International Women's Day - 8 March 2024 - Behind the Scenes

To mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March I’m taking the opportunity to feature some of the work I have photographed showing the behind-the-scenes aspect too. This viewpoint isn’t always possible because I’m so focused on what’s in front of me and the brief in hand.

I have been inspired to do this as a member of the Association of Photographers. The project, called Behind-The-Scenes was instigated by the f22 group who represent the female perspective of the association to mark International Women’s Day.

We were asked to submit a behind-the-scenes photograph of ourselves and the resulting photograph.

To mark IWD The Times has chosen to feature the work of my fellow brilliant female photographers with an online article – the link to this can be found at the end of this blog, it really is insightful.

International Women’s Day is about inspiring and including each other.

Read on to find out more about the diversity of my commissions. I love what I do and inspire others to follow their passions, especially if you can make a career out of it.

I photographed behind the scenes at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. It’s a four-day event, from Thursday to Sunday. This is me in the pit lane when things were briefly quiet. The next photo, also from the pit lane, was taken on Thursday, Media Day, before the race on Sunday. I usually have two cameras with different lenses. This impromptu photo was taken by a fellow photographer when I passed him my second camera to grab the shot!

Later the same day in the pit lane, fans with the appropriate ticket await the racing drivers to grab their autographs. Lewis Hamilton generated the most excitement – he handled it with ease as he passed through the crowds for the allocated 10 minutes before he was ushered onto the next media event.

This image is from Sonisphere, a touring rock and heavy metal festival at Knebworth Park. A two-day event where I had an Access All Areas pass.

Gary Numan entertaining the crowds brought back memories from the late 1970s when I had the pleasure of working with him before.

Back stage capturing Limp Bizkit entertaining the roaring crowds. I stood next to a speaker, it was so loud I could feel the music in every cell of my body!

From a tower whilst Iron Maiden, one of the headlining acts took to the main stage. In my opinion this was the best viewpoint.

This photograph in a local meadow was taken in May time. Such beautiful scenery and sunshine

My son, who lives in the USA was over with his wife to celebrate his 30th birthday. He took this photograph above before joining his wife for the below image.

I used the glorious buttercups in front of the lens to highlight the intimacy and beauty of nature. I’ll never get tired of this image which hangs in my living room.

This photoshoot in our local woodlands during autumn time. The idea was to recreate a Pre-Raphaelite scene. The studio lighting and reflector mixed with the ambient light gave an ethereal feel synonymous with the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite era.

The resulting photograph evokes feelings of spirit and emotion whilst capturing the beauty of our model and the rawness and simplicity of nature.

This is just a glimpse into my life as a photographer. I love the different worlds I’m exposed to and the people I meet on the way.

Below is the link to The Times article…you don’t need to be a subscriber to read this link…

Behind-the-scenes with the AOP photographers to mark International Women’s Day

Thanks

Stella

Stella Scordellis

British Photographer with a career spanning over three decades, photographing people and their loves.