Jam Line

Roller Derby bouting action from Sheffield. Took this while on a course, learning how to photograph this smashy bashy sport. I kinda got lucky with my surroundings as the black backdrop set the scene really well, making it look pretty dramatic. Also the pointy offical with her whistle and everyone looking poised and ready to roller attack made this my favourite shot of the day. Black and white... again adds a little more epicness. This one goes out to my good friends Cookie Cutlass and Caesar Maniac, who although not photographed, have opened up a whole new world of sporting fun to me- thanks you guys! I doubt I will make it to the track to skate alongside them (they are rather good and I can't skate, plus I think I'd just end up broken) however, I hope one day I'll get the chance to capture some cool shots of them, doing the sport they love! Just need to upgrade my kit- poor light and speedy action...Derby is tough to photograph!!  

 1/80|f4.5|ISO1600|

Big Sticks

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a couple of weeks ago. I think this is a Beech tree, a fairly big old one. My favourite thing about this photo is of course the amazing Autumn colours, and the way the sunlight sets the tree alight... but most of all I like the boy in blue to the left of the tree striding out with a big stick in his hand. He could be Max on a Wild Things adventure. To me, this is what being outdoors in Autumn is all about. Big sticks, exploring and adventures. And trees, really big trees (preferably climbable- this one is decidedly unclimbable) with sunshine and leaves and mud. And picnics on a cold bench, where you have to walk super fast to get warm again. And stepping stones across leaf strewn, clogged muddy rivers. And saying close up hellos to shaggy coated horned cows in open woodland eating acorns. And best friends to share adventures with and appreciate all the great things outdoors. And heading home to a giant roast dinner of epic proportions to match the days adventures in a cosy warm house with good company... Autumn days (and big sticks) are brilliant.

1/800|f5.6|ISO200|

Casual Contest

Plage Sud Campsite, South West France. We went up to the campsite bar for an early evening beer and to watch the relaxed Petanque games going on nearby. I had a new toy this trip- my dad's telephoto lens. Not being so experienced with taking pictures of people, this allowed me to observe from a noticable distance, but without being too intrusive. Nobody seemed to mind me taking pictures while drinking my beer in the sunshine. There were games all around- families, couples... young and old, but the one photographed seemed to have the most riding on it. The man pictured clearly had a competitive spirit and an expressive game. A small group gathered to watch as he often made attacking play- opting for the aggressive lob over the positional throws. I'm unsure of the overall outcome of the overall game as they probably continued long after we left, but I was rooting for the guy above. The person to the right of the frame was his opponent, and helped to frame the shot. I also like the expression of the man watching, clearly engaged in the small pride-filled battle.

1/100|f9|ISO100|

Super Market

Market day in Chichicastenago and an acknowledged spiritual day in the Mayan calendar. The plaza put me into sensory overload with the vibrant colours of the rambling endless maze of stalls, busy purposeful people, the ringing sound of market trade, hot bright sun and the smoky sandalwood incense drifting across the square. I sat down for a while on the church steps to allow myself the time to take it all in. I thought it would be a good opportunity to attempt some people photography- something I am not so familiar with. I soon realised why a zoom lens would be very helpful for future attempts. The woman photographed had just left the church with her shopping and small cannister still smoking from the incense she had just burnt while observing her ancient ritual. Depth of field was used to blur the background and focus in on the subject. 

1/250|f4.0|ISO80|