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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

I hope every Motocross rider found the time to thank their MX Captain on Saturday for the amount of effort he is putting in to ensure the Championship races take place.

Jason King has had to battle against the untimely heavy rainfall which has turned the track into deep muddy puddles. The thought of pumping, sweeping and creating drainage channels in those conditions is not a very appealing one... but some-one has to do it if the Championship is to reach its intended climax.

Of course there are many other people who donate their time to allow the racers to have their fun (not that I would consider it fun to get so muddy!)

My experience of being involved in various other Clubs - usually ending up on the Committee - is that most members seem to consider it their right to turn up to an organised event, have their fun and leave without offering a thank-you or having a thought for those who make it happen.

Can I suggest that the next time you have a chance to say thank-you... just do it :-)

If the guys who organise your fun decide that they have had enough of the unrewarding work you might just have to do it yourself. Now there's a thought!!
VIEW PICS OF ANOTHER VERY MUDDY MOTO-X MEETING

The next couple of Blogs will be short and simple.

Good, I hear you say!

I've discovered a few old folders of pics that didn't make it to the web-site at the time they were taken.

So it is time for a tidy-up. First up are Karting updates:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-9 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSHIP

I do love technology. It's just a shame that I find some of the new stuff a bit confusing... it's an age thing :-(

But every now and then I discover something that is really useful and amazing at the same time. If you've seen it all before then sorry if I'm about to bore you!

What I am referring to is the technology that I am using to type this Blog. I am in-putting this text on my Apple iPad using the web-site Admin system for my web-site. Nothing special there I hear you say.

However that Admin program is actually running on my main computer, a computer running Microsoft Windows 8. The remote Windows computer is using Firefox to access the web-site admin.... all directly form my iPad!

Oh and I forgot to mention that I'm not even in the same building as the office computer... thanks to the Internet :-)

*Just for your information*
These updates were completed whilst I was working from my 'Town Office'..... the Cock & Bull pub. Now that's worth two smiley's :-) ;-)

So all these different systems are somehow talking to each other for me. I even completed the edit of today's pics remotely. In fact I can operate all my Windows programs directly on my iPad. I'm impressed! Photoshop anyone? Or how about Lightroom?

There is just one thing left to do... now to upload this Blog.

If you are reading it then you know it all works :-)

Today's pics feature the GMC&CC Trials at Portelet. Click the link to view them:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST TRIALS PICS

Last weekend saw the final round of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Summer Kart Championship at The Track.

With some of the Classes still up for grabs it was bound to be a lively meeting and indeed the Rotax Max Classes Champion wasn't finally confirmed until the flag dropped and a double-check was made of all the seasons points (allowing for dropped races). I think there was just a point in it giving Matt Corson the win.

After the action had completed I took pics of the four Champions and also the successful 'Karting Guernsey Team'.

Those pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE 2014 SUMMER KART CHAMPIONS & RACE 10

Today it was back to the Moto-X track for a bit of muddy action. I've already made a quick edit and the pics are on-line here:

VIEW PICS OF THE MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 7

Saturday saw me standing in a field near Icart taking pics of the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club's second Grass Track meeting.

This event seems to be a perfect end to another busy Sand Racing season. Most of the Sliders made a showing. The Motocross boys enjoyed the grass/dirt track... much more like their chosen surface. And the few Grass Track cars that reside in Guernsey completed the list of competitors.

So that was day one sorted. View the Grass Track pics here:
VIEW PICS OF THE GRASS TRACK RACING

Then today the same Club hosted a Trials event.

Now you may have noticed that there are very few landscape pics on this web-site. In fact I haven't been serious about taking landscape pics since my Camera Club days. Somehow I don't seem to have the time!

But today I got as close as I have in recent times. It was only whilst editing the days shoot that I realised that I had taken a few 'landscapes' (at least they feature the countryside and autumnal colours).

However there is one other small detail. There is a Trials bike in every one of the pics!

Maybe next time I will leave the bike out, but for now that's all I've got to show you.

Take a look at my Trials pics here:
VIEW PICS OF AN AUTUMNAL TRIALS EVENT

You can't beat a nice afternoon on the beach. And that was nothing like a nice afternoon on the beach!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about the entertainment. Autocross racing will never disappoint on that front.

No, it was the fact that it poured down for the whole meeting!

I wont labour the point why it is so frustrating to work with cameras in heavy rain as I will only be repeating (many) previous Blogs. Suffice to say lenses, water, misting!

I'm pleased to say that I've now dried off, had a fantastic roast dinner (thanks to 'she who must be obeyed'). Add to this a couple of glasses of red wine and I'm back to being a happy chappy.

The editing has all been done in the warmth of my studio office and pics are now online:
VIEW PICS OF THE VERY WET AUTOCROSS MEETING

If there is any truth to the rumour that Motocross riders like to get their fun when it is wet and slippery then today must have been a bit special!

The heavy rainfall that heralded the change to the autumnal season meant that the dusty conditions of earlier races where a distant memory.

However for the race day there was a clear sky and quite a nice warmth to the sun that when combined with a gentle wind meant it was very pleasant standing at the side of the track taking pics.

There is no way though that I could be convinced that it was fun out there on a bike! Certain corners were simply churned, liquid mud... it was axle deep as well!

But of course this is all part of the sport and it can make for a few dramatic pics :-)

I've already completed the edit and a new gallery can be viewed here:
VIEW PICS OF THE MUDDY RACE-6 OF THE MOTO-X CHAMPIONSHIP

It's been a Motorsport 'Double Header' this weekend. Guernsey certainly knows how to put on a Motorsport event... or two!

Both main Clubs were involved with The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club first to the line on Saturday with the annual Petit Bot Hillclimb. Read my previous Blog for the story... but to save you time just think "WET"!

Today it was the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club's turn to prove that they know a thing or two about running a race meeting.

This was the second time that a Twisty Sprint has been run (exclusively for Bikes) at 'The Track', normally the home of Kart racing.

The entry numbers were disappointingly low after the Club had made such an effort to organise this 'Special'. Now I know that I'm not a racer but I do wonder why the Bikers don't turn up in bigger numbers? Sure the speeds are low - and we know that Bikers LOVE speed. But the level of riding skill needed is very high. This is a form of competition that develops a riders 'bike craft' and the best technician will come to the top.

I spoke with a couple of the fastest Channel Island bike racers and they confirmed that they thoroughly enjoy the Twisty Sprints so I think the 'no-shows' have to re-think about supporting this event next year. As I said, we know it doesn't offer high speeds... but it is still a race and that is why you get out of bed! Isn't it?

The other plus is that the competitors get lots of runs. Win, win.
VIEW PICS OF THE TRACK TWISTY SPRINT