The Year in Review.

Diego Garcia

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,238
Edit My Images
Yes
The Year in Review.

So this year, 2006 has been a big year for me, photographically speaking. 2005 ended with me returning from Australia to live in the UK. I was getting good feedback from my images over in OZ and some are still in situ in a business in Toowoomba; Queensland.

The last 12 months have been better than I could have ever wished for. I have shot thousands of frames and sold loads of images, I have been around silverstone in the boot of a car, I have been to France and back again, I have had images in print from local rags to official programmes through to the Guardian taking some images as stock for a feature. I have even had my pictures feature on the BBC news!

I have learnt so much more about the business side of snapping, or the prerequisite skills required when going pro. It really is a tough business to get into as they are some very talented snappers out there, all looking for work, which is getting harder to secure due to the digital age, as everyone wants to take pictures.

Of course, many will know that my leanings were towards social/docu photography, which I still think I do better. However, when I was asked to shoot sport for local papers I gave it a go, depsite preferring people and social work. I Hated it at first but now I love it. The buzz of working live is amazing and this week I will be shooting in front of 23,000 fans at the Bristol vs. Bath derby game. When I covered the Fight Night I had the best seat in the house and was being paid to be there - work that one out!

Of course, I spend less and less time using the camera in the week, mainly due to the dark nights but I will be out again next year, when the weather changes, getting some ambient stuff, classic Diego Garcia stuff - that place I go with my camera, my alter ego if you will.

I have improved my workflow and PP massively, thanks to help with people here. CT was the first to reign in my excessive PP - good job too I say as CS2is a beast of a tool than can cause you to 'over egg' the pudding.

Mh001 has helped me with my work flow and I can now down load and label and sort hundreds of frames in less than a minute or two, which is another essntial skill required the further towards pro you ebb.

I have learnt that timing is critical, as is light, but too much light can be as much as a pain as no light. I have learnt that my brain process images before they happen. I have learnt to watch rugby 10 seconds ahead of the ball. I have learnt that I hate football, I have learnt that shooting cars is boring and needs to evolve, hence my Brit Car stuff.

I have learnt that mega pixel count is fairly irrelevant in what I do as most papers require no bigger than 2.5mb. (2500 on the longest edge).

I have learnt that some snappers are highly unsociable. These are the ones who are usually crap! I have made some new friends via the camera.

Finally, I have learnt that the camera is a lady magnet and for that I am grateful as when combined with my good looks, well, lets just say it has been a good year. (ironic comedy btw)

Anyway, I am just another togger out there. I still salute people like Eammon Mccabe and Gary Bray, snappers who moved the goal posts and helped me find my eye as a snapper in that sometimes the least action tells the story better.

Thanks to all who frequent and post here, it always helps and the advice has been sound. I have taken so much on board via the boards and PM. I have given plenty of advice back as well, the essence of a fine forum. I too come here and get my mind blown by people like Pete Carr, Hoodi, Buster Boy, all great toggers and all very different, which goes to show that there is a place for all styles here.

Anyway, here is to 2007. The one thing I will take into 2007 is that I am happy where I am as a snapper at the moment and if it goes no further then thats fine, I have got more than I ever expected back from it, most of all pleasure.

Happy Xmas! ( From me, Pete/Diego in the first picture).


TitanImages_main102.jpg


Peter_Tiley_UNiCOM_BritBowl200611.jpg


UNi_PT_BAYvsBRIS8122006800px1.jpg


SneydPark_Keeper_Peter_TileyUNiCOM.jpg


UNi_PT_TETRIALS410200615.jpg


BristolRugbyvsSaleSharks_PT10112006.jpg


Peter_Tiley_UNiCOM_BritBowl20068.jpg


UN_PT_FNWSM2511200616.jpg


UN_PT_SLOG1211200614.jpg


UN_PTBB41120066.jpg
 
Good to hear your photography doing nothing but go from strength to strength. Deservedly so, from what I've witnessed over the year on here you have always had the eye for a good shot, whether its sports, shows and gigs, or candids. Also nice to see the above images once again, I can honestly recount each one and the story behind it so for that alone you are doing a first class job, especially considering how my memory is going ;).

So heres to you, have a Very Happy Christmas and I hope the New Year is full of nothing but good news :thumbs:

:clap::clap::clap:
 
Some amazing shots there, where did you take the one of the druggies?

Hopefully 2007 will be even a better year for you :)
 
bloody amazing, thanks for sharing.
 
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:

Pete what a stunning and diverse collection youve put up for us to see here.
It appears to reflect what an amzing year its been for you.
Im truly blown away by your talent to be able turn your hand from one type of photography to another so easily, and yet still produce the goods time & time again.

Couldnt help but giggle as some of the pics opened and I remembered when I saw them the first time and I howled with laughter (the runner with the lipstick collection).
I still feel uncomfortable about the grittyness of the drug shot which of course is another side to your talent ... grabbing my attention where I might not ordinarily want to look.

I love the B&W portrait of the old guy with the ciggie, what a character he looks and how classic is that shot!

Footie & Rugger arent really my bag but, it doesnt mean I cant appreciate the shots especially when the shots jump right out at me grabbing me with clarity, colour, expression & perfectly timed expertise.
I love the 2nd shot of the 2 guys in navy & white, the vibrancy of it leaps right out and the way they both apear to be leaning in opposite directions just really adds to the picture.

I could go on & on, trying (badly) to explain what I like about each and every shot but Ill let someone else have a say I think.

I havent really got a favourite from all the fantastic captures but the martial art boxers one I like because its the first time Ive seen it and I find I keep coming back for another look. I just love everything about it.

Way to go Pete ... my hat is off to you and I look forward to seeing what youre going to do with your talents in 2007.
 
I remember the first time I saw the pic of the black gentleman in the white and I thought God I want to be able to take pictures that exude emotion like that. You are very talented and thank you thank you thank you for sharing your talent!
 
:agree: with Inaglo

Your sports stuff is good and will no doubt pay the bills but your social/docu stuff is show stopping! The eye contact in the druggie shot is arresting.

I too like the old man B&W as it is that sort of shot that reminds us all that youth is fleeting and that he could tell a story or too.

Looking forward to seeing more of your work esp docu side even if it won't pay the bills so easily :D


All the best for 2007!
 
All the best for 2007 Pete......Just keep doing what you do best, ie any of the above.....:woot: :thumbs:
 
I too wish you all the best for 2007. I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at all your shots, and following the fantastic progress you have made. There are some truly stunning shots in there, and you certainly have all the makings of a great social/docu photographer.

Thankyou so much for sharing these shots with us, giving me for one inspiration to go out and get shots I would never normally consider (ie my day out in Camden).
Now, the other aspects of your life just have to catch up with the photography side, and you'll be laughing ;) :hug:
 
Some powerful stuff there m8
Hope 2007 is as good a year for you!
 
woh! You cover some ground Pete! Hats off to you!

Thanks M. You know what is scary, I have so much stock I could share it is scary. I have put together a photobook which is now massive and will cost an arm and a leg but hey, what can you do.

The funny thing is that I have spent the last two weeks archiving, dating, tagging etc and I can see exactly where my pictures went to another level.

Funny really.

Personally, I still think going prime only had a massive part of it. :thumbs:

I really dont know what I prefer, all I know is that I love it all, from going somewhere to shooting to getting back and PP'ing, then making up my galleries via CS2.
 
I'm the same, I love it all! My real love is using photoshop or is it taking a magical shot in the first place? Hmm, I also love using my lensbaby to create arty photos...and then I also adore putting together an album of shots to create something unusual...yes I love it all!
 
Great shots Pete and a varied set of subjects, both entertaining and thought provoking. Looking forward to more of the same in 2007.
 
Pete, make 2007 a year like 2006, with lots of great photos like the ones you have posted. Amazing. All.
 
Well done Pete ... :clap:

A nice post more than adequately illustrated ... :D

You have certainly come far my friend ... but somehow I don't think your journey is yet over ... ;)

Have a great 2007 Pete ... and thanks for entertaining us during 2006 ... and improving along the way ... :thumbs:




:p

 
Pete, I recall your earliest forays into photography and your requests for information and clarification regarding apertures etc etc. Now we are within 10 months further on and how far you have come on is evident to all. You have grabbed the bull by the horns and got out there, got contracts and produced work that is saleable and envied by other, sometimes more experienced, photographers.

As I said to you earlier in the week, more power to your elbow mate!
 
:eek: Amazing stuff there! :clap:
 
Congrats mate. You've had a fantastic year there. Can't believe I missed those drug addict shots. Those are the best imho. They say so much. Damn good photography there. You've inspired me loads this year too. Love your work. I've tweaked my workflow trying to get shots like yours and while I know I've got a lot more to learn I'm glad with the results. From your shots I've learnt more about sharpness, and black n white. I've also come to the conclusion that all the best photogs are called Pete ;) Thanks for the inspiration, allowing us to see your great shots and congrats on your success this year. Here's to 2007 *raises bottle of coke* :D
 
This is my first post since joining TP, seemed appropriate somehow! I am strictly an observer here, but can say without exception, that I am always amazed by your posts. Seeing them again just re-enforces that! Please keep up the good work and the stories behind the pic's.
 
Back
Top