SMS Creative Photography Celebrates Twenty-Five Years

Shop front from February 1997 - 83 Station Road East, Oxted, Surrey. The lettering, by a local master craftsman, was created by hand direct to the perspex.

SMS Creative Photography was born on Monday 10th February 1997 at number 83 Station Road East, Oxted!

That makes it 25 years ago - a quarter of a century! So much has changed and happened since then – notably the evolution of photography and the introduction of digital photography for the masses. We went fully digital in 2005 and have embraced the changes ever since.

In August 2019 after 23 years on the high street, I moved away to work remotely embracing opportunities to photograph nationwide and overseas, as well as keeping a firm foothold in Oxted where I live and run the business from.

Thank you so much for all your support over the years, I could not have come this far without you. It has given me so much joy and pleasure to be able to create a business from something I just love – namely photographing people and the things they love and value. Such as their family, home & garden, business premises, headshots and so, so much more.

In 2012 I was commissioned to photograph a comprehensive classic and supercar collection to create provenance and a lasting memory for the owner to mark a special birthday. This commission led me into the automotive world, including photographing Formula One behind the scenes at the British Grand Prix.

As a result of this, in 2013 I created a new brand within SMS Creative Photography called ‘Stella – Lifestyle and Automotive Photography’. To see images from various automotive events including Formula One take a look at the website - stellascordellis.com

Seven times World Champion Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix 2018 with fans during signing autographs.

It gives me even more pleasure to reconnect with so many of you to update your photographs from the very early days. Our ‘Then & Now’ page, on the SMS Creative Photography website, shows the passing of time – you can find it here.

If this idea appeals to you and you would like to recreate a picture from one that I have taken years ago, then please do get in touch – I’d love to hear from you!

Mother and son when he was six years old.

The same mother and son when he was 18 years old.

I continue to photograph portraits, family photo-shoots and celebrations, business headshots, and much more – feel free to explore the website.

Before you do this, I just want to let you know that I have been working on a personal project for posterity since January 2019, photographing the demolition of the gas holder that once sat in Oxted town for over 50 years.

There is a new housing development, nearing completion, on the site – built by St William part of the Berkeley Group. You can see and read the blogs I have written about the process from start to almost finished here – scroll to the bottom of the page under ‘Featured’ - there are 26 blogs so far in total with a couple more to follow to complete the journey due for completion at the end of March 2022.

The demolition process started in January 2019.

The site was ready for the foundations to start in March 2019

There are 111 apartments in three blocks due for completion March 2022

Thank you for your custom and support. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

If you have a project in mind, or just to say hello, feel free to get in touch:-

either on 0777 181 0105 or 01883 722282 or email info@smscreativephotography.co.uk

I’ll leave you with a gallery of a few images from the early days - can you spot yourself?

With many thanks

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens January 2022

Welcome to Courtyard Gardens - Oxted

Welcome to blog number 26 about my January site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

Blocks A and B are now complete with Block C – the final part, due for completion March 2022.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite Eden Place – the new name of the road Courtyard Gardens sits in.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left. Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

The photographs in the galleries with more than two pictures below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

The area where the letter boxes will be in Block C Hardwick House. Taken 6 October 2021

The finished letter boxes – all 49 of them. Taken 27 January 2022

There are 41 apartments in Block A – 21 apartments in Block B and 49 apartments in Block C – including seven penthouses – two each in Blocks B & C and three in Block A.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 27 January 2022 showing the progress to date.

THEN & NOW

The top photograph taken on 2nd May 2019 from behind the flats in Station Road East. Below the trees and fence in the centre you can see the outline of where the gas holder once sat.

The bottom photograph is the same viewpoint on 27th January 2022.

Block C Hardwick House stands resplendently without any scaffolding and nearing completion.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block C looking over to Block A and the entrance to Courtyard Gardens for Blocks A & B.

A view from one of the penthouse apartments towards the North Downs and Station Road East behind the shops.

A terrace on one of the penthouse apartments Block C.

A view from a penthouse apartment terrace in Block C looking towards the top of Snatts Hill. The spire from St Michaels can be seen from above the trees centre-right.

Looking down onto a terrace in Block B from a penthouse in Block C.

A view from a penthosue in Block C towards the North Downs.

A terrace from one of the two penthouses in Block C.

A spacious terrace in one of the two penthouses in Block C.

Another spectacular view from a penthouse terrace in Block C with the North Downs clear to see.

The terrace of a penthouse in Block C.

The entrance to Courtyard Gardens from Station Road East, Oxted.

On the day of my visit the apartments in Block C were nearing completion and the gardens almost planted and ready for Spring time. There was a lovely waft from a sweet-smelling shrub as I wandered through the gardens. It does look and feel like a wonderful place to live.

The office cabins that once sat next to Block C and behind Block B have been taken down making way for landscaping and the finishing of the gardens.

A view from an apartment terrace in Block C looking towards Blocks A & B.

A kitchen in Block C.

A bathroom in Block C.

A bathroom in Block C.

A kitchen in Block C.

The water feature at the entrance to Courtyard Gardens depicts the finish of the gas holder that previously stood on this site.

The entrance to Courtyard Gardens from Station Road East inbetween Starbucks and Gloss Hair Spa.

A view from a penthouse looking out to the terrace Block C.

Block C as you enter through the gates of Courtyard Gardens.

Externally Block C is complete and is accessed by cars via a separate car park entrance from Johnsdale.

Eden Place – the name of the road Courtyard Gardens is located.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I am?

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from November 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 25 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too. The last few remaining apartments in Block C, Hardwick House are well worth looking at.

Looking forward to going back in the next few weeks to photograph the progress as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella

Oxted Gasholder April 2019 - Going, Going, Gone!

Welcome to my fourth blog about the demolition of the gas holder that I’m photographing for posterity and to satisfy my own curiosity.

Since I last wrote on 15th March a lot has happened at the demolition site and the gas holder, as you can see has gone for good!

As expected, once the roof was dismantled early last month as described in my previous blog, the next stage to remove the surround of 9 rings high took less time as a cherry picker was used with an operative working to cut away until it was at a manageable height for the next stage to take place.

The final rings of the structure came down very fast indeed with the help of a very experienced operator who, with much precision controlled a cutting machine, which resembled a pre-historic creature that chomped its way through the steel, in what appeared to be an effortless operation.

We experienced much rumbling here at the studio which sent me running with my cameras in hand to capture some of the final stages which happened within 3 days at the end of March.

I’m going to leave the photographs to do the talking as they show the final stages of the demolition process.

It really was a matter of going, going, gone and for good!

The below sequence is from the top of Snatts Hill.

Ring by ring it's coming down!

Almost there!

What's behind it?

Sad to see it go?

Almost gone...

Gone! You can see the train station platform in the distance.

Now that the demolition process is nearing completion, next month in May, St William, the contractors will take their positions on-site to put in place the start of the building process for 111 luxury - 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses.

You can see a very impressive model of the housing development at Robert Leech Estate Agents opposite the studio, it really is worth taking a look if you are keen to buy one or are just curious to know more.

The below sequence looking from a window at Priory House Dental Practice.

The first incision splits the circle.

The first piece disappeared in no time.

Cutting the vertical posts releases the sides.

Within a few seconds if was down.

It was very noisy!

I didn't want to miss a second of this moment.

Cutting each vertical post allows more movement.

It crumbled like a piece of, well I suppose steel, it was very graceful.

From Station Road East, between Carpet Right and Gloss.

Ring by ring it was coming down.

It's been here so long what will it look like when it's gone.

It's shrinking...

Workmen arrive to put the foundations in for the utilities.

How come we are noticing it so much more now that it's going?

Almost there...

The last bit...

Vanished!

A look on-site.

This cutter resembles a pre-historic creature, don't you agree?

When the first pieces of steel are dropped in here it sounds like they are falling into a bottomless pit as the sound vibrates around the site.

Two machines work in unison cutting and picking up the pieces for recycling.

Filled and ready to go including gas canisters that have been on-site for decades.

Off the container goes for recycling...

The site is vast, I felt privileged to be given access to capture images like this one. The pieces of steel that fell in the pit are almost cleared.

Various viewpoints.

An operative in a cherry picker is used to cut away the sides.

A view from Johnsdale.

From Ellice Road car park.

Before and...

...after!

I use to park my car here at the foot of the gas holder.

Taken on 27 March 2019.

Introducing the utilities.

Photographed on 11th April 2019.

It really has been a captivating and mesmerising experience photographing the process so far from various viewpoints. The photographs I have shared are just a small selection from a greater number that I intend to share at a later date.

I am going to be continuing the story over the next two years during construction and the completion of Courtyard Gardens, a wonderful new addition to our unique town - Oxted.

I hope this glimpse has taken you on an insightful historical journey.

If you would like to subscribe to my monthly round-up newsletters where these blogs will feature, please scroll down to the bottom of the page to add your contact details on the ‘Subscribe to Our Newsletter’ button.

If you missed the previous 3 newsletters you can see them here on the blog page of the website.

In the meantime enjoy the weekend and I’ll be back next month with the next instalment.

Bye for now…

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Celebrating 21 Years of SMS Creative Photography

1997

2017

Now, onto 2018. I am already working on so many new projects that it is difficult to know where to start!  I always look at the New Year as a blank canvas for my business, where I take time to consider new ventures and inspiration. 

The first important milestone for 2018 is the celebration of a very special anniversary. On Saturday 10 February, it will be 21 years since I opened my SMS Creative Photography studio on Oxted high street. I am proud to have served the Oxted community for 21 years and would like to invite you to raise a glass with me, if you are in the area on the 10th.   

Of course, during this time we have seen so much change. What has remained the same, however, is our united passion for our family and our friends, and our enjoyment of sharing and celebrating special moments. I look forward to being here for you all for another 21 years!

Stella

Capture the Present, to Create the Past, for Future Generations...

Quick and Easy In this amazing, disposable, digital, instant age we now live in, isn't it remarkable we can capture a moment on our smart phone and share and post for all to be a part of that emotion?

We can record some special times with a click of a button without the hassle of carrying a camera - but do we ever stop - stop and savour that moment, do we ever appreciate it, or are we too concerned about photographing to share on social media?

Don't get me wrong I'm a firm believer that we share these times, with our smart phones we become so connected, but don't let them replace the importance of professional photographs. Now is a good time of year to make time to let a professional capture landmarks in your life, from my experience everyone has been so pleased they did.

Immortalize I love commissions to photograph moments that can never be repeated. My work is my passion, I get to meet so many interesting people who allow me into their lives to capture their families to reflect on and to safeguards their family history.

By going that extra mile, you are capturing the present, to create the past for future generations. In years to come, with printed photographs there will still be that suitcase in the attic full of prints for future generations to rummage through, just to see what great grandma or grandpa looked liked. It's that moment of realisation when you spot a distant relative who looks just like a member of your family.

Then and Now The selection of photographs below show examples of the photographs taken during the early years of when I opened my studio in 1997 to present day.

If I have photographed you before and you would like to recreate the pose, or you would like to start your family visual history, just give us a call, or come into our friendly studio to find out where to start.

Photographs below taken 'Then' in December 1999 and 'Now' in December 2014

Photographs below taken 'Then' in September 1997 'Now' April 2015

Photographs below taken 'Then' in September 2002 and 'Now' February 2015

Photographs below taken 'Then' in December 1998 and 'Now' January 2015

Photographs below taken 'Then'  December 1998 and 'Now' October 2014

Thanks for reading, I'll be back in two weeks with more to share. Enjoy the sunshine! Bye for now.

Stella

SMS Creative Photography Celebrating 18 Years

I've always had a passion for photography and creativity and wanted it to be my career from a very early age. I trained when I left school, with the intention of having my own business to share my passion. I was given the opportunity through adversity, to realise this dream and I wasn't going to let it pass me by.  With 3 young children in tow the journey has been creative, educational, challenging and most of all very rewarding. On 10th February 1997 I opened the doors to SMS Creative Photography at 83 Station Road East, Oxted.  Thanks to the local community and beyond, I have enjoyed a growing business ever since.

Where It Started

All of this started on film, either 35mm or medium format negatives. This restricted me to either 12 exposures on the medium format with my trusted Hasselblad or 24 and 36 exposures with my Nikon F1 bodies. If I wanted to shoot in colour and black and white I had to use 2 camera bodies, one for each type of film and wait a few days before I got to see the end result. I had to rely on my technical and creative ability to get it right first time, which looking back, was the best training, because it became instinctive. I was very careful not to waste an exposure and to think fast and not to miss the moment.

How times have changed. If someone had told me that within three years of opening I would be shooting digital images, would be able to see the image on the back of the camera, copy images without loss of quality - I would have thought they were joking.

When I was introduced to digital photography I was reluctant to use it, I still shot with film and did a little digital to try it out. How wrong was I!  Within a couple of years I went completely digital for quality and convenience, and as they say, the rest is history. Although film has it's place, digital photography is a fantastic medium, for the freedom it gives to be able to share and archive and without doubt, post production.

What the past has taught me is how precious time is, you don't get a second chance to preserve those special moments in life that so may of us take for granted.

Then and Now

The photograph below on the left was taken on 1st March 1997 for a first birthday and was the first shoot I did in the studio, the one beside it taken last month.

The video below is a short show reel we've prepared to share some of those moments from the archives - 'Then and Now'.

Were you, or someone you know amongst the many families photographed in the early days? Do get in touch, be lovely to hear from you and reproduce your photograph.

'Guess Where In Oxted' photographic competition.

To encourage your children to be more visually aware I have created a competition, 'Guess Where In Oxted' to guess where an obscure photograph has been taken in and around the town. Children can take part if their infant and junior school in Oxted is participating. The competition can be completed during half term week 14 - 22 February. The schools taking part are, Limpsfield CE Infant, Downs Way, St. Peter's, St. Mary's, Holland and Hazelwood. The schools will issue the entry forms via their newsletter. First prize is a camera (suitable for the age of the winner) with a lesson on how to use it and studio sittings for 2nd and 3rd prizes. Please click on the photograph below to find out more.

Thanks for reading, I'll be back in two weeks time to let you know about our 18th birthday cake on Saturday 14 February to join our celebration.

Bye for now.

Stella