Local Business Showcase - W.W. Warner Antiques

This month, my showcase features W.W. Warner Antiques, a wonderful and beautifully rare local porcelain, pottery and glass dealer. 

Meissen Bottger Teapot

I am proud to say that I have been working with W.W. Warner Antiques, photographing their beautiful porcelain pottery and glass since 2010. 

Bow Fortune Teller

W.W. Warner Antiques are located in the small Kent village of Brasted, just a short train-ride from London, and have been dealing in porcelain, pottery and glass for over 50 years.

The majority of their stock consists of ceramics from the 16th to 19th centuries, with particular emphasis on 18th and 19th century British porcelain, including the Chelsea, Derby and Worcester factories. They also have a substantial collection of Continental porcelain including pieces of Meissen and Sevres.

W.W. Warner Antiques’ Managing Partner is Chris Jowitt, who has been involved with the business for over 20 years and prides himself on providing an excellent service to his clients. Chris regularly advises and sells to renowned museums, and is happy to provide a restoration service and valuations.

Tournai Madonna and Christ Child

Coming next…..

In our March newsletter we will be ‘In Conversation’ with Chris Jowitt to learn more about his work.

Chris worked with Cometa Warner, wife of the original founder, Walter Warner, who ran a successful shop in London, before retiring to Kent. Cometa handed over the business fully to Chris in 2000 and since then he has managed and built the Warner brand. Chris will give us his unique perspective on this unique business and industry.

Stella

Out and about: London Classic Car Show 15 - 18 February 2018

I am thrilled to be photographing the London Classic Car Show again this year. I love this show because it celebrates beautiful sleek cars and their exquisite culture and nostalgia.

In 2017 the show celebrated the 70th anniversary of Ferrari and showcased some of the rarest roadgoing Ferrari’s ever constructed.

963 Ferrari 250 GTO once owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason sold in 2013 for £52 million, making it the world's most expensive car. He bought the car in 1977 for £35,000 - what a great return!

This year the show is featuring ‘getaway cars’ and ‘specials’ which are described as ‘unique beasts’ with rare designs.  Alongside this will be a display of the cars and trophies of Formula 1 icon Nigel Mansell CBE.

If you are planning to attend please let me know, I’d love to see you there.

Stella

To read my blog about the London Classic Car Show 2017 please click here

New for 2018! Stella Books: Family

I am proud to launch a new range of the original ‘Stella Books’, focused on capturing family life. 

My ‘Stella Books’ Collections started in 2012 when I was commissioned to photograph collectors prized-possessions around the world which included cars, motorcycles and houses.  A selection of my original books are featured on www.stellascordellis.com.

All too often, family photos today live on our computers and phones. Time goes so fast, and we quickly build up treasured and personal images that live virtually and are rarely enjoyed. This is why, I have expanded my range of 'Stella Books' to capture family life. My new offer gives families the opportunity to portray daily life and special occasions over time and in different settings. 

The book can be compiled either on a one-off shoot, or I could work with a family through the seasons. It is a perfect surprise for a big birthday, or wedding anniversary and I believe it is a truly priceless offer.

Stella Books: Family is presented on the highest quality Mohawk Superfine paper and leather bound with the option to emboss or monogram.

Stella

Exclusive Automotive Photographs to Purchase

It has been three years since the launch of my inaugural exhibition 'A Drive Down Memory Lane' - and I can't believe where the time has gone! 

Since then, the exhibition has featured at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, Mayfair, London - Hever Castle, Kent - Eve Gallery at Top Foto, Edenbridge, Kent and for an invitation-only day at the Bremont Boutique, Mayfair, London - where attendees were given the opportunity to purchase the framed photographs in limited editions of 25.

I am now delighted to share with you the news that for this Christmas season only, the exhibition is on display at my studio SMS Creative Photography in Oxted, Surrey to allow you to select a favourite photograph for yourself or to treat a loved one. The photographs can be purchased framed or unframed.

To view the collection of the 44 photographs online you are welcome to click here - and if you spot an image that might interest another car lover please feel free to share the link, thank you!

Each photograph is personally signed and I can also personalise it for you if it's a gift for someone special. Please call SMS Creative Photography on 01883 722282 if you are interested in this exclusive Christmas offer.

Bye for now.

Stella

Your Family Location Photo-Shoot

Location photo-shoots are always popular, any time of year, now that we are coming to the end of a very chilly winter and the longer spring warmer days are on the horizon the diary is filling up.

Photographing in the studio is predictable, as light and backgrounds can be controlled. However I always like the challenge of family locations photo-shoots as I never know quite what to expect regarding the lighting and the choice of backdrop.

Just before Christmas I went to a particularly inviting location, a stunning house and garden to match, to photograph 3 teenage girls with their lovely mum.

It wasn't the garden or the house I chose to photograph in, as I wandered down the garden I found their greenhouse to be a hidden gem. 

The early morning light was just right and I think you'll agree the interior is charming, with an English country garden feel, I just couldn't resist!

I used a gold reflector to fill in the shadows on their faces which worked a treat. The mix of burnished copper leaves and dark pink flowers worked perfectly with the monochrome colours the family wore.

As usual my choice of lens was my Nikon f2.8 70-200mm

I'm finding family locations photo-shoots popular as gift vouchers for Mother's Day, special birthdays - especially grandparents with their children and grandchildren, this link to our website shows you more.

Look forward to seeing you soon.

Bye for now, with love

Stella

and the SMS Creative Photography Family

'Celebrating 20 Years In Oxted Town'

You're invited to join us for a glass of bubbly

on

 Saturday 11 February 12pm - 3pm

at

SMS Creative Photography

I can't believe how fast the years have flown by, sometimes I have to stop and think how it all began, from an early age I always wanted my own business.

 In 1984 at the age of 24 I got married, however at the age of 34 with 3 small children in tow I found myself newly single, homeless, jobless and penniless. This was my PERFECT opportunity to pave the way to create a business to provide for myself and children. 

With absolutely nothing to lose and having worked in the photographic industry, a photography studio seemed the natural choice. Fast forward 3 years to February 10 1997 - my 4th child SMS Creative Photography was born.

My philosophy was, and still remains, to offer quality with a first class personal service photographing local families and beyond. 

Over the years commissions have taken me far and wide, covering the World Cruise on the QE2; photographing Boyzone and Cher opening the Harrods sales; the infamous Jeremy Clarkson for an exclusive book on Ferrari; Metallica and Iron Maiden at the Sonisphere Festival and most recently the ITV newscaster Alastair Stewart as Patron of the Brooke Charity.

I've loved meeting so many families and being part of the community.
A very big thank you for trusting my team and I with the preservation of your family history, we have enjoyed sharing the evolution of photography with you.

Look forward to seeing you soon.

Bye for now, with love

Stella

and the SMS Creative Photography Family