In Collaboration with R & R Detailing - Bespoke Car Care

A selection of my limited edition photographs adorn the walls of the workplace.

Tucked away in a tranquil setting in rural Kent, you’ll find R & R Detailing - Bespoke Car Care… but not any old car care – this is ‘Rest and Relaxation’ for your cars – cars you cherish and deserve the very best. Especially in preparation for a photoshoot with me to create provenance and a visual lasting memory.

Meet Rob Barnard, owner of R & R Detailing, a certified and accredited company by leading brands in the industry. He really does have a passion for reviving and restoring your automobiles and motorcycles. I had the pleasure of spending some time with him to learn more about the bespoke service he offers with fellow petrolhead Pete.

Rob takes the time to understand just what you want to achieve, your options include detailing, ceramic coatings, paint protection film, vinyl wraps, and graphics and number plates.

Rob said once you have had a coating on your car, it comes with a warranty, which means DO NOT WASH your car. Available to buy is a range of specialist products to protect and maintain.

Rob says…

“We are not just your generic Detailing & PPF studio,  I have also wanted to completely understand what our clients want to achieve and build them a treatment package. I think it’s the most important part to make a successful and understanding relationship so we can work together.  I want to relax them and then get them excited about projects.

There are so many “DETAILING” outfits now I want to separate myself from that and be different.

I’m constantly thinking about project ideas and different business plans, I can’t switch off. But I think passion is what people need to see”. 

Rob continues…

“I’ve tried so many different products over the last 10 years but GYEON is always a favourite, I’ve been accredited/ certified since 2014 and love the quality of the product from maintenance to certified ceramic coatings & PPF (paint protection film).

We offer a range of detailing packages. Each package is bespoke to your car and is built in collaboration with you.

Option 1 offers a regular safe wash package.

Option 2 consists of a more in-depth decontamination wash.

Option 3 progresses with paint correction –f or this option, we offer a range of treatments varying from a single-stage paint correction to a full multi-stage paint correction. The skill of machine polishing is used to remove defects and scratches from the paintwork, boosting gloss levels and revealing any metallic clarity”

Ceramic Coatings 

Our certified Ceramic Coatings are applied by highly skilled detailers to all car surfaces, guaranteeing outstanding visual results, long-lasting protection, and resistance to dirt and contaminates. Regular safe washes become more effective and the surfaces remain glossy, now protected from UV rays and harsh chemicals preventing oxidation and dullness. 

PPF

Whether you have fresh paintwork from our bespoke package or the original factory paint, protection is a must to keep your car safe from scratches, chips and harsh dealings of modern life. PPF is the perfect solution to protect the fresh paintwork on all surfaces of your vehicle. 

Vinyl and Graphics ( complete colour changes)

We design and replicate OEM decals and custom create graphics. We offer full vinyl colour changes, de-chroming, and window tinting.

We are collaborating with Stella to ensure your cars are in tip-top condition for their photoshoot to create provenance and a visual memory”.

“We always want to be Sustainable – all waste is recycled and our microbes even have a tire system, when new they are safe for freshly polished paintwork, washed & dried they are moved to interior cleans then washed & dried, and they will do arches and engine bays then rewashed to clean the floors,  after that a mechanic friend takes them away” .

Number Plates

R & R Detailing offers a range of different styles from standard to 3D gels, 4D, tinted, short, hex, ghost.

Secure Storage

They offer a safe, secure and discreet vehicle storage facility providing a home for classic, luxury, track, and performance vehicles including camper vans.

Whether for a short stay or for the long term, each vehicle is monitored 24 hours a day with security coverage and the facility is kept secure with high grade physical locks and bollards. 
Each vehicle is provided with a dedicated  C-TEK battery conditioner and will receive a bi-weekly run up to temperature to ensure optimum battery level is maintained. Each vehicle is provided with a super soft, stretchy, breathable cover that is suitable for all paint types. Covers are carefully and methodically applied and removed to minimise any contamination. Each aspect of the storage process is carried out by a dedicated, passionate and experienced member of the Supremacy team.
Storage solutions at Supremacy are tailor-made around customer’s requirements and they are happy to discuss your specifications.

The Ghost number plate with raised letters and either black or grey recessed within.

Thanks for taking the time to read about our collaboration, this link takes you to the R & Detailing website and this link takes you to the Identity page of my website for commissions to photograph your prized automobile.

Last but not least this link is to my shop if you’d like to purchase a limited edition photograph. With Christmas just around the corner, you might just find something for the car lover in your life!

Thanks

Stella

Collaboration with Casmin Group - Luxury Bespoke Automotive Manufacturing

Barnett, Nick and Ian from Casmin Group

During this week I have been working with Ian Smith, Nick Campolucci and Barnett Fletcher creating images for the launch of their new business and website Casmin Group. Enabling luxury and bespoke manufacturing of automobiles and motorbikes to be matched with discerning clients, giving a personal service from start to finish.

This collaboration stems from our mutual passion for beautiful cars and motorcycles. It’s exciting times as I get to be in the front seat to witness the manufacture of bespoke one-off vehicles, visually capturing the process from concept to manufacture to delivery – to create provenance within tailor-made coffee table books.

Ian said “this is an excellent addition to our portfolio of luxury lifestyle services that we offer our customers. Stella’s service helps us deliver a tailored and personal service from start to finish. Choosing and managing the purchase of a customer’s next vehicle is only the beginning of what we believe should be a long and rewarding relationship. Over the years we have been very impressed with the quality of Stella’s work and believe this is a perfect fit with the services and philosophy available at Casmin Group.”

1966 Jaguar Series 1 E Type Fixed Head Coupe

It was a cold January morning on the Thames but that didn’t deter us from a photoshoot of the three founders together with a stunning 1966 Jaguar Series 1 E Type Fixed Head Coupe that has been in Ian’s family since new – a perfect addition to the shoot! Thanks to the duck’s geese and swans for arriving right on cue!

You can find out more about Casmin Group here as they begin their launch.

The Classic Motor Hub - Coffee & Classics - Italian Event 5 May 2019

On Sunday 5th May between 10am and 1pm The Classic Motor Hub in Bibury, Gloucestershire will be hosting another of their much loved Coffee & Classics events.

This time they are holding a particularly special Italian edition for anyone with an Italian classic or vintage, modern performance car, super car, or motorcycle.

The event promises to offer a little bit of Italian elegance with a live Jazz Band and food with a Mediterranean influence and much more going on too, adding to what is always a fun and exciting three hours on a Sunday!

If you haven’t visited The Classic Motor Hub before you are in for a real treat, you can check-out the award winning showrooms, see the on-site private collection and browse their shop.

On this particular occasion I’ll be there showcasing my collection of limited edition photographs of a few Italian favourites and will be available to discuss an exclusive photo-shoot of one of your cars or motorcycles in a location meaningful to you.

To come along you will however need to register your Italian car or motorcycle, but you can rest assured you will be in fine company of many other classic and modern Italian cars and motorcycles, but don’t leave it too long as spaces in their parking area fill up fast!

You can register via this link to their website.

I look forward to meeting you!

Stella

The Classic Motor Hub Coffee & Classics Day

On Sunday 7 October I was invited by The Classic Motor Hub in Bibury, Gloucestershire to be a part of their final Coffee & Classics event of the year, and what a fabulous event it was! With over 250 vehicles and over 500 visitors arriving in their pride and joy to share and display with other collectors and enthusiasts.

The Classic Motor Hub is more than just a showroom, it’s a classic motorist’s dream. Based at the site of the historic RAF Bibury, The Classic Motor Hub has something for everyone, set in a five-acre site dedicated to classic motoring sales, events, classic cars & bikes, modern performance machines and all manner of automotive ephemera on offer.

I arrived at 8am to display a selection of limited edition photographs from my exhibition called ‘A Drive Down Memory Lane’ in one of the showrooms. I was in good company amongst some very prestigious cars including - a silver Ferrari 275GT convertible, a Mercedes CLS AMG in satin silver and a beautiful 1937 Delage D8 120 cabriolet which won “Most Opulent” at Salon Privé on 30 August and quite righty so.

Right on cue the first of the cars arrived at 10am with a steady flow arriving soon after, it was a lovely sunny morning with a nip in the air and the smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon, an ideal welcome.

I can see why the event was fully booked, these events are proving to be very popular, not only is there the opportunity to see other cars and bikes, it’s a chance to mingle and explore the showrooms, to shop and to tuck into a bacon roll and enjoy a cup of coffee from the barista. With the choice to purchase other goods and services from local vendors.

I enjoyed meeting many new faces and hearing about their love of cars and to have been given the opportunity to showcase my photography of other collectors cars and to gain new commissions in a fitting setting.

The next Coffee & Classics events is on New Year’s Day 2019 with other dates soon to be published, to find out more about The Classic Motor Hub just click on the link.

To take a peek at others photographs taken at the event click here.

Thanks

Stella

The Classic Motor Hub - ‘Stella’ Photography Exhibition on Sunday 7 October 2018

I have some exciting news to share with you, on Sunday October 7th I have been invited to showcase my automotive exhibition of limited edition photographs called ‘A Drive Down Memory Lane’ at The Classic Motor Hub in Bibury, Gloucestershire as part of their Coffee & Classics event, from 10am - 1pm.

Some of you may remember this exhibition from the inaugural event at Chartwell in Westerham in October 2014. Since then it has featured at many events including the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, in Mayfair and at an exclusive day at Bremont in South Audley Street, Mayfair. Since then there have been additions to the collection with further exclusive photographs included, each photograph is limited to editions of 25.

There will be an opportunity for all visitors to enter a competition to win one of the limited edition framed photographs, by identifying a key element of different prestigious cars.

The Classic Motor Hub is more than just a show room and has something for everyone in a five-acre site dedicated to classic motoring, including events, classic cars & bikes, modern performance machines and all manner of automotive ephemera.

I hope you can make it, it promises to be a fabulous event with visitors arriving in their classic cars & bikes to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere and to visit the showrooms of wonderful cars where I’ll be waiting to greet you with my exhibition.

Visitors are invited by pre-registration only, I have been advised that capacity is full for vehicles post 1990 and there is limited availability for vehicles pre 1990. Further details to register your attendance can be found here, but please hurry to avoid disappointment!

Stella

Images below supplied courtesy of The Classic Motor Hub, thank you.

Silverstone Classic 2018

What an eventful day it proved to be at Silverstone Classic on Saturday 21st July, the morning started at the Media Centre to collect my media pass and Official Photographers bib which gave me access track side. Some very nice Tesla owners gave up their day to drive media people and VIP's to designated points during the event. 

The first 5 races took place at the National Paddock during the morning with the remaining 7races taking place at the International Paddock in the afternoon.

The variety of photographs from the days events show track side activity, World GP Bike Legends before an exciting demonstration. On the podium there was happiness and victory for the likes of Christophe D’Ansembourg, William Nuthall, Jake Hill, Steve Tandy and Nick Padmore amongst others. 

For those of you who are interested in my kit, I used Nikon bodies D750 and D700 with prime lenses 18mm and 50mm and zooms 70-200mm and 24-120mm with a Nikon Speedlight SB-910, I also introduced to the mix a Fuji XT-2 body with a16-55mm lens for when the other bodies became too heavy!

I hope you enjoy the photographs and the story they each tell of an action packed day, scroll down to see the link to further images and the results of the day.

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To view further images of the day please follow this link and to find out the results of the races please click here.

Thanks for reading.

Stella

Salon Privé 2016

David Cohen - 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Gullwing

The Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance is hailed as one of the finest concours competitions yet. This year, the 11th annual event, Concours d'Elegance has seen some of the world's rarest and most alluring cars on the lawns of the prestigious Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, held on the 1-3 September 2016.

Boodles Ladies' Day Pass

I had the pleasure of attending Boodles Ladies' Day on Friday 2nd September and quickly immersed myself amongst the stunning selection of more than 75 cars and bikes on display. We were treated to a wonderful Champagne lobster luncheon, English afternoon tea and complimentary bar, the perfect setting for a thoughtfully presented exclusive event.

Closest to Furthest - Ferrari F50, Ferrari F355, Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari 458 Specialé, R35 Nismo Nissan GT-R GT3, BMW Z4 GTE.

Lamborghini Huracan Spider (Left) Lamborghini Huracan (Right)

1964 Alfa Romeo 101 Giulia Spider

Tom Hartley showcasing some top class stock; Ferrari Dino (Left) Ferrari 275 GTB (Middle) and Ferrari F50 (Right)

The best bit for me was watching, photographing and hearing the commentary for the Concours d'Elegance event, the judging for which had taken place the previous day. 

1955 AC Ace

Mark Aldridge - 1955 AC Ace

Ferrari F40

1973 Porsche 2.7RS Touring

1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2

Me at work, not my usual attire!

1973 Lamboghini Countach LP400 ' Periscopio'

1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Short Chassis Prototype -  Winner 'The Great V12 Ferraris' category

Entered by Nick Bailey, this 1992 Ferrari F40 won the 'Dream Machines' category

1954 Maserati A6 GCS Berlinetta - Winner 'People's Choice Category'

This 1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa fended off rivals to steal the 'Best of Show' Salon Privé 2016 winner.

Winner 'Best of Show' Salon Privé 2016.

Taking 8 years to find and 2 years to restore, it made its post restoration debut at the 2015 Goodwood Revival Meeting.

1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa

1973 Porsche 2.7RS Touring (Left) 1969 Porsche 911 (Right)

1969 Porsche 911 - Runner Up Trophy, finished third

This 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C2 sold for £60,750 in the Silverstone Auction on Saturday 3rd September at Salon Privé.

1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C2

Leaving Salon Privé on the majestic grounds of Blenheim Palace, until next year

Thanks for reading, I'll be back soon with more news from my world of cars and photography.

Bye for now.

Stella

London Classic Car Show 2016

I was delighted to have been given the opportunity to photograph the Preview Evening of The London Classic Car Show on Thursday 18th February, having photographed the first show last year I was keen to see what was in store for 2016.

Guests included Jenson Button, Gordon Murray, Ari Vatanen, Bruno Senna, Jodie Kidd, Tom Ford, Jonny Smith and the evening was hosted by Suzi Perry.

One of the show’s main events was the Classic Six Nations Cup in which teams of ten iconic classic cars from the six leading car-producing nations vied for votes from visitors.

And when all the votes had been counted, the UK team – which included such varied machines at the original Mini, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Le Mans Bentley, McLaren F1 supercar, Aston Martin DB5, Land Rover and Graham Hill’s 1968 title winning Lotus 49 Grand Prix car – narrowly beat an Italian team full of Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis. 

Below are my highlights of The London Classic Car Show 2016 Preview Evening.

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One World Champion, made an impressive entrance driving a McLaren F1 – the supercar was celebrated at the show in a special display curated by its designer Gordon Murray.

Suzi Perry, Jensen Button and Jodie Kidd with the McLaren F1.

Classic car dealers crammed the halls with impressive displays of rare and valuable classic cars, many with six figure price tags. By the end of the show they delightedly reported sales of many millions of pounds.

A quote from the Event Director Bas Bungish:-
“If we were delighted by how the first London Classic Car Show was received in 2015, we were blown away by the response to the 2016 edition. From the moment the show opened right until the final curtain each day, the halls were buzzing with visitors. They loved the special displays and really got involved with the show: more than 9,000 for example, voted in the Classic Six Nations Cup.

“And the really good news is that we are already starting work to make the 2017 London Classic Car Show even better. Make a note in your diaries now: 23-26 February 2017,” said Bungish.

That's a date in my diary I don't want to miss!

If you have enjoyed reading this newsletter and would like to read previous ones you may have missed please click this link.

Thanks for reading, I'll be back once a month with updates.

Stella

A Drive Down Memory Lane Photography Exhibition

Limited Edition Framed Photographs

Delighted to announce my classic and super car photography exhibition is currently on at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London until 23 October for members and their guests.

The photographs on display are some of the rarest and most sought after cars in the world and are limited to editions of 25, signed complete with a certificate of authenticity.

Printed on Fuji museum archival quality Fine Art Photo Rag paper and framed in black wood with a natural grain by master craftsmen. Finished with art glass to reveal the true colours of the photograph and eliminates reflection to one percent and scratch resistant.

A wider selection of framed photographs can be purchased, just click here to view the collection.

Thanks for reading I'll be back in two weeks time with more news.

Bye for now, enjoy the weekend.

Stella

Goodwood Revival 2015

On Sunday 13 September I attended the Goodwood Revival, I always look forward to going to this three-day festival held each September. This event isn't just for car and motor sport lovers it's an event for all the family to enjoy, the whole experience of living in a bygone era, with a merry go round and lots of fun things to see, do and buy. It's an educational visit for everyone!

Featuring all types of road racing cars and motorcycles that would have competed during the circuit's original period - 1948–1966. It is one of the world's most popular motor race meetings and the only event which recreates the golden era of motor sport in the UK. I love the fact that most people dress in period clothes and everything around you reflects this, from the tea stands, police boxes and memorabilia.

The car park even becomes part of the show as visitors line up their classics.

This Youthquake display celebrates 50 years of the miniskirt.

An original Land Rover Defender - still stable when tilted at 45 degrees, as these Revival visitors found out

Preparation for the next race on the Goodwood Circuit.

St. Mary's Trophy part 2. Ford Galaxie 500 1963 and BMW 1800 TiSA 1965

Mini's and Cortina during the St. Mary's Trophy part 2.

It was a time of glitz and glamour, it felt like taking a step back in time.

Goodwood's Earls Court Motor Show is a celebration of the greatest Ferrari road cars, including the 166 MM Barchetta from 1950.

Each visitor to the Earls Court Motor Show at the Revival is given the opportunity to cast a vote for their favourite car and in doing so support the chosen charity. This year, in keeping with the commemoration of 75 years since the Battle of Britain, the Revival lent its support to the RAF Benevolent Fund, which supports serving and former members of the RAF in the UK and around the world. This years winner is the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO.

I hope you have enjoyed reading a little about the Goodwood Revival and it has inspired you to book your tickets for next year. To see more photographs from the event please take a look at Instagram and Twitter @StellaSMS

Thanks for reading I'll be back in two weeks time with more news.

Bye for now, enjoy the weekend.

Stella

John Surtees OBE at Hever Castle

On Sunday 21 June in partnership with John Surtees OBE and the Henry Surtees Foundation, Hever Castle presented a collection of F1 cars, classic cars and motor bikes from the John Surtees collection.

John Surtees OBE is a force to be reckoned with, not only did he achieve world championships on both two wheels and four wheels and the only person ever to have done so, he was a four-time 500cc motorcycle World Champion too.

John also founded the Henry Surtees Foundation as a result of a freak accident that ended his 18 year old sons life at Brands Hatch on 19th July 2009. Henry was one of the best young drivers of his era. The foundation was created to assist people with brain or physical injuries caused by accident to return to community living by the provision of support for equipment and facilities.

The day was very well attended, John shared a few of his racing memories with his audience, many had their own little piece of history to share with him, about how their grandfather knew his father, or when they watched him race at Crystal Palace, it really showed what a great man he is, his spirit shone.

John spent much of the day signing memorabilia sold to raise funds. It is through events like this that the Henry Surtees Foundation is helping so many people recover from brain or physical injuries. To buy a copy of the book 'My Incredible Life on Two & Four Wheels' please click here.

A Drive Down Memory Lane

During the day on display in The Moat Restaurant were a selection of my classic and super car photographs from my exhibition " A Drive Down Memory Lane". To be amongst the first to buy a framed photograph, limited to 25 per image, please click this link, ten percent of all sales will be donated to the Henry Surtees Foundation. The exhibition will be at the RAC, Pall Mall, London in the autumn.

Visit Hever Castle & Gardens for the perfect day out in Kent. The gardens are stunning all year round, set in 125 acres, I took the photographs below on the day.

Thanks for reading I'll be back in two weeks time with more news.

Bye for now, enjoy the sunshine!

Stella

Classic Sports Car Club at Brands Hatch

On a wet and cold Sunday morning at the end of May I drove to Brands Hatch to watch the Classic Sports Car Club Summer Special Race meeting and to take a few photographs. The qualifying races took place in the morning and the main event in the afternoon. The previous day was warm and sunny and featured cars from the 60's and 70's and was much busier than the Sunday.

With it's iconic track and the wet surface, the Brands Hatch circuit was going to be a challenge for the most experienced driver. There were six races featuring the Modern Classics Series, Toyo Tires Jaguar championship, Magnificent Sevens, New Millennium and Dunlop Puma Cup Series and Tin Tops.

The photographs below show how it all panned out.

The photograph above shows Tom Eden driving a Caterham 7 who came 2nd in the CSCC Gold Arts Magnificent Sevens Group 2.

Above - The Modern Classic Series showing a bumper grid of 90's machinery with Miles Maserati driving car number 46 as the winner.

Above - Toyo Tires Jaguar Saloons were the second race of the day with Sam Clarke Jnr. taking 1st place in car number 126 and David Howard in car number 55 in 2nd place.

Above - The winner of the CSCC Gold Arts Magnificent Sevens - Group 2 was Peter Ratcliffe in car number 1 with Tom Eden in 2nd place in car number 64 and Jonathan Gibbs in 3rd place in car number 41.

Above - CSCC New Millennium & Dunlop Puma Cup, father and son Alan and James Broad in 1st place in car number 76.

Above - CSCC New Millennium & Dunlop Puma Cup in 2nd place Nikolas Barton in car 199.

Above - Liam Crilly filling up his Mazda RX8.

Above - CSCC Gold Arts Magnificent Sevens Group 1 Stephen Mansell in 1st place in car number 5.

Above - It wasn't smooth going for everyone though.

Above - The last race of the day CSCC Tin Tops with MS Society, I was cold and wet to see the end of this one so can't let you know who won, but this is what it looked like at the start! A big thank you to Hugo Holder the Competitions Director and Club Secretary, at Classic Sports Car Club for inviting me to enjoy this event.

Don't forget to treat your dad on Father's Day - June 21st at Hever Castle

Say thank you to your dad this Father’s Day and spoil him with a memorable day out. In partnership with John Surtees and the Henry Surtees Foundation, Hever Castle presents a collection of F1 cars, classic cars and motor bikes from the John Surtees collection. I have been invited to showcase my classic and supercar photography at this prestigious event with framed Limited Edition photographs for sale.

Featuring the photograph below, home of the Spitfire taken at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, and an F-Type Jag courtesy of AutoPrive, using a Leica medium format camera. What I particularly love about photographing with a Leica is the quality of the lens, capturing crystal clear clarity.

Thanks for reading I'll be back in two weeks time with more to share.

Bye for now, enjoy the weekend!

Stella

Bond in Motion London Film Museum

Bond in Motion London Film MuseumOn Monday evening I was invited to enjoy a private view at the London Film Museum, Covent Garden to see the 'Bond in Motion' exhibition. The evening was hosted by Clive from Prestige Promotions for his members to see the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles ever staged in London.

This exhibition is certainly worth a visit, you can immerse yourself in movie history, I was in my element. The best part for me, other than the cars, was that beside each vehicle you could watch footage from the particular movie it appeared in. I felt like I wanted to go and watch all the movies again from start to finish!

Can you guess which movies the above vehicles featured in? Bottom right photograph

Serena Gordon and Philip inside the DB5 with the original scene in the background.

Aston Martin DB5

Amongst the cars on display I particularly liked the Aston Martin DB5, this iconic car has appeared in many of the movies, however this particular DB5 was from the 1995 movie'Golden Eye'. It featured in the chase with a Ferrari 355 in Monte Carlo with James Bond(Piers Brosnan) driving and his passenger Caroline (Serena Gordon).The added bonus to photographing the car was that Serena Gordon came to the event, it was lovely to meet her. I photographed her next to the DB5 and also inside, this time it wasn't with Piers Brosnan but with Philip, who came as a guest and bid £600 to sit next to her in the very seat James Bond once sat in.

Serena said it brought back many memories of that eventful journey in Monte Carlo twenty

years ago, looks like a hair-raising experience to me!

Above a selection of images I took during the evening, the bottom right photograph from

left to right, Clive Thomas, Serena Gordon, Philip (the gentleman who bid £600) and

Imogen Stubbs.

Above Clive Thomas and Serena Gordon with the DB5 from the movie 'Golden Eye' and footage on the screen.

Rolls-Royce

Now this one didn't appear in any of the James Bond movies, but it can be yours. 

I photographed this Rolls - Royce Phantom I Newmark Tourer convertible 1929.

Coach built by Brewster & Co in the US, with a left hand drive. 

This Rolls Royce is a rarity and a fantastic investment opportunity for a collector to own a piece of history.

Thanks for reading, I'll be back in two weeks with more news.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Bye for now.

Stella

Elite London Show Days May 2015

Following on from my last newsletter about the setting up of The Elite London Show a luxury lifestyle experience, set in the opulent surroundings of the Rizon Jet facility at Biggin Hill Airport.

The Elite London Show days on Friday and Saturday didn’t fail to wow the audience with a prestigious array of ‘boys toys’ guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning customer. I had the pleasure of interacting with the exhibitors and customers alike, to photograph the emotion of the second Elite London Show. What stood out the most for me was the passion the exhibitors had for their products and craft.

Here are a few of the photographs I took at the Elite London show days with a brief description underneath.

The photographs above show some of the exhibitors showcasing helicopters, supercars and inspirational sculptures.  All the images were taken using Nikon equipment with a 70-200mm f2.8 lens.

The photograph of the hangar above was taken using Nikon equipment with a 24-120mm lens.

The HDR process which I wrote about on my previous newsletter will tell you how it is produced.

The photographs above capture different moments at the show in particular the Spitfire flypast, bottom right.

The WWII plane captivated the audience with agile acrobatics, a fast shutter speed was a must for this shot.

Say thank you to your dad this Father’s Day and spoil him with a memorable day out. In partnership with John Surtees

and the Henry Surtees Foundation, Hever Castle presents a collection of F1 cars, classic cars and motor bikes from the John Surtees collection. I have been invited to showcase my classic and supercar photography at this prestigious event with framed Limited Edition photographs for sale.

Featuring the photograph below, home of the Spitfire taken at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, and an F-Type Jag courtesy of AutoPrive,

using a Leica medium format camera. What I particularly love about photographing with a Leica is the quality of the lens, capturing crystal clear clarity.

Thanks for reading I’ll be back in two weeks time with more news.

Bye for now.

Stella

The Elite Show London 8 and 9 May 2015

On Wednesday and Thursday I photographed the setting up of The Elite Show London, a luxury lifestyle experience, set in the opulent surroundings of Rizon Jet at Biggin Hill Airport.

The scene has been set with an array of super cars and jets on display amongst a select variety of luxury goods.

Below are a few of the images I took just to whet your appetite.

HDR Photography

The photograph above was taken using 5 images spliced together, this is called High Dynamic Range.

The reason for taking a series of images at different exposures is because it's not possible to get a consistent exposure in one single shot. The light inside the hangar is much darker than outside.

By taking 5 images in rapid succession at varying exposures and processing in Photoshop one image with an even exposure is made.

The images below starting top left and finishing bottom right show the five images that were used to create the final one.

Spitfire

The spitfire below is on display at Intrepid Design alongside some innovative furniture created using decommissioned and recycled aircraft parts. You can even visit the guys from the Heritage Hangar to book a short flight in a Spitfire too!

Yesterday Afternoon

The photograph below is how it looked yesterday afternoon, before the cars and jets arrived. The lodge back right is by Waterside Holidays, by the end of the day I felt like curling up and going to sleep, it's so homely! If you get the chance to visit, either today Friday 8 May, or tomorrow Saturday 9 May you're in for a luxurious time. This link will tell you more.

Thanks for reading I'll be back next month with more news.

Bye for now!

Stella

Classic and Supercar Shows

Top Marques Monaco 16th - 19th April 2015

Last year I had the pleasure of attending the Top Marques car show, it is the only live supercar show in the world. It takes place every April in the prestigious Principality of Monaco and has grown to showcase all aspects of a luxury lifestyle. The show is held at the Grimaldi Forum, with the added benefit of the Esplanade to display the super boats with the opportunity to test drive them in the waters of Monaco.I was given the task to photograph H.S.H Prince Albert II on the opening day during his tour of the show. He took a lot of time to learn more about the supercars new to the market, the McLaren 650S, the Quant and the Lamborghini Aventador to name a few.The show started in 2004 with each year improving on the last, with that in mind if you are wanting to soak up some sun and culture, this one is for you. Follow this linkto get your tickets. I can recommend this Classic and Supercar Show.

Below are a selection of photographs I took at the event.

The Elite Show - London Biggin Hill Airport 8th - 9th May 2015

Rizon Jet at London Biggin Hill Airport is the prestigious venue for - The Elite London. London's most exclusive jet set lifestyle event, featuring over 100 luxury lifestyle brands. This is the second time Rizon Jet are hosting the show after last years huge success.Premium car brands will be on show and on sale to visitors who buy, collect and race the finest luxury super, hyper and classic cars. You can book exclusive experiences with the opportunity to take a flight in a Spitfire.

To book tickets to this exclusive classic and supercar show please visit their website to find out more.

If you would like a space at the show please get in touch with Roxana Ayling, her email address is roxana@theeliteevents.com

Congratulations to Rizon Jet who were voted UK No 1 FBO 2015.

I took the photograph below at Biggin Hill Airport, an F-Type Jag and Spitfire.

Wilton Classic and Supercar Show 6th and 7th June 2015

The Wilton classic and supercar show is a day out for all the family and is held in the grounds of Lord Pembrokes estate, this two day event showcases super and classic cars, with live shows in the arena. This is a good fun day with a huge variety of cars to see, including the head to head display, last year it was the Mercedes SLS.

I particularly liked the supercar display where the owners drove their cars in a procession for all to admire, this is well worth seeing. I even got to be photographed with my favourite car, the Ferrari 250 GTO.This link is to their website.

A selection of Ferraris on display outside Wilton House, the home of the car show.

Thanks for reading, I'll keep you updated with other car show later in the year to visit.More news next month about where my classic and supercar photography exhibition will be appearing next.

Bye for now

Stella

London Classic Car Show 2015

All I can say is WOW and well done to Brand Events the creators, who staged the preview launch for the inaugural 'London Classic Car Show'. A show that won't disappointed any car lover. I've been to a variety of car shows, indoors and outdoors, in many varied locations and this one is definitely in my top three. The show, at the ExCel exhibition centre in east London is easy to access, with in my opinion, the right amount of content. You get to see, hear and smell the cars, an intoxicating mix of car heaven. Brand Events have achieved what they set out to do, by putting London back on the classic car map. On until Sunday 11 January.

The two James’  May and Martin, officially opening the show. Both are avid car collectors, with James Martin commenting that he has two passions in life, cooking and cars. With the the opportunity to enjoy some of his recipes at his ‘Classic Cafe’, three cleverly converted food wagons. James May believes that there are 13 cars that had a profound effect on the motor car as we know it today, and tells all. During his interview with Chris Evans he revealed that he thought the car that changed the world the most was in fact very personal to him, and was the famous Corgi model toy of the ‘James Bond Aston Martin’, complete with ejector seat.

James Martin posing in a mini with his 'Classic Cafe' in the background. The pulled pork sandwich I had was delicious.

Adrian Newey is being honoured at the show. He is the all-time most successful designer in Formula 1, and revealed during his interview with Chris Evans later in the show, that all his drawings are drawn free hand. He learnt his craft whilst a young boy helping his father build cars, in particular a Lotus Elan sprint road car. You can find out more about his incredible career at the show and see on display an array of cars that have played a significant part in both his professional and private lives. I was fascinated to read how much he has achieved and to meet him. Be sure to visit the 'Motor Sport Hall of Fame Showcase' to learn more about him and others.

Chris Evans just before he went on stage to interview James Martin, James May, Adrian Newey, Christian Horner, David Coulthard, Martin Brundle and the event director Bas Bungish.

During Chris Evans interviews, he asked each of the guys to share with us, their memories of their first cars. Adrian Newey's first car was a yellow Lotus Elan which was previously owned by his father and last seen in 1980. It was interesting to hear him describe with a passion how he restored it. The show organisers had tracked down the car and Chris introduced it as a surprise addition to the evening when it was driven down the Grand Avenue for all to see and enjoy, Adrian was visibly thrilled to be reunited.

Adrian drove the car down the Grand Avenue with Chris as passenger for the Lotus Elan to take its place in the procession alongside other classic, veteran and super cars.

We were wowed with a first class display in the Grand Avenue, a runway that I can only describe as a motoring catwalk. Featured were some of the most valuable, rare and desirable classic cars in the world to kick start the new year with an aural explosion. With many of the cars from James Martin's and Adrian Newey's personal collections. Seen here a Mercedes Benz 300SL, with the enclosure behind and the elevated stage, where Chris Evans interviewed the motoring aficionados and organisers. This is just a brief account of a fun filled, educational evening. I highly recommend you go and see for yourselves, the show is on until Sunday 11 January. Thanks for reading I'll be back next month with more news.

Bye for now.

Stella

Wilton Classic and Supercar Show 2014

Wilton Classic and Supercar Show 2014

I'd been looking forward to going to the Wilton Classic and Supercar Show for a while now. 

The show took place in the grounds of the Wilton House Estate, near Salisbury.

The Wilton Classic and Supercar Show 2014 is an annual event, now in it's sixth year,

and took place on Sunday10th August. The show is the brain child of Lord Pembroke

the current resident of this ancestral home and his friend Jay Broom,

and was set up to share their love of classic and supercars with the public.

The show was suitable for all the family and had something to offer the local residents as well as avid petrol heads.

Major car manufactures were given the opportunity to showcase their latest cars, hot off the production line.

This years event hosted a demonstration rally event too.

The weather on Sunday started off wet and windy but it didn't discourage the crowds

who travelled from all over the UK to share a little bit of car culture.

Let me tell you more...

What Was On Display

There was a broad selection of cars on display including the only Aston Martin Bertone Jet in the world.

McLaren P1 a selection of Ferrari's

including a 1957 250 Testa Rossa and the Bugatti EB10 and the car above the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette.

The centre piece for the "head to head" theme for the show,

in which classic icons met their modern counterparts, was the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing

and SLS AMG,  and also showcasing the BMW M1 and i8, Lamborghini Miura and Huracan.

The parade of over 150 supercars featured marques such as Bugatti, Pagani, McLaren, Ferrari and Aston Martin.

In front of Wilton House’s south façade, on the South Lawn, visitors could get up close to some rarely seen classics,

fortunately by this time the sun was out, umbrellas down, coats off and engines roaring.

Rally Car Display

The grounds also boasted a real life high-speed demonstration of superb Group B rally cars on an authentic rally stage,

with the Race2Recovery team joining

the action in the Bowler Wildcats that they fielded in the gruelling Dakar Rally earlier this year.

My Car Photography Exhibition

I will be launching my inaugural exhibition at Chartwell in Westerham, Kent, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill, featuring some of the most iconic cars from each of the decades he lived there, between 1922 until his death in 1965.

Sir Winston Churchill had a great sense of style and appreciated the finer things in life.

The exhibition will be open to the public for two weeks in October. I will tell you more about this event in forthcoming newsletters.

I am in the early stages of planning which photographs to exhibit and who to send press releases to. Amongst the photographs on

display there will be classic and supercars, my www.stellascordellis.com website will tell you more about me in this field.

Oh, by the way, the title to my exhibition is:-

"A Drive Down Memory Lane"

Where This All Began

My passion for car photography started when I was a child and shared my brothers'

interest in anything with wheels and an engine.

I started my photographic career at just 15 years old when I went to work at a

photographic studio in Croydon as a Saturday girl.

I left school the following year to start an apprenticeship with a three year

day release course at their commercial studio.

It's been a long and varied journey and my love of photographing people as well as cars has

led me to explore this exciting direction my business takes me to.

The Rolls Royce, Silver Cloud 1963 below was photographed as part of my course work whilst at college,

and looking back this is where it all began...

Thanks for reading. If you didn't go to the Wilton Classic and Supercar Show  this year,

its well worth going to next year, you won't be disappointed!

Bye for now.

Stella

Edenbridge Car Pageant

On Monday 26th May I drove a few miles south to Edenbridge to see (and hear) for myself what the car pageant I had read about had to offer. The weather was overcast and wet, not ideal for such an occasion. The event was organized by the Eden Valley Chamber of Commerce as part of the Edenbridge Fun Day. As a member of the Oxted Chamber of Commerce I caught site of an email from our chairman letting us know what another local chamber were up to over the Bank Holiday weekend. I’m very glad I took note of this because what unfolded filled me with delight and added so much to my visual and mental portfolio of cars! All on my doorstep in Fircroft Way, Edenbridge, Kent.

John Surtees OBE

Edenbridge is the hometown of Motor sport legend John Surtees OBE.

This year John is celebrating 50 years since he won his Formula 1 World Championship title as well as his 80th birthday. John Surtees OBE is a one off; the only person to have won World Championships on both two and four wheels. John proudly showcased his F1 bikes and cars outside his Bradford shop, Station Road, the Surtees team factory and business base for the past 56 years. The cars were built at this address and mainly by local residents. Edenbridge High Street was closed to allow the parade to take centre stage. It was led by John in the Ferrari 158 which he won the 1964 Formula One Driver’s World Championship, and was followed by Team Surtees Formula 1 cars of the Seventies driven by Scott Malvern and Robbie Kerr.

Exhibition and Book

John will be launching his book “My Incredible Life on Two and Four Wheels” on June 19th 2014. The book contains over 250 photographs some of which were on display at TOPFOTO Gallery also in Fircroft Way. The photographs are an incredible account of an incredible man. The majority of the photographs were taken by John Topham a documentary photographer who lived in Edenbridge until he died in 1992, please follow the link to find out more about him http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Topham_(photographer).

The book can be ordered from Evro Publishing.

The exhibition was an added bonus to my afternoon as it showcased some of John’s finest moments, even better, it was an opportunity to own a limited edition print signed by John Surtees and very reasonably priced too, £50 for an unframed A3 print.

Fund Raising

The event raised funds for the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Association and The Henry Surtees Foundation.

The foundation was set up in memory of John’s son Henry who was tragically killed in a freak accident at Brands Hatch in 2009 aged just 18 years, whilst competing.

The Pageant

I was pleasantly surprised to see so many owners turn up with their cars and bikes, they had travelled from all over the country to take part in this prestigious event. I chatted to a few of them who were happy to tell me the history of their cars, one man told me he bought his MG when he was just 18 years old and has owned it for the past 36 years, and was passing it over to his son to enjoy.

Amongst the parade were Ferrari, Aston Martin, MG, Corvette Stingray, Lotus, BMW, Morris Cowley to name just a few. They followed John’s parade of cars and gathered at the Lingfield Road recreation ground, the other end of town, for all to enjoy as part of the fun day.

It was a very enjoyable Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, thanks to all involved who made this the great success it was, despite the great British weather.

All part of my other passion in life photographing Classic and Super cars. You can see and read a bit more about this on my website www.stellascordellis.com

If you would like to commission me to take photographs of you, your family, or your cars, then please get in touch.

Bye for now!

Thanks for reading, my next newsletter will be in two weeks time.

Stella

Top Marques Monaco 2014

I have had the pleasure of photographing many Super Cars over the past year so I was very excited to be going to Monaco last month to visit the Top Marques event, the most exclusive Super Car Show in the World!

It took place over the Easter Bank holiday, but luckily for me it started on Thursday 17th April so I could get there just for the day on the first flight out of Gatwick and the last one back before Monaco was heaving with all the Easter holiday makers on Good Friday.

My Journey

I flew to Nice airport and got the train from a little train station a short bus ride from the airport called "Nice St Augustin". For a few euros I took the 30 minute journey along the coast line which must be one of the prettiest train journeys I've taken, it certainly beats the East Grinstead to Victoria line that I'm more familiar with.

We stopped at seven stations on the way and the train was certainly filling up with many people visiting Monaco for the tennis or the Top Marque Show. Once I got to Monaco it was an easy walk to the Grimaldi Forum home of the show. As I was approaching the forum I was just in the right place at the right time to photograph the arrival of the Lamborghini Aventador which took pride of place at the entrance to the show and was supplied by aaarentcars .

A Little Bit About Monaco

Monaco officially the principality of Monaco is the second most densely populated country in the world! Prince Albert II is the head of state and has immense political power. Monaco has a coast line of 2.5 miles and the state has no incometax, low business tax and is well known for being a tax haven and is attractive the super wealthy.

The roads were very congested due to the ongoing building work as the new Yacht Club takes shape and the preparation for the Grand Prix in May.

Grimaldi Forum

The Grimaldi Forum is the main exhibition centre and very impressive too. On arrival I was just in time to join in the walk about that was going on with Prince Albert II, I managed to tag along with the press to get a few shots.

The cars on display were an incredible array of dynamic performance and aesthetic genius. With the added option of being able to test drive a selected few, this I'm sure was a big attraction to the many visitors over this four day event!

Super Cars

On display were cars by a variety of manufacturers Noble, Ferrari, Jaguar, McLaren, Quant, Tushek, Tesla, Lexus, Mercedes, Bentley, to name just a few. I was there to promote my photography of Classic and Super cars and met with the spectators to show case my book which is designed with the serious collector in mind who would like to have their car or cars photographed to add value to their collection, but most importantly to document their car as a work of art and to reflect the owners lifestyle and finished in a bespoke limited edition book, this part of my website will tell you more.

If you would like to take time out in Monaco next year the Top Marques Show is from April 16th- 19th April 2015 I'll be back again to soak up a little more of my passion and of course the Cote D'Azur.

Thanks for reading

Stella