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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

The evening events organised by Guernsey Athletics at Footes Lane offer the perfect mix of a relaxed schedule punctuated by the highs offered by the track races.

I visited last weeks Aztec Track & Field event and whilst there was an annoying chill in the air the early evening light was perfect for photography.

I've added a few of my photos to a new Gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GUERNSEY ATHLETICS EVENING EVENT AT FOOTES LANE

I seem to build the same sense of anticipation and optimism every time I decide to spend some time photographing surfing. Admittingly this is only a couple of times a year but it's a sport that can make amazing photos.

I leave home imagining the scene that will greet me.... Sunny blue skies, incredible white waves contrasting with the deep blue-green sea. Perfect.

So on Saturday when I left home to photograph the Guernsey Surf Club's Longboard Championships and the sun was shining from a blue sky I was happy!

When I arrived at Portinfer the surf looked good to me.... a NON surfer! The guys surveying the scene were hopeful for a good competition but it was too early to enter the water.

Now this was a bit of a problem for me as I was due at the West Legion for a short photoshoot with a celebrity Darts player so I had to pop off down there.

Once that job was done and as I drove back up the west coast towards Portinfer it was clear the weather had turned. The sky had turned grey with a touch of sea mist. And then when I arrived at the bay the waves were nothing like I had dreamt about. In fact nothing was working out!

But I thought that I should still make the effort to salvage what I could from the event and I know that the next time I get the urge to photograph surfing I will once again leave home (having forgotten this frustration) keen and optimistic. Having a short memory can be a real bonus sometimes!!

My surfing photos are now online here. Please use your imagination (like me) when viewing them.... think blue skies, green sea and towering white waves!
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST SURFING COMPETITION PHOTOS

The Guernsey Badminton Association hosted the Sarnia Hotels 2024 Junior Open Tournament at the Rohais Centre a couple of weeks ago.

With titles covering age groups from U10 to U18 there was continuous action on the courts!

I spent a short while covering as much play as I could. The event report is in today's Guernsey Press Sport and those photos together with extras are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 JUNIOR OPEN BADMINTON TOURNAMENT

The School of Popular Music Jersey continues to grow and emulate the success of the original School of Popular Music Guernsey.

I've just returned from the 'Other Isle' after photographing their Easter School Gig at Chambers.

The whole place was buzzing with the enthusiasm and confidence of the young performers. It was clear that 'The Stage' was the natural environment for many of the talented students!

I'm always a bit in awe of how quickly the students learn new songs and then perform on stage after just a few days of practice!

My photos of all the bands are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM JERSEY 2024 EASTER SCHOOL GIG

Variety in your work life keeps everything fresh and interesting. That is certainly my aim when choosing the assignments to put in my diary.

The long Easter break offered a really diverse mix for me. Indoor, outdoor. Fast action, slow and moody calm, clean and very dusty, daytime and evening, young and old.... you get the picture (I hope)!

One event was the School of Popular Music Guernsey Easter School Gig at the Doghouse. I always look forward to this one.

This years seemed to be especially busy and a massive challenge for me to get anywhere near the 'action' on stage as there was an eager audience of youngsters packed up close and not wanting to miss a moment of the performances!

The enthusiasm and support was fantastic.

I did manage a few photos and if you want a feel of what SoPM offer take a look at this gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM GUERNSEY EASTER GIG

Sport is usually fast moving in its play but of course there will always be exceptions. I've yet to struggle to keep up with a game of Chess.

One of the many Sports that make it a little more challenging is Badminton. Not only is the play fast with exceptionally fast rackets it seems that the Badminton Halls have to be painted in quite dark greens. At least they are this colour at the Guernsey Badminton Centre.

The lighting is also high in the roof and really not that bright!

It obviously must work perfectly for players but photographers are really up against the worst of combinations.

This all came back to me when I was asked to cover the Guernsey Basketball Association's Easter Open Tournament.

It was fun following the competitive play... but maybe not quite so great taking photos. But I captured what was requested and the photos are now in a gallery here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2024 GBA EASTER OPEN TOURNAMENT

The first thing on my list after getting home from the 2-Day Motocross event - even before starting the edit - was to have a shower.

The work that had been done to prepare the track really paid off. It was in perfect condition. This was probably helped by the lack of heavy rain for a few days. And about time too!

However this resulted in the drying track and continuous Motocross racing throwing a mist of fine dust across the whole cliff-top track.

But after a dip in the shower I have been hard at the edit knowing that the busy Easter of Sports photography will lead to a pile of editing.

My final edit of the MX photos show what a competitive two days of racing we enjoyed

Click the link to view the photos:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 2-DAY MOTOCROSS PHOTOS