Summer Jobs

As Private Ski Instructors in Méribel during each winter, one of the most-frequently asked questions that Mike and I get when we meet new clients is "So what do you do in the summer?" I know some of my friends and colleagues who work in other ski schools will try to think up jokey answers in order to amuse themselves, for example one of them says that they are a marmot breeder. As much as I'd like to say I'm a helicopter pilot (in fact Christophe my French colleague can say that because he is!), or a surf instructor with an all-year-round tan and six-pack to boot, reality is different.

Mike, the ever patient Ski Instructor in the winter, is a professional musician as you perhaps read about last month. How cool is that? He travels the world, blowing his trumpet, being surrounded by other like-minded passionate types. I, on the other hand, am building my Wedding Photography business. So how has Mike managed to prosper in two careers that he is passionate about? And how on earth have I done the same? We would both be happy to answer that question the next time we meet you, either on a chairlift, or in a bar in Méribel. I was in contact with Mike at the beginning of the week, not realising he was on holiday. But do watch this space in a couple of weeks time for his latest summer update. Let me give you a quick summary of my f-stop action, and exposing to the right (don't worry that's photo techy speak, not innuendo bingo).

I've been lucky enough to meet, in person, a couple of the industry leading wedding shooters - and downright top Johnnys - Kevin Mullins and Damien Lovegrove. Do google them if you fancy; their work greatly inspires me. I've been busy with my own work, plus I'm second shooting for two other professional photographers, one in Nottinghamshire, and the other here in the Midlands. We are right in the middle of the busy wedding season at the moment: I've had four weddings in the last two weeks, and I've two more next weekend. It's almost like the skiing equivalent of ski teaching during the festive period and school holidays.

I've shown just a few images that I've shot recently, but if you fancy a giggle about a Vicar that I met two weeks ago, then click on this link     http://www.hemsleyphotography.co.uk/component/jaggyblog/vicar-of-dibley.html . The Rev Kate is a real life Vicar of Dibley, absolutely lovely, but also hilarious. This blog post has gone bonkers with viewing hits, according to figures, and I received a few lovely comments about her as well.

Right, I'd better go, I've a huge mountain of editing to deal with, plus Harriet and I are about to move into our new house in Leamington Spa this Friday. Better start packing and cleaning. No rest for the wicked. Hope you are all having a great summer?Martin