A public space

During my visit to Brighton, I took the usual walk with my family into town past the skate park. Always a busy and active place, I knew it would provide a lot of interest for this exercise. My one hope was that I would have the chance to capture more than just a lot of men doing tricks, impressive as they are, I was looking for more.

On arrival, I was pleased to see that the bank holiday had brought out quite a variety of people, from children on scooters to older spectators. 

There were even people who appeared to have no interest in skateboarding, just relaxing and enjoying the space.

I got a slight feeling that some of the skateboarders would rather not be photographed so I spent a while just watching until I felt more comfortable and they started to ignore me and my camera. 

I noticed a couple of men on skateboards with cameras, shooting their friends as they performed tricks. I wasn't sure whether to be worries about their cameras or impressed by the ability to shoot and skate at the same time.

As I became more comfortable, I moved around the perimeter of the skate park, in order to provide differing perspectives. One thing I noticed during the morning was how intently the skaters watch each other. I suppose it's how they learn new tricks and to improve those they are already trying to master. If it weren't for this assignment, I might not have noticed that.

I have found that this course has started to open my eyes to a new level of photography which really pleases me. Rather than starting each project by thinking about what images will look good, my first though now is what I am trying to portray, what message do I want to be heard through my images. I'm feeling inspired! :-)

An Organised Event

It’s rare that a weekend in Brighton doesn’t coincide with some event or another but my most recent visit happened to be on the weekend of the London to Brighton Challenge, a one hundred kilometre walk, jog or run from Richmond in London to Brighton Race Course.

A combination of coursework, curiosity and the chance to check out a potential challenge for the future gave me the push to get up at 6am and make my way to the race track where I hoped people would be gathered to meet family members finishing the challenge. I had checked the website and although I was not available to catch the runners on the Saturday evening, I knew that the walkers would be gradually coming in throughout the morning. I set off early hoping to catch some golden morning light, however on leaving my friend’s house, I knew that I had left it too late, as I reached the race track, I was met with a flat grey sky.

I was quite disappointed at the amount of family members present but over the hour that I was there, gradually more started to arrive as their friends approached the finish line.

Early morning finishers appear over the South Downs and head for the finish line

 

Solo walkers and teams alike, pleased that they have completed their challenge.

Timing chips scanned and medals presented as the toastmaster encourages approaching walkers.

Family members turn out to show their support.

Hugs all round and the odd glass of Champers.

Toastmaster helps a walker over the finish line as he learns that she has raised over a thousand pounds for her charity.

One hundred kilometres complete!