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Guernsey's Kings of Metal held Court on the stage at The Fermain Tavern on Saturday.

Nemesis were there to support the visiting headliners, Hellfighter. I have never seen Nemesis playing to a small crowd. These guys have maintained a loyal following despite their rare appearances. Maybe people know that they have to make an effort when the Band takes to the stage..... it'll be a while before the next one!

I have photgraphed the Band several times before and have made this point at that time, but it is worth repeating. This Band might be a bit of a Rock cliche - or at least the shapes and poses they throw are... but it is certainly much more fun photographing that sort of action rather than static singers and guitarists. This band never lets me down when it comes to their showmanship!

If you are in a band and you are unhappy with the pictures you see of your peformances maybe you will take a tip from me. This is definately a case of 'you only get out what you put in'. A 'static and bland' performance will give you a 'static and bland' image!

Of course good stage lighting will also help a lot. Guernsey now has several guys who will do you a fantastic active lightshow to enhance your act. This is a great investment in my opinion.
I love professional lighting at a gig as this will always raise the standard of picture I can capture... even if it is unpredicable and monotone and really difficult to work with... here I go again, I'm falling back into 'prima-dona photographer mode' ;-)

Pics of Nemesis are now online:
VIEW THE NEMESIS GALLERY HERE

Hellfighter, fronted by former Guernsey resident Simon Gordon, headlined a night of Metal at the Fermain Tavern last Saturday.... and with Nemesis on the bill there was never a doubt what we were in for!

Nemesis have been pushing their style of Metal for almost as long as the Stones have been doing their thing (maybe a slight exageration here!). The guys are unashamed to flaunt all the classic rock poses, every riff in the book is used..... and the followers LOVE it!

So with Guernsey's own Metal Heads setting the tone before the visiting headliners the full crowd was primed for a lively one :-)

Whilst Metal isn't always my thing, I was really looking forward to seeing Hellfighter perform. I remember their frontman, Simon Gordon, from the time he fronted local band Thousand Points of Hate. That band were tight, focused and talented and Simon took them to a higher level with his stunning Rock/Metal voice.

The wait for Hellfighter to take to the stage was rewarded by a classy performance that would have filled a small Arena! The crowd left drained and satisfied.

I have added the first picture Gallery featuring Hellfighter. Once again (and I know this is becoming a bit of a 'cracked record') the lighting was VERY challenging with fast unpredictable sequences, strong back lighting and the 'pure' monotone prime colours that LED lights are so good at producing. This is all made worse (photographically) when a stage is 'flooded' with a single colour.... especially RED.

My earliest encounters with LED floods, several years ago, were very positive. In fact I loved them. They didn't burn-out the highlights so much as the old spotlights. However - maybe as the technology has 'improved' - the colour is so now pure they can now be really hard to work with. I find my pictures require quite a lot more post-processing. It is MUCH more fun taking the pics than sitting at the desk tweaking colours and tones.
No doubt I will return to this subject again sometime, watch this space!
VIEW PICTURES OF HELLFIGHTER

Another week, another Motocross meeting.

Some serious work had been carried out on the track and the riders were offered a much improved surface to race on. Even the rain behaved itself by only making an appearance after midday. Things were looking up!

It was good to see Channel Television attending the Motocross to film some of the action. I look forward to their race report? I think! (see below).

Luckily for me I think the camera crew had left before I had my very own 'comedy moment'.
In fact I think I was fortunate that it happened in a blind spot for most of the spectators.... saving my blushes :-)

I was exploring a few new angles and wondered over to try a new viewpoint that has been made after the removal of some of the mud. I climbed the mound... it was firm and sure enough the new angle worked. Maybe a couple of feet to the left would be better? ....BAD ERROR!
First one welly boot disappeared... then the other. I was completely stuck in soft mud, and still sinking!

I was now wishing that I was in view of someone who could come to my rescue. I began to wonder whether I would only be found sometime next summer, only identifiable by the cameras still hanging around the skeleton's neck?
There was a moment of panic.... and after a few minutes (it seemed like much longer) I had struggled out with very muddy socks, muddy jeans, muddy cameras... oh and a broken nail - although I'm sure that isn't the worst injury ever incurred on an MX track :-)
In case you were wondering, the welly boots were eventually retrieved!

It was time for home and a shower and relief that I probably won't make an appearance on Channel TV's Sports Report or You've been Framed. Fingers crossed!
By the way, I want a 50% cut of the £250 you get from You've been Framed if you got a video....
Or better still, I'll give you £500 to delete it!

Racing pics (only) are now online:
VIEW THE LATEST MOTO-X PICTURES

I have mentioned before that I sometimes wonder where my 'photographers eye' has got too!

I spent a very pleasant day on Sunday in the rural parish of Castel, at the D'Os D'Ane to be precise. It was reasonably warm but the nicest feature was that it remained dry and bright.... something that has been missing for weeks, it seems.

My time was spent climbing up and down steep grassy and slippery banks in pursuit of the GMC&CC Trials bike riders. I made a point of visiting the Junior event in the morning which combines with the Vetrans & Classic riders. Once again there was a really friendly atmosphere.

Returning to my first comment. As I noted above, the day was bright... the lighting was great. All around were the rich and golden colours of Autumn. They were crying out to be captured in some wonderful landscape scene... and I only managed to point the lens at the Trials competitors. I hope they know what I give up to give them a few more pics to look at ;-)

I'm not complaining though. What a wonderful way to spend a November day.

Pictures of the latest Trials are now online. Click the 'Buy Now' button to complete my perfect day!
VIEW THE LATEST TRIALS PICTURES

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

It's official.... Jonny Lives! and everything is good.

The headline act at the weekends multi-band gig at the Fermain Tavern made quite an effort to visit us... from the other side of 'the pond'. That's the BIG pond, not the English Channel!

New Yorkers Jonny Lives! had their first attempt to visit our little Isle cancelled due to poor weather so the air of anticipation had longer to build and it was an eager crowd that awaited their appearance on the famous stage. The Band can now be added to the illustrious list of performers to play 'The Tav' and it is safe to say that they deserve their place on the Roll of Honour. Nice one lads, hope to see you back sometime soon.

My Galleries now feature a selection of pictures featuring Jonny Lives! on stage. It was a difficult gig to photograph with strong, contrasty light, lots of irregular sequences making it difficult to predict and all the usual 'single colour' floods - including the dreaded RED. The overall level of lighting was also very low - the final pics make it look as if it was quite bright.... OK, call me a photographic Genius, if you must ;-)

All the above has meant a lot of digital processing. The job is now done, phew!
VIEW PICS OF JONNY LIVES!


UPDATE: Pics of the second American Band to play at The Fermain Tavern last Saturday are now online. The Killing Floor can be viewed here:
VIEW PICS OF THE KILLING FLOOR

The Yanks were in town and they know how to Party....

Well I suppose if you want to nit-pick, I guess that as they were performing at The Fermain Tavern the Yanks were 'out of town' ;-)

Lets forget the detail. The bottom line is that the two American bands that topped a full bill went down a storm with a packed crowd.

Jonny Lives! headlined and were supported by fellow countrymen The Killing Floor. The rest of the line-up featured The Inevitable Pinhole Burns (as seen above), Of Empires and SugarSlam. That makes a very busy night and what a lot for your couple of quid!

I have started to develop the nights work. I think I have got the priorities a bit wrong as the first band added to the Galleries is The Inevitable Pinhole Burns.... Our American guests will follow shortly.
VIEW THE FIRST PICS OF THE INEVITABLE PINHOLE BURNS

The previous Motocross Championship race was cancelled due to the unride-able track condition... because of MUD!

With this in mind I guess there was a fair amount of pressure to run the racing last Saturday. Unfortunately it has probably rained every day of the two week break!! So the riders and officials were faced with a very muddy track again.

After making the best effort to reduce the surface water the racing began but it soon became clear that the bike wheels were doing a fantastic job of 'churning' the track into a real MUD BATH. No exageration here either. Wellington boots were disappearing.... but I don't think we lost any Marshalls or Riders!

The smaller, lower powered bikes simply couldn't negotiate the conditions so the track had to be re-routed for them. The senior riders managed a little better but there were many 'slow-motion offs'. The meeting will not go down as one of the memorable ones for me as there were so many disruptions. But of course they were unavoidable.

Hopefully we will have a dry spell before the next race so we can enjoy improved conditions next time. Fingers crossed :-)
Pics are now online:
MUD, MUD & MORE MUD

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.

Freaky, dark and scary is how it was at The Fermain Tavern last weekend.

Every year the Ghouls, Ghosts & Weirdo's come out to party at the Halloween Metal Mayhem. It's probably true to say that if you are easily spooked or if you don't like your music heavy you should stay at home!

But, if you LIKE getting spooked and you LIKE your music served in Heavy Metal portions then this is the 'gig of the year' ;-)

So this is what the full house were treated to on Saturday. A new Gallery of pictures featuring headliners Darker Shores has now been added:
HALLOWEEN METAL MAYHEM PICS OF DARKER SHORES

I have been tied to the keyboard and monitors today editing the weekends photoshoots.... and I'm getting there!

Where 'there' is I'm not too sure! However the latest step has been the update to the Autocross Banger Racing Galleries.

Sunday saw the Bangers reappearance on the beach at Chouet. The wind must have been pretty brutal as there was an unusual lack of spectators lining the perfect viewing spots above the track. It is usual to see people wrapped up against the elements under rugs with flasks of hot tea - just so they can enjoy the fun and spills... where were they on Sunday?

If you missed your regular visit to Chouet for the Banger racing you might like to take a look at the new Gallery:
TAKE A LOOK AT THE LATEST BANGER RACING PICS

It was another windy and chilly day. And it was another of the Guernsey Motor Sport Clubs running a different Class of the Sport.

Like Saturday's Sprint Championships at Vazon, Sunday's offering was also on Guernsey's exposed western coastline. This time on the Port Soif sections of the GMC&CC Bike Trials.

This Round of the Championship featured a lot of sections laid out over the unforgiving rocks and boulders of the west coast beaches. I photographed on three or four of these sections and it was clear that many riders were really challenged by the hard and uneven routes. A brave commitment has to be shown when traversing tight sections over rocks as any fall is going to hurt!

I was really pleased with my coverage of Sunday's meeting. I haven't 'shot' beach sections for a while so they have widened my documenting of the 2012 Championship. I have also made an effort to capture a few more general views of the sections.

The picture Gallery is now online. You are welcome to 'Share' your favourite pics using the buttons below each pic.
VIEW PICS OF THE PORT SOIF TRIALS SECTIONS

The wind, she blows, eh!

Sorry, I dropped into 'Guern mode' for a moment there ;-)

But that is a pretty good description of conditions down at Vazon on Saturday. OK it wasn't quite as draughty as Hurricane Sandy - but donning the thermals was the best idea I had all day.

Racing wise I think everything was good. It was dry and 'cool' and the strong wind was right up the 'backside' of the racers (if you know what I mean). Inevitably records were broken.

I was pretty busy over the weekend so look-out for Gallery updates over the next few days.

First up are the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Sprint Championship pictures from Vazon Coast Road:
VIEW PICS OF THE FINAL SPRINT MEETING OF 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?

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?

Yesterday Motor Sport re-visited Petit Bot valley for the second time in as many weeks.

A lot was different though. The organising Club was different, the Category of Motor Sport was different, I think every competitor was different and the weather conditions were certainly VERY different.... it was sunny and dry this time!

The few things that were exactly the same were the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the riders and officials taking part. The atmosphere on the sections is always very friendly and you have to enjoy seeing the support offered to every rider - whatever their standard. There is a feeling of 'common interest' in this skillful sport with several 'retired' riders now Marshalling. It is also nice to see that there are a few new faces taking part.

One of the difficulties for me in giving good coverage to the Bike Trials is its timing early on a Sunday afternoon. My Family (children and granchildren) often join Carol and me for a family Sunday lunch.
I am very fortunate that Carol allows me to pursue my photography 'un-hindered' (she's one in a million), however I am pushing my luck sometimes when I disappear out of the back door before helping with the washing up!

I managed to sneak out yesterday though :-)

A new Gallery of pictures featuring the Bike Trials at Petit Bot have now been added. Taking pics definitely beats washing up!
VIEW PICS OF THE BIKE TRIALS AT PETIT BOT

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

RentOClean were given the roll of headliners at last weekends Tantale Album launch.

This was a good move as once Tantale had played their set there was always a risk that the night might fall a little flat.

If I had to name one band playing on the local scene at the moment to trust with keeping the party going RentOClean would be top of the list.

The 2012 Battle of the Bands winners did the job.... party on!!
New pictures of RentOClean are now on-line:
VIEW PICTURES OF RENTOCLEAN

It's now quite a few years ago that I had a revelation. I had a pint in my hand (I was in a pub) so nothing unusual there then :-)

I was listening to a Band - again nothing different there either. I have followed live music since a young teenager. Lets say a good few decades!

What struck me as I downed the second pint was that I was missing a trick here.

As already stated, I watch a lot of gigs. I am also a professional photographer. There had to be a place that these two interests could meet. So it was there that my exhaustive coverage of all things musical began. Since that awakening I have developed a huge portfolio of pictures that record 'the moment in time'.

I think many of us enjoy looking back through old photographs from our youth. They trigger many memories of past times. Who knows, maybe my pics will evoke similar feelings in a decades time?

I am always thrilled by the interest shown in my work and have had the privilege of hanging a selection of framed live music prints in the legendary Fermain Tavern.

So what started me on this ramble?

Well I have just photographed Tantale's launch of their first Album 'The Known Elements'. The party was at The Fermain Tavern, where else? And it was packed out!

So, if you have stuck with me till here, I will explain where I am going with this.

We all have moments and experiences that mean something special to us as individuals. Many, many pictures are taken to help us recall those happy times. But the problem with live music (particulaly when the songs are originals) is that when the performance is over.... it is gone. If you are like me, by the time your head hits the pillow your recollection is of the great vibes of a gig but the songs pass on.

This is why I really love it when a Band makes a record (literally) of some of their work. We have an opportunity to then re-play the songs, to take in the finer points, to listen to the lyrics. Tantale have produced a terrific new Album which can only swell their fan-base and writes another musical chapter into our memory.

Hopefully my pictures will play a small part in the chronicaling of our music scene. Pictures of the Album launch party are now on-line:
TANTALE'S ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY

The 2012 Hill Climb season ended on a rather grey day.... it was pretty miserable!

This is not a comment that would apply to the standard of racing, however.

It was clear right from the start that we were in for a full day of the wet stuff and quite a number of drivers and riders never made it to the start line. Perhaps this was a little disappointing, but who can blame them. Petit Bot hill is very tight in places, suprisingly fast and even in a good (dry) year never offers the best grip due to its setting in a tree-lined and damp valley.

The positive of having a smaller field of competitors was that things ran through very fast and smoothly and the predicted (OK, I was wrong!) continual stopping the retrieve cars out of banks never really happened! Those who made the effort enjoyed a day of fun and speed that will have to keep them going until next year :-)

Spending a day standing in the rain taking pictures is not really my ideal 'day job' but occasionally you get the reward of some special pics. The reflections on the wet road surface and the addition of the spray adds a bit of drama. Trying to keep very expensive cameras and lenses dry(ish) is a real pain in the whatsit. My lenses were continually fogged up and I gave up on the 70-200mm when even the inside of the filter fogged over! Modern professional equipment is made to superb standards but there is always the worry that the water will do damage and the kit will fail you on an important job.

However, a few hours later - after a quick dry-out and check-over - the cameras were back on duty with me in another sweaty environment. This time it was for the Album launch party of Tantale's new recording. The cameras didn't skip a beat, phew! Thanks to the guys for my copy of the CD. I've already played it a few times and can recommend you find a copy. Pics of the Tantale gig will follow shortly.

In the meantime the Petit Bot pics are now online:
PICTURES OF PETIT BOT 2012