You can't keep it all to yourself - Sharing and helping others to "see"

I admit I was nervous.

But after we had the meet and greet, and the av-display had been set up and connected to my laptop I felt that something clicked within me.  This just felt right.

That's me!  AutoMotoPhoto inaugural seminar Phillip Island

My wife Emily had suggested I take my photography and what I know in a new direction and this was it.  The day went well and I was amazed at the level of enthusiasm of the people who had joined me for the day.  We ran through the program I had put together, with the morning focussing on image ideas, "seeing" and thinking differently as well as taking a look at peoples images and taking input from people on not only each others images and ways of thinking, but also my own images.  In the afternoon we looked at self promotion, marketing, search engine optimisation as well as how to use the freely available social media outlets to build or share your work with others.

The day ended with dinner and a few beers before everyone headed off for the race weekend....

A fantastic day, and a big thank you to Helen, Frank, Anant, Simon and Robert who signed up.  A good sized group which allowed for everyone's questions and discussions to be heard and answered.

The next Andrew Wheeler AutoMotoPhoto Seminar is being organized...

World Superbike and MotoGP Photographer Available

Just a quick self promotional update. Even the world of high speed motorsports has been affected by the world economic crisis and it's knock on effects. I would like to speak to any OEM, aftermarket manufacturers, PR agencies or anyone who may need coverage of either MotoGp or World Superbike. I am credentialled for both series for the entire year and would welcome inquires from anyone interested in speaking with me about images for advertising, race coverage and or editorial. I maintain a large accessible archive and can transmit, deliver images at short notice from anywhere in the world.

Call me at 831-539-3324 and let's chat.

Lights! Cameras! Action! - Daytona Tire Test

Tire testing into the night and under the lights. A couple of firsts.I arrive Friday morning at the Daytona International Speedway knowing only a handful of teams would be testing. Due to a multitude of reasons Yoshimura Suzuki and Kawasaki would not be in attendance. Yamaha would be there along with American Honda as would Buell. For the first time this test is being run by AMA Pro Racing, not Dunlop and what amounts to be a really big surprise, there's a pit lane speed! All new.9am until noon, and evenings from 6pm until 9pm are scheduled for for the newly created "Daytona Sportbike" class. They will use a newly configured track running from the infield onto NASCAR turns 1 and 2, then down the back straight of the Speedway, through the infield chicane and back onto NASCAR turns 3 and 4. From 1-5pm the track was reconfigured and the "American Superbikes" would run the infield pretty much as they have done in recent years, and then take their turn after the last chicane onto NASCAR turns 3 and 4.With a sunset on the horizon, and darkness approaching, the lights are turned on.Massive MUSCO light trucks are scattered around the infield like mechanical giraffes and the main track lights are all on. The lights are so bright the Speedway had to drape light shielding tarps to avoid over lighting the neighboring airport! You cannot see the ugly backgrounds that surround the track and oddly enough it creates a rather intimate and somewhat cosy feeling. Watching the bodywork of the bikes glint and shine under the lamps as they pass is rather interesting, then as they leave you there's the glow of a small red LED tail light that streaks into the night.This should be visually interesting in March. Josh Herrin actually mentioned that he had gotten a headache first time out due to an increased level of concentration. As a photographer you have to pick and choose and use your judgement as to what you're going to capture as you have to adapt your methodology due to the darkness and lack of ambient light. Nonetheless, I can honestly say I really did enjoy the evening sessions which is saying something. Why the AMA is running the race in the evening I have no idea. As we know, the first Formula 1 race at night from Singapore and the MotoGP race from Qatar were both run in the evening for TV, allowing viewers in Europe to watch these races at a more normal time.The other first? Saturday afternoon I was down at the far end of the track, when I heard a squawking sound that I didn't recognize, I look up and see two bald eagles "dancing" with each other. How cool! I have never seen bald eagles outside before, let alone two of them flying together.The Daytona 200 takes place on Friday evening March 6. As this is the last Friday of "Bike Week" everyone is on Main Street in Downtown Daytona, so we'll have to see how many are going to want to watch racing, or leather clad biker babes. Both of which will be "under the lights".....

Have a Cool Yule everyone.

From Here, Laguna - To Eternity, Phillip Island

Well, when you think the next piece of land is Tasmania then the South Pole.......I must apologise to those who wait with baited breath for words from me. (Yep, I hear 'em all lining up right now...) Life has been busy, then throw in a knee injury, visits to various people who want to twist your legs and say, "does this hurt?" seems to dissolve what time you "think" you have.

Anyways, here we go. The last round (maybe ever) of the 2008 AMA Superbike Series took place at Laguna during the last weekend in September. It felt like a wake, and many folks compared it to the last day at high school. What I think was most prevalent, was the fact that many of the people I spend half my life around are in essence in limbo. Because nothing is set in stone for 2009 people are simply taking the bull by the horns and making decisions based on what work they'll be able to get. Riders with some cache and a good resume are looking to Europe and the World Superbike Series for opportunities.. (GO JOSH HAYES!!). For me, I just felt some level of sadness. Every other weekend I leave my wife Emily, whom I love dearly, and join up with these folks who race, and those who officiate. These people are my family. (I'm not a fan of the word family as it's been over used but for me in this case, it's applicable). No-one has any idea of what is happening in 2009. I fear that people are just going to go where best they might make a living. To each person I know I wish you all the best of luck and love. Thank you all for being part of my world. Thank you Tim, Bree and the all Corona folks for all your help this year, having access to a scooter made all the difference.

With the last race (maybe ever) of the AMA Superbike Series in the bag, I then hop on a plane to Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix. One of my most favourite places in the world, and one of my favourite racetracks. If you've never been to Phillip Island then you should at least try to get there once in your life. I grew up in the UK during the 60's and 70's. A trip to the cornershop, Bassetts Sherbet dabs, Jelly Babies, Black Jacks and Flakes being part of anyone childhood are still part of life down here. People are polite, say good morning, hello and please and thank you. For a week I'm transported back into a world where common courtesy is more important than getting to the front of the line. Even if Coles the supermarket in Cowes looks like half the cast of Mad Max 1 have just rolled of the set, courtesy is still in existence. Nice. Plus Rossi rocked the crowds as he does...With that in mind. I'm off to Valencia tomorrow for the last round of MotoGP. I'm a little sad because Emily cannot join me.

I'd also like to add a that regardless of what you do, it's important to keep in touch.

Travelling so far, and not so far away, one is reminded of how one misses those who cannot chat online, like ones pets. Jack, my dog, died whilst I was at Mid Ohio covering the AMA races a couple of years ago. At Phillip Island Valentino Rossi, when asked during his post race press conference if he was planning on staying in Australia or going onto to Malaysia, replied, rather quickly, that no, he was going to go 'ome, to sleep in his bed, and play with his (my) dog Guido.

I hope he managed to get home in time, as Guido died over the weekend of 10/11, reminding us that there is a price for all of this and how important it is to keep in touch. Make sure to hug the ones you loves. Here's Thor on his first birthday last week (10/8)...With that, I'll bid you all goodnight and thank you for listening. Next up, Valencia and the final round of the 2008 MotoGP season. Wheeler is going global...and Emily, I love you dearly.

Smoked Turkey Legs - Indy MotoGP Test - Go Ben

Just a small update, I'll post some pictures to my site after the weekend.

This week I went to cover the MotoGP test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. The last time I was there was for Formula 1 (with Emily) and so it was with quite a lot of excitement that I was traveling there once again. When I was there last, as a spectator, it seemed so much bigger, so maybe having worked in motorsport for the last few years has made these places seem so much less imposing. Some of the old F1 track is there, however, where the last turn onto the start finish used to be, has been totally removed and is now turn one which takes you into the infield, not totally dissimilar to the "in and out" or turn 1 at Daytona.

The test included riders from Yamaha, Ducati, Honda and of course Suzuki, with current AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies putting in an immaculate performance during the test. Obviously, circuits (or as they're affectionately known over here as "rovals" - ROad courses on OVALS such as this are nothing new for Ben, racing on similar rovals such as Daytona and the California Speedway in Fontana.Fortunately during the two day test for the MotoGP teams the weather cooperated...however, on Thursday, rain made quite an appearance for the Red Bull Rookie test at the speedway.That's all from me for now...we'll see you at Laguna Seca for the Red Bull USGP in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, here's a little G9 video vignette of the track for your viewing pleasure.

Meeting Your Childhood Hero - Giacomo Agostini

It's funny when it happens.

I was on assignment for Cycleworld covering the Legends of the Motorcycle Concourse D'Elegance at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. This is my third trip to cover this event. An annual event I have been attending since it's launch three years ago. The first year was fogged in with a reasonable crowd. Last year was sunny with a bigger crowd. This year, was overcast, with a huge crowd. That said, it appeared to me to have less motorcycles. I could be wrong. What was a thrill for me was the fact that I got to meet a spritely looking 67 year old World Champion Italian motorcycle racer by the name of Giacomo Agostini. Watching him mill around the people at the event, some of whom had no idea who this person is (or was) was actually rather amusing. But for me, the chance to say hello, capture a few portraits was the highlight of the day. It was also rather good to meet up with Eraldo Ferracci who last year returned to the AMA Superbike series to run a pair of (might I add beautiful) MV Agusta F4's, ridden by Mat Lynn and Luca Scassa. Here is another portrait of Giacomo Agostini with his good friend Eraldo Ferracci taken at the Legends of the Motorcycle.Next, a few words about Fontana....

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

I was only 11 years old."What do you want to be when you grow up" I was asked by my career counsellor just prior to the transition from junior school to secondary school. This question was being asked to help the counsellor pick the right "O level" courses for you to take when you finally arrived at your designated secondary school."A racing driver" I replied. For some reason this caused the counsellor to laugh at me as if I had just told him that I could fly or walk on water. My mum and dad knew this was what I wanted to do, but opportunities for go-karting or Metrakit bikes just wasn't there when I was only 11.When you consider how much I am involved with the racing industry these days, it is a comment that hasn't really resurfaced (nor affects my day to day life) but lurks in the back of my mind and pops up from time to time. One of those times was this week when I attended the Red Bull Rookies Testing last Wednesday at Laguna Seca (thanks Jordan).Watching and listening to these excited young men with very boyish faces being talked to and coached by Kevin Schwantz, I felt for a brief moment the same enthusiasm and pure joy of what I would've felt if I had been able to have that same opportunity. It was a lovely day for me. Lot's of smiles.Daytona next...

And Now For Something Completely Different..

Finally! I can say something!

This really thrilled me. My personal goal with my job as a photographer has been to try and get the word to folks outside of the motorcycle racing world to maybe come to a race. Watch some good solid entertainment, meet the race fans that attend and see how friendly (sometimes not quietly so) they are, and how much pleasure can be had for such a small outlay. I've been trying to get that message across to those who haven't been "converted". Imagine my thrill when I was contacted by PhotoShop User Magazine and was asked to be their featured photographer in their magazine! What a thrill, a non motorcycle industry magazine wants to showcase my work, which in turn puts those images in front of many many people, many of whom might not have even seen a race bike. Imagine my (even bigger) thrill, when I was told they wanted to use one of my images for the cover!

So here it is. One of my all time favourites, a shot taken at the California Speedway, of Eric Bostrom back in 2005 when he rode with Ducati. For me I have always thought that it had a science fiction quality to it, but with it rich colours, the placement of the hands, and the blown out spectator in the uncropped version (inside the magazine) it has a "Man Who Fell To Earth" quality to it IMO.What a way to start the year!

Don't Lose Your Head - A New Helmet From Bell

Happy New Year everyone!

Here's something a little different. I was fortunate enough to have been hired by Bell Helmets, located in nearby Santa Cruz, to cover the launch of their new line of Star helmets.On the Monday I did some preliminary factory shots. On Tuesday I covered the official press launch and presentation. A large number of journalists from many of the top motorcycle magazines in the US were invited to the factory to be shown the new helmet and all it's (very cool) features. They were also given a factory tour following the presentation, finishing up with a helmet fitting and the plan was to have a bike ride to try the helmet out. Sadly the rains didn't respect the launch and the ride was cancelled for the afternoon. However, from my own perspective, not withstanding the fact that I was covering the launch, I found the whole process of how a helmet is designed, engineered, tested and constructed incredibly interesting.Speaking from experience (I've trashed a few in my time), a helmet is one of the most important safety items you can wear when riding a motorcycle or bicycle, and seeing the level of engineering that has gone into this helmet impressed me.Make sure you wear one!

Pies! The Australian GP and Wheeler in the Bush!

MMM, steak and kidney...Well, it's taken me a few days more than usual to overcome jet lag. Typically it's just a day back home, some sleep re-adjustment and life is back to normal. I think it's more to do with having a few days to acclimate "down under" then all is normal. However, on this trip, I didn't get my couple of days R&R "on the Island". I was fortunate enough to be contacted by Kawasaki US/AUS and was offered the chance to do a shoot in the Australian Bush.

There would be 8 riders, including Attack Kawasaki rider Steve Rapp, the ever wonderful Greg White, Matthew Miles from Cycyleworld, Dirt Action magazine editor Shannon Warner and journalist Sam Maclachlan, oh and stuntman Tom "I only know how to ride on the back wheel" McComas. From Kawasaki off road racing team Australia, there would be race team manager Brett Whale and off road race team crew chief and my chase car driver Charlie Costanzo, all of us being expertly guided by Matthew Phillpott and bringing up the rear and making sure no one got lost or left behind, the sweep rider Mark Ryan. Needless to say, the almost two days we spent following their exploits through dusty roads in the bush were filled with fun, some danger (Matthew vs tree) and some minor technical issues (Bretts' KLX450R losing oil) it was a good adventure with some good sights to be seen along the way.

Dirt Action riders Shannon Warner and Sam Maclachlan doing their synchronised wheelie-ing..Thursday night, I was fortunate enough to miss the bad weather, catch an earlier flight to Melbourne where I was met by good friend Ken Lyons. A nice steady 2 hour drive to our house on Phillip Island and it was off to bed. Where, in a few hours I'd be working the track covering Casey Stoner's homecoming in the GMC Australian Grand Prix.Three wet, windy, wet windy, wet windy, sunny days later, Casey Stoner won the race. Then on Monday it was a little rest, a lightning tour of the Island, some dinner and then off to bed to be ready for the trip home the following morning. 20+ hours later we roll into our parking space in Capitola and I'm home.

Phew. I'll add a little more on the adventure as time allows and will let you all know when my site is updated. I'm off to Spain next weekend for the last round of the MotoGP World Championship so stay tuned!

Well folks, here it is, my monthly blog update....Fame does have it's price you know! (You gotta love that self deprecating British humour...)

Anyways, what a busy few weeks. We had the AMA races at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, followed the next week by the AMA Superbike races at Fontana. Madness. Then this past weekend, and yours truly had a cold, baaad cold, I was at the Legend of Motorcycles Concourse D'Elegance at the plush Ritz Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, mixing it up with notable chopper builders such as Roland Sands, Chica and ex-Porsche factory racer and erstwhile motorcycle nut Alain De Cadenet. It was a good day, and would've been better had I not been sick.

Oh well. Next weekend it's off to Infineon for the AMA Superbike races. It's always a good time there.

Bye for now!

17 Years of Bliss - Another Cover - AMA SBK Barber

Daytona is done with for another year. I was lucky that my wife was able to join me, thus stopping me from losing my mind. After two mechanical failures with my cameras and a CF card (sensor on the MK2N and lens mount on the old MK2 - fortunately they held on and off and on and off until almost the end of Saturday) I was able to complete the week and we left to come home on Sunday. Testing at Laguna Seca tomorrow (4/4) and Infineon/Sears Point on Thursday and Friday and then it's off to a real racetrack at Birmingham Alabama for Round 2 of the AMA Superbike Series. Wheelers World is being updated as I write, oh and as you can see above there's another cover shot from yours truly on the cover of May's RoadRacerX of the champ, Ben Spies.

Happy Wedding Anniversary to my wife Emily. 17 years we've been married today and I love her so much.

See you at Barber!

Another Cover Shot - Daytona Beckons - Book Info

Another cover shot, this time of Eric Bostrom aka Eboz, from yours truly adorns the cover of the new edition of Road RacerX for March/April and if I say so myself looks rather spiffy! This edition is a review of the upcoming 2007 racing season which is setting up to be a corker!

Also, my book is doing rather well, you can see the photo of it below or click on the link at the end of this sentence to see the cover, a sample of the inside (of images from Mugello) and of course a photo of the book in all it's glory...

Click here: AutoMotoPhoto® 2006 Review

A little under 3 weeks to Daytona for the start of the AMA Superbike Season. If you're a British/European motorcycle racing magazine please contact me for images, race reports or write-ups. I photograph and write.

I think that's all for now. I'll have some more news in a few days once I figure out how to make a splash... ;)

AutoMotoPhoto 2006 Review - Happy New Year!

Well folks, looks like another year is virtually done and dusted. Where does the time go?

After a successful trip to Daytona for the tyre test, 2007 looks like it's setting itself up to be a cracking year as my plans begin to shape up nicely.

My 2006 AutoMotoPhoto Review book has now been published and it's 2 inches BIGGER than my 2005 Review...


A few "Thank You's" are in order...

Firstly my wife Emily, for all the love and support she provides me. Without her this woouldn't have happened (it's her fault I got into this business in the first place).

To Chris Jonnum and Laurel C Allen at RoadRacerX and to Matthew Miles and Robyn Davis at CycleWorld. I look forward to working with you through 2007. To Gary Inman and the folks at Performance Bikes and to Larry Carter and Rich Page at Motorcycle Racer in the UK and to all the other magazines and editors who have used my work and services throughout this amazing year.

Finally, to Andrea Wilson. Who has been a friend and a confidant throughout the year and someone whose company has been an important part of my world.

Watch out for my work in the new 2006/7 edition of the Motorcycle Racing "Bible" Motocourse and whilst you're here, why not make yourself a cup of tea, or coffee, grab a digestive or two and click on Wheeler's World and take a peek at my review of 2006

..and don't forget to check out Liam Shuberts' website. Liam is a great guy with a wonderful attitude and took the huge leap of faith to find work within the fast paced world of MotoGP by simply upping sticks, packing his bags and heading off to Spain to see what he could do to work with a MotoGP team. Through hard work and tenacity he landed a job as a mechanic with the Pramac D'Antin Ducati Team. Just before Christmas Liam asked if I'd like to be interviewed for the MotoGP Podcasting website. I took him up on the offer and so if you have the the technology, you can actually hear what I sound like (no Wurzel or Zyder jokes please...)! There is also an interview with Colin Edwards and other people who work in the fast world of motorcycle racing! So go listen!

Thanks again to all who ride and race and make this sport the thrill that it is.

See you in 2007...

Andrew

My "Once A Month" Official Update!

Another quickie update from me. I must try and finish my 2006 AutoMotoPhoto Review as well as update my "Wheelers World" on CycleWorld's website. I have just been so busy, with image requests and self assigned projects it's just crazy!

Anyways, off to Daytona in a couple of weeks for the tyre testing.

One from Smiths Beach in Australia (Phillip Island)



Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Andrew :)

No really! I have been busy....

Peeps, my apologies to all who click through to here. This year has been tremendously busy for me and in it's own way quite a successful year too.

Since I last posted I have been to Phillip Island in Australia for the Australian MotoGP and just the other weekend rounded out my AMA year at Mid Ohio for the final shootout of the year. Whilst I'm tooting (and I'll post some "tear sheets" soon - both on here and on my site) I have cover images on both RoadRacing World (October Issue) and now the new edition of Road Racer X.

I have also updated "Wheeler's World" on the CycleWorld website too! Click the link to the right to check it out!

Here's a couple of images from Philip Island - I'll share a couple from Mid Ohio2 in a wee bit...plus I'll have some exciting news for all in a couple of weeks too!

Phew - Busy Busy

Not much to add here, Mid Ohio was as always enjoyable, and considerably more enjoyable than it was last year when my dog Jack died. Speaking of which I cannot wait for the season to be over and we go find (rescue) a new big dog puppy. I love our two cats, Widget and Bean, immensely. But a dog has another quality I love and have missed since Jack died. However, it's taken me a long time to get over Jacks' death. This might sound odd to many folks, but it was easier to come to terms with my Father's death vs my dog Jack.

Ben Spies doing that thing with his elbows at Mid Ohio

VIR is always enjoyable, but oh my oh my it was hot. The smells that permeate the open car window on the way to the track are something else. I couldn't live there, far too humid and I don't need to be reminded of hurricane season each year (I did grow up in the UK so the weather systems are similar) and I enjoy my cool Northern California coastal air.

But it's extremely pretty in Virginia.

One very hot Mat Mladin after winning Sunday's SBK race at VIR:

Next up Road Atlanta. See you there.

I know I haven't exactly screamed to the world (or Da Vorld) "I have a blog" but just to keep this thing current and to maintain a habit of adding verbiage, I have updated my website with my visual take on the USGP at Laguna Seca on July 21-23...

Cause for a celebration perhaps?

Mid Ohio up next. The AMA Superbike races are taking place at Lexington and It will be interesting to see how the new track surface affects the riders and their times. Apparently they have all new curbing so that should be a delight for the eyes, photographically speaking. This race also has some poignancy being that whilst I was here last year my dog Jack died. He was simply wonderful. Go see Jack!

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