July 2010, Singapore

As a travel photographer, Michelle meets many fascinating people on her journeys, and without doubt one of the most interesting of these is a Singaporean lady called Zaibun Siraj.

Her mission is “to inspire and educate people to lead happy and successful lives so they can contribute effectively to society, the nation and the world”. Zaibun claims that “it is the weather in your mind that determines the climate for the day”. She is also the author of the Zany, Zeal Zest and Zing: The Z Way to Happiness. Each Tuesday in Singapore, Zaibun holds laughter yoga classes in the park. Michelle was introduced to Zaibun via a mutual friend, and arranged to meet her in the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel whilst working on location in Singapore. Zaibun appeared dressed in vibrant colours, with green nail varnish and purple hair – irresistible as a photographic subject. She practises what she preaches, believing that we should all “live in the present and recognize that life begins right now, at this very moment, at this time”. So true!

Website www.zaibun.com

July 2010, Durham, England. Stock image photography

Michelle continues her ongoing project to create a collection of stock images of Durham and Corbridge, in northern England. Durham is Michelle’s birthplace, and this historic city is famous for its emblematic Norman cathedral and 11th-century castle perched above the meandering River Wear. Corbridge is situated in Northumberland, in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country. It is a beautiful thriving town and tourist attraction, steeped in history.

After so many years working in warmer climes with more or less guaranteed quality light, capturing imagery in England is a challenge indeed, albeit an enjoyable one.

July 2010, England. Portraits of young freestyle dancer

Michaela Kelly dreams of being a dancer, and during the month of July Michelle shot a series of portraits of this young potential star, aged just eight years old. Michelle commented on how fascinating it was to see such dedication to dance at such an early age.

July 2010, Estepona, Andalucia. Andalucia Web Solutions executive portraits

Online imagery is now more important than ever, and any serious company recognizes the need for photography that conveys the company’s image, whether it be corporate or not. Michelle carried out a photo shoot in her in-house studio for the management team of Andalucia Web Solutions