"I know, this is Millhouse."
The weekend of snapping actually began on Saturday, a trip to Silverwood to hopefully capture a few images of the Barnsley Harriers XC. I hadn't time to recce the course, excuses ... excuses and the resulting snaps weren't the best ones I've ever taken. The light was amazing. With only a few minutes to spare, there wasn't a moment to lose, no recce. Find a place near the carpark and hope for the best. Somewhere out there was the ultimate spot to create images to be proud of. But not by me.
Sunday 16th: All ready for the running of the previously postponed "Penistone Hill Race". The snow in November might just have done the organisers a bit of a favour. The number of entries had shot up and a decent field prepared to make their way around this tough and not so little course.
With the venue just a couple of miles from home, there was time for an early morning walk. Cuppa in hand to keep me company, I trod the same route I'd done so with Willow over the last eleven years. Always happy to meet other dog owners and pass the time of day. Saw Pip and Gus, two of my favourite canine friends.
People are still advising me to "move on" and take up the challenge of another rescue dog. I'm slightly reluctant to commit to another full-time friend. Willow is such a hard act to follow.
Breakfast devoured and another cuppa drunk, camera gear checked ...
Let's go!
Parked up at the end of Cross Lane and ambled down Hillside to see what the light was doing. Let's hope it's a positive outcome.
Shadows?
The sun was still quite low in the sky and it was looking good in terms of exposure for the camera. No harsh side light on the athletes' faces. Back towards Cross Lane to get myself ready for the leading runners. I walked up and down the field to find a spot that I felt comfortable with. There was no chance of snapping the runners head on; with the start not being that far away, there was little chance of gaps opening up.
Mozzie Sign in place, just in case they didn't know me.
I waited for Scott to appear.
Here they come!
Yep, Scott in the lead.
That was the first and last time I was able to stand more or less in front of a runner coming up to Cross Lane.
"Nice" curve in the wall to lead you into the distance and the rest of the pack giving chase. No chance of catching him, he made it look effortless. Moved back into the stubble to ready myself for the onslaught and ever hopeful of capturing some decent images.
Race starts aren't usually that productive.
Young Barbara heading up one of the "trains" moving up the hill at a good pace. Focus point on her, aperture set at f7.1 and the runners making a decent line into the distance. Much better than hitting them from the side, though that can work from time to time.
Woodhead Mountain Rescue providing the sweeper as well as the back-up vehicle.
From a sunny field to a cloud covered Hillside. What happened to the beautiful weather? The 85mm lens with it's large hood allows me to shoot in rain, especially when the camera is pointing downwards. No sky in the frame, not even a thin strip to confuse the sensor. Once again, quite a high number of shots hardly needed any editing. Rain began but no problem with drops on the lens.
Scott was looking strong on the way out and I didn't think it would be long before he made his way up the hill. Sign in place to advertise my presence.
Here he comes, let's hope that the amount of traffic is at a minimum today. I don't fancy being an accident waiting to happen. Quick check of the settings and we're good to go.
Shutter speed 1/800th sec (way too quick) Aperture f5 ISO 800
It's hard NOT to take a decent image of Scott and his powerful body shapes. I could fill an album with so many great photographs of the races that he has run in over the last few years.
I'm not sure how close to the course record he was. With thick mud hindering progress, it must have been a "bit" difficult in places.
I had a feeling that I might be out for some time. Steady back markers, no disrespect meant, will probably still be making their way along the path parallel to Hartcliff Hill Road. I'd be with them probably.
Richard Cottam, heading for third place and first PFR runner. Along with James and Tom Fryers, they just missed out on the Team Prize. A Glossopdale trio came in 5th, 6th and 7th places to beat PFR by just 2 points.
Great to have some company on the hill. Robin Clough kept me chatting throughout the race and I bored him to death with my pet runner hates.
I don't like:
People who wear fluorescent tops, fluorescent t shirts or fluorescent bobble hats.
People who hide behind another runner and expect me to capture them in full flow.
People who wear caps and hide their face from view.
Two people who are about 6ft apart and they expect me to have both of them in the same frame.
People who hug the side of the road when I've TOLD them to run in the middle.
They love me really.
I don't know how Jonny Cartwright managed to hold the position as seen in the middle frame. Wish I could have measured how high he'd jumped. I'd definitely want a copy of this triptych framed and hanging on a wall. He probably has one already.
Ruby Sykes heading for 1st Lady home prize. Strong running alongside Steve Crossman, the MV55 winner. Well done to both of you for being prize winners.
Joe Worthington, who finished just ahead of Ruby and Steve. He managed to overhaul the pair of them somewhere on the way back to the finish. He was determined to make inroads on the lead they had on him at this point. Great stuff Joe.
Met this gorgeous dog while waiting for some of the runners. Those eyes are so haunting. We've seen each other on many occasions when I've been out walking Willow.
This you lady from Denby Dale is always happy. Well done Elizabeth Willoughby, an individual prize awaited you back at the Leisure Centre. Nice one.
All to soon, that's a lie, the sweeper appeared and I decided to open the lens WIDE.
Setting the aperture to f2.2, I wondered what effect, a small depth of field would have on the background. Might have a go at using this aperture setting at one of the parkruns, it could be a useful tool at future events.
Back home and the usual slow upload of the images. Quite chuffed with the field images and the Hillside shots were okay. Not sure where I might go next time. Still, if it ain't broke ...
I always put the images on Flickr to start withand the link is on my website.
This is to try and direct people towards donating a few quid. My expectations would have been satisfied if we'd managed to raise £50.
You've come up trumps and the more local the race, the more I seem to be able to raise.
The total at the start of the day was £919. It now stands at £1,045. What can I say. You are amazing people and I'm so grateful to you for backing the causes that I care passionately about.
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