Weston Photographer Extends Partnership
August 2010
Weston Super Mare Photographer Extends Partnership With Bridgwater Carnival.
A Weston Super Mare photographer is set to continue his 26 year association with Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.
Peter J Nicholls, who lives in the Bleadon area of the seaside town became the famous event’s official photographer back in 1984, and organisers have confirmed Peter will continue in this role until at least 2014.
Since taking on the prolific role, Peter has witnessed and experienced some spectacular Bridgwater Carnival sights and has taken photographs of well over 2000 entries at the event – which is regarded by many as the largest illuminated procession in the world.
“Even though there is a lot of pressure and responsibility on the big night itself, taking pictures of the huge entries is really enjoyable”, said Peter. “There are so many people involved with the carnival, and I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet and photograph some of the great carnivalites over the years.”
Capturing the images is a tough challenge and more than one man’s work, and nowadays Peter relies on the support from his qualified nephew, Jason Tanner, and a small team of people. Their setup on carnival night is aided by rigged platforms on either side of the route to ensure they obtain the best possible shot. “It is quite a complex operation with getting the light angles correct before the procession starts, but its all worth while when we get the perfect carnival image which capitulates the tremendous carnival spirit”, he added.
The popular photographer started his career behind a camera in 1977 when he gave up his job as general manager at EM Trevor & Sons Ltd - a famous store which was situated on the land where Weston’s Sovereign Shopping Centre now stands. Before starting work, Peter attended Weston Technical College where he studied for his A levels.
Dave Stokes, publicity officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, added: “Peter has captured so many different carnival memories over the years, and we are in the process of displaying some of his carnival work in the archive section of our official website. Peter’s photographs are used in all of our publicity material and in some of our official souvenirs, and they really do capture the energy and colour of our carnival.”
