The Candid Business Photographer

Polar Explorer, Fiona Thornewill MBE, gave a talk to Nottingham business leaders. As a candid business photographer, I cover events with a photojournalist style. 

I am a candid corporate business photographer. I capture your guests at their natural best. I strive to capture unforced and unposed images that do not interrupt the flow of your event.

How I help you

My corporate clients often have mini-events, lunches and specific business meetings. They commission me to capture these in a natural, candid way.

Clients usually look for their images within a very short turnaround. Using photos to go with a press release, social media post, or print article makes a real difference.

This case study is one such event.

Read more about my event photography services by following the corporate menu link.

Inspiration from a Polar Explorer

Polar explorer, Fiona Thornewill MBE, was an inspiration to Nottingham business leaders. 

Talking about her polar travels Fiona was able to draw parallels to the world of business. The experiences that have shaped her life hold valuable leadership lessons.

I have read that when Winston Churchill entered a room, everybody sensed it.

I have only met three people who have had a similar effect on a group of people. One of them is Fiona Thornewill MBE.

Character forged in adversity may be the key to this phenomenon.

Certainly, Fiona has overcome the most tremendous challenges. The situations she has found herself in have been extreme. She has used them to become a different person.

Trekking to both the North and South Poles is a tremendous achievement. Fiona has encountered everything from freezing temperatures to polar bears. Coping with complete "whiteouts" to life-threatening loss of communication. She has had to navigate alone for hundreds of miles. Including through the nightmare of an unexpected crevasse field.

Inspiring Leaders

Fiona had lunch with business leaders in Nottingham. The lunch was intended for leaders to learn, first-hand, from her unique experiences.

The Institute of Directors organises such lunches with "interesting people." These are super informative and downright inspiring. This lunch was no exception: it was both inspiring and thought-provoking. I was the event photographer. My role was to document and celebrate the occasion.

The Polar Explorer lunch was held at the Broadway Cinema in Nottingham. This fantastic venue added to the uniqueness of the meeting.

First, lunch and networking

After lunch, we were treated to a presentation from Fiona. This was in the recently refurbished Screen 4. Paul Smith's magic design wand had been waved over the decor, making it even more special. It was pitch dark apart from the screen and a spotlight on Fiona.

As a candid business photographer, a pitch-black room is never a good start.

However, you make photos from the light that is available. You trust the professional imaging equipment you have invested in.

Fiona Thornewill captivated her audience from start to finish. As a result, the question and answer session was fast and furious.

Business Photography In The Lounge

The Broadway Cinema Lounge is well known as a retro meeting place. It has leather sofas, cool lighting, and even a mini-bar facility.

Events and Fundraising Coordinator, Laura Cubley, suggested The Lounge. It would be a unique background for Fiona. It provided the perfect location for the next IOD magazine front cover.

Reflection On My Time With Fiona Thornewill

Since meeting and photographing Fiona, I have thought much about her life story.

One part stuck out. 

It wasn't her expeditions to the North or South Poles. It was not the 'normal' childhood that she had. It was not even overcoming the sad death of her first husband.

When Fiona was a schoolgirl, a teacher told her she would "make a good receptionist".

This singular put down by a teacher fuelled her drive to do more. This was the catalyst that fired her determination to overcome adversity. Even in the most extreme conditions.

There was a phrase that Fiona quoted. When faced with adversity, she would remember that:

If you get the opportunity to hear or meet Fiona, take it.

Some of Fiona's achievements

• First British woman to ski to the geographic South Pole 
• First British woman to ski to the geographic North Pole
• The first woman to ski to both geographic poles
• Fastest woman to ski to the geographic North Pole
• First British woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole
• Fastest person (man or woman) to ski to the South Pole (41 days, 2004)
• The first crossing of Great Bear Lake, North West Territory, Canada
• Partner to Hans Florine on World Record 100th ascent of the Nose of El Capitan

The candid business photographer for you

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