Center Stage~AlanM

AlanM

Goldfinch
Goldfinch at the birdbath

Preferences

What camera gear do you currently use, and what will be your next piece of camera kit?

I currently have a Nikon D60 with 18-55 and 55-200 VR lenses, and a Sigma 120-400 VR lens, plus lots of extras, filters, tripod, monopod & chest tripod and bags. I`d been finding the Sigma lens a bit heavy to tote around so decided to consolidate all the lens in one and bought a Canon SX20i, but now can`t bear to part with the Sigma lens, the Nikon D60 and all the gear! What are you like!!!

What would be your dream location, if you had the choice?

This would have to be Paris. We`ve been twice for only a few days so I`d like perhaps a month, out and about with the camera!

If you had the opportunity to travel back in time what person or event would you like to photograph

I`ve long been an admirer of the photo-journalist from the 1950`s – Bert Hardy. He was responsible for the famous B & W shot of two young boys in the Gorbals in Glasgow, in the 50s. Such candid photography these days would be likely to get you lynched, so I suppose the 1950s would be my choice.

Pen-y-ghent
This is the photo of Pen-y-ghent which was published in the 2010 Mountain Rescue calendar.

Performance & Plans

What are your photographic goals?

To take a photograph of a Kingfisher. Other than that no real long term goals, just to keep trying to improve and learn from others.

Have you won any awards for your photography?

Mike Maloney was a photographer who wrote for the Amateur Photographer and his regular articles “demolished” photos sent in by readers, to provoke a response. I took an unplanned photo of newly mown hay in a field near Knaresborough, Yorkshire and sent it in and he liked it so much he published it few weeks later without any scathing criticism, save to say a little red tractor at the top of the field might have looked good, and sent me a “throw away” panoramic camera!

Have your photographs ever been published?

As well as Amateur Photographer, I was “ Miss” May in the 2010 Mountain Rescue organisation calendar, with the photo of Pen-y-ghent. I`m particularly proud of both these publishing’s as they were both unplanned “Snap” shots.

Coscoroba Swan
This is one of the shots of the Coscoroba Swan I watched cleaning itself at WWT Martin Mere.

Passion

Do you have any famous photographer that you get inspiration from? If not, where do you look for inspiration?

As I said earlier, I`m a great fan of the late Bert Hardy. I have the book of his life, which I thoroughly enjoy “reading” again and again; mainly to admire the candid photographs he took of ordinary people. Inspiration – see next question.

Do you get inspiration from the pictures in the Gallery?

The answer to this question is a big YES. I need to look no further than the Cafe gallery to be inspired to get out and take better photographs.

What is the most interesting thing you've ever shot? The most boring?

This must be a Coscoroba Swan (above) (the one with a red bill) which I spent 30 minutes watching bathe at Martin Mere WWT reserve. I think they were some of the best photos I`ve ever taken.

"Reds in Mono"
One of my many shots of the Red Arrows this time converted to mono

Practices

Have you ever taken any classes in Photography

Many years ago I took a very basic beginners City & Guilds course in photography. I completed the course and was given a pass by the tutor more out of pity than anything! I also took an evening class in developing your own photos.

In a normal session, how many photos do you take and how many would you expect to keep?

I take as many photos as I can on a session, then regret it and spend days or longer editing and deleting ones I don`t want.

If you could only shoot one style of photography, what would it be and what would be your second choice?

I would love to be adept at photographing fast moving aircraft. I`m a great fan of the red arrows display team (as you`ve probably noticed!) and can only marvel at some shots other cafe members take of aircraft. I know all the rules regarding this type of photography, it`s just getting them all in the right order! My second choice would be wildlife, particularly birdlife, which is one of the reason for keeping the canon SX20i because of its flip out viewing screen enables really unusual ground level shots at wildlife parks and nature reserves

A Knaresborough hayfield.
A Knaresborough hayfield. This is the "snap" shot which won me a throw away camera in Amateur Photographer

The Bee
Close-up of a bee in our garden

ALAN's Gallery

Many thanks to Alan for giving us some insights into his photographic life. We would appreciate seeing any other questions you would like to ask him. Please post them here and Alan will do his best to give an answer. When you have done that why not head over to Alan's Gallery and see the rest of his wonderful work.

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