Jul 13
11
A pot of gold at Walney Island
Better known for it’s Engineering heritage rather than it’s leisure industry I was commissioned to shoot some images to illustrate the research and deployment of some hardy grass seeds to this West Coast site where the wind constantly blows at levels considered by most to be gale force and the rain predominantly falls horizontally.
The ongoing trials by Barenbrug and the Head Greenkeeper at Furness Golf Club, located on Walney Island adjacent to Barrow, have resulted in the standards of course achieved today. Despite the wind, rain, soaking by seawater and salt deposits Barenbrug are helping maintain the Golf Links to the standards demanded by Alick Mackay the head Greenkeeper.
The Greens at Furness Golf Club. The idylic view hides the vast amount of work involved to attain this level of perfection.
The weather was atrocious.
However, assisted by Alick and his watch for decent weather on the high tide resulted in this spectacular view. After a couple of aborted attempts to photograph the links, because of the unpredictable nature of the weather in the area, and sitting typing this now in the midst of weather warnings, warning to expect a months rain in the next 36 hours (to give you an idea of the the type of conditions we’re experiencing here in November) – indicates the sort of challenge faced.
Part of the research into the what, why, where, and how to ensure the upkeep and improvement to the links, Alick and Barenbrug have been conducting trials of grass recipes on site to ensure success. Pictured here , Alick surveys the trial area which will help to ensure that the future of the liesure industry in Barrow continues to defy the elements and everything that can be thrown at it.
Alick Mackay Head Green Keeper, Furness Golf Club
For the technical minded, this image was created using 2 Quantum T5d-R’s ganged together to light Alick fired by FreeXwire. We were travelling pretty lightweight over the links and extra power was needed to separate Alick a little from the background further to the single T5d-R already being used. Despite having 400ws Qpaq’s in the car if needed, the T5d-R’s worked out fine. Both Quantums were at full power, and although this photograph doesn’t show it – so was the wind.
Jul 13
11
Data loss is no laughing matter
IT and security are not the most interesting of subjects. From that standpoint imagine having to produce training or companywide information based on the subject people most least want to hear about.
I worked recently with a company who have made that their speciality and won awards in Security and IT training through drama and comedy. Making sure the message gets home and is embedded where it is intended is what Twist and Shout do.
After a prep-talk to his employees about the maluse of security throughout the company and the blatant display and password abuse, culprit #1 attempts to EAT, Hide, and destroy evidence of her ever falling foul of such simple security abuse.
The images I was commissioned to produce were to illustrate the same issues the video were covering. These are produced as an aside to the video production so setup needed to be fast and scenarios shot whilst other cast are rehearsing or being directed. It’s not always easy, especially with the time constraints but we always end up with great images.
Post-It note security abuse
What starts out as a simple poster shot degenerates into an improvisation which although not suitable for the clients purposes illustrates just why working with professionals can still get the job done despite the time pressures and the harrowing schedule. A good sense of humour helps too, especially for a comedic drama.
Just sent your company database out unencrypted? Sent a company email to clients ? How do you handle it and where can you go to avoid the Flack? Our hero thinks that keeping a low profile and having a desk to hide under might be his saving grace.
Somewhere to hide
Or how about when you’ve just left your laptop in the cafereria leaving all your secrets unattended? It might not be streetwise kid who finds your laptop a useful plaything a sweet little old lady might want to play games too.
Finders' keepers computer loss reality
Check out Twist & Shout to dispell your security training issues, perhaps they will win awards with your project too. Visit them here: http://www.twistandshout.co.uk
Jul 13
10
The Angel of the North
A couple of weeks back, amidst the postal strike I needed to deliver some work to a couple of locations in Hexham and Gateshead. Whilst I was up there, I decided to stop off near the Angel of the North for a bite to eat.
It was a pretty miserable day, but the sky was good and luck would have it that the monument looked pretty impressive. Waiting around for a while for a few people to arrive ensured that the true scale of this monument could easily be seen. I’d love to light this at night and pick out all the ribbing and support structure..
The Angel of the North, Gateshead, the North East
Personal Photography by .
Jul 13
10
Hello world!
Keeping up to date with the new images created in the wide variety of genres and across the various websites that they’re displayed on is proving to be a little stretching.
I’m putting up this Commercial Photographer Blog to help inform you about completed projects and help illustrate the type of work I’m up to. There’s some great stories behind how some of the projects are completed and hopefully, this will be place that can be done. As well as that, it will make keeping up to date easier than it is currently.