Grumpy Monkey Photography

Post 15 Introducing Archie George Sampson

2011-12-23T17:36:00.000+00:00

Archie at 10 mins old...

Eyes wide open...

Big sister giving a big kiss...

1 or 2 mins old ...

Sleeping...

Big |Sis Lily with present monkey from Archie...

Kris and Lucy's Wedding September 2011

2011-10-30T01:02:00.001+01:00

Post 13 5 Countries in 5 Days in a Ferrari 430 Scuderia...

2011-08-18T00:42:00.000+01:00

After nearly a year of waiting the time finally arrived to spend nearly 5 days living in a Ferrari 430 Scuderia!!!
Yes I felt the luckiest man alive...The tour began with a trip from Leicester to Harwich to get the overnight ferry to the hook in Holland. In the convoy there was me and my supplier in the Ferrari 430 Scud, A Maserati Granturismo, 2 x BMW CSL's and a Ford Focus RS. On arrival in Holland there was a short drive to Zandvort the Grand Prix track close to Amsterdam, where we met up with another two BMW CSL's!! The day was spent spanking all of the above cars plus a Caterham Super 7 round the beach front race track.... A very techincal track to drive. The trackday was run by http://www.bookatrack.com/. Weather was on our side and there was not one closure of the track during the whole day........
The day passed really quickly and after no time at all we were all finished and en route to our local hotel.
A night in Amsterdam with a 4am finish would have normally meant a nice lie in, however we were up at 9.30 back on the road heading south to the Nurburgring. It was still only Friday...the ferry trip over was a distant memory!!!

Ferrari 430 Scud on the track at Zandvort...

Caterham Super 7 Rented from http://www.bookatrack.com/

Duncan in his Black BMW CSL.

Ando in his black BMW CSL on the motorway...

Matt in his Ford Focus RS Graham Goode on the Motorway after a long day at Zandvort...

Admittedly I have done some long haul car journeys before but never in such a loud & adreneline filled car as the Ferrari!!! All the ball-ache traffic we encountered and the stiff ride were all forgotten when we came across a tunnel. Both myself and Nathen would instantly reach for the window switch... WOW what a noise...I will never get tired of the high pitch growl of the engine noise...Music who needs music when you have a 430 engine sat only 50cm from your ears....

After a long day driving to Nurburg, we arrive at my suppliers own guesthouse!!! I hear you ask Guesthouse at the Nurburgring, a Ferrari 430 Scuderia can it get any better?....Yes it can... My supplier opens up the garages to display his track cars... Porsche GT2 and Porsche GT3RS... Honeslty...
A few beers and a BBQ later and we all head off for an early night in anticipation for tackling the ring.

Saturday and Sunday were spent either on the track or at suitable points for photography... Motorsport & Automotive photography is where I am supposed to be in life...I have decided!!!

For those that don't know the track it is the longest and probably the most dangerous racetrack in the world. But at the same time is by far the most exhillarating. I must have had a grin from ear to ear every second I was on this road trip....

My suppliers Porsche GT3RS.

My suppliers 2nd Track car Porsche GT2.

Shot of the Maserati exiting the famouse carousel corner...

T.S. in his Silver BMW CSL...

Alex and Nic Nac in one of the silver BMW CSL's

Down into showboat corner... crowds line the corner causing people to ''showboat''..often resulting in tears!!!

I could go on and on about the cars and the power and the speed but wanted to show some of the shots i've taken. I had great fun doing some of the detail shots. One late afternoon it rained leaving the cars in the guesthouse carpark looking really special...There were plenty of action shots with people going sideways, two wheel action.... and every other car was a supercar of some description...

Taken from the back quarter of the Maserati...one of my favourite shots...

The back end of Ando's BMW...

Upclose on the bonnet logo of the GT2...

The view from the wing mirror on the Autobahn at speed... Maserati and BMW CSL giving chase...

Looking down the back of the Ferrari...

Looking back on the Audi R8 (from the carpark at the ring!!!) Some post production to get the effects on the back quarter...

Literally anthing goes round the ring...

Aston DBS gleaming in the sun.

Mercedes SLR...

Crazy Fool sidewards round the mini carousel....literally everytime the guy came around...

Wheel off the ground of this lotus turning into the mini carousel...

Renault Clio with two wheels off exiting the mini carousel...

Porsches New and Old... New GT4.0 RS leading the trio...

Audi R8 and Ferrari 430 Scud in a heated tussle...

Up close to the 430...

Wisemann...this car looked lovely in the flesh...

Enzo...enough said....

If you or anyone you know wants their car photo'd either on track or just at home or at a special location....let me know. I want to explore this side of photography.

Watch this space next where I will show pictures taken from my first wedding shoot....

Post 12 MOTORSPORT Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb 6th June 2011

2011-06-05T22:51:00.000+01:00

Today I had 4 invites to the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb event. It was a British Hillclimb event alongside Jaguars 100 year anniversary celebrations.

We were there as guests of GKN, one of the sponsors for the event. Thanks for my invites we all loved every minute of the day...

There were many classic Jaguars along with many other classic sportscars. There were also modern hill climing cars there.

For those that keep up with my blog will know I am keen to get into sports photography, and today presented a fantastic opportunity to put my photography training into practice...Shame I couldn't get trackside for the photos...only official photographers were allowed trackside...maybe one day...

I am off to the Nurburgring for nearly a week in August and can't wait...It will be Motorsport heaven...particularily when you see what cars we will be travelling there and racing there in...

As always let me know your thoughts...

Ferrari Dino 246 GT...

Jaguar E-Type and another and another....

Force PC car.

1 VHP The very 1st hardtop Etype off the production line...One of the historical Jags on display...

Jaguar XK120 in great condition...

Jaguar C Type Stunning example...

More E-Types...

Ferrari 360 Modena

Ferrari F355...

The same Ferrari Dino 256 GT from the other side... One of my favourite Ferrari's...

Ferrari 328 GTB...

Ferrari 308 GTB/GRP...

Austin Healey ''frog eye'' Sprite...

NG TDV8...

Classic E-Type...

Westfield SE...

Post 11 Weekend in Devon

2011-05-25T01:09:00.000+01:00

Post 11 Weekend in Devon

We have just spent a long weekend down in Devon with my wife's Sister, her partner Gaz and her partner's daughter Chloe.

I was asked by my Mum whilst down there to take a photo of a sunset with our family name in the sand. I think a few look quite good. My mum is looking for a print to go in the entrance of the Log Cabin we own in Devon.

I have put a few landscape pics up along with some of Chloe and Lily.

As always let me know your thoughts...

Lily Grace xxx

Chloe ''surf dude''...

Chloe on the body board...

Bantham Beach RNLI with view of Burgh Island and Bigbury on Sea

Bantham Beach from opposite direction ...

Post 10 Welcome to the world Pheobe Rose Newman xxx

2011-05-02T23:13:00.000+01:00

Today we got to meet 1 week old Pheobe Rose Newman.

Congratulations Mum and Dad she is beautiful x

See below a few pics of Pheobe. Note she was born with Daddy's haircut!!

Anyone else that wants memorable photos taking get in touch...

Introducing Pheobe Rose Newman x

Pheobe Rose with proud parents Penny and Rich...

hi five (to your one Daddy!!) x

Its a Girl...

ah... little cutie x

Post 9 - Devon Pics Part One (My 1st Sunset with my new camera)

2011-04-27T01:28:00.000+01:00

This Easter I got away down to our family lodge in South Devon with my wife, daughter Lily, dog Chester. On Monday 25th April I had the long awaited opportunity of using my new camera for snapping a great sunset.
Absolutly perfect conditions... Tide coming in... Clear skys... I really enjoyed taking these pics... Although completely soaked trainers and hoody!!!

Let me know which picture you like most. See pictures 1 - 9 below.

All taken on the same camera, just adjusting various settings. The change in light conditions over 45 minutes was unbelievable. I filled my memory card up so missed plenty of others. Time to buy a bigger SD me thins!!!

Part 2 shown below shows other pictures from the weekend.

As always let me know your thoughts...

1. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

2. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

3. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

4. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

5. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

6. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

7. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

8. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

9. Sunset from Bigbury on Sea

Post 9 Part 2 - Devon Pics

2011-04-27T01:01:00.000+01:00

Part Two.

See below other pictures taken whilst in Devon over the Easter Weekend.

View from one end of the bridge at Thurlstone Sands.

Chester...

Chester again...

View of Burgh Island and Bigbury on Sea from Bantham beach. Amazing blue skies that day...

My Daughter Lily...

Lily with Tom McCarthy...

Lily running the egg and spoon race with Ange...

Me with Lily's Easter Bonnet (that she wouldn't keep on!!)

Me, Sair, Lily, Ange and Tom at the Pilchard Inn Burgh Island...

Took this picture of Lily completely by accident... I Love it...

Post 8 Sienna's 1st Birthday Party

2011-04-17T22:19:00.000+01:00

This weekend we made a long awaited trip up to Manchester to see friends. It was Kerri and Adam's daughters 1st Birthday party. Ideal opportunities for getting the camera out... Without sounding wrong, I really enjoy photographing kids. The looks and glances they give transform an otherwise boring picture...

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As always comments always welcome....and if anyone out there needs any photos taking....i'm ready and waiting. I need to build up my experience. Got my 1st photography booking this weekend,,a wedding in August. I'm only doing it for a drink, and yes they are aware i've not photo'd a wedding before...(to tell the truth they were not going to have an offical photographer anyway!!). Let's see how it turns out...

Me and Lily, Jo and William...

William looking shocked....

Lily buried in the ball pit...

Lily in a very pink car...

Sienna floating away...

Nathan and William...

Lily - Just ''Chillin''

Kerri Adam with Birthday Girl Sienna...oh and a rabbit!!!

Adam and Sienna...

Sienna with Grandma Sue...

Cheeky Lily...tongue out as normal...

Post 7 Annabelle's Christening....

2011-04-03T16:46:00.000+01:00

It was my neice's (AKA Annabelle Daisy Earley) Christening today and I was asked to take some photos of the day...Good weather, Good venues... Loads of babies...

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As always any comments welcome....and if you want to borrow me to take photos of virtually anything...drop me an email...

Post 6 Sunday League Football....Edingale Swifts

2011-03-13T20:11:00.000+00:00

The only chance I got to use my camera this weekend was on Sunday morning.....Sunday Morning Football....

Tamworth Sunday Morning League - Division Two. Edingale Swifts vs Glascote Social.

Final Score 3-2 to Edingale.
It was a good game with my mates side Edingale going 3-0 ahead only for Glascote to look like getting back in the game after scoring two in quick succesion in the second half.
Some good shots...caught a good shot of Jim Thompson-Yates' screamer from outside the box.

As stated previously if anyone would like me to come along and take pics of your sport or hobby let me know....Any comments also welcome....

Build up to the 1st goal for Edingale...Check out John Cooke...Looks like he is about to stab the defender...

On yer 'ed son...

Heading the ball does all sorts to your hair style...

Skills...

Great tackle....he won the ball honest...

Stu Clarke in trouble with the ref!!...

Jim Thompson-Yates' Screamer of a goal from out side of the box...

Goalie showing no fear...

Cold Sunday Morning....That's gonna sting!!!

In trouble again Stu?? P.s. is this the 1st time you've not been sent off against this team???

Well done guys...one of your better games.....

Post 5 Lazy weekend....Lily and Sunsets...

2011-03-06T20:21:00.000+00:00

Haven't really had much opportunity of getting the camera out this weekend, however caught a few good shots of my daughter at home and whilst at ''Louie and Issey's'' Birthday at Ash End Farm in Middleton. It was a sunny afternoon and on the way home thought it might be a good eveing for a sunset.
Half an hour before sunset I ducked out with the dog, camera and tripod.
I now appreciate how quick the light and colours change at that time, as just when I would have got the best pics, passers by with dogs stopped for 'a chat'!!! Grrrr!!! Missed some of the best ones!!!!

As always any comments welcome..... Anyone need any photos taking.... No charge....

Incoming kisses....

Shake that thing.....

I'm that hungry I could eat a net!!!

Someone give me a hand over here....

Sunset behind Lichfield Cemetry

Sun setting behind Lichfield Cemetry

Post 4 - Walking the dogs Feat. Mylo & Chester

2011-02-27T20:35:00.000+00:00

This weekend the wife was away in London so have been babysitting all weekend. Opportunities for getting the camera out were few and far between.

I have bought a bird feeder to see what photos I can get in my own backgarden. See future posts....hopefully!!

On Sunday I went for a long walk through the Chase with a mate and his dog, my daughter and my dog. We were spotting for future shots on our next mountain biking photo shoot. But having the pushchair meant we couldn't venture far from the paths. I think mountain bike / sports photography is my favourite style i've tried so far.

I've posted a few pics below of the ''kids'' out on todays expedition....

As always any comments welcome.

Lily with a bit of post production on her eyes...

Introducing Mylo Newman....

Lily watching the dogs running around....

Get set go....

Chester playing fetch...

Chester will do anything for what he thinks is a biscuit...Mylo needs more proof before he sits!!!

What's slowing me down?? Maybe the ton of mud you carry when it is wet Mylo!!!

Ghostly Mylo...

Mr floppy ears!!!

How cold is the floor Mylo???

"When i'm big I wanna be as fast as Chester"

Got a second wind..Coming through...

Post 3 - Trip to Paignton Zoo..Devon

2011-02-22T23:26:00.000+00:00

Another weekend down in Devon and a trip to Paignton Zoo was on the cards.
I don't know who was more exited Sair, Lily or Myself.
Although most of our stay it was overcast and wet, the weather was surprisingly good on Saturday so off we went, wife baby and camera ready!!

Got some good pics. Let me know your thoughts.

Im looking forward to doing some photography courses as I struggled with light and finding a good shot. Most animals were behind glass or nets/cages....Most cases for safety of course....But made the picture taking challenging...

Pair of baboons having a snooze....

Emu with bad hair day.....

Alan.....

Red Pandas....ah......

One monkey about to make the other one Grumpy!!!

Rare picture of the near extint ''grumpy monkey lily''....

Couple other nice shots taken on Sunday whilst on a walk along the coastal path between Thurlstone and Hope Cove.

View from Thursltone Sands with tide out.

Picnic at the top of the cliffs....

View of Thurlstone Beach....

Post 2. Cannock Chase with Rich Newman...Still Learning...

2011-02-13T19:05:00.000+00:00

I need to find a style of photography!!!

With so many different types of photography out there I want to try out as many as possible to see what I like the most!! So today I talked Rich Newman a good friend of mine to take his mountain bike into Cannock Chase for some ego boosting photography...Not that he needed any convincing!!! Shame the weather was damp and overcast however we found a suitable downhill with a jump not far from the car park!! I tried many different typs of shot, from panning to zoom burst, using both my standard lens and my telephoto lens...Ten runs later I had bagged loads of good shots. I really enjoyed this outing and look forward to another go. Maybe i'll even take my own bike so we can venture further from the car park!

Maybe mountain biking / sports photography could be the way forward.

I think some of these shots have turned out really well...as always comments welcome...

http://www.grumpymonkeyphotography.co.uk/ is registered but until I decide which direction i'm taking it, will just forward to this blog....

Airtime...

More air...

Even more...

View from the bottom of the hill...

Zoom burst effect...

Picking up speed...

Learning panning skills...

More panning...

How fast?...

One dirty bike...

One dirty bike and rider!!!...

I need to practice so if anyone wants to borrow me for free, to photo anything, give me a shout....

My First Blog Post!! - Learning how to use my new camera.....

2011-02-11T22:50:00.000+00:00

My name is Elliot Sampson and I live in Lichfield, Staffs in the UK.
I have recently become very interested in photography after buying my first DSLR camera, and thought a blog would be a great opportunity of showing some example of my best pics.
I am only a begginer and welcome and comments.
My first pictures are from last weekend where my wife and I took our daughter (Lily) and dog (Chester) to our log cabin in Devon.
On the Saturday we woke to gale force winds and decended to Bantham Beach to discover 10 or so people kite surfing. This gave me a great opportunity to try out my new telephoto lens for my Canon 500D EOS DLSR camera.

These guys were getting some amazing air!!

How they didn't get tangled up with each other still amazes me!!!

Hoping to catch the dog jumping up at my wife but actually snapped him dissapearing into a deep puddle in the sand!!! Took me 5 minutes to stop laughing!!!

Chester enjoyed the beach time more than anyone!!!

Learning to walk on the sand!!!

A view of Thurstone Beach.

Then the windsurfers arrived!!!