reportage Archives | Jonathan Owen Photography

Orsett Classic Car Show: Haddon Family Day Highlights

Jonathan Owen Photographer — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 11:29:00 +0000

Family Event Photography Essex: Haddon Family Day Highlights

Orsett Showground, Rectory Road, Orsett, Essex

On one of the hottest days of the summer, I headed from my home in Leigh-on-Sea to Orsett Showground for the Haddon Events Family Day. With clear skies and bright sunshine, the conditions were perfect for photographing a vibrant and busy event.

The day was bursting with entertainment – from Titan the Robot and live wrestling to vintage car displays and rock ‘n’ roll shows. As an event photographer, it was a brilliant opportunity to capture authentic moments, colourful scenes, and the excitement of families enjoying a full day out.

Classic Cars and Vintage Style

Haddon Events are known for their love of vintage culture, and this event was no exception. Hundreds of classic cars lined the showground, from shiny Minis to rare Anglias, drawing in petrolheads and curious families alike.

As a photographer, these displays offered endless opportunities – wide shots of gleaming rows of vehicles, close-ups of polished chrome details, and candid portraits of owners proudly sharing stories. My little boy loved exploring the cars, even if Titan the Robot gave him a bit of a scare!

Learn more about the organisers at Haddon Events.

Live Entertainment and Family Fun

From live wrestling in the ring to families dancing to Beatles and Elvis tribute acts, the atmosphere was non-stop energy. Everywhere I turned there were children enjoying the funfair, parents snapping photos on their phones, and performers bringing smiles to the crowd.

Shooting with a range of lenses – from wide angles to capture the crowds, to telephoto for action moments – meant I could freeze both the big highlights and those small, candid details that make an event feel alive.

"We have worked with Jon over a large number of events. His photographs always capture the spirit of our shows perfectly. We use the images both to boost our social media and in our advertising. Jon is a pleasure to work with and always delivers a great quality product."

Steve

Event Director

Why Event Photography Matters

An event like this is packed with unique moments that deserve to be remembered. Whether you’re running a public show, a corporate event, or a private celebration, having professional event photography services ensures the atmosphere, energy, and personality of your day are preserved long after it’s finished.

My approach is always natural and candid, allowing people to enjoy themselves without interruption while I focus on capturing the story of the day.

Booking an Event Photographer in Essex

If you’re planning an event in Essex and want to make sure it’s documented professionally, I’d love to help. Based locally in Leigh-on-Sea, I cover events across the county and beyond.

Take a look at my event photography in Essex portfolio, or get in touch today to book.

Find out more about my Event photography services.

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The post Orsett Classic Car Show: Haddon Family Day Highlights appeared first on Jonathan Owen Photography.

Essex Roller Derby in Chelmsford

Jonathan Owen Photographer — Sat, 31 May 2025 18:11:02 +0000

Behind the Lens at Essex Roller Derby: Sports Event Photography in Chelmsford

Riverside Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Chelmsford

Having heard a lot about Roller Derby from my colleague Steph, I finally took her up on the offer to photograph one of Essex Roller Derby‘s 5 Nations home games in Chelmsford. Being based in Leigh-on-Sea, the journey wasn’t too bad and took around 45 minutes on what turned out to be a stunning sunny day (as a photographer I had my fingers crossed for some natural light in the venue). I arrived not really knowing what to expect, armed with my Canon DSLR’s, a couple of prime lenses, a trusty telephoto, and a vague understanding of the rules courtesy of a crash course on YouTube.

A Warm Welcome and a Wild First Impression

Once at Chelmsford’s Riverside Leisure Centre, I was warmly welcomed by the Essex Roller Derby team, with Jade stepping in as my guide for the day. After speaking to a few of the crowd the enthusiasm of the supporters was clear, meanwhile the teams were gearing up, and a sea of referees in stripes patrolled the track. It felt a little overwhelming at first, stepping into a high-octane subculture I didn’t yet fully understand.

Figuring Out the Track (and the Rules)

Thankfully, another photographer (Ben I owe you a pint!) gave me some much-needed tips on when it was safe to move around. That meant I could position myself inside the track boundary, or “the danger zone” as I kept calling it in my head, to get up close to the action.

From what I managed to absorb on the day, roller derby is a chaotic and beautiful blend of speed, strategy, and sheer willpower. Each team has a player called a ‘jammer’ (they’re the ones with the star on their helmet) who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. While they charge ahead, their teammates work hard to block the opposing jammer while helping their own break through. It’s a bit like bulldog on wheels, but with a rulebook and a battalion of referees.

"The photos look fantastic. Would be lovely for you to come to our next game in October."

Jade

Essex Roller Derby

Not Just an Event, A Whole New Perspective

As an event photographer primarily known for a candid, reportage-style approach, I’m not typically associated with sports photography, but this experience might just change that. I genuinely enjoyed the challenge and the energy, and it’s something I’d definitely like to do more of.

Over two matches, I photographed Game 1: Herts Roller Derby vs Oxford Roller Derby, followed by Game 2: Essex Roller Derby vs Big Bucks High Rollers. It was non-stop movement, tactical blocking, and dramatic wipe-outs (all in good spirits). The players’ expressions told a thousand stories, grit, joy, determination, and in some cases, glitter.

Editing, Sharing and That Feel-Good Moment

Back in Leigh-on-Sea, I couldn’t wait to dive into the edits. I filtered through the action shots, bench banter, and those glorious post-game hugs, picking out my favourites to share with the team. Seeing players and fans from all teams sharing the images on social media was a proper feel-good moment. It means a lot when your work resonates with people who live and breathe the sport.

Why You Should Go (and Why I’ll Be Back)

If you’ve never been to a roller derby game before, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a fellow sports photography enthusiast, someone looking for a new weekend thrill, or just in it for the snacks and team spirit, it’s an incredible day out. Essex Roller Derby were not only fierce on the track but also some of the friendliest people I’ve worked with.

I’ll likely be back for the Halloween Double Header on 25th October, and hopefully with an even better eye for catching the best moments. If you’re looking for an event photographer in Essex, Chelmsford or Leigh-on-Sea, whether it’s sports, community events or beyond, I’d love to be part of your story.

Until next time, keep rolling.

All photos by Jonathan Owen – Event and Sports Photographer based in Leigh-on-Sea.

Find out more about my event photography services in Chelmsford.

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The post Essex Roller Derby in Chelmsford appeared first on Jonathan Owen Photography.

Event Photography at the Crook Log Antiques & Collectables Fair

Jonathan Owen Photographer — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 21:11:27 +0000

Event Photography at the Crook Log Antiques & Collectables Fair, Bexleyheath

Crook Log Leisure Centre Antiques, Collectors Fair, Kent

On Sunday 23rd March, I spent the day photographing the ever-popular Crook Log Antiques & Collectables Fair in Bexleyheath, a long-running event that pulls in collectors, families, and curious locals alike. With up to 140 stalls packed into the bright and spacious sports hall at Crook Log Leisure Centre, it’s a haven for anyone with a love for vintage finds, quirky oddities and a bit of nostalgia.

As a reportage event photographer, this kind of setting is a gift, full of character, stories, and the perfect excuse to put my new 85mm lens through its paces.

Reportage Photography Meets Vintage Curiosity

The day kicked off fast. From the 10am opening, the hall was bustling – families browsing, dealers chatting, and collectors on a mission. That early rush meant my approach had to be quick, observational and spontaneous, exactly the kind of candid, natural event photography I love.

As the crowd settled and the pace slowed, I switched gears. I had more time to get creative, picking out details, interesting characters, and compositions that captured the essence of the fair. Whether it was the texture of old signage, the gleam of a 1930s watch, or a quiet moment between a seller and buyer, I focused on creating thoughtful, high-quality imagery that goes beyond just “snaps.”

What Was There to See (and Shoot)?

One of the joys of fairs like this is the sheer variety, it makes for rich visual storytelling. Among the stalls I spotted:

Vintage toys, action figures and classic comic books
Pottery, glassware, jewellery and decorative antiques
Music memorabilia and football collectables
Cameras, clocks, books and retro curios
A fair few hidden gems and one-off oddities

The mix of serious antique hunters and families enjoying a day out made it feel accessible and unpretentious – a great atmosphere for documentary-style family event photography.

Steve

Event Director

Dogs, Details and the King Himself

As ever, the people made the shots. Some stallholders were camera-shy (no surprise there), but a few offered a friendly smile or a wave once they saw I was there to photograph the event, not poke through their WWII badges.

A few dogs added to the charm, wandering happily alongside their owners. And while this fair wasn’t quite as full of vintage fashionistas as some of the Essex events I cover, there were still standout moments, including one gent in full Elvis regalia who was clearly passionate about his memorabilia. These personal touches are what make reportage photography so rewarding.

Why Crook Log Works So Well

Crook Log Leisure Centre might be a modern venue, but it’s a brilliant space for an indoor antiques fair. The large sports hall has plenty of natural light, which really helped bring the photos to life. Add in the free parking, café, and easy access from Kent, London and Essex, and you’ve got a well-oiled event that draws the right crowd.

Want to Visit – or Book Photography?

The next Crook Log Antiques & Collectables Fair is happening Sunday 5th October 2025. If you’ve got a soft spot for vintage, it’s a must-visit. And if you’re running a public event and want authentic, natural event photography that captures the story of your day, from atmosphere to details, I offer flexible packages for fairs, community events, and family-friendly venues.

View my portfolio or get in touch via jonathan-owen.co.uk.

Find out more about my event photography services.

Essex / Featured / Leigh-on-Sea / Photography