Duke Special //Oh Pioneer

Thought we'd show some different work today..

It's a privilege to have been involved in the wonderful world of Duke Special since it's beginning. I'm proud of the years of artwork produced as a result of a long-term collaboration with the brilliant design mind that is Sparks. Together we've designed and art-worked nearly every Duke Special book, CD, DVD, t-shirt, box-set, poster, badge and coffee mug out there.

Which brings us to Duke Special's latest studio album 'Oh Pioneer'. Partly inspired by a Will Cather novel of the same name, it's a very personal collection of songs on themes of adventure, exploration & the search for meaning. Inspired by the maps of old explorers, the CD design includes a fold out sea-chart where each song is its own typographical island to explore.

We made most of the album and promo photographs in a very cold February field, just outside Belfast. We had to shoot quickly, with frozen hands and wet feet, in the last of the winter sun. Turns out we'd make pretty bad explorers.

This is a brilliant record. You can get it from iTunes here.

& here's a previous post about making a Duke Special animation.

T

Trish & Francis //Giant's Causeway Moonscape

Trish and Francis came to Ireland from Hong Kong for a destination engagement shoot. After we'd spent the day roaming the wilds of the north coast, we wound up at the Giant's Causeway as the sun was setting.

As we stood in the car park Trish casually mentioned that she'd like to change into another dress. We'd no idea it was going to be this one! And then out from the suitcase came a bouquet (handmade by Trish's mum) and a sharp black suit. Wow! (we love surprises)

Although their Hong Kong wedding isn't until later this year, we didn't have time to explain to the last tourists and landscape photographers at the Causeway that evening, and accepted more than a few congratulations... What a perfect ending to the adventure.

This shoot is featured on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings today. You can read more about Trish and Francis' story there.

Raphael & John Ollie //Civil Partnership

A few of our favourite frames from Raphael and John Ollie's civil partnership in Galway. We really loved being part of this amazing, laid-back and heartfelt day.

We had to restrain ourselves from making a second blog post dedicated to Raphael's Dad's awesome dancefloor moves. The last two frames will have to do you : )