Variety is the spice of life
23rd May 2009
Variety is the spice of life. Fact.
Last week, I found myself photographing the Olympic champion and world record holder over 100m and 200m, Usain Bolt. A cool guy, relaxed and friendly, he responded with a smile when I called from behind the camera: “work it baby, work it.” He was posing with Ronald (my friend and commentator) who, I’m sure, is one of the few people Bolt’s met who’s taller than himself.
Having completed the interviews with Phil Jones, Mr Bolt then posed proudly with a football scarf presented to him by PJ, giving me one of the best photo opportunities I could have hoped for (see the portrait gallery).
I also had the pleasure of meeting Haile Gebrselassie, one of the greatest distance runners of all time. I challenge you to find a smilier man. It’s been proven to me time and again that many people who are truly successful are gracious and genuine. Gebrselassie shook hands with every member of the crew before sitting down to smile his way through the interview with Phil. Having seen him run so many times from the back of the BBC truck it was a real privilege to meet the man himself.
Talking of privileges, I got to don a boiler suit and hard hat and ride a cherry picker on Monday. I was photographing the CPD Powerline crew busy at work replacing electricity cables. I even got to try out as a water diviner (pictured). I’m told the two rods should have swung towards each other and crossed over if water was in the vicinity. Mine didn’t move, but the pro’s did. I've chosen to believe that I wasn't having my leg pulled and am now working on being at one with my surroundings in time for day two of the photo shoot.
I’m back in Manchester now, for the paralympic world cup. Keep your eyes peeled for the Oscar Pistorius film that I shot in South Africa, going out during the coverage on Monday.
Last week, I found myself photographing the Olympic champion and world record holder over 100m and 200m, Usain Bolt. A cool guy, relaxed and friendly, he responded with a smile when I called from behind the camera: “work it baby, work it.” He was posing with Ronald (my friend and commentator) who, I’m sure, is one of the few people Bolt’s met who’s taller than himself.
Having completed the interviews with Phil Jones, Mr Bolt then posed proudly with a football scarf presented to him by PJ, giving me one of the best photo opportunities I could have hoped for (see the portrait gallery).
I also had the pleasure of meeting Haile Gebrselassie, one of the greatest distance runners of all time. I challenge you to find a smilier man. It’s been proven to me time and again that many people who are truly successful are gracious and genuine. Gebrselassie shook hands with every member of the crew before sitting down to smile his way through the interview with Phil. Having seen him run so many times from the back of the BBC truck it was a real privilege to meet the man himself.
Talking of privileges, I got to don a boiler suit and hard hat and ride a cherry picker on Monday. I was photographing the CPD Powerline crew busy at work replacing electricity cables. I even got to try out as a water diviner (pictured). I’m told the two rods should have swung towards each other and crossed over if water was in the vicinity. Mine didn’t move, but the pro’s did. I've chosen to believe that I wasn't having my leg pulled and am now working on being at one with my surroundings in time for day two of the photo shoot.
I’m back in Manchester now, for the paralympic world cup. Keep your eyes peeled for the Oscar Pistorius film that I shot in South Africa, going out during the coverage on Monday.