6 minute read
People with style: with
People with style STARS IN HIS EYES
By James Rayner
When you lose yourself in Chad Powell’s magical and mesmerizing masterpieces, it’s easy to assume he’s from a formal photography background, with a string of illustrious qualifications to his name. But Chad’s skill with a camera – and his ability to capture both the finest detail in the Island’s dark night skies and depth of atmosphere in its rolling landscapes – is entirely selftaught. “It’s all come from YouTube, passion, and wanting to learn,” he explains. It was while studying Graphic Design at Isle of Wight College that Chad bought his first DSLR camera. At the time, he had just moved from the Newport estate in which he grew up to rural St. Lawrence – an urban to countryside move which, at the time, he resented. Chad is open and honest about his mental health: “anxiety is a massive thing for me.” At the same time, it was also anxiety that he now credits for him getting out and discovering the natural beauty within easy reach of his doorstep. “It drove me to take the camera, get some fresh air, walk along the cliffs and take photos of the sunsets.”
In 2013, after seeing some incredible photos of the night skies taken in US cities, Chad decided to see if he could replicate the same on the Isle of Wight, known for its clear night skies. Telling the story of the First Shot, he describes heading to Steephill Cove in the dead of night with his new camera and a fisheye lens in an attempt to capture the stars with a long exposure. “I set the camera up, let my eyes adjust and couldn’t believe what I saw.” After capturing his first breathtaking photos of the Milky Way above the English Channel, Chad put some of the images on Facebook and instantly received messages from friends asking for prints on canvas. Seizing the opportunity – and with just £50 to his name – his business began. The Cove Coffee Shop at Steephill became his first stockist, and Island Artisan in Branstone his first retail space. Chad has had his name above the door of his very own shop at Arreton Barns for two and a half years now, with his photographs adorning everything from coasters and calendars to t-shirts and tote bags. No longer just a local secret, his work has been featured in The Times and The Guardian, even receiving praise from the makers of his first proper camera, Canon: “Chad Powell’s stunning images of the stars above the beaches of England’s biggest Island really are out of this world.” We couldn’t agree more. Style is: I’ve no idea! It’s way more than just what you wear or how you look – style is how you express your individuality. Style is your imagination. Icons or Inspirations? There isn’t one single photographer or artist I look up to – I think I’m more inspired by sunsets and sunrises than how other people work.
Favourite thing about the Island? The whole south-west coast is so different to anywhere else, it’s almost Jurassic. I also really love the caves at Freshwater. Tips for budding photographers? Don’t try and shoehorn style. Experiment and try all sorts at the beginning – practice the basic principles of photography on anything and everything, from portraits to puppies. Hope for the future? I’d love to open a gallery coffee shop – that’s the dream.
Luxurious countryside living
WESTRIDGE HOUSE, BULLEN ROAD, RYDE
Unwind in style with a swimming pool and snooker room in the country
This Edwardian-style home has recently been extended to incorporate a snooker room and balcony at the rear, overlooking the mature gardens and swimming pool. The spacious kitchen-diner features an exposed brick inglenook fireplace with a log burning stove and opens onto a beautiful decking area. Set on an acre plot accessed through electric gates, garden and countryside views can be enjoyed throughout the property. The swimming pool and surrounding palm trees are striking and inviting, giving the property great potential as a lucrative holiday let. It comes complete with a modern threebedroom lodge towards the bottom of the garden, including its own decked area near the pool.
Clockwise from left: This feature-packed home has it all – perfect for people who love to entertain. The stunning pool and three-bedroom lodge provide both entertainment and income potential. Spacious bedrooms complement the generous living space. House of games – catering for pool, chess and more
Countryside cottage
4, ROWLANDS LANE, HAVENSTREET
A characterful property with a superb wraparound garden
This detached property (formerly two adjoining farm workers’ cottages) occupies an idyllic rural setting, with breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. The property, which has five bedrooms and two spacious reception rooms, has wonderful views of Havenstreet. Situated on a large plot, the property provides extensive parking, a driveway and beautiful wraparound gardens. The sitting room offers a taste of the country outlook and is fitted with a wood burning stove. A long galley kitchen was created from the two original cottages, with a view out to the garden. With the unique benefit of two entrance porches from the original cottages, the two homes could be utilised independently.
Clockwise from left: The cottage has immediate kerb appeal. The cosy living room features a log burner. Bedroom décor continues the country vibe. Breath-taking views abound
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Stunning Solent views
HOMEWATERS, TRINITY CHURCH LANE, COWES
This refurbished ‘upside-down’-style house is just a short walk from the town centre
A detached home in a highly desirable private lane, Homewaters is a spacious property with four double bedrooms and a stunning sea view. Better yet, the house is just five to 10 minutes’ walk from Cowes town centre and connections to the mainland. The property has been extensively refurbished to fully exploit the beauty of its coastal location. Thanks to the ‘upside-down’ design, owners can take full advantage of the panoramic sea views over the Solent from the first floor sitting room and kitchen. Double doors open from the sitting room, kitchen and office, giving way to a stylish balcony that stretches the length of the house. Downstairs, the French windows provide a superb sea view from the bedrooms.
Clockwise from left: This elegant home is perfectly positioned to enjoy all Cowes has to offer. A modern kitchen-diner makes the most of the Solent outlook. The sea sparkles along with the refreshments on the balcony
