penny bird and camera

penny bird and camera CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHER | Team Headshot Days | Leadership Portraits | London City and Canary Wharf | +44 (0)7903 188611

I’ve started a new creative project photographing and interviewing leaders around the world with the purpose of capturin...
08/03/2026

I’ve started a new creative project photographing and interviewing leaders around the world with the purpose of capturing their legacy for future generations.

I’ve met three remarkable women so far (the project is not confined to women), but it feels particularly fitting to introduce them today!

When asked what wisdom they would want to pass on to the next generation, this is what they shared:

Irene Ochem (South Africa) “Being bold is an act of leadership.”
Founder of the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum, Irene has spent more than a decade empowering African women entrepreneurs to grow and scale their businesses.

Crystal Clay, Ph.D., PCC Clay (Bermuda) “Sawubona - I see you.”
Crystal’s work centres on helping leaders recognise their value, find their voice and step fully into visibility.

Angelica Padilla (Spain) “Daily effort and perseverance are the legacy we leave.”
As Mayor of San Sebastián de La Gomera, Angelica leads with humility and a deep commitment to listening to her community.

What strikes me most is not just what they have achieved, but how they show up - with courage, humility and purpose. Their actions quietly set an example for the generations who will follow.

If you would like to read more - check the link in the comments xx

The docks are quiet now, just the clanking of sail ropes, and there’s an emptiness.I’m heading back to London later, hea...
12/02/2026

The docks are quiet now, just the clanking of sail ropes, and there’s an emptiness.

I’m heading back to London later, heart full, cards empty; ready to start work again on Monday. But this Atlantic season of the World's Toughest Row was my best yet (I think I say this every year!) My highlights, in no particular order:

- All finishers completed the 3,000-mile crossing in under 60 days
- Arrivals compressed into just 28 days, from first boat to last - which must be the fastest fleet ever
- 11 teams arrived at night and there were 7 arrivals at sunrise or sunset
- 1 torrential rainstorm arrival, plus a couple of memorable podium wettings
- 5 world records set and a wave of firsts, including Mexico and Estonia taking part for the first time
- 42 trips out to sea on Marion with skipper-extraordinaire Maurice Belgrave
- Sharing tears, laughter, disbelief, relief, and long silences with the rowers as reality caught up
- Many hours, day and night, alongside the brilliant World’s Toughest Row team, watching human moments unfold in completely different ways
- Over 1,000 memories/images delivered

At the end of it all, I have a sense of how collectively together this fleet was. My gratitude to them all for being pioneers and adventurers and legends - across all ages - and making it possible for me to be a witness to these inspirational journeys.

Lastly, a more serious matter. Every year I run a personal "best beard" competition - just because I love beards ;-) This year, I couldn’t choose just one… so I’m celebrating my favourite salty six. Enjoy them!


What an incredibly exciting start to this year's arrivals. The 44 West victory in 31 days, 8 hours, and 8 minutes secure...
17/01/2026

What an incredibly exciting start to this year's arrivals. The 44 West victory in 31 days, 8 hours, and 8 minutes secures them the title of the 5th fastest team in the history of the World's Toughest Row (Atlantic) to row 3,000 miles.

Kiwi Fondue follows immediately as the 6th fastest ever.

For South Africa, Ocean Mavericks (RSA) have just completed an historic crossing, becoming the fastest South African team to ever row the Atlantic, shattering the previous national record by more than five days. Go Saffas!!! I AM SO PROUD 💚 Finishing 3rd in a record fleet of 43 boats is a massive sporting achievement.

Congratulations to these 12 endurance sportsmen - such an uplifting couple of days.

WOW - bring 300 incredible women together in a stunning venue like the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and th...
30/10/2025

WOW - bring 300 incredible women together in a stunning venue like the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and the burst of colour, positive energy, and open smiles is extraordinary.

Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), opened the 2025 Forum this morning and I was lucky to be there to witness the start of this inspiring two-day event. I hope the second day is just as uplifting!

FESTIVEMINI'S ARE BACK! This year’s sessions focus on classic black-background portraits that feel relaxed, natural, and...
19/10/2025

FESTIVEMINI'S ARE BACK! This year’s sessions focus on classic black-background portraits that feel relaxed, natural, and timeless - giving you the perfect opportunity to update your children’s photographs (and even join in for a family shot if you’d like!).

Priced at £69, your 20-minute session includes:
* 3 premium, professionally edited images (yours to keep)
* A private gallery within 48 hours to choose your favourites
* Option to add extra images for £35 each
* When: Saturday & Sunday, 22&23 November, 10am-5pm
* Where: Home Studio, 75 Ox Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4PH

These sessions book up fast by my regulars - so grab your spot today on this link: https://pennybirdandcamera.as.me/festiveminis

Thank you Harriet Maylin for letting me use your grandparents with grandchildren photo from last year which is also a fun option! 💚

Awww LOVE this thank you beautiful people! I always have such a wonderful time with you - thank you for always being so ...
17/09/2025

Awww LOVE this thank you beautiful people! I always have such a wonderful time with you - thank you for always being so warm and welcoming 💚💚💚

My first swim of the season with the happy tribe from Pool2lake Open Water. A fab way to start the weekend 😁
15/05/2025

My first swim of the season with the happy tribe from Pool2lake Open Water. A fab way to start the weekend 😁

I've been working with Vera Aji on her business headshot since January. She wanted an image to reflect her personality: ...
30/04/2025

I've been working with Vera Aji on her business headshot since January. She wanted an image to reflect her personality: resilient, purpose-driven and compassionate. She helps people start their own digital businesses. An inspiration, and one of the most kind-hearted people I have met. She brought me a specially made cake to celebrate my 10-year anniversary in business - how amazing is that?
Check her website out https://www.ajisdigital.com/

Meet the beautiful soul Indira Orion, Kitchen Mama. She updated her personal brand headshots recently and it wasn't long...
29/03/2025

Meet the beautiful soul Indira Orion, Kitchen Mama. She updated her personal brand headshots recently and it wasn't long before I realised that she has a reflex or stress response to hold her breath while having her photo taken. Whenever I lowered my camera she would gasp for air. Does this resonate with anyone? Is is something that happens to you? I'd be interested to know.

Despite the challenges she had to overcome, Indira wrote afterwards: "Penny was absolutely amazing. I (as most people) don't enjoy being photographed but Penny immediately made me feel comfortable. She told me how and where to stand, where to put my hands and arms, and was so encouraging, warm and fun! I actually really enjoyed it. They are the best photos I've ever had taken of me. They're honestly incredible!"

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Harpenden
AL54PH

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