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There was a buzz going around ahead of the fourth Full Boar 'Lock-In' Cage Fighting yesterday. It had been billed as 'Round-4, More Blood, Sweat and Beers'.

Could it live up to the hype and the three previous events?

I was certain that it would after I checked my web-site statistics and found that in the twenty-four hours between the fight weigh-ins and the start of the event there had been over 9,000 picture viewings of the fighters facing up to each other for the first time... its safe to say that the word was out!!
VIEW PICS OF THE 2015 LOCK-IN WEIGH-IN

The fight night is always incredibly busy as I try to capture as much of the action as possible and this year was no different as the pace doesn't ease up for more than a minute.

But I'm privileged to be asked to, literally, take a cage-side seat (actually a ladder!) to give me the closest viewpoint in the building... that means I'm often closer to the combat than the Ref! :-)

I've started the gallery updates with pics of the Muay Thai British Middleweight Title fight between Josh Meadowcroft and Jake Brookfield. All other bouts will follow. Keep checking the gallery.
VIEW PICS OF THE 2015 FULL BOAR LOCK-IN

The Full Boar Motorcycle Club is about to hold Round-4 of its Lock-In Cage Fighting at Beau Sejour.

This event is entering its fourth year and it has earnt a great reputation for the high standard of organisation, fighting and entertainment.

I reckon it is the largest indoor sports event held in Guernsey with up to 850 spectators. This guarantees that the atmosphere is electric!

But the night before always sees the weigh-in of the fighters and the first chance for them to stand toe-to-toe with their opponents. The tension can be felt!

I'll be featuring all the Bouts in my picture gallery... but for now, may I introduce you to the fighters who will enter the ring for the White Collar Boxing, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA Cage Fighting...
TAKE A LOOK AT THE LOCK-IN ROUND-4 FIGHTERS

I've been photographing the Autocross 'Banger' racing down on Chouet beach for quite a few years now but last weekend's Fun Meeting was a bit more personal.

My father, as he approaches ninety years of age, has recently given up driving himself around. I hope I am still 'on the road' at a similar age... time will tell.

Having made that decision, we were left with a fairly worn-out Hyundai Getz in Seaside Blue to dispose of.

Maybe it was the name of its colour that triggered the idea that the Getz deserved one last swan-song before going to the crusher. So the car was offered to the Guernsey Autocross Club to be used in any way they chose.

That brings us to last weekend's Fun Meeting and the Inter-Insular championship... Guernsey v Jersey.

When I walked around the pits looking for the old car I needed to take a clue from the colour because once all the trimmings have been removed I find many modern cars seem to loose their identity.

But, of course, I soon found it and I met the driver who would be giving it one last burn-out... or maybe its first ever burn-out?!!

I then waited eagerly, camera at the ready, to capture the Getz's last hurrah... and it went out in style, even managing a jump off the ramp which I think was the fatal blow :-(

So it only enjoyed a short time on track but what a way to send an old lady to the crusher. I now have a few pics to show my father and they are sure to bring a smile to his face :-)

I've added a picture gallery for the Fun Meeting. Why not take a look how many times you can spot the Seaside Blue Hyundai Getz? Answers on a Postcard please.
VIEW PICS OF THE FINAL BURN-OUT OF THE HYUNDAI GETZ

Let me ask you to think about this for a moment... that's all the time it should take :-)

What concatenation is there between almost all celebrations and ceremony? (I'll let you look up the word if you need to)!

Or maybe I can make things easier. I'm asking what element links special events by, almost always, playing a part in the occasion.

You shouldn't struggle to come up with the answer... which is Music.

This can take the form of live or recorded, but as you should know if you read this Blog that LIVE is my preference.

There was plenty of the 'live' stuff around town for Guernsey's Liberation Day's celebrations. The music was in many, many forms.

The marching bands were out... no military event could manage without them. Then the Home Front Marquee offered a day of 40's music and song. It was so popular that it was hard to find a spare seat.

But no seating was offered for the final event of Guernsey Liberation 2015 at LibRockLive. This 'mini-festival' showcased six live bands that were intended to keep every-one on their feet and it worked all the way until midnight.

So my day finished with me capturing a few pics of the bands on an impressive stage. I've now added a picture gallery featuring Static Alice, The Recks, Buffalo Huddleston, Asylum Seekas, Fade 2 Grey and King Rat and the Soul Cats.

Check-out the pics here that prove us 'Guerns' know how to party:
VIEW PICS OF LIBROCKLIVE 2015

That was a day to remember... Liberation Guernsey 2015, fantastic!

The day was promoted as a day to celebrate and remember 70 years of freedom and it is likely to be the last one in the current form... but what a way to go out!

With fewer and fewer guernsey residents having personal memories of the liberation of the Island after the occupation during WW2 our national holiday on May 9th will probably be 're-invented' in future years. So this, perhaps, is why the 'Guerns' were out in such huge numbers and with such party spirits all around St Peter Port on Saturday.

The atmosphere was infectious which is just as well because I had a VERY long day working all around the event. The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd kept me going :-)

I was commissioned by the States of Guernsey (together with Chris George) to capture the days colour and atmosphere. I also worked for the Guernsey Press.

This meant me putting in a 21 hour day and my iPhone App recorded a total mileage walked of 14.9 miles... not bad to say that was all done between Market Square and North Beach car-park!! My aching bones and blisters didn't need an App to remind me of the mileage covered!

Now is the time to take a seat to work on the edit of the long days work. I've made a start and the first gallery is now online. This features some of the day-time spectacle. I will be adding another gallery featuring the night-time bands shortly.

Follow the link to view the Liberation Guernsey pics:
VIEW PICS OF THE LIBERATION DAY 2015 CELEBRATIONS

I missed adding a Blog on the day it actually happened but tradition has it that I try and mark each time the viewing counter for this web-site breaks through another MILLION recorded views.

The NINE MILLION figure was smassshed a couple of days ago when I was stacked with the Bank Holiday work. Hence the late Blog.

So here we have the latest landmark and it seems to confirm that when the TEN MILLION mark is passed that will herald a new 'twelve month' best of THREE MILLION views in one year! Nice.

You may have noticed that I quite like the word 'MILLION' as I have used it (in Internet swearing CAPITALS) so many times already in this Blog!

Thanks a MILLION (just one more for luck!) for the continued interest in my work and I hope you find the time to visit again soon.

Here is a link to some of the previous MILLION marking Blogs:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PREVIOUS MILLION MARKING BLOGS

Our small Island always amazes me by the huge amount of activities it offers to those who make a small effort to attend or partake in them.

Last weekend was a great example with another packed diary to choose from.

In the end I found myself photographing Daz Carre as he finished his 24 hour run at Footes Lane in aid of the Rhys Daniels Trust. Daz's achievement was not far short of super-human and was best seen in the context of what people were doing in the London Marathon... that was just a stroll in the park compared to what Daz achieved!

I also photographed The Mouse Outfit on the Fermain Tavern stage at the latest Get Down. That was another brilliant night, thanks to Andre 'oneofakind' De Carteret :-)

Sunday offered plenty of entertainment too.

The Guernsey Powerboat Association organised an open day to showcase the start of their new race season. The line-up of boats was very impressive and there was an air of excited anticipation in the pits. With new headline sponsors Stanley Gibbons Investment on board 2015 will be their best yet.

Between all the chasing around I also photographed the first (I guess of many) Guernsey Velo Club Urban Downhill Mountain-bike races in Castle Cornet held as part of the Heritage Festival in association with Adventure Cycles & Visit Guernsey. 'Conquer the Castle' was raced through the historic passages and gateways of Guernsey's main castle and drew a large crowd of spectators.

Like I said, Guernsey is never short of things to do...
VIEW PICS OF THE CONQUER THE CASTLE MTB EVENT
VIEW PICS OF DAZ CARRE FINISHING HIS 24 HOUR CHARITY RUN
VIEW PICS OF THE GUERNSEY POWERBOAT ASSOCIATIONS OPEN DAY

Roy de Jersey is one of those people who seems to find a couple more hours in each day than the rest of us. He always has several projects on the go and he showed me a few as we walked around his workshop before this photoshoot.

Roy is a big fan of classic bikes, particularly if they can be raced - which he still does, and his engineering skills have kept many old bikes 'alive' and on the road.

Roy also has a special talent when it comes to model-making and recently had this recognised when he won his class in the Guernsey Eisteddfod with this beautifully crafted and detailed model of the Cutty Sark.

I was invited along to capture a few pics of the Cutty Sark and I have to agree with the Eisteddfod Ajudicator's comment that Roy's two years of fine detailed work are near perfect.

Roy already has another model boat started... I should expect another call in about two years time!
VIEW PICS OF ROY DE JERSEY'S CUTTY SARK

If someone was to ask the question 'Why do we need the Fermain Tavern'? Last Friday would have to be the answer!

It was last Friday that the 'Tav' presented another famous band (another one of many). This time it was The Blockheads... yes you all know them from the days when they were Ian Dury's band.

The Blockheads won't mind if I suggest that they have been around a bit. They have certainly amassed a good collection of experiences along the way and perhaps more importantly they have a stockpile of talent that can be brought to any of their live performances. And there are some pretty good songs in their repertoire too ;-)

This is a guaranteed combination to lift a gig into something special... and it did just that on Friday.

So, to get back to my earlier question. The 'full-house' of punters who enjoyed the rare talents of the Blockheads were able to savour all this locally in our 'very own' Fermain Tavern!

That fact alone should tell you why we need the Fermain Tavern... and why we need it to stay as our premier live venue. At a Fermain gig you get the chance to stand just three feet from popular music's new and established icons. How privileged does that make us?

The point is that NO OTHER Guernsey venue will ever replace what we already have here at the 'Tav'. The only other venue that very occasionally puts on a worthy (that's questionable) original band might be Beau Sejour... but really, there is no comparison and nothing remotely regular in their promotions.

But more to the point is the question, 'Where is the atmosphere when you have to stand in a Sports Hall drinking out of plastic cups'?

Please remember what we have in the Fermain Tavern. It is a great venue and needs our support. Paul Staples has done a fantastic job to keep the momentum going for the last few years but now it is time for some-else to take over. We must offer our support so that the 'Tav' continues its fine history of Live Music.

I was able to get right up close to the Blockheads and captured a few pics. They are now online:
VIEW PICS OF THE LEGENDARY BLOCKHEADS

This morning Talbot Valley lived up to its reputation of being one of Guernsey's prettiest places.

I was fortunate to spend a few hours there whilst photographing the Guernsey Velo Club's MTB Downhill racing, Round-2.

There was a good turn-out of MTB bikers riding the twisty down-hill course. Each competitor had two timed runs on this sunny morning... and it really was a couple of hours well spent by riders and photog's alike :-)

For me, speaking as a photographer, the light was really useful offering me the chance to use slow shutter speeds, back-lighting, flash and panning techniques.

I definitely ticked a few boxes there then!

I've added a new gallery of pics here:
VIEW PICS OF MTB DOWNHILL SERIES ROUND-2

Can I just say a huge thank-you to everyone who has visited this web-site since the weekend. I'm staggered by the enormous interest in my work :-)

The automatic counter that runs at the bottom of the page has shown well over 50,000 new views which makes my efforts all worthwhile!

I hope you have found pictures that interest you and that you are encouraged to make a return visit every so often. I can guarantee that you will always find new updates.

.... oh, and don't forget that you can buy an occasional pic on-line which will encourage me to keep offering up-to-date coverage of all these events ;-)

Thanks again,
Andrew

There is nothing like a win to get any sportsman excited. This goes for any game.

Some may argue that sport and competition should be partaken for the fun and exercise... that alone should be enough for you!

But I maintain that they just don't get it. What sport is about is playing to win. If there are a few other benefits along the way then they are just a bonus!

The challenges on the way to the win can be fun. The ups and downs are all part of any game. But the end goal (in this case) is what a team and its supporters are looking for and when it comes it's well worth celebrating.

As a Sports photographer my aim is to illustrate the play and hopefully capture some of the story. But my ultimate objective is to freeze that moment of elation and the joy of accomplishment that comes with victory.

The capture of the perfect celebratory shot can be a little like fishing for a record fish or maybe a better 'photographic comparison' would be to think of it like trying to photograph a rare bird. You will almost certainly need lots of patience together with the luck of being in the right place at the right time. And too that mix you hopefully add a little pinch of experience that moves the odds in your favour a little ;-)

So I was pretty pleased with myself when I captured a sequence of shots at the E H Trophy Hockey Semi-finals this weekend. I was able to tell the whole story in pics... from the ball going in the goal to the excited celebrations. In fact I want to jump around as much as the players.

It was a win, win for everyone... and that's what it is all about :-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF SPORT CELEBRATION

The small spectators area overlooking the Squash courts at Beau Sejour was packed for the weekends 2015 Guernsey v Jersey Squash Inter-Insular.

The event ran with reduced numbers of competitors due to some being put off by the high cost of travel. This was a great shame but it didn't reduce the amount of interest in the competition.

This year there was an added attraction as Guernsey's professional International player Chris Simpson found time to represent his Island giving locals a rare chance to see him in action. Chris achieved a career best high with a World Ranking of 20 in 2014 and managed an easy win against Mike Hopkins from Jersey.

The photography is a challenge as the glass back wall of the courts catches reflections of the spectators which, when combined with the dirt and smudges that appear on the glass after a days play, means most pics are spoilt to some extent. It's also very hard to move around in such a packed area... but the best has to be made of what is there!

I've added a gallery of pics featuring some of the games:
VIEW PICS OF THE 2015 SQUASH INTER-INSULAR

Rumpus... now that's a good name for a band!

If I put the name into words we come up with something like this...

Rumpus, Noun: disturbance, noise, uproar, confusion, commotion, disruption, furore, rout, row, tumult, fuss, fracas, brawl, brouhaha, ruction, bagarre, ruckus.

I couldn't of put it better myself. But in this case I have Chambers Thesaurus to thank ;-)

Last weekend saw the return of Rumpus to play at the Fermain Tavern after a gap of perhaps six years. Way back then Rumpus were favourite visitors on the local scene.

So last weekend the scene was set. Could this band generate the same enthusiasm after all that time? Were their 'old' fans going to still come out to support Rumpus?

I knew the answer as soon as I walked into the 'Tav'... and that was even before the band took to the stage. In fact it was RentOClean entertaining the punters. Good set BTW.

But back to the headliners. We all know the famous advertising line 'It does what it says on the tin'. Well in this case we have an example of a band doing what they say in their name... you will have to look back up this blog for the full description.

I hope you need no more comment from me. Was it a great night? Do you really have to ask?
VIEW RUMPUS AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN

Last weekend Steve Lynch returned to Guernsey with his new band The Electric Shakes to play a memorable gig at the Fermain Tavern.

Now we all know that the music business is a tough one to make a name in... but you have to say that The Electric Shakes could be lined up for much bigger things! There is only one thing missing.

The band has a 'mature and finished' feel about their performance. It is clear that the three band members have all 'paid their dues' playing in various bands along the way. Their authority and stage presence can only be amassed the hard way. There are no short-cuts. Actual time spent crafting songs and playing live cannot be cheated on.

So I was impressed with the band that I consider a complete package... ready to make it big?

Well that is the million dollar question. The Electric Shakes are showing all the promise and talent to exploit any opportunities offered to them. But for now all we can offer is our support and keep our fingers crossed that the only missing ingredient comes their way.... LUCK!

I hope you find it lads. You deserve it.

Support was from Lifejacket and To the Woods. Those pics will follow.
VIEW PICS OF THE ELECTRIC SHAKES PLAYING AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN

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

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 :-)

2014 was a great year.

Being a photographer is a great job!

The thing I like best is that I get to re-live the most enjoyable moments when I edit my pics.

I've just had a brilliant week catching up with the last of the major edits from 2014. That is the Jersey Live Gallery. As always there were lots of bands lined up on multiple stages so I spent my time dashing between them trying to tick my list of 'must see' acts. This effort wasn't helped by the bar being strategically placed between the stages.

Inevitably I don't recall every detail... but editing the pics has helped me remember ;-)

I think that I will now declare the Jersey Live 2014 picture gallery is complete. There are about twenty-four galleries including three which showcase the atmosphere and behind the scene.

Final updates include:

Catfish and the Bottlemen
Earth Wind & Fire Experience feat. Al McKay
Luke Friend
The Graveltones
Molotov Jukebox
Newton Faulkner
Frankie Davies
Simon Gasston
The Doors Live
The Little Big Band
Clashmar
Billy Rowan
Hannah Jacques
and Sergeant Pipon

....... it makes you wonder how I ever had time to get a hangover!!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY

A new year usually means a new start.

However I'm one of those people who finds it hard to move ahead whilst there is still unfinished business.

So if I'm to enjoy 2015 I really needed to make sure that 2014 is well and truly 'put to bed'.

That has meant a full week of catch-up :-(

I've been checking the unfinished business and one biggie is standing in the the way of 2015.... my Jersey Live 2014 edit! It appears that it has been put off more than once! The thing is, I spend about four days on-site and you can end up taking a lot of pics. I expect that I will end up with over twenty new 'Bands' galleries.

But, to move into the New Year I have bitten the bullet and the final edit has begun, yippee :-)

Jersey Live 2014 picture galleries now feature:

Ellie Goulding
Ben Howard
John Newman
Bombay Bycycle Club (they were great)
The Klaxons (so were they)
The Selecter (oh, and so were these)
Mark Knight
and Diversity

Check-out the pics here (many more to come):
TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROGRESS IN THE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY