Dementia Radio Choir Event Photography

I recently was asked to photograph a choir from Bakewell, Derbyshire, recording a vocal session for a dementia radio station. Music is such a wonderful way to connect with people of all ages, especially those with dementia. There is something about music that can tap into parts of their brain that maybe needs to be awakened.

Photographing this event made my heart feel happy and fulfilled in a way that doesn’t happen very often. I arrived at a recording studio on a retail park in Bakewell, Derbyshire which in itself was quite exciting. I was greeted by Sam Jones from Big Bang PR who is the ‘Queen of PR for dementia.’ She showed me around and then I met the band and the choir who were getting themselves ready to .

Firstly, Tony Christie’s (who unfortunately couldn’t be there due to illness) band were recording some background music while the choir watched from the audience. Being completely silent during recording was an interesting experience. I was told by the recording studio crew that I couldn’t stand on the stage during recording so I had to use my long lens and take photos from a distance.

Capturing the vibrancy, fun and excitement of events through my camera lens is such a fulfilling part of my photography work. I love arriving at an event, scoping out the people who are attending the event and then making sure I photograph the essence of the event. Covering the day with a documentary, reportage style but with heart and soul.

The event was hosted by the wonderful Sian Reeves – she was in the original cast recording of Les Miserables and I was completely fan ‘girling’ over her. As someone who went to drama school as a child I have a life time obsession with musicals.

Watching and listening to the choir perform beautiful harmonies while taking their photos and capturing their enjoyment while singing was such a highlight for me. The joy that comes from listening to and performing with a choir is easy to see in everyone’s face.

I took the whole choir outside for some group shots. It was a blistering hot day and after taking some photos it was a welcome relief to go back into the cool, dark studio.