Mountain Biking Photos at Yeadon BMX Track

I took my son and one of his friends for a bit of fun at Yeadon BMX track recently. Partly for them to unload some energy and have some fun, but also for me to practise some action sports photography.


Also on test was new lens, namely a 14mm F2.8 Samyang, a much cheaper alternative to the named L series lens. I wanted to see how it performed and get used to its manual operation, which was quite liberating, once I started to get used to it.

I have to say that I am very pleased with the resulting pictures, and so are the boys, for whom a "professional" biking photo shoot was a new experience for them.

Here are some of my favourites.

Social Networking Event

I was recently asked to cover the 1st birthday event for Social Solutions Academy, based in Innospace, Manchester.

They had a selection of guest speakers, who gave excellent talks on social networking, of interest to me, even as an "outsider". They included a man who is deaf, communicating through a sign language "interpreter", which was great to see, and an inspiration.

It was good to do some corporate photography, and to meet some lovely people.


The photo's were for publicity purposes and are already in use on their website. Here are a selection.

 

 

Rainy Day in Manchester

I had a day off yesterday and, as is my wont, I went for a walk around Manchester, with a stop off at the Lowry for the latest photo exhibition (Mr Sixties, photo's by Phil Townsend, well worth seeing).

Here are a selection of the snaps I took on my travels.

The froth on my moccaccino:

 

Self-portrait reflection with the Media City development in the background.

 Trying out my new 16mm F2.8 lens:

 Just for the bokeh:

 What a lovely sight, couple very much in love:

 Saw this from the tram. Unfortunatly didn't see Wayne Rooney, if he was there.

 Cool reflection on the Hilton Hotel Manchester, spot the window cleaners.

 Art for art's sake. Amused me slightly with the brolly up so close to fountains.

 I don't know, and I didn't ask....

 One use for the free newspaper.

 And again (two of many using the free Manchester Evening News papers for this purpose).

Chadderton Wedding

A recent wedding at Healds Green Methodist Church, with the reception at Clough Manor, provided the opportunity to capture this shot in which I wanted to position the sun just as you can see it. I did not notice the rainbow lens flare until I opened the image later. One of those nice little effects that just kind of happens sometimes.

New shoes

Here is a different take on the shoes shot during the bridal preparation. I happily hold my hands up to admit that I did see the idea done by someone else and decided to try it at my next wedding. It has been said that there is nothing original in the world. Not that I totally agree with that, but there is a certain element of truth in it. Anyway, it has not been done with those shoes, in that bedroom, on that day, etc.
I like it, and will probably use it again, and maybe even develop it a little further...

Wedding at Oaks Hotel, Burnley

On Saturday I had the pleasure of covering a wedding for a fellow photographer, who was unable to make it due to other commitments.
Phil & Gail were married at St Mary's Catholic Church in Littleborough, followed by a reception at The Oaks Hotel in Burnley.

The weather was rather changeable, but managed to behave at the right moments to get a lovely set of photo's.
The hotel is well suited to wet weather weddings though, having a lovely staircase in the entrance which can be used for group shots and couple shots.
Here are a selection of the images produced.

Toy Story

Ever heard the phrase "like a kid in a toyshop"?

I spent a full day photographing the whole of a new toy store in Royton recently for Smyths Toys. The photo's are to provide a model for how the company's other stores should be laid out, so we had to pay particular attention to detail to comply with their merchandising guidelines, making sure the right numbers of each product were displayed and all items were priced.

The store is now open and I have already been back in to spend some money (I could spend a fortune in there, just on me!).

Here's a selection fo the pictures taken (out of approximately 400).

Maternity Photo Shoot

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of doing a maternity photo shoot for a lovely young couple. As a bit of a teaser for them, and a chance to share just a few of the pictures I am now working on, here is a small selection.
This is the first portrait shoot where my wife has come along and she enjoyed helping me with posing and maintaining the modesty of the young lady. Can't wait to show them the full set when they're finished.