Prince William

I am sure that I am not the only one who wishes to extend sincere congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton on their engagement to be married. Last year I was lucky to be granted a Royal Rota pass to photograph Prince William as he visited Cumbria. As patron of the Mountain Rescue he climbed Helvellyn with members of a couple of the local Mountain Rescue Teams. Over the years I have photographed many Royals including Prince William's father, Prince Charles and his grandmother the Queen. As most press photographers who work on the rota will know it can involve a lot of hanging around waiting for the arrival, opening something or shaking hands with dignitaries and the odd walkabout. Having said that I enjoy photographing the Royal family every time they visit Cumbria.

   The morning of the visit it was pouring with rain and water was running down the path to Red Tarn like a river. The press had to leave for the tarn an hour ahead of the Royal party. Luckily we hadn't been at Red Tarn long and the rain stopped. The sun even came out just as Prince William strode into view. This was a different kind of royal visit to the kind of one I had shot previously. Normally even on the rota it is all very formal and you have a few moments to get the shots and then move onto the next photo op position. This time it was very different the Prince was very relaxed and I was impressed at how he quite happily chatted, laughed and joked with the Mountain Rescue Teams and us the press. This was the first time I had photographed him and I had wondered in light of how his mother Princess Diana had been hounded by the paparazzi just what he thought of photographers today. It was a pleasure to photograph him and I reckon that the monarchy is in safe hands with William. I know that as news photographers we want to get the shot but I hope that William and Kate are afforded the privacy they deserve and once again well done William and Kate.

Agri Expo 2010 in Carlisle

Stuart Walker Photography has again had the pleasure of capturing Agri Expo 2010. Agri Expo is fast becoming the premier livestock event on the calendar, the show just gets bigger a better with entries from all over the UK making their way to Borderway Mart, Carlisle.
See below a few highlights from the day.

Supreme Champion, Alejandro from M J Alford, Fox Hill, Farm, Cullompton, Devon. Led by Michael Alford

Adam Henson from BBC Countryfile

Adam Henson from BBC Countryfile takes over as auctioneer in the charity auction