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I'm not sure where/when/how the foundations were laid - It was always something I wanted to try when I was young, but I didn't really get much of an opportunity. I remember buying an old, battered MF Praktica 35mm SLR from a friend at school but managed to break the prism mechanism after about 2 rolls of film and never did anything about it.
I finally got my chance after getting together with the amazing woman who would end up being my wife. Her brother is an amateur jockey and wanting to show an interest in her interests, I went along with her to some race meetings. I took my 2mp Kodak DC240 P+S to keep myself occupied and quickly became hooked.
3) Do you have a favourite category of photography and if so, what is it?
I shoot a lot of horse racing (over 10k pics a year) and I love the idea of trying to capture the sheer energy that's expelled by the competitors, human and equine alike. I always used to think it was rather a pointless and boring sport before I met my other half, but in reality it's an immensely powerful and evocative sport when you study it close-up. I'm still searching for the picture that captures what I sense when I close my eyes and imagine the rumble of 40 hooves speeding to wards me at 30mph.
I do enjoy photographing plenty of other subjects too; I enjoy taking the camera out with me when I'm mountain biking with friends - the mud, action and beautiful vistas are all inspiring, and landscapes are always fun to explore, as is HDR - something I don't do an awful lot of, but always enjoy it when I do.
I'd love to expand my repertoire; I love the natural world, especially animals so would love to do more wildlife stuff and enjoy good animal macros too. I think the next project however, will be some portrait work. My brother and his fiancé have asked if I would shoot them and It's something I'm looking forward to doing. I love the opportunity to learn and evolve with everything I do, so this is a fantastic opportunity.
4) What is your most memorable photographic experience to date?
Crikey, I've had a few this year! 2007 has given me so many firsts and I have to choose just one?
Well.. It will have to be the first of two paid assignments for a well-known specialist insurance provider, who sponsor a series of point-to-point races around the country. The winners of each race qualify for a national final at a showcase hunter chase meeting at the end of the jump season. It was such an exhausting day, both mentally and physically; I put myself under immense pressure to make sure I gave them the best I could offer.
I didn't sleep particularly well and following a 2 hour drive the day started very badly - low cloud and constant drizzle meant shocking lighting conditions and a constant battle to keep the end of the lens dry (not to mention my glasses!) and of course it added an extra dimension of risk to changing lenses
I have to say I was glad when it was over. It was extremely hard work - the pressure, the weather, the general uncertainty of the situation all combined to create an extremely demanding environment and I wasn't particularly good company on the journey home!
The results however painted a different picture: The best shots of the day came from the sponsor's race, and the best shots of the race were of the winner, so after all that stress and worry, I delivered the goods. I've never been so far out of my comfort zone, but it did at least show me that these things are possible despite the conditions and I learned a lot about myself, and about how much I still had to learn about what most pro togs would consider 'bread and butter' assignments.
My second assignment for the sponsors was a doddle in comparison, yes the weather was stunning but all the stress from the first job had been lifted - I knew what was expected and I knew I could do it.
5) Do you like to manipulate pictures? Or do you prefer them as a true record of the event? What is your view on Photo manipulation?
I suppose I aspire to the romantic notion of being able to freeze a special moment in time, an emotion, thought or experience that may never happen again.
I'm not really into heavy manipulation apart from my HDR malarkey, but have no problem with those who are; The whole digital manipulation thing is a separate art form, even though it shares a common medium with photography.
6) What, if any, are your photographic ambitions for the future?
My main driving force has always been to take better photos and I hope that will continue. I'm my own harshest critic and am rarely satisfied with my results. I'm not desperate to go pro; I've never seen photography as a money-making venture and I also enjoy the extra creative freedom that being an amateur allows. Invention and experimentation are hard to practise when you're relying on the results to put food on the table.
I'm just going with the flow at the moment and it's a bit of a magical mystery tour: I'm enjoying the journey immensely, and am quite intrigued to discover where I'll end up!
Now for John's favourite Five -
From my first visit to Fountains Abbey, I still can't get over the fact I managed to get so close with my 200mm to get a shot like this; I love the beauty of the stags, and the serenity of the scene.
I've panned loads of horses, but this was one of the first and there's still something about it that I just like. To top the shot off, it's my brother-in-law on-board, going down to the start of the race that would give him his 50th victory.
One of my first IR shots, this shot on a sunny yet cloudy day at Thorp Perrow Arboretum in August 2006. I was still learning what to do with the R72 IR filter so was bracketing like mad. My parents have this shot on their living room wall
The night I decided to get up with the larks whilst staying with my brother-in-law in Hovingham has to rank as one of my better decisions. I was so incredibly lucky to witness such a beautiful morning and was overjoyed with the results. This one was re-cropped following some advice from Adam Scorey on the PM forums. I actually have another of the shots as a 3-foot canvas but following the re-crop, this one is now the fave shot of the day, and found its way into this top 5 without any pause for thought. I'm still rather stoked that it was me that took this photo but forever in Adam's debt for suggesting the crop - it really made the photo.
This is my favourite shot from a wonderful holiday in Goa. There's just so much to capture and I'd love to be able to go back once I'm a little more capable of taking it all in, the place is overflowing with colour & character. I missed so many photos whilst I was there, but at least got this to remind me of one moment I managed to capture.
If you would like to see more of John's work then check out his website SEE HERE
OK the floors now open, do you have any questions you'd like to ask?
If so post them below. _________________
A very interesting read Jon. I think the sunrise shot is brilliant. I'd love to see the stag and goa photos in colour if you have them. _________________ happy 50th birthday - motown records
Think you have answered any questions that may be asked in your spotlight.
If I think of any I will certainly come back
oh - just thought of one on IR
Does increasing shutter times allow the use of the IR filter on cameras that have protection against IR light? _________________ -----------------------------------------------------
Thanks for your spotlight Jon, I have to say that you are someone I am rather in awe of on the site, not only for your photographic skills and your understanding of photography, but also your courage, as with the specialist insurance provider shoot. In many ways you provide a reference for me, as you appear to embody many of my aspirations, aspirations I haven't dared to broach yet. And yet... you prefer to remain an amateur, enjoying the journey, the magical mystery tour, which for me is inspiring and encourages me. I had the opportunity, when I bought my D80, to go for the D2X instead, that I did not was all about self confidence, and I remember when you bought yours that you felt somewhat discomforted using it for a while. I really regret not going for it, and would never make that mistake again, because it's about our (individual) world, the magical mystery tour, and you helped me see that. So I just really want to say thank you for being such an important part of the magic of this site and I really wish you all the best for the future. Thanks Jon. _________________
I'm a bit floored by your statement that you take 10k pics a year of horse racing I don't think I've taken that many pics total of all kinds in my lifetime.
I very much like your second image of your brother-in-law. I can see why it's on your short list.
But I must say that my favourite is the last image of your holiday in Goa. Good focus and composition, but more importantly, it does a superb job of telling a story. Absolutely love it!
Thanks very much for the comments - If I never manage to get a chance like that sunrise again, at least I didn't totally fluff the opportunity I had!
All my computers are packed up in boxes atm as I'm moving house on Saturda. I'll dig you out a colour version of both shots when I'm all set up & have Internet access back, promise
@dave
I'm glad you enjoyed it - I was honoured to contribute to what is a fascinating section of the website
To answer your question, yes. Decreased sensitivity just means increasing the light by whatever means suits, beit longer exposure times, wider aperture or higher iso. It will be hard work on the D200 and if the exposure creeps over 30s you're going to have to resort to a bulb exposure. The results may not be fantastic, so it's quite a gamble spending money on the filter just to try it out, but if you do want to give it a whirl do take a look at filters on ebay as theyre so much cheaper than from the uk.
@keith
Crumbs, there's not much I can say to that other than wow, thanks! I'd never for one minute think of myself as a source of inspiration, I'm just trying to do the job as what I see is the 'right' way, i.e. pictures first. I think it's down to what I am and what I do, and is probably why I make a reasonable living as a programmer. I'm not bothered by bells and whistles, what matters is the engine room - get that right and you're motoring.
Buying the D2Xs was a funny old feeling, but looking back I don't regret it for one second. The hours of nagging Ruth for approval (more than my life's worth to go spending that amount without her blessing!) and sense of personal discomfort owning it has long since been forgotten I can't put into words how the camera has liberated my creative freedom this year, it's been a revelation. It's a special time to be a Nikon shooter - the D3 and D300 are just around the corner, and the D2Xs second-hand market is about to come into reach of more people. All three are very special cameras.
I have to say there's a reciprocal admiration Keith - I'm loving your journey into portraits and I also love the fact that this community is so supportive of personal exploration and advancement; keep up the fantastic work, I'm taking notes ;)
@John
The D2Xs' shot counter rolled over before the end of the season this year, plus my keeper rate soared. Between us we posted over 3200 photos to the site compared to 2700,1500,645,520 & 70-odd in previous years. The pressure is there to try and get a decent shot of everyone, and the riders & horses don't always co-ooperate I spend hours going through the photos after a race meeting, giving the collection multiple passes to whittle the number down to something managable for the site - too many and you overface your visitors.
I'm glad you like the shot from Goa, it still gives me a certain amount of satisfaction even though there are plenty of problems with it. I'd love to be able to get more shots like that, 'shoot what you see' seems such an obvious description of documentary photography but there's a balance between getting the shots that count, and just looking like the stereotypical tourist that snaps everything that moves _________________ There is nothing in life that cannot be improved with either monkeys, pirates or ninjas NPU Member
Love the IR shot, and would love the chance to learn how to do that kind of photography.... (hint hint!!)
Also really like the Sunrise one, and it reminds me a early mornings on the farm when i was a little younger. Despite the cold and tiredness, there is something magical about dawn, when animals start stirring, and the sun rises.....
Great insight! Thanks very much for sharing _________________ Bring on the snow, for I feel the need to ride.....
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I don't think I've taken that many pics total of all kinds in my lifetime.
I can't put into words how the camera has liberated my creative freedom this year, it's been a revelation. It's a special time to be a Nikon shooter - the D3 and D300 are just around the corner, and the D2Xs second-hand market is about to come into reach of more people. All three are very special cameras.
