Category: Writing

Interview with award-winning editorial and publicity photographer Al Overdrive

“Even from my very early days, the feedback I got was that my work felt close, not voyeuristic or sterile.”

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Image by Al Overdrive

Al Overdrive is best known for making images which reflect his cinematic approach to fashion and portraiture. His work emanates an air of relaxed honesty, capturing a moment of calm which is both empathetic and revealing. Heavily influenced by the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi (perhaps in opposition to his previous career in forensic photography) he is able to reflect the personality of the people and of clothing he shoots in a way which feels natural. Unlike most photography which emphasises distance, his work embraces proximity rending the camera almost invisible. Read my interview with Al, published on the Autographer blog here.

 

Rachael Sharpe

The Art of Plaster

One of the things I love most about being a freelance journalist is the interesting people I get to meet – architectural sculptor Timothy Richards definitely being one of them. I spent a day at Tim’s workshop in Bath and discovered he’s actually a one-off in the world. In this feature for Somerset Life magazine I explore his exquisite models, which manage to embody the very essence of architecture. In these times when the mass produced seems to prevail, it’s so very refreshing to meet a true master craftsman who’s bucking the trend. Please have a read below.

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Rachael Sharpe

Jess Pigott Art Feature

I recently interviewed the inspirational and very talented Jess Pigott, a 23-year-old art graduate from Somerset who paints brilliantly bold, emotive landscapes. Although she’s a new artist, she already has gallery representation and her paintings are selling for in excess of £2000 each. In this feature for Somerset Life magazine I talk to Jess about making her mark on the art world. Have a read below!

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Rachael Sharpe

Travel feature: Glamping on the Gower

You’d be hard pressed to find a person who loves Devon more than me. At weekends I’m more than happy exploring our coastal towns and beaches and walking the moors. Sometimes you just need to change it up though, right? I’d heard the Gower’s beaches were the best in Wales and I found a company with luxury Shepherds Huts overlooking Rhossili beach, so off I went… You can read about my glamping adventure on the Gower in this month’s One Magazine, or online here.

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Shepherds Hut at Scamperholidays

 

Rachael Sharpe

GIVE WILDLIFE A HELPING HAND THIS SUMMER

In this feature for the January 2016 issue of Somerset Life magazine I look at the ways people can use their gardens to help wildlife thrive in the coming year. Have a read and be inspired to plant bee and butterfly friendly plants and flowers, feed and water the birds, be a friend to amphibians and create a haven for hedgehogs! I love wildlife and have enjoyed creating a wildlife friendly space in my own city garden, so it was a pleasure to write this piece. Thanks to Somerset Wildlife Trust for their help.

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Rachael Sharpe

10 Easy Ways to Hack Your Office Desk Job and Avoid Gaining Weight at Work

Offices don’t make you fat. The walls don’t secrete lipids, which you unknowingly absorb through your pores. Unless you work in sweatshop, you aren’t forbidden from moving around. It’s just difficult, with little need for movement in order to fulfil your role and the constant supply of indulgent treats. The answer? These hacks I wrote for Lifehacker can help you avoid gaining weight by sitting in the office…

 

Rachael Sharpe

Press & PR for Upton Barn and Walled Garden

I’m pleased to announce that Upton Barn and Walled Garden, an award-winning wedding venue in Devon, is now a client of mine – I’ve been doing their press and public relations work since summer 2015.

Earlier this month, Upton Barn and Walled Garden won both Best South West Countryside Wedding Venue and Best Newcomer at The 2016 Wedding Industry Awards – not bad going for a venue that’s only been open a year! Both awards pay homage to the continuous hard work Claire and Richard Down of Upton Barn put into making their venue the best in the region.

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The Garden Aisle at night. Photo credit: Maxi Photography

The creation of Upton Barn and Walled Garden came about when the couple decided they wanted to say their vows at home at Upton – the family’s 160 acre organic farm that rests at the foot of The Blackdown Hills. A huge renovation project ensued, breathing new life into the farm’s original buildings and walled garden, creating one of the county’s most idyllic, and now award-winning, wedding venues. The Walled Garden is beautifully landscaped and awash with colour and fragrance thanks to the abundance of lavender and it’s here that Claire and Richard married, becoming the first couple to walk the Walled Garden Aisle.

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Outside the Cider Barn. Image Credit: Maxi Photography

I’m very happy to be working with this stunning venue, who were kind enough to support and advertise in my wedding magazine, Inspired Bride, while it was in circulation. We’ve got big plans for 2016, so watch this space.

Rachael Sharpe
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