editorial photography | Athena Picture Agency

Our best pictures for 2018

athena_admin — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 15:29:03 +0000

2018 is a landmark year for Athena Pictures as it marks our tenth anniversary.

Having looked through thousands of pictures, these are my personal favourites for 2018.

Thank you all for your support.

Chris Williams proposes to his girlfriend Beth Marchant to the amusement of friends and passers-by on the zebra crossing in Wind Street, Swansea. 01 January 2018

A flour wars participant throws orange coloured flour during Clean Monday (Monday of Lent) celebration of flour wars (Alevromoutzouroma) in Galaxidi, Greece. 19 February 2018 (Picture by John Liakos)

Manic Street Preachers, James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore at their studio in Caerleon, south Wales, UK. 28 March 2018

The largest mechanical puppet in Britain, the Man Engine at the Waterfront Museum in Swansea, Wales, UK. 12 April 2018

Young people with rainbow coloured umbrellas take part in the Pride parade as it travels through the streets of Swansea, Wales, UK. 05 May 2018

Taylor Swift, BBC Radio 1 Biggest Weekend at Singleton Park in Swansea, Wales, UK. Sunday 27 May 2018

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addresses supporters during the celebration for the 70 years since the National Health Service (NHS) was founded by Aneurin Bevan, Bedwellty Park, Tredegar, Wales, UK. 01 July 2018

A full moon rises, which turned into a blood moon lunar eclipse, over the ancient temple of Poseidon in Sounion, Greece. 27 July 2018

Natasha Jenkins enjoys a walk during sunset amongst a field of sunflowers in Rhossili, in the Gower Peninsula, near Swansea, Wales, UK. 13 August 2018

Lynne Neagle, Assembly Member for Wales, at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, Wales, UK. 17 September 2018

A full moon, known as Harvest Moon is seen rising over the RNLI boathouse in Mumbles Pier, near Swansea, Wales, UK. 25 September 2018

Flags are down during the Commemoration for the 100 years since the end of the First World War on Remembrance Day at the Swansea Cenotaph in south Wales, UK. 11 November 2018

The moon is seen through a ride of the festive Winter Wonderland in Swansea, Wales, UK. 18 November 2018

Waves caused by Storm Diana, crash against the promenade wall by the Lighthouse in Porthcawl, south Wales, UK. 29 November 2018

First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones greets his successor Mark Drakeford as he walks out of the Senedd. 11 December 2018

Two young women in Santa outfits in what has become known as Black Eye Friday, walk down Wind Street, Swansea, south Wales, UK. 21 December 2018

Photographing the First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones

athena_admin — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 16:33:12 +0000

News photography can be very rewarding at times and having to photograph a Head of State -although by no means easy- can be very fulfilling as an experience. Time is at a premium and photographers are rarely allowed more than a few minutes.

Throughout my career though I have been given quite a few opportunities to photograph Carwyn Jones, in his capacity as the First Minister for Wales.

The last time was when he gave a press conference following the death of Carl Sargeant and a few weeks prior to that, I was commissioned by The Guardian newspaper, to take his portrait at his Cardiff Bay office, for an editorial piece by Steven Morris.

Carwyn Jones takes over from Rhodri Morgan in the Senedd, Cardiff Bay on 8th of December 2009.

This is where it all started for First Minister Carwyn Jones, when he officially took over from Rhodri Morgan in December 2009 at The Senedd. The strange thing was, in typical Welsh politics fashion, there was no big fanfare, a few speeches in chambers and that was pretty much it.

Labour leader Ed Miliband (C) strolls through Llanelli town centre with First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones (L) and Welsh Assembly candidate for Llanelli Keith Davies (R). 20 April 2011

Carwyn Jones (R) with Nick Ainger (L) coming out of a flat they just canvassed in Carmarthen,Wales. 08 April 2010

Nia Griffiths and Carwyn Jones in Llanelli Market in Carmarthenshire west Wales. 08 April 2010

There is no politician without having to walk the streets and talk to people, and the First Minister has always been there joining his political allies on the streets of Carmartheshire.

There was some editorial coverage at the time, mostly by the Western Mail and South Wales Evening Post newspapers.

First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones with Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall visiting the Senedd (Welsh Assembly Parliament) in Cardiff Bay. 07 June 2011

This was indeed a rare occasion of HRH Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip having been joined by Prince Charles and wife Camilla, to visit the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

First Minister Carwyn Jones next to a picture of american golfer Payne Stewart celebrating his win on the last green of the 1999 US Open in North Carolina. 14 September 2010

The First Minister’s support to large employers has been great throughout the years. In 2010, he took part in a press conference ahead of the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales, a venue which hosted the NATO Summit a few years later.

First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones in the cab of a refuse lorry in Pontypool, Wales. 22 July 2010

L-R: Debbie Wilcox, Sir Terry Matthews, Carwyn Jones and Stephen Bowcott during a ground-breaking photo-call for the ICC Wales at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. 23 June 2017

First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones in his office at the Ty Hywel building in Cardiff Bay, Wales. 13 September 2017

This must have been one of the quickest photo-shoots of my entire career. For this particular shot I approached the nice and simple theme, a horizontal headshot with a plain white background. My Canon 85mm f1.2 helped quite a bit too, throwing everything behind the First Minister’s shoulder out of focus.

To see our this photo-shoot’s entire set, please click here.

First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones speaks to the media at Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Wales, UK. 09 November 2017

First Minster for Wales Carwyn Jones hands over the sealed document to Claire Clancy Clerk of the Assembly at the Welsh Government in Cardiff, south Wales during the first bill passed by the Welsh assembly since last year’s referendum on its powers has become law at a ceremony in Cardiff. 12 November 2012

This is my favourite picture of the First Minister as it has the element of old technology which in effect gives power to new laws and also shows that there are quite a few other important people working for government, without whom, even a Head of State could not function.

To see all of our pictures of First Minister Carwyn Jones, click here.

To search our archive click here.

© Athena Picture Agency Ltd, proud suppliers of news and press photography, pr public relations photography, sports photography, features photography, stock and aerial photography in Wales, UK

Behind the scenes of “We’Re Still Here” by the National Theatre Wales

athena_admin — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 19:24:22 +0000

Although I mostly cover news and PR, I am in love with performance photography, be it theatre or live gigs, I have done quite a few.

Starting in May 2017, and during five days, four of which in mid-September, I had the great privilege in documenting production behind the scenes of We’Re Still Here, a play by the National Theatre Wales and Common Wealth.

The obvious challenges were the lack of light during the two dress rehearsals and trying to guess what the plot may be, in a production, taking place in a disused recycling industrial unit, a stone’s throw away from the Steel Works in Port Talbot.

It is never easy trying to produce news-worthy imagery in a dark place but given that I was allowed on two consecutive days, I managed to pull it off.

I always try and offer the best service to my clients and I am led to believe that they were happy. Quite a few newspapers reviewed the play in a positive way and my pictures certainly got used.

This is an excellent opportunity for me as a person, and for my small picture agency business which gives me pride being trusted to deliver my services in a photography subject which I adore.

Launch Day, Day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5

Our theatre and live music photography gallery is here.

The following is from: https://www.nationaltheatrewales.org/were-still-here

15 – 30 September, 2017

Port Talbot

WE’RE STILL HERE

National Theatre Wales & Common Wealth
People have forgotten how to say ‘no’. That’s the problem in this country. We are allowed to say ‘no’.

Port Talbot steelworks; site of one of the last heavy industries in Wales, and threatened with closure in 2015. The story made headlines around the world, and the Save Our Steel campaign was quick to respond, gathering a momentum that captured the spirit and uncertainty of our times. So what happens when we come together? What happens when we say ‘no’?

In Port Talbot, leaders, workers and unions all said no. These people came together to save their jobs and their community.

These are the people behind the headlines and the politics, living and working at the heart of the machine. These are their lives, hopes, fears and dreams and this is their story, told with humour, passion and pride.

Based on interviews with steelworkers, union representatives and the people of Port Talbot, We’re Still Here is a site-specific performance. Dynamically staged in the disused Byass Works, it celebrates the unique spirit of the town.

Dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Steel worker and actor Sam Coombes during the dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Actor Jason May during the dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”, a play created by Rachel Trezise, Common Wealth and the National Theatre Wales about steelworkers, which will be performed in Byass Works, a disused industrial unit, in Port Talbot, south Wales, UK.

Actor Sam Coombes during the dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Actors Jason May, Sion Tudor Owen and Simon Nehan during the dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Actor Sion Tudor Owen during the dress rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Writer Rachel Trezise (L) during the press rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

The four main characters perform a dance scene during the press rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Actor Sam Coombes who plays Lewis during the press rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

L-R: Co-director Evie Manning, artistic director Kully Thiarai, writer Rachel Trezise and co-director Rhiannon White

Actors Simon Nehan and Sion Tudor Owen during the press rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Actor Ioan Hefin who plays Adrian during the press rehearsal of “We’Re Still Here”

Actor Jason May

“We Are Still Here” rehearsal

Actor Ioan Hefin rehearses for “We Are Still Here”

Directors Rhiannon White and Evie Manning

Actor Sion Tudor Owen

Actors Simon Nehan

Actors Jason May, Sam Coombes, Sion Tudor Owen, Ioan Hefin and Simon Nehan

© Athena Picture Agency Ltd, proud suppliers of news and press photography, pr public relations photography, sports photography, features photography, stock and aerial photography in Wales, UK

Behind the scenes, Wilfried Bony signs contract with Swansea City FC, 31 August 2017

athena_admin — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 19:50:45 +0000

When Wilfried Bony arrived at the Fairwood Training Ground he was beaming, all smiles, and gave all people present the friendliest handshake.

You could tell he was returning back to where it all started for him, after all, his Premier League debut was with Swansea City in 2013.

Football medicals are not easy or quick but thorough and detailed. Club doctor Jez McCluskey always allows for a few pictures to be taken while he examines all the footballers arriving.

After which head physiotherapist Kate Rees examined that every single moving part on Wilfried’s body was operational.

What made this medical special though, was when first team head coach Paul Clement came in the physiotherapy room, embraced Wilfried and had a brief chat.

You could tell the two had a lot to talk about and it was obvious that both were very happy to see each other.

Ritson Lloyd of the coaching staff then made sure that Wilfried was fit enough on the pitch, it all happened under the watchful eye of Paul Clement.

Wilfried was more than happy to co-operate with the numerous requests by the club videographers and media team, by which time they all had a smile on their faces, Wilfried’s happiness became so contagious.

Although Wilfried had literally only about two minutes to pose for the customary pictures of new signings holding a home shirt he obliged willingly.

Head physiotherapist Kate Rees examines Wilfried Bony

Wilfried Bony during his medical at the gymnasium

Manager Paul Clement watches on as Wilfried Bony goes through his medical

Wilfried Bony is examined by team doctor Jez McCluskey

Wilfried Bony speaks with manager Paul Clement during his medical

Wilfried Bony on the pitch

Wilfried Bony holds a home shirt

Athena Picture Agency is the exclusive supplier of sports pictures to Swansea City AFC feel free to browse through our archive here.

© Athena Picture Agency Ltd, proud suppliers of news and press photography, pr public relations photography, sports photography, features photography, stock and aerial photography in Wales, UK

Summer solstice in Swansea Wales UK

athena_admin — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 11:18:16 +0000

News photography is a form of historical record-keeping and documenting celestial events certainly is a major event.

I am not strictly speaking about astro-photography, after all, I am well into press and editorial photography.

Having to photograph this year’s summer solstice in Swansea Bay certainly involved a very early start to the day and some forward planning as to finding out where the sun could be seen rising from.

Being a clear day helps. Haze in the horizon although not ideal may well help in that there isn’t as much contrast between the sun and the landscape.

The summer solstice occurs when a planet’s rotational axis or geographical pole on either its northern or its southern hemisphere, is most inclined toward the star that it orbits. On the summer solstice, Earth’s maximum axial tilt toward the Sun is 23.44°. This happens twice each year (once in each hemisphere), when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the north or south pole.

The sun rises over Kilvey Hill by Swansea Bay, Wales, UK

The summer solstice occurs during the hemisphere’s summer. This is the northern solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the southern solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the summer solstice occurs some time between June 20 and June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and between December 20 and December 23 each year in the Southern Hemisphere. The same dates in the opposite hemisphere are referred to as the winter solstice.

A cyclist travels on Oystermouth cycle path as the sun rises over Kilvey Hill in Swansea, Wales, UK

As seen from a geographic pole, the Sun reaches its highest altitude of the year on the summer solstice. It can be solar noon only along that longitude, which at that moment lies in the direction of the Sun from the pole. For other longitudes, it is not noon. Noon has either passed or has yet to come. Hence the notion of a solstice day is useful. The term is colloquially used like “midsummer” to refer to the day on which solstice occurs. The summer solstice day has the longest period of daylight, except in the polar regions, where daytime remains continuous for 24 hours every day during a period ranging from a few days to six months around the summer solstice.

The sun rises by the clock tower of the Guildhall in Swansea, Wales, UK

Our entire catalogue of pictures can now be found here.

© Athena Picture Agency Ltd, proud suppliers of news and press photography, pr public relations photography, sports photography, features photography, stock and aerial photography in Wales, UK