Brighton Beach, Skate Boarders - 27 January 2008
On the beach by the West Pier were a group of fearless boarders. The sentiment they displayed was also shared by an owner of a near by boat ... find it. Anyway after chatting with these young lads I took a lot of photographs.
Brighton Beach, Loan Juggler - 9 February 2008
On a cold February evening with a glorious sunset as a back drop the beach was crowded with people. Many were taking photographs of the sunset while making good use of the West Pier was a loan juggler was practicing his skills. Tied between two columns was a rope. Either laying flat or standing his juggles were flying.
Brighton Beach, Parkour - 9 February 2008
Parkour, or free-running, is an activity I could, if I was both the right shape and athletic enough be happy to do. I have watched many video’s and Utube and don’t get tiered of it. There are a number of clip’s based in Brighton which are worth watching. One in particular caught my imagination: it was a series of photographs that had been cut together with a sound track and effects that showed Parkour off.
Cowfold and Splat Clocks - 11 February 2008
I regularly drive through Cowfold at night and since Christmas I had noticed that there was a new colourful and brightly lit shop window. On this night I had to stop and take photographs.
I was accosted by a couple of people who thought they should tell the owner as ‘... its a small place and we know everything ... you know!’. Well the owner did turn up and after a humorous ‘who are you, no, who are you’ ping-pong game invited me to have a chat. Delightful people, pleasant and full of optimism about their clocks. They are in my view outstanding in material, shape and colour. The display looked enticing and interesting. Interesting because while there were many clocks on display each one could be focused on in isolation. That is not camera focus, it is you could study each shape and colour one at a time while not being distracted by its neighbour.
They also do other things in iron so have a look at them, there good.
Brighton Beach, Samba Parade - 17 February 2008
I was sitting in the gallery when I heard the recognisable drum beat of a samba band. I tapped, and tapped while it got louder. I got my camera, locked up and went to investigate. There was a small band wandering along the sea front entertaining the beach visitors.
A couple of years ago I enjoyed the Bright Samba Extravaganza along Maderia Drive. If it happens again don’t miss it; It’s not like any other musical event I have been to, its colourful, loud, happy, friendly, full of energy and vibrant.
Brighton Carnival - July 2008
The Carnival was the first team event we photographed. We had several planning meetings and met early on the day to gather our thoughts and worry about the weather - which was not a problem.
The event was good, we enjoyed our work and I think ended up with a respectable collection of photographs. Another first was the book of the event. We have produced two versions: one large version (to celebrate our work) and a smaller version with a budget in mind.
The photographers were Dean Boddy, Paul Chessell, Paul Hitchcock, Mike Bovington, Denise Boddy and me, Ken Boddy.
Brighton Pride 2008 Workshops - July 2008
These photographs were taken with permission of Same Sky by a team of photographers working together. We organised ourselves to attend as many of the workshops as we could. At each workshop we photographed the process through planning, construction, finishing and the big day.
The photographers were Dean Boddy, Paul Chessell, Paul Hitchcock, Mike Bovington and me, Ken Boddy.
We produced a book of the ‘Workshop’ which can be found on the sales page
Brighton Pride 2008 - Aug 2008
The reason we are working together is to allow us to photograph large events - viz Brighton Pride and other events which cannot be photographed by a loan photographer. As well as holding an exhibition at the Brighton Media Centre we have produce a book to record the event.
The photographers were Dean Boddy, Paul Chessell, Paul Hitchcock, Mike Bovington and me, Ken Boddy.
National Speed Trials - Sept 2008
The National Speed Trials is an event that is organised like clockwork and where safety is paramount. Each year I attend I notice more about the intricate nature of how it all goes together. I see people from previous years who I have photographed and I see new people. I know them because of the event but they don’t know me: I am just a camera.
This year Paul Chessell and I worked together to capture the event. Walking Maderia Drive and seeing all the preparations for the high-speed journey is great. Apprehension, knowledge of what can go wrong, the excitement of the competitor all add to the atmosphere. When we take photographs (at any time) we do not disturb anyone: competitors in the queues are concentrating, listening to announcements, and waiting to hear times of other competitors. It is strange that within seconds of a run starting, people instinctively know whether it is going to be a good time, and a reserved hush is set. Because of restricted views people cock an ear to the speakers and wait. I enjoy that moment when a good time is announced and that pent up excitement is released. I don’t think it matters who it is but they get support from ever one there.
Ace Reunion Run - Sept 2008
There was a time when two separate groups who both adored two wheels simply did not get along. Every now and then film footage and photographs are recalled to enlighten and entertain etc. There is no friction now (well to my untrained eye). I have been attending this event for a number of years and clearly remember a large group of scooters being driven down from the roundabout to the Volks and being cheered by the bikers. Cheered in an supportive way not aggressive. Yes a few humorous words muttered by both sides but that was it.
This event to me is about arriving at a destination. I know lots of other events finish on Maderia Drive and people have arrived but the bikers a r r i v e. They mix and mingle, meet friends and relive the past. Life should have more of this!
There was sad moment for me several years ago. I like chrome, rust, strong colours, nice paint work etc and have to get close to photograph detail. On the fuel tank of one motor bike was a highly worked portrait in white of a young lady with a sentence saying words to the effect of still missing you.
Burning of the Clocks
This is an annual event organised by a charity named Same Sky. They are based in Brighton. The preparation behind this event is enormous these photographs were taken over an extended period in an attempt to capture the spirit of the event.
Brighton Triathlon - Sept 2008
Brighton Food and Drink Fare - Sept 2008
Brighton - Streets for People - Oct 2008
London to Brighton Vintage Car Run - Nov 2008