News / Blog

To-do list:

Get up
Have breakfast
Dress according to the weather... it's raining!
Drive to the Forest
Photograph Round 2 of the GVC Winter XC Series
Drive home
Dry cameras
Hot cup of coffee to warm up
Upload pics to computer
Wash mud off boots
Dry clothes
Another coffee to warm up
Edit MTB XC pics
Upload pics to website
Eat Sunday Roast, very nice
Write this Blog

A Sunday (workday) for a Sports photographer!

The latest pics are online here:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 2 OF THE GVC WINTER XC SERIES

When you commit to follow your favorite team in any sport you leave your emotions open to all the highs and lows that go with being a supporter.

You suffer when they lose, get frustrated when they get a draw and you think they should have won! Then there are the moments of elation when your team achieves a notable win!

This was the case at Footes Lane on Saturday when Guernsey Raiders notched up a deserved win, 34-17, against the visiting Canterbury RFC.

It was great to see an on form Raiders do their thing. We will enjoy that moment and hope the next one is just around the corner!

I captured some of the action and you can view the pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW GUERNSEY RAIDERS v CANTERBURY

Another busy weekend of photography combined with processing a backlog of Christmas orders means less time to 'talk'!

So this is it:

Yesterday's Motocross racing pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS PICS

Two consecutive nights of Sports photography alongside indoor courts highlighted the differences between Netball and Basketball.

If you strip all the rules and details (I know you can't) out of the games of Netball and Basketball then you may convince yourself that if you have developed the technique and timing to photograph one of them then it will be simple to photograph the other.

As I said above, surely the stripped out version of each of these sports leaves us with a similar court with teams throwing a ball around and scoring in a basket... so what could be so different?

But as I photographed both sports on following evenings it highlighted to me that I needed to time my shots differently. Also I needed to follow different aspects of the games.

With Basketball you succeed mostly by following the player with the ball. They will likely attack the defense and contact will be made. There you have the 'peak' action captured.

However as Netball is a non contact sport and players mustn't move with the ball the focus becomes the 'catching' of a pass when a player may leap and stretch or have a pass blocked.

Because Netball isn't played with the same contact I find it much more challenging to get great shots. Also I have photographed Netball a lot less. So maybe I simply have to practice on this sport a bit more?

There are two new Galleries featuring these latest photo-shoots here:
CLICK TO VIEW NETBALL_BLAZE v SPECSAVERS LIGHTNING A
CLICK TO VIEW BASKETBALL_SKIPTON v LE MONT SAINT

Friday night was when the weekend started for many people... but unlike many of you it was the START of the 'working week' for me!

When you are a sports photographer it is the weekend when you get your kit out!

So to kick off my working week(end) I was assigned to photograph the Guernsey Dinner Boxing Club event at St Pierre Park Hotel where Guernsey faced a team billed as St Paul's Hull.

In fact when I looked at the program it showed a couple of the 'locals' on our team were actually our Jersey cousins. It also seemed that - looking at the vest logos - a couple of the St Paul's Hull team were also guest boxers.

Of course this had no effect on the quality of the bouts and several of them were very well matched and very good fights indeed. On the final count the visitors were judged to have more winners... but it was close!

I've been sorting out the edit of all eleven bouts. They can all be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW BOXING - GUERNSEY v ST PAULS HULL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was a return visit to Beau Sejour to photograph a re-match between the Edmondson Electrical Chargers and the Le Mont Saint Storm.

The Division One Basketball game showed how competitive this league is. All Basketball games are fast and physical and great fun to photograph.

However this visit I was limited on time as at half time I had to leave to photograph a football game... in the cold and dark! You don't need to ask where I would prefer to be (stay)!

At the final horn Le Mont Saint took the win, well done guys.

A gallery is now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL CHARGERS v LE MONT SAINT STORM

GFC entered Footes Lane knowing they had to face the side who were six points clear at the top of the Isthmian South Central football league.

But our local team were not phased by this prospect. In fact they seemed to elevate their performance to a higher level. They were eager to start and quickly forged a lead.

Sometimes an early goal can reap trouble later in a game as the opponent finds their rhythm but I have to say that GFC kept themselves strong and ultimately were unlucky to not be rewarded with an elusive home win.

The strong performance was recognized and appreciated by the GFC supporters as the team headed to the changing room. Surely it can't be long before GFC get the win?

I've uploaded a gallery featuring the action:
CLICK TO VIEW GFC v NORTHWOOD

Due to a full diary of events to photograph on Saturday my visit to the Motocross track had to be a short one. This was a shame as it was rather pleasant up on the cliffs at Pleinmont.

So I wasted no time in trying to capture some of the action and I had time to photograph each of the different classes. The edit is now complete and I've added a new Gallery if you want to check out the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS PICS

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

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

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

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

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

So I was back in Beau Sejour crouched in a corner of the Sir John Loveridge Hall trying to keep up with the high speed sport action.

This is becoming my natural habitat!

The occasion was a Guernsey Basketball Woman's League game between Ravenscroft and Praxis Pumas.

There was a benefit in returning so soon after the last game as I could remember the optimal settings for my Nikon cameras!

Indoor sports photography requires a lot more 'tweeking' of the exposure parameters and colour balance compared to working the sideline outdoors on a sunny day. But it is rewarding when it all comes together.

The edit of the women's basketball is now complete and the Gallery can be viewed here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW RAVENSCROFT v PRAXIS PUMAS

The Track has been the home for Kart racing in Guernsey for decades.

It may be constrained and limited from having a football pitch in its center and site boundaries that are all too close to allow scope for extra corners and straights but this doesn't quell the enthusiasm to race!

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Karting section is fairly small but there is always a dedicated bunch who want to go racing and keep the tradition going.

So when I arrived at The Track on Sunday the action had already started with drivers enjoying the bright autumn sun and dry track. It was pretty good for pics too!

I was able to capture the racing in each Class which was, true to form, very close.

Follow this link to view the latest pics:
CLICK TO VIEW RACE 10 OF THE 2022 KART CHAMPIONSHIP

I photographed what is a new sport for me on Sunday.

However I was informed that the first ever running of this event was fifty years ago! Back then I was probably fit enough to take part but nowadays you will only find me on 'the sidelines'... taking pics!

Delancey Park was a very pleasant place to be for Round 3 of the GVC CycleWorld Cyclocross. It was a windy but very mild and sunny morning which put everyone in good spirits. There was no shortage of smiles through the grimace of pain as the many gradients and switches from riding to running sapped energy and rhythm from competitors.

There's a new Gallery featuring the Cyclocross here:
CLICK TO VIEW RACE 3 OF THE CYCLEWORLD CYCLOCROSS

Supporters of the Guernsey Raiders could not believe how close their team got to securing the win at Footes Lane against Sevenoaks.

After a very poor first half performance the Guernsey boys dug deep to pull back the deficit into hold a two point lead. This led to a tense finish but with the play being held deep into the Sevenoaks half and moments left on the clock it looked like the local team were going to be rewarded for the turn around.

But it wasn't to be as Sevenoaks made a break and sneaked a last minute try to equal the score. Thankfully it wasn't converted so both sides shared the points with a draw. Raiders were so close to the win!

My pics of the game are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY RAIDERS v SEVENOAKS

I was back in the Sir John Loveridge Hall at Beau Sejour for more sports photography last night.

The last time I was covering a night of Boxing... in a darkened hall.

This time the lights were up and that always helps a sports photographer!

I was there for a Division One Basketball game between Le Mont Saint and Edmundson Electrical Chargers. The game was very close and tense right to the end with Le Mont Saint taking the win by one point.

I enjoy trying to capture this sport as it really challenges a sports 'tog with its relentless speed and movement around the whole court. Getting a clear unblocked view of the best action needs concentration, timing and a fair amount of luck.

If you want to take a look at my pics click on this link:
CLICK TO VIEW LE MONT SAINT v EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL CHARGERS

Its been half a year since I stood on a Trials section but I was back today.

The length of the break isn't quite how it reads as the sport takes a break during the summer months.

So now we are fully into the autumn period I was able to get back to trying to capture some of the action. And, as if to affirm that winter is on the way, the skies opened and soaked me and my gear!

I was down Petit Bot hill where sections were spread out along the length. Slippery banks, running streams and steep inclines were all included. Oh, and lots of mud.

My pics of the event are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE PETIT BOT TRIALS PICS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: All pics are now online.

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

Supporters of Guernsey Raiders had something to celebrate as the final whistle was blown at Footes Lane on Saturday.

If you are a fan of the Raiders you will be used to the drama and challenges facing our side as they fight for results.

The opposition in the Rugby National League 2 East are proving tough to beat and the demands on our squad come in the form of relentless travel away and keeping fit and free of injury.

Sometimes it must feel like an almost impossible uphill journey.

But then, as in every sport, sometimes you get a reward for all the effort put in and suddenly the future looks a little brighter. Enthusiasm takes a welcome step up and there is a hunger to get into the action again to keep up momentum.

I'm sure that the Raiders dressing room was buzzing after their win against a strong Worthing side at Footes Lane. Supporters and team can't wait for the next outing... bring it on!

Don't you just love the roller-coaster that is Sport!!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW RAIDERS v WORTHING