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OK, a simple question, but one that would take a week to try and answer.... and I certainly don’t have the time to do that!

And the question is... ‘What makes a great photo?’

I said it was a simple question. Just five words!

Of course if you are thinking about trying to answer you will soon realize that there are endless variations/situations/subjects/intentions/preferences etc. etc. etc. that make capturing every photo different from the next.

So, did I say a ‘simple’ question? You now see that it is far from that.

But perhaps I should explain why I was faced with this quandary. Today it was reported that the legendary rock guitarist Wilko Johnson has died.

I have been fortunate to photograph Wilko on several occasions so I thought I would look through my pics of his performances to post a couple as a tribute. As I looked at the gallery I kept finding pics that I really liked. I began to pat myself on the back for doing such a great job... until it dawned on me why so many of the pics had a bit of extra ‘magic’ when compared to my other gig photography.

It was nothing to do with me. It was ALL to do with Wilko Johnson!

My part in taking the pics was simply to ‘record’ what was in front of me. It is proof that if a photographer is ‘assisted’ by having a distinctive and dynamic character as a subject the job is half done before it starts!

I have amazing memories of Wilko’s performances. He dominated the stage and entranced the audience to the extent that you didn’t want to blink in case you missed something!

What a legend. One of the true greats. RIP Wilko. Thanks for the memories.

If you fancy looking at some of the Wilko magic this is a link to a Gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF WILKO JOHNSON

The weather was mild and sunny in St Andrew on Sunday for Race 1 of the GVC Winter 2022 Cross Country Series sponsored by Ian Brown's Cycle shop.

So I was looking forward to a pleasant morning capturing the action... and it certainly was.

What I didn't enjoy quite so much was the trekking around the track that I had to do to vary my selection of pics. The track was laid out in fields above the Underground Hospital and the area features many slopes. When the gradients are combined with slippery grass and mud the going was tough - for riders and photographers!

Of course I never help myself at these times. In planning the photoshoot I new there was a particular shot/viewpoint that I wanted to capture. Those pics would have best effect if they were captured with a long telephoto lens. So you guessed it... I ended carrying my Nikon 180-400 lens up hill and down dale. But it was worth it as I did get the shots!

Follow this link to view the massive gallery of MTB Winter XC pics:
CLICK TO VIEW RACE 1 OF THE 2022 WINTER XC SERIES

The 2022/23 Guernsey Athletics FNB XC Series Race-1 was held in conditions well suited for Cross Country.

Now I haven't run a Cross Country race since I was at the Grammar School... and I was quite competitive in my day! Hard to believe, I know!

I recall that all those years ago (over half a century!), we used to race on a track set out in fields around the Little Chapel. I used to cycle up there from the Capelles, race and then cycle back home.

The other strong memory is that it always seemed to rain!

So today I was standing on L'Ancresse Common ready to photograph race one of the 2022/23 FNB XC Series in the rain and it all seemed perfect for a cross country race.

There was a really decent size entry so this series should be well worth watching.

It was great to see so many juniors too. But I wonder how many had cycled down to the race? Or do they all have a parent chauffeuring them around nowadays? How times change. ha ha

My pics of the event can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE FNB XC SERIES DOYLE LOOP

Last week one of my assignments took me to a dark function room in the Wayside Cheer Hotel. The event was Guernsey Darts 'Medway Weekend'

There was a great atmosphere at the competition. It was an unusual mix of close friendships built over the many years that this event has been organized together with the competitive will to win.

Just for the record... Guernsey took the win (7-5) on Friday night. The supporters really got behind their teams as the result went all the way to the last of the contests!

Thankfully, in true Darts tradition, the tension could be eased by a beer or two!

My attention however was focused on the difficulties of capturing the games. The light levels in the main room were very low but there were very bright 'hot-spots' highlighting the dart board. Conditions that digital cameras don't enjoy.

At the end of the night I had to make a quick edit to submit my pics for publication... something that was helped by a couple of beers as I had to abstain whilst working.

I assure you that I deserved them and they went down very well too!

I've now completed the full edit and if you are interested you can view the pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY DARTS MEDWAY WEEKEND

As it was headlined as the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club's October Fright Night at Beau Sejour we were sure to enjoy a full night of boxing.

The RAF had been invited back with a team of boxers for twelve hard fought bouts and I was ring-side and close to the action.

Boxing is a fast sport where fighters have to duck and dive to avoid their opponents offensive. This, of course, makes it quite a challenge for a photographer as we are literally chasing a moving target!

Luckily - and helpfully - the first couple of bouts usually feature young or less experienced boxers. They don't move around the ring quite as fast so it gives me a little time to get 'tuned into' the sport again.

These nights are always busy and there is very little down time. Before you know it there are twelve bouts 'in the can' and a whole lot of editing to do.

So this afternoon I made a start and eight bouts are now online. The others will follow.....

UPDATE: All pics are now online.

Follow this ling to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE OCTOBER FRIGHT NIGHT 2022

Like many 'old school' photographers I started my career shooting on black & white film.

Now more than five decades later I find that my 'first love' has stayed with me throughout life. It seems that there always remains a place in our heart for the 'first one'.

So having completed the edit of the 46th Guernsey Chess Festival (in colour) I allowed myself to indulge in a little nostalgia by selecting a few of the images to develop into black & white.

I have to admit that I loved the exercise and I could so easily give up on colour for the clarity, focus and purity that a mono-tone image produces.

Seeing these images has re-awakened the young photographer in me... from fifty-three years ago. You can expect more B&W pics from me in the future...

Take a look at this small edit of Black & White Chess pics. I hope they grab your attention as much as they do for me:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLACK & WHITE CHESS EDIT

I popped along to the final day of the 46th Guernsey International Chess Festival to photograph the final games.

There was a different atmosphere within St James as the morning progressed. Whilst I had experienced the calm of the first few days it seemed that the lower level players had become more animated as they completed their own games.

There was a lot more movement around the room as the top games continued and everyone was able to observe the masters playing.

I've finished the week really pleased that I took up the offer to photograph this sport. It has ticked another box for me.

Oh, in case you are doubting whether Chess is a Sport, I've turned to the Internet for the answer... of course!

Whilst there may be some disagreement between some people I think there seems to be a consensus that Chess can be considered a Sport - maybe just a little different than my 'normal' sports photography!

My new pics have been added to this Gallery... scroll the the end for the latest pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST CHESS FESTIVAL PICS

The Guernsey International Chess Festival returned in 2022 after Covid disrupted its organization for a couple of years.

Thankfully the enthusiasm hadn't waned within the dedicated crew that makes these things happen. This 46th time the festival has been organized was held in the impressive surroundings of St James. This lofty space was perfect for such an event. The hush within the building enhanced the overall atmosphere.

I was invited along to see what I could capture of the play. I arrived unsure how I would be able to work around those who were concentrating intensively on the board. I was aware that they wouldn't take kindly to being distracted!

However once I understood how things worked I was able to try to capture the essence of a Chess tournament. It was great fun for me and has allowed me to tick another box.

I hope you like the pics and you will have a better understanding of what the Guernsey International Chess Festival has to offer after viewing this Gallery.
CLICK TO VIEW THE 46th GUERNSEY INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL

This was the second night of live music organized to celebrate the life and musical talents that Andy Coleman had enjoyed and shared with so many. After the previous weekends Jazz for Andy gig this one was to feature the guitar and popular music bands.

St James was sold out with a waiting list of hundreds so many people were disappointed to miss out!

The evening was both emotional and a fun party. For me the most touching memory was when Andy's daughter, Clara, joined Sons of the Desert for a couple of songs.... wow, wonderful!

All those who knew Andy know he would have loved everything about the evening as music and friendship are meant to be enjoyed in the company of those you love.

I hope these galleries help to illustrate and remember the atmosphere of the night.....
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE GIG FOR ANDY

Local musicians gathered at St James to celebrate the life, the music and the friendships they shared with Andy Coleman in a night titled 'Jazz for Andy'.

Many good memories were shared by the musicians as they took to the stage. Some chose to tell us what was so special in their friendship with Andy. They often repeated how he would always offer support and encouragement. Also his natural talent playing such varied genre's of music impressed many.

I think that what touched me on the night was the fact that Andy had almost always played a 'supporting' role in the bands he was in. He wasn't a 'frontman' or 'pushy' to take the spotlight but his wonderful personality shone through and he clearly made a lasting impression on all those around him... without even trying!

It's such a loss that he is gone - but what a way to celebrate such a lovely persons life. Rest at peace in our memories Andy. xx

I've added a gallery of pics featuring some of the performances:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE JAZZ FOR ANDY NIGHT AT ST JAMES

This was a new event organized by the School of Popular Music in 2022.

SoPM have already established a tradition of offering aspirational musicians and singers the chance to perform on the 'bigger stage' but the 'Music for Everyone' somehow re-invented what has gone before.

The venue was the theater stage at Beau Sejour which offers professional sound and lighting. New talent performed with the full support of SoPM tutors allowing them to enjoy the big stage. I have to say that I thought the concept was fantastic.

But there was more to the show. After each artist finished their act they were invited down in front of the stage for a short interview. This was both a way of allowing time for the change between acts but was much more than that as we were able to enjoy the personality behind the performance and what inspired it.

This was a really great format. Well done to all the SoPM tutors and the support they gave to their students.

This is a massive gallery of pics.... you can tell that I was impressed!!
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM MUSIC FOR EVERYONE SHOW

The Corporate Bands went into battle on the expansive stage at Beau Sejour on Saturday night. Competition was tough but the fight was fair and no blood was spilt!

This was the third School of Popular Music Corporate Battle of the Bands and like previous years the standard of performances was high and song choices varied.

The company bands taking to the stage were AFM, Guernsey Electricity, First Central, Guernsey Post and Butterfield. They were joined by Agilisys, last years winners, who opened the event and the SoPM Tutors Band who played a couple of songs to allow time for the judges to agree on the winners.

I recognized quite a few band members as 'regulars' in local bands. However their usual experience on pub stages is playing in cramped dark corners so it was special even for those active musicians to play on a big stage with great sound and lighting to match. They even had dressing rooms!

The band that picked up the trophy was Guernsey Post. They were undoubtedly the most popular amongst the audience and the judging panel of four agreed. They were my choice too as they had put together the 'complete performance package'. Well done guys.

The whole event was brilliantly organized and every performer that I talked to was buzzing with excitement and achievement. So there is only a year before we can all do it again....

Follow this link to view all my pics of the battle:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The 2022 School of Popular Music's Under 18's Battle of the Bands at Beau Sejour was very competitive with all five competing bands arriving on stage well rehearsed and ready to perform.

The audience got behind every act and as the judges commented after each performance it was clear that it would be a close run thing to find the winners.

After the judges totaled their scores covering every aspect of the bands live performance the winners were announced.

Cross Road picked up this years trophy. Well done guys!

I've added a Gallery featuring all the U18's bands.
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 U18's BATTLE OF THE BANDS

OK, I think we can all agree that Triathlon is a Sport.

What's more, I don't think anyone will argue that it is a sport that requires commitment, training, strong mental resilience and endeavour.

However I was left a little confused whilst photographing the Guernsey Triathlon Club's Granite Man yesterday. So confused that I had to lift the dictionary down from the shelf to try and understand what I had experienced 'track side'... especially in the depths of the energy sapping Ronez Quarry section.

Let me explain. I looked up the definition of 'Sport'... this is what I read. ' Sport: an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another'

So Triathlon is most definately a Sport. So what's my problem?

Well I investigated a little further.

The above quote states that when taking part in a Sport you 'compete against others'. So what is the definition of compete?

Quote: 'Compete: to strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others'.

Now this is what was troubling me as this simply isn't what I was seeing as competitors faced the gruelling climb and heat in the quarry as they neared the end of the three disciplines of the Granite Man Triathlon.

By dictionary definition each competitor should have been trying to beat down their opponents. They should have been pressurising them into failure in the pusuit of a win.

But instead the atmosphere was of huge support between competing Triathletes. Encouragement was given to others in the knowledge that maybe each competitor wasn't actually competing against the other but only against themself. There was a respect for all others who were also facing the same challenge.

So my summary of Triathlon as a Sport... at least at our local level is that it is perhaps unique in offering competitors a competition where they don't leave the start line with a win as their outright goal. And it is all the better for that!

I've added a new gallery featuring my Granite Man pics. You will see a surprising amount of smiles too! How do they still have the energy for those? I don't know!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 GRANITE MAN TRIATHLON

I guess it is one of those unspoken rules of photography that when a photographer attends a Mega-sized (interesting) event he will be left with a Mega-sized edit to work through when he returns to the studio!

At least that seems to be how it works for me!

I've already posted a Blog commenting on how fantastic the 2022 Vale Earth Fair was for the sell-out crowd who flocked to Vale Castle.

Well I managed to take around 600 pics of the festival during the twelve hours I was there! This is quite impressive I think as I also found time to drink MANY pints of ale too!

The easy part was actually taking all those pics as the atmosphere was amazing... and who wouldn't feel lucky to be able to call standing in front of a live band on stage whilst drinking and taking pics their actual 'day job'!! That's me. Yes I know I'm pretty lucky.

However the actual edit can be a drag, but once I get into a rhythm I seem to be able to fly through the pics. The tip is to only use the tools that Lightroom offers and not to get too 'fancy' with the edit.

Even then a 600 pic edit takes hours and I'm pleased to say all VEF pics are now online, yeay!

I hope you like them.... they can be purchased online - hint, hint!

This is a link to all VEF 2022 Galleries:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 VALE EARTH FAIR GALLERIES

The 2022 Vale Earth Fair was back at its best after the restrictions of recent years.

The Vale Earth Fair Collective had done an amazing job keeping this little treasure of a festival ticking along whilst facing the huge challenge of the Covid years. Guernsey residents had appreciated and supported their endeavors.

But free of restrictions the 2022 VEF showcased what this festival does best. Once again we had a great lineup of visiting bands together with the best from Guernsey. This attracted a sell-out crowd.

So it turned out to be another vintage year. I think the most notable thing was the mix of people in the crowd, which is always diverse, but this year included many more of what I can only describe as 'full-on festival goers'.

Maybe they have now discovered our little secret?

I've been working on my edit of the pics of VEF and there is a growing Gallery that can now be viewed here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2022 VALE EARTH FAIR

We headed back to the beautiful... normally quiet... Island of Sark on Friday for the first event of a 'double-header' Lawn Mower racing weekend.

The two days of action started with the hillclimb at Sark Harbour hill.

The racing doesn't start until the final boat of the day has docked and the passengers have been transported to the top of the hill by the unique 'Sark trailer bus'. An experience that has to be taken if you ever visit this Channel Island!

But the wait for racing is never boring or wasted as the Bel Air pub is placed adjoining the finish line.

Surely every race track should be designed in this way?

I multi-tasked and managed a few beers together with a few pics. Nice.

There is a new Gallery online if you want to check out my pics
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SARK HILLCLIMB PICS

Have Rovers set the standard for the new football season?

Rovers had a convincing win over North in the 2022 Rawlinson Cup Final at The Track.

They dominated play and were rewarding with a 4-1 win. This result is certain to instill confidence as the Guernsey Priaulx league starts its season. We look forward to seeing how the championship develops.

I was sent down to photograph the Cup Final and was greeted by even less working flood lights than the last time I covered an evening game at The Track! Some areas of the pitch were very poorly lit.

I heard a rumour that funding may be in place to update the lighting at a couple of the Guernsey Club grounds. I hope it's true... and the sooner the better for us photographers.

Oh the players also deserve better light too, ha, ha!!

My pics can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 RAWLINSON CUP FINAL

The ActiveGSY Track & Field event at Footes Lane included at couple of highlights.

Firstly Alistair Chambers visited his old training ground with his Bronze Commonwealth Games medal. He took part in a Q&A giving an insight into the life of a top athlete. The junior Club members were suitably 'star-struck'!

When the attention turned to the track and field Abi Galpin produced an amazing leap in the long jump re-writing Kimberley's 17 year old woman's record.

I've added a new gallery featuring some of the action.
CLICK TO VIEW THE ACTIVEGSY TRACK & FIELD GALLERY

Kiya Ashton & the Folkadelics are a new band on the Guernsey scene and they have quickly developed their own sound. They've already attracted a following during the summer of 2022 and are certainly 'one to watch'.

Their most recent gig was supporting The Pips at St James where they looked at home on the big stage.

You can view the pics of Kiya & the Folkadelics at St James by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW KIYA ASHTON & THE FOLKADELICS PLAYING AT ST JAMES