Alan Snelson, QE2 Photographer 1978-1982

[Alan Snelson]

Hi all
I found the post from Robert Knowles whilst googling Tony Secker. I had a look round the QE2story site and it started to bring back some fond memories. I worked as a photographer from August 78 until about May 82. I did have a few stints away on the Cunard Countess and a couple of Greek ships in the Med. but was on QE2 for the 79'80'81'&82 world cruises. I remember Robert well, and I think we worked on the Countess together for a while as well. I do remember working long hours and then going out to party, grabbing a few hours sleep and then getting up and doing it all again, we had some great times but I don't think I could do it these days!

I often think of the people I knew on board and wonder where they are now and what they are doing. I remember so much about it that it seems hard to believe that it was over 30 years ago. When I sit down and think I can bring to mind many names of former colleagues which is what led to me googling Tony. I recall helping him to move some of his personal stuff into his new apartment near Los Angeles when he left the ship. I think it was at the end of the 81 world cruise.

I am now living in Cornwall and have a job with a local engineering company. My second wife and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary and our daughter is going to be 7 next week. Some of you reading this might recall that I married a female photographer Karen, who worked on the QE2, a few people from the ship came to the wedding. Unfortunately our marriage only lasted for about 7 years, we had a daughter who is now 28 though sadly we are not in contact any more.

Would be good to hear from those who knew me and catch up. All the best. Alan

[Lynda Bradford]

Hello Andy

Nice to hear your story and hope you find some people on the Forum who worked onboard QE2 when your were onboard the ship. 

Hope you enjoy being part of the Forum and are able to post some stories about working onboard our favourite ship.

[Rob Lightbody]

Just to post a link here to your own excellent topic about the QE2's photography department.

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,5426

[Casinogirls]

Hi
Did you know any of the casino girls - I was on there from 81 - 83 ?

[Tony]

I did, but names escape me. We were always finishing work around the same time. Especially after a cocktail party where we would be up late printing the pictures.
many a great time was had.

[Tony Secker]

Hey Alan , Found this picture from almost 40 years ago. First transit of the Suez Canal ..great memories !

[Alan Snelson]

I have this one of you and me on a camel in my collection which I think was on the same trip.

[Tony Secker]

I've just started digitizing my QE2 collection... so many from our days on board ( Did we really party THAT much ? ) I also have a lot of images of QE2 that I shot for Cunard up until the mid 90's I can send some if you'd like.
All The Best....Tony

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

I've just started digitizing my QE2 collection... so many from our days on board ( Did we really party THAT much ? ) I also have a lot of images of QE2 that I shot for Cunard up until the mid 90's I can send some if you'd like.
All The Best....Tony

Yes please! All of them will be very welcome, and I really look forward to seeing them. There must be a lot of memories attached to them, and I look forward to those as well. 

If you find it easier to send them with an email to the admin mailbox, I would be happy to upload them for you.

[Tony Secker]

Will do , it will probably be about a month for the first batch as I leave today on a 3 week photoshoot .
Cheers
Tony

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Will do , it will probably be about a month for the first batch as I leave today on a 3 week photoshoot .
Cheers
Tony

Enjoy the photoshoot -- that sounds like something rather special .

Looking forward to your return, and your QE2 photos when you are back. Travel well!

[Rob Lightbody]

Alan Snelson has kindly typed up his QE2 Story for us, and its now published on our main page.

https://www.theqe2story.com/Stories/alan_snelson.html

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

What a beautiful and touching story, Alan! Thank you for writing it all up for us. Amazing how it all happened, it seemed to fall into place quite unexpectedly.

What would you have chosen as a career if the photography had not "happened"?

[June Ingram]

Many thanks, Alan, for your QE2 story !