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How do you compliment a photographer on his work?
27th May 2014
Do you know what the best compliment you can pay to a Motor Sport photographer is?
Maybe an even greater compliment than parting with your hard earned cash to actually buy a picture!
Well let me help you. My latest updates to the Hillclimb and Karting galleries have generated quite a number of kind comments regarding my 'style' of Motorsport photography. I have been encouraged by this interest and I thank you.
It's now quite a challenge for anyone wanting to make any sort of income from photographing Motorsport. Perhaps the same can be said about all forms of photography? I also specialize in live music and festival photography and that discipline is just as challenging to make money at.
Modern technology has given anyone with a few 'bob' to spend (only people of my era - and British - will understand that quote) the opportunity to capture endless numbers of digital pictures at almost no cost.
Digital photography allows a photog to fire away almost unlimited shots and then 'cherry pick' the successes. Call me old fashioned, which at fifty-nine I probably am, but I just don't 'get' this style of photography. I'm not sure that photographing action 'machine-gun' style proves that a photographer has any level of skill... apart from in editing, and even there, a photographer who shoots into the hundreds and thousands probably reveals that they have little sense of 'timing and composition'.
Add into this the capability of everyone to upload endless free pictures to Facebook and other free online galleries and you can see how this overload of images limits the ability of a Professional photographer to survive (meaning sell) his work. Who wants to pay for a pic when something similar is available for free?
This is a massive challenge to many professional photographers and is no different in 'little old Guernsey' than anywhere else in the world!
With the UK Motorsport Clubs and MSA seemingly relaxing some of their requirements to gain access to the Track/Hill/Beach this opens the opportunity for everyone to start taking pics track-side.
So where does this leave the professional photographer? Well a pro has to 'see' what the amateur doesn't. A Pro has to take full advantage of any access that they may still be able to gain to the track-side. A Pro must also work endlessly... meaning long hours. My experience is that hard work and persistence usually have to come before any form of success. That's a shame isn't it, but true!
Persistence, reliability, sticking to the job in uncomfortable situations and always trying to learn from your 'fails', mistakes and 'missed action' must always be part of your work ethic.
Also finding new angles to cover an assignment are important defining differences between a Pro and an Amateur photographer.
This takes me back to my original point and again I thank those who have contacted me to say that my work goes beyond simply taking pics of crashes and easy panning shots.
When a racer says that he can gather useful information about his set-up from looking at how his car is 'working' through a corner or how their racing line could be 'tweaked' after studying my work it makes me feel that I have added to and become a part of the racing scene. I am capturing real racing action. I'm not just cherry-picking the unfortunate racing 'offs'!
My chosen profession might not qualify as a 'proper job' (please don't tell my missus) but when I leave the house to go to 'work' it really thrills me and I wouldn't change a thing, despite the challenges.
This makes me a very happy chappie :-)
UPDATE:
Having considered this Blog again and taking into account the fantastic feedback I have had I've added a few more thoughts... A FEW MORE THOUGHTS... THE DEBATE GOES ON
27th May 2014
Do you know what the best compliment you can pay to a Motor Sport photographer is?
Maybe an even greater compliment than parting with your hard earned cash to actually buy a picture!
Well let me help you. My latest updates to the Hillclimb and Karting galleries have generated quite a number of kind comments regarding my 'style' of Motorsport photography. I have been encouraged by this interest and I thank you.
It's now quite a challenge for anyone wanting to make any sort of income from photographing Motorsport. Perhaps the same can be said about all forms of photography? I also specialize in live music and festival photography and that discipline is just as challenging to make money at.
Modern technology has given anyone with a few 'bob' to spend (only people of my era - and British - will understand that quote) the opportunity to capture endless numbers of digital pictures at almost no cost.
Digital photography allows a photog to fire away almost unlimited shots and then 'cherry pick' the successes. Call me old fashioned, which at fifty-nine I probably am, but I just don't 'get' this style of photography. I'm not sure that photographing action 'machine-gun' style proves that a photographer has any level of skill... apart from in editing, and even there, a photographer who shoots into the hundreds and thousands probably reveals that they have little sense of 'timing and composition'.
Add into this the capability of everyone to upload endless free pictures to Facebook and other free online galleries and you can see how this overload of images limits the ability of a Professional photographer to survive (meaning sell) his work. Who wants to pay for a pic when something similar is available for free?
This is a massive challenge to many professional photographers and is no different in 'little old Guernsey' than anywhere else in the world!
With the UK Motorsport Clubs and MSA seemingly relaxing some of their requirements to gain access to the Track/Hill/Beach this opens the opportunity for everyone to start taking pics track-side.
So where does this leave the professional photographer? Well a pro has to 'see' what the amateur doesn't. A Pro has to take full advantage of any access that they may still be able to gain to the track-side. A Pro must also work endlessly... meaning long hours. My experience is that hard work and persistence usually have to come before any form of success. That's a shame isn't it, but true!
Persistence, reliability, sticking to the job in uncomfortable situations and always trying to learn from your 'fails', mistakes and 'missed action' must always be part of your work ethic.
Also finding new angles to cover an assignment are important defining differences between a Pro and an Amateur photographer.
This takes me back to my original point and again I thank those who have contacted me to say that my work goes beyond simply taking pics of crashes and easy panning shots.
When a racer says that he can gather useful information about his set-up from looking at how his car is 'working' through a corner or how their racing line could be 'tweaked' after studying my work it makes me feel that I have added to and become a part of the racing scene. I am capturing real racing action. I'm not just cherry-picking the unfortunate racing 'offs'!
My chosen profession might not qualify as a 'proper job' (please don't tell my missus) but when I leave the house to go to 'work' it really thrills me and I wouldn't change a thing, despite the challenges.
This makes me a very happy chappie :-)
UPDATE:
Having considered this Blog again and taking into account the fantastic feedback I have had I've added a few more thoughts... A FEW MORE THOUGHTS... THE DEBATE GOES ON
So much action. Where do you look?
27th May 2014
The Kart Track saw its own share of Motor Sport action over the weekend. A long Bank holiday weekend is just too tempting to miss when you have petrol running through your veins.
Just think what a buzz the guys who substitute Methanol must get!
So for me the return to a bit of action photography was a pleasant experience after completing one of my other weekend assignments... photographing nearly 200 Brownies enjoying their 'Big Brownie Birthday Stay Away' at the Rue Mainguy Headquarters.
The Brownie Birthday was fantastic and the fun and energy that was put into making the event a great success, despite the weather, was a credit to all those involved.
The contrast between the various photo-shoots is what makes my job so much fun.
But back to the action. Sunday saw Round-3 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Summer Kart Championship. I was taking pics and it was difficult to know where to look as so much was happening on track... but as I've stated, I love Motor Sport action :-)
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-3 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSHIP
27th May 2014
In: Motorsport News
The Kart Track saw its own share of Motor Sport action over the weekend. A long Bank holiday weekend is just too tempting to miss when you have petrol running through your veins.
Just think what a buzz the guys who substitute Methanol must get!
So for me the return to a bit of action photography was a pleasant experience after completing one of my other weekend assignments... photographing nearly 200 Brownies enjoying their 'Big Brownie Birthday Stay Away' at the Rue Mainguy Headquarters.
The Brownie Birthday was fantastic and the fun and energy that was put into making the event a great success, despite the weather, was a credit to all those involved.
The contrast between the various photo-shoots is what makes my job so much fun.
But back to the action. Sunday saw Round-3 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Summer Kart Championship. I was taking pics and it was difficult to know where to look as so much was happening on track... but as I've stated, I love Motor Sport action :-)
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-3 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSHIP
Non-stop action on the 'Terres....
26th May 2014
It was literally non-stop action on Le Val des Terres for the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Bank Holiday Hill Climb.
Well, perhaps that statement should be qualified. There were a few stoppages but they were all down to competitors 'off's'... and there were a few :-(
But as far as the running of the race meeting goes it was go, go, go all the way. This year has seen the introduction of there being no lunchtime break. A sad loss as far as this photographer is concerned. However there are pay-off's. We do get a lot of racing - and even an early finish :-)
The 'negative' (I'll explain later) is that it seems to be possible to squeeze up to six timed runs (plus a practice) into the new time slot!
So the racers certainly had their money's worth. Whether this amount of timed runs will become the normal is probably unlikely judging from the amount of spaces in the pits left empty by drivers and riders who seemed to be put off by the damp start to the day. We will see as the season progresses.
The result of all this racing is that I ended up taking more pics than ever before. I don't think I have lost the discipline to take as few shot as possible - but I must learn to keep control of the trigger finger as more pics means more work but NOT necessarily better quality (note to self).
I do however have a little way to go to match one of our local amateur photographers who told me he often takes Fourteen Hundred pics at a Hill Climb... ouch!!
As with most photography (especially when shooting silly numbers of pics) the trick is to make every shot count and get the exposure, cropping and timing all right in camera. This saves a lot of time later in the edit.
I turned around the edit of my (500) selection in just a couple of hours and they are now on-line.
Take a look to see what you think of my pics:
VIEW PICS OF THE BANK HOLIDAY HILL CLIMB
26th May 2014
In: Motorsport News
It was literally non-stop action on Le Val des Terres for the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Bank Holiday Hill Climb.
Well, perhaps that statement should be qualified. There were a few stoppages but they were all down to competitors 'off's'... and there were a few :-(
But as far as the running of the race meeting goes it was go, go, go all the way. This year has seen the introduction of there being no lunchtime break. A sad loss as far as this photographer is concerned. However there are pay-off's. We do get a lot of racing - and even an early finish :-)
The 'negative' (I'll explain later) is that it seems to be possible to squeeze up to six timed runs (plus a practice) into the new time slot!
So the racers certainly had their money's worth. Whether this amount of timed runs will become the normal is probably unlikely judging from the amount of spaces in the pits left empty by drivers and riders who seemed to be put off by the damp start to the day. We will see as the season progresses.
The result of all this racing is that I ended up taking more pics than ever before. I don't think I have lost the discipline to take as few shot as possible - but I must learn to keep control of the trigger finger as more pics means more work but NOT necessarily better quality (note to self).
I do however have a little way to go to match one of our local amateur photographers who told me he often takes Fourteen Hundred pics at a Hill Climb... ouch!!
As with most photography (especially when shooting silly numbers of pics) the trick is to make every shot count and get the exposure, cropping and timing all right in camera. This saves a lot of time later in the edit.
I turned around the edit of my (500) selection in just a couple of hours and they are now on-line.
Take a look to see what you think of my pics:
VIEW PICS OF THE BANK HOLIDAY HILL CLIMB
More pics from the beach....
20th May 2014
Continuing the Sun, Sea, Sand, Speed theme I have now added a Gallery featuring pictures of the weekends Sand Racing on Vazon beach.
It was good to see Martyn Guilbert out again on his Slider. That guy is one rider who makes a great action pic... makes my job easy!
Follow the link to view the latest pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST SAND RACING PICS
20th May 2014
In: Motorsport News
Continuing the Sun, Sea, Sand, Speed theme I have now added a Gallery featuring pictures of the weekends Sand Racing on Vazon beach.
It was good to see Martyn Guilbert out again on his Slider. That guy is one rider who makes a great action pic... makes my job easy!
Follow the link to view the latest pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST SAND RACING PICS
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a Racing Powerboat...
19th May 2014
When is a boat not a boat but more like a plane?
Answer, When it's a Racing Powerboat!
Air offers less friction than water so I guess the less time you spend in contact with the wet stuff the faster you can go (potentially).
I'm sure it is a bit more complicated than that but seeing how hard the racers try to spend as much time airborne as is physically possible I can't be too far wrong.
The second Guernsey Powerboat Association race of the weekend was again treated to suberb, sunny weather. A little more swell outside St Peter Port added to the action and I captured as much as I could.
Big thanks to Chris Stonebridge for finding space on his small boat for me... (NOT 666 SLAYER that Paul Etasse races, shame)!
So I was lucky to get out on the water for a second day. However I needed all my years of shooting experience to nail the shots whilst using a 400mm lense on such a wobbly platform.
Loved the challenge though... see if you think it was worth my efforts...
VIEW PICS OF RACE-4 OF THE 2014 GPA POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
19th May 2014
In: Motorsport News
When is a boat not a boat but more like a plane?
Answer, When it's a Racing Powerboat!
Air offers less friction than water so I guess the less time you spend in contact with the wet stuff the faster you can go (potentially).
I'm sure it is a bit more complicated than that but seeing how hard the racers try to spend as much time airborne as is physically possible I can't be too far wrong.
The second Guernsey Powerboat Association race of the weekend was again treated to suberb, sunny weather. A little more swell outside St Peter Port added to the action and I captured as much as I could.
Big thanks to Chris Stonebridge for finding space on his small boat for me... (NOT 666 SLAYER that Paul Etasse races, shame)!
So I was lucky to get out on the water for a second day. However I needed all my years of shooting experience to nail the shots whilst using a 400mm lense on such a wobbly platform.
Loved the challenge though... see if you think it was worth my efforts...
VIEW PICS OF RACE-4 OF THE 2014 GPA POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
Fun, fun, fun all the way....
18th May 2014
Always entertaining... but maybe the 2014 Autocross Club Fun Meeting was the best ever? There was a fantastic turn-out of cars & spectators. The weather was a special bonus :-)
If I had one disappointment it had to be that the jump wasn't used very much. I'm guessing that a 'racer is always a racer', even when doing it for fun! Why risk losing a place when taking the jump?
Shame, it can make a great pic!
But there is no argument that Chouet Beach on a sunny Sunday surrounded by maniacs driving old Bangers is a pretty exhilarating place to be.... mind your back mister.... they come at you from all directions!
I've added a new gallery of pics. Don't forget you can get any pic from as little as £4 - bargain :-) The digital file is bigger than this web-site displays, you don't have that horrible watermark... and you can sleep at night knowing you haven't nicked your pic from this photog, win, win, win.
I also promise that all funds received will be invested in Real Ale ;-)
VIEW PICS OF THE 2014 AUTOCROSS FUN MEETING
18th May 2014
Always entertaining... but maybe the 2014 Autocross Club Fun Meeting was the best ever? There was a fantastic turn-out of cars & spectators. The weather was a special bonus :-)
If I had one disappointment it had to be that the jump wasn't used very much. I'm guessing that a 'racer is always a racer', even when doing it for fun! Why risk losing a place when taking the jump?
Shame, it can make a great pic!
But there is no argument that Chouet Beach on a sunny Sunday surrounded by maniacs driving old Bangers is a pretty exhilarating place to be.... mind your back mister.... they come at you from all directions!
I've added a new gallery of pics. Don't forget you can get any pic from as little as £4 - bargain :-) The digital file is bigger than this web-site displays, you don't have that horrible watermark... and you can sleep at night knowing you haven't nicked your pic from this photog, win, win, win.
I also promise that all funds received will be invested in Real Ale ;-)
VIEW PICS OF THE 2014 AUTOCROSS FUN MEETING
Sun, sea, sand, speed, sex...... well nearly!
17th May 2014
Sun, sea, sand, speed, sex!... now I'm getting carried away a bit
But I certainly enjoyed the first four, anyway.
Today (so far) has been a Motorsport day which included Powerboat Racing and Sandracing. (First four applied).
Later this eve it will be a bit of Metal at the Fermain Tavern.
Guernsey enjoyed a superb day of sunshine today and (for once) I was able to get out of the Studio/Van to soak up a few of the rays. The morning Powerboat race was over the Fermain/Lowerheads course and I was offered an ideal position on the Finish Line boat which gave a backdrop of Castle Cornet. That was the first box ticked :-)
In the afternoon it was the sands of Vazon beach that called. I managed to capture some of the Sandracing action. Those pics will follow.
First pics of the Powerboat pics are now online:
VIEW PICS OF POWERBOATS RACE-3
17th May 2014
In: Motorsport News
Sun, sea, sand, speed, sex!... now I'm getting carried away a bit
But I certainly enjoyed the first four, anyway.
Today (so far) has been a Motorsport day which included Powerboat Racing and Sandracing. (First four applied).
Later this eve it will be a bit of Metal at the Fermain Tavern.
Guernsey enjoyed a superb day of sunshine today and (for once) I was able to get out of the Studio/Van to soak up a few of the rays. The morning Powerboat race was over the Fermain/Lowerheads course and I was offered an ideal position on the Finish Line boat which gave a backdrop of Castle Cornet. That was the first box ticked :-)
In the afternoon it was the sands of Vazon beach that called. I managed to capture some of the Sandracing action. Those pics will follow.
First pics of the Powerboat pics are now online:
VIEW PICS OF POWERBOATS RACE-3
Round-2 of the Karting Summer Championship...
11th May 2014
I'm pleased to report that (after a couple of early showers) Round-2 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Summer Kart Championship resembled the title... a Summer Championship!
After the first race meeting which was held under very wet skies it was quite a nice change to have a warm sun on my back. Lets hope that this is the weather that will continue throughout the Championship. I have everything crossed - including my camera straps :-)
I managed to capture some of today's action and the pics are now on-line here:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-2 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSIP
11th May 2014
In: Motorsport News
I'm pleased to report that (after a couple of early showers) Round-2 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Summer Kart Championship resembled the title... a Summer Championship!
After the first race meeting which was held under very wet skies it was quite a nice change to have a warm sun on my back. Lets hope that this is the weather that will continue throughout the Championship. I have everything crossed - including my camera straps :-)
I managed to capture some of today's action and the pics are now on-line here:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-2 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSIP
Another one bites the dust (sand)....
07th May 2014
The last week has been quite a blur. I have chased around to give coverage to so many events.
It has been very enjoyable. However I guess that most people (including 'casual' photographers) have little concept of how long the full processes take from the actual 'capture' of an image to the end result of having it published in Magazines, Newspapers and this Web-site. When all aspects are taken into account it is easy to see where the time goes.
You start by planning ahead. I have contacts with business clients and picture editors. Their requirements are noted and the day is planned. Simples, eh!
Then it is a case of keeping to the timetable hoping that everything runs on time. Having completed the days shoot the edits can start. Priority has to go to the print deadline work. This means a dash back to the office and a quick edit through maybe hundreds of shots to select the required pics. These have to fit the brief. Maybe specific action or subjects, upright or landscape format, close crop or wide view. All pics then have to be tagged with relevant details.
Often the first edit allows you only twenty minutes or so. You learn to work fast. All the time avoiding getting too many sandwich crumbs in the keyboard as you as you multi-task. Not bad for a man, eh!
Once the immediate edits are complete and e-mailed to the picture desks/client I turn the attention to the web-site updates. Once again speed is of the essence and the efforts taken to capture the best image 'in camera' will pay off as this greatly reduces the edit and processing time.
Next there is more captioning of pics. Then the uploading. Followed by the vital backing up and detailed cataloguing of all the days work. Why bother taking a picture if you can't find it in a few clicks when required?
In the analysis of this work-flow it is clear that the actual capturing of an image probably only takes twenty-five percent of the total time.
All the above processes have been in action during last week's work and I'm relieved to say that another job 'bites the dust' (sand).....
The latest update is for the GMC&CC Sand Race Championship. Pictures are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF SAND RACING - RACE-2
07th May 2014
The last week has been quite a blur. I have chased around to give coverage to so many events.
It has been very enjoyable. However I guess that most people (including 'casual' photographers) have little concept of how long the full processes take from the actual 'capture' of an image to the end result of having it published in Magazines, Newspapers and this Web-site. When all aspects are taken into account it is easy to see where the time goes.
You start by planning ahead. I have contacts with business clients and picture editors. Their requirements are noted and the day is planned. Simples, eh!
Then it is a case of keeping to the timetable hoping that everything runs on time. Having completed the days shoot the edits can start. Priority has to go to the print deadline work. This means a dash back to the office and a quick edit through maybe hundreds of shots to select the required pics. These have to fit the brief. Maybe specific action or subjects, upright or landscape format, close crop or wide view. All pics then have to be tagged with relevant details.
Often the first edit allows you only twenty minutes or so. You learn to work fast. All the time avoiding getting too many sandwich crumbs in the keyboard as you as you multi-task. Not bad for a man, eh!
Once the immediate edits are complete and e-mailed to the picture desks/client I turn the attention to the web-site updates. Once again speed is of the essence and the efforts taken to capture the best image 'in camera' will pay off as this greatly reduces the edit and processing time.
Next there is more captioning of pics. Then the uploading. Followed by the vital backing up and detailed cataloguing of all the days work. Why bother taking a picture if you can't find it in a few clicks when required?
In the analysis of this work-flow it is clear that the actual capturing of an image probably only takes twenty-five percent of the total time.
All the above processes have been in action during last week's work and I'm relieved to say that another job 'bites the dust' (sand).....
The latest update is for the GMC&CC Sand Race Championship. Pictures are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF SAND RACING - RACE-2
That was one busy weekend....
06th May 2014
VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST TWO POWERBOAT RACES
I'm still not sure how I fitted it all in but it's now Tuesday so something must have happened for the last four days. I just can't remember :-)
Luckily I have the pics to re-assure me that I did get out of bed!
Actually, from what I remember of all the chasing around, it was all pretty good fun.
As I'm still catching up with the photoshoots this Blog is simply a quick note of the latest updates. I'll post a few more details of the busy weekend tomorrow.
The main new Galleries updated today are for the first two Powerboat Races and the GMC&CC Hill Climb on Le Val des Terres.
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC HILL CLIMB
06th May 2014
In: Motorsport News
VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST TWO POWERBOAT RACES
I'm still not sure how I fitted it all in but it's now Tuesday so something must have happened for the last four days. I just can't remember :-)
Luckily I have the pics to re-assure me that I did get out of bed!
Actually, from what I remember of all the chasing around, it was all pretty good fun.
As I'm still catching up with the photoshoots this Blog is simply a quick note of the latest updates. I'll post a few more details of the busy weekend tomorrow.
The main new Galleries updated today are for the first two Powerboat Races and the GMC&CC Hill Climb on Le Val des Terres.
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC HILL CLIMB
The Trial of the North Sections....
29th April 2014
The North Sections which feature in the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Trials Bike Championship are viewed by a few of the competitors with trepidation.
The feature of this particular event is that it consists of many sections laid out around the northern coastal rocks.
These are challenging and unforgiving at the best of times, however if the day coincides with wet weather the whole event takes on an even more perilous edge!
Luckily this years meeting was held under dry skies which eased the tension a little.
I popped along to take a few pics on what was another very busy weekend for me. They are now on-line here:
VIEW PICS OF THE PERILOUS NORTH SECTION TRIALS
Also on the list of weekend photoshoots was Round-1 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Summer Kart Championship. You would be forgiven if you thought that it was just an extention of the Winter Championship (judging by the weather)!
However the changable conditions offered some great racing for competitors and spectators alike :-) View my pictures here:
VIEW PICS OF RACE 1 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSHIP
29th April 2014
In: Motorsport News
The North Sections which feature in the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Trials Bike Championship are viewed by a few of the competitors with trepidation.
The feature of this particular event is that it consists of many sections laid out around the northern coastal rocks.
These are challenging and unforgiving at the best of times, however if the day coincides with wet weather the whole event takes on an even more perilous edge!
Luckily this years meeting was held under dry skies which eased the tension a little.
I popped along to take a few pics on what was another very busy weekend for me. They are now on-line here:
VIEW PICS OF THE PERILOUS NORTH SECTION TRIALS
Also on the list of weekend photoshoots was Round-1 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Summer Kart Championship. You would be forgiven if you thought that it was just an extention of the Winter Championship (judging by the weather)!
However the changable conditions offered some great racing for competitors and spectators alike :-) View my pictures here:
VIEW PICS OF RACE 1 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSHIP
There was no Easter break for this photog...
21st April 2014
A Bank Holiday weekend is looked forward to by most people as a time to relax, chill-out a bit and basically enjoy time away from work.
Well it couldn't be more different for me!
But don't feel too guilty about this. I love my job. It actually consists of what I would choose to do on my day off anyway! That makes me very lucky :-)
The only down-side is that I have to pack a huge amount into a very short time. There isn't much time to sleep when there are so many deadlines to meet.
To give you some idea how I've chased around for the last few days, here goes...
Good Friday:
Web site updates were first on the list. Then there were Guernsey Press photo jobs including the GIAAC 10km Road Run at Grande Rocque and a big Guernsey Basketball League game at Beau Sejour. All pics had to be edited, captioned and submitted to a short deadline.
Saturday:
First it was another update to this web site then off to the first GMC&CC Sand Race meeting of 2014 on Vazon beach. This was followed by another edit GP submissions and a web site update. Then it was time to head off to the The Fermain Tavern for the launch of Last of the Light Brigade's new album. There were three bands on the bill so that was more picture taking. The line-up was fantastic and consisted of Coastal Fire Department, Robert J Hunter and his Band and the boys from Last of the Light Brigade.
Home-time meant another quick edit and a 2am finish!
Sunday:
OK, I'll admit that I did take a little time out for Easter celebrations with my family... noisy bunch too. That comes from now having two grandchildren and a 'grand dog' (although I think my own three adult children were the loudest of the lot!) Next was an unusual Sunday photoshoot of a gig. Again it was at The Tav. This was the first of three #triplestoked weekends. If the remaining two can match the atmosphere and quality of last Sunday's line-up we are in for more treats!
The quality of performance, sound and lighting was 'top-notch' and a real pleasure to photograph. The line-up consisted of Buffalo Huddlestone, The Recks and visiting UK head liners YesSirBoss. Another late return home still allowed time for a quick edit and another 2am finish!
Easter Monday:
What felt like a very early start (9am... very rock 'n roll, eh!) for the first Hill Climb of 2014. Thankfully it stayed dry and it was great to be back 'track-side' capturing the action. There was no lunch break this year so I was tired and hungry by the time I got home ready to relax. But, hey, no chance! It was back to the editing as I had more Guernsey Press pics to submit and I then made a start on the edit for this web site. Needless to say it was another late finish :-(
So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed your casual weekend?
The pay-off for me is that the picture orders are already flowing in. And the best part? When you are back at your desk in the week I'll be out walking with the missus, maybe having a lunch or two at the Fleur du Jardin.
Then I'm sure I'll find time for a few beers at my 'town office', The Cock & Bull :-)
Like I always say, I love my job!
So far I Have added new Galleries for the GIAAC 10km Road Run, the Panthers v Le Mont Saint Basketball, GMC&CC Sandracing and the GMC&CC Hill Climb.
Pics of all six Bands will follow shortly.
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC HILL CLIMB
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC SAND RACING
VIEW PICS OF THE GIAAC 10km ROAD RACE
VIEW PICS OF PANTHERS v LE MONT SAINT BASKETBALL
21st April 2014
A Bank Holiday weekend is looked forward to by most people as a time to relax, chill-out a bit and basically enjoy time away from work.
Well it couldn't be more different for me!
But don't feel too guilty about this. I love my job. It actually consists of what I would choose to do on my day off anyway! That makes me very lucky :-)
The only down-side is that I have to pack a huge amount into a very short time. There isn't much time to sleep when there are so many deadlines to meet.
To give you some idea how I've chased around for the last few days, here goes...
Good Friday:
Web site updates were first on the list. Then there were Guernsey Press photo jobs including the GIAAC 10km Road Run at Grande Rocque and a big Guernsey Basketball League game at Beau Sejour. All pics had to be edited, captioned and submitted to a short deadline.
Saturday:
First it was another update to this web site then off to the first GMC&CC Sand Race meeting of 2014 on Vazon beach. This was followed by another edit GP submissions and a web site update. Then it was time to head off to the The Fermain Tavern for the launch of Last of the Light Brigade's new album. There were three bands on the bill so that was more picture taking. The line-up was fantastic and consisted of Coastal Fire Department, Robert J Hunter and his Band and the boys from Last of the Light Brigade.
Home-time meant another quick edit and a 2am finish!
Sunday:
OK, I'll admit that I did take a little time out for Easter celebrations with my family... noisy bunch too. That comes from now having two grandchildren and a 'grand dog' (although I think my own three adult children were the loudest of the lot!) Next was an unusual Sunday photoshoot of a gig. Again it was at The Tav. This was the first of three #triplestoked weekends. If the remaining two can match the atmosphere and quality of last Sunday's line-up we are in for more treats!
The quality of performance, sound and lighting was 'top-notch' and a real pleasure to photograph. The line-up consisted of Buffalo Huddlestone, The Recks and visiting UK head liners YesSirBoss. Another late return home still allowed time for a quick edit and another 2am finish!
Easter Monday:
What felt like a very early start (9am... very rock 'n roll, eh!) for the first Hill Climb of 2014. Thankfully it stayed dry and it was great to be back 'track-side' capturing the action. There was no lunch break this year so I was tired and hungry by the time I got home ready to relax. But, hey, no chance! It was back to the editing as I had more Guernsey Press pics to submit and I then made a start on the edit for this web site. Needless to say it was another late finish :-(
So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed your casual weekend?
The pay-off for me is that the picture orders are already flowing in. And the best part? When you are back at your desk in the week I'll be out walking with the missus, maybe having a lunch or two at the Fleur du Jardin.
Then I'm sure I'll find time for a few beers at my 'town office', The Cock & Bull :-)
Like I always say, I love my job!
So far I Have added new Galleries for the GIAAC 10km Road Run, the Panthers v Le Mont Saint Basketball, GMC&CC Sandracing and the GMC&CC Hill Climb.
Pics of all six Bands will follow shortly.
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC HILL CLIMB
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC SAND RACING
VIEW PICS OF THE GIAAC 10km ROAD RACE
VIEW PICS OF PANTHERS v LE MONT SAINT BASKETBALL
Another milestone is passed... 6,000,000 views!
15th April 2014
Last Sunday was another special milestone for this web site.
It has become a tradition that I post a short Blog to celebrate these milestones as they pass... so I will continue this practice:-)
The occasion worth marking is the passing of another 1,000,000 viewings. This takes the total views past the 6,000,000... yes SIX MILLION!
The latest million views took about six months. This seems to be the established average now the web site has settled down into a pattern. The next six months will probably show an increase of one and a half million if past behaviour is repeated. The summertime is busier for me.
The continued interest in my pics is really appreciated. I'm sure that few people will understand how much work goes on behind the scenes - that is the work after the short process of actually taking photographs - to make the regular Gallery updates that keep people coming back to look at my work.
The reward for me is way more than the small income from selling pics. I have enjoyed the appreciation given from the people I photograph. I also know that I am privileged to be able to commit so much time to what started out as just a hobby.
Each time I sit down and consider what to write to mark the extra Million I think back over the last few months. This made me recall a small order for a few digital pics, just last week. There was nothing particularly significant with this order. It certainly only paid for a couple of beers! But, the interesting thing was that the order was for a few pics that I took way back in 2009. That's five years ago!
I've always wondered how someone can wait for so long to order a picture. How do they even remember (or find) the pic after such a long time?
I tell myself that maybe the pictures captured a special moment in the subjects life. The purchaser might have seen the image when it was first added to the Galleries and it made enough impression to be remembered.
Maybe buying a copy of the picture, after all this time, will help them recall and share that moment with others for many years to come?
If I'm right that a picture can mean so much to a person, maybe I really do have the best job in the world?
Check the links below to read previous Milestone Blogs:
CLICK HERE TO READ PREVIOUS MILESTONE BLOGS
15th April 2014
Last Sunday was another special milestone for this web site.
It has become a tradition that I post a short Blog to celebrate these milestones as they pass... so I will continue this practice:-)
The occasion worth marking is the passing of another 1,000,000 viewings. This takes the total views past the 6,000,000... yes SIX MILLION!
The latest million views took about six months. This seems to be the established average now the web site has settled down into a pattern. The next six months will probably show an increase of one and a half million if past behaviour is repeated. The summertime is busier for me.
The continued interest in my pics is really appreciated. I'm sure that few people will understand how much work goes on behind the scenes - that is the work after the short process of actually taking photographs - to make the regular Gallery updates that keep people coming back to look at my work.
The reward for me is way more than the small income from selling pics. I have enjoyed the appreciation given from the people I photograph. I also know that I am privileged to be able to commit so much time to what started out as just a hobby.
Each time I sit down and consider what to write to mark the extra Million I think back over the last few months. This made me recall a small order for a few digital pics, just last week. There was nothing particularly significant with this order. It certainly only paid for a couple of beers! But, the interesting thing was that the order was for a few pics that I took way back in 2009. That's five years ago!
I've always wondered how someone can wait for so long to order a picture. How do they even remember (or find) the pic after such a long time?
I tell myself that maybe the pictures captured a special moment in the subjects life. The purchaser might have seen the image when it was first added to the Galleries and it made enough impression to be remembered.
Maybe buying a copy of the picture, after all this time, will help them recall and share that moment with others for many years to come?
If I'm right that a picture can mean so much to a person, maybe I really do have the best job in the world?
Check the links below to read previous Milestone Blogs:
CLICK HERE TO READ PREVIOUS MILESTONE BLOGS
Time on the beach... and a serving sun & Motor Sport
13th April 2014
Spring-time was out in all its glory over the weekend.
I was lucky to be able to spend a little time on the beach... and I get to call it work :-)
The weather for Round-4 of the Guernsey Autocross Championship was wonderful. Chouet beach was a great place to be and the early start didn't seem to slow down how quick lunch-time came around and the need for me to move on to the next event.
Thankfully it was more of the same as I arrived at the Trials sections (on the beach) at Fort Grey.
Again the sun was out and the beach was a very pleasant place to be. But I knew I had to work at things to capture the best action shots so after a short time I headed in-land unto Andy Benstead's land where other sections were laid out.
This was the best move for me as I was able to capture pics that were both action shots and of value to me using my 'photographic eye'. What do I mean? Well a photographer can only capture the light and action before him and the light within the small wooded area of the Trials sections was low, warm and painted by shadows. No photographer could resist it!
If you were one of the competitors riding the sections, I hope you had fun and understand how a photog looks at the scene in front of them with a different eye...
I've added the Autocross & Trials pics to my Galleries. Take a look:
VIEW PICS OF THE AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
VIEW PICS OF BIKE TRIALS
13th April 2014
In: Motorsport News
Spring-time was out in all its glory over the weekend.
I was lucky to be able to spend a little time on the beach... and I get to call it work :-)
The weather for Round-4 of the Guernsey Autocross Championship was wonderful. Chouet beach was a great place to be and the early start didn't seem to slow down how quick lunch-time came around and the need for me to move on to the next event.
Thankfully it was more of the same as I arrived at the Trials sections (on the beach) at Fort Grey.
Again the sun was out and the beach was a very pleasant place to be. But I knew I had to work at things to capture the best action shots so after a short time I headed in-land unto Andy Benstead's land where other sections were laid out.
This was the best move for me as I was able to capture pics that were both action shots and of value to me using my 'photographic eye'. What do I mean? Well a photographer can only capture the light and action before him and the light within the small wooded area of the Trials sections was low, warm and painted by shadows. No photographer could resist it!
If you were one of the competitors riding the sections, I hope you had fun and understand how a photog looks at the scene in front of them with a different eye...
I've added the Autocross & Trials pics to my Galleries. Take a look:
VIEW PICS OF THE AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
VIEW PICS OF BIKE TRIALS
Normal service resumes...
11th April 2014
VIEW ROUND-4 OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP
There we go. Everything seems to be back to normal service :-)
So that means a few more Gallery updates.
The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club completed their Winter Kart Championship last Sunday. Pics are now on-line.
Also last weekend Elysium made one of their rare appearances at the Doghouse. There are rumours that this was one of their last gigs! If the Band breaks up that would be a real loss to our music scene as they have established themselves as masters of all things Pink Floyd. It also means that it is even more important for you to catch their next (last?) gig. You have been warned.
Click the links to look at the new Galleries:
VIEW PICS OF THE ELYSIUM GIG AT THE DOGHOUSE
11th April 2014
VIEW ROUND-4 OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP
There we go. Everything seems to be back to normal service :-)
So that means a few more Gallery updates.
The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club completed their Winter Kart Championship last Sunday. Pics are now on-line.
Also last weekend Elysium made one of their rare appearances at the Doghouse. There are rumours that this was one of their last gigs! If the Band breaks up that would be a real loss to our music scene as they have established themselves as masters of all things Pink Floyd. It also means that it is even more important for you to catch their next (last?) gig. You have been warned.
Click the links to look at the new Galleries:
VIEW PICS OF THE ELYSIUM GIG AT THE DOGHOUSE
It's nice to be missed...
10th April 2014
Contrary to what some may be thinking, I haven't been on holiday. In fact I can't remember the last time I went on one! Perhaps the need for a holiday is reduced when every day (of work) seems a bit like fun. Lucky me!
You might have thought I was on a break if you have tried to view this web-site in the last few days... it had disappeared :-(
I won't begin to try and understand, let alone try to explain, what happened but it seems that some web 'DNS stuff' went haywire. By the way, the 'DNS stuff' was the technical term used by my professional web-site designing son. He knew he had to keep it simple if I was to understand anything.
One thing that an untimely breakdown like this does is remind me of how many viewings the Galleries have each day. The daily figure varies between 5,000 and the best ever of over 40,000!!
It also makes me feel 'wanted' (ah, sweet) because I received quite a number of e-mails from people complaining that they couldn't see their pics.
Now everything seems to be getting back to normal (hopefully) I have added a new Gallery with pics of the weekends Sprint racing at Vazon, enjoy:
VIEW THE NEW SPRINT RACING GALLERIES
10th April 2014
Contrary to what some may be thinking, I haven't been on holiday. In fact I can't remember the last time I went on one! Perhaps the need for a holiday is reduced when every day (of work) seems a bit like fun. Lucky me!
You might have thought I was on a break if you have tried to view this web-site in the last few days... it had disappeared :-(
I won't begin to try and understand, let alone try to explain, what happened but it seems that some web 'DNS stuff' went haywire. By the way, the 'DNS stuff' was the technical term used by my professional web-site designing son. He knew he had to keep it simple if I was to understand anything.
One thing that an untimely breakdown like this does is remind me of how many viewings the Galleries have each day. The daily figure varies between 5,000 and the best ever of over 40,000!!
It also makes me feel 'wanted' (ah, sweet) because I received quite a number of e-mails from people complaining that they couldn't see their pics.
Now everything seems to be getting back to normal (hopefully) I have added a new Gallery with pics of the weekends Sprint racing at Vazon, enjoy:
VIEW THE NEW SPRINT RACING GALLERIES
The Motocross Championship continues at speed.....
22nd March 2014
There's no stopping the Motocross Championship now that it's on a roll!
The lost meetings due to the weather are now distant memories and the racers have enjoyed another cracking race with the track performing really well.
Today passed with the early showers rolling away leaving strong winds and each threatening cloud skirting either side of the track. Our luck has changed :-)
Combine this with no delays for 'hospital runs', like the last couple of meetings, and just about every box had a positive tick.
I've made a quick edit of my pics and they are now on-line.
VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS PICS
22nd March 2014
In: Motorsport News
There's no stopping the Motocross Championship now that it's on a roll!
The lost meetings due to the weather are now distant memories and the racers have enjoyed another cracking race with the track performing really well.
Today passed with the early showers rolling away leaving strong winds and each threatening cloud skirting either side of the track. Our luck has changed :-)
Combine this with no delays for 'hospital runs', like the last couple of meetings, and just about every box had a positive tick.
I've made a quick edit of my pics and they are now on-line.
VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS PICS
Over 14,000 views on the website yesterday, WOW
18th March 2014
The viewing figures for this website topped 14,000 yesterday!
That's quite a good number, I hope you agree :-)
What makes it even better is that I had only uploaded two galleries of the weekends work. There were actually six photoshoots in total that I completed over the two days.
So that means I'm still catching up with the other jobs... so there are still more new pics to come :-)
I've just ticked another shoot off the list as the Autocross Banger racing picture gallery in now on-line.
Follow this link to check them out:
VIEW THE WEEKENDS AUTOCROSS RACING
18th March 2014
In: Motorsport News
The viewing figures for this website topped 14,000 yesterday!
That's quite a good number, I hope you agree :-)
What makes it even better is that I had only uploaded two galleries of the weekends work. There were actually six photoshoots in total that I completed over the two days.
So that means I'm still catching up with the other jobs... so there are still more new pics to come :-)
I've just ticked another shoot off the list as the Autocross Banger racing picture gallery in now on-line.
Follow this link to check them out:
VIEW THE WEEKENDS AUTOCROSS RACING
That's two down, hang in there folks...
17th March 2014
I admit that I'm quite amazed at the interest in this web site and my work... amazed but encouraged and pleased (time for a smiley I think).
:-)
I had a late night last night. Or should I say 'early morning' as it was past midnight when I began uploading the first pics from the busy weekend. I had a couple of Press submission deadlines to complete first but once I 'put my back into it' the time flew by and I found that the GMC&CC 2-Day Trials pics were soon ready for my web galleries.
Having uploaded them I did a bit of tidying up of the days work - again time flew by and it was soon 1.45am. During this period I had Google Analytics running in the background and to my surprise the new Gallery was taking loads of hits!
It begs the question 'when do you guys actually sleep?' I know, I was also one of those insomniacs... but I was working. What was your excuse?
This is no complaint from me :-) I thank all of you for the interest. It's probably just another example of what an 'immediate world' we live in.
The Motocross racers can also now collect their 'picture fix' as I have added pics of their racing...
PICS OF THE WEEKENDS MOTOCROSS
17th March 2014
In: Motorsport News
I admit that I'm quite amazed at the interest in this web site and my work... amazed but encouraged and pleased (time for a smiley I think).
:-)
I had a late night last night. Or should I say 'early morning' as it was past midnight when I began uploading the first pics from the busy weekend. I had a couple of Press submission deadlines to complete first but once I 'put my back into it' the time flew by and I found that the GMC&CC 2-Day Trials pics were soon ready for my web galleries.
Having uploaded them I did a bit of tidying up of the days work - again time flew by and it was soon 1.45am. During this period I had Google Analytics running in the background and to my surprise the new Gallery was taking loads of hits!
It begs the question 'when do you guys actually sleep?' I know, I was also one of those insomniacs... but I was working. What was your excuse?
This is no complaint from me :-) I thank all of you for the interest. It's probably just another example of what an 'immediate world' we live in.
The Motocross racers can also now collect their 'picture fix' as I have added pics of their racing...
PICS OF THE WEEKENDS MOTOCROSS
I'm knackered, and that is only photographing the action...
16th March 2014
Those were two busy days. But great fun.
Once again I now retreat to my small office having had a brilliant weekend of shooting (the photographic kind, of course). I probably won't be seen again for a few days as I work through the shots of two Gigs, Motocross racing, Autocross racing and the 'biggie' of the weekend, the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club 2-Day Trials.
It was the Trials meeting that has worn me out - and I was only following around trying to capture the best action! To do this I have been up and down cliff slopes, rock piles and and all manner of obstacles. I've lost count of how many sections I covered.
However I'm sure my bones won't be aching like the riders :-)
The quality of the Expert riders was high with some of the sections needing huge commitment. This entertained hundreds of spectators around the course.
I'll be adding picture galleries during the next few days so check-out this Blog for updates...
VIEW PICS OF THE 2-DAY TRIALS
16th March 2014
Those were two busy days. But great fun.
Once again I now retreat to my small office having had a brilliant weekend of shooting (the photographic kind, of course). I probably won't be seen again for a few days as I work through the shots of two Gigs, Motocross racing, Autocross racing and the 'biggie' of the weekend, the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club 2-Day Trials.
It was the Trials meeting that has worn me out - and I was only following around trying to capture the best action! To do this I have been up and down cliff slopes, rock piles and and all manner of obstacles. I've lost count of how many sections I covered.
However I'm sure my bones won't be aching like the riders :-)
The quality of the Expert riders was high with some of the sections needing huge commitment. This entertained hundreds of spectators around the course.
I'll be adding picture galleries during the next few days so check-out this Blog for updates...
VIEW PICS OF THE 2-DAY TRIALS