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The latest News on Sports Action photography
It could have been another great one... better luck in 2014?
23rd June 2013
Yesterday represented the biggest disappointment in my photographic year. At least so far!
This was due to the abandoning of the Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championships.
No blame can be made for this unfortunate fail, it was simply a case of this sort of thing being a part of Motor Sport... thankfully very rarely.
I suppose the signs were bad right from the start as the morning's weather wouldn't of been out of place in November. This was such a contrast to 2012's Sand Ace in 'flaming June'.
Whilst the conditions dampened the initial energy and anticipation in the pits, once the practice laps began to clock up there was little doubt that we were going to enjoy a few hours of high class racing by a large entry which included some of Europe's top 500cc Solo Riders and 1,000cc Sidecar Crews.
As the qualifying heats began (heats as in racing - certainly not from the sun!) we were all distracted from the cold, the high wind and occasional rain. Everything was going well... and I was in my element :-)
Then the racing had a couple of spanners chucked into its spokes after two of the Sliders had nasty accidents that required hospital runs. These things happen sometimes with any Motor Sport but when you are racing on a beach the disruptions take on quite a different importance as the tide turns and makes its unstoppable advance back up the sand.
After much effort another Ambulance crew and Paramedic couldn't be arranged in time to allow the racing to continue.
So the British Sand Ace Championships failed to run to the promised climax. The end was as damp and limp as the weather.
Hopefully it will be judged as an unavoidable coincidence of bad luck. The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club have decades of experience in running beach racing and can offer last years highly successful British Sand Ace Championship as proof that, given the chance, they can run a race meeting worthy of a National status.
We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for better luck in 2014.
I've now sorted my pictures of the Sand Ace... and I'm really pleased with some of them considering the low amount of opportunities offered by the limited runs and the fact that it was raining for many of them!
The Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championship picture galleries are now on-line:
VIEW PICTURES OF THE 2013 BRITISH SAND ACE CHAMPIONSHIP
23rd June 2013
Yesterday represented the biggest disappointment in my photographic year. At least so far!
This was due to the abandoning of the Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championships.
No blame can be made for this unfortunate fail, it was simply a case of this sort of thing being a part of Motor Sport... thankfully very rarely.
I suppose the signs were bad right from the start as the morning's weather wouldn't of been out of place in November. This was such a contrast to 2012's Sand Ace in 'flaming June'.
Whilst the conditions dampened the initial energy and anticipation in the pits, once the practice laps began to clock up there was little doubt that we were going to enjoy a few hours of high class racing by a large entry which included some of Europe's top 500cc Solo Riders and 1,000cc Sidecar Crews.
As the qualifying heats began (heats as in racing - certainly not from the sun!) we were all distracted from the cold, the high wind and occasional rain. Everything was going well... and I was in my element :-)
Then the racing had a couple of spanners chucked into its spokes after two of the Sliders had nasty accidents that required hospital runs. These things happen sometimes with any Motor Sport but when you are racing on a beach the disruptions take on quite a different importance as the tide turns and makes its unstoppable advance back up the sand.
After much effort another Ambulance crew and Paramedic couldn't be arranged in time to allow the racing to continue.
So the British Sand Ace Championships failed to run to the promised climax. The end was as damp and limp as the weather.
Hopefully it will be judged as an unavoidable coincidence of bad luck. The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club have decades of experience in running beach racing and can offer last years highly successful British Sand Ace Championship as proof that, given the chance, they can run a race meeting worthy of a National status.
We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for better luck in 2014.
I've now sorted my pictures of the Sand Ace... and I'm really pleased with some of them considering the low amount of opportunities offered by the limited runs and the fact that it was raining for many of them!
The Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championship picture galleries are now on-line:
VIEW PICTURES OF THE 2013 BRITISH SAND ACE CHAMPIONSHIP
Tallpictures.com hits a new landmark... but how do we visualise it?
05th May 2013
Today I'm excited to say that this web site has broken through a new landmark figure.
We have now logged more than 4,000,000 viewings!
Yes, you read that correctly, that's FOUR MILLION VIEWINGS :-)
The latest MILLION has taken just over six months so we are well on target to match last year's figure of TWO MILLION in twelve months.
I posted a blog about six months ago when the THREE MILLION mark was smashed.
READ THE THREE MILLION BLOG HERE
At that time I tried to illustrate how the viewing figures could relate to time... how many views each hour or minute of every day. The results were quite surprising!
This time around I thought that maybe I would try to find how the numbers can be associated to something a bit closer to a photographer's heart. That is an actual paper print. But how thick is an average print?
The wonders of the Internet came to my rescue again and after a few minutes of research I had some figures to play with. It is difficult to find explicit references as there are certain variables - not least of which is the thickness of a sheet of photographic paper.
In the end I have been conservative and based my results on an 'average' that seems to be a fair and realistic number. From my searches I found the height calculated for a pile of ONE MILLION sheets of photographic paper varied between 350 ft and 480 ft.
So I am going to use a figure of 400 ft.
Now let's take things to the next stage and try to picture what this pile would look like.
Perhaps if you are a resident of Guernsey (our small but beautiful Island in the English Channel, near France) you will be familiar with the dramatic cliffs on our southern coast. The highest of these are about 350 ft above sea level.... that is less than the height of a MILLION PRINTS in this example.
Try and picture that... are you impressed yet?
No, well a try at this!
As you have seen, this web site has now had FOUR MILLION HITS since first launching. Take this number and work out the height of that pile of prints and we are talking TALL... LIKE 1,600 FEET HIGH!
If you find it difficult to picture how that relates to the real world, take a look at the picture at the start of this blog which shows the heights of some of the tallest buildings in the world.
NOW YOU MUST BE IMPRESSED!!
The shame is that these numbers are only picture views. They aren't going to make me rich, although I think I would be Epson's biggest customer if I had to produce a print for every web image viewed!
My Epson Stylus 4900 would be working night and day :-)
So a big thank you for spending time viewing my pictures. I am now chasing the next big number.... Pop back again soon.
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION
READ ABOUT THE THIRD MILLION
05th May 2013
Today I'm excited to say that this web site has broken through a new landmark figure.
We have now logged more than 4,000,000 viewings!
Yes, you read that correctly, that's FOUR MILLION VIEWINGS :-)
The latest MILLION has taken just over six months so we are well on target to match last year's figure of TWO MILLION in twelve months.
I posted a blog about six months ago when the THREE MILLION mark was smashed.
READ THE THREE MILLION BLOG HERE
At that time I tried to illustrate how the viewing figures could relate to time... how many views each hour or minute of every day. The results were quite surprising!
This time around I thought that maybe I would try to find how the numbers can be associated to something a bit closer to a photographer's heart. That is an actual paper print. But how thick is an average print?
The wonders of the Internet came to my rescue again and after a few minutes of research I had some figures to play with. It is difficult to find explicit references as there are certain variables - not least of which is the thickness of a sheet of photographic paper.
In the end I have been conservative and based my results on an 'average' that seems to be a fair and realistic number. From my searches I found the height calculated for a pile of ONE MILLION sheets of photographic paper varied between 350 ft and 480 ft.
So I am going to use a figure of 400 ft.
Now let's take things to the next stage and try to picture what this pile would look like.
Perhaps if you are a resident of Guernsey (our small but beautiful Island in the English Channel, near France) you will be familiar with the dramatic cliffs on our southern coast. The highest of these are about 350 ft above sea level.... that is less than the height of a MILLION PRINTS in this example.
Try and picture that... are you impressed yet?
No, well a try at this!
As you have seen, this web site has now had FOUR MILLION HITS since first launching. Take this number and work out the height of that pile of prints and we are talking TALL... LIKE 1,600 FEET HIGH!
If you find it difficult to picture how that relates to the real world, take a look at the picture at the start of this blog which shows the heights of some of the tallest buildings in the world.
NOW YOU MUST BE IMPRESSED!!
The shame is that these numbers are only picture views. They aren't going to make me rich, although I think I would be Epson's biggest customer if I had to produce a print for every web image viewed!
My Epson Stylus 4900 would be working night and day :-)
So a big thank you for spending time viewing my pictures. I am now chasing the next big number.... Pop back again soon.
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION
READ ABOUT THE THIRD MILLION
The highest quality of printing is assured.....
30th April 2013
It's been a while since I have written anything about the equipment I use and the workflow that goes into making the final prints that drop through your letterbox a few days after you place an order.
Today I'm not going to go into much detail about all my kit. However it might be of interest to know some key items.
I'm lucky to have the opportunity to use 'top-of-the-range' equipment from start to finish of the capture process. I feel that when shooting as a Professional Photographer, a high standard needs to be maintained all the way through from capture to the digital darkroom and on to the final production of a print.
I am a NIKON camera user and love the quality and handling that this brand offers.
My current kit includes a Nikon D4, a NIKON D3s and a NIKON D3.
NIKON creates the finest photographic equipment in the world as far as I'm concerned. I await your responses :-)
UPDATE 10-03-2014: I've now added the new NIKON D4s to my kit bag. First impressions are good but it will take a few weeks to fully test. Drop me an e-mail if you want to discuss the latest NIKON body EMAIL ME
I also use NIKON lenses and have too many to list but can call on everything from a 400mm f2.8, a 200mm f2, 24mm Perspective Correction, 200mm & 105mm Macro, 50mm & 85mm f1.4's and many others in-between through to the brilliant wide angle 14-24mm f2.8.
So I hope you'll agreed that there is no excuse to not capture the highest quality of image :-)
The digital darkroom work is carried out using the latest versions of Professional software like Photoshop and Lightroom and this is all viewed on twin 30 inch colour calibrated reference monitors.
All images are then Catalogued and referenced using IMatch allowing quick and comprehensive searching.
Lots of back-ups are then made.... you do back-up your own work, don't you?
But all the work and cost of capturing the sharpest, colour corrected images would fall at the final hurdle if the quality of the prints wasn't to the same standards.
This is why all prints up to the A2 SIZED MONTAGES are individually hand-printed by me in my studio on an Epson Stylus Pro 4900 Professional Large Format Printer using the latest 11-Colour Ultrachrome HDR Pigment Inks. This offers me total quality control of the final output.
This printer is regarded as setting new standards in colour precision offering one of the widest colour gamuts on the market and exceptional longevity of prints.
So be assured that when you order a print from TALLPICTURES every effort has been made to make it as good as it can get :-)
Details of the various print options can be found by clicking this link:
VIEW DETAILS OF THE PRINT OPTIONS
30th April 2013
It's been a while since I have written anything about the equipment I use and the workflow that goes into making the final prints that drop through your letterbox a few days after you place an order.
Today I'm not going to go into much detail about all my kit. However it might be of interest to know some key items.
I'm lucky to have the opportunity to use 'top-of-the-range' equipment from start to finish of the capture process. I feel that when shooting as a Professional Photographer, a high standard needs to be maintained all the way through from capture to the digital darkroom and on to the final production of a print.
I am a NIKON camera user and love the quality and handling that this brand offers.
My current kit includes a Nikon D4, a NIKON D3s and a NIKON D3.
NIKON creates the finest photographic equipment in the world as far as I'm concerned. I await your responses :-)
UPDATE 10-03-2014: I've now added the new NIKON D4s to my kit bag. First impressions are good but it will take a few weeks to fully test. Drop me an e-mail if you want to discuss the latest NIKON body EMAIL ME
I also use NIKON lenses and have too many to list but can call on everything from a 400mm f2.8, a 200mm f2, 24mm Perspective Correction, 200mm & 105mm Macro, 50mm & 85mm f1.4's and many others in-between through to the brilliant wide angle 14-24mm f2.8.
So I hope you'll agreed that there is no excuse to not capture the highest quality of image :-)
The digital darkroom work is carried out using the latest versions of Professional software like Photoshop and Lightroom and this is all viewed on twin 30 inch colour calibrated reference monitors.
All images are then Catalogued and referenced using IMatch allowing quick and comprehensive searching.
Lots of back-ups are then made.... you do back-up your own work, don't you?
But all the work and cost of capturing the sharpest, colour corrected images would fall at the final hurdle if the quality of the prints wasn't to the same standards.
This is why all prints up to the A2 SIZED MONTAGES are individually hand-printed by me in my studio on an Epson Stylus Pro 4900 Professional Large Format Printer using the latest 11-Colour Ultrachrome HDR Pigment Inks. This offers me total quality control of the final output.
This printer is regarded as setting new standards in colour precision offering one of the widest colour gamuts on the market and exceptional longevity of prints.
So be assured that when you order a print from TALLPICTURES every effort has been made to make it as good as it can get :-)
Details of the various print options can be found by clicking this link:
VIEW DETAILS OF THE PRINT OPTIONS
Green Lions are Kings of Footes Lane...
15th April 2013
Today the Guernsey FC Green Lions showed that they will fight till the end as they achieved a win over Raynes Park Vale in the last minutes of a very competitive game.
The lead was swapped during the game as each team pressed forward but in the end it was the Guernsey sides persistence that paid off when they forced an own goal right on the full time whistle which gave them a 4 - 3 win.
Local legend Matt 'Le God' Tissier was in attendance and warmed up on the pitch before the game but didn't sit on the bench on this occasion. Matt's appearance in the Green Lions kit hasn't been ruled out for some time in the season.
Perhaps the only disappointment was the cancellation of another game when the fixture against Farnham Town had to be postponed on Saturday due to the waterlogged pitch. Whilst this gave the players a days rest they will now have to find a space in their already packed backlog of games.
But that concern is for another day. Today the Green Lions can relax and enjoy a great win.
I have added a Gallery of pics featuring some of the action:
VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY FC v RAYNES PARK VALE
15th April 2013
In: Sports News
Today the Guernsey FC Green Lions showed that they will fight till the end as they achieved a win over Raynes Park Vale in the last minutes of a very competitive game.
The lead was swapped during the game as each team pressed forward but in the end it was the Guernsey sides persistence that paid off when they forced an own goal right on the full time whistle which gave them a 4 - 3 win.
Local legend Matt 'Le God' Tissier was in attendance and warmed up on the pitch before the game but didn't sit on the bench on this occasion. Matt's appearance in the Green Lions kit hasn't been ruled out for some time in the season.
Perhaps the only disappointment was the cancellation of another game when the fixture against Farnham Town had to be postponed on Saturday due to the waterlogged pitch. Whilst this gave the players a days rest they will now have to find a space in their already packed backlog of games.
But that concern is for another day. Today the Green Lions can relax and enjoy a great win.
I have added a Gallery of pics featuring some of the action:
VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY FC v RAYNES PARK VALE
The Green Lions roar....
13th April 2013
Guernsey FC's Green Lions created an impressive 4-1 win over visiting Horley Town when they played the first of three home games which make up a very busy weekend.
There has been a lot of media talk about the possible appearance at some point during the weekend of Matt Le Tissier in the Guernsey FC squad but this shouldn't overshadow another strong performance by the hard-working Green Lions.
We know that the unfortunate back-log of games will put great pressure on the squad as they try to climb to to the top of their league. Every motivation and help to keep the spirits and energy levels high will be harnessed and maybe a couple of appearances by 'Le God' on his home turf will just help The Lions pull it off!
Keep up the good work guys... the Island is behind you :-)
I have a few pics from the Guernsey FC v Horley Town game online:
VIEW GURNSEY FC v HORLEY TOWN
13th April 2013
In: Sports News
Guernsey FC's Green Lions created an impressive 4-1 win over visiting Horley Town when they played the first of three home games which make up a very busy weekend.
There has been a lot of media talk about the possible appearance at some point during the weekend of Matt Le Tissier in the Guernsey FC squad but this shouldn't overshadow another strong performance by the hard-working Green Lions.
We know that the unfortunate back-log of games will put great pressure on the squad as they try to climb to to the top of their league. Every motivation and help to keep the spirits and energy levels high will be harnessed and maybe a couple of appearances by 'Le God' on his home turf will just help The Lions pull it off!
Keep up the good work guys... the Island is behind you :-)
I have a few pics from the Guernsey FC v Horley Town game online:
VIEW GURNSEY FC v HORLEY TOWN
Sarnia Rescue prepare for the unexpected...
12th March 2013
Guernsey Motorsport competitors (and their partners at home) can be reassured that the local rescue unit has been putting in the hours to prepare for the new seasons Hill Climbs and Sprints.
Sarnia Rescue have just completed a well organised and realistic practice of their skills whilst giving Paul Le Pelley's once immaculate red and white Mini a last 'swan-song'.
Paul was kind enough to donate the Mini after he wrote it off at last years GK&MC Alderney Sprint. Thankfully Tim was OK after this big crash - but the Mini faired less well.
The donation of the Mini body to Sarnia Rescue offered the chance to practice the safe removal of an injured driver from a proper racing car... one that was fitted with full race seat, harness and roll cage.
Steve Marquis called on his previous experience as an airport fireman to set up a very authentic exercise that included an engine fire and a Marshal who had collapsed whilst running to the incident.
I was on the scene to 'get in the way' whilst photographing the team. I also captured a video from an overhead camera so the crew could analyse the whole procedure in a de-brief.
I have to say that I was very impressed by the professional performance of Sarnia Rescue. The extrication of the driver was very challenging and required great team work and the use of several bits of specialist kit.
It should be reassuring to all racers that this well trained unit and their rescue equipment are just seconds away from any type of incident you might have.
Remember to say a thank-you to the guys and gals next time you see them attending a race meeting. Whilst you have been re-building your kit through the winter months they have been putting in the hours fine tuning their rescue skills... oh, and remember that none of you can race without Marshals and Medics attending every meeting.
I have added a small selection of pics to the Marshals Gallery if you want to see how useful Tims old Mini was and what a fitting 'Motor Sport end' came to a once stunning race car:
VIEW A FEW PICS OF THE SARNIA RESCUE TRAINING EXERCISE
12th March 2013
Guernsey Motorsport competitors (and their partners at home) can be reassured that the local rescue unit has been putting in the hours to prepare for the new seasons Hill Climbs and Sprints.
Sarnia Rescue have just completed a well organised and realistic practice of their skills whilst giving Paul Le Pelley's once immaculate red and white Mini a last 'swan-song'.
Paul was kind enough to donate the Mini after he wrote it off at last years GK&MC Alderney Sprint. Thankfully Tim was OK after this big crash - but the Mini faired less well.
The donation of the Mini body to Sarnia Rescue offered the chance to practice the safe removal of an injured driver from a proper racing car... one that was fitted with full race seat, harness and roll cage.
Steve Marquis called on his previous experience as an airport fireman to set up a very authentic exercise that included an engine fire and a Marshal who had collapsed whilst running to the incident.
I was on the scene to 'get in the way' whilst photographing the team. I also captured a video from an overhead camera so the crew could analyse the whole procedure in a de-brief.
I have to say that I was very impressed by the professional performance of Sarnia Rescue. The extrication of the driver was very challenging and required great team work and the use of several bits of specialist kit.
It should be reassuring to all racers that this well trained unit and their rescue equipment are just seconds away from any type of incident you might have.
Remember to say a thank-you to the guys and gals next time you see them attending a race meeting. Whilst you have been re-building your kit through the winter months they have been putting in the hours fine tuning their rescue skills... oh, and remember that none of you can race without Marshals and Medics attending every meeting.
I have added a small selection of pics to the Marshals Gallery if you want to see how useful Tims old Mini was and what a fitting 'Motor Sport end' came to a once stunning race car:
VIEW A FEW PICS OF THE SARNIA RESCUE TRAINING EXERCISE
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells.......
07th December 2012
Who am I trying to kid! I've got a long way to go yet before I get in the Christmas mood :-)
I guess many of you are having the usual problem (like me) of thinking about what presents to give.
Well you have come to the right place.... read on.
A new option to present favourite pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....
I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!
However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(
The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!
After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.
I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.
Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.
There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.
The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.
The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS
I am dealing direct with a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.
Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)
When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.
For more information on these and the other products I offer click here:
VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES
So there you are, I've solved your gift problems and if you order in the next 10 days I can still deliver in time for Christmas....
07th December 2012
Who am I trying to kid! I've got a long way to go yet before I get in the Christmas mood :-)
I guess many of you are having the usual problem (like me) of thinking about what presents to give.
Well you have come to the right place.... read on.
A new option to present favourite pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....
I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!
However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(
The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!
After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.
I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.
Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.
There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.
The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.
The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS
I am dealing direct with a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.
Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)
When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.
For more information on these and the other products I offer click here:
VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES
So there you are, I've solved your gift problems and if you order in the next 10 days I can still deliver in time for Christmas....
Let's do a few sums........
09th November 2012
I don't want to loose your attention this early in a Blog.... but I'd like to suggest we do a few 'sums'. So get the calculator ready!
Many of you buy a few of your favourite pics from me and thanks for that :-) What you do with them isn't really my business but I would love to think they took pride of place somewhere - even if it is on the Loo wall!
My guess is that many prints end up in a draw, creased and damaged. This shouldn't really bother me.
After all I've taken your money by then ;-)
But of course if you decide that money spent on a print is money wasted..... then that is a SERIOUS problem to me. You might not buy another print - EVER!
So time to get the calculator out. What if you bought 5 x A4 sized prints at £8 each. Total = £40.
This is no problem if the pics are kept in an Album, but it's too much to chuck in a draw.
Now for my 'hard sell'. Remember I was a retailer in a previous life!
Why don't you consider having a MONTAGE custom designed. The most popular format is using 5 pictures. Have you made the link yet? What you will get is an impressive and unique picture that will deserve a place on display.... it would even brighten up the Loo if that is the only wall space available.
Out with the calculator again... an A2 sized MONTAGE will cost you just £55. That is just fifteen quid more than the prints at the bottom of the draw. BARGAIN is what I say!
Best of all is that I can supply the MONTAGE already framed CHECK THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE.
I buy the FRAMES direct from the manufacturer and pass on the LOW PRICES to encourage sales.
Add a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN FRAME to your order for JUST £35.
Christmas is coming.... I hope I have sown the seed for a few gift ideas....
CHECK OUT THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE
and
HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLE MONTAGES
09th November 2012
I don't want to loose your attention this early in a Blog.... but I'd like to suggest we do a few 'sums'. So get the calculator ready!
Many of you buy a few of your favourite pics from me and thanks for that :-) What you do with them isn't really my business but I would love to think they took pride of place somewhere - even if it is on the Loo wall!
My guess is that many prints end up in a draw, creased and damaged. This shouldn't really bother me.
After all I've taken your money by then ;-)
But of course if you decide that money spent on a print is money wasted..... then that is a SERIOUS problem to me. You might not buy another print - EVER!
So time to get the calculator out. What if you bought 5 x A4 sized prints at £8 each. Total = £40.
This is no problem if the pics are kept in an Album, but it's too much to chuck in a draw.
Now for my 'hard sell'. Remember I was a retailer in a previous life!
Why don't you consider having a MONTAGE custom designed. The most popular format is using 5 pictures. Have you made the link yet? What you will get is an impressive and unique picture that will deserve a place on display.... it would even brighten up the Loo if that is the only wall space available.
Out with the calculator again... an A2 sized MONTAGE will cost you just £55. That is just fifteen quid more than the prints at the bottom of the draw. BARGAIN is what I say!
Best of all is that I can supply the MONTAGE already framed CHECK THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE.
I buy the FRAMES direct from the manufacturer and pass on the LOW PRICES to encourage sales.
Add a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN FRAME to your order for JUST £35.
Christmas is coming.... I hope I have sown the seed for a few gift ideas....
CHECK OUT THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE
and
HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLE MONTAGES
Sorry, Hurricane Sandy was to blame......
31st October 2012
My Website has suffered from the exceptional weather conditions in New York.... Small world isn't it!!!
The Main Servers for this Website are based right in the path of Hurricane Sandy. This has resulted in recurring power cuts and the drop of service. If you have attempted to view the Galleries during the last couple of days you might have found that you couldn't get a response.
I have just been informed that the services are now back to normal (perhaps still be a bit slow) but all the options, including the purchase of prints should now be working.
This is the first time my Website provider has dropped the service... and I think I will forgive them this time due to circumstances outside of their control ;-)
By the way, nice to see you back again!!! Check-out the news items below to see the latest updates.
31st October 2012
My Website has suffered from the exceptional weather conditions in New York.... Small world isn't it!!!
The Main Servers for this Website are based right in the path of Hurricane Sandy. This has resulted in recurring power cuts and the drop of service. If you have attempted to view the Galleries during the last couple of days you might have found that you couldn't get a response.
I have just been informed that the services are now back to normal (perhaps still be a bit slow) but all the options, including the purchase of prints should now be working.
This is the first time my Website provider has dropped the service... and I think I will forgive them this time due to circumstances outside of their control ;-)
By the way, nice to see you back again!!! Check-out the news items below to see the latest updates.
The BEST way to display & protect your prints..... NEW OPTION OFFERED
23rd October 2012
A new option to display your pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....
I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!
However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(
The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!
After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.
I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.
Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.
There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.
The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.
The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS
I am buying the Frames directly from a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.
Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)
When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.
For more information on these and the other the products I offer click here:
VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES
23rd October 2012
A new option to display your pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....
I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!
However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(
The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!
After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.
I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.
Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.
There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.
The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.
The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS
I am buying the Frames directly from a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.
Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)
When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.
For more information on these and the other the products I offer click here:
VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES
What makes a great photograph?
16th October 2012
What makes a great photograph?
I haven't even started this blog and I know it is a bad idea... a REALLY bad idea.
There will never be a definitive answer to the question! But this is as I see it.
Of course there are many different (and memorable) styles of photography. When you combine this with an infinite amount of photographic subjects every person will have their own idea of what makes a 'GREAT PHOTOGRAPH'.
The only thing I can offer is my own point of view, and of course this is very personal. Inevitably I am going to be influenced by the choice of subject that I like to capture.
I'll say right at the start of this ramble that, even if I was backed into a corner under threat of serious pain, I still couldn't find a single picture of my own that I would offer as 'something really special'. The bar has been set very high by the truly great photographers.
However, this doesn't prevent me - nor should it prevent any of you - from trying to record the special moments that you enjoy.
This blog was inspired after I began sorting through a few old galleries. This made me consider what makes a successful shoot, or at least a shoot that achieved the result I was hoping for.
Much of my work as a professional photographer isn't about capturing a single great shot. My assignments often cover Events, Gigs, Sports and Commercial shoots that have to be recorded over a period of time. I am expected to capture the atmosphere, the special moments, the climax. My pictures are often seen as a collection and should give the viewer a true and descriptive presentation of a performance or occasion.
The challenge is to give the viewer memorable images of an experience they had been part of, or to show another person what they have missed.
You will see that I shoot a lot of gigs. These are a good example of how I approach my work. I will try to record a Bands stage performance in such a way that flicking through a Gallery the viewer should have a better understanding of the 'essence' of a Band's act.
But as I have already said, GREAT pictures don't come along too often. In fact if you are still waiting for me to tell you what makes a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH. Sorry, I can't!
You didn't think I was that talented, did you?
If I do discover the formula for guaranteed success I will bottle it.... I'll make a fortune ;-)
What I do know is that by putting in the time and effort and by being very 'self critical', slowly it is possible to develop your skills and your eye for a good pic. I try to practice what I preach and continue in the the pursuit of that illusive GREAT PHOTOGRAPH :-)
I offer a Gallery of pictures that you might like to take a look at.... but don't expect to see any GREAT pics yet. I'm still working on that!
The Gallery features a Band that I really enjoy. Elmer Henley are energetic and good to photograph.
If you take away a 'feel' for their stage performance after scrolling quickly though the pics I will consider the job 'well done'.
Follow my lead, grab your camera and start on the path to capturing better images... maybe even a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH one day!
TAKE A LOOK, DO YOU GET A FEEL FOR THIS BANDS PERFORMANCE?
16th October 2012
What makes a great photograph?
I haven't even started this blog and I know it is a bad idea... a REALLY bad idea.
There will never be a definitive answer to the question! But this is as I see it.
Of course there are many different (and memorable) styles of photography. When you combine this with an infinite amount of photographic subjects every person will have their own idea of what makes a 'GREAT PHOTOGRAPH'.
The only thing I can offer is my own point of view, and of course this is very personal. Inevitably I am going to be influenced by the choice of subject that I like to capture.
I'll say right at the start of this ramble that, even if I was backed into a corner under threat of serious pain, I still couldn't find a single picture of my own that I would offer as 'something really special'. The bar has been set very high by the truly great photographers.
However, this doesn't prevent me - nor should it prevent any of you - from trying to record the special moments that you enjoy.
This blog was inspired after I began sorting through a few old galleries. This made me consider what makes a successful shoot, or at least a shoot that achieved the result I was hoping for.
Much of my work as a professional photographer isn't about capturing a single great shot. My assignments often cover Events, Gigs, Sports and Commercial shoots that have to be recorded over a period of time. I am expected to capture the atmosphere, the special moments, the climax. My pictures are often seen as a collection and should give the viewer a true and descriptive presentation of a performance or occasion.
The challenge is to give the viewer memorable images of an experience they had been part of, or to show another person what they have missed.
You will see that I shoot a lot of gigs. These are a good example of how I approach my work. I will try to record a Bands stage performance in such a way that flicking through a Gallery the viewer should have a better understanding of the 'essence' of a Band's act.
But as I have already said, GREAT pictures don't come along too often. In fact if you are still waiting for me to tell you what makes a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH. Sorry, I can't!
You didn't think I was that talented, did you?
If I do discover the formula for guaranteed success I will bottle it.... I'll make a fortune ;-)
What I do know is that by putting in the time and effort and by being very 'self critical', slowly it is possible to develop your skills and your eye for a good pic. I try to practice what I preach and continue in the the pursuit of that illusive GREAT PHOTOGRAPH :-)
I offer a Gallery of pictures that you might like to take a look at.... but don't expect to see any GREAT pics yet. I'm still working on that!
The Gallery features a Band that I really enjoy. Elmer Henley are energetic and good to photograph.
If you take away a 'feel' for their stage performance after scrolling quickly though the pics I will consider the job 'well done'.
Follow my lead, grab your camera and start on the path to capturing better images... maybe even a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH one day!
TAKE A LOOK, DO YOU GET A FEEL FOR THIS BANDS PERFORMANCE?
3,000.000 viewings in under 2 years...... 'WOW'
14th October 2012
I'm not too great on superlatives it seems!
A 'three letter' 'WOW' seems a bit weak for the latest statistic showing viewings on this Web-site.
But there you have it. That was the first word I uttered when the counter passed THREE MILLION VIEWINGS!
Previous landmarks were also special to me. The FIRST MILLION was passed literaly on the Anniversary of the first year online. I was astounded by that coincidence.
TWO MILLION VIEWINGS showed up in May this year. This started me wondering if 3,000,000 viewings could be reached before the first two years online..... and we have just made it with nine days to go :-)
I'd like to thank all of you for the continued - and growing - interest in my work. I feel very lucky to call photography my 'proper job'. I speak to so many talented and enthusiastic photographers who would love to change places (and camera kit!) with me.
So passing the 3,000,000 viewings deserves to be analysed a little. This breaks down to 2,000,000 in the last 51 weeks.
Google Analytics shows that the vast majority of viewings are from European Countries/Time Zones.
With most of the viewings being made during 18 of the 24 hours available we can do some sums!
18 Hours x 60 Mins = 1,080 Mins a Day
1,080 Mins x 7 Days = 7,560 Mins a Week
7,560 x 51 Weeks = 385,560 Mins of viewing time to go from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000
So now a simple division reveals the average number of viewings that occurred every minute for every hour for the last 51 weeks....
2,000,000 divided by 385,560 = 5.18
The resulting number (as if you are really going to be as interested as me :-) shows this:
EVERY MINUTE FOR THE LAST 51 WEEKS (on average) FIVE PICTURES WERE VIEWED.
Meaning EVERY TWELVE SECONDS A PICTURE IS VIEWED.... and of course peak viewing would be much higher as this is just an average. WOW! ...... here I go again :-)
Looking ahead I have much more modest ambitions. I really can't see any possibility of improving on 2,000,000 annual viewings so I will consider that doing the same again as a job well done :-)
If you find a few minutes now and then to pop along here to check-out the latest updates I will be a happy man.
Thanks
Andrew
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION
14th October 2012
I'm not too great on superlatives it seems!
A 'three letter' 'WOW' seems a bit weak for the latest statistic showing viewings on this Web-site.
But there you have it. That was the first word I uttered when the counter passed THREE MILLION VIEWINGS!
Previous landmarks were also special to me. The FIRST MILLION was passed literaly on the Anniversary of the first year online. I was astounded by that coincidence.
TWO MILLION VIEWINGS showed up in May this year. This started me wondering if 3,000,000 viewings could be reached before the first two years online..... and we have just made it with nine days to go :-)
I'd like to thank all of you for the continued - and growing - interest in my work. I feel very lucky to call photography my 'proper job'. I speak to so many talented and enthusiastic photographers who would love to change places (and camera kit!) with me.
So passing the 3,000,000 viewings deserves to be analysed a little. This breaks down to 2,000,000 in the last 51 weeks.
Google Analytics shows that the vast majority of viewings are from European Countries/Time Zones.
With most of the viewings being made during 18 of the 24 hours available we can do some sums!
18 Hours x 60 Mins = 1,080 Mins a Day
1,080 Mins x 7 Days = 7,560 Mins a Week
7,560 x 51 Weeks = 385,560 Mins of viewing time to go from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000
So now a simple division reveals the average number of viewings that occurred every minute for every hour for the last 51 weeks....
2,000,000 divided by 385,560 = 5.18
The resulting number (as if you are really going to be as interested as me :-) shows this:
EVERY MINUTE FOR THE LAST 51 WEEKS (on average) FIVE PICTURES WERE VIEWED.
Meaning EVERY TWELVE SECONDS A PICTURE IS VIEWED.... and of course peak viewing would be much higher as this is just an average. WOW! ...... here I go again :-)
Looking ahead I have much more modest ambitions. I really can't see any possibility of improving on 2,000,000 annual viewings so I will consider that doing the same again as a job well done :-)
If you find a few minutes now and then to pop along here to check-out the latest updates I will be a happy man.
Thanks
Andrew
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION
Web Site viewings pass TWO AND A HALF MILLION.....!
02nd August 2012
The viewing counter has clicked past the 2.5 MILLION mark for this web site.
I was astonished when we passed 1 MILLION views almost exactly on the day of the first Anniversary :)
The new mark arrives with more than four months to go before the second Anniversary. My target has to be the 3 MILLION MARK after just 2 YEARS, fingers crossed!
Thanks to all the regulars who like to follow the Gallery updates. Thanks also if this is your first ever visit. Come again soon :)
Here are a couple of tips that might help your enjoyment when returning to the web site again. There are now more than 40,000 pics in the Galleries!!! This can make it difficult to find one that you liked on the last visit.
If you have a few favourite pictures this may help....
I am constantly trying to improve the viewing experience on this web site and always welcome any comments.
Here is my E-mail:
E-MAIL ANDREW LE POIDEVIN
02nd August 2012
The viewing counter has clicked past the 2.5 MILLION mark for this web site.
I was astonished when we passed 1 MILLION views almost exactly on the day of the first Anniversary :)
The new mark arrives with more than four months to go before the second Anniversary. My target has to be the 3 MILLION MARK after just 2 YEARS, fingers crossed!
Thanks to all the regulars who like to follow the Gallery updates. Thanks also if this is your first ever visit. Come again soon :)
Here are a couple of tips that might help your enjoyment when returning to the web site again. There are now more than 40,000 pics in the Galleries!!! This can make it difficult to find one that you liked on the last visit.
If you have a few favourite pictures this may help....
- You can use the Shopping Cart as a way to remember your favourites.
Click the 'BUY NOW' button beneath any picture. It will be added to the Cart which then appears at the top of the page and will be remembered for your next visit.
This doesn't commit you to buy the picture... it just helps you to find it again. You might even be tempted to buy it in the future :)
- You can also share a link to your favourite pictures by clicking the Facebook icon below each one. Other links are also available.
- There is also an option to E-mail a link to any picture. Click the E-mail icon and send this to a friend... or even yourself!
- You can also try using the SEARCH button on the left. Type in a word or two and see what you find!
- When viewing a Gallery use the ARROW KEYS to move to the next picture.
- Have you tried the SLIDESHOW option at the top of the 'Thumbnail View' to view all the pictures in a Gallery. You need Adobe Flash Player installed on your system for this to work.
I am constantly trying to improve the viewing experience on this web site and always welcome any comments.
Here is my E-mail:
E-MAIL ANDREW LE POIDEVIN
Race 6 of the Power Boat Championship....
27th July 2012
The Guernsey Power Boat Association held Race-6 of their 2012 Championship last weekend. This is the first race I have covered since Race-2.
I missed a couple due to the weather.... I did try, but was only rewarded by getting soaked whilst bobbing about in a small rib whilst waiting for a race start - which was then cancelled!
Then Race-5 conflicted with the Guernsey Rounds of the MSA National Hill Climb Championship.
But, if you stick with something, you should get the rewards - eventually!
So I had no conscience when last Sunday morning was gloriously hot and sunny and I was offered a ride out unto the Little Russel to photograph Race-6.
Once again there was a good entry for this race. I have also heard strong rumours about a few more boats coming to the line in the future.
The mornings work is now online. I'm reasonably pleased with the pictures. However, whilst very grateful for the offer of a boat to shoot from, sometimes it can compromise the photography. My transport was a race control/marshal so had responsibilities for safety as a priority of course. This restricted our options to move.
I think I will have to buy my own boat so I can position the direction of shooting.... and of course you can never be close enough! I had better have a word with the accountant, me thinks :)
Power Boat pics can be viewed here:
PICTURES OF RACE-6 OF THE POWER BOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
27th July 2012
The Guernsey Power Boat Association held Race-6 of their 2012 Championship last weekend. This is the first race I have covered since Race-2.
I missed a couple due to the weather.... I did try, but was only rewarded by getting soaked whilst bobbing about in a small rib whilst waiting for a race start - which was then cancelled!
Then Race-5 conflicted with the Guernsey Rounds of the MSA National Hill Climb Championship.
But, if you stick with something, you should get the rewards - eventually!
So I had no conscience when last Sunday morning was gloriously hot and sunny and I was offered a ride out unto the Little Russel to photograph Race-6.
Once again there was a good entry for this race. I have also heard strong rumours about a few more boats coming to the line in the future.
The mornings work is now online. I'm reasonably pleased with the pictures. However, whilst very grateful for the offer of a boat to shoot from, sometimes it can compromise the photography. My transport was a race control/marshal so had responsibilities for safety as a priority of course. This restricted our options to move.
I think I will have to buy my own boat so I can position the direction of shooting.... and of course you can never be close enough! I had better have a word with the accountant, me thinks :)
Power Boat pics can be viewed here:
PICTURES OF RACE-6 OF THE POWER BOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
Guernsey's first Lock-in Cage Fighting...... it was MASSIVE!
08th July 2012
The Guernsey Full Boar Motorcycle Club should be given great praise for organising such a big event so well - no small feat!
This was the first Lock-in Cage Fighting evening in Guernsey. When the idea was first hatched it was going to be quite a small affair. As time passed the plans grew bigger and the end result was a sell-out with a very satisfied crowd of over 800 at Beau Sejour.
The planning had been immaculate and this paid off with a night that the many visiting fighters and officials rated as one of the best they had ever attended! Truly great praise.
I was ring-side and photographed all the Bouts and am now a convert to this sport:-)
I was left in no doubt (whilst standing at the top of a fifteen foot high ladder hanging my camera over the top of the cage) that this is one of the toughest arenas that you can step into.
Well done to all the fighters. Winner or loser... you all put on a brave and entertaining show.
I have started to add pictures to my Galleries. All Bouts will follow....
Check-out the first pics here:
VIEW THE FIRST PICTURES OF THE LOCK-IN CAGE FIGHTING
08th July 2012
In: Events News, Sports News
The Guernsey Full Boar Motorcycle Club should be given great praise for organising such a big event so well - no small feat!
This was the first Lock-in Cage Fighting evening in Guernsey. When the idea was first hatched it was going to be quite a small affair. As time passed the plans grew bigger and the end result was a sell-out with a very satisfied crowd of over 800 at Beau Sejour.
The planning had been immaculate and this paid off with a night that the many visiting fighters and officials rated as one of the best they had ever attended! Truly great praise.
I was ring-side and photographed all the Bouts and am now a convert to this sport:-)
I was left in no doubt (whilst standing at the top of a fifteen foot high ladder hanging my camera over the top of the cage) that this is one of the toughest arenas that you can step into.
Well done to all the fighters. Winner or loser... you all put on a brave and entertaining show.
I have started to add pictures to my Galleries. All Bouts will follow....
Check-out the first pics here:
VIEW THE FIRST PICTURES OF THE LOCK-IN CAGE FIGHTING
I have found a new type of action to photograph..... but am I man enough?
06th July 2012
It is simply a coincidence that for two weekends following I will be photographing different (and violent) action sports.
These sports are for real men!
I guess that for many of you (just like me) your experience of Boxing or any form of fighting and Martial Arts has been via the TV. How very comfortable :-)
Only in the live environment do you get a true experience of the energy and power that these athletes exert during a fight. When you have access to the ring-side to take pics you are left in no doubt that it takes a brave man to step forward into the ring.
I'm fortunate to be asked to photograph many different events and the special access enables me to capture some of the dynamics of each sport. I'm there to do a job and these new challenges are what keeps my interest in photography alive.
As you will see from this Blog, last weekend it was the Amalgamated Boys Club Open Air Boxing. This weekend it will be the Full Boar Motorcycle Club's Lock-in Cage Fighting at Beau Sejour. The event is sold out with 800 eager followers wanting to experience the first Cage Fight promoted on Guernsey.
I will be ring-side taking pics of the action. The new challenges of shooting through a wire mesh and standing at the top of a 15 foot ladder leaning against the shaking cage are exactly the things that keep my photography exciting!
Never a boring moment, eh?
Check back next week to see how I managed.
06th July 2012
In: Events News, Sports News
It is simply a coincidence that for two weekends following I will be photographing different (and violent) action sports.
These sports are for real men!
I guess that for many of you (just like me) your experience of Boxing or any form of fighting and Martial Arts has been via the TV. How very comfortable :-)
Only in the live environment do you get a true experience of the energy and power that these athletes exert during a fight. When you have access to the ring-side to take pics you are left in no doubt that it takes a brave man to step forward into the ring.
I'm fortunate to be asked to photograph many different events and the special access enables me to capture some of the dynamics of each sport. I'm there to do a job and these new challenges are what keeps my interest in photography alive.
As you will see from this Blog, last weekend it was the Amalgamated Boys Club Open Air Boxing. This weekend it will be the Full Boar Motorcycle Club's Lock-in Cage Fighting at Beau Sejour. The event is sold out with 800 eager followers wanting to experience the first Cage Fight promoted on Guernsey.
I will be ring-side taking pics of the action. The new challenges of shooting through a wire mesh and standing at the top of a 15 foot ladder leaning against the shaking cage are exactly the things that keep my photography exciting!
Never a boring moment, eh?
Check back next week to see how I managed.
Boxing, about as tough as it gets............?
03rd July 2012
Now, I am not going to claim that my job is as tough as it must be to spend several rounds giving and receiving a bruising inside the ring!
But, when it comes to photography, my latest assignment was the most challenging I have done in a long time.
I was shooting the Amalgamated Boys Club Open Air Boxing - Guernsey Select v Manchester Select - at The Track.
Any photographer reading this blog will know that we simply record light!
Ok, we use various camera settings to make the best of what we see before us and we use our skills to compose and time the capture of any action. But we are still ruled by the quality of the light.
So it was with disappointment that I saw what I had to work with at the Open Air Boxing.
The ring had four yellow/orange toned lights (Sodium I think) high in the corners. There was also an element of natural light which was a completely different colour - changing from warm tones to cool as the night progressed. Having to shoot from a low level so I didn't obstruct the paying spectators meant shooting up into the lights most of the time!
The overall level of light was also quite low making capturing a sharp action pic that much more difficult.
There you have it. A challenge to say the least! I also found that no two pictures (even fractions of a second between them) recorded the same levels/colours.
The bottom line is that I have had MUCH more work to prepare my final pics than I would like. However there is a sense of satisfaction when I achieve reasonable results in such hard conditions. I could certainly do a better job with many of the pics if I spent even more time on them - but how long do you go on?
If anyone buys a picture I will do the final optimisation then.
This blog picture gives some idea of a before and after.... and this particular picture certainly wasn't the worst to start with!
A new Gallery of Boxing pics has been added here:
VIEW THE GUERNSEY SELECT v MANCHESTER SELECT BOXING PICTURES
03rd July 2012
In: Events News, Sports News
Now, I am not going to claim that my job is as tough as it must be to spend several rounds giving and receiving a bruising inside the ring!
But, when it comes to photography, my latest assignment was the most challenging I have done in a long time.
I was shooting the Amalgamated Boys Club Open Air Boxing - Guernsey Select v Manchester Select - at The Track.
Any photographer reading this blog will know that we simply record light!
Ok, we use various camera settings to make the best of what we see before us and we use our skills to compose and time the capture of any action. But we are still ruled by the quality of the light.
So it was with disappointment that I saw what I had to work with at the Open Air Boxing.
The ring had four yellow/orange toned lights (Sodium I think) high in the corners. There was also an element of natural light which was a completely different colour - changing from warm tones to cool as the night progressed. Having to shoot from a low level so I didn't obstruct the paying spectators meant shooting up into the lights most of the time!
The overall level of light was also quite low making capturing a sharp action pic that much more difficult.
There you have it. A challenge to say the least! I also found that no two pictures (even fractions of a second between them) recorded the same levels/colours.
The bottom line is that I have had MUCH more work to prepare my final pics than I would like. However there is a sense of satisfaction when I achieve reasonable results in such hard conditions. I could certainly do a better job with many of the pics if I spent even more time on them - but how long do you go on?
If anyone buys a picture I will do the final optimisation then.
This blog picture gives some idea of a before and after.... and this particular picture certainly wasn't the worst to start with!
A new Gallery of Boxing pics has been added here:
VIEW THE GUERNSEY SELECT v MANCHESTER SELECT BOXING PICTURES
To quote Stuart Butler....... "Thank you & Oh, what fun"
02nd July 2012
Event organiser Stuart Butler headlined his post-event e-mail to all the racers and helpers with the line quoted above.
Now the 'fun' part can be applied to both the drivers and spectators!
I was amazed at the reactions from the many spectators. I was rather expecting the general level of excitement to be somewhat lower than that of a 'proper' Hill Climb.
But no, the assorted mix of vehicles together with the 'show-boating' by JJ Gallagher and the many burn-outs (including the biggest I can remember on the hill by Zef Eisenberg) kept the crowd entertained!
There was also a queue for the passenger rides in a real race car.
First reports reckon on topping £30,000 raised for the chosen Charities of Headway Guernsey and The Lions Club.
This amounts to a job well done. My guess is that it will be more of the same in twelve months time.
My picture galleries are now complete. Please take a look and press the 'FACEBOOK LIKE' button if you want to add a link to your picture.
All pictures can be purchased by pressing 'BUY NOW' beneath any pic and you will be shown the options.
25% of any sales is donated to the chosen Charities.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROFESSIONAL PICS OF THE HERITAGE HILL CLIMB
02nd July 2012
Event organiser Stuart Butler headlined his post-event e-mail to all the racers and helpers with the line quoted above.
Now the 'fun' part can be applied to both the drivers and spectators!
I was amazed at the reactions from the many spectators. I was rather expecting the general level of excitement to be somewhat lower than that of a 'proper' Hill Climb.
But no, the assorted mix of vehicles together with the 'show-boating' by JJ Gallagher and the many burn-outs (including the biggest I can remember on the hill by Zef Eisenberg) kept the crowd entertained!
There was also a queue for the passenger rides in a real race car.
First reports reckon on topping £30,000 raised for the chosen Charities of Headway Guernsey and The Lions Club.
This amounts to a job well done. My guess is that it will be more of the same in twelve months time.
My picture galleries are now complete. Please take a look and press the 'FACEBOOK LIKE' button if you want to add a link to your picture.
All pictures can be purchased by pressing 'BUY NOW' beneath any pic and you will be shown the options.
25% of any sales is donated to the chosen Charities.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROFESSIONAL PICS OF THE HERITAGE HILL CLIMB
25% of all Charity Hill Climb Picture Sales donated....
01st July 2012
*************** HERITAGE CHARITY HILL CLIMB PICTURE GALLERIES ***************
*********** 25% OF ALL PICTURE SALES DONATED TO SELECTED CHARITIES ***********
........A copy of the e-mail I sent to Stuart Butler and all the organising helpers - and of course the guy & girl racers!
Hi Stuart
Wow, that was a great success. You even arranged the weather!
The 'buzz' in the pits was fantastic and I think you now have another annual event on your hands.
I really enjoyed watching the racing from various corners on the hill and think I have quite a nice set of pics of each racer.
I will be adding a picture gallery to my web-site later today and would like to give 25% of any picture sales to the Heritage Charity Hill Climb's selected Charities. Hopefully this will raise a few more £'s as in the previous two years Charity Sprints.
The Galleries will have a link from this page:
VIEW THE HERITAGE CHARITY HILL CLIMB GALLERIES HERE LATER TODAY
Well done for organising such a successful day with great support from the local Motor Sport Clubs.
Kind regards,
Andrew Le Poidevin
MSA Accredited Motor Sport Photographer
07781 144525
01st July 2012
*************** HERITAGE CHARITY HILL CLIMB PICTURE GALLERIES ***************
*********** 25% OF ALL PICTURE SALES DONATED TO SELECTED CHARITIES ***********
........A copy of the e-mail I sent to Stuart Butler and all the organising helpers - and of course the guy & girl racers!
Hi Stuart
Wow, that was a great success. You even arranged the weather!
The 'buzz' in the pits was fantastic and I think you now have another annual event on your hands.
I really enjoyed watching the racing from various corners on the hill and think I have quite a nice set of pics of each racer.
I will be adding a picture gallery to my web-site later today and would like to give 25% of any picture sales to the Heritage Charity Hill Climb's selected Charities. Hopefully this will raise a few more £'s as in the previous two years Charity Sprints.
The Galleries will have a link from this page:
VIEW THE HERITAGE CHARITY HILL CLIMB GALLERIES HERE LATER TODAY
Well done for organising such a successful day with great support from the local Motor Sport Clubs.
Kind regards,
Andrew Le Poidevin
MSA Accredited Motor Sport Photographer
07781 144525
Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championships....
25th June 2012
Congratulations go to Danny Warwick after he won the ACU Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championship on the beach at Vazon Bay, Guernsey.
There was a good sized and high quality field of Solo riders out on the track. The racing was action packed and competitive and a large crowd of spectators lined the walls to enjoy their motor sport.
Supporting the 500cc Sliders were two heats of 1000cc Sidecars. There was an excited buzz around the track each time these guys raced.... they were fast and spectacular!
I have just added a few pics as a 'taster' to my Galleries. Full coverage will follow.
I have had an incredibly busy weekend as I was also official photographer for the Guernsey Music Festival.
This was another massive success. Guernsey rocked this weekend!!
Pics of the Guernsey Festival will also follow shortly....
VIEW A FEW 'TASTER SHOTS' FROM THE SAND ACE RACING
25th June 2012
Congratulations go to Danny Warwick after he won the ACU Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championship on the beach at Vazon Bay, Guernsey.
There was a good sized and high quality field of Solo riders out on the track. The racing was action packed and competitive and a large crowd of spectators lined the walls to enjoy their motor sport.
Supporting the 500cc Sliders were two heats of 1000cc Sidecars. There was an excited buzz around the track each time these guys raced.... they were fast and spectacular!
I have just added a few pics as a 'taster' to my Galleries. Full coverage will follow.
I have had an incredibly busy weekend as I was also official photographer for the Guernsey Music Festival.
This was another massive success. Guernsey rocked this weekend!!
Pics of the Guernsey Festival will also follow shortly....
VIEW A FEW 'TASTER SHOTS' FROM THE SAND ACE RACING