Harry Rhodes, a beloved and widely recognized photographer in the Banbury area, recently celebrated a major milestone as his business Tudor Photography marked its 50th anniversary with a spectacular party at the historic Wroxton Abbey. The celebration brought together decades of professional relationships and friendships that Rhodes has built throughout his distinguished career in photography.
Rhodes' journey in photography began much earlier than his Tudor Photography venture, starting his career as a press photographer with the Birmingham Planet at just 16 years old. He worked for several regional publications before making his way to Banbury, where he served as chief photographer for the Banbury Guardian. Throughout his career, he has continued his media photography work, consistently delivering perfect press pictures for publication and becoming a familiar face throughout the community.
In 1975, Rhodes launched Tudor Photography, which allowed him to expand his focus and dedicate more time to commercial photography, wedding photography, and portrait work. This business venture has now reached the remarkable milestone of five decades in operation, establishing Rhodes as a fixture in the local photography scene and beyond.
The anniversary celebration took place in the magnificent and historic surroundings of Wroxton Abbey, a venue with which Rhodes has maintained close connections since his arrival in Banbury. The event featured a warm gathering where guests enjoyed coffee accompanied by a special celebration cake, followed by a guided tour of the historic building that once served as the home of Prime Minister Lord North. The festivities continued with a buffet lunch, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reflection on Rhodes' remarkable career.
The guest list reflected the breadth of Rhodes' professional and personal connections, including local business people, former colleagues, and numerous contacts he has cultivated through his years of business and social involvement in Banbury. During the celebration, special presentations were made to recognize key individuals who have been important to Rhodes' success, including his long-time assistant Helen Loggin and Nicholas Baldwin, the director of Wroxton Abbey.
Rhodes attributes his success and the natural, relaxed shots for which he is renowned to a combination of three essential factors: efficiency, speed, and a sense of humor. These qualities have made him well-known and beloved throughout the community, helping him capture the genuine moments that have become his trademark style.
Throughout his extensive career, Rhodes' assignments have taken him around the world, where he has photographed an impressive array of subjects including royalty, celebrities, businesses, and sporting events, with a particular specialization in horse racing photography. His portfolio also includes countless weddings and powerful individual portraits that showcase his versatility and skill as a photographer.
As a keen horse rider himself, Rhodes has developed close connections with racing yards both in the Banbury area and beyond, which has enhanced his expertise in equestrian photography. His passion for horses is evident not only in his professional work but also in his personal life, as demonstrated by his distinctive wedding car – a 1969 Jaguar that he has affectionately named Marilyn, which has become another recognizable symbol of his unique personality and style in the Banbury community.
