We recently ran a competition asking for the best customer stories in celebration of Billingham's 50th anniversary. We are pleased today to announce the first of our winners, Dan Baker, telling the story of an important trip that he made with his Billingham Hadley Small.

Adventure takes many forms, from being tucked under plane seats travelling to different continents to salt spray from my local coastline. My Billingham bag has seen it all and accompanied my creative journey over many years now. She's become a little worn around some of the edges but this only adds the beautiful character and stories she can tell from the path we have walked so far on our lives.

As I continue to explore, I find new and exciting possibilities along the way and one very special journey involves this little Hadley holding a promise in the shape of a diamond. A two day journey that needed this ring to remain close, yet hidden from another special person that had joined me on my adventure.

Packing a small box in the bottom corner and placing a compartment flap over the top to protect this precious cargo was the perfect place to keep this safe, yet completely out of sight and access, until the point that I had planned to pop the question. Keeping a good looking bag around at all times wasn't hard either. I could imagine that carrying anything that screamed 'camera gear' wouldn't have exactly blended into all environments, but throwing a Billingham over my shoulder is unassuming and blends into nearly all situations.

Obviously I didn't want to be leaving the bag open at any point but having the ability to quietly pop the worn leather straps, only by touch, so not to draw attention or disturb our moment, I slipped my hand into the bag and pulled out the box. By this point, the action is almost second nature and will be to anyone carrying a Billingham, spotting a situation to photograph and reaching for their camera. It worked perfectly and seamlessly as I got down on one knee and popped the question, "will you marry me?".

The planning and subtlety of the whole proposal completely caught her off guard in what I can only describe as the most beautiful moment between us and of course she said yes!

I could finally breathe easy again, but nonetheless, my Hadley joined us for the next week as we spent our time exploring the stunning coastal towns of Cornwall together. 

I didn't think I could become sentimental for a bag but this Hadley has become so much more than a beautiful piece of my kit. I take it everywhere with me and is the first bag I reach for when I'm heading out of the door. They say that a photographer should carry their camera on them at all times. Well, on this occasion, carrying a Billingham most places I go allowed me to keep a very close eye on the ring without raising any suspicions at all, it is just a part of me and what I do.

This is one life adventure that this bag is sure to remember and one that makes it so much more special to me. 

 

Thanks again to Dan Baker for sharing his lovely story. You can find Dan Baker here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danbaker88/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dan8aker
Website: https://danbaker.me/

While the competition has ended we'd still love to hear your stories. Feel free to submit them here.

The bag featured in this article:

Hadley Small Camera Bag