dealers around the world, cleaned, pressed and in pristine condition ready to be discovered and loved all over again in beautiful little boutiques up and down the country.

And one of the finest examples can be found right here in Norwich Lanes.

Prim Vintage Fashion was opened on St Benedicts in 2008 by Shona Darling Daly and James Nisbet and is home to some of the finest threads for miles around! These guys really know their vintage. Shona has been trading online since 2003 and has built up relationships with some of the best suppliers in the country (which she quite rightly keeps close to her chest...). Her boyfriend James worked for many years in retail management around central London - so when they decided to put their heads together, move to Norwich and set up in bricks and mortar a star was born!

The shop was designed and laid out themselves so they are proud of every inch and corner, but perhaps most importantly they know their stock! They can (and are happy to) tell you which era every piece dates from, so if it's a particular look you're going for you're in luck. Clothes, shoes, boots, bags, belts, jewels... it's all here, and not a plastic bag in sight!

The men's department is tucked away in an underground cellar. There's some real finds down here, not least one of the best shoe collections I've seen in a while. And if you're just hanging out while your girlfriend shops upstairs, there's plenty of reading material...

After a dose of serious shopping, do yourself a favour and head across the road to The Bicycle Shop, one of my all time favourite cafe bars...

I'll leave the final word to Shona and James themselves who can explain the benefits of vintage so much better - all I know is I love a good dress when I see one, and pay day can't come quick enough...

Why Choose Vintage?

Flamingo Amy

2011-03-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you a little something about my hair. It's thick, dry, frizzy and if I must confess, going a little grey (ok more than a little...). I believe out of sight out of mind, it's all I can do to run my fingers through it most mornings. I've got by like this for more years than I care to mention and I've passed caring about it. But if I ever get the call to make a little more effort I think I may have found the lady to tackle the task!

Amy Taylor is a vintage hair stylist - and having watched her at work for two hours last Saturday I can tell you she's a damn good one.

Originally from Southend on sea Amy came to Norwich in 2003 to study at the NUCA. By the time she graduated in 2006 she had fallen for our fine city and decided to set up home. During this time she had attended a Rock n Roll weekender and it was here that her love for the 40s and 50s was born. She even married a Johnny Cash tribute artist Sun Of Cash (who I've since checked out and is well worth a listen!).

So in 2008 she launched Flamingo Amy, originally selling hair accessories, she now has a Saturday residence in Flint Hair Salon on Bridewell Alley. From this lovely spot she styles hair for everything from fashion shoots to weddings and every occasion in between. Armed with not much more than a can of hairspray, a comb and armfuls of hair pins Amy can transform your modern day swinging locks into magnificent curls, quiffs and beehives! It really is something to watch...

On the day of my visit she was doing a trial run on bride to be Daisy who is getting hitched in April. Daisy had brought in a picture of her beautiful 40s style wedding dress (her groom was dressing as a farmer - would love to see that!). After going over images of the dress and a consultation Amy set about trialing various styles, taking pictures as she went so that Daisy could look through them in her own time ready for Amy's arrival on the big day.

It was such a relaxed sunny morning, Flint hair is a great place to be. Owner Conor O'Brien who worked for years from his Clerkenwell salon is not only a top hairdresser, he also collects art - it's worth popping in just to check out his collection ranging Mr Bingo to Stella Vine.

For two hours we chatted & laughed while I shot and Amy worked her magic on Daisy. This really is quite a skill, but she makes it look all too easy. And yes I asked, and yes she does set her own hair every. single. day!

I really do need to make more of an effort...

Flint owner Conor O'Brien sneaking a peek...

Amy will be showing at the Vintage Wedding Fair in St Andrews Hall on April 16th (where you can also catch yours truly shooting away). So if you want to see her in action yourself, this could be the perfect opportunity...

Daisy was off on her hen night straight from her session with Amy - and although she had no idea what her friends had in store, she was certainly going to bring a little glamour to proceedings x

Thanks for having me in Amy, you really are one talented gal!

And a special thanks to Daisy for being such a lovely model - good luck with the wedding, you're going to look Flamingotastic!! sorry, couldn't help myself ;D

A New Toy!

2011-03-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

I love this!

I have just been given a Rolleiflex tlr and handful of film in return for a band shoot. The guys in question are looking for a very retro look for their album promos, and along with the 5D/photoshop route we struck a deal for me to learn how to use this baby for the shoot in return for her coming to live with me on a permanent basis. I love film, though have had varying success with both my 35mm and 120mm slr's (wish I had a darkroom). But just holding this lady excites me and I really want to get something from her. I'm taking her out at the weekend, once I've ploughed the internet and youtube for tips. But if anyone out there has any advice, I'll take it all... x

Girl In A Thunderbolt

2011-03-08T03:44:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to shoot this girl for so long, and anyone who's ever seen her perform will know why. On the day of the shoot the sun was out, we somehow managed to find the perfect location (don't ask me where, deepest darkest Norfolk I think, we did get a little lost), and Maria was on splendid form.

For those that don't know or haven't yet heard Girl In A Thunderbolt she is a one woman outfit, although the last time I saw her perform she had put together a fantastic band (I hope they stay). Her performances are both unique and mesmerising and she has one hell of a voice. I think it's best you hunt her down yourself. She is playing this Wednesday 9th at The Bicycle Shop Norwich and she also has an album available both from her website or via the power of iTunes.

Oh, and I did try to leave some of Maria's music here for you to listen to, but I'm afraid my technological skills let me down, but I'll leave a link at the end so if you like what you see, do yourself a favour and hear the voice that goes with it ;D

A little link to Soundcloud... enjoy x

Sneaky Peek : Girl In A Thunderbolt

2011-03-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I started editing a shoot I did last Friday with Maria aka Girl In A Thunderbolt. After driving around for what seemed like hours we found the most fantastic location (don't ask me where - it's a miracle we made it home at all), the sun was out for the first time in what felt like a year, and Maria looked just stunning. I've still got a tonne of images to edit, but love them so much I had to post a sneaky preview!

The whole Girl In A Thunderbolt story will be revealed in the next couple of days. Watch out x

The Window Coffee

2011-03-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I was introduced to the very talented (and also quite lovely) Hayley Draper, owner of The Window Coffee on Norwich's Wensum Street. If you haven't yet heard of it The Window Coffee shop is thought to be the worlds smallest cafe, so when Hayley asked if I could take some photos for her new website I thought sure, ten minutes of photography, could slot it in before breakfast!

So several days later I left the kids (who were on half term hols) with Dad and told them I'd be back in half an hour. How wrong I was! Sure it may well be the worlds smallest cafe, but it is also the worlds most welcoming, most cosy and well, most social cafe - certainly that I have ever come across anyway. And so three and a half hours, two incredible coffees, and one pork pie later I headed home with nearly 200 shots and a few new friends.
I'll tell you a little more about Hayley and her cafe in a moment, but first come in and take a seat...

During her travels around Australia Hayley fell in love with coffee and the whole cafe scene. I mean truly fell. I like my coffee, I know what strength I like, a few brands I prefer more than others, and that I never let Paul make me a coffee unless I have a strange craving for Mellow Birds. But Hayleys love and knowledge of coffee is bordering on obsession. Upon returning to the UK she knew that all she wanted to do was brew and when she stumbled across the vacant 25 Wensum Street store she knew it was the perfect spot to do just that. So just over a year ago The Window Coffee's door opened for the first time. Just the right size to play host to a handful of customers at a time, but not so big that she gets bogged down with staff and paperwork - freeing her up to just do what she loves most, make coffee! And boy does she make a good cup...

When I told Hayley I liked my brew straight up on the rocks her eyes lit up and she told me I HAD to try an Aeropress. A relatively new invention it uses air to filter the ground coffee through a fine paper (don't ask me the science, but ask Hayley and she'll happily guide you through) so what you end up with is an incredibly clean and pure tasting cup which leaves the most heavenly taste in the back of your mouth. The clear plastic Aeropress contraptions are sold in the cafe - along with various packs of Hayley's handpicked roasts - so you can pick up everything you need to get a fix at home.

But then you'd be missing out on the second thing that makes The Window my favourite coffee shop in Norwich, and that's the company...

Hayley seemed to know everyone who walked through the door (and in my three and a half hour stay the cafe wasn't empty for more than a minute) and if they were first timers swift introductions were made and another regular was born.

But perhaps most importantly, with nothing more than a long bench and a comfy old stall to squeeze on, you had no choice but to chat with your fellow drinkers. And chat we did! It's real cafe society in here. Even Hayley's counter is pushed up against the wall so she doesn't get trapped behind and can join in the gossip.

On top of all this there's a great array of cakes and buns - I even got to feed my Brays Pork Pie addiction!

If you're Norwich based or Norwich bound you'd be sorry to miss this wonderful little place.

Oh, and one final note. Hayley is currently competing in the UK Barista Championships. She stormed her last round and is heading for the semi-finals in London on March 15th with the finals the following day. Her current scoring puts her a 'coffee bean's throw' from being crowned the winner.

So soon the UK's finest cup of coffee could be brewed up in the Worlds Smallest Cafe. I wish you all the best of luck Hayley, you've earned it!

Cheers x

STOP PRESS: 85 entrants, 3 rounds, god knows how many coffees. Hayley's highest hopes were to make it to the finals. Not only did she achieve this, but she came 5th, and is now the highest ranking female barista in the UK! For her first year this is one hell of an achievement and I have a feeling this girl could one day be number one. Though judging from the response her customers greeted her with on her homecoming, they already think she is! Congratulations Hayley... my first blogged celeb ;D

An invite from Cherry Cherry

2011-02-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

So, last week I got to roll three treats into two splendid hours. Firstly, spending time in Cherry Cherry which, if you haven't already discovered for yourself, is one of those little stores that instantly pops into your head for gifts (whether for loved ones, or preferably for yourself), no matter whether you have fifty quid or a handful of silver in your purse.

Starting off as a concession in The Perfect Pad in Norwich's Lanes it was no surprise it soon outgrew it's nest and took up residence a few doors down in what is now an impossible place to pass without at the very least a glance and preferably (if you know what's good for you) a purchase. In it's own words 'selling all things handmade and crafty' Cherry Cherry is the brainchild of Kate Seaward who quite frankly has an eye for sourcing the very best in local illustrators, designers, and as she puts it 'crafters'. I love this shop, it's a true feast for the eye (and in my case the lens), it's bright even on the greyest day, and most importantly friendly. Even if you're not shopping it's got to be worth a browse, I promise you won't regret stepping through the door!

Which brings me to my second, Kate herself. I've only known Kate a little over a year but she's one of those girls you instantly feel comfortable around (which is reflected, I think, in her shop). She's originally an illustrator herself, though had to put a lid on her pens for several months while she got her shop in order. I had asked her to put some words together about herself, but she finds it easier to plug others rather than blow her own trumpet (god knows she was a little camera shy, unjustifiably...). I do know she has a love of birds (one of her own illustrations is inked on her wrist which I guess is the ultimate accolade), moustaches ;D and her beautiful little Daschund Jerry.
I will come to my third in a moment, but first, a quick browse...

Amongst the many many beautiful prints I discovered this wonderful papercut. Can you think of a more beautiful wedding gift? I intend to find out more about this lady and report back later...

Ok, I could go on, but I think you should really check the place out for yourself, you won't be sorry...

Which brings me to my third and I guess the reason I'm here. Kate recently contacted me to say she had turned her hand to wedding stationary. What started by chance, a bride to be popping by hoping to find something unique, has turned into yet another new venture. The bride commissioned Kate to design some bespoke invitations, and upon return was so happy with what she saw, beautifully illustrated and so obviously hand drawn, she put in an order for some place settings, order of service and Thank you cards.

Working from the back of the shop, with one eye on her business at all times, the invites are hand cut and embossed.

I doubt this will be my last post from Kate or Cherry - as we speak she has big plans to open an artist's studio on the ever expanding Wensum Street, watch this space...

Until then x

ps : after editing these pictures I HAD to go back and buy that skull and scissors bracelet, I love it! (don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from) ;D

Postcards

2011-02-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

Finally picked an image for my new postcards, that was the easy part - choosing what colour to go on the back... that took me an hour!

Valentine

2011-02-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

With 17 years under our belts P & I don't go heavy on Valentine. But I think the first proper sunny day in what seems like six months must've gone to our heads as today brought flowers, a huge pub lunch and a far too large glass of wine (or two...). All of which needed to be walked off before the school run. Luckily we were minutes away from one of my favourite spots - the University of East Anglia where I got to spend half a glorious hour in the sun with the beauty of the swans, and the daftness of P high on an out of character lunchtime drink. I only wished I hadn't been laughing too much to capture him falling out of a tree...

Happy Valentine y'all - hope you get to spend it with the one you love x

Random

2011-02-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

Plenty of stuff to look forward to over the next week, including some gorgeous hand drawn wedding invites, more music & illustration, and something sweet to eat...

So have a cup of tea while you wait (cake to follow...) and check back soon x

Sargasso Trio

2011-02-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

I was shooting some promos for some good friends (and one damn fine bunch of musicians) the Sargasso Trio. There was, of course, the obligatory run of moody live shots and some great experimental dark of night stuff (you'll have to look them up if you want to see more - and please do, you'll find something good for your ears while you're at it). But just as we were about to wrap things up, the giggles kicked in for both me and the band. And it goes without saying these were my favourite shots. I doubt these will ever touch a flyer or newspaper - but I hope they'll look back on these one day and remember what good friends they were x

Portraits

2011-02-01T14:45:00.001-08:00

I'm new to this, so give me time. All good things come to those who wait...