I was recently honoured to be commissioned as the professional event photographer for the St. John’s Hospice Gala Dinner 2025: an evening dedicated to raising vital funds for the hospice’s incredible work providing quality, holistic care to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Set within the exquisite surroundings of the Wallace Collection in London, the event brought together warmth, generosity and the refined beauty of one of the city’s most treasured venues.
My brief was simple: to take photos of the venue’s exterior, the guests arriving in all their glamour, both candid and posed shots during the reception as well as throughout the dinner and entertainment and finally, take thoughtful shots of the guests speakers as they gave their vital speeches. On all these points, I delivered.
A Night of Elegance and Purpose
The evening began with a champagne and canapé reception in the Drawing Room Suite, where guests mingled amidst elegant décor and the soft buzz of conversation. As per my brief, I thoughtfully captured the atmosphere as guests arrived, ensuring I portrayed both the grandeur of the setting and the joy of the occasion. I focused on a blend of posed and candid moments that reflected the anticipation and excitement before the evening’s main proceedings.
Storytelling Through Photography
As an experienced event photographer, my goal is always to tell the story of the evening; not just through who was there but through the emotion and rhythm of the event: and that’s exactly what I achieved.
Downstairs in the courtyard guests were treated to a beautifully arranged dinner accompanied by heartfelt speeches and uplifting entertainment. Simon James, the CEO of St. John’s Hospice, opened the evening with a warm welcome which was followed by speeches from Co-Chair Julian Schild and Dr Najia Shah, each sharing the powerful impact of the hospice’s mission.
I took thoughtfully composed images of these moments with sensitivity and precision: blending into the background to capture each expressive gesture the speakers made as well as the wonderfully genuine reactions of the guests.
The energy of Tom Best as he conducted the auction and raffle was electric and my camera was there to record every spark of excitement and generosity. Throughout the night, I aimed to document the shared purpose that brought everyone together: supporting a cause that touches countless lives.
A Memorable Finale
The highlight of the evening came with entertainment from actor and comedian Marcus Brigstocke, whose wit and charm filled the room with laughter. I made sure to capture both his performance and the audience’s delighted responses which made the perfect close to an evening of elegance and compassion.
Photographing the 2025 St. John’s Hospice Gala Dinner was a privilege. The images tell the story of a night that celebrated both art and humanity set against the timeless backdrop of the Wallace Collection. Events like this remind me why I love what I do: preserving the spirit of extraordinary occasions through the lens of a professional event photographer.
If you’d like me to capture the brilliance of your event, please contact me today and I’d be delighted to discuss your project.
