September 09 Durham, England

After living in Spain for the last 17 years, Michelle returned to Durham, her original home town to capture stock imagery. Chimney pots, hanging baskets, ice cream sellers, the newly renovated railway station, the iconic Statues of Neptune and the Marquis of Londonderry, Charles William Vane Tempest Stewart himself, were the order of the day. Michelle commented that after so many years in Spain, Durham took on an almost exotic feel and provided a visual feast with the low light, rich green hues and abundance of architectural reds in the brickwork.

As a lover of fine hotels, Michelle stayed at the Royal County Hotel, which – by the way – has a fascintating history. Did you know that Durham Royal County Hotel received its royal status via the visit of Edward VII? It’s also believed that both Charles I and Oliver Cromwell enjoyed the hotel as well. A highlight of this magnificent building is a wonderfully ornate, hand carved, solid black oak staircase which originated from Loch Leven Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. This is definitely a great base from which to shoot stock in Durham.

September 09 Alcazaba Hills, Andalucia, Spain. London Advertising Agency

Maverick, the leading London advertising agency, launched its latest campaign for Alcazaba Hills, a lovely, luxury housing development located in Andalucia, Spain, with images shot on location by Michelle Chaplow. Magazine ads, billboards and a whole new website were created with images by Michelle Chaplow. The campaign’s slogan is, “Andalucia’s Best Kept Secret”.

The photographic shoot included the Alcazaba Hills show flat complete with top quality interiors, local Spanish cuisine, models dining in authentic, off-the-beaten track venues, and golf and family lifestyle with a distinct Mediterranean flavour.

Many of the images use a lens-directly-into-the-camera technique, which radiates the new fashionable sun-drenched flare effect.

September 09 Durham England

Michelle returned once again to Durham to continue her stock project, this time residing at the new Raddison Hotel situated on the banks of the River Wear with surberb views to Durham Cathedraland Castle. An ideal spot for the tripod.

Sting, who is indeed a local lad himself, and his crew were staying at the hotel too, while filming his new Album “If On A Winter’s Night…” on DVD in the Cathedral. It was a delight to be on Sting’s guest list for his private concert. Thanks again Sting!