News / Blog - Motorsport News

Well, it has taken a while. Sixty years to be precise! But today I have discovered that I have an exceptional talent.

Now I know that some of you will not be surprised by this (at least my family won't be... I hope!) However for the rest of you who might have missed my special gift I'll explain.

Today I have shown that men can indeed multi-task!

I'm not sure if this is a first, but the fact that I have just completed a full edit of my pictures of the Autocross Summer Championship whilst actually watching Andy Priaulx race in the British Touring Car Championship must position me up there with some of the greatest (male) talents the world has ever seen!

OK, maybe I'm taking this a (little) bit too far but I'm dead chuffed! This weekend was always lined up as a very busy one for me and the need to keep on top of the shoots was important if I am to tick off a few of the jobs my missus has on her 'to-do' list next week :-(

If things continue to go this well I can see that steam-cleaning my cottage walls and a bit of painting will feature in next weeks work load.

Thinking about it, maybe I haven't been so bright after all!

Pics of the Autocross can be viewed here:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-3 OF THE AUTOCROSS SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP

With Andy Priaulx taking pole on his return to the British Touring Car Championship the weekend was already looking pretty good.

Then there was the local action to look forward to and it started on the coast road at Vazon with the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Sprint meeting... nice!

It was a little chilly down at Vazon making me think about borrowing a couple of tyre warmers to ease the cold... but the bikers wanted them for themselves ;-(

I've been burning the midnight oil to get a full-action gallery of pics from the Sprint on-line. It is definitely a case of keeping up with the editing as the weekend is going to be so busy... Autocross, Hillclimb and Gigs, here I come!

Sprint pics can be viewed here:
VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST SPRINT OF 2015

Well the title should say it all...

I've no time to talk, so this is a very quick quickie update :-)

I've uploaded a new Gallery featuring Round 3 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Winter Kart Championship:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND 3 OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP

On Saturday I had the best 'work office' that anyone could wish for.

I was taking pics of the first day of the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club's annual 2-Day Trials meeting and this was happening on the hillside over-looking Fort Grey and Portelet Harbour.

Now, if you are a local person, you will already know what an amazing spot this is when the sun is out and the sea is blue.

If you have never visited Guernsey then I promise you that the view would rival the very finest in the world... and like I said, this is where I did a days work. Well somebody has to do it ;-)

Day 2 wasn't quite so amazing, but hey, you have to take the rough with the smooth!

If you want to get an idea of what I am talking about take a look at the new picture gallery. Unfortunately you really had to be there for the full effect:
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC 2-DAY TRIALS

There was a fair bit of action in my weekend...

The mix of assignments included 'fast and furious' (read Autocross racing and Karting).

Then there was the fantastic action and atmosphere at Footes Lane for the E H Trophy Hockey Semi-final where Guernsey took a 2-0 win over Didsbury Northern. (see my previous Blog).

Finally it was action of a more controlled nature at the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Two-Day Trials meeting which took place around the beautiful Guernsey coastline together with some inland Sections.

So you can imagine I was kept 'in action' myself whilst chasing around to the various events... but I'm certainly not complaining!

It is a privelage to live on this wonderful Island which offers such a diverse amount of subjects for a professional photographer to capture in all their drama.

I've just added a new Gallery featuring Round-2 of the Guernsey Autocross Club's Summer Banger Racing Championship.

More pics of the weekends action will follow...
VIEW PICS OF THE GUERNSEY AUTOCROSS CLUB'S BANGER RACING

If you are a regular reader of this Blog you will know that I'm always going on about the quality of light... of course I am as that is the essential element needed for me to work.

It's also a big plus when I'm on an outdoor shoot if the temperature is biased towards warm and comfortable as well :-) The previous Autocross race was a huge fail on that count!

So it was a second treat in a row for me (as it was pleasantly warm) on Sunday when I had to spend a couple of hours on Chouet Beach taking action pics of the Autocross Club's Banger racing. This was after Saturday's sunny day spent on the cliffs for the Motocross. Nice work when you can get it!

Maybe I will complain (a little) about the quality of light on Sunday as it was cold and dull... here I go again!

However there is never time to think too much about that when photographing Banger racing. The action is so non-stop and you have to spend your time 'watching your back' in case the cars leave the track.

This is both scary and exhilarating at the same time, but hey, somebody's gotta do it ;-)

My action shots are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE AUTOCROSS BANGER RACING

The first half of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Motocross Championship is complete... normal racing will resume in the Autumn.

However Race-4 went out with a climatic bang (so to speak). The weather was fantastic on the glorious Guernsey cliffs with the track drier than all the previous rounds... it even became a little dusty!

The pay-off for those racing, marshalling and photographing was that it was a very pleasant experience.

Maybe this is why I ended up with nearly two hundred pics - 'make hay whilst the sun is shining' is the saying, I think :-)

I've added a new gallery to feature today's Motocross racing:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-4

VIEW PICS OF THE MOTORCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
I'm pleased to say that the whole weekend wasn't a 'wet wash-out'.

My previous Blog made more than a mention of the awful weather that accompanied the last race of the Autocross season. The conditions weren't quite right for spending time on the beach! The pics don't show-off Chouet beach at its best!

But for the other two Motorsport events I covered over the weekend it was only a cold wind that troubled me :-)

On Saturday I leant into the wind on the cliffs at Pleinmont for the Motorcross action. Then it was the relative shelter offered at The Track for the latest round of the Kart Championship on Sunday.

Pics are now online....
VIEW PICS OF THE KART CHAMPIONSHIP

SHOCK AND HORROR AS A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER STATES THAT (JUST MAYBE) A PHOTO CAN'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY!

It has taken me a lifetime of photography for it to suddenly dawn on me that (perhaps) a photograph doesn't show the whole picture.

There, now I've said it, I'll have to come to terms with this. I'm sure I will get over it... given enough real ale.

This hard fact hit home yesterday whilst editing the afternoon's photo-shoot. That job had to be one of the most miserable I've completed for a few years.

The occasion was the final round of the Guernsey Autocross Club's Winter Championship taking place on Chouet beach. And man did it live up to the title!

The beach was cold. Now that alone wouldn't be a problem. But when combined with strong wind and driving rain then we have an issue.

I'm a belts and braces sort of guy so I don't trust my favoured cameras to withstand such horrendous conditions without a little help. Whilst the manuals of Nikon 'pro' cameras and lenses state that they are:

'Protected by a tough, weather-sealed full metal body, the reliable and durable D4S sustains peak performance in the most demanding environmental conditions imaginable.'

The manual also says:

'Keep dry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.'

So with this knowledge, when the weather is so bad, I always take the extra precaution of using purpose-made covers over my kit. (Remember, Nikon have left themselves plenty of room to wriggle if the kit is damaged by water).

OK, you should now have an image of a miserable photographer, back against the driving rain, camera kit in hand operated only by touch and memory as the covers steam up, and wishing I had windscreen wipers for my spectacles!

But I hear you ask, 'How does that relate to the headline above?'

Well it's just that I had hoped for a little more of the 'pain and discomfort' to be visible in pics. I wanted the viewer so see how I suffer for my art. To understand how I go the extra mile to get the pic. But no, it's like I said, 'maybe a photo can't actually tell the whole story?'

Now I guess I'm just going to have to live with that fact and suggest you use your imagination whilst looking at the pics.

Perhaps I could ask you to try sitting naked in front of an open fridge with your feet in a bucket of cold water with your wet hair dripping down your back whilst you check-out the gallery... it'll help you feel my pain and the pics will take on an extra level of reality.

Click here when you are ready:
THIS IS THE LINK IF YOU WANT TO SHARE MY PAIN

I think I can count that as 'both Motorsport boxes ticked' and a job well done.

As is so often the case there was plenty of Motorsport action in Guernsey over the weekend.

My previous Blog highlighted the GK&MC Motocross Championship and this time I am reporting that a new Gallery has been added to display today's Autocross Club Banger racing at Chouet. The beach was a fine place to be as it was bright and even a little warm when the early Spring sunshine was on your back.

OK, maybe I am getting a bit ahead of myself by claiming it is Spring... but I think we got a sneeky little look at what is to come!

I've added a picture gallery featuring all the action:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST AUTOCROSS PICS

If I was offered the choice between 'dry and windy' or 'wet and mild' then I reckon that the first option would almost always be my pick.

If you added to this choice the need for me to photograph a Motocross championship race then there will always be only one preference... No.1.

So you will gather that I was quite pleased to be standing on the Guernsey cliffs today... trying to stay on my feet against a mighty wind - but it was nice and dry and sunny!

The riders also seemed to enjoy the track conditions and there was some close competitive racing.

I've done a very quick edit of some of today's shots and they are now on-line here:
VIEW ROUND 2 OF THE GK&MC MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Motorsport loves its Silverware and there were three tables full taking pride of place at the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Annual Dinner Dance last weekend.

There was a good turn-out and the opportunity was taken by members to show their appreciation to all the people who work behind the scenes successfully running the many events each year.

The evening built to a climax when the many trophies are presented. My own involvement on the night takes the form of an eight foot wide slideshow that showcases each competitor as they go forward to collect their trophies.

After the tables had been emptied of silverware I managed to grab a few of the winners to capture their picture... this moment deserves to be recorded!

A small gallery of pics is now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE TROPHY WINNERS AT THE GK&MC DINNER DANCE

Anyone who visited L'Eree headland this morning could not fail to have been impressed by the enthusiasm of the young Trials riders competing in the Guernsey Motorcycle & Car Club Youths event.

The youngsters were joined by the Sportsman Class together with a few Pre 65 bikes... now those must have seemed like dinosaurs to the younger riders :-)

But to get back to my original point. I think the Youth Class Trials riders proved their love of the sport by facing a bitter wind and still being able to keep smiling. It was great to see such positive attitudes.

This all bodes well for the future of the GMC&CC. You never know these Junior riders might even keep traversing the Trials sections as long as those Pre 65 bikes!

I've just added a gallery featuring the mornings event:
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC YOUTH, PRE 65 & SPORTSMAN'S TRIALS

I've just realised that I haven't been updating this Blog for a few days.

That doesn't mean that I haven't been working though, far from it!

The last ten days have been non-stop photo action. (Actually, maybe not all 'action'). Read on.

My 'normal' week of work... if there is such a thing, will usually include a little Commercial photography (I have to pay the bills), then probably a bit of Motorsport work and, of course a gig or two.

Well all the regular stuff has been happening as normal. However, on top of that work I have completed quite a few assignments for the Guernsey Press... and I have loved it.

The thing about working as a freelance for a small 'regional' Newspaper is that you don't know where you will be sent next.

This unpredictable work may not suit everyone but if you are a 'people person' like me it can be very fullfillng and as an ex-retailer I have grown up dealing with people so maybe the life of a photo journalist was my missed opportunity?

This is a short list of some of my 'extra' photoshoots that have been completed this week...

• Photograph the launch evening of the Specsavers Youth Games (including Dame Mary Perkins).
  
• Take pics (by chance) of the Fire Service using a turn-table ladder to help Police access a rooftop crime scene.
  
• Take pics of the Indoor Cricket action at the ICC.
  
• Capture a few pics of the Indoor Bowls at the indoor centre.
  
• Photograph Netball action at the Grammar School.
  
• Take a few pics of the Guernsey WI playing darts at KGV (this was much more fun than you could imagine!)
  
• Then there was the Basketball at Beau Sejour... fast action under poor lighting.
  
• Of course there was some Motorsport photography... this week it was the Motocross Championship.
  
• This was followed by a football (night shoot) at an even worse-lit venue, Northfield for North v Saints.
  
• Then finally today I returned to KGV for an evening game of junior football on the new all-weather pitch between Guernsey College Football Academy v Grammar School.

...and there we have it. Quite a busy few days!

I'll add a small mix of this work to the Gallery in the next few days.

For now, here is a link to the first Motocross pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS GALLERIES

Apart from eating a nice roast dinner on a Sunday there is one certain way that I can tell it's a weekend. The clue is if there is a Motorsport event taking place in Guernsey!

I find the weeks just fly by and as my work is so varied you will find me working whatever the day is and both day-time and night-time. My iPhone diary is an essential piece of kit that keeps me organised. It's a new iPhone 6+ by the way and I highly recommend it. I can't see myself ever going back to a smaller screen as I find the benefits out-weigh the negatives by some distance :-)

As previously stated, the weekends usually offer some sort of clue as to what day of the week it is and last weekend is a perfect example. The Winter Kart Championship started at The Track and also the Trials riders were out to play. There was also a nice roast awaiting me when I got home. Ah, so that must mean it's Sunday :-)

I covered both Motorsport events and the pics are now on-line. Just follow the links:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-1 OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP

VIEW PICS OF THE TRIALS EVENT AT ST GERMAIN

I am reckoning that it is now safe to update one of my picture galleries.

This particular gallery always requires an update at about this time of year. That is because it features work that was sold over the Christmas period to be given as presents.

I always find myself having to be careful not to reveal any 'secrets' in the run-up to the big day. I design, print and deliver these special personalised gifts during the weeks leading up to Christmas and it would not be appreciated if I let the surprise out of the bag to the recipient!

The gallery I am referring to is the one that features my custom designed Montages. These always sell well for gifts as they are a great way to display a few favourite pics.

Unfortunately, it's a fact that when someone just buys a 'normal' print in one of the smaller sizes it often ends up in a draw, forgotten and rarely seeing the light of day :-(

So the best answer is to buy something that deserves a little bit of wall space. Montages tick that box. The final design is customised just for you and will encourage you to keep it on display. I even offer an option to have the Montage framed before delivery. Nice and easy, job done.

Of course the fact that no-one wants the surprise spoilt before the big day means I cannot add the gift Montages to this web-site until all the parties are over. I reckon it is safe now so the updates are now on-line.

Oh, can I just remind you that Christmas 2015 is on the way... don't forget to start your pressie list ;-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED MONTAGE GALLERY

It's taken a few days but I can now look forward to the New Year. Most of the back-log of recent work is complete, or at least under control.

So it's time to look forward to the New Year and I'm really optimistic as last year was my busiest ever. It was also the most varied I've had so far... and you know what they say variety is the spice of life :-)

My diary is already looking good and the important 'variety' factor is definitely there.

If you make even occasional visits to this blog you will know that I consider it a rare privilege to be able to earn my living doing exactly what I enjoy..... and I have no boss to answer to. (Hope the missus doesn't read this!)

This New Year has already started on a high with my pics being featured in a leading UK Magazine Powerboat & Rib. The bar has been set high with this three page spread featuring the 2014 3A/3B World Powerboat Championships. Can other National publications follow? The target is set!

However there is one certainty. Once again I will be working many more hours than when I had a 'proper job' - and I will enjoy (nearly) every minute.

This just leaves the mandatory New Years resolution: I really must get myself another photoshoot in a helicopter ;-)

Hello 2015, bring it on :-)

I wonder what are you getting for Christmas?

....read on to find out what I received in my early Xmas sack!

But first, can I tell you that I am having to keep quite a few secrets at the moment as I know (shhhhh) what dozens of you are about to receive under your Christmas tree. (Hint) I hope you have a little space on the wall above the fireplace ;-)

This festive period has been my busiest yet for picture sales with Framed Montages and Canvases proving to be extremely popular.

Christmas is almost like a 'harvest-time' for me as the twelve months of cultivating interest in my photography pays off. It also illustrates very well just how hard-working and consistent you have to be to nurture a large and loyal following. For this festive season I have been selling pics from across the whole genre of my work... everything from Elevated Panoramic shots to Sports, Racing and Band pics.

I'm very, very lucky that I've established myself as a photographer who specialises in the subjects that I really love... namely Motorsport and Music performance and it is incredible how many people also share the same love. I know there are many other photographers who pursue these same interests and regularly visit my galleries to comment on and critique my work. Maybe even pick up a few tips? ;-)

But what really amazes me is how many people are simply interested in viewing my picture galleries. The total number of picture views is amazing and I thank all the regular visitors.

So now I had better reveal what I have just received as an early Christmas present. The pressie takes the form of my web-site total views smashing through another mile-stone number.

The total views of this web-site have just topped 8,000,000, EIGHT MILLION, WOW!

This new record comes after just four years from the very first upload. The 'year one' views were recorded at 1,000,000 and have consistently grown up to today's annual count of around 2,500,000!

As the new year approaches I remain encouraged by the interest in my work and my New Years resolution is to work even harder at what I love.... oh, and to drink much more Real Ale!

.....consistent, reliable and predictable, that's me :-)

Thanks for your continued support. Have a very Happy Christmas and a fun New Year!

You can read about some of the previous 'mile-stones' here:
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SOME OF THE PREVIOUS MILE-STONES

Andrew

This meeting always lives up to its name. For the annual 'Fun Meeting' the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Trials riders are offered the chance to wear 'fancy dress' if they make a donation or buy their outfit from a Charity shop.

I have a feeling that you can't have more fun with an old dress and a bike... however if you know better please e-mail me the answer (it doesn't have to be clean!)

Having spent the afternoon out in the chilly wind taking pics I think a few of the guys were just a little too comfortable in their dresses! Maybe a little black 'designer number' will be an addition to their Christmas list?

If you want to see how gorgeous some of the riders looked check-out my gallery:
CHECK-OUT THE TRIALS TALENT

The fresh air in Petit Bot valley was the perfect antidote to the hang-overs that were the result of a late night/early morning at the annual Guernsey Motor Cycle and Car Club Dinner Dance.

The usual venue of St Pierre Park Hotel was packed for this years customary celebration of the Club's packed calendar of Motorsport competitions.

You only had to look at the amount of Silverware on show (that's not the sort the ladies like to adorn themselves with) to see how busy the year has been.

Of course the Silverware was in the form that Racers love - the Cup & Trophy kind!

There were competitors from all the Club's Classes of Motorsport collecting the reward of their endevours. Every Class from Autotests, Trials, Hillclimbing, Sandracing, Grasstrack racing and Sprints had a bit of 'bling' on the table. If you've never attended one of these nights, take it from me, there had been a LOT of Silver polishing done:-)

So, to get back to my original point. This annual 'do' is the perfect chance for many competitors to let their hair down - maybe not you Tom Scott ;-)

But Tom was one of the riders to benefit from the therapeutic fresh air at today's Trials and from what I saw he was bang on form.

You have to hate how well the youngsters can recover from a heavy night. Sadly those days are long gone for me :-(

I've added a new Trials Gallery featuring today's competition:
VIEW PICS OF TODAY'S TRIALS