Avant Photographic
23rd May 2006
My heart was pounding - I remember that as vividly as the smell of the studio's fresh paint - The ping of the doorbell announced Avant Photographic’s first customer walking into my new shop on South Street in Eastbourne.
Moving from London to open my own studio, achieved an ambition that had dominated the previous 18 months of my life. It decimated my savings, inflated my overdraft and it was an enormous relief when I sold some wall portraits that afternoon and took a cash deposit. This was spent at Sainsbury's that evening, so we could eat properly for the first time in days!
Over the coming years, Avant evolved. Avant was established.
The evolution of Avant Photographic continued, moving from the studio in South Street, to Cohub, where I loved working among incredible colleagues and building a remarkable portfolio of commercial clients.
It was at Cohub I met Sian.
Together with Sian, Avant Photographic has evolved still further - the commercial side and artistic side has grown - I have rediscovered my love of film photography - I want to develop my own films again. I want to craft and frame delicious black and white, analogue photographs. This dream has grown, plans have been made and now, with the support of Sian, Avant Photographic is changing again - the next evolution is quite a big step - Avant Photographic as you know it, is going to be very different -
The future of Avant Photographic
Vive la Avant Photographic. France calls and I’m on une voyage magnifique
The future will be a bold adventure into a new life in France and new premises from which to operate Avant Photographic.
In July, I shall be leaving the UK and settling in The Correze, France - Near a little town called Le Lonzac.
We have an old mill conversion that will soon contain a studio, and we are surrounded by fields, wild forests and beautiful French villages. Avant Photographic will be offering photoshoots, courses in photography, wildlife photography, commercial photography and at certain times throughout the year, I will be in the UK offering up-to-date family portraits and my ever popular Day in the Life commercial photoshoots.
Want to have a look at it?
Moulon De Rome - Le Lonzac
Sian & I
Sian and I are renovating the mill ourselves. Well, Sian is doing it, I lift and move things. We will have it finished by the end of the Summer. During the winter we’ll be decorating and finalising areas still to be completed.
Even whilst writing this, I am imagining how this sounds to you. Believe me, I am aware of the fantastic reality I am living in. I am bewildered with excitement and I hope you can share in our happiness?
What about if I want to book a shoot?
The plan is to publish the dates I’m in the UK - allowing customers to book me for shoots whilst I am here. I have been privileged to photograph and become close to many of you and I hope so much to see you again in the future.
My story continues, as I have been lucky enough to be a part of yours, I wish you to be a continuing part of mine.
There is, of course, a fantastic opportunity to me to produce incredible family portraits abroad - I suggest holidays you and your family may take in France - or elsewhere in Europe - but as an international, globe-trotting photographer, why not elsewhere? Africa, the U.S.A.? Imagine having Avant Photographic holiday photos, rather than just selfies on your mobile?
We are close to Limoges airport - with other international airports like Bordeaux and Lyon within easy reach.
There’s lots of updates coming. Make sure to follow Avant Photographic social media channels to keep up-to-date.
Make sure to follow Avant Photographic social media channels to keep up-to-date.