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VIEW PICS OF THE MOTORCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
I'm pleased to say that the whole weekend wasn't a 'wet wash-out'.

My previous Blog made more than a mention of the awful weather that accompanied the last race of the Autocross season. The conditions weren't quite right for spending time on the beach! The pics don't show-off Chouet beach at its best!

But for the other two Motorsport events I covered over the weekend it was only a cold wind that troubled me :-)

On Saturday I leant into the wind on the cliffs at Pleinmont for the Motorcross action. Then it was the relative shelter offered at The Track for the latest round of the Kart Championship on Sunday.

Pics are now online....
VIEW PICS OF THE KART CHAMPIONSHIP

SHOCK AND HORROR AS A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER STATES THAT (JUST MAYBE) A PHOTO CAN'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY!

It has taken me a lifetime of photography for it to suddenly dawn on me that (perhaps) a photograph doesn't show the whole picture.

There, now I've said it, I'll have to come to terms with this. I'm sure I will get over it... given enough real ale.

This hard fact hit home yesterday whilst editing the afternoon's photo-shoot. That job had to be one of the most miserable I've completed for a few years.

The occasion was the final round of the Guernsey Autocross Club's Winter Championship taking place on Chouet beach. And man did it live up to the title!

The beach was cold. Now that alone wouldn't be a problem. But when combined with strong wind and driving rain then we have an issue.

I'm a belts and braces sort of guy so I don't trust my favoured cameras to withstand such horrendous conditions without a little help. Whilst the manuals of Nikon 'pro' cameras and lenses state that they are:

'Protected by a tough, weather-sealed full metal body, the reliable and durable D4S sustains peak performance in the most demanding environmental conditions imaginable.'

The manual also says:

'Keep dry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.'

So with this knowledge, when the weather is so bad, I always take the extra precaution of using purpose-made covers over my kit. (Remember, Nikon have left themselves plenty of room to wriggle if the kit is damaged by water).

OK, you should now have an image of a miserable photographer, back against the driving rain, camera kit in hand operated only by touch and memory as the covers steam up, and wishing I had windscreen wipers for my spectacles!

But I hear you ask, 'How does that relate to the headline above?'

Well it's just that I had hoped for a little more of the 'pain and discomfort' to be visible in pics. I wanted the viewer so see how I suffer for my art. To understand how I go the extra mile to get the pic. But no, it's like I said, 'maybe a photo can't actually tell the whole story?'

Now I guess I'm just going to have to live with that fact and suggest you use your imagination whilst looking at the pics.

Perhaps I could ask you to try sitting naked in front of an open fridge with your feet in a bucket of cold water with your wet hair dripping down your back whilst you check-out the gallery... it'll help you feel my pain and the pics will take on an extra level of reality.

Click here when you are ready:
THIS IS THE LINK IF YOU WANT TO SHARE MY PAIN

My doctor will be very pleased with me. He knows that my profession as a photographer doesn't feature very high on the 'active job' list!

This is because it seems that for every hour taking pics there will be three where I sit at my desk editing, captioning, tagging and admin'ing (if there is such a word) :-)

But this morning was a little different. I spent a couple of hours walking up and down the Guernsey country-side - in the mud - and perhaps more importantly in the fresh air and having fun. It's nice to get the week's allocation of exercise out of the way nice and early!

The event that ensured I was out of bed at a (fairly) early hour was the Guernsey Velo Club MTBC XC Winter Series Rnd-5 race meeting in the heart of the Island at Sherwell's fields.

The atmosphere was brilliant. Of course there was plenty of competitive spirit but many of the riders where there simply to enjoy a ride in the mud.

They weren't disappointed. Neither was I.... the mud makes for great piccies :-)

I have even managed to limit the time at the editing desk and the picture gallery featuring the GVC MTBC XC racing is already on-line.

Now that's work just how I like it:
VIEW PICS OF THE GVC MTBC XC WINTER SERIES RND-5

Guernsey has many 'un-sung' musical heroes. These are the guys & gals who just do what they do because they love it!

That is enough for them. They get to play the occasional gig and write their own material... but the fact is that has to be enough.

Now that comment isn't meant as a 'put-down' in any way. In fact the small gig is the very back-bone behind the whole music scene... right up to the most famous bands. They all started somewhere you know.

However because of personal circumstances most bands will never hit the big-time.

Last weekend we were able to experience the 'reality' of what it takes to try and make the break into the big spotlight.

Electric Shakes played at the Fermain Tavern. The band is fronted by a local hero, Steve Lynch. Steve has played in many, many bands. He has a great back-catalogue of original songs and is recognised as a special talent in Guernsey.

But that was never going to be enough if your ambition is to make a name for yourself.

So Steve moved to the Mainland, found a couple of guys on the same wavelength and has already started to get noticed with his new band, Electric Shakes. I say good luck to them.

Having said all the above, the grass-roots scene is always around to support and last weekend the head-liners were supported by two lively, original bands who did a great job of keeping the local music scene alive and relevant.

The support was To the Woods & Lifejacket. I took a few pics....as I do ;-)
VIEW PICS OF TO THE WOODS
VIEW PICS OF LIFEJACKET

Last weekend Steve Lynch returned to Guernsey with his new band The Electric Shakes to play a memorable gig at the Fermain Tavern.

Now we all know that the music business is a tough one to make a name in... but you have to say that The Electric Shakes could be lined up for much bigger things! There is only one thing missing.

The band has a 'mature and finished' feel about their performance. It is clear that the three band members have all 'paid their dues' playing in various bands along the way. Their authority and stage presence can only be amassed the hard way. There are no short-cuts. Actual time spent crafting songs and playing live cannot be cheated on.

So I was impressed with the band that I consider a complete package... ready to make it big?

Well that is the million dollar question. The Electric Shakes are showing all the promise and talent to exploit any opportunities offered to them. But for now all we can offer is our support and keep our fingers crossed that the only missing ingredient comes their way.... LUCK!

I hope you find it lads. You deserve it.

Support was from Lifejacket and To the Woods. Those pics will follow.
VIEW PICS OF THE ELECTRIC SHAKES PLAYING AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN

I think I can count that as 'both Motorsport boxes ticked' and a job well done.

As is so often the case there was plenty of Motorsport action in Guernsey over the weekend.

My previous Blog highlighted the GK&MC Motocross Championship and this time I am reporting that a new Gallery has been added to display today's Autocross Club Banger racing at Chouet. The beach was a fine place to be as it was bright and even a little warm when the early Spring sunshine was on your back.

OK, maybe I am getting a bit ahead of myself by claiming it is Spring... but I think we got a sneeky little look at what is to come!

I've added a picture gallery featuring all the action:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST AUTOCROSS PICS

If I was offered the choice between 'dry and windy' or 'wet and mild' then I reckon that the first option would almost always be my pick.

If you added to this choice the need for me to photograph a Motocross championship race then there will always be only one preference... No.1.

So you will gather that I was quite pleased to be standing on the Guernsey cliffs today... trying to stay on my feet against a mighty wind - but it was nice and dry and sunny!

The riders also seemed to enjoy the track conditions and there was some close competitive racing.

I've done a very quick edit of some of today's shots and they are now on-line here:
VIEW ROUND 2 OF THE GK&MC MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Motorsport loves its Silverware and there were three tables full taking pride of place at the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Annual Dinner Dance last weekend.

There was a good turn-out and the opportunity was taken by members to show their appreciation to all the people who work behind the scenes successfully running the many events each year.

The evening built to a climax when the many trophies are presented. My own involvement on the night takes the form of an eight foot wide slideshow that showcases each competitor as they go forward to collect their trophies.

After the tables had been emptied of silverware I managed to grab a few of the winners to capture their picture... this moment deserves to be recorded!

A small gallery of pics is now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE TROPHY WINNERS AT THE GK&MC DINNER DANCE

Anyone who visited L'Eree headland this morning could not fail to have been impressed by the enthusiasm of the young Trials riders competing in the Guernsey Motorcycle & Car Club Youths event.

The youngsters were joined by the Sportsman Class together with a few Pre 65 bikes... now those must have seemed like dinosaurs to the younger riders :-)

But to get back to my original point. I think the Youth Class Trials riders proved their love of the sport by facing a bitter wind and still being able to keep smiling. It was great to see such positive attitudes.

This all bodes well for the future of the GMC&CC. You never know these Junior riders might even keep traversing the Trials sections as long as those Pre 65 bikes!

I've just added a gallery featuring the mornings event:
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC YOUTH, PRE 65 & SPORTSMAN'S TRIALS

I've just realised that I haven't been updating this Blog for a few days.

That doesn't mean that I haven't been working though, far from it!

The last ten days have been non-stop photo action. (Actually, maybe not all 'action'). Read on.

My 'normal' week of work... if there is such a thing, will usually include a little Commercial photography (I have to pay the bills), then probably a bit of Motorsport work and, of course a gig or two.

Well all the regular stuff has been happening as normal. However, on top of that work I have completed quite a few assignments for the Guernsey Press... and I have loved it.

The thing about working as a freelance for a small 'regional' Newspaper is that you don't know where you will be sent next.

This unpredictable work may not suit everyone but if you are a 'people person' like me it can be very fullfillng and as an ex-retailer I have grown up dealing with people so maybe the life of a photo journalist was my missed opportunity?

This is a short list of some of my 'extra' photoshoots that have been completed this week...

• Photograph the launch evening of the Specsavers Youth Games (including Dame Mary Perkins).
  
• Take pics (by chance) of the Fire Service using a turn-table ladder to help Police access a rooftop crime scene.
  
• Take pics of the Indoor Cricket action at the ICC.
  
• Capture a few pics of the Indoor Bowls at the indoor centre.
  
• Photograph Netball action at the Grammar School.
  
• Take a few pics of the Guernsey WI playing darts at KGV (this was much more fun than you could imagine!)
  
• Then there was the Basketball at Beau Sejour... fast action under poor lighting.
  
• Of course there was some Motorsport photography... this week it was the Motocross Championship.
  
• This was followed by a football (night shoot) at an even worse-lit venue, Northfield for North v Saints.
  
• Then finally today I returned to KGV for an evening game of junior football on the new all-weather pitch between Guernsey College Football Academy v Grammar School.

...and there we have it. Quite a busy few days!

I'll add a small mix of this work to the Gallery in the next few days.

For now, here is a link to the first Motocross pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS GALLERIES

Apart from eating a nice roast dinner on a Sunday there is one certain way that I can tell it's a weekend. The clue is if there is a Motorsport event taking place in Guernsey!

I find the weeks just fly by and as my work is so varied you will find me working whatever the day is and both day-time and night-time. My iPhone diary is an essential piece of kit that keeps me organised. It's a new iPhone 6+ by the way and I highly recommend it. I can't see myself ever going back to a smaller screen as I find the benefits out-weigh the negatives by some distance :-)

As previously stated, the weekends usually offer some sort of clue as to what day of the week it is and last weekend is a perfect example. The Winter Kart Championship started at The Track and also the Trials riders were out to play. There was also a nice roast awaiting me when I got home. Ah, so that must mean it's Sunday :-)

I covered both Motorsport events and the pics are now on-line. Just follow the links:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-1 OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP

VIEW PICS OF THE TRIALS EVENT AT ST GERMAIN

I am reckoning that it is now safe to update one of my picture galleries.

This particular gallery always requires an update at about this time of year. That is because it features work that was sold over the Christmas period to be given as presents.

I always find myself having to be careful not to reveal any 'secrets' in the run-up to the big day. I design, print and deliver these special personalised gifts during the weeks leading up to Christmas and it would not be appreciated if I let the surprise out of the bag to the recipient!

The gallery I am referring to is the one that features my custom designed Montages. These always sell well for gifts as they are a great way to display a few favourite pics.

Unfortunately, it's a fact that when someone just buys a 'normal' print in one of the smaller sizes it often ends up in a draw, forgotten and rarely seeing the light of day :-(

So the best answer is to buy something that deserves a little bit of wall space. Montages tick that box. The final design is customised just for you and will encourage you to keep it on display. I even offer an option to have the Montage framed before delivery. Nice and easy, job done.

Of course the fact that no-one wants the surprise spoilt before the big day means I cannot add the gift Montages to this web-site until all the parties are over. I reckon it is safe now so the updates are now on-line.

Oh, can I just remind you that Christmas 2015 is on the way... don't forget to start your pressie list ;-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED MONTAGE GALLERY

It's taken a few days but I can now look forward to the New Year. Most of the back-log of recent work is complete, or at least under control.

So it's time to look forward to the New Year and I'm really optimistic as last year was my busiest ever. It was also the most varied I've had so far... and you know what they say variety is the spice of life :-)

My diary is already looking good and the important 'variety' factor is definitely there.

If you make even occasional visits to this blog you will know that I consider it a rare privilege to be able to earn my living doing exactly what I enjoy..... and I have no boss to answer to. (Hope the missus doesn't read this!)

This New Year has already started on a high with my pics being featured in a leading UK Magazine Powerboat & Rib. The bar has been set high with this three page spread featuring the 2014 3A/3B World Powerboat Championships. Can other National publications follow? The target is set!

However there is one certainty. Once again I will be working many more hours than when I had a 'proper job' - and I will enjoy (nearly) every minute.

This just leaves the mandatory New Years resolution: I really must get myself another photoshoot in a helicopter ;-)

Hello 2015, bring it on :-)

2014 was a great year.

Being a photographer is a great job!

The thing I like best is that I get to re-live the most enjoyable moments when I edit my pics.

I've just had a brilliant week catching up with the last of the major edits from 2014. That is the Jersey Live Gallery. As always there were lots of bands lined up on multiple stages so I spent my time dashing between them trying to tick my list of 'must see' acts. This effort wasn't helped by the bar being strategically placed between the stages.

Inevitably I don't recall every detail... but editing the pics has helped me remember ;-)

I think that I will now declare the Jersey Live 2014 picture gallery is complete. There are about twenty-four galleries including three which showcase the atmosphere and behind the scene.

Final updates include:

Catfish and the Bottlemen
Earth Wind & Fire Experience feat. Al McKay
Luke Friend
The Graveltones
Molotov Jukebox
Newton Faulkner
Frankie Davies
Simon Gasston
The Doors Live
The Little Big Band
Clashmar
Billy Rowan
Hannah Jacques
and Sergeant Pipon

....... it makes you wonder how I ever had time to get a hangover!!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY

A new year usually means a new start.

However I'm one of those people who finds it hard to move ahead whilst there is still unfinished business.

So if I'm to enjoy 2015 I really needed to make sure that 2014 is well and truly 'put to bed'.

That has meant a full week of catch-up :-(

I've been checking the unfinished business and one biggie is standing in the the way of 2015.... my Jersey Live 2014 edit! It appears that it has been put off more than once! The thing is, I spend about four days on-site and you can end up taking a lot of pics. I expect that I will end up with over twenty new 'Bands' galleries.

But, to move into the New Year I have bitten the bullet and the final edit has begun, yippee :-)

Jersey Live 2014 picture galleries now feature:

Ellie Goulding
Ben Howard
John Newman
Bombay Bycycle Club (they were great)
The Klaxons (so were they)
The Selecter (oh, and so were these)
Mark Knight
and Diversity

Check-out the pics here (many more to come):
TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROGRESS IN THE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY

Give me ten minutes and I'll come up with a list of my favourite live Bands of 2014.

But give me ten seconds and the one Band that immediately gets added to the list has to be Dead Sea Skulls :-)

I only discovered the Band by accident (so to speak). They were on the bill for the 2014 Vale Earth Festival way back in the summer. I guess I am always a sucker to be impressed at the VEF. It is one of the few gigs every year where I let myself forget about the photography (not strictly true) and hang out with a few beers... Real Ale of course (thanks Errol)!

So I confess that I had enjoyed many, many pints by the time I saw Dead Sea Skulls at the VEF. So maybe my judgement was influenced by the liquid gold? I was about to find out at the fund-raising gig for the VEF held at the Fermain Tavern last Sunday... yes Sunday!

It was with a little apprehension that I arrived at the gig. Could my new-found heroes live up to my beery, hazy memory of their first performance?

As I was only drinking Ginger Beer this time I would be a more critical critic!

Nothing to worry about though. If anything the band was even better. They are a true 'live band' who thrive off the feedback from a close, intimate crowd.

The set they played was truly memorable and I heartily recommend them to anyone.

Support was from Alderney's number one selling Blues man Robert J Hunter, a F'ing good To the Woods (you had to be there to get the joke) and the tight as ever Sugarslam.

2015 will have a lot to live up to :-)

Pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF DEAD SEA SKULLS
VIEW PICS OF SUGARSLAM
VIEW PICS OF TO THE WOODS
VIEW PICS OF ROBERT J HUNTER

There are two roads to choose between in life. You can choose the safe route for a life that offers no high points and few memories.

Or you can take the risk... and follow the road to the Fermain Tavern to celebrate 30 years of high energy performance by The Risk. High points and memories will come aplenty along the way.

So no decision to make then. The Risk it is.

The band marked their three decades anniversary with a gig that did a good job of reproducing the vigour and verve that distinguished their early years. Mark even found himself rolling around the stage on his back. Why change a habit of a lifetime!

However three things have changed over the years... but they can all be counted as positives.

All the benefits gained over time are technological and each plays a part in raising the standards of a live performance.

Firstly, today's stage sound production is fantastic and really enhances the live experience.

Then you have two more improvements that a photographer appreciates.... that'll be me!

The latest LED stage lighting is a huge enhancement. Combine this new illumination with the latest digital cameras and the photographer is able capture pics that were never possible only a decade ago.

So there we have it. The Risk played an impressive set that reminded their supporters what had made them great... and modern tech rewarded the fans for hanging around for three decades!

The support acts were a varied mix of duo Blue Mountains (very good) and Citizen-X who showcased how much things have changed in thirty years of music production.

Definitely a night that memories are made from.
VIEW PICS OF THE RISK HERE
VIEW PICS OF BLUE MOUNTAINS
VIEW PICS OF CITIZEN-X

I wonder what are you getting for Christmas?

....read on to find out what I received in my early Xmas sack!

But first, can I tell you that I am having to keep quite a few secrets at the moment as I know (shhhhh) what dozens of you are about to receive under your Christmas tree. (Hint) I hope you have a little space on the wall above the fireplace ;-)

This festive period has been my busiest yet for picture sales with Framed Montages and Canvases proving to be extremely popular.

Christmas is almost like a 'harvest-time' for me as the twelve months of cultivating interest in my photography pays off. It also illustrates very well just how hard-working and consistent you have to be to nurture a large and loyal following. For this festive season I have been selling pics from across the whole genre of my work... everything from Elevated Panoramic shots to Sports, Racing and Band pics.

I'm very, very lucky that I've established myself as a photographer who specialises in the subjects that I really love... namely Motorsport and Music performance and it is incredible how many people also share the same love. I know there are many other photographers who pursue these same interests and regularly visit my galleries to comment on and critique my work. Maybe even pick up a few tips? ;-)

But what really amazes me is how many people are simply interested in viewing my picture galleries. The total number of picture views is amazing and I thank all the regular visitors.

So now I had better reveal what I have just received as an early Christmas present. The pressie takes the form of my web-site total views smashing through another mile-stone number.

The total views of this web-site have just topped 8,000,000, EIGHT MILLION, WOW!

This new record comes after just four years from the very first upload. The 'year one' views were recorded at 1,000,000 and have consistently grown up to today's annual count of around 2,500,000!

As the new year approaches I remain encouraged by the interest in my work and my New Years resolution is to work even harder at what I love.... oh, and to drink much more Real Ale!

.....consistent, reliable and predictable, that's me :-)

Thanks for your continued support. Have a very Happy Christmas and a fun New Year!

You can read about some of the previous 'mile-stones' here:
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SOME OF THE PREVIOUS MILE-STONES

Andrew

The School of Popular Music got the festive celebrations off to a good start with their Hootenanny last weekend featuring Subversion, Thee Jenerators, The Secret Smiles & Last of the Light Brigade.

The venue was the Fermain Tavern and I had an uneasy feeling about the gig as I drove through town towards St Martins. St Peter Port resembled a ghost town! Where was everyone? Were they all saving themselves for the next weekend when Christmas would really be upon us?

I also knew that there was a lot happening around the live music venues on this Saturday night. As it was also a cold and wet evening the worry was, as always, that people wouldn't make the extra effort to find their way 'up the hill' to the 'Tav.

However the formula of a successful night of music never changes. If you promote the right line-up of talent the crowd will follow.

OK, 'a crowd' might be a slight exaggeration but the punters who did make the effort to get to the Hootenanny were the right ones... the true followers of the local music scene. These enlightened souls knew that the line-up was a guarantee of a good night... and that is what we enjoyed!

Unfortunately I missed Subversion but pics of Thee Jenerators, The Secret Smiles & Last of the Light Brigade are now in the Gallery:
VIEW PICS OF THEE JENERATORS
VIEW PICS OF THE SECRET SMILES
VIEW PICS OF LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE

This meeting always lives up to its name. For the annual 'Fun Meeting' the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Trials riders are offered the chance to wear 'fancy dress' if they make a donation or buy their outfit from a Charity shop.

I have a feeling that you can't have more fun with an old dress and a bike... however if you know better please e-mail me the answer (it doesn't have to be clean!)

Having spent the afternoon out in the chilly wind taking pics I think a few of the guys were just a little too comfortable in their dresses! Maybe a little black 'designer number' will be an addition to their Christmas list?

If you want to see how gorgeous some of the riders looked check-out my gallery:
CHECK-OUT THE TRIALS TALENT