All Revved Up

Krystal fancied doing something different and I suggested shooting at Revved Up. A biker’s café’/Tea bar spotted on a recent, weekend outing to Walton on the Naze.

This was one of our “on-spec” missions, which usually turn out favourably. I parked nearby, fed the meter and gathered our respective kit. Two minutes later, we were at Revved up’s counter and ordering some warm beverages. I wasted no time introducing ourselves, and explaining we’d like to use the café,’ as our centrepiece for a biker themed shoot.

Paul, the proprietor, paused for a moment, then graciously invited us to shoot wherever we liked. Within a few moments, the air thronged with the familiar rumble of V twin engines.

Krystal was invited to change in their back room, while I checked lenses and camera settings. In keeping with similar businesses, retail is a significant, second tier for Paul. Aside from a motorcycle frame and other biker iconography, there are rails of leathers, lids, boots, T shirts and other, reasonably priced motorcycle related apparel. I wasted no time thumbing through Paul's range of waistcoats.   

Biker’s haunts are traditionally very chatty, welcoming and informal. Word rapidly spread of our presence, prompting riders to approach us. Knowing the economic and sentimental value their machines hold, Krystal initially posed, tentatively against them. However, she was beckoned, positively urged aboard.

Frankly, I was deeply touched by how accommodating everyone was. Owners and customers were incredibly forthcoming- literally couldn’t do enough to assist.  After two hours of shooting, good humoured rapport and beverage slurping, we bid everyone a fond farewell.  ‘Till the next time. 

A selection of shots, printed on high quality canvases are available to purchase on my store:  https://michael-stenning.format.com/all-revved-up

Sincerest thanks go to Paul, and his customers at Revved up 133 High St, Walton on the Naze CO14 8AT