To take my camera to the Grand Prix or not?
That was the question I asked myself, Thursday morning before the first of four straight trips up to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix weekend.
It was the Grand Prix. A banquet of creative opportunity where my nemesis of inspiration would be adorned with colour, shape and speed not seen anywhere else in the country.
It is the single biggest sporting event of the year in the UK, pulling in more than a quarter of a million fans over the duration; four days of atmosphere, passion and excitement, enhanced to levels unbound if the race serves up a treat as it did on the Sunday.
I must have been mad to have even contemplated not taking the camera…why would I do that? Why miss the opportunity?
Part of me felt like giving the punters pictures a rest, to go and actually enjoy all the racing and atmosphere, rather than worry about scurrying about on this aimless mission to capture pics for no reason what-so-ever.
After that Thursday afternoon session where we got to absorb 40mins of Masters racing, I again reiterated my desire to leave the camera at home. I wasn’t enthused in the slightest.
I procrastinated with my decision, and woke on the Friday having convinced myself that it would be better with the F1’s on track. It wasn’t fun as this wave of self loathing consumed me in the morning. I hated it all. I hated this ridiculous hobby, the endeavour of trying to create pointless images of cars, I hated the boring F1 and I hated being at Silverstone. I felt aggravated and unhappy.
So I sat in the sun, had a chinwag with Fozzy (who tried to run me over on his bike) grabbed a bite and a beer, in an attempt to clear my fuzzy head.
What was I thinking? This was the British Grand Prix! My one off opportunity for the year to try and create something different. To capture scenes of these world wide superstars and potentially gain a morsel of notoriety for them.
But I’m sat there in a grump after first practice, whining about people getting in the way.
This was the British Grand Prix! My favourite event of the year and I’m sitting there, griping about trivial crap. Have a word with yourself!
So I did. We got chips, I finished the chips, and got back on it.
In a Homer style epiphany moment, I realised that I had to make the most of the opportunity, or I would be kicking my own arse with the regret that I hadn’t. The sun was blazing, the cars glorious and you just don’t get to experience Silverstone in it’s pomp like this at any other time of the year.
Although I still boggle as to why I do it. Why do I involve so much effort, spend so much money and time, why do I carrying round a 5kg lump of glass, metal and batteries for no real purpose.
Am I chasing a dream or searching for fame? I don’t know. I don’t think so. I just like pictures.
What I do know is this; if I had made the choice to give up and put the camera in the bag, I wouldn’t have a gallery to show you, and it’s one I’m pretty bloody stoked with.
Rich,
The struggle is real and you’re not alone. IMO you have nothing to prove, but you’ve re-proven that your creative juices are flowing strong. Quite a few of your set had me clicking back to take a longer/second look. Thoroughly enjoyed these. If you do another book hopefully more will make it there.
Cheers!
Jeff,
I’m stoked you like them. I was pretty confident that I had taken a good set, but that’s some wicked feedback. Thank you. The ups and down must be part of the artistic flow…pfffttt. Cheers again Jeff, much appriciated.
Rich
Dear Rich,
at first, why so negative?
I’m delighted to say that I am VERY thankful you took your camera with you. Not only thankful, more like, yeah, staggered with what you came up with, again. And once more, you truly inspire. I am convinced that this is your absolute KEY ASSET: your different view, your struggle with yourself and with finding new ways of bringing your perception into what we crudely call digital photos. I’d call them artworks. Every single one of them.
Now think again about putting your camera aside. – – – That’s a joke, I dare you! I would absolutely like to encourage you to continue doing what you do. Need some more motivation? If you do so, the universe will do its part. I can tell you first hand. Just believe in what you have achieved already! It is so common, also here in Germany, that everybody is rather focussed on his own mistakes and failures than positively looking back upon what you have accomplished.
So, in compressed form: You are a hero behind the camera. You make the world – not just the one of motorsports – a more beautiful place! And that is quite an accomplishment!
Considering the pictures in your latest gallery: These are awesome to say the least. Some of them can be considered stunning, marvellous and iconic at the same time. Some examples?
• Picture 5: Colours! If there was just that last missing bit of sharpness. But that is complaining on the highest level. It’s just around the corner!
• Picture 15: What a great way to tell this story. Probably not a single sharp pixel, but this is what makes the picture. You can feel the rhythm of the people running and pushing the car in a way I haven’t seen before!
• Picture 20: A wonderful off-look proving your brilliant and unique perception.
• Picture 27: Just terror. Positive terror!
• Picture 28: So clever. I had to look at least three times to understand what’s happening here. And I felt observed by Fernando. 😀
• Picture 34 still leaves me clueless. Did you take that one towards a glass wall? However, it’s a great abstract! Almost glitch art.
• Picture 40: COLOURS!!! And much love.
On a side note, all of these did a perfect job in camouflaging that aesthetic catastrophe that the halo is! Well done!
Another side note: If you ever plan visiting Germany (Frankfurt or the Nordschleife) we should meet. Drop me a line when you think about it!
And now, go shooting! It isn’t even dark yet. 😀
This made me laugh Oliver, thanks hugely for enjoying the gallery and for the comment – or is that an essay! 😀
I didn’t actually worry about the Halo one bit…I kind of ignored it…obviously worked! You enthusiasm for my pics is possibly the highest praise..so thank you for enjoying them and taking the time to analyse. It’s that kind of attention that drives you on, especially when you do this for no purpose other than a pastime.
I do have a minor problem now… I’ve now got to go out and better these images! 😀 Oh wow…the chase continues! Never satisfied!
Thank again Oliver. Brilliant!
Hi Rich, just having a catch-up read of your blogs.
I get the “leave the camera at home” struggle. I always left the camera back at the campsite on race day as I felt I’d missed the previous days action because I was watching thru a lens rather than using my eyes.
Of course come race day sans camera I’d be kicking myself as something nearly always happend right in front on me giving me that “ if only moment” ( Webber overtaking Alonso down the Wellington straight in 2012 for example )
There’s some lovely shots from the GP, it would have been a crime if you’d have left your kit at home mate.
With regard to people getting in your way, I feel your pain as do most of us I suspect.
Me and Lee were moaning about the very thing at the WEC, sitting on the outside of copse folk can clearly see what you’re doing but still tramp across your line of shot, deliberately I’m sure.
What really gets my goat is when it’s someone else taking photos, they can see you there and what you’re doing! Is there no etiquette amongst would be snappers?
I try to be aware of what others are doing and go out of my way NOT to spoil their shots. Just so so rude. Rant over!