On Tuesday 8th December 2015, photographer Laura Rose Rawlinson kindly gave up her time in order to capture the celebration of Christmas that was the Household Cavalry Foundation’s ‘Cavalry Carols’ at the Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel), Wellington Barracks. We caught up with Laura to find out more about her…
How did you get into Photography?
My mother gave me a second hand Nikon FE stills camera (a gorgeous little thing made in 1978!) when I was 10 years old. I’d always loved the visual mediums of film & photography so it was a natural progression for me to pursue these disciplines as a career. After studying at Bournemouth & Poole College of Art & Design I jumped straight into the industry through an ‘unofficial’ apprenticeship at a local production company in 1996. Alongside film-making I continued to learn a great deal about photography, which is probably why so much of my work has a cinematic edge.
(Laura with her first loves – horses and cameras.)
What are your favourite topics to photograph? What do you currently specialise in?
Whilst spending 10 years working as a stills photographer at Lion Television on an array of documentaries and dramas, I enjoyed capturing a diverse range of imagery. I always find something to interest me in every assignment I take on ~ life is an inexhaustible source of inspiration! Though I continue to accept commissions in film & television, now that I’m freelance I’m also relishing the freedom of outdoor portraiture and reportage which will hopefully lead to more editorial work.
How are you linked to the Household Cavalry?
Apart from covering the HCMR’s Officers Bollywood ball in 2005 whilst working on ‘The Queen’s Cavalry’ documentary for the BBC, HCF’s ‘Cavalry Carols’ was my second official event of this nature. The Household Cavalry Regiment is very close to my heart on account of the fact that I am married to a Household Cavalryman and have had the honour of riding the Cavalry horses as a support rider for over 10 years. When the opportunity arose to contribute to the Household Cavalry Foundation I simply couldn’t refuse!
How did you find HCF’s ‘Cavalry Carols’ on Tuesday 8th December 2015?
During my time as a stills photographer I have had various brief encounters with the Royal Family, specifically whilst working on ‘The Queen’s Cavalry’ (BBC) and ‘Guarding The Queen’ (ITV). However, the ‘Cavalry Carols’ was the first assignment where I was the exclusive photographer, a responsibility not to be taken lightly! HRH The Princess Royal most graciously tolerated my efforts to capture each and every encounter she made with excited guests during the champagne reception. The room was bubbling over with anticipation and nervous giggles as HRH The Princess Royal attentively made her way from group to group. My favourite sequence of images were taken when HRH The Princess Royal enjoyed some light hearted banter with a charming bunch of Cavalry officers at the end of the procession. Laughter and folly were in plentiful supply! I hope my photographs will serve as precious memories to those who attended this most splendidly elegant evening.
(Household Cavalrymen pose for a cheeky shot with the beautifully talented, Camilla Kerslake.)
Are you a supporter of HCF?
Yes, my husband and I closely follow the work of the Foundation and since going freelance I have donated images of Regimental activities for the purposes of marketing and sales.
How can people find out more about the work you do?
I am currently building a collection of work which consists of images available for purchase. To view the latest collections please go to my website www.laurarose-rawlinson.squarespace.com
I specialise in production stills, portraiture and reportage ~ for further details and discussion please send me an email lauraroserawlinson@yahoo.co.uk
