I'm not that "au fait" with the complexities of a mobile phone and have much to learn. So, why did Messenger show a notification and I had no idea where it was. After much fiddling around, I found a message request. Hmm, that's different, must remember to check those from time to time.
"Hi Steve..it’s a big ask but I wondered whether you had seen our posts for Rotherham parkrun? Our ED suffered a massive stroke in December and there has been a big fundraising campaign going on. We are expecting a lot of people there this Saturday and wondered if you are free to come and take photos? I know you offered me help with my own photography and I was going to take the camera but two things, I don’t think I would do such an event justice and also I think I will be needed more with lots of first timers/volume of people so don’t want to be distracted." Tina Em.
I strongly believe in karma; positive actions rewarded in some small way that enriches a life. After accepting the request, I was happy to learn that my car passed its MOT with flying colours.
Rather than relate the story regarding the event director in my own words, click on this link to read it in more detail: Help Kate's Miraculous Recovery.
With help from my mate Alex, I managed to sort out Google Maps. Following the dulcet tones of a female "director", an easy passage to Clifton Park was made possible, within thirty minutes I might add.
Map of the park in hand and loads of time to spare before the off, I made my way round the course to possible snapping points. The sun was in the wrong place as usual, so I'd have to make the most of what was available to me.
The image above shows a definite spot to shoot from in the future. Today was going to be extra busy and I decided that I'd save this one for a later date. Great curve leading into the distance. Take up position just to the right of the track, focus point on the lead runner nearest to me and .. hopefully a curve of people coming round the bend.
Magnolias in blossom. Beautiful park with lots to see and do. Definitely worth another visit.
Hole in a wall. It would be a great shot if the runners actually passed by this way. I'll try it from the other side the next time I visit. Impossible during the race, as quite a few children were climbing through it.
Down to the start to see if there were any decent shots to be had. My idea was to take a few images there and then take a short cut to meet the runners somewhere near the bandstand.
The tree lined avenue is beautiful, though the composition was spoiled by the bright orange barriers left by the council. Hopefully they won't be there for long. There were 298 runners in attendance, that's way more than I'm used to at a parkrun. Around 100 is a good figure to work with, such as Penistone and Barnsley. No way would I be able to capture everyone by myself.
The spot at the bandstand had a few shadowless areas which I could shoot from. After the leaders passed by, the trickle became a tidal wave. Rather than snap everyone, I decided to wait for gaps to appear, nip out onto the path, snap, then return to the edge.
If I'd tried to capture as many people as possible, I'd have come home with plenty of photographs destined for the recycle bin. The D7500 appears to have coped well with the dynamic range. Looking good for future events.
Quite a few opportunities on the avenue to have a curved line of runners heading into the distance. I tried to snap one or two of the runners head on and then move out of the way. On a quieter day, this would prove to be much easier.
Someone forgot to pack their "jazzy" leggings!
It would have been a bit difficult to move from the avenue to anywhere else on the course. Most of the runners would be close to finishing by now. Decided to go to the area around the museum and see what I could snap there. Sun directly behind the finishing athletes would mean that I'd be restricted composition wise.
A great round of applause for those finishing. Love the way everyone is supported at parkruns. It doesn't matter if you are the winner or the last one to finish. Confidence boosted, you're ready for a cuppa and a natter with your fellow runners.
I always try to capture a few "dog" shots. These two were really up for their portrait taking.
Thanks to Tina for inviting me and taking me out of my comfort zone. Beautiful park that's just 30 minutes or so from home. Quite pleased with the results and will revisit at some point to try other snapping points along the route. Hopefully the queue for coffees and snacks would be smaller. I probably got back home before managing to get served.
All my love to Kate and her wonderful family. You'll do it; I have no doubt that some time in the future, I'll see you there. Thanks again Tina.
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