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Soccersnapper has said it as it is. Sports (football) photography is a hard life but get it right and can be the most enjoyable job in the land.

Praising and backslapping only feed your ego (although its always welcome from your peers). Criticism should fuel your determination and hopefully make you a better photographer. I've seen many people give up sports as they just could not make it pay. What does that say about their work! You either have an eye for it or you dont.

My question to soccersnapper is: With so many agencies around and looking for national coverage do you think too many inexperienced photographers are being sent to games. Ultimately they get disolutioned with little or no usage and giving up.
 
I think I have a question that's been answered before but might be useful to have it again in this thread.

A friend and I were talking at the weekend about shooting sports and he said that he would like to get into it and was going to college in September to do an NVQ or something (sorry I forget what qualification now) in Photography to try and get into agencies to shoot sports.

My question is, is this the right route to take? I was under the assumption that he should do what I was thinking of doing a year back and start by shooting low level football (or rugby) ie Sunday League and work your way up?
 
OOHHH how nice to wake up with three private emails and one form of communication. It so nice to know that people care.

To quote one : "why is it you are such a k n o b h e a d, some of the stuff you put over on talk photography are ridiculous, grow up you self righteous egotistic ******** and do the right thing and **** off."

And to Mr H - I bet you were one of the numptys who threw pies at the photographers the weekend after Diana was killed.

A lot of you have severe inner complexes. Perhaps I should tell the mods to start a counseling section as it is quite obvious some of you need it :)

So... come on show some balls. What stuff is ridiculous? Come on tell me and explain properly.

Its ridiculous to kindly point out someone one the error of their ways?

Why take life so seriously too warrant the energy of emailing someone whose only intentions are to offer help to some people?

Please explain how I am a self righteous egotistic mister. I really would like to know as suffering from depression, most of the time I hate myself, my work is not as good as it should be and one thing I am certainly not is egotistic. I wish I was happy and loved myself more.

What do I do and say that gets under the skin of so many?
 
i think the most relevant part of the whole of this thread for me is to listen.

or in this case... read it.. digest it... make a decision. i spend my whole working life listening to people (we probably all do). i don't like many people at all, i think most of the people i speak to are t***ers. i trust hardly anyone.

what i do know though is good advice when it's (virtually) thrown in my face. i have no intention whatsoever of becoming a sports photographer or any other kind of photographer for that matter - but i think to argue the toss about whether SS is a big head or not is missing the point.

my question is a scenario really (and will hopefully answer it once and for all):

hobbying / budding photographer wants to get 'in' to his local football league team and be there home and away taking pictures. What's the best approach?
Once getting the nod from the team (no mention of money here yet)... what's the way forward to introduce earning from the pics?
 
My question to soccersnapper is: With so many agencies around and looking for national coverage do you think too many inexperienced photographers are being sent to games. Ultimately they get disolutioned with little or no usage and giving up.

I think people dont have the time to train people like they used to. New photographers probably never get the sit down preparation chat telling them of failure and realisation that its a game and like on XFactor, only one, possibly two make it out of thousands.

In the good old days agencies needed bodies to copy transparencies, develop films etc There were far more office jobs knocking around that young photographers could do taking up the mantle of office junior.

Apart from key-wording the photographer him/herself can do most of the tasks themselves.

In L1 and L2 in the late 80s, I would never see more than 4 photographers at a game. Nowadays its an occasion when there is only four. I still dont understand where everyone sells their pictures too.

In this credit card age people expect instant success. Sorry but it takes years to develop - and thats doing it full time.
 
A friend and I were talking at the weekend about shooting sports and he said that he would like to get into it and was going to college in September to do an NVQ or something (sorry I forget what qualification now) in Photography to try and get into agencies to shoot sports.

My question is, is this the right route to take? I was under the assumption that he should do what I was thinking of doing a year back and start by shooting low level football (or rugby) ie Sunday League and work your way up?

I was always questioned. I was always challenged. So Ill question you : WHY do an NVQ?

To quote a famous rock star who was asked, "How do I get my band to be as successful as yours?" - the reply was "Do it your own way"

Initially I thought this was the most rude answer possible. But the more I thought of it the more I believe it is the perfect answer. There is no guaranteed way. If I look at the 35 who go to Arsenal week in week out, each has their own story.

Equally if you want to play Sunday League football, do you sign up with the Dog and Pheasant on the assumption that you will be signed up by Manchester City?

Thinking about the 13 people who covered the last England trip abroad, Apart from possibly one, I do not think one of us followed a career path and we are at where we wanted to be at the start. It just happened.

It may be a cr@p reply, but just do it. Write your own story, don't copy someone else. Do it your own way. Try different things, get different books. Sadly most of what you see in the mass media is bland but very difficult to achieve as, and over time I will start repeating myself, people don't understand the process on how those pictures are gained.
 
Is there many opportunities these days to be an apprentice or getting work experience with papers or agencies without going through the education route (university)?

A great question.

Sadly the answer is no.

However sadly I believe peer pressure insists on going to Uni and succeeding on paper.

Liken it to a rock star. He won't necessarily do a music degree - the high school drop outs are often the multi-million selling artists by the time they are 25. They are the ones who compose tunes in their bedrooms and start off their own bands. They then grow and develop and eventually get picked up.

Be it be a wedding photographer, sports photographer, even a police photographer, its not like other professions where you obtain qualifications which tell employers that you are a success.

If I had the answer, Id write a book and make some money, but as on other replies, everyone has their own story. You have to be lucky, grasp the opportunities at the right time. Be who you want to be but understand it is bad to be disappointed, thus best not to expect.

Its like asking how do I find a wife? Be in the right bar at the right time and there she will be. She could be next door. You may never find her. It may be through a friend of a friend or a chance meeting. No one goes up to a lush girl and says on hello Im Karl, I have 11 GCSEs and my hobby is working out, marry me. Relationships develop over time. It is kind of the same in photography I feel.

Its all about luck, making luck happen, knowing the right people, doing the right thing but there is no real one route that guarantees success so I would be crazy to suggest one.

If you are in education go and speak to the photographer who comes in for a talk. If you get shown around a newspaper, make an impression and ask questions so that you get remembered - then when you go back alone, people remember you with a fondness. Use opportunities as stepping stones.
 
I'm only just starting out and thus on a large scale of things know next to nothing about photography but there's some really solid advice here and I agree with some of the points regarding the "tog" community (not just here) at least from what I seen so far. I think a bit of a no nonsense attitude is what we need in today's world of getting patted on the back for smallest of achievements or when you know you've personally haven't done your best.
 
my question is a scenario really (and will hopefully answer it once and for all):

hobbying / budding photographer wants to get 'in' to his local football league team and be there home and away taking pictures. What's the best approach?
Once getting the nod from the team (no mention of money here yet)... what's the way forward to introduce earning from the pics?

Be passionate and show commitment and a desire, but stand out from other wannabe club photographers - and above all don't do it for the money. Hopefully you will find someone who appreciates what you do. Equally be professional, open your eyes and see what needs to be done photographically. Do they need better pictures on the front to sell the programme more? Will better photography enhance the club website more and entice more sponsors? Avenues to earn money from pictures is quite limited, so you have to be your very own Sir Richard Branson. Document the stadium in all four seasons then perhaps market a calendar but then being real the costs involved to produce only 200 within a small club kill off any profit. If you are producing 7,000 calendars like for a top club then its different.

I'm being real. I did not do it for the money. I probably still don't do it for the money. Some days I wonder what colour my next 3 Mercedes are going to be but on other days I wake up at 3 in the morning wondering where my next pound coin is going to come from. I could earn far greater amounts if I sold myself better. But I am no sales person.

In a small club strike up a relationship with a director, someone with commercial sense who can possibly realise the benefits of what you have to offer and tell someone below that you are the man to use. There are no rules on what to do, I can only say open your eyes and keep your ears open and opportunities will come your way, but like in everything you have to create your own luck.
 
A great question.
.....

Thanks for the reply. It was less the education side of things, more the opportunity for work experience with agencies/newspapers I was interested in but I guess with the amount of 'demand' and the number of photographers these days then opportunities are very rare.

Thanks again for the advice in this thread, the 'telling the story' of a game rather than it being strictly action shots tip is definitely something I will bare in mind from now on.
 
I'm only just starting out and thus on a large scale of things know next to nothing about photography but there's some really solid advice here and I agree with some of the points regarding the "tog" community (not just here) at least from what I seen so far. I think a bit of a no nonsense attitude is what we need in today's world of getting patted on the back for smallest of achievements or when you know you've personally haven't done your best.

Too many people singing karaoke thinking they are at Wembley Arena in front of 14,000 screaming and adoring fans. Simon Cowell slaughters singers because most can't sing and are simply not up to standard - thus he is mostly un-liked by those who don't have standards. I love Simon and wish there were more people like him in the world.

Thank you
 
You mention in a previous post that you "hate athletics" and you have "no time for rugby union".

Are the reasons for this purely personal or are there photographic reasons too?
 
Thanks for the reply. It was less the education side of things, more the opportunity for work experience with agencies/newspapers I was interested in but I guess with the amount of 'demand' and the number of photographers these days then opportunities are very rare.

Thanks again for the advice in this thread, the 'telling the story' of a game rather than it being strictly action shots tip is definitely something I will bare in mind from now on.

all very well in telling the story, but that's being editorial

Why not be creative.

What angers me is that everyone wants to be like the professionals on Match of the Day with big lenses without understanding what they are doing.

Most of my L'Equipe double page spreads, features in 11Freunde in Germany, big selling pictures from World Cups are not taken using big lenses. Those are the pictures that pay the bills.

If I am to be egotistical then the vast majority of complements relate to the phrase, "Oh thats different"

So... be different, be creative. See the world and document it through YOUR eyes. IFf you composed music, some artists would influence you but you would be crazy to use the same bass line chords as Duran Duran (though Status Quo get away with it!)

My point is be yourself, create your own style. Do your own thing. Stand out.

This forum should be renamed BRWIAN after the Life of Brian. A film containing so many philosophies.

When Brian gets a lecture, he gets told to be himself, not to follow and that there is no right or wrong way to do things. Dont judge others and be who you want to be.
 
That's what I meant by telling the story, being creative and different rather than the normal action shot.
 
You mention in a previous post that you "hate athletics" and you have "no time for rugby union".

Are the reasons for this purely personal or are there photographic reasons too?

I hate gardening so I would never become a gardener. I can not stand rugby union so why should I spend my life following something I deteste?! Its best to follow your passions to keep you going through the dark days. I have total respect for Rugby snappers, but have no idea on what they do. To me its another job.

I have better things to do in life than take pictures of people running around a track. I don't find it exciting.

I like the theatre of football. The culture of football worldwide is amazing. I am known for what I do for documenting my passion for travel and football. Looking back it all makes sense but I certainly did not aim to be here where I am today, it just happened.
 
Hi soccersnapper, I don't have a insightful question as such but as someone who cut their teeth on 35mm football shooting & was *******ed if I used more than 3x24 films!!, I just wondered What you thought of some of the modern sports photographers who rattle off over 4/500 images a game?. Good luck for the future. Kind regards Graham.
 
If I had a penny for every tradesman I've heard moaning about how their industry has changed for the worst over the years, and how the newcomers to the game aren't up to their standard for whatever reasons, are muppets etc etc, I'd be a very rich man.

You have to move with the times, whatever the industry. Photography/photographers are no different in this respect so with respect, suck it in and get on with it, or do something else if things are that bad. :)
 
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Hi soccersnapper, I don't have a insightful question as such but as someone who cut their teeth on 35mm football shooting & was *******ed if I used more than 3x24 films!!, I just wondered What you thought of some of the modern sports photographers who rattle off over 4/500 images a game?. Good luck for the future. Kind regards Graham.

The modern sports photographer still works like he/she was on film.

The newbie's who never shot on film, I judge on being economical and consistant.

I can quickly ascertain if I feel that someone knows what they are doing. I rattle off 12 frames of a stadium at a low ISO to get the quality when shooting a slow shutter speed knowing one of the dozen shots will be pin sharp, but dont fire off 20 frames of people running away from me or in the distance unless I am doing something artistic for a French magazine.

If I have driven all the way to Hungary to document a team, know I won't be back for a long time, knowing I only have 90 minutes to get all the players I rattle off loads, but that is warranted as it gives me a better choice. But I still rarely go over 1200.

Your question moves towards picture editing, something very important. The photographes who shoot 4000+ images I would probably say dont know what they are doing and dont know a good picture to save their life and certainly do not know how to be a good operator.

So.. what do I think of them? Absolute idiots who only get lucky by chance.

Thats why I insist on seeing someones whole shoot and not be presented with a best of 12 pictures taken over two years when Im seriously considering someone.

Judging someone on how and what they shoot is equally as important as their best pictures.

Probably more important some would argue.

I would prefer to hire a hit-marksman who just uses one bullet and decides to pull the trigger at the right moment rather than a hit man using an automatic machine gun causing a tornado of destruction shooting everything and everyone in sight.
 
If I had a penny for every tradesman I've heard moaning about how their industry has changed for the worst over the years, and how the newcomers to the game aren't up to their standard for whatever reasons, are muppets etc etc, I'd be a very rich man.

You have to move with the times, whatever the industry. Photography/photographers are no different in this respect so with respect, suck it in and get on with it, or do something else if things are that bad. :)


My agency sales are up 70% - whats your point?
 
My agency sales are up 70% - whats your point?

Really? You're obviously far better at photography than communicating.

Somehow I don't think you're cut out for a career in motivational lecturing. ;) :D

Edit: On a more positive note, I 'd never seen Hans Van Der Meer's work before you mentioned it in your opening post. It's very interesting, thanks for that. :)
 
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I have 2 questions, which might sound quite daft but its something I want to know and I think the answer won't just cover sports.

1) Is it better to stay freelance or try getting an agency staff position. Appreciate that there are pros and cons to both.

2) Aside from the creative element what other skillsets would be beneficial to have.

As I said they are basic questions but I'd like to know the answers from an actual proper pro. Thankyou.
 
Really? You're obviously far better at photography than communicating.

Somehow I don't think you're cut out for a career in motivational lecturing. ;) :D

If people need motivating themselves then they clearly do not show enough inner passion to succeed.

Only the successful are the ones who can motivate themselves and react well to those who knock them down, but knock them down for a reason.

As Iain Dowie once said, "bouncebackability" is vital.

If you motivate someone up for a big game then some get nervous. No one can work well being nervous, you have to be relaxed. One of the things I bash out of people is over confidence and cockyness.

It's very rewarding after 6 months when someone comes and tells you that they appreciate you knocking them into shape and that they are better for it.

Id say Im a better communicator than photographer. Though its not listening to what I say, its hearing it.

I agree, I would not like to be a motivator as such, but I like being someone who challenges and makes people think.

In art, sport and certainly creative environments, it is how people react that is important.
 
I have 2 questions, which might sound quite daft but its something I want to know and I think the answer won't just cover sports.

1) Is it better to stay freelance or try getting an agency staff position. Appreciate that there are pros and cons to both.

2) Aside from the creative element what other skillsets would be beneficial to have.

As I said they are basic questions but I'd like to know the answers from an actual proper pro. Thankyou.

The questions are certainly not daft.

I have worked in an agency where I got a salary and the agency made about £14,500 from one of my pictures. Equally I have been freelance and got paid in bonuses and not had a guaranteed income. On my side of the fence I have paid over £1500 to a top guy who produced top work but I have never sold a picture that he took.

Being freelance you are in charge of your own destiny. Being a staff man your life is dictated by the needs of the employer. It all depends on which side of the bed you get out of every day. Some days I hate running my business and wish I could return to snapping without any business pressures. Other days I feel it is the best thing I have done. So its impossible to answer - but certainly lots to comment on.

Other skill sets - for a freelance, they have to be an accountant, a sales and marketing person and an entrepreneur. The picture taking becomes second nature and quite frankly less fun.

be fair, communicate well to clients, explain things - be nice but know when to walk away. Its kind of like flirting with someone you fancy. You just have to get noticed. If you are terrible at selling yourself then acknowledge your weaknesses and become a subordinate but live life to the full. If you constantly moan about others then by all means, throw your toys out of the pram, walk away and do it your own way, which I now do.

A happy creative mind is better than an unhappy soul with a big bank balance. But that can be said for most people I think.
 
This could have been such a good thread if it wasn't accompanied with the goodbye and dummy spit. You must have caught the staff half asleep for them to approve it. Calling people idiots on forums doesn't work however you try to justify it, that's why it's against the rules.

You're not the only pro on this board, and most of them manage to show a little more restraint. ;)

You could make a valuable contribution to the board, of that I'm quite sure, but this is just a dummy whack however you dress it up.
 
Can we have this thread stickied please.


My questions are. Do you feel that the advent of digital photography has lowered the standards of Images being produced?

Has Digital lowered the level of skill required?

The advent of digital cameras has made it far easier for people to 'get into it' and along the way has created 'instant experts'!

I joined this forum, as a keen amateur, to gain help and tips to better improve my photography skills as a hobby and not for financial gain. I personally have no interest in even watching football let alone photographing it, but I can relate to OP's frustration about these 'instant experts' devaluing the profession. I think the OP could give a lot to this forum if only people were not so sensitive to criticism, I also understand that written comments on a forum can sometimes be misinterpreted.

OP I wish you good health and fortune for the future.
 
The advent of digital cameras has made it far easier for people to 'get into it' and along the way has created 'instant experts'!

I joined this forum, as a keen amateur, to gain help and tips to better improve my photography skills as a hobby and not for financial gain. I personally have no interest in even watching football let alone photographing it, but I can relate to OP's frustration about these 'instant experts' devaluing the profession. I think the OP could give a lot to this forum if only people were not so sensitive to criticism, I also understand that written comments on a forum can sometimes be misinterpreted.

OP I wish you good health and fortune for the future.

One of the best posts in this thread - I whioleheartedly agree with it.

The OP knows full well that if most of the new wave of aspiring sports pros had to go and shoot on film, they'd be nowhere near a football ground - not on the touchline anyway. You could say the same about any field of photography though whether it be portraits, weddings, fashion, or any other field you care to name, but it's the way it is, and it isn't going to change.

Yes - it produces it's fair share of instant experts who don't have a lifetiime of looking at photographic images - of spending hours in the darkroom getting a good mono print, or tediously balancing filters in a colour enlarger with a neg analyser to get realistic colurs and tones. They don't have that photographic judgement to fall back on, but the problem is they don't realise it, so offering advice can be a minefield. Digital hasn't levelled the playing field nearly as much as most people think. or some would like to.

I don't have much time for football anyway tbh, when we had football at school, I was the one with a note from me mom, but the OP should hang around, excercise a little more restraint, and make the contribution to the sports forum which I'm sure he's capable of. Either that or just quietly slide away. ;)
 
This could have been such a good thread if it wasn't accompanied with the goodbye and dummy spit. You must have caught the staff half asleep for them to approve it. Calling people idiots on forums doesn't work however you try to justify it, that's why it's against the rules.

You're not the only pro on this board, and most of them manage to show a little more restraint. ;)

You could make a valuable contribution to the board, of that I'm quite sure, but this is just a dummy whack however you dress it up.

So once again its OK to suggest I have thrown my dummy out to but to be blunt and call me a baby is not OK? :thinking:

Rules are there to be challenged. Think, debate and have a reason and perhaps they can be bended so to suit.

Im the type of person who would run an help if a 12 yr old girl cyclist got knocked over. Some will watch. Some will take pictures. Only a few will help. Sadly, for some, instead of recognising that I saved her life, someone would simply complain that when I turned her over into the recovery position that I touched her inner thigh and want me on the kiddy fiddling list.

Get my point?

What is scary is that people like this get to vote.
 
So once again its OK to suggest I have thrown my dummy out to but to be blunt and call me a baby is not OK? :thinking:

Rules are there to be challenged. Think, debate and have a reason and perhaps they can be bended so to suit.

Im the type of person who would run an help if a 12 yr old girl cyclist got knocked over. Some will watch. Some will take pictures. Only a few will help. Sadly, for some, instead of recognising that I saved her life, someone would simply complain that when I turned her over into the recovery position that I touched her inner thigh and want me on the kiddy fiddling list.

Get my point?
.

LOL Not really mate. Where's that thick skin you're advocating for others?

What helping or not helping an injured girl has to do with it I don't know.

We're simply talking about communicating your thoughts and feelings on an internet board with basic good manners and a little regard for the feelings of other people. You got banned for calling someone an idiot - which isn't on- it's that simple - 30,000 members insulting each other equals anarchy. :shrug:
 
I like football. I spent four years photographing our sunday league football team and it was only in the last year I'd say I was any good, although others liked the results. Needless to say I could see the progress though through the years.

I moved to rugby, as my son started playing. Completely different game, never played it so it took me about a year to learn the game and anticipate and I'm still not totally sure of the rules or why the ref blows up, but at least I can now anticipate what's about to happen.

I've no interest in going pro, but sell enough shots every week to help fund our team. I would however always be interested in whatever a more experienced person has to say, in whatever field.

P.S. Shrewsbury beat Accrington Stanley 3-1
 
On a side note, perhaps if you were really interested in helping people with your 20+ years of experience, perhaps turning this in to a decent guide/tutorial would be a good place to start.

Agreed. this thread strikes me as just selfish. "I transgressed, I got banned, so screw you all"

OP instead of copping out be a man and redeem yourself by being a help not a hinderance.
 
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LOL Not really mate. Where's that thick skin you're advocating for others?

What helping or not helping an injured girl has to do with it I don't know.

We're simply talking about communicating your thoughts and feelings on an internet board with basic good manners and a little regard for the feelings of other people. You got banned for calling someone an idiot - which isn't on- it's that simple - 30,000 members insulting each other equals anarchy. :shrug:

Like I said, you would not call me a baby as that would get you banned, so why use the expression I have thrown my dummy out of the pram? Surely its the same thing?

The story about the girl was that regardless of how you try and help, someone always sticks their bloody nose into stuff with a moral high ground that I personally deteste about modern society.

This section is about sports photography. People have been attempting to rub shoulders with full timers and quite frankly some need to wake up and realise what they are up against. Its tough, very tough and not for the weak. Hence bad manners on this occasion are warranted if people are to be serious.

If people dont have an interest or dont want to read then why should they comment?

Your bird photography is wonderful. I mean that with a passion. But when people start playing sports photographers from this forum and get passes to Tottenham for their debut whilst others stop others from working at places like Everton for not understanding protcol, its time to hit back and let people know what they are up against.

Its like me playing loud music whilst joining you on a bird shoot, which will obviously drive the birds away. You would obviously get angry too and want people to act in a better and more professional manner.

Happy snapping my friend
:thumbs:
 
Before a match/shoot, what and how much research do you do?

At the moment I look at the current stories happening at the clubs involved, new manager, new players, so and so back from injury etc. From that I work out a list of key shots I want to take.

Also, do you have a list of key shots you want from each match you shoot. Almost like a check list of must haves to tell the stories? If you do, does this change from match to match.

Sorry, asking a lot and it may seem stupid.
 
I was always questioned. I was always challenged. So Ill question you : WHY do an NVQ?

To quote a famous rock star who was asked, "How do I get my band to be as successful as yours?" - the reply was "Do it your own way"

Initially I thought this was the most rude answer possible. But the more I thought of it the more I believe it is the perfect answer. There is no guaranteed way. If I look at the 35 who go to Arsenal week in week out, each has their own story.

Equally if you want to play Sunday League football, do you sign up with the Dog and Pheasant on the assumption that you will be signed up by Manchester City?

Thinking about the 13 people who covered the last England trip abroad, Apart from possibly one, I do not think one of us followed a career path and we are at where we wanted to be at the start. It just happened.

It may be a cr@p reply, but just do it. Write your own story, don't copy someone else. Do it your own way. Try different things, get different books. Sadly most of what you see in the mass media is bland but very difficult to achieve as, and over time I will start repeating myself, people don't understand the process on how those pictures are gained.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and using the Dog & Pheasant analogy helps too. I shall take what you said on board and pass it on to my friend as well (I think he mayhave already joined so will point him to this thread)
 
Agreed. this thread strikes me as just selfish. "I transgressed, I got banned, so screw you all"

OP instead of copping out be a man and redeem yourself by being a help not a hinderance.

Oh... one so quick to form a judgement with such anger when completely unaware of what has been going on.

Redemption : What am I doing now then? Trying to help and offer advice in a Q+A
 
Also, do you have a list of key shots you want from each match you shoot. Almost like a check list of must haves to tell the stories? If you do, does this change from match to match.

Great question Helen, hope you don't mind but to add to that I see phases in the papers of action shots then the next week it seems to be mostly teleportraits. Is it just a case of whatever sells or do you try and shoot/promote these?

And thankyou for answering my earlier questions.
 
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