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.

Before I finish up my ramblings, I just want to say a huge thanks to all my clients who I have worked with in 2011. I wouldn’t be living my dream if it wasn’t for each and every one of you. Thank you.

I also want to thank my family, friends, mentors and co-workers for their constant support. You rock.

So, let’s see what 2012 has in store …

-

Paddy McGrath

Irish Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal
Passenger Rides with Martin Ffrench in the Wexican Motorsport Toyota Altezza
March 20^th 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
Passenger Rides with Martin Ffrench in the Wexican Motorsport Toyota Altezza
at Mondello Park, Saturday March 19^th 2011

March 15^th 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 19^th, 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

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

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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 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