But the nuts and bolts of my profession came as an assistant in a commercial advertising studio that coped with room sets and cars as well as smaller products and people. On my first day I had to field a toddler intent on knocking over the careful arrangement of baby products just in front of him. Morecambe and Wise were less destructive on their visit to the studio, but apologetic for arriving quite late (“Sorry we’re late” –Ernie; “But we left home late”- Eric’s “perfect” excuse) Being quite gregarious, I took on some weddings and found I enjoyed them. Many more have fol-lowed, at venues from the local Register Office to St James’s Palace; with guests numbering from nil (my daughter and I acted as witnesses for the couple) to hundreds in an Ambassadorial residence or great Country House. Clearly some formal groups are to be expected, but my proudest achievement is when the other guests don’t have time to notice the families’ absence and remain unaware of my activity. Keeping the caterers waiting is definitely not on the menu, whilst the ability to fit in with the guests produces friendly smiles rather than wary grimaces. Word of mouth has always been my best advertisement, and it was a great pleasure to be greeted by three previous couples at one wedding! Save the Children entrusted me with covering several tours in Africa and India by HRH The Princess Royal, as well as many local events and receptions she has attended in the UK over the years. Then it will be back to the pressure of an Opera dress rehearsal, thanking the digital technology that has made it somewhat easier to capture the significant moments under difficult lighting conditions. Variety is the Spice of Life, and Food photography for several modern Indian Restaurants has added to mine in more ways than one.