Corina races, a statement of fact, she races triathlon and running races, I don’t... I don’t enjoy racing, I have done my fair share of running races and triathlons, I just don’t enjoy the competitive aspect.
I am amongst a group of individuals left standing at the start line once the last competitor has exited the start chute. We stand there clutching at discarded clothing and often shoes as our significant others dash away, we look at each other exchange pleasantries, figure out where the finish line is and trudge our way to get warm or pick our spot for the end of the race. We judge the race organization on the availability of coffee and bathrooms once the race has started.
To overcome my boredom during races, out and back races are worst because you only see the competitors at the start and end of the race, I have taken to bringing my camera to races. Races usually have some sort of race-photography on the course and lots of people take photos of family and friends, so seeing a guy with a camera is not an unusual sight. Taking photographs, whether of competitors or of the scenery is a great way of passing the time while Corina races.
What I did not expect was that I take good pictures. I don’t have an expensive camera, and I suffer from camera envy, but I have produced some amazing images while waiting for my lovely wife to finish her race. I see others with some really expensive kit and I see the pro race photographers and I know I can more than hold my own.
Racing in San Diego is very different to racing in the UK. One of the biggest differences is the attendance, there are so many more people participating over here. The races start much earlier which is great because you can actually use the rest of the day. San Diegans complain about the weather but they have not had to suffer through an Edinburgh winter so we find the racing conditions in January fantastic. But the biggest change I have seen with Corina’s racing has been the addition of the Running Skirt! I know that there are lots of reasons Corina loves her skirts, the fit, the comfort... but from my perspective as a photographer it is like a giant homing beacon and I can see the running skirts coming a mile off.
At the moment I am just a keen amateur, the feedback on my work on Facebook is really positive. I have tried video and I will continue to do so for business purposes, but I see my strength being still photography. Unleashing my artistic side is a little scary as this is not a side of myself I have explored before but it is exciting.
I know that if I continue to take good photographs I will end up making a side-line out of photography. As we continue to grow The Wolf Studio it seems odd to think about developing a side business, but it seems to be developing organically and I know that it can only enhance the images on our various marketing portals.
Alan
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