Verdi Studios host injured veterans for photography masterclass
14 January 2016
Blesma Members from all over the country have enjoyed an opportunity to practice their photography skills in a professional setting, with professional photographers to guide them.
Verdi Studios on the High Road in Chadwell Heath opened their doors to the charity on Friday 8th and Tuesday 12th for two day-long Workshops in their fully equipped and accessible studios at absolutely no cost. Members were treated to expert advice and tuition from Studio Manager Kirsty Verdi, the third generation of the family to run the business.
The Workshops were put on when Support Officer for Prosthetics Brian Chenier, who works across the road from Verdi at Blesma’s head office, collected some items from the studio:
"While collecting some items that Verdi Studios framed for Blesma I told them how popular photography was amongst our Members. Parm [Studio owner, Kirsty’s father] said that he would be delighted to offer up the studio to Blesma, so I put the word out and we had 8 Members take up the offer. When somebody offers something like this for free, it’s instinctive to ask ‘what’s the catch?’ – but there wasn’t one. It was a very generous and genuine offer and I am very pleased with the response and the pictures were fantastic.”
He added: “I am looking forward to arranging some future workshops with Verdi Studios and helping more Members benefit from this experience. It is so kind of them to close the business for us, it shows a real commitment to helping our wounded veterans.”
Blesma Member and Trustee Andy Mudd said: “The father and daughter photographers at the Verdi Studios adjacent to Our HQ, gave their time and teaching skills plus the full use of the state-of-the-art studio for two days. Once cameras were adjusted we were let loose shooting in different studio modes. Lighting, shade and backgrounds were changed. Parm and Kirsty demonstrated before we each had a go at taking great pictures. Our beautiful model Victoria’s energy and smiles were infectious. The subtle changes in light and shade along with white grey or blue backgrounds kept our attention for the full day. It was a fabulous experience and our thanks once again go to Parm, his wife and daughter who hosted us at Verdi Studios.”
Studio Manager and photographer Kirsty Verdi said: “It was a real honour and privilege to host the two groups of Blesma Members in the studio. To see how they adapted to get in the right position to take the shots was inspirational. I’d like to thank as well our fantastic models Katie Chenier and Victoria Joelle Montgomery for volunteering their time. We are delighted that everyone got something out of the Workshops and we look forward to working with Blesma in the future.”
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor
Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:
L-R Kirsty Verdi, Andy Mudd, Victoria Joelle Montgomery https://blesma.org/media/437090/andy-verdi-studios.jpg
About Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their widows and dependants. It is a membership organisation which helps wounded service men and women rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. Their membership includes those who have lost the use of a limb, an eye or the sight of an eye.
Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma today has around 3,500 Members and widows. The membership consists of men and women who have served during the Second World War and the many subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations since, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
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About Verdi Studios
Verdi Studios was established as a family business in 1976 and is located at 188-190 High Road, Chadwell Heath. They offer a range of services from passport photos and family photo shoots to professional corporate headshots and fashion shoots. They can also frame pictures and restore damaged photographs. For more information go to their website at www.verdistudios.com, call 0208 599 0001 or email verdistudios@aol.com
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