The day that changed the world

September 11th 2001 to be exact. My memory of the day is pretty vivid, at the time I was working for RAC in Bristol and talk in the seating area was a plane has crashed in NYC but there was no mention of the Twin Towers at that time. A few of us nosey ones headed to the Travel dept where they had TV screens everywhere monitoring traffic and the guys there already had Sky News up and running. After that it became a little surreal like something out of film but real life. I remember a few certainly had tears and many were sent home including me not to skive but basically try to get our heads back together after watching it all unfold in reatime. After that day and to this it is certainly a day that changed the world and has changed mine.

Since then I've met the Janitor of the Twin Towers a guy call William Rodriguez to read his account of what happened is amazing - go to his Wikipedia page and read all about it HERE.

I'm a little bit of a geek on what happened on 9/11 I've watched countless video's, read lots of conspiracy theories on the net but to be honest nobody really knows and probably never will, which is a shame.

If you have never watched the film "Loose Change" then watch it below and make your own mind up.

R.I.P all victims of 9/11

 

New studio for me oh yes!

After nearly a year based in Kingswood the opportunity of a lifetime came my way in the fine form of a new studio at the Fire Station in Bedminster near the centre of Bristol.

I’ve always wondered what it was like and when I had the chance to view I knew straight away it was just perfect. Amazing natural light, quiet, central to Bristol, passing trade and close to home - triple bonus I’d say.

It might look like the set of Ghostbusters but it rocks my world.

If you’re passing just ring the bell and come on up and have a cuppa and a chinwag…

Earthquakes are Evil!

When I woke up on Friday morning and switched the TV on I was shocked at what I saw on Sky news - a huge earthquake and Tsunami had hit Japan and the prospect of high casualties was inevitable.

This brought back memories of my own experience way back in 1992 when I was in LA with my ex-girlfriend Sarah. The funny thing about this story is that the LA riots had just kicked off and we were advised not to go but being young and stupid we did!

 

People were still being dragged out of cars for being the wrong colour and two white Brits in their late teens probably stood out a mile.

Anyway onto the earthquake bit, I remember it was around 7am and I was led in bed when suddenly the whole room started to shake, I thought this can’t be right and gave the bird a nudge, at this point I think she was awake but was to scared to move. I dived out of bed went to the window and saw the swimming pool had waves, car horns and alarms were going off and screaming Americans running all over the shop - within 30 seconds it was all over.

To me it was an amazing experience and something which I will always remember, the magnitude of the quake was 5.6 and everyone was recommended to stay in but not us. As soon as we were dressed we headed out into probably the quietest LA has ever been - roads were split wide open and people were knowhere to be seen - very spooky and surreal for sure.

But looking at the devastation in Japan my little experience was nothing in comparison - so to all the people in Japan and to those effected by what has happened STAY STRONG…

The food of champions

The life of a motocross photographer is not all fancy parties, naked groupies or visits to the Playboy mansion, well only sometimes.

The season has started pretty much so I thought I would share some trade secrets with you all on what my dream day would be re what I eat, food intake is most important especially when you carry big cameras - you need your strength.

Breakfast - Quite possibly the most important meal of the day, I’m not really a big breakfast lover but if I’m peckish before I leave for the track a nice bacon buttie and a mug of tea is just heaven.

Mid morning snack - Not for everyone but a nice bar of chocolate does the trick.

Lunch - Normally a quick bite in someones hospitality maybe a sandwich or maybe a slice of Mrs Simpson finest home made cake. But if I could have a choice then a banana will keep me going until later in the day.

Mid Afternoon snack - Tough one this as normally the event is in full swing by then. So something quick and possibly healthy that’s if you can get hold of something so I would have to go for Jaffa Cakes - yummy.

Rehydrate - Not a massive fan of energy drinks but the odd cold can of Red Bull is ok for a quick pick me up. For me theres only one drink and that is good old H2O - water to the rest of you.

Evening meal - Its around 6pmish or 10pmish at GP’s and I’m off back to the hotel, quick scrub up and then food. The ideal end of day nosh up would have to be a mahoooosive spaghetti Bolognese - nom nom nom nom! Followed by two bottles of Magners in ice - that’s pretty much it and off we go to bed nite nite.

My top 10 people who I would love to photograph

Its a tough one but here goes, some of my choices are a bit wheey but its an interesting choice for sure and they’re in no particular order. Mixed with old and new it makes for an interesting talking point amongst photographers.

First one on my list is the Queen not now but when she was in her twenties, pretty stunning and really photogenic - would have been an honour.

This picture of Heidi Klum pretty much says it all. The picture is one of the most iconic images of her without a doubt. She reminds me of a gazelle, just amazing bone structure.

Not everyones choice but Audrey Hepburn was just amazing looking, cat like in a strange sort of way.

Bringing it back upto date here’s Jennifer Connelly. Every since I watched the film Career Opportunities I knew she would become a huge star.

Halle Berry exudes attitude has a look and body to die for and just plays the part perfect in front of the camera.

The only bloke on my list is Mohammed Ali. I wish I could have been around in the 60’s & 70’s when he was in his prime, to spend a few hours with him taking natural portrait shots would have been amazing - good looking geezer.

Without doubt the hottest body on the planet at the moment and a pretty cool chick, another who likes to have fun in front of the camera and this shows in her images. Fun Fun Fun…

Another red head makes the list in the tiny form of Lindsay Lohan. I always say to models I shoot its all about acting something out for an hour so and Lindsay is way up there with the best and she looks stunning on most professional shoots. I’ve actually met her and she is pretty cute and quite normal - well she was when I met her anyway.

The second Brit on my list is Helen Mirren in the 70’s. Helen is still a stunning looking woman even today but back then she was remarkable looking and she played the queen who is also on my list.

Number 10 well there isn’t one…If somebody appears out of my head then I’ll add them but the space is still blank - Hope you enjoyed it.

Andy Gray stitched up like a kipper

If you’ve been following the Andy Gray and Richard Keys news story which some of you may or may not agree with due to his mickey taking of a female linesman/woman.One thing is for the poor bugger was stitched up by some sneaky backhanded staff member who decided to send the recording off to the press.

So does this mean we cannot say anything in private anymore? Over to you!

Also while I’m here take a look at my Chussy Daily a interwebbings news thing I do on Twitter.