News / Blog - Tallpictures News

I was asked to cover the annual HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne remembrance service again this year.

Four hundred and sixty-nine lives were lost when the Germans torpedoed the British ships during WWII. Some bodies were washed up on the Guernsey shoreline and Islanders paid their respects when they were buried by the occupying forces with full military honours.

It's a couple of years since I last photographed this service which is held in Le Foulon cemetery alongside the graves of the sailors. This year the service was attended by around five hundred people.

The format was familiar and formal - following established etiquette. Something that you would expect from an event organised by the military!

I've added a small gallery of pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE HMS CHARYBDIS & HMS LIMBOURNE GALLERY

I've had a gentle reminder that I hadn't uploaded my pics from the 30th August hill climb. That is now sorted!

But I did have a sort of excuse... carry on reading to be informed!

This is my sick note to the Clerk of the Course that tells the story.

Dear Chemy – Clerk of the Course.

I’ve written this sick note to you to explain that Andrew isn’t feeling very well today.

It seems that yesterday someone made Andrew drink a lot of beer at the Vale Earth Fair.

When I asked how much he’d drunk all he could remember was that it was lots and lots and lots! Poor thing.

This is also why he was late arriving at the hill today.

I hope you will show him some compassion and give him credit for making the courageous effort to get out of bed this morning.

I also ask that you make allowances if the standard of his work isn’t as good as normal.

I’m sure Andrew will be fine in a couple of days... or after having another beer.

Love, Carol

OH, and in case you are wondering. It was me who forged the sick note.... just like I used to do at school.

My wife is amazing but there is as much chance of her showing me any sympathy when I have a hangover as there is of me breaking the ‘Terres hill record!!

The picture above confirms that I wasn't functioning fully :-)
CLICK TO VIEW THE 30-08-2021 HILL CLIMB GALLERY

It’s OK, I’m fine.

But that was a shockingly close encounter for me.

Whilst photographing the start of the Graniteman Triathlon I found myself (nearly) taking a landscape picture!! Strictly speaking it was probably more like a seascape really!

This has left me quite unsettled as I haven’t ventured near that genre for nearly twenty years. In fact not since I started taking pics professionally!

Somehow the types of photography that gave me so much pleasure during my Royal Photographic Society and Camera Club days don’t seem to have space and time in my current working week.

Whilst editing the photoshoot of the 2021 Guernsey Graniteman Triathlon I realised that maybe I need to re-awaken some of that old passion. However I also have to concede that there are many truly talented landscape photographers in Guernsey who produce outstanding work.... and also don’t mind getting out of bed for the early morning atmospheric light.

I’m definitely more of a night person. So upon further reflection I think I’m going to stick with what I do.

I’ll leave the scenic pics to those who know what they are doing... and can get out of bed!

Oh, and if you are wondering what made me start thinking about all this, the photo at the top of this Blog will help you understand.

My full Gallery of Graniteman Triathlon pics can be viewed by following this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2021 GUERNSEY GRANITEMAN TRIATHLON

The 2021 edition of the School of Popular Music Corporate Battle of the Bands was performed in front of a sellout audience in the theatre at Beau Sejour.

This was also the venue for the previous nights Under 18's Battle of the Bands... a full gallery of pics will follow.

The atmosphere in the theatre was fantastic, full of anticipation and no doubt quite a few nerves, but once the bands took to the stage they were supported by the large and vocal crowd. There was a mix of seasoned performers together with 'first-timers' but the bottom line is that everyone did brilliantly.

This gallery features all the bands, the atmosphere in the theatre and the opening band, Sonic Bomb, fresh from winning the Under 18's Battle the previous night.

Follow this link to view all the pics....
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2021 SoPM CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

On Saturday the 'King of the Ring' returned to KGV for 17 bouts of White Collar Boxing offering a full late afternoon and evening of entertainment.

The huge gathering was reported to be around 2000 for Round 4 of the King of the Ring.

The warm summers evening relaxed the supporters who needed little encouragement to drink and party from late afternoon and through the evening. The Breda can count on some of the tables would have needed a calculator to tally!!

Revelers clearly enjoyed the entertainment with many of the fighters ticking the 'try boxing' box.

This gallery showcases some of the atmosphere and all seventeen bouts....
CLICK TO VIEW THE KING OF THE RING ROUND 4 PICS

Whilst I was enjoying the party atmosphere in the Vraiceaters Arms at the West Show this website smashed through another milestone of picture views recorded.

Once again I have to thank you for the continued interest in my pics. It is rewarding to see how many people visit the picture galleries every day. The running total of views is now more than THIRTY-FIVE MILLION!

I study the analytics and statistics of the viewings to understand what coverage is the most popular but it's fascinating to see that every genre of my work gets it's 'moment' of taking top spot.

It seems that the people who pop along here for a few minutes all have their own different interests.

I'm pleased to say that I continue to enjoy my profession... a LOT! It is a real privilege to photograph so many different events and people and my time spent behind the lens has expanded my knowledge and love for the community we share in Guernsey.

I hope I am able to continue taking pics for many years yet - if only to give me an excuse to buy new kit!

There is another new mirrorless Nikon camera (the Nikon Z9) on the way and I can't wait to see how the technology has continued to improve.

One thing is certain. There will be no shortage of news, events, sports, gigs and occasions for me to feature in my galleries. I hope to see you viewing them again sometime soon.
START EXPLORING THE GALLERIES BY CLICKING HERE

Last night at the West Show the huge Vraiceaters Arms was splitting at the seams as a huge'er (is that even a word!??) crowd overflowed it for the second time as live bands took to the stage.

It was certainly a challenge to capture any pics in a ram-packed crowd but I did get a few :-)

Worse still, it was an even bigger challenge to get to the front of the queue at the bar. Even though it must have been more than 60ft long!!

But looking how the 'party' went I think that many people DID get a drink (several)... their mid-week hangover this morning would have proved that!

I've just added a new Gallery featuring the ever popular Last of the Light Brigade.

The edit of headliners City Limits awaits. This set was even harder to photograph as I experienced maybe the tightest packed crowd ever in front of the stage as the young West Show crowd discovered what live music is all about.

Did they miss their usual distraction of the Fun Fair... judging by appearances, I don't think so!!!
CLICK TO VIEW THE WEST SHOW LIVE MUSIC

The 2021 Guernsey Agricultural Show was a vintage edition in all forms.

The idea behind this popular show is to take us back to how things used to be in farming, transport, fair grounds, military service - and the list goes on.

This year there were visiting shire horses, steam engines and a vintage fair. Sheep racing, straw baling, tractor displays, fur and feather tents and live music all added up to two full days of entertainment.

A particular highlight this year was a very impressive military display which was beautifully presented and featured many vehicles and 'battlefield' tented displays. The range of equipment on show offered endless interest. Well done to those involved in organizing it.

The length of the line of vehicles waiting to get into the car park was proof that many of us have a soft spot for the past. Maybe we imagine that life was so much better then?

However I think that most of us would have quite a shock if we actually had to go back to those times.

Just as well that we can enjoy both periods by visiting this wonderful vintage show.

I have uploaded a huge gallery of pics for you to view here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2021 GUERNSEY AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Well it's safe to say that Guernsey is buzzing again with action and entertainment!

I've had a non-stop weekend but its been fantastic fun in the Sun.

Everything has revolved around taking pics at twelve different events.... so the edit has begun!

Us Guerns have been taking full advantage of our Covid free Island and the variety of entertainments, sports, attractions and scenery available to enjoy in the sun is really something special!

NEVER let it be said that there is NOTHING to do!!

For starters I've added the GVC Frie Baton Long Circuit pics. They can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GVC FRIE BATON ROAD RACE

The Guernsey Together Festival owes its existence to the Covid-19 virus.

'Normal' life in 2020 through 2021 was heavily affected and restricted by the outbreak of Covid-19 and as time passed we all yearned for the return to whatever was important to each of us.

For many this meant enjoying live music and the social scene that surrounds it.

So the Guernsey Together Festival was born.

The first Guernsey Together Festival was a sell-out and was blessed with great weather. I was a bit skeptical about how this new festival, which only came about as a 'reaction' to the Covid-19 lock-down, would turn out.

But in the end it was a great success with just a few teething problems. All the line-up was made up of local bands and truly showcased the depth of talent we have here in Guernsey.

But what about 2022? Will there be a need for big name headliners if this festival is to grow and find a permanent place on the calendar?

I've added the first two Galleries featuring the festival atmosphere and the Dance Tent.

Check back later to see the Main Stage bands.
CLICK TO VIEW THE GUERNSEY TOGETHER FESTIVAL GALLERIES

I was asked by the Guernsey Press to photograph the vigil that was held in Market Square, Guernsey, remembering Sarah Everard and all women who have suffered from abuse, domestic violence and harassment.

Hundreds of Islanders supported this peaceful event. A number of individuals stood up in front of the crowd and bravely described some of their experience of abuse.

The evening had a powerful message and in some ways was shocking.

The highly personal nature of some of the stories left no-one in any doubt that our society... yes I'm talking about Guernsey too, must work harder to understand the problems, educate the population and show greater understanding and support to all victims of all forms of abuse and prejudice.

I've added a small gallery of my pics taken on the night as I have been requested to. However the pics are in a password protected Gallery so you will just need to contact me if you wish to view them.

The Gallery is here:
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS OF THE SARAH EVERARD VIGIL

Whatever 'your thing' is it is likely that some of your best memories have been made whilst participating in an event, sport or endeavor.

As you will see if you spend a few moments (could easily run to hours!) scanning my picture galleries I have photographed hundreds and hundreds of different occasions.

I'm grateful that I've been able to sell many of my pics featured in the galleries and many sales are of traditional prints... always a good choice, and the bigger the better if you want to enjoy the detail.

But the modern world seems to favour the Digital version of an image. This does make sense of course as you can load the pic onto your phone and you can carry it with you everywhere.

But I want to try and tempt you if you are considering buying a couple of pics. Maybe you should consider selecting a few favorites and let me design a Framed Montage for you.

The end result - after you OK my design - is an impressive image that will hang on the wall to remind you of that 'special moment'. You will see extra detail in your Montage and everyone else can see it too.

If I've tempted you there is an easy process to ordering your very own custom designed Montage.

When you see a pic that you would like in your montage just select it using the option in the Buy Now button below each pic. Make sure that you choose your preferred 'Main' picture first then simply use the 'add to Montage' button to build the Montage.

The most successful and popular designs usually include five or nine pics but I'll try any design you favour. After I make a design you will be emailed a proof for you to OK.

So next time you are thinking about buying a couple of pics remember to consider ordering a Montage. The end result could be much more memorable!

If you need a little inspiration follow this link to see some of my previous Montage designs:
CLICK TO VIEW SOME PREVIOUS MONTAGE DESIGNS

As we keep our fingers crossed that in (maybe) two weeks time life can return to a ‘New Normal’ in Guernsey I can reveal what some of you have been doing during Lockdown v2 together with a special offer on my pictures.

Firstly I’d like to thank those of you who have been visiting my website as it has logged millions of new picture views since January! The running total now exceeds 31 MILLION!

The way I analyze this is to reckon that surfing the web has helped fill a few of your empty hours... it has certainly worked for me! We all know that the novelty of being free of the 9 to 5 job soon wears off!

I also think that some of the visitors have wanted to reminisce about the good times... when life went along unrestricted. A stroll through my picture galleries reveals so many of your enjoyable moments playing Sports and attending Gigs and social events that maybe the pics have helped ease some of your Lockdown frustrations?

So as a thank you for the massive interest in my work I’ve decided to (prematurely) celebrate the better times ahead by offering new discounts on the sales of multiple items from my galleries... Anything from 10% to 25% OFF!

The offer is for Framed Prints, Bevel Mounted Prints, Standard Prints and Digital Files. If you place any order online the discount is automatically deducted as you complete the sale in the Shopping Cart.

So THANKS AGAIN for the continued interest in my work. I'll see you again as soon as we are released!

It was great for riders & photographers to be out having fun on a dry day... and about time too!

The Guernsey Velo Club had a good entry for their MTB XC event at Le Guet. A long course had been marked out and this made full use of the slippery slopes and challenged the endurance of all competitors.

This is a link to the new gallery which showcases some of my pics of the racing.
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GVC MTB XC RACING

Whilst I'm on here I'd like to thank the many regular visitors to this website as you have enabled me to crack 30,000,000 (THIRTY MILLION!) views. This milestone clocked up just before Christmas.

Since then another HALF A MILLION views have been registered which is pretty special.

Once again thanks a lot.

It's very hard to find any words to say after hearing the tragic news that Zef Eisenberg has lost his life in a high speed crash whilst chasing another speed record to add to his long list.

Speaking from Guernsey, the Island that he made his home, and as someone who has worked for him photographing some of his portfolio of properties, racing action and several Motor Sport promotion shots I know what an impact he had on the things that he had a passion for.

Zef never did things by half. He also never did anything other than at 'full speed'! He was a genuine 'Speed Freak'.

He will be remembered for his remarkable life where he was always looking forward. He had the ability to make an impact on anything he involved himself in.... from starting Maximuscle to breaking speed records to supporting the Guernsey Motor Sport scene and his charity work on the Saumarez Park children's playground. These things are his legacy.

Few of us will ever lead such a full life as Zef and the only consolation is that he didn't waste a minute of his 47 years.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

I've added a couple of my pics of Zef to a gallery including this Montage that Zef commissioned.

They reflect my memories of him.
CLICK TO VIEW A COUPLE OF PICS OF ZEF EISENBERG

I photographed another great new live music event organized by the Guernsey School of Popular Music yesterday evening.

This was the first Corporate Battle of the Bands and it was held on the big stage at Beau Sejour... and the acts certainly stepped up to the mark.

Five bands were given three songs to impress the judges panel and they covered a wide variety of musical genres with each producing a memorable performance.

But the evening was more than that. There was a fantastic and supportive atmosphere in the theater as the battle commenced. The audience enthusiastically got behind every band making the evening full of high energy!

Well done to all the bands from Butterfield, MSG, Ravenscroft, Garenne and Carey Olsen.

In the tradition of these things there could only be one winner and this year it was the Garenne band who picked up the trophy.

I've added these galleries featuring the evenings highlights....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Sometimes things creep up on you unexpectedly. We all trot along through life on our chosen route and in our own time.

But of course the person we are inevitably changes as we age. My own experience of getting older has been almost all positive as maturity brings with it more patience, understanding, balance and experience.

So I hope you will resolve from that statement above that I have little to complain about and day to day life is great.

But what about the unexpected lurking in the dark just waiting to remind me of the passing of the years?

Well I've just had a poke in the ribs from one.

I have been locked down - like most of us - which has meant that I've not been uploading new pics for some time. This has proven to be a problem for my 'pensioners aged' brain as I got into a proper fix today whilst I tried to upload a new album. This was entirely due to user error (I mean brain failure) as it seems I had forgotten the correct procedure!

I was so stuck that I contacted the Photium help desk!

Photium are the host company for this website and I have always found their service to be absolutely second to none!

Whenever I have needed to ask Photium a question the reply usually arrives within minutes. They really are that good and I would recommend them to everyone. Their site Admin is easy to follow (even for a pensioner, normally!) and you can customize your website to you own style. So this is a BIG shout out for Photium. Thanks for your help.

Now once again, after receiving a reminder of how things work, I'm back with a website featuring the latest pics all safely uploaded!

Take a look at the Skipton v Le Mont Saint Basketball gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF SKIPTON v LE MONT SAINT

On Saturday 20th June 2020 Guernsey joined communities around the world and came together to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

The event had been delayed by one week to allow the Island to enter its Phase 5 of the plan to lift all Covid 19 lockdown restrictions.

Hundreds of people joined the peaceful crowd to listen to speakers who told of their own experiences of hate and prejudice. The event finished with a symbolic eight minute forty-six seconds silence with most people kneeling.

I took some 360 degree panoramic images of the event. The panoramas are VERY high resolution so please give them time to load. It's worth the wait as there is amazing detail for you to exlpore!

Please click on the link to view.

WARNING: This is a VERY high resolution image.... give it time to load!
CLICK TO VIEW THE 360 PANORAMA

I decided to try a different viewpoint whilst photographing the Guernsey Rowing Club's lockdown beating rowing event.

The Club came out of the forced lockdown to hold their first event of the year over the B course totaling 5,200 meters of open sea.

After starting at Havelet Bay the rowers headed south to Fermain Bay making a turn amongst the anchored leisure boats before heading back to St Peter Port.

I had positioned myself on the cliffs surrounding the picturesque bay in the hope that it offered a new viewpoint. The effort to get there was more than I remembered as I trekked down from the Jerbourg monument... there are a lot more steps than I recall!

But the reward was an open view looking down 300 feet on to the competitors... luckily I had taken my Nikon 180-400mm (560mm with the built-in extender) lens. With this lens I could see right into the boats.

I've added a small gallery of pics which can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST ROWING PICS

I fear that I'll probably never quite catch up with the backlog of editing from last year.... but I'll keep trying.

Last year wasn't quite a 'normal' one. There were quite a few distractions taking large chunks out of my work time. By far the most demanding was overseeing the modernization of our new home. This is now nearing completion but I think I was a bit naive regarding how much chasing and management would be required in getting the 'trades' to complete their work.

However we have now settled into the new place and the move has worked out brilliantly. We have renewed everything from ceilings, heating, electrics and networking to 65" TV's, flooring, driveway.... well just about everything! Oh, and I mustn't forget the great new kitchen too!

Whilst all that was underway I found myself emergency medivaced to the UK after Doctors found blood clots on my brain and I had a mild stroke. Thankfully the outcome has been much better than first feared and I've nearly made a full recovery.

So that's the excuses for the missed edits!

But I continue with the catch-up. This link takes you to a missed Autocross Banger event from last March. More will follow:
CLICK TO VIEW THE AUTOCROSS CATCH-UP