In my 30 years as a
professional press and commercial photographer working across the North East, Scotland and Teesside I’m used to taking photos under tricky circumstances, so I wasn’t
fazed by this job which seen me 106 feet up in the air on an arial platform so I
could get a bird’s eye view of the Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show held at
Preston Park Museum and Grounds in Eaglescliffe.
Thousands of people turned
up to this annual event organised by Stockton Borough Council, where visitors
could see fire fighting vehicles from bygone days to modern streamlined appliances,
plus bikes, commercial and passenger vehicles, agricultural and military
exhibits from the 1930s to the
present day.
For family fun and great
pictures, the main arena’s programme of events and activities couldn’t be
beaten, particularly when monster trucks “Big Pete” and “Grim Reaper” rumbled
into the ring to crush a line-up of old vehicles, and I got some high-impact shots
from high in the sky.
From up there I could also
use my fish eye lens to photograph the long line up of historic and modern day
fire appliances, which from high in the sky stretched into the distance like a
red ribbon.
Coming back down to earth
for the display given by the bike riders from the Bolddog Lings motorcycle
stunt team, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent, was a good move – their thrills
and spills had spectators on their feet in amazement and I was able to get some
great close up pictures of the action.
Lots of the exhibits were
like stepping back in time and you could see the work that had gone into
maintaining them. One particular charming couple dressed to kill in their
lovingly restored vintage car seemed very pleased to have their photos taken
with their beloved vehicle.
With the large amount of
shiny chrome and polished paintwork about, I was able to use reflections to
bounce off photos of people admiring the hundreds of vintage motorbikes and
cars and taking the obligatory selfies against them.
It was a fun-filled day and
although we didn’t get any brilliant sunshine, I was actually very happy with
the soft light that the cloudy conditions presented. Too much sharp sunlight
can often be a nuisance – check out the number of photos on your phone or
camera where people are squinting against the sunlight – so a more milky light
can often produce a better effect.
It was hot all the same though,
and I was mighty glad to get out of the harness and get my feet back on the
ground!
Preston Park’s £7m
restoration was looking beautiful, and I was pleased to have been able to
document such a great day out for all the family.
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