Grays of Westminster

Friday, 26 February 2010

House of Lords Photographic Shoot with Mike Maloney OBE

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A report on the House of Lords Photographic Shoot with Mike Maloney OBE on 13/2/2010 by Nikon Owner Magazine subscriber, Mike Eleftheriades (with Photos)

Dear Friends,

I thought I would provide a photo diary of the House of Lords photographic shoot organised by Grays of Westminster with Mike Maloney OBE and Nikon, on Saturday 13th of February 2010.

I would like to echo Karen's comments from her post a few days ago:

What a brilliant day at the House Of Lords. It was like stepping through time. Thank you to Gray, Gillian, Mike Maloney, Mike and all who made it possible for such a great day. Felt very special to be a part of the first group to be allowed in to photograph. Famous press photographer Mike Maloney OBE made us laugh and we could of listened to his amazing stories for a long long time. It was good to meet up with members old and new and a big congratulations to the winners. Another grand day out we will never forget. best wishes Karen.

Welcome at the Houses of Parliament, briefing to photographers in the chapel

The first group of photographers to shoot inside the House of Lords!

The photographers work in challenging conditions…

The magnificent ceiling is a popular subject...

Britain's highest decorated press photographer, Dr Mike Maloney OBE, with his Nikon D3s (of course!)

Looking for an unusual angle…

Gray Levett, Mike Maloney, the Yeoman Usher and Uri Zakay

"Someone is watching you"

Our next destination was the magnificent River Room...

… which offered spectacular views of the Thames

Mike Maloney gives his talk at Fitzroy House, here displaying a shot of himself by Sir Paul McCartney

The attendees submitted three of their favourite photographs and the judges, led by Mike Maloney, retired to choose the winners.

Later in the evening, we proceeded to a 3-course dinner at Elena's Etoile Restaurant in Charlotte Street, in a room adorned with celebrity-signed photographs.

After dinner there was a presentation of the winning images and awards, which included a Nikon D300s for the winner, kindly donated by Nikon UK.

The winners displayed originality and visualised a unique perspective, which made their images stand out from the rest. Here are the winning shots:

1. Andrew Downes

2. David Blundell

3. Diana Church

4. Michael Curtis

5. Susan Forester

Congratulations to the winners, thank you to everyone for attending and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Best regards + many thanks,

Mike Eleftheriades
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Friday, 5 February 2010

Grays of Westminster presents a Unique Photographic Shoot at the House of Lords

On Saturday, 13th February, 2010 with Mike Maloney OBE

This is a unique opportunity to photograph inside the House of Lords with Britain’s highest decorated press photographer, Mike Maloney OBE.

[Click here for a report on this event by Nikon Owner Magazine subscriber, Mike Eleftheriades (with Photos)]

Mike Maloney

Mike Maloney has won over 100 major photographic awards and in 2005 became the first “Fleet Street” photographer to have been awarded the OBE for services to photo-journalism. Three times voted Press Photographer of the year, he was Chief Photographer for the Mirror Group Newspapers before turning freelance in 2002. He also has numerous Royal tours to his credit, as well as photographing world leaders such as Clinton, Reagan, Gorbachev and Yeltsin, with resulting invitations to dine at both The White House and the Kremlin.

Workshop Schedule:

Arrival time: 10.25 a.m.

Meeting Place: Cromwell Green Entrance at the House of Lords

10.30 a.m. Assemble at the Cromwell Green Entrance (normal security process with guidelines laid down by the Black Rod’s Office)

10.40 a.m. You will be met in Westminster Hall by the Yeoman Usher for a ‘Welcome to the House of Lords’ with a brief history of the House of Lords

10.45 a.m. Briefing on the Chamber of the House of Lords and layout

11.00 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. Photo shoot with Mike Maloney

12.20 p.m. The party will move to the River Room with spectacular views across the River Thames

12.25 p.m. - 1.00 p.m. Photo shoot of the River Room and Views

1.00 p.m. Depart House of Lords

1.00 p.m. – 2.40 p.m. Free time until 2.40 p.m.

2.45 p.m. The group will meet at Fitzroy House, 35-37, Fitzroy Street , London , W1T 6DX

2.50 p.m. Mike Maloney will give a talk and presentation, view the day’s images, and the winning photograph will be selected

4.30 p.m. Afternoon tea at Fitzroy House

6.10 p.m. Depart for the evening meal at Elena's Etoile Restaurant*, 30 Charlotte Street , London W1T 2NG . Welcome drink courtesy of Mike Maloney, Dinner in the Oscar Room with an Award Presentation where the winner will receive the very special prize of a D300s. (Nikon UK have kindly donated a new Nikon D300s camera for the best image of the day.)

Cost including dinner: £245.00 (£195.00 for subscribers to Nikon Owner)

How to Book Your Place at the House of Lords Photographic Workshop:

To reserve a place at the House of Lords Photographic Workshop, please call 020 7828 4925 and ask to speak to me, Gillian Greenwood, between 2.00 p.m.– 5.30 p.m, or for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925. Please note that there are only a limited number of tickets available.

Subscribing to the Nikon Owner group allows you to receive a £50 discount off this workshop, a discount off other photographic training sessions and courses, a three-year warranty available on your new Nikon Purchases from Grays of Westminster, use of a comprehensive technical helpline and the interactive website, as well as the prestigious quarterly Nikon Owner Magazine. The price of an annual subscription to the Nikon Owner group is £59.00.

With best wishes

Gillian Greenwood

Features Editor/ Events’ Coordinator
Nikon Owner Magazine

*Elena’s L’Etoile’s glamorous French Bistro, walls adorned with celebrity-signed photographs and Art Deco lighting; a unique environment in a classical French style.