Chadderton v AFC Darwen

So they have re-scheduled my eye surgery which meant I could get to Chaddy today for the first time in a while. Brilliant sunshine for much of the day but cold by the end of the match. Should be able to do more of Chaddy over next few months.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Rochdale Town v Daisy Hill

This could be the last set of photos for a short while since I'm having eye surgery next week. Once the eye has healed though I look forward to getting out there for some more photography. Enjoy, and see you soon.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Rochdale Town v Oldham Borough

North West Counties League, Mayfield Sports Centre.

More photographs from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Rochdale Town v Holker Old Boys

North West Counties League and first game of the year. It was also the first attempt with my new lens - a Sigma 70-200 f 2.8. I thought I'd also really push the ISO since the D7000 is supposed to be really good in this kind of situation. Have to say I'm really pleased. The floodlights at this level are somewhat challenging, giving large dark areas across a pitch, but the camera and lens functioned better than I could possibly imagine. I was able to hanhold at 1/250 with a constant 2.8 which has resulted in many more shots than I can usually manage from a late match.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Rochdale Observer report from this game can be found here

Manchester Nights

Weather and other activities have reduced the opportunities to shoot footy lately, but I have enjoyed the opportunity to have a go at some more night time work. Very enjoyable - if cold!

Manchester University Boxing

The boxing club at the University held a taster day for people to visit and see what's involved, maybe have a chance to have a trial. I really enjoyed this since it's a sport I'd wanted to shoot for some time.

More photos from this event can be found here

A slideshow from this event can be found here

Rochdale Town v Ashton Town

First game for what seems like ages. Not only is it now dark at half time, but the mist started rolling in half way through the second half blocking out what ambient light there was available. Not too many shots today then, but at least there's some.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Manchester University basketball

Shooting indoors in a sports hall is never easy, especially with a fast moving game like basketball. Low light and speed are not a good combination. However my new 2.8 Tamron seems to have done quite a good job.

More photos from this shoot can be found here 

A slideshow from this shoot can be found here 

John Rylands Library

No football this weekend and the weather was rather dull so I thought a visit to one of my favourite buildings in Manchester was called for, the John Rylands Library on Deansgate.

Lightroom

Things have been so hectic recently I still have a load of shots from games to post and will try and get round to them shortly. In the meantime the big news is I've invested in Lightroom - and although it's early days I love the programme. For the first time I'm shooting in RAW and then processing - and some of the effects are stunning. Although sometimes I'll still shoot in JPEG, especially footy, when I have time and the inclination then RAW will be the future. I know all the photographers out there will be amazed it's taken me so long to switch but hey.
The shot below was taken in the middle of Manchester today - November and the roses are still blooming in the heart of the city.

University Football Week 5

More photos from these games can be found here

A slideshow from these games can be found here

University Football Week 4

More photos can be found here

A slideshow from this week can be found here

Rochdale Town v Atherton Collieries

North West Counties League. One of the last reasonably warm days wiyth low slanting sunlight.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

University Football Week 3

Mixed weather which included dark overcast skies and brilliant sunshine. Freezing one moment then sweating the next!

More photos from these games can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Rochdale Town v Cheadle Town

North West Counties Challenge Cup.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

University Sports 2

More football from the University of Manchester Leagues. Wet, wet and wet.

 

More photos from these games can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Last days of summer

You can feel it in the air. On a couple of occassions recently I've been on my way to a shoot and noticed changes in plants - snapped a few which are here. Something different!

Manchester University Sports - Football week 1

Photos from the University Sports Leagues - and the football league started today.

More photos from this league can be found here

A slideshow from this league can be found here