Former mooring holder Steve Poole has captured the character of the Beaulieu River and the team who work there in stunning photographs for his new book and exhibition.
Steve was inspired by the beauty of the river during his time as a boat owner and took photographs of Harbour Master Wendy Stowe and Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour’s first apprentice Ollie Rickard, with the marina’s pet parrot Miguel.
Buckler’s Hard Director, the Hon. Mary Montagu-Scott also chose to take to the water in her scow for her recent photoshoot for the project.
Steve, who has photographed hundreds of celebrities, rock stars and Hollywood actors during his career, has chosen the Beaulieu River pictures to feature in his new book entitled Uncommoners: Portraits of life in the New Forest and the accompanying exhibition at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery in his home town of Lymington, from May 18-July 7.
Using his free Beaulieu attraction tickets, which are a benefit for all Beaulieu River mooring holders, he photographed a whole season of events, including autojumbles and Simply rallies. Those photographs, together with pictures of Lord Montagu and his falconer Paul Manning, have also made the final book selection.
Steve, whose pictures can also be seen in the National Portrait Gallery, said: “What I wanted to create was a homage to the New Forest where I have spent a lot of my life, having lived here for the last 15 years.”
He added: “My strongest pictures are a balance between scenes and faces and I have included all of the portraits which I really like.”