Liverpool v Trabzonsporas 18.8.10 Europa Cup Qualifying

This was the second football game of the season for me and it was raining! Traveled to the match by car and cycle.As well as helping to keep my fitness levels up it also means no parking problems at the ground. I carried the camera gear in a North Face backpack and a ThinTank Photo belt system.

This match was a bit of a challenge for Liverpool and their new manager Roy Hodgson. The Turkish fans were in good voice before the kick off .

I was using the Nikon 400 2.8 for the first time for a night game. What a difference this proved to be. Super sharp and with the extra reach I was able to shoot action at the half way line.I was shooting at 3200 asa 1/1000s shutter speed and an aperture of 2.8.

Torres came on for Liverpool in the second half and I was able to capture a few images.

Liverpool new signing Joe Cole was also in the thick of the action and had a good game despite missing a penalty. Liverpool eventually finished 1-0 winners and carry a slender league to Turkey for the away leg.

The  Images from the Europa Cup Games are syndicated through ActionPlus Sports Photo Agency    www.actionplus.co.uk

Image gallery  can be found at http://www.f2images-photolibrary.co.uk

Southport v AFC Wimbledon Blue Square Premier League 14.8.10

First match of the new campaign for Southport.Promoted last year from the Conference North. Decided to cycle part way again for todays match. Left the car in Birkdale and cycled about three miles each way. Not sure if this is a good idea with a 400 2.8 on your back!  Haig Avenue was bathed in sunshine,the pitch looked in great condition and the contingent of Wimbledon fans were in good voice.

Used a 400 2.8 along with a D300. This combination giving me plenty of reach.Shot the game from the halfway line and was able to capture action from each goalmouth.  Prefer shooting with the D3 the viewfinder is so much bigger and brighter. Still on bright daylight games the D300 still performs well.Shooting on aperture priority auto very little post editing was required, even when shooting directly into the sun.Enjoyed this first game of the season and look forward to covering more of Southport’s home matches in the coming months.

Final score  Southport 0 AFC  Wimbledon 1.

Further photos can be viewed at http://www.f2images-photolibrary.co.uk

Warrigton v Catalan Dragons Challenge Cup Semi-Final 8.8.10

Decided to carry on with my “get fit” campaign and part cycle to the game today. Had to work out how to carry a 400 lens,  two camera bodies, a laptop and a 70 -200 2.8 lens.  I used a North Face back pack for the 400 2.8 lens and one camera body,  a Thinktank Artificial Intelligence bag for the laptop and a belt system which accomodated a D3 and the 70-200 lens. I parked the car about three miles from the Stobart Stadium in Widnes.I have a Dawes Galaxy Tourer cycle which fits in the car and is quite light as well. After deciding to cycle I realised the the journey was all downhill on the way to the stadium,not looking forward to the cycle back to the car after the match!.

Arrived with time to spare,parked by bike in a secure cycle store in the main car park(why can’t all stadiums provide this?)  checked in and received my accreditation.

Great game, dominated by Warrington,glad that I decided to shoot at the end Warrington were attacking.

Warrington booked a return to Wembley on 28 August after storming to a dazzling nine-try Challenge Cup semi-final win over Catalans Dragons.The French side, beaten finalists in 2007, had beaten Warrington 29-28 in Perpignan just a fortnight ago.But there was no chance of another upset, forward Louis Anderson leading the way with three of his side’s tries.Ben Harrison, Matt King, Chris Riley, Lee Briers, Richie Myler and Jon Clarke also got in on the try-scoring act.

The final score was Warrington 54-12 Catalans Dragons.

Did not transmit from the ground and left just after half time.Cycled back up the hill and was glad to see the car after  about 20 minutes!

The images can be viewed and purchased at the following link:

http://www.f2images-photolibrary.co.uk

Images syndicated through Actionplus

http://www.actionplus.co.uk

Alan Edwards  8.8.2010

Warrington v St Helens Rugby Super League 31.7.2010

Warrington Wolves 24 St Helens 26

Covered a great match on Saturday in the Super League.This was a thriller in front of a sell-out crowd but after 80 minutes of solid effort in both attack and defence Warrington failed once again to end their dismal record against St Helens. Used the 400 2.8 lens with nikon D3.

Photos can be viewed and ordered online at http://www.f2images.co.uk-photolibrary  or  http://www.flickr.com/photos/f2images4photos/

David Cameron launches the Big Society at Liverpool Hope University.

David Cameron launches the Big Society at Liverpool Hope University.

Covered this event for Liverpool Hope.

Used a combination of lenses from 400mm to 28mm.Nikon 400 especially useful shooting from the back of the hall.

Prime Minister David Cameron chose Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus to launch the Government’s “Big Society” project on Monday, a scheme aiming to involve more social enterprises, charities and community groups in providing local services.

Mr Cameron was greeted by Campus Provost Professor Bill Chambers before addressing an audience of community leaders, politicians and journalists in The Cornerstone’s Great Hall. He then gave TV interviews in the new Angel Field garden.

PM David Cameron Launches the "The Big Society"

PM David Cameron Launches the "The Big Society"

PM David Cameron Launches the "The Big Society"

PM David Cameron Launches the "The Big Society"

Graduations 2010

The last month has been hectic here at F2images. The university graduation ceremonies at Liverpool Hope have taken place over the last couple of weeks. This usually means starting at 8.00 am with the gowning and finishing at 10.00 pm with the formal evening meal.

Photos have to be processed and put online each day so an 18 hour day becomes the norm. I use Photoshelter to archive and offer the prints for sale to the graduates. So far this is working very well.(link here to photo shelter site)

Among the Honorary Degrees awarded this year was Cherie Booth QC who received a Doctor of Laws,Sir Anthony Kenny, Fr Michael Lapsley and Professor Rajmohan Gandhi

Also managed to catch actress  Kim Cattrall outside the Anglican Cathedral after her award ceremony from Liverpool John Moores University.

Primary school children also have the opportunity to graduate. This year over 500 did so from Knowsley Children’s University Project.The project awards children for attending after school activities

For this busy period the I used two D3’s and two lenses 24-70 f2.8 and the 70-200 f2.8AFS VR 11 exclusively.Both camera and lenses performed flawlessly.Will need to stock up on camera card and batteries though before the busy September period.

The Graduation photos can be viewed and ordered from  http://u0000ryvdjuorka.photoshelter.com/