Exercise Wessex Warrior

Exercise Wessex Warrior is ran on the Salisbury Plain, within Imber Village. The Exercise was used as a training aid for 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers prior to deploying to Afghanistan. The Exercise is aimed at real life village entry and security procedures. The troops are put into the village, under certain scenarios, using interpreters from Afganistan, to deal with the local population. They are required to gain information and secure the village.

The exercise was also a bit of a challenge for me and my camera kit. Starting the attack at first light meant shooting at seriously high ISO's. Having said that, focussing was also very hard due to the major lack of light. Manually focussing fast moving objects is no easy task! Once the light came up we were away, changing exposure to go into the buildings only. 

After a quick edit, here are a small selection of the days images.

Rhythm Force 2010

The very best rock, pop and folk bands from Army Music perform some of the greatest anthems. Musicians from the Bands of the Coldstream Guards, Royal Artillery, Rifles, Kings, Scots and Parachute Regiment are joined by the Army Big Band at this, the fifth year of Rhythm Force.
Headlining the event is the iconic British rock band Status Quo, who are appearing for charity in support of the British Forces Foundation and Help For Heroes charities.
On 26 September 2010, Status Quo will release a brand new version of their classic hit "In The Army Now". All profits from this updated and lyrically-reworked version of a true fan favourite will be donated equally to the British Forces Foundation and Help For Heroes charities.
Other guests at Rhythm Force include Hayley Westenra, The Soldiers and Ray Quinn.

Help For Heroes Concert

An incredible line up of stars came together today for the biggest event of the year and a landmark in the history of entertainment, to mark the nation’s appreciation of our military heroes.
In honour of the service and sacrifice made by men and women for their country, risking everything in the line of duty, some of the biggest names in entertainment are proudly coming together in aid of Britain’s war wounded.
Stars include Alesha Dixon, Bruce Forsyth, Tom Jones, Jason Manford, The Saturdays, Kevin Bridges, Plan B, Jack Dee, Pixie Lott, James Blunt, John Bishop, Alexandra Burke, Debra Stevens, The Wanted, Rod Gilbert, Katherine Jenkins, Michael McIntyre, Enrique Inglesias, Peter Kay,
Robbie Williams (with special guest Gary Barlow)

Puppies

Being nearly 7 weeks old, I thought it time to get some decent shots of our puppies. We have been keeping a kind of weekly puppy update, but most of them are not what i'd call good pictures, more snap shots.

After feeding the tribe their breakfast, I waited until they got over their mad 5 minute energy burst session before sneaking back into the yard with the camera. The dogs were snuggled up in bed together as usual, and kept surprisingly still for once. I then coaxed them into the yard and got them jumping up the gate towards the camera.

A few nice shots here I think. All done with practically zero post production.

TOPAZ Plug-In for Photoshop

Today I thought I would try out a new plug-in for Photoshop. Its called TOPAZ, and has some amazing features. The setting I used gave the images a High Dynamic Range (HDR) feel to it. 

Some of the images have a harsher look than others, and in some cases, the filter does not suit the image at all.

This is my first bash at using the software, so I am yet to perfect the look I want. 

I will now be looking at using TOPAZ on some modelling images to see the outcome.

Hair

A short while ago a colleague asked me to take some images of different hair styles for his daughters up and coming website. The shoot would be to promote Terri Capons website, as she is trying to branch out as a freelance hairstylist in the London area.

Terri's website isn't quite ready yet but here is the link so you can have a look at your leisure:-

http://www.belleoftheballhair.co.uk/

Status Quo Are "In The Army Now"

Rock band Status Quo have enlisted the British Army in the remaking of their 1986 hit single In The Army Now, which aims to raise money for the British Forces Foundation and Help For Heroes.

Utilising the vast expertise within 4th Battalion The Rifles and musicians from the Corps of Army Music, the band have brought the well-known song and video up to date with some new lyrics to highlight their support for the Services.

Francis Rossi, Quo singer and lead guitarist, said, "It seemed like the right time to do this. This release is intended to show our support for the Allied Forces around the world, and in particular, of course, the British Armed Forces.

“We want people to celebrate what they do, say thank you and also support these vital charities."

When Pip Williams, the Quo’s record producer and lecturer at Thames Valley University (TVU), was approached by the band to reversion the song, the idea to involve the Army was mooted, as some of the Army’s musicians attend the university.

Seventeen singers from across the Corps of Army Music, which includes 22 Regular Army bands, recorded the track at the TVU in Ealing, in the presence of Status Quo, who were clearly delighted with the collaboration.

Captain Guy Booth, of the Corps of Army Music, said: “Our musicians thoroughly enjoyed working with the guys from Status Quo and it was obvious that Francis Rossi and his colleagues appreciated the professionalism of our musicians too.

“We are delighted to be a part of this new modern version of a very well-known song which has been reworked to demonstrate the tremendous support for the British Army and all the Services.”

Following the music recording Rick Parfitt, Quo guitarist, said: "We've even roped the Army in to help us create a stunning video that will really give the song some heavy firepower.”

The video was recorded with members of 4 RIFLES at their barracks in Bulford, on Salisbury Plain, and also at Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset.

During the shoot, the Quos got to experience first-hand the potent performance of some of the British Army’s toughest and loudest equipment and vehicles.

In the Army Now is set to be released on 26 September 2010 with all the proceeds going to the British Forces Foundation and Help for Heroes. And, it is hoped the Government will waive the VAT on the single.

On 25 September Status Quo will perform alongside the Corps of Army Music at the annual Rhythm Force concert.

The event, held in the grounds of Kneller Hall, attracts headline acts from the classical and popular music genres.