Olympic wrestling

Many years ago I worked in many differing areas of sports photography. One of those was Olympic Wrestling. Although I've not done any of this for a few years, I have plans to extend the range of sports I cover over the next few months, so would like to give it another try. Wrestling was fantastic to shoot, and watch. These are old photos and have been recovered from 35mm negatives so please understand the quality of image will be affected.

Chadderton FC v Leigh Genesis, Friendly July 2010

First game of the season for me and, true to form, it threw it down. With hosepipe bans in place and blistering sunshine non stop for several weeks, footy starts and so does the rain. It was also an evening match so with the glowering skies and lack of natural light there were exposure problems - that and the fact I'd not got me brolly with me so was a tad worried about the gear getting wet - I really should know better! Anyway - more friendlies to come before the season starts on August 7th. Good to be back to real footy.

Further photos from this game can be found here
A slideshow from this game can be found here

Street Musicians

Had a stroll through the city and took some shots of the street performers, particularly musicians, in the city. Manchester has a fantastic range of buskers and artists, and one of the joys of the city is to stroll through it listening to the variety of live music.

Flint, Wales

Had a day out to the Dee Estuary today. I'd seen Flint castle from the train when travelling to Holyhead to get the ferry to Dublin, so a short rail journey and there we were. The castle was built by Edward I and was the first of his series of castle constructed after subduing Wales - cleverly all sited so they could be provisioned from sea. It was started in 1277 and took nine years to complete - at one time over 2,300 men were employed in its construction. At the time it cost the English some £7,000 and CADW estimate that at todays prices that's about £20m

More Dublin

As promised more from the recent visit to Dublin. This time it's Dublin Castle.

Bridlington

Had a few hours in Bridlington last week prior to some work so took the camera out for a walk along the beach. First time I've been there but was very impressed - beaches are fantastic.

Manchester Day Parade

What a fantastic day and the Council and all involved, including Walk the Plank, deserve great credit for this. It was really brilliant - a true testament to the people of this great city - well done everyone and I'm already looking forward to next years.

Statues in Manchester Town Hall

These statues are in Manchester Town Hall, and came about because I wanted to play with my new flashgun (again!). 

First of all is the Great Manchester Scientists John Dalton

followed by James Joule

and finally the bust of Bishop Fraser - who I think opened more churches in Manchester than any other Bishop

Famine Statues

Had a few days in Dublin this week, and was, once again, struck by the volume and quality of the statues there. Some of the most poignant are the set remembering the famine. They are haunting - an impact I'm sure the sculptor aimed at. I also think they are stunning. I hope you agree.

New Season trials 2010-11

Chadderton held their trials for the new season today and I was able to be there. New season starts in August of course but there's a host of trials and friendlies prior to that.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Greater Manchester Run

A superb day - this event just gets bigger and bigger - brilliant atmosphere.

Music provided by such great organisations as the Halle

A range of athletes

And no matter how good a photographer you are, you sometimes need to look around you to see what's happening

Rochdale League Cup Finals 2010

A long day but a good one with two matches one after the other. Good weather as well so although its left shattered I think the results were worthwhile.

Hope you enjoy.

More photos from these games can be found here

A slideshow from these games can be found here

Rochdale Town v Eccleshall 2009-10

Last game of the season and it's been a season I've really enjoyed covering. Not sure where I'll be shooting next year but I'd like to still cover Rochdale Town - we'll see.

more photos from this game can be found here

a slideshow from this game can be found here

Rochdale Town v Norton 2009-10

Another evening match and kick off delayed until 8pm so by 8.30 the light was fading. So not too many shots today and as you can see the balls often a blur. In fact I didn't shoot at all after half an hour.

More photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here

Rochdale Town v Leek CSOB 2009-10

Beautiful weather meant I could shoot with a low iso and fast shutter speed. excellent day for photography.

more photos from this game can be found here

A slideshow from this game can be found here