Avoid being pigeon holed

I was asked recently if I exclusively cover cycling. Well, it's a specialty, but not the only string to my bow. Events, both corporate and activity based are my broad focus. It’s very difficult to see one’s self as others do. Perception vs perspective. It’s important and valuable to get outside one’s self. But how? I frequently ask clients for feedback. Not compliment hunting. I specifically ask for “constructive” feedback. I truly believe in a win-or-learn mindset. Notice there was no mention of “negative”. Clients are often not comfortable giving negative feedback. It’s all in the framing of the question. The value is multi layered. You get the opportunity to align with a client for the next shoot. You get to improve blind spots. You get the opportunity to let clients know the full range of your services. Who knows where that might lead?

Anyway…

Sunday had me covering the 43rd annual St Albans Half Marathon for one of the largest outdoor activity clients in the UK. A long, exhausting day. Up at 04:30, home at 15:00, a couple of hours post-production/file transfer. Glamorous right?

With supporting races such as the Walking Half, 5k, and Fun Run (2300 kids + parents) - more than 6300 people, participated. Add to this family and friends, the number in attendance is estimated at over 15000. The Event Village provided a live-entertainment stage, food vendors and bar, charity representation, a recovery zone with massage guns and compression boots, sponsor stands plus a fun fair for the kids, all creating a festival-like atmosphere and community spirit.

For such a large event, four photographers were needed. Together we shot more than 12000 images capturing the story.