The best things in life aren’t things; All the fun of the fair

Yesterday we went to the San Diego County Fair with our friends. When Corina and I first came over to the States it was one of our first exposures to Americana, a year on it was still pretty overwhelming. 

When we go out with Ken and Connie the boys are allowed to play with their cameras, explore our shared passion for photography and we all had a great time. We started off our fair experience by heading straight for the photography exhibition. There were some amazing shots on display, some unusual shots and some that may be described as an acquired taste… The best thing about wandering round a photography display with an accomplished photographer is getting a different perspective, and that is what photography is all about, how you view the world. I got lots of inspiration from the exhibition and I now know some really cool places I want (need) to photograph. 

Fair food is interesting… the latest big thing was chocolate covered bacon… a balanced meal? Well it is carbohydrate, protein and fat… maybe not… 

When we talk about training with our clients we often say that in exercise there is a holy trinity; the right exercise, the right diet and the right rest/recovery. I didn’t see many athletic bodies at the fair, but it would have been a great place for them to blow off some steam. Recovery takes many forms, physical rest, massage, hot/cold but our brains also need recovery. Time with friends and family is crucial to anyone’s success both in business and in exercise. 

You can improve your happiness so much more by adding experiences to your life rather than experiencing life through reality TV or on an iPad...

Alan

Model Behavior

Over the past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of assisting professional photographer Ken Williams on some photo shoots. This arrangement is mutually beneficial because Ken gets someone to move his lights around and tell jokes to the models while he gets on with the serious work of shooting (I get to shoot a little).

For months Ken has been badgering me about setting up some sort of training regime aimed at models. I had been resisting because like most people I was under the impression that these girls don’t need a personal trainer as they all look so good already. Mistake…

When we get clients in for a consultation we need to get to the heart of their goals, they may say that they want to get fit and healthy buy if they don’t end up with a beach body they will be ultimately dissatisfied. This does not make them vain or narcissistic, just human, I specialize in working with humans…

What I know is that very few people are satisfied with their own body. Few people wouldn’t change something about themselves given the opportunity. For those who wouldn't change you are either a Buddha (not kidding) or in need of a great psychotherapist that I can recommend. 

In the week where I have had the new Sixx:AM Album “Lies of the Beautiful People” on repeat, I have been thinking a lot about our perception of beauty. Even the most beautiful people I have worked with this week were the most insecure about their bodies. The grass is always greener and everyone else is always doing more training…

It is a hard balance to strike between being overly critical about yourself and being self-aware. An external, impartial perspective is always useful that is why we like to measure people, the numbers don’t lie, they don’t intentionally hurt or sweeten the pill to save your blushes.

Beauty can be on the inside and the outside, I know which I would prefer if I had to choose only one, but I will continue to strive for both.

A lonely photographer : the story of a race widower

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