Simply C Photography shares excitement as official Big Hoot Art Trail photographer

The St Elizabeth Hospice Big Hoot Art Trail is coming to Ipswich this summer and local photographer Cherry Beesley of Simply C Photography has been busy capturing the sculptures as they begin to take shape.

“I was honored to have been approached to act as the official Commercial Photographer for one of the town’s most loved events”, Cherry said, “It is such a wonderful opportunity to be involved that I Simply couldn’t turn down. I am even sponsoring my very own ‘Hoot’!”.  

The Hospice Art Trails have become a regular feature in the town and began with Pigs Gone Wild in 2016 followed by Elmer’s Big Parade in 2019 and the siting of the fantastic painted sculptures around the streets bring visitors from far and wide. This year a Parliament of Owls will be roosting in Ipswich, attracting thousands of local families, residents, and visitors to the town, and bringing with them great financial benefit to the local economy. 

Although the event was officially launched in April the planning and preparations have been ongoing ever since Elmers Big Parade finished.

“Once the wheels are in motion local businesses are invited to sponsor a sculpture and make it their own” Cherry explained, “This is such a wonderful initiative to be involved in and sponsors are really involved with the process, from choosing the design and artist they would like to decorate their owl to promoting their involvement and rewarding trail-enthusiasts who tag their sculptures on the official Hoot app”.  

“I have already been on hand to capture images at every stage so far – from the initial arrival of the Hoots, their delivery to the various artists, the painting process, and most recently now they’ve all been painted, capturing them all to be put in the forthcoming brochure”. 

Everyone has sworn to secrecy ahead of the big reveal and one of Cherry’s biggest challenges has been to take images that she can’t show off straight away! “It isn’t often I am commissioned to take photographs that have to stay hidden but equally I have taken just enough to give an idea of the progress being made and a taster of what’s in store”.  

“I Simply cant wait for everyone to see just how beautiful these owls are. In the meantime people can head over to my social media for a sneaky peak at some of the wonderful designs”. 

The Hoots are currently being safely stored ahead of being placed around Ipswich and the official launch on 19th June (more details about the launch and the coinciding sponsored walk can be found here https://thebighoot.co.uk/hoot-hike-5k-fundraising-walk-event-to-launch-the-big-hoot-2022/)