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I have previously commented that it is great that Sports are returning to their 'normal' fixture lists. The damage done by the Covid lock-down's is being undone. Fantastic!

I was at the Guernsey v Jersey Snooker Inter-Insular at the Gremlin Club and it was a case of normal service is resumed.

As the finals evening of matches was due to start at a time that conflicted with the FA Cup Final - Liverpool v Chelsea I half expected that there would be a delay... and I was right!

Once the football result was decided after penalties the action took to the baize. Sadly it was the Crapo's who took the overall team win.

As it was likely to be a late night I'd already left so I didn't witness the downfall of team Guernsey!

My pics of the event are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SNOOKER INTER-INSULAR

The unusual conditions at Round-1 of the GVC Summer Crit series made for a contrasting gallery of pics.

As we know there has been a lack of rain for weeks and the soil is now parched dry. It was this that meant the large entry for this first MTB Crit of the year lifted a dusty haze along the dirt tracks.

I was quick to identify the photo opportunity and I managed to capture some of the back-lit sections. I was pleased with the results.

But as I moved around the circuit the conditions were quite different. The feature then became the low warm evening light.

So it was unusual to capture a selection of pics that were so different - but very enjoyable.

Follow this link to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND-1 OF THE MTB CRIT

The latest update features pics of the Table Tennis Green Trophy Inter-Insular at Hougue du Pommier.

This event was another of the many that lost a couple of years due to Covid but the Guernsey and Jersey teams were right up to speed when they met for this years competition.

Games took place spread over a couple of days with a tally being kept for the overall winning team.... and Guernsey took the crown!

I popped down for the men's Green Trophy finals and I've added a gallery featuring the action here:
CLICK TOP VIEW THE TABLE TENNIS GREEN TROPHY

Gravity is pretty important for everything on earth and yet we take it for granted.

It can also be a useful tool when you sit on an MTB at the top of a hill.

This natural force of nature was used to good effect by riders taking part in Round 1 of the 2022 GVC MTB Gravity Series at Pleinmont.

I was there capturing some of the action on a very dry and slippery course that caught out many competitors.

But as always there were plenty of smiles and I even overheard one of the junior riders complaining that he wanted another run. Oh to be young again!

My pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 1 OF THE 2022 GRAVITY SERIES

I thought I'd just make a quick update to let those people who have been waiting for the Inter-Insular Volleyball pics know they are online (at least for the Ladies).

Sorry for the delay but I've been a bit stacked with work. However the first Gallery is now online and it features Guernsey Women v Jersey Women... with a win for the Guern's, NICE!

EDIT: The Men's pics are now online too. Click the links to view the latest updates:
CLICK TO VIEW THE WOMENS 2022 VOLLEYBALL INTER-INSULAR
CLICK TO VIEW THE MENS 2022 VOLLEYBALL INTER-INSULAR

What happens when a photographer has too much time on his hands.... well I now know!

The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club organised a two-day Hill Climb at the Val des Terres last weekend and I decided to cover the events. I thought I'd factored in the excess of time by finding other events to cover on each day. The plan was to limit the time at the hill.

It seemed logical that if I only spent two half days capturing the action that (simple maths!) that the time would add up to one day... just like a normal one day event. Simple!

But somehow it didn't work out. Don't ask me to explain as I have no idea why. I ended taking more pics than I planned!

So since they are now 'in the can' it would be a waste not to upload them!

Here they are if you're interested:
CLICK TO VIEW THE MANY TWO-DAY HILLCLIMB PICS

Supported by Guernsey Arts the long established and experienced Elysium played as Pink Floyd to two full houses at Beau Sejour, 27th and 28th May 2022.

The gig was notable for being 'the complete package'. All aspects of a large scale gig were covered with a high quality live performance by Elysium complemented by great sound, lighting and graphics designed by local students.

The result was certainly a memorable highlight of the Guernsey music scene.

This gallery features my pics of the second night....
CLICK TO VIEW ELYSIUM as PINK FLOYD

It always pains me deeply to have to record that Guernsey was beaten by Jersey in any form of sport and competition.

But I'll bite my tongue and add the news that our Under 16's football team went down 3-0 to the Jersey youngsters at the Corbet Field when the Junior Muratti took place yesterday.

Sadly, for a Guern, Jersey deserved to win the Nigel Gavey Memorial Trophy as they were clearly the better side.

We keep our fingers crossed for a better result next year.

My pics of the game are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE UNDER 16's MURATTI PICS

A very quick note to advize you that the pics of the National Two South Rugby game between Guernsey Raiders and Canterbury RFC are now online.

You can view the Gallery by following this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY RAIDERS v CANTERBURY RFC

It was a Bank Holiday.... so how do you think I spent my time?

A quick search of my picture galleries would soon give you a clue!

Bank Holidays in Guernsey usually give an opportunity to the Motor Sport community to dust off their machinery and get out to play.

And so I found myself track-side at the first Le Val des Terres hill climb of the 2022 season. This Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club event had a good sized entry and as I wandered through the pits at the start of the day there was some interesting new kit on show. There were also a few new faces.

With it being nice and sunny too I really enjoyed getting back around the noise and action that feature in this sport.

I've added a comprehensive Gallery of pics for you to explore here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GMC&CC HILL CLIMB GALLERY

I think we can all agree that the 2022 Keith Falla Easter Full Course Cross Country was blessed with perfect weather. That hasn't always been the case.

It was great to see a good entry for the event. In fact the full weekend program of running events were all well supported.

I spent a couple of hours down at L'Ancresse photographing the competition. Follow this link to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 EASTER CROSS COUNTRY

It was great to see another sport back and busy after shaking off two years of disruption.

I was been sent along to the Rohais Badminton Halls to photograph the Easter Open Tournament. I think it is ten years since I last photographed this popular tournament but it was somehow familiar territory for me.

The match play is near non-stop with a stream of players taking to the courts competing in various categories. I made two visits to try and do justice to the amount of activity but I have probably failed miserably!

However I hope my Gallery of pics will give some idea of the game play.

Follow this link to view the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 BADMINTON OPEN TOURNAMENT

It was an early evening start at The Doghouse for the latest School of Popular Music event.

Junior students at SoPM had just completed four days of special tuition at their Easter School and a live gig at The Doghouse showcasing their developing talents was the highlight of the week.

I'm sure parents and friends were really proud to see the young musicians take to the stage and confidently 'own it'! Drummers, guitarists, keyboard players and singers had spent the few days learning songs and I was really impressed to see how 'at home' they looked performing in public.

I have no doubt that some of these youngsters will continue to perform... you could just see that they were buzzing after coming off stage!

I've added a few pics to a gallery which can be viewed by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM EASTER SCHOOL GIG

A spot of Isthmian South Central league football photography on a mild spring evening under floodlights... what's not to like?

I was at Footes Lane for clash between the GFC and Chipstead. The night was notable for teenager Tim Ap Sion who scored on his debut for GFC. The goal meant that GFC held the visiting side to a 3-3 scoreline.

Maybe GFC could be disappointed with the result as they had given away a 2-1 lead.

But we can still look ahead knowing that GFC are nurturing new young talent for the future.

My pics under floodlights can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GFC v CHIPSTEAD

Well done to all those who organized the Guernsey Round of the 2022 CI Moto-X Championship.

Also our local riders who did us proud by leading from the front! Nice one guys and gals.

Another big thank you (ha, ha) goes to whoever filled me in with sticky mud on Saturday.... note to self: Stand further from the track next time 🙂

I was at the holeshot and probably didn't take my normal interest in the condition of the bend. I had a very short time available on the first day as I needed to get away to photograph two football games.

I made the rookie mistake of not allowing for the bigger than usual number of bikes heading into the holeshot. Inevitably some had to take a wide line hitting the puddle of very sticky mud on the outside of the track launching it in my direction!

The outcome of this splattering was a very muddy photographer including two cameras and lenses. I had to leave the racing early and make a quick return to home for a change of clothing and a hose-down of my kit!

But luckily I have a short memory and on Sunday I was back trackside for more pics. This time there was less mud too!

I've added a full Gallery of the pics I took on my website if you are interested. Click on this link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 CI MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Duathlon's have a habit of starting early. This must sometimes be a challenge for competitors... it certainly is for this photographer!

However sometimes the effort to be at the start line is rewarded with a lovely crisp spring morning. And when the setting for the event is the reservoir I was a happy chappy!

The 2022 Duathlon/Triathon season kicked off with the Reservoir Duathlon on Sunday. I was there capturing some of the action.

I hope you enjoy my pics in this gallery....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE RESERVOIR DUATHLON

My Saturday proved to be a bit more hectic than I had planned.

I had started the day with a short list of to-do's.

Basically.... Motocross pics, Football pics and more Football pics... finally a few pics of a gig.

Things started off well. I had timed my visit to the Motocross track to coincide with the start of racing... I'd missed the warmup laps which don't offer much for a photographer.

This visit was always planned to be short as I had to get down to the Corbet Field for the Jeremie Cup football kick-off at twelve.

But sometime things don't go as planned. Maybe it was the lack of recent practice photographing MX or, more likely, a 'schoolboy error' by me, Who knows?

When I had checked in with the Clerk of the Course, he said to me 'you're going to get muddy today'. Little did I know how true that was!

The track was indeed very muddy after heavy overnight rain. However my clothing and boots were well up to the job and I settled into a spot that would, hopefully, be perfect to capture close action shots of the start of racing.

But it seems I miscalculated how safe I was as when the pack of bikes hit the holeshot for the start of the A Class race the group couldn't all fit around the tight line of the holeshot and they spread across the width of the track throwing vast quantities of sticky wet mud into the air... and yes you may have guessed... over me too!

I really should have anticipated this, but it is easier with hindsight.

The result was that I ended up leaving the track early as a change of clothing was needed and more importantly my cameras had to be washed down as they had taken the full force of the flying sticky mud!

So, after an early exit I quickly headed for home where clean clothes and a hose down for cameras and lenses awaited. After that was done I ran late for the rest of the day.

I'll added a pic of the mess later. For now you can see the two football galleries by following the links:
CLICK TO VIEW VALE REC v ST PETER JEREMIE CUP PICS
CLICK TO VIEW GFC v CHALFONT ST PETER PICS

One more update has seen an end of the weekends edits. Phew, job done!

The first couple of days of every week is normally busy with the edit of the shots taken on Saturday and Sunday.

This week started as normal. However last weekend was a particularly full couple of days featuring Sand Racing, GFC Football, Guernsey Raiders Rugby and two days of Trials bikes.

The chasing around between venues was great fun... helped by the bright sun and comfortable weather and I felt very lucky to call photography 'my job'!

Of course the edit is inevitable and the least enjoyable part of the work, especially when I have a list of to-do's on my desk. But by keeping my nose to the monitor I've cleared the backlog... at least for a couple of days!

The final update features National Two South Rugby at Footes Lane - Guernsey Raiders v Esher. This is a link to the Gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY RAIDERS v ESHER

Our well supported GFC are finding the Isthmian South Central league a tough place to be.

It's certainly not due to lack of effort by our local team but the challenge of playing against visitors who are often full-time sportsmen is hard.

Guernsey Football Club has to travel off island for half their fixtures and this certainly puts a strain on all the team... players and staff. It must be hard to keep up momentum and high spirits when you also have a full-time job and family to support.

I believe that GFC are doing well to hold a place near the middle of their league and we all need to remember and occasionally look back to the times when local football stars had very little opportunity to play at a higher level.

It can't be doubted that the local game has benefited from widening the experience of our best players.

The latest home game against Ashford Town ended with the visitors going home with a 2-1 win. That is a frustrating result for the GFC but they should enjoy and be proud of the continuing support of the crowd at Footes Lane.

I was pitch-side for the game and my pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GFC v ASHFORD TOWN

All sports photography makes special demands on a photographer.

The challenges may take different forms with so many sports available but there is always a similar thread running through the photographic work.

Unlike filming sports action (digital video nowadays) a photographer has to rely on capturing a 'peak' moment of action telling the story of the activity in a single frame.

What isn't perhaps obvious to those who don't spend their days photographing sport is that to capture the pics that a photog wants there is often a lot of work beforehand to create the 'luck' to reliably come home with the pics!

Getting the shot needs the photographer to be in the right place at the right time and to be ready with a camera all set... exposure settings, correct lens, positioned to give the most dynamic angle for what is about to happen... then to maintain attention during the boring moments to be poised and ready when the action kicks off as it is usually over in fractions of a second!

Luckily, like most skills, practice really does help.


This ramble comes after I've just photographed a two day Trials Bike event. I only had limited time to spend at the event so I really needed to work hard to get the pics that I planned.

I like to make use of the setting that trials bike sections are laid out in as realistically many of the riders will not offer me the dynamic action that I know they think they perform. My job is to make the competitors look amazing and a bit of help from the background can help!

However there are always a few elite riders who really provide an opportunity to get great shots. But even capturing those is a problem as Trials sections are spread over a wide area (miles apart) and it is all too easy to miss them completely whilst moving around.

I'd studied the various sections (you make your own luck) and I had earmarked one steep granite rock climb as the most promising for the 'shot of the day'. I now had to hope that I would be in place when the elite riders came to the obstacle.

Luck was with me (just) as with just minutes left before I needed to get to the next assignment the top guns turned up. All the planning came together, I was in the right place, the lens was correct, the settings all dialed in, I just needed the action to happen as I hoped.

And it did! I got the planned shot and there wasn't really any luck involved! I love it when a plan comes together!

I've added a gallery featuring all my 2-Day trials pics here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 GMC&CC 2-DAY TRIALS PICS