Press photography of Alan Partridge
Photographing Alan Partridge opening a show garden was not an ordinary press photocall.
During the press launch for RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2025, I was asked by the RHS editorial team to photograph Alan Partridge - played by Steve Coogan - officially opening the Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden.
The photocall included the garden opening, ribbon-cutting, interactions with the press, and behind-the-scenes moments as content was filmed around the garden.
Although approximately an hour had been allotted for the shoot, delays meant the main photography took place within a fast-moving 20-minute window. I delivered a concise set of around 20 fully edited press photographs to the RHS later that day.
Photographing the Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden
The Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden was built around the familiar combination of broadcasting, self-improvement and misplaced confidence associated with the character.
It was also connected to Alan Partridge’s Audible podcast, with Steve Coogan recording material around the garden during the press launch.
My brief was to document the appearance as it happened, including:
- Alan arriving at the garden
- Natural interactions with the people around him
- The garden and its identifying signage
- Behind-the-scenes filming
- Interactions with photographers and the press
- The official ribbon cutting
- Wider images establishing the location
- Tighter expressions and recognisable moments
The images needed to provide the RHS editorial team with an immediate visual record of the appearance while remaining suitable for its website and wider communications.
Working quickly at a busy press photocall
Press photocalls often look controlled from the outside, but photographers usually have far less control than people assume.
There were press photographers, a film crew, RHS staff and spectators all working or watching within a relatively restricted space. Positions were limited, sightlines changed constantly, and there was no opportunity to stop the action or ask for moments to be repeated.
My job was to anticipate what was likely to happen and be ready before it did.
This included switching quickly between wider establishing photographs and tighter images of Alan’s expressions, movement and interactions. I also needed to keep garden signage visible where possible so that the photographs made sense without relying entirely on a caption.
The ribbon cutting was the obvious key moment, but a useful press gallery cannot depend on one photograph. The RHS also needed images that showed the atmosphere, the media activity and Alan engaging naturally with the garden.
Candid press photography without directing the subject
Everything I photographed was candid and observational.
I did not direct Steve Coogan, arrange his position or ask him to recreate anything. I documented events as they unfolded alongside the other photographers and film crew.
That required close attention to body language, expressions and movement.
Recognisable public figures are photographed constantly during appearances, so a technically correct image is not enough on its own. Strong press photography still needs clean composition, clear context and a moment that feels worth publishing.
Sometimes that is the formal ribbon cutting. At other times it is a passing expression, an interaction away from the main cameras or a behind-the-scenes photograph that provides more personality than the expected photocall image.
Managing harsh sunlight and restricted positions
The appearance took place outdoors in strong, direct sunlight.
Harsh sun can create deep shadows across faces, bright highlights on skin and distracting areas of extreme contrast. Unlike a portrait session, I could not move the subject into softer light or wait for better conditions.
I had to expose carefully, watch the direction of the light and adjust my position whenever space allowed.
The limited shooting positions made this more challenging. A small movement could introduce another photographer, a member of the film crew, or an unrelated spectator into the background.
Working with two Canon mirrorless camera bodies allowed me to move rapidly between wider and tighter compositions without stopping to change lenses. This also gave me immediate backup equipment during an event where there would be no second chance to capture the main moments.
Selecting and delivering the photographs that day
Press photography is often as much about speed and judgement as the photography itself.
Once the photocall had finished, I reviewed the shoot and selected approximately 20 images that collectively told the story of the appearance.
The final selection included:
- The official ribbon cutting
- Clear photographs of Alan within the garden
- Wider establishing images
- Candid expressions and interactions
- Press and film activity
- Garden signage and identifying details
- A mixture of horizontal and vertical compositions
The photographs were colour corrected, edited and delivered to the RHS on the same day. Selected images were subsequently used on the RHS website.
Fast delivery matters for press, PR and editorial photography because the value of the images can decrease quickly once the immediate story has passed.
What makes a strong press photography gallery?
A strong press photography gallery gives editorial and communications teams options.
Delivering dozens of nearly identical frames may appear generous, but it shifts the editing work onto the client and makes it harder to identify the strongest photograph.
A more useful press gallery normally includes:
- A clear hero photograph
- Wide images showing the location
- Medium compositions showing the activity
- Tight expressions and details
- Horizontal and vertical options
- Recognisable branding or signage
- Candid interactions
- The main planned moment
- Unexpected moments that add personality
The photographer also needs to understand what the story is and why someone would publish it.
For this shoot, the story was not simply that Steve Coogan attended an RHS event. The photographs needed to show Alan Partridge appearing in character, opening his own show garden and engaging with the unusual concept surrounding it.
Experience photographing press and public events
I have more than 16 years of professional photography experience covering corporate events, press activity, conferences, launches, campaigns and major public events.
Before launching Lee Charlton Photography, I spent nine years as Global Photography Manager at TUI, where I was the company’s sole in-house photographer. My work included international marketing campaigns, leadership events, destination photography and corporate communications.
I have also managed and delivered photography for the Royal Horticultural Society, including major flower shows, editorial assignments, visitor campaigns, public events and press activity.
That experience means I understand both sides of an assignment - capturing the images and ensuring the final gallery is genuinely useful to editorial, PR, marketing and communications teams.
You can also read about my candid press photography at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where I photographed genuine visitors for a larger editorial and marketing campaign.
Press and PR photography across London and the UK
I provide press, PR, and professional event photography for businesses, agencies, and organisations across Hertfordshire, London, and throughout the UK.
Coverage can include:
- Press photocalls
- Celebrity and VIP appearances
- Product and campaign launches
- Publicity events
- Openings and ribbon cuttings
- Corporate announcements
- Media events
- Brand activations
- Conferences and exhibitions
- Awards and public events
Same-day and expedited delivery can be arranged when photographs are required for press releases, media coverage, websites or social media.
View my event and conference photography portfolio or contact me to discuss an upcoming press or PR photography brief.
Frequently asked questions
What is a press photocall?
A press photocall is a planned opportunity for photographers and media teams to photograph a person, launch or event. It normally centres around a clear visual moment, such as a ribbon cutting, product reveal, announcement or celebrity appearance.
How quickly can press photographs be delivered?
Press photographs can be edited and delivered on the same day, as agreed in advance.
This Alan Partridge photocall produced around 20 finished images, which were selected, edited, and supplied to the RHS later that day.
Do you photograph celebrities and VIP appearances?
Yes. I provide discreet coverage of public figures, speakers, performers, senior leaders and VIP guests at press, corporate and public events. The approach can be entirely candid or include a short directed photo call where appropriate.
Can you work alongside press photographers and film crews?
Yes. Press events frequently involve photographers, videographers, journalists, production teams and client representatives working within the same restricted area. I am experienced in finding strong positions and capturing the required images without disrupting other media activity.
What should be included in a press photography brief?
A useful brief should explain the story being communicated, the essential people and moments, intended image usage, turnaround deadline, required formats and any access restrictions. It should also identify whether formal portraits, candid coverage or both are needed.
Do you provide press photography outside London?
Yes. I am based in Hertfordshire and regularly work throughout London and the wider UK. I am also available for international events, campaigns and corporate photography assignments.
About the photographer
Lee Charlton is a multi-award-winning commercial photographer with more than 16 years of professional experience.
He specialises in event, conference, corporate, press and PR photography for businesses, agencies and organisations across Hertfordshire, London, the UK and internationally.
Lee was previously Global Photography Manager and the sole in-house photographer for TUI. His photography has been used across websites, editorial features, press coverage, social media, internal communications, magazines, printed marketing and international campaigns.
