Editorial portrait photography at Cammell Laird shipyard Liverpool

Published on Tue Mar 26, 2019 by David J Colbran
Last Updated on Tue May 17, 2022

I do a lot of work for public relations companies and it is always exciting finding out about the end client and what is needed. Sometimes it all about a brand, other times it involves an event. Occasionally it is a people based story.

Recently I was contacted by a Cambridge based PR agency, who represent a Swedish engineering company. They are currently installing hi-tec research equipment on the ship, the Sir David Attenbourgh (aka Boaty McBoatface).

The ship is being built for The British Antarctic Survey at Cammell Laird shipyard and for trade press they need some portraits of one of the chief engineers overseeing the fit out - Carrie-Ann Harris. With of course the ship and a maritime background.

Obviously in March we had talked over and planned wet weather alternative locations on the ship itself but fortunately we had blue skies and bright sunshine. So with a couple of off-camera lights we balanced things out and managed three locations in the time we had.

Fascinating having a look around a working, busy shipyard - even with security clearance I wasn't allowed in all areas - as there are some Military of Defence zones. Great to hear they are busy and getting in new orders. And also brilliant hearing about previous Antarctic research missions from Carrie and what the British Antarctic Survey plan to do once their new ship goes in to full service and heads south. A really enjoyable photography commission.

Author: David J Colbran