I mentioned a couple of weeks back that i was going to do the 2010 Photomarathon in Cardiff, Wales on June 12th. Basically what it is is a twelve hour photography competition starting at 10am. The goal is to come up with 12 photos over the 12 hours. All images are straight from camera and you are given the subject topics four at a time every four hours. They check your camera at 10am and your memory card. At the end of the day you have to have only the twelve images, in order, on your card to hand in (this made it quite tricky-no going back to redo stuff really unless you want to redo the others). It was a great day. 400 people entered and there was a great community feel. All the images are going to exhibited for a couple of months from July. It was surprisingly exhausting as well, both physically and creatively. Having to rush about by bus or train to get back to the base for 2pm or 6pm was a mad dash.
Anyway, here are my images (all unedited straight from the camera although i think i might have set the contrast and saturation a tad too high) from the day and some thoughts...
10am - First four subjects...
1) Registration number plus 'giant' 
Had the idea of getting some toy men and set up a scene from this and thought of going to the Games Workshop with some little plastic numbers i bought. There was a huge Saturday crowd there of kids but the manager allowed me to use one of the tables quickly as long as i didn't get any kids in shot. Only had a few minutes before i had to move but this came out ok and was along the lines of what i was thinking.
2) - Aroma 
Very pleased with the shot here. This is the best one of a handful, all with interesting passerbys. This is one of two from the day that i think came out well that i will keep.
3) - On A Shoestring 
Terrible shot really. My only excuse is that i was trying to set up the next shot and this in 30 mins before i had to rush and get a train back to base.
4) - Inspiration 
Thanks to the people on DPC who have done wonderful chalk images here. This was a rush to buy some chalk, drag my partner away from my poor hungry baby daughter for two minutes whilst i quickly did this. Pretty badly done of course, but i was in a rush! Had to run to catch the train back to pick up the next four subjects...
2pm
5) Up In The Air 
It was a totally blue sky and not much going on up there really but i came across a stag party and, well, it just fit i thought.
6) Arc 
Quite pleased with this one as well. Did quite a few to catch an interesting subject in the background.
7) Seven 
Was at a bit of a loss with this so went with the toy numbers i'd bought earlier and the easy option.
8) Fail 
This was really hard i found, and didn't actually get this until after i'd picked up the next four subjects (and had a couple of drinks). I'd met up with some friends at this point who were also rushing around doing the marathon with their daughter in tow. Doesn't really capture the subject i admit apart from failing to wear two shoes but i really liked the shot so went with it. Shoehorn-yea.
6pm
9) Old School 
Got a lucky break with this one as he was a singer outside one of the bars we were near.
10) Contemporary 
Quite an easy one this as there are a lot of interesting building around Cardiff Bay where we were. I often do quite abstract over exposed shots with these anyway so just went with that. I was very pleased with this though and it's one of my two favourites from the day.
11) Backwards 
Really hard one i found and i spent a while running around trying to find something that worked, bike wheels with blur etc, before just getting an extension tube and my book in the pub toilet (which by this point was full of football fans)
12) Identity 
Again with the pub toilet! And lensbay of course. It was getting late and all creative juices were getting mixed up with the cider.
So, a great day and immense fun. I doubt i'll win any prizes (there are a few) but the taking part was great. It was wonderful to see so many people about with camera and a great age range. I'll definitely be back next year!
Message edited by author 2010-06-18 21:08:54. |
