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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

I have been tidying up some photoshoots and came across a folder that I hadn't completed. This takes us back to the Greenman Chaos Bike & Music Festival.... way, way back!

There was a Sunday of entertainment which followed on from Friday & Saturday. I have added a few more pics of some of the Bands that played on the Sunday including Ukuladeez, The Doomsday Project and No Paparazzi. There are also a few more pics from the Peace Tent.

The biggest fun of the last day of Chaos 2012 was when three new prospects to join the Guernsey Greenman had a chance to prove that they had a good sense of humour and that they would fit in with the rest of the Greenmen.
Not taking yourself too seriously is obviously a very important quality to fit in :-0

The three guys seemed to enjoy the slapstick every bit as much as the crowd of on-lookers.....maybe a bit too much, eh?!!?!?

New pictures can be viewed here:
VIEW THE LAST OF THE GREENMAN CHAOS 2012 PICS

You can almost be certain that rolls will be on the menu when the Banger Racing serves up its entertainment on Chouet beach!

When the meeting is timed to start at midday (think lunchtime) it was just a case of waiting for the action :-) I managed to miss the first roll which happened whilst I was facing in the opposite direction. The resulting scene suggested that in this case Goliath had the upper hand over David. A little Peugeot should never mess with the might of a Volvo estate! HOW GOLIATH GOT HIS OWN BACK ON DAVID

My luck, however, was better for the biggest roll of the day. Having earned a place in the Race of Firsts it all went wrong for Billy Le Page when he rolled his car whilst pushing hard through the chicane. He seemed to have successfully negotiated the bend when his car suddenly launched itself. I managed to capture a sequence of shots but as I was using a telephoto lens at the time the results are a bit tightly cropped.

I didn't think Billy would do it again for me so I could make a better job of the pics..... so I didn't ask :-)

A new Gallery of Autocross pics is now online:
LUNCHTIME ROLLS ON THE BEACH AT CHOUET

Vazon sands welcomed three visiting bike (slider) riders from Jersey... in perfect conditions for the early start.

The big tides meant a morning start and an opportunity to run a massive track. There was early disappointment for Anthony Queripel when he blew his engine and this deprived us of seeing him go head to head with the visitors.

But we were still treated to some great racing for Round-9 of the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Sand Racing Championships. It makes so much difference when a decent size entry signs in.

I have selected, developed and uploaded the pics in record time as I still have a busy weekend ahead. Take a look of the pics here:
ROUND-9 OF THE SAND RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club held their annual 2-Day Motocross meeting at Pleinmont last weekend.

Now lets be honest, the conditions were varied to say the least!
The Saturday was windy and the track was very dry... the dust was of Sahara standards!
Sunday was rainy... by Amazonian standards! So the riders were challenged by varied conditions!

The new layout of the Motocross track seems to be slower... and this directly translates to safer racing. Of course, there will always be an occasional crash, but there seem to be less stops for 'hospital runs'.

The other side of these changes is that it makes a photographers job that bit more challenging. Since the alterations I have struggled to find good viewpoints to photograph the action. Somehow the dynamics have changed. So there is a new challemge for me. I like challenges:-)

Take a look back again at these Galleries later in the year to see if I have found a few new angles to capture the action....

Pics of the 2012 GK&MC 2-Day Moto-X are now online:
GK&MC 2-DAY MOTO-X MEETING

A few of the Guernsey Power Boat Association's races have fallen victim of the poor weather that we have endured this summer. So it was a treat to have reasonable conditions for Race-8.

I have not been able to photograph every race this year... I did try a couple that were cancelled after I got very wet whilst waiting for a race start in a small Rib with waves rolling in! Never a good idea with several grands worth of lenses and camera getting wet:-) I also missed a couple of races whilst I was photographing Jersey Live and a Hill Climb.

The latest race was quite a spectacle with the course bringing the racers close to the St Peter Port harbour walls which provided an ideal viewpoint. The 2012 season has show-cased some close racing and the seed has been sown with a few new competitors for next year. Let's hope we get an 'old fashioned' hot summer in 2013 :-)

Race-8 pics are now on-line:
Power Boat Championship Race-8

As the Hill Climb season nears its end for 2012 I have been reflecting on some of the performances I have seen this year.

The records have been lowered in such numbers that it has probably created a new record of its own!

The quality of driving. The standard of preparation of Cars, Bikes and Karts and the total commitment shown by competitors places Channel Island Motor Sport way up the 'league' when it is judged against other National venues.
Motor Sport has also shown that it is near the top when judged by the level of performance compared to other local sports.

There are probably few sports that demand such brave commitment. It is also an expensive activity to compete in - particulaly when many of the younger participants have families to feed!

The Alderney weekend always makes me aware how many people have to be involved with a Motor Sport Club to make everything happen. Guernsey is spoilt by having three well run and supported Clubs.

May I suggest that any racer who has enjoyed the 2012 season should take a moment to thank the Committee members and many helpers who make all this happen. That way we can all look forward to even better racing days ahead ;-)

Alderney Hill Climb pics are now on-line:
ALDERNEY HILL CLIMB 2012

Well what can I say? Party on..... Disco dancing & smoke. Only the disco lights are missing!
Whatever music these guys are listening to it must be loud ;-)

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club have just returned from the Annual visit to Alderney. This is a highlight of the Channel Islands Motor Sport scene. There is no doubting that any competitor who makes the journey must LOVE their racing.

The logistics, cost and effort that goes into setting up a safe and successful weekend of Sprint and Hill Climb racing 'offshore' is massive. The Committee and all the many helpers and supporters are to be congratulated on another well run event.

Of course we were over in Alderney for the racing but the weekend always offers far more than that as all those involved mix for the social side as well. An outbreak of 'Alderney Flu' is the usual outcome by Sunday morning!

There was another helmet-full of new records.... something we have come to expect this year. Both events are extremely fast and inevitably attract the 'cream' of the racing scene. To watch this action from my privileged (and close!) viewpoint is quite astonishing. A certain red BMW paid me a rather close visit at the Hill Climb. I was most disappointed that no-one in the crowd of spectators got a picture of me legging it! I guess you have to be a 'pro' to keep clicking when it all 'kicks off', ha, ha!

In fact, on this occassion, even I missed the actual crash as I was breaking the 30 metre sprint record. Good job a 100 metre sprint wasn't needed - at my age!

It must have been a 'Red Car' thing this year as Tim Le Pelley had a big moment (actually it was more like five!) when his once beautiful Mini rolled over at the Sprint. He walked away having reaped the benefit of his careful car preparation. We were all very relieved.

I am now working through the weekends pics. First up are the Fort Corblets Sprint pictures.
PICTURES OF THE 2012 ALDERNEY SPRINT

With the previous Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Sprint at Vazon coast road being cancelled due to atrocious weather it was a relief to see near perfect conditions this time :-)
There was a good turn-out of competitors who enjoyed their track-time.

The speeds were phenomenal. How do you fancy 142mph over the quarter-mile finish line in a 'home-made' V8 powered chassis? If you want to know how that sort of speed feels along the substantial 'bend' that makes up the section on Vazon coast road you had better ask Scott Rayson. It was his 6,800cc custom-made car that did it!

This finishing speed was matched by FTD biker Adam Girard.
Adam also beat the 10 second mark with a time of 9.97. Again this represents a really 'ballsy' performance considering the bend, the changes in level and cambers. I'm impressed!

A gallery of pictures is now online. As always I have more pictures than get uploaded. Give me a call or e-mail if you want to view all your racing.
GK&MC SPRINT 08-09-2012

I thought I had better catch up with a few Gallery updates ahead of another 'away-day' from the studio. Well, in fact it is a few days!

September sees the Motorsport clan pack their toolboxes and tyre warmers and head off to Alderney. Alderney here we come... hope the karaoke is warmed up for Chemy and Phil ;-)

Todays additions are from way back.... the Vale Earth Fair to be precise. So many more pics have been taken since then it seems like an age ago!

So The Earth Fair Gallery is now complete with pictures of RentOClean, Sugarslam, Stone 'Em All, Brave Yesterday, Twelve Tribe Mansion, Last of the Light Brigade, Skid Rue, Land of the Giants, Wild Card, The Recks, Tantale, Speakeasy, The Gaa Gaa's & Rebel Control.

Nobody can say I don't try to give good coverage, eh?

So it will be off to Alderney and more pics, a few beers and NO, I will NOT be on the Karaoke you will be relieved to know :-)
THE FINAL VALE EARTH FAIR UPDATES

With the Jersey Live Festival now in its ninth year it was to be expected that the headline act would be someone special. An international star.

The chosen hero and legend for 2012 was Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds. No arguement there then. Noel is recognised all around the world and his appearance at Jersey Live gives credit to the status this friendly festival has earned.

Their performance was eagerly anticipated and the band delivered 'big time'. Noel's cocky attitude and irreverent humour between the tightly presented and memorable songs went down really well with the crowd and bought the Festival to a closing high.

I have updated a few of the Jersey Live picture galleries including the 'Good Vibes' scenes. Also you can now view a gallery featuring Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
VIEW NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS... AND OTHERS

I've just returned from what has become my annual trip to Jersey Live.
If you are a regular visitor to this web-site you will know that I photograph many, many Bands & Gigs every year.
However it is the journey over to our sister island that is one of the highlights. I look on it as a bit of a holiday... more like a busmans holiday really ;-)

I am now recognised by many of the security crew and I can only say good things about their friendly and helpful attitudes. They tell me that the Channel Islands are fabulous places to work... apparently we are a bit more 'laid back'. We agree, don't we!

The long weekend sees me sleeping on site in my van with the crews. With the long hours taking pics and a pump-up mattress combined with the after festival parties a good nights sleep is not a problem!

Of course the job is only half-done when I return home. The editing and selection of pictures then has to happen. It's not quite as much fun as taking the pics :-(

As always the best approach is to limit how many pics you take in the first place. The editing process is then a little easier.

I have now broken the back of the job but will still have a bit more to do tommorow. The list of bands already uploaded to the picture gallery is extensive!

Primal Scream, Chase & Status, Alex Clare, The Stranglers, Any Given Sunday, Badlabecques, The Gaa Gaa's, Professor Green, The Valentines, Brave Yesterday, Friends, Maverick Sabre, U.G. & B-Eazy, The Dukes Box, Rizzle Kicks, Monty Taft, Last Dinosaurs, Devlin, Bwani Junction, Janice Graham Band & Jake Bugg.

There is also a new gallery showing some of the weekends atmosphere and good vibes.

Please check-out the new pictures of Jersey Live. If you were there I hope they bring back happy memories. If you didn't go this year maybe I can persuade you that next year is a must.
JERSEY LIVE 2012 PICTURE GALLERIES

Non of my ramblings tonight ;-)

Just a quick note to mention that I have added a couple more picture galleries to the Vale Earth Fair folder.
Unfortunately I will not be able to upload pics of all the bands I photographed before I leave to photograph Jersey Live... I think there are another thirteen to come!

Todays additions include a gallery featuring some shots of the general atmosphere together with pics of Roots Manuva, Blackpool & Teaspoonriverneck.
VIEW THE VALE EARTH FAIR 2012 UPDATES