Photography @ Demonstrations

Demonstrations are always a liverly place to take pictures and here in the UK is no exception, here there is always some group out demonstrating about something. The problem with photography at demos is there are usually as many photographers as protesters, or maybe it's that every person now carries some device for capturing images. Even as recent as the late 80's early 90's I was fortunate to be amongst just a small contingent of photographers who would turn out on a cold winters morning to capture the days events, with only the local constabulary in the way of capturing the desired image. Now it's like a public brawl with a mass of like minded individuals all scrambling to get the better picture.
In this situation I have learnt to look to capture something a little different, not to follow always the crowd but to look down the side street for the missed opportunity.

It's always a good idea to remain behind the police to avoid been contained in a small area, a tactic used by the police for the management of large crowds . Anyone caught up within those confines are prevented from leaving the area for several hours; most frustrating.

Photography Pays

It seems strange that even though there is a recession, photography studios are popping up in every town and people are still able to find the money to fund a family portrait. I'v never really been a fan of studio photography, I like to capture my subjects in their natural enviroment.Maybe if I was'nt so precious about what is pleasing to me then I might have had some great big photographic empire by now, instead I join the millions of other photographers who's talents lie undescovered. I think that makes me sound a little bitter, I dont mean to give that impression. Actually I could never be limited by four walls, true photography is about real life, and I know how pretentious and cliche that sounds but it's what I feel.

Photographing Dogs

They say never work with Children or Animals, I wander who said that, I think they must be misserable whoever they are.

As a Photographer, who loves to shoot animals-and I use the word shoot in purely photographic terms, I think I am blessed. My Border Collie Bob, who is the most perfect of subjects, is always ready to pose for the camera. Now I'm not silly enough to believe that he understands that I'm taking his picture, not all dog lovers have such strange ideas. No, he is just waiting for his next set of instructions and the fact that there is a camera to my face just means I am giving him the attention which he demands and yes he demands. In fact try taking a photograph without a Border Collie in it and I'm stuffed.

Now I know I said I'm blessed, well as with all things there are two sides and opposites, and there she is, hiding behind Bob avoiding the camera, I'm sure she has learnt that such behaviour will be rewarded, that even the shortest glance across at the camera will guarantee a tasty treat, and I am under some illusion that I am a dog trainer....mmm