Snap Network Nordic Shoot

So Nordic Saturday finally rolls around, and there I am, fresh out of the shower, casually drying my tush with a bath sheet. Not a towel, a bath sheet. There’s a difference. This thing could double as a circus tent and will just fit round my a***.

I’m wandering about the bedroom at snail pace, getting ready to be picked up at 9:45 by Kev and Maddie. Both completely bonkers. Photography bonkers, to be precise. And annoyingly good at it too.

It’s only 8:45, so I shuffle over to the window to inspect what horrors the weather gods have delivered.

Bollocks.

Kev’s car is already parked on my drive.

Cue panic mode.

Underpants on. Both legs somehow into the same jeans at first attempt. T-shirt over the head, mostly the right way round, then thunder downstairs and out the front door to greet them both.

“I’ll be two minutes,” I announce confidently.

Well hang on a minute, this isn’t me being late. They’re early. One whole hour early to be exact. Important distinction.

Anyway, nobody cared. Camera gear got launched into the back of the car and off we went to my second photo shoot with Snap Networks, run by Penny and Elle Wilks, who deserve credit because they organise the whole thing brilliantly.

Destination: Risca.

Waiting for us were Savali and Sweeper, two magnificent Nordic horses owned by Pete and Catherine, plus what looked like a small army of models all prepared to be photographed into next week.

Kev and Maddie, naturally, had everything organised with military precision. The shoot location was perched halfway up what I can only describe as the north face of Everest. Parking was limited, so out came a kart from the back of the car to haul all the camera gear uphill.

A smart idea, because walking uphill is not one of my core strengths. In fact, I avoid it whenever possible. If there’s a flatter route, I’ll find it.

The weather app had predicted doom and gloom, which, as usual, was complete nonsense. It turned out to be perfect weather for being outdoors, although a bit harsh for photography. Still, that didn’t stop us.

So we cracked on, only pausing briefly for sandwiches and soup.

Hot soup too.

Thick chicken soup.

Proper stuff. The kind that puts hairs on your chest and fogs your glasses up.

The rest of the day was spent happily snapping away. I mostly let the other photographers arrange the poses first. With limited vision it can be tricky knowing whether everything is lined up properly, so I let them work their magic, then I jump in once their enthusiasm starts running on fumes.

Worked out pretty well in the end.

So very special thank you to Kev and Maddie who always make it very easy for me participate in these events and who also make the day so enjoyable with their humour and kindness.