Book Launch Photography: The Wildfire Hurrier in Abergavenny
A few photographs from the launch of Owen Lewis’s new book, The Wildfire Hurrier, held at the Melville Theatre in Abergavenny on 7 August and organised by [book-ish].
It was a fantastic evening, with a great turnout and a lovely atmosphere. There were plenty of questions, laughter, book signings and lots of warm interactions between Owen and his readers.
There were also some very special felt characters from the book, handmade by one of Owen’s friends. They made a rather wonderful addition to the evening and, of course, had to be photographed too.
Photographing the atmosphere, not just the event
Alongside a few portraits of Owen, most of my evening was spent documenting what was happening around the main event.
The conversations.
The reactions.
The laughter.
The little moments between people.
Those are often the photographs I enjoy most.
There are always the obvious moments you expect to photograph at a book launch: the author speaking, questions from the audience, signing books and posed portraits. But there is so much more happening around those moments.
For me, event photography is about noticing those little pieces of the evening and bringing them together to tell the story of what it actually felt like to be there.
A returning client and a familiar face
This wasn't my first event organised by Owen, and it's always a pleasure when he gets in touch and asks me to photograph another one.
Being asked back to photograph another event is something I really value. It also means I can concentrate on what I enjoy most: quietly observing what is happening and capturing the atmosphere without constantly getting in the way.
My approach to event photography is relaxed and documentary-led. I want the photographs to feel natural rather than overly staged, while still making sure the important moments are covered.
Event photography in Abergavenny and South Wales
I photograph book launches, workshops, live music, community events and other gatherings across Abergavenny, Monmouthshire and South Wales.
Whether you need photographs for social media, publicity, your website or simply to have a visual record of the occasion, I aim to capture more than just the formal moments. I look for the interactions, expressions, details and atmosphere that help tell the story of the event.
If you're looking for an event photographer in Abergavenny or South Wales, I'd be happy to hear about your event.
