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Playing catch up.

Pics of the 2024 Tour of Guernsey Round 5 at the Underground Hospital are now online.....

After some of the busiest weeks of photography that I've experienced during the last 20+ years I'm now able to tidy up some of the edits!

The best part of the photoshoots that I've been doing has been the variety of them. Most have been in genres that I'm very familiar with... all types of Sports, Live Music performances, Events and Press work.

But just as a highlight (and rarity) I was part of the Royal Media entourage following the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This was a special experience working alongside around fifty visiting Royal Correspondents, Photographers and Videographers.

So as I make the edits and reminisce I've added a few pics of the ToG 2024 here:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 5 OF THE 2024 TOUR OF GUERNSEY

Following on from the Jersey Rounds of the 2024 British National Hillclimb Championship the roadshow arrived in Guernsey in optimistic form.

The racing in Jersey was close and the conditions certainly offered all competitors the chance to push themselves to their limits.

Sadly something happened to the weather machine in the couple of days waiting for the Guernsey Rounds!

Damp is certainly a word that describes most of the day... with Monsoon probably more apt for the way the day finished! Luckily the very worst of the rain held off until the last few minutes of racing.

I spent the whole day trying to find the best action shots and these Galleries display my work....
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 GUERNSEY NATIONAL HILLCLIMB

I seem to remember... back in the day, that a week was seven days long. But the last week somehow feels like it was way more!

It was nothing like a 'normal' week... and it was fantastic for that.

It started with photographing the Guernsey Athletics Deloitte Challenge.

This was followed by Round 1 of the GVC Downhill Racing Tour of Guernsey.

Then a switch to photographing royalty at the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as part of the media entourage!

What next? How about popping over to Jersey for the BHC National Hillclimb... up close to the action! Those pics then needed editing for two National publications and the BHC.

Next, back to Guernsey for Rounds 17 & 18 of the Championship, complete with torrential rain at the end of the event and an edit for the Guernsey Press.

And then (surely there aren't that many days in a week) there was time to photograph Round 7 of the Adventure Cycles Tour of Guernsey!

I've not made a count of how many photos but it amounts to an edit of many hundreds and then the uploads (still a work in progress)!

So an amazing week but I'd definitely need a younger body (or lighter kit) to keep up with this pace if it was a normal schedule!!

If you are interested, my photos of Round 7 of the 2024 ToG are now online here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ROUND 7 OF THE 2024 TOUR OF GUERNSEY

Once again the Jersey Rounds of the British National Hillclimb Championship produced some spectacular and close racing at Bouley Bay hill.

Near perfect conditions gave supporters and competitors nothing to complain about and as the show now moves to Guernsey for the next two Rounds of the Championship we all hope for a repeat... but some of the weather forecasts are suggesting rain might arrive in the afternoon!

Fingers crossed this is wrong.... but a few shots of single seater 'rain roosters' always look good!

I've now uploaded comprehensive Galleries of all the action in Jersey.

Please click the link to take a look and share this post to get the word out, thanks.
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 JERSEY NATIONAL HILLCLIMB PHOTOS

The sun was shining bright when King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Guernsey for their first visit since becoming Sovereigns.

This was in dramatic contrast to the weather the Royals had experienced in Jersey just the day before. Torrential rain was not an exaggeration!

I was working as part of the 'Royal Media Entourage' alongside fifty + visiting Royal Correspondents, Videographers and Photographers.

It was quite an interesting experience. A couple of things I learnt were how hard the Royals worked to ensure everyone they met felt that they were given attention. Making the same small talk at every event needs a special ability and they were both 'Pros' at the job!

Another aspect of covering the days events was just how much time the media spends just hanging around for the next moment of interest!

Also it was educational being in the hub of activity seeing how each Correspondent set themselves up for their own reports and broadcasts. Some were live, others were videoed.

The couple of photographers and videographers who were on the (very) short-list and were allowed to follow the Royal couple very closely were working 'live' with photos being transmitted from their camera direct to their Newspapers and Agencies the moment the shutter button was pressed!

The final take-aways from the day were probably how much love and attention Royalty still gets in this changing world. Of course those who dislike the concept of Royalty would have stayed away but the huge crowds did make some sort of statement.

The other thing was how the visiting Media felt that Guernsey had put on an amazing presentation. In fact, in the Media room at the end of the day one of the visiting Correspondents thanked the local team of organisers and stated that they would love them to organise the Media requirements at every overseas event as such a good job had been done!

So well done to all those involved.

And I've ticked another (Royal) photographic box.... maybe 'by Royal Appointment' is laying it on a bit too thick though!!

I've uploaded a Gallery of photos. If you were taking part or in the crowd take a look. You might be in one of my photos.
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE 2024 ROYAL VISIT TO GUERNSEY

After having a late call to cover the Guernsey Athletics Deloitte Challenge at the Icart Loop I had a challenge of my own. That was finding exactly where the race was being run!

The Guernsey clifftops around Icart and Bon Port have a spiders web of narrow paths... so what was the route going to be?

It is quite possible to be in the wrong place, patiently waiting whilst the action is just around the corner!

In the end I did strike lucky as moments after I arrived at my chosen position the lead runner passed!

So the hike was worth it and I returned home with the required shots.

If you are interested they are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE DELOITTE ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE

Look out, the GVC MTB riders are out and about this week for their Tour of Guernsey event.

Having missed out last year due to the Island Games, Club members were eager to face the challenge to their stamina and skills over a full week of racing at venues spread across the Island.

My photos of Stage 1 are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW STAGE 1 OF THE 2024 GVC TOUR OF GUERNSEY

Congratulations to the School of Popular Music Guernsey on reaching 10 years of teaching young and older students the art and skills needed to fulfil their creative musical ambitions.

During the decade many hundreds have achieved goals and enhanced their lives through the medium of music in all its genres.

I've had the privilege of capturing many of the special performances during the last decade. In fact I was there at the first open day of SoPM. It speaks well of the enthusiastic culture of SoPM that many of the original tutors still teach alongside some early students who are now part of the tutor team.

I had a chance to pop along to Delancey Park for the SoPM 10th Anniversary celebration 'Party in the Park' to take a few photos.

I also have a huge archive of SoPM photos taken during the last 10 years. These links are to some of the Galleries:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM PHOTOS ON MY OLD WEBSITE
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM PHOTOS ON MY NEW WEBSITE

SHOCKING NEWS, sometimes a photo doesn't tell the whole story! (Sorry for the click-bait headline)😁

I photographed Round 5 of the GVC Downhill Racing Gravity series this morning and I have to say that I'm disappointed that my pics don't reveal how wet and uncomfortable it was at Ronez and the Guet!!

So you'll just have to take my word for it. Soggy doesn't even get close!

You could also take a look at my photos and use your imagination.
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 5 OF THE GVC 2024 GRAVITY SERIES

As the Chaos Festival fog clears and my beer count has been tallied (it wasn't a record year) I've started the massive edit.

Unfortunately when I combine having a great time, live music, beer and photography at some point I end up with a lot of photos!

So there's no shortcut, I just have to plod through... but its fun looking through the memories again.

I've already uploaded a load of photos which you can view if you click the link. Please share and tag to get the word out.... thanks.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2024 CHAOS FESTIVAL PHOTOS

At last weekends Cricket Inter-Insular Cup T20I Series it was a case of being in the right place at the right time for me.

Sadly Guernsey were beaten by the old enemy in the first two matches of the series but luckily for me Guernsey took the win in the final match.... and that was the one I was assigned to cover!

So it was a win, win from my perspective. I've added a new gallery featuring my photos if you are interested:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 CRICKET INTER-INSULAR PHOTOS

My edit of the 2024 Guernsey Together Festival is complete, yay!

I've said this before but it's always fun and interesting 're-living' an event through the photos. Oddly, sometimes I don't even remember watching a band or photographing a group of people.... and before someone else makes the comment, yes maybe it was because of the beer!!

So with the edit finished the last galleries are online featuring the Day 2 bands and also an extra gallery offering a feel of the atmosphere and characters.

Click the link to view:
CLICK TO VIEW THE COMPLETED 2024 GUERNSEY TOGETHER GALLERIES

The Guernsey Together Festival fills a gap in the local calendar of events and has now established itself as a 'must go to' for many.

The 2024 GTF was blessed by good weather... apart from late on Saturday eve by which time everyone was in festival spirits anyway!

It is noticeable to me that the majority of the crowd is made up of families and people who aren't regulars at the VEF, Chaos or Sarkfest (when it existed).

The GTF festivalgoers are attracted by a lineup of mostly 'middle ground' popular tribute acts and cover bands. This is not a criticism as the thousands attending prove that there is great support for the concept.

Every act that I saw received an enthusiastic reception. The overwhelming comments from those I spoke to was that they had had a great time and maybe this 'first' taste of a festival format will encourage them to add one of the other local festivals to their calendar as well.

I spent the two days wandering between the two stages (and the bar) and I've added a Gallery featuring the Saturday lineup.

Click the link if you want to view my photos:
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF SATURDAY AT THE GTF

There was a family theme on Tuesday evening at Blanche Pierre Lane at the Lewis Laine Shield football final. The game was between Sylvans U14's v Rangers Black U14's.

What made it a family event was that my grandson Anton was joint Captain of the Rangers. Also there in support was his father Ric and his uncle Steve.... and of course me taking the pics!

It's safe to say we had a most enjoyable time. A 5-1 win for Rangers helped a bit! Well done guys. Great football... but I want you to work on your celebrations for next time, ha, ha 😉⚽️🍾🥇

My photos are now online.
CLICK TO VIEW THE LEWIS LAINE SHIELD PHOTOS

It seems there's never a shortage of people wanting to face the challenge of a Triathlon!

But how do you know if you can complete such an event?

Well the Guernsey Triathlon Club offers the chance of a 'taster' in the form of their 'Try A Tri'.

I covered the event today for the Guernsey Press and I've added a gallery of my photos here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 TRY A TRI PHOTOS

So as I write this it seems that we are back to the rainy season!

There is a lesson to be learnt from this and that is to really make the most of the good stuff when it happens!

This is what thousands of Islanders did on Liberation Day 2024 when we enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in Guernsey.

I spent my time up at the Last Post where the entertainment was great. I took a few pics too. They are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 LIBERATION DAY ENTERTAINMENT

It was another sporty weekend for me with a chance to photograph a Sport that demands a different approach.

I was at the Ex-Servicemen's Club to cover the 2024 Snooker Inter-insular against Jersey. I made two short visits as I needed team shots and some of the action.

This sport is one that benefits from the new mirrorless cameras as my older Nikon DSLR's were notorious for their loud 'clatter' when taking a shot.

You can imagine that this is not good in a hushed room at a critical moment in play.

It's great to vary the Sports I photograph as it keeps me motivated!
OH, and well done to the Guernsey team for a dominant win.... what a shame the Jerseymen forgot to bring the trophy with them!!

There's a new Gallery online featuring my work:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 SNOOKER INTER-INSULARS

Congratulations to Vale Rec on winning the FNB Priaulx League.

After waiting two decades to return the trophy to their cabinet I was expecting a lively celebration... and Vale Rec certainly didn't disappoint me!

When trying to capture the joy and delight that follows collecting a trophy a photographer just has to accept that when the 'champagne' spraying is over all the cameras will need a wipe down and your clothing will stink of cheap sparkly!

I guess this is all part of a normal days work for a Sports photographer!

There's a full gallery of the celebration highlights on my website here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE VALE REC PRIAULX LEAGUE WINNING CELEBRATIONS

The Guernsey Dinner Boxing Club held their last 'Boxing at the Park' before their summer break at St Pierre Park Hotel. They welcomed a Yorkshire Select team that proved to be strong.

This led to every boxer having to dig deep and stand toe-to-toe in the ring against their opponent.

I think that for me the most impressive bouts were the first few on the bill. Each of these featured youngsters and they received huge support for their bravery and energy. Well done guys!

I've uploaded the nights photos to a gallery on my website. Click this link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW GUERSEY v YORKSHIRE SELECT DINNER BOXING

What a great showcase for Youth Sports the Junior Siam Cup was at Footes Lane.

It seemed that every flat space had a pitch laid out and the play was continuous. Age groups from U10 to U18 were all represented.

So much was happening that I really couldn't work out if Guernsey or Jersey had the upper hand!

Whilst the rivalry with our old adversaries, Jersey, played a big part in the event I actually think the real winner on the day was Youth Sport... amazing stuff!

I photographed a small part of the action and still managed to add over 300 photos to my website. Click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE JUNIOR SIAM CUP