Paul Harness

How many presidents?

2012-01-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Leeds, York and North Yorkshire chamber of commerce dinner at the Queen's hotel, Leeds.

There were at least three presidents, a Lord Lieutenant and several other "gongs" there.

Wall crushes man

2012-01-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

My afternoon cuppa was disturbed by a helicopter hovering overhead longer than usual. Then several sirens were heard.

The air ambulance was trying to find somewhere to land in the housing estate; not easy with all the phone lines.

Grabbed the nearest camera & filmed it taking off. Apparently a wall had fallen on someone. Hope they're OK.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/man_trapped_in_leeds_wall_collapse_1_4183943

Never in my day!

2012-01-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

Back to my old school for the Old Bradfordians annual dinner.

Still can't get used to the fact that girls have been going there for quite some time now!

Mono_cult at the Fav

2012-01-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

New year's day at the Faversham, Leeds. Mono_cult with headliners Art Department.

Rein, rein, go away

2011-12-11T04:27:00.000-08:00

The reindeers at Trinity Walk shopping centre, Wakefield.
The rain held off for one of the busiest shopping days of the year; what a lot of people there!

The bass player's always the last on the list

2011-12-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Having played bass in a band or two, I know how low on the list the bass player figures (and how high singer & guitarist's egos can go!). So I took the opportunity during the band's soundcheck to get the bassist in the foreground. He was good, too!
Yorkshire Publicity Association Christmas ball at Rudding Park hotel.

Clean photo

2011-11-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Today's job; photographing cleaning products for a health & safety brochure.

Is this what's meant by beef & beer?

2011-11-11T04:35:00.000-08:00

Beefy bar managers from Timothy Taylors brewery is, I'm sure, not quite what the organisers had in mind! Methinks more the beef below and the beer laid on by Taylors and Theakstons breweries, all in aid of Sue Ryder Moanorlands hospice, at Craiglands hotel, Ilkley.

As hard as nails

2011-11-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

One of the students at Leeds college of building concentrating on painting a door.

But painting the door can't have been as hard as painting her nails!

Anyone spot a plumber?

2011-11-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

All of These photos were taken to show the diversity of extra curricular activities available at Leeds college of building. Not a trowel or pipe bender in sight!

York chains

2011-11-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Another photography job for City of York council this morning; care awards at the Mansion house.
Pictured are the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York and his wife in the Mansion house reception, and the view from the state room window of York Minster.

Everyone say "awwww"!

2011-10-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Today's photography job; a publicity photo for the NSPCC's letter to santa campaign, taken at Hope Pastures sanctuary in North Leeds.
www.nspcc.org.uk
www.hopepastures.org

Bear lady

2011-10-16T13:54:00.001-07:00

This year's fall ball at Elland Road, Leeds was in aid of the Laila Milly foundation; www.lailamillyfoundation.org.uk and the Children's heart surgery unit; www.chsf.org.uk

And the winner is......... (2)

2011-10-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

The 23rd Yorkshire awards held at the Hilton hotel, Leeds, saw some familiar, and not so familiar, faces as winners.

Winners included Brian Blessed (Yorkshire man), Maureen Lipman (Yorkshire woman, or is that Yorkshire pudding?), Sarah Stevenson (sports) and Sir Bernard Ingham (lifetime achievement).

I broke one of my own rules by asking Sarah for an autograph for my son, who's just gained his green belt in Taekwando.

Big guns

2011-10-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

The organisers of the Serene 007 Bond ball at the Cedar court hotel, Bradford, playing with a big gun.

Funds raised for Bradford & Airedale cancer support.

Tia

2011-10-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Tia label collection by Benjamin Roberts Ltd at the British bridal exhibition, Harrogate, Sept 2011.

Nice & cosy

2011-09-27T02:54:00.001-07:00

The newly finished consulting room at L'Occitane's Leeds store in the Victoria Quarter.

One of my faves

2011-09-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

An oil painting of Audrey Hepburn was an auction item at the Indian summer ball at the masonic lodge, Harrogate, organised by the Sygnets and in aid of Parkinson's UK.

One of my favourite actresses; I'd have loved to have photographed her.

Phones

2011-09-24T02:14:00.000-07:00

I've probably pulled out the remnants of my hair trying to figure out phone, phone companies and phone manufacturers.

Is it really asking too much that, when I buy a new phone, it simply works? Why do I have to spend hours trying to figure out settings, ringing "customer service" lines, trawling the internet etc. etc. to still end up with a phone that only partly works.

Hey ho; rant over!

Funk you!

2011-09-21T03:53:00.000-07:00

Charlese Allen & her band performing at Pizza Express's The Big Audition in Leeds.

http://www.pizzaexpress.com/the-big-audition

Black Love

2011-09-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

A black wedding outfit from the Love collection at Benjamin Roberts's show at the British bridal exhibition, Harrogate.

Anyone know this man?

2011-09-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, these days, I find politicians to be so very bland and anonymous. Take this man; do you recognise him?

Taken during the Leeds city region local enterprise partnership summit at Saviles (Royal Armouries).

How to spoil a good walk

2011-09-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

A still taken by my video camera at yesterday's wedding. Reception at Meltham golf club.

What's the quote? Golf; a good walk ruined? Think this was a case of Golf; the way to ruin wedding photos (by golfers traipsing around in the background).

More panoramas

2011-08-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Today's Cumbrian panorama photos; Crummock water and Maryport.

Who's bigger?

2011-08-24T11:59:00.001-07:00

What's going on here?

Holiday photo; the Puzzling place, Keswick

Catbells & Derwentwater

2011-08-23T09:47:00.001-07:00

Early start today to get the "Walkers' launch" boat from Keswick to the foot of Catbells. The photo is another 360 degree panorama at the top of Catbells, overlooking Derwentwater.

Castlerigg stone circle

2011-08-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

After a few days work, back for part 2 of holiday.

Another 360 degree panorama; Castlerigg stone circle, near Keswick.

Holiday panoramas

2011-08-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

3 holiday photos as panorama images of very "touristy" views in London.

Didn't see a horse all day!

2011-08-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Debenhams fashion on the field event at ladies' day at the Ebor meeting at York racecourse attracted hundreds of well dressed ladies. It was so busy I didn't have chance to see a single horse.

Compered by Jeff Banks and Yvette Jeffs, with judges including John Rocha.

Yorkshire, not Durham (Drum!)

2011-08-07T01:59:00.000-07:00

The parade & drumhead ceremony in Pontefract to celebrate the King's own Yorkshire light infantry's departure for Malaya 50 years ago.

During the ceremony they played what I think to be one of the most soulful pieces of music, the last post. Given recent events it was difficult to concentrate.

Party panorama

2011-08-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Another panorama shot, this time of the Leeds party / opera in the park stage & PA system at Temple Newsam.

Summer music

2011-08-01T06:31:00.001-07:00

The rat pack boys, appearing at the music on a summer's evening, in aid of St.Michael's hospice, at the pavillions of Harrogate.

Dance video

2011-07-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

One of many scenes from the Caroline Atha school of dance showcase event at Garforth academy last weekend.

School photo club

2011-07-19T10:34:00.001-07:00

This school term I've been helping out at my son's school by running a photography club. Last day today so I thought I'd show a 360 degree panorama done by one of the club members.

Forgetmenot Trust ball

2011-07-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

The West Yorkshire Forgetmenot Trust held their fundraising ball last night at the Galpharm stadium.

Sixth but maybe last?

2011-07-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

York council held their 6th annual Yoscars awards at York racecourse to encourage schools to produce films.

Unfortunately with the cutbacks, it may be the last.

Two weddings and a funeral

2011-07-02T02:21:00.000-07:00

Two wedding videos recently; one at the Marriott, York, overlooking the racecourse, and one at the Village hotel, Leeds.

Unfortunately as well my Dad is on his way out, so there's a funeral to be arranged too. Sleep tight, Dad. x

'Ere; in't that wotsit off the telly?

2011-06-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

The great and the good (and some of the not so good) from the Yorkshire area were at the Royal Television Society dinner and awards at the Queen's hotel, Leeds.

Celeb spotting

2011-06-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Gala night at GFW is always good for celeb spotting. Here's a few;

Jeff Banks (what a tosser!; actually, he was tossing a coin), Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and two sets of white teeth with blokes attached.

And the winner is............

2011-06-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Rory Langdon from Nottingham Trent University.

He wins the George gold award and a nice little cheque for £20,000!

If you want to get ahead, get another hat

2011-06-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

More millinery at GFW; this time from Birmingham City University

Bet he was hot!

2011-06-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

A very large woollen jumper from one of the Instituto Marangoni students' collections at the GFW International show.

If you want to get ahead, get a "hat"

2011-06-07T01:47:00.000-07:00

U C A Rochester's show has some "interesting" headwear!

Animals at GFW

2011-06-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Bit of a theme emerging this year at GFW; one of animals.

More May in June

2011-06-06T01:39:00.000-07:00

James May on the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Week for the filming of his Man lab series.

May in June

2011-06-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

James May and his TV crew are at Graduate Fashion Week as part of his filming of his new series.

No cider at Somerset

2011-06-04T01:27:00.000-07:00

Somerset college (part of the University of Plymouth) had their graduates' fashion show at Free Range (held at the old Truman brewery) yesterday.
The show was sponsored by a drinks company, but they don't do cider (but the lemonade was lovely in the heat!).

I name this ...........

2011-06-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

A Yorkshire Building Society employee won a competition to name a new product.

The coincidence is, because I am a YBS customer and on their customer panel, I was one of the people the YBS asked for views about the same product.

It's rude to point!

2011-05-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Can't remember what I said, but something made these girls laugh!

A 21st birthday party of girls from Birmingham celebrating in Leeds & Bradford.

I smell (but in a good way!)

2011-05-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

The opening of L'Occitane en Provence's 50th store in the Victoria Quarter, Leeds

Is this a cup winner?

2011-05-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Is this a photograph of one of Bradford City's players from the team which won the FA Cup 100 years ago?

Office party

2011-05-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

LDD held thier 18th birthday event in aid of St Gemma's hospice and Cash for Kids at the Hilton hotel in Leeds.

Two blokes from The Office turned up!

Alice in candle-land

2011-05-08T02:09:00.000-07:00

Ilkley Candlelighters ball at Rudding Park hotel, where the theme was Alice in Wonderland.

Hya hyatt

2011-05-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Third time to the West Midlands in as many weeks; this time to photograph SMA's VIP event at the Hyatt hotel, Birmingham.

Bradford City win the cup!

2011-04-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

OK, so maybe it was 100 years ago, and instead City are now battling against relegation from the league, but the supporters still turned out to "meet" the FA cup and celebrate the centenary.

Jimmy Spiers, who scored the winning goal, was there too (he's the black & white one, if you'd not worked it out).

Incidentally, the first FA Cup was made in Bradford and City were the first team to win it.

First sale

2011-04-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

My second visit to Wolverhampton in a week. This time to photograph the first sale at SMA's new site.

If it's Friday, it must be Birmingham

2011-04-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

S M A Vehicle Remarketing's new branch opens at Bilston, Wolverhampton.

You're taking the pipe!

2011-04-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Today's job slightly less glamourous than yesterday.

A new external water meter unit being fitted at the rear of one of Redrow Homes houses at Wheatley Chase, Halifax. It allows easy access instead of the old system of putting a meter down a manhole.

New Rose

2011-04-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Down to the fleshpots of London yesterday to photograph Yellow Rose Jeans new shop and the latest additions to their range.

www.yellowrosejeans.co.uk

Yorkshire boy done good

2011-04-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

James Martin opens his new restaurant, the Leeds Kitchen, at Alea Casino at Clarence Dock, Leeds.

His first new restaurant opening in 10 years, in his home county.

He will be working there every night, except Fridays (he presents a live Saturday TV show).

Waifs & strays

2011-04-02T02:56:00.000-07:00

Paul Hartley of Stray FM (Harrogate) at the M S Research charity ball last night at the Pavillions of Harrogate.

Chuffin' eck!

2011-03-31T02:56:00.000-07:00

The Leeds, York & North Yorkshire chamber of commerce dinner at the National Railway Museum, York last night.

So many train spotters!

Blue Monday

2011-03-30T03:42:00.000-07:00

1 of a series of videos of Benjamin Roberts collections at the British Bridal Exhibition, Harrogate.

This is their Blue collection, filmed on a Monday.

Un-bear-hug-able

2011-03-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Schoolchildren just couldn't help themselves hugging the Redrow safety bear.

Amanda or sweeties?

2011-03-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

Stangely drawn to the Qulaity Street sweets on Amanda Wyatt's stand at BBEH; this week is the 75th anniversary of Quality Street and in Halifax they're giving away free sweeties!

But at BBEH there's no free wedding dresses being given away (sorry ladies; and the odd bloke).

Is 3 a crowd?

2011-03-16T06:36:00.001-07:00

Third in a line of the Shipley family whose weddings I have photographed; here are the 3 of them together last Saturday.

Black wedding dress (again)

2011-03-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Videoing and photographing the Benjamin Roberts autumn / winter 2011 collections at the Cairn hotel, Harrogate.

Another black wedding dress.

Trains and dogs in Harrogate

2011-03-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

The British Bridal Exhibition, Harrogate at the Harrogate International Centre.

On show for the trade; hundreds of wedding dresses including this one with a very heavy, very big, train. Also blow up dogs!

Blessed my soul, Fancy that!

2011-03-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

Quite an interesting conversation tonight with Brian Blessed, actor. He was speaking at the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants dinner at the Queens hotel.

He acted in Z Cars and played Fancy Smith; the series was filmed at Maghull Police station, yards from my Grandma's house, and I can remember the commotion it caused when they were filming. There again, I was VERY young...!

Sam saves

2011-03-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Thackley keeper Sam Heskett saves against Liversedge.

A video study forming part of Sam's scolarship application in America.

Doncaster diva does Leeds

2011-03-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Lesley Garrett, the diva from Donny, sang and helped raise funds last night at the inaugural White Rose ball in aid of Childline, organised by the NSPCC.

The Battle of Britain makes it to Halifax

2011-02-26T14:33:00.000-08:00

Redrow Homes Wheatley Chase development in Halifax is having its roads named after Battle of Britain pilots.

Various family members, the British Legion and the Lord & Lady Mayor of Halifax attended the ceremony.

Even Jessica joined in!

2011-02-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

Caroline & Steve's wedding yesterday at St. Mary's church, Garforth.

Their daughter, Jessica, spent an awful lot of time worrying about where her sweets were. But when the congregation clapped, Jessica shouted along!

I feel soooooo old!

2011-02-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

The President's party at the Leeds Chartered Accountants Students' Society annual dinner at the Royal Armouries.

I swear they get younger every year!

Get thee behind me!

2011-02-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

A cake at the Kirkby Overblow All saints school Valentine's ball, made out of individual buns. Oh, the temptation!

Killer Saxon

2011-02-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

An HDR experiment

2011-02-02T05:53:00.000-08:00

Due to the contrast between light and dark areas of this shop front, I tried an experiment in HDR photography.

It involves taking several shots at different exposures and then combining them to try get "the best of all worlds". Unfortunately not helped by the local drunk trying to get in the pictures while I was taking them!

Burning sensation

2011-01-29T03:45:00.000-08:00

A Burns night celebration at the Royal Hall, Harrogate was voted a sensation by the guests.

Dell hell

2011-01-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

It appears I'm not alone in experiencing poor customer "service" from the mighty Dell computer corporation.
After spending several days in viscious circles in call centre land, I googled Dell customer service and there are reams of pages of people disgruntled with Dell's lack of support.
Have a look at one of the main UK blogs about the issues;
www.buzzmachine.com and look for the Dell tags; there's a lot of them!
Meanwhile, I remain it the ever decresing viscious circle of call centre Dell hell

My trousers were vibrating!

2011-01-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

Oldies but goodies

2011-01-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

I've been updating my image library and found some images of Creamfields; a fantastic event. These are some from 2005; see who you recognise.

Something's changed!

2011-01-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

Back to my old school again for the Old Bradfordians' association annual dinner. But something niggled me all evening; something had changed. What was it?

After a while I worked it out. Of all the things that haven't changed in the 20 years since I left, they'd finally changed the lightbulbs in the main hall lights to daylight bulbs! Blimey!

Pictured; the VIPs, headmaster & wife, Lord & Lady mayor of Bradford and the past & new president of the association.

My photos are famous (ish!)

2011-01-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

I was watching the Great British Railway Journeys on BBC1 with my son (who I'm convinced is going to grow up a train spotter, or an Eddie Stobart truck spotter!) and what do I see but the photos I took for the livery of a train. Still gives a warm feeling to see my photos used in real life.
You can watch the series on the BBC iplayer;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/xb117
although I'm not sure how long it remains online. My photos make up the livery of some of the trains on the journey from Liverpool to Scarborough.

Radio job number 2

2010-12-23T04:18:00.000-08:00

The second radio photography job in as many days; this time, photographing the new signage at 105 Capital FM (the old Galaxy Yorkshire).

Pictured; Simon Hirst of Hirsty's daily dose.

Radio, radio (anyone remember that song?!)

2010-12-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

2 jobs this week at radio stations. This is the first; BBC Radio Leeds presenter Liz Green.

Ellenyi at Bojangles, Pudsey

2010-12-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

Up & coming singer Ellenyi at the Dunwell Brothers Christmas party at Bojangles, Pudsey.

Song 1 of 7; the rest will be available soon on her Facebook, YouTube & MySpace pages.

A winter wedding

2010-12-11T04:15:00.000-08:00

A wedding video at Walton Hall, Waterton Park.

The hope had been that the snow would have stayed. Unfortunately, it had turned to slush, but fortunately the hotel has a snow machine! Actually, it's a foam machine that's normally used in nightclubs, so I kept my camera out of the way rather than get it wet.

This is a still photograph taken from my video camera.

'S no joke

2010-12-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

OK, that joke's probably been used a million times this week.

Bradford & Airedale cancer support held their Snow ball at the Stansfield Arms, Apperley Bridge.

Christmas has started already

2010-11-26T04:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas trees being unloaded at Asda's distribution centre.

Can you guess the name of the company the lorry belongs to?!! (By the way, I didn't get the tractor unit's name for those spotters amongst you).

Mum knows best

2010-11-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

Behind every star is a Mum who's done an awful lot of the work.

Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud with her mum Diane after receiving her award for personality of the year at the Yorkshire Young Achievers awards at Elland Road.

Anyone for a Brazilian?

2010-11-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning, when most are still in bed, I was photographing Brazilian style dancing for a new dance class website.

Bradford City heroes

2010-11-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

Bradford City stars past & present turned out at Bradford Grammar School for the One in a million awards.

Pictured are Stuart McCall (former player & manager), John Hendrie (former player) and Peter Taylor (current manager).

www.oiam.org

The grumpy old lady follows the yellow brick road

2010-11-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

The Firecracker ball in aid of Barnardo's at Rudding Park hotel last night. The theme was the wizard of Oz, with Dorothy being played by Amy Diamond and the MC being Helen Lederer.

Sleeping on the job

2010-11-12T01:25:00.000-08:00

Kids from Moorside Community Primary School opened the new showhouse at Redrow Homes's Wheatley Chase site, Halifax.

Bradford City Hall

2010-11-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

A model of City Hall, Bradford.

I was there photographing the Lord Mayor's appeal film themed event.

Which witch?

2010-10-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Bradford & Airedale cancer support in the pink lunch at the Midland hotel, Bradford.

I get the pink stripes (cancer support), the witches' hats (halloween), but not sure where the spiders inside the hats come in.

Alice in Wateraidland

2010-10-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yorkshire Water organised the Wateraid ball at the National Railway Museum, York.

Nothing as constant as change

2010-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Another batch of promotions and changes in staff meant job title amendments to old photos as well as new staff to be photographed.

More balls

2010-10-17T10:51:00.001-07:00

Photographed two charity balls last night.

Photos are of the organising committee of each.

The Leeds Mencap masquerade ball at the Metropole hotel and the Fall Ball in aid of Breast Cancer Haven at Elland Road, Leeds.

Before & after

2010-10-16T03:14:00.000-07:00

An example of some editing done on one of yesterday's photos of Nick Clegg visiting Embrace.

The lady on the right had "wandered" into the photo by mistake and I was asked to remove her. So I also took the opportunity to "clean up" the cars.