On The Road Again
Hello, It has been a while, I know. Those of you who are regular visitors may have noticed that it was getting a bit out-dated around these parts over the last few months, but not to worry as everything is back up to date once more. I have had to abbreviate posts slightly and will continue doing so going forth, as I just don’t have the time to offer an accompanying monologue any more. Instead, you’ll get the same photographs but with just the facts and a link to where you can find out even more. The reason behind this lapse in updates is fortunately quite positive. I’ve been busy. Very busy. Back at the end of April I joined some new and some old colleagues at Speedhunters and haven’t looked back since. It’s great being back on the road again. Germany, Austria, Qatar, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, Poland have all been visited since I last updated these pages in earnest. Not to mention all those stop-overs in Schiphol. I’m really enjoying the work too and in particular the writing side of things, something I previously struggled with. The break away from the madness has allowed me to come back more focused and better equipped than ever to tackle the world of car culture. The trips abroad have been bridged with the privilege of continuing to work with several prestigious car manufacturers too. You might think of it as still photographing cars, but the approach and required end result is so different that it’s practically a completely different discipline. Being able to bounce between incredibly varied jobs has been a huge blessing too, as it prevents fatigue caused by repeating the same processes again and again. There’s been an increase in personal work too, not to mention a recent foray into […]
The Nordschleife Collection in Print
This is something I’ve been trying to put together for quite some time, but can finally share with you that I’ve just released my first collection in print. Thanks to the good folk at Photobox, I’ve just launched an online gallery where you can purchase prints from as little as £19.99. Choosing images to publish is quite daunting. I must have made a hundred different decisions followed by another hundred processing methods before I arrived at something I’m happy to share. The first collection is an exclusive set of prints photographed during the 2012 Nürburgring 24HR event. I’ve selected five landscapes which best reflect the incredible northern loop and processed them with my own black and white treatment. The prints are available in a variety of sizes and also in mounted and framed versions. I’ve tried to ensure that there is something on offer for every budget: – 18″ x 12″ Print on Professional Paper at £19.99 – 30″ x 20″ Print on Professional Paper at £49.99 – Mounted 600mm x 400mm (23.6″ x 15.7″) Print at £89.99 – Framed (Black, White or Wood Frame) 750mm x 500mm (29.5″ x 19.7″) Print at £124.99 You can purchase the prints from the online gallery here
Koenigsegg Launch New Website
Swedish Hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg yesterday launched their new website. Usually a manufacturer launching a new website wouldn’t be of particular interest to me, but this is a little bit different. Log on to Koenigsegg.com and you’ll see why ..
Resolutions
I don’t know if it’s just me or do the years seem to be passing by faster and faster? I can hardly believe we’re already looking back over our shoulders at 2011 with 2012 laid out before us. If I’m honest, 2011 seems to have passed me by. With an increased workload, I think I defaulted to an almost automated method of photography during the middle of the year. Looking back, I think I should have done a lot better with the opportunities that presented themselves. Having had some breathing space over the holiday period, I’ve had the chance to identify key areas which I aim to improve upon in 2012 and beyond. I don’t think my photography was in any way poor last year, in fact I’ve probably taken some of my best shots in 2011. I just think I could have done better is all. Some of the areas I’ll be approaching differently in the future will be my preparation, process of shooting and post-processing. I’ve quite a rigid methodology in how I shoot – which although has served me well in the past, I’m now looking to change by improvising and taking more risks. My post-processing is strangely the opposite – I’m always changing and modifying how I’ll edit a shoot afterwards. From here on out I plan on doing much lighter processing in my regular coverage and more thorough processing in my commercial work. I want to create two very different styles that somehow can both be instantly recognized as my work. I’m currently in the process of re-building my print portfolio, something which I’ve neglected since finishing my degree. I also hope to keep this blog more updated with more behind the scenes posts along with my own thoughts on current affairs relating to the photography industry. […]
Wexican Motorsport Fundraiser Success
Irish Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal Passenger Rides with Martin Ffrench in the Wexican Motorsport Toyota Altezza March 20th 2011 For Immediate Release Waterford, Rep. of Ireland – Having organised a last-minute fund raiser in aid of the Irish Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal, Wexican Motorsport are proud to announce that the effort was more than worth it having raised more than double the original target they had set out. Due to unprecedented demand, extra cars and drivers needed to be drafted in to help cope with the demand on the day for the drift passenger laps. Even mechanical issues were not enough to put a dampener on the day as more drivers volunteered their services and cars in a bid to ensure that everyone who signed up and donated to the appeal was given their reward. Having burned their way through 20+ tires, we are confident that those kind enough to support the appeal were given a worthy experience. Wexican Motorsport and PMCGPHOTOs would like to offer a special thanks to Wesley Keating of WKD Imports for transporting the car on the day and providing drift passenger laps. We would also like to thank Barry Leonard, Dan Moorhead, Chris Brady, Peter Taylor, Adam O’Connor and Brendan Kearney for providing the extra driving duties and Christy Carpenter and Alvin Reid for providing spare tires for the day. The success of the day was entirely down to the spirit and camaraderie within the Irish Drifting Community. If you were unable to attend but will still like to contribute to this cause or the recent earthquake in New Zealand, please visit the Irish Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.ie/
Irish Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal
Irish Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal Passenger Rides with Martin Ffrench in the Wexican Motorsport Toyota Altezza at Mondello Park, Saturday March 19th 2011 March 15th 2011 For Immediate Release Waterford, Rep. of Ireland – Following the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Wexican Motorsport is looking to raise awareness and funds to support the victims of this tragic event. On Saturday March 19th, Wexican Motorsport will be present at the Mondello Park Drifting Practice Day to test their newly unveiled SR20 powered Toyota Altezza. As part of this event, Wexican Motorsport will be offering passenger rides in the car in a bid to raise funds and awareness for the Irish Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal. For a €10 minimum donation, anyone present on the day will have the opportunity to experience two laps of the Mondello Park Drift course layout alongside veteran drifter Martin Ffrench. Alongside Martin, WKD Imports will be providing support cars so those in attendance are guaranteed an exciting day. All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Irish Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal. The Irish Red Cross is a registered charity, number CHY 3950 If you are unable to attend but will still like to contribute to this cause or the recent earthquake in New Zealand, please visit the Irish Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.ie/ For Further Information, Please Contact: Paddy McGrath PMCGPHOTOs 00.353.87.1311404 paddy@pmcgphotos.com
2011 ITCC PARTNERSHIP
It is with great pleasure that I can announce that for the 2011 season, PMCGPHOTOs will be a proud partner to the Irish Touring Car Championship. As part of a programme to help increase the profile of Irish Motorsport at home and abroad, I’ll be exclusively covering several rounds of the 2011 ITCC series. The ITCC was started in 2010 and featured packed grids of some of the most exciting racing I witnessed all year. For 2011, the ITCC are looking to increase their presence and further enhance their reputation and I’m very proud to be a part this series. Barry Rabbitt, Series Director of the ITCC had this to say ‘We are delighted to welcome PMCGPHOTOs into the ITCC community. We have come a long way in just one year and in this digital age, a photographer with Paddy’s talent can only help us propel the ITCC even further in 2011’ Stay tuned for further updates on the 2011 Irish Touring Car Championship and be sure to check out their website at http://www.itcc.ie/ – Paddy
2011
2010 has quite simply been the most incredible year for myself and the company. Evolving from a part time staff member at a local Blockbuster to a full time professional photographer has been quite a jump. Some 45,000 photographs at near 600GBs, 22 events, 4 weddings, 200+ stories published, 25,000 miles, 5 countries and that is only since April! For 2011 I’m looking to expand this site into something more than just a portfolio. I’ll be including behind the scenes images from photo shoots, talking about and reviewing new equipment purchases, writing opinion pieces on current affairs and also a new tutorial section on the site where I’ll talk you through buying your first camera right through to the most advanced photography techniques I can manage. When I’m not active here, you can be sure to find me contributing and working away on Speedhunters.com one of the best automotive sites on the net, bringing you more new and original content than you could ever possibly need. If you would like to get in contact with me, please drop me an e-mail to paddy@pmcgphotos.com Finally, I’d just like to wish you all a happy and prosperous 2011 !
PMCG on FIA GT1 Website
It was quite an honour to view the FIA GT1 World Championship after the weekend and find my photograph as the header image with the subheading of ‘Le Castellet battle hots up’. The image was shot on Saturday afternoon of an energy drinks promotional girl dancing in a swimming pool. I shot the image tight to her glasses which showed the reflection of the other girls also dancing. The FIA GT1 media team, SRO, also used a selection of my images on their official Facebook page.
Upcoming Feature in Redline …
I had the pleasure of shooting this sublime supercharged E46 BMW last week, keep an eye out it in a future issue of Redline Magazine.
Portfolio section now open
After a substantial overhaul, the portfolio section of PMCGPHOTO’s is now open. My apologies for the delay in getting it back online. If there is anything you feel is missing from this, please drop me an e-mail to paddy@pmcgphotos.com and let me know what better deserves to be included or what you think doesn’t need to be there. I’m going to update the contents over the coming week to include more graphic design based work.
2010 Partnership with MCNSPORT & Darren McNamara
It is with pleasure that I can announce a media partnership with MCNSPORT and Darren McNamara for the 2010 season. MCNSPORT are at the forefront of motorsport projects in the Republic of Ireland and with some very special projects lined up for 2010, it won’t be long before MCNSPORT will be a world reknowned brand. Darren McNamara is a former Prodrift Champion and will be challenging for the 2010 Formula D championship in the United States. PMCGPHOTO’s will be assisting MCNSPORT & Darren McNamara with documenting their up and coming builds, their already completed projects and will be giving you a peak into life behind the scenes at MCNSPORT. This exciting announcement now brings the number of drivers PMCGPHOTO’s is supporting to three, all former and reigning champions; Martin Ffrench (Former Prodrift European Champion) Dean Kearney (Reigning Prodrift Super Series Champion & 2010 Formula D Rookie) and now Darren McNamara (Former Irish Prodrift Champion, Formula D Rookie of the Year 2007 & 2010 Formula D Competitor) 2010 is now setting up to be the most exciting year for PMCGPHOTO’s yet, be sure to keep an eye here for even more big news, coming soon.
Wexican Launch Drift Experience
Wexican Motorsport, have just launched their Drift Experience and officially announced their Drift Academy. Vouchers for the Experience, which make awesome Christmas presents for those loved ones with an interest in motoring or even for those you want to convert to the world of motorsport, as well as information regarding the academy can be found on www.wexicanmotorsport.com
New Look …
Hope you all like the new look, you’ll have to bear with me over the next little while as I iron out any bugs that may pop up. I’ve retained all the content from the previous version along with a cleaner look, the ability to post larger images and also using the new PMCG logo. Will start getting everything ship shape early this week !
October Update …
Just received the latest issue of top Aussie magazine, Autosalon, in the post. They’ve just ran a feature I shot last year on the WKD / Koguchi Power Falken Chaser. The feature ran to seven pages with a great write up from Dan Goodyer. More images & news after the jump …
Jay Barden R.I.P.
A good friend to a lot of Waterford people (and I’m sure to even more outside of here) passed away Tuesday morning. I was lucky enough to work with Jay a couple of times, he was a proper character, always smiling and always up for the craic. A very, very talented musician who was never afraid to rock the boat, he is a huge loss to the music scene. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family. Like a lot of people Jay, I’ll miss you. R.I.P.
Karnage to take on Formula D
It was announced this week that the PMCGPHOTOs backed driver, Dean ‘Karnage’ Kearney will be competing at the final round of the 2009 Formula Drift season at the ‘House of Drift’ in Irwindale, CA. Dean is about to live out a life long dream thanks to Intec Racing in Washington, whom are supplying him with the ex-Falken S14 of Matsuri Hariguchi. Best of luck out there Dean, do us all proud !
HKS Evolution IX in Autosalon
Received these awesome spreads from the guys at Autosalon Magazine in Australia featuring a shoot I done last year on the WKD Imports HKS Evolution IX. More spreads after the jump !
New content this week …
Will have new content this week folks, including a rather special BMW … Check back !
Test Shoot – James Deane’s SR-X7
Just finished a quick edit on James Deane’s SR20 powered FD RX7 that I’d like to share. We were a bit stuck for time so we only had time to fire off a few test shots, but have no fear as a full shoot is on the cards. I cannot wait to get this car back in front of the lense …
More Speedhunters Coverage ..
Just published the coverage of the third round of the Irish series on Speedhunters. Check out the article HERE !
The Story of the Works Fords …
Just put together a story for Speedhunters on the evolution of the works Fords from 2WD to 4WD, from 1968 to present day. Check out the full story here …
100,000 views …
Just reached a 100,000 views on flickr, so here’s Remmo doing a burnout to celebrate !
Autosalon Feature …
Just got a PDF of some spreads from Australian based magazine Autosalon, featuring Anthony Scotts RB30 Rocket Bunny PS13 that was shot by Ross I’Anson and myself. First time ever doing a tag-shoot and couldn’t of been happier or prouder to work with a legend like Ross ! Some more spreads & original shots after the jump !
PMCGPHOTOS.com unveils Wexican Motorsport SX-20
PMCGPHOTOS.com is proud to unveil the 2009 Wexican Motorsport SX-20, a two-litre, turbocharged, Nissan powered, Toyota Altezza for road and promotional purposes. PMCGPHOTOS.com has worked very closely with Wexican Motorsport to design a custom livery to help show off this astounding custom built car.
Welcome back …
After 12 months of abandonment, Junior from driver has brought pmcgphotos.com back to life for me ! Have some posts to show you what I’ve been up to over the last few months, as well as keeping you up-to-date with all the current goings on. Keep an eye on my twitter box to get live results from every round of Prodrift Series, along with any other events that may pop up during the year. If you want to get in touch, please feel free to use the details provided on the Contact page. All the best, Paddy