More Helmsdale Highland Games Photos

I have been experimenting with Photoshop to try and create more eye catching images from the originals. The results from some of the Helmsdale Games photos are shown here. The above image looks like it comes from Peter Pan!

BHS Charity Show

The annual British Horse Society Highland North Charity Show, organised by Lorna Calder, was held yesterday at Bylbster, Watten. A mixture of sunshine and showers ensured that rugs, jackets and coats were being thrown on and off throughout the day.

Mary Elder won the in-hand championship with one of Jessie Allan's stable, Alex Henderson the ridden championship on her sister Katie's horse Amaro Rose and Ruth Sutherland the Working Hunter championship on Playboy II. Ailsa MacDonald won the overall veteran championship with 38 year old Smartie. Must be the oldest horse in the county!

This was the last summer horse show in Caithness. Next stop for many, is the Blair Castle International Horse Trials on 27-30 August.

Helmsdale Highland Games

I ventured down to the Helmsdale Highland Games on Saturday and tried to snap some different action photos. It was the first time that I had a real go at capturing the Highland dancers in full flight and because I didn't know the dances, it was difficult to know when to press the shutter. However, I managed to get a few dramatic mid-air shots.

For the hammer throwing photos, I stuck my camera underneath the safety net without looking in the viewfinder. I was lucky to get a few in focus and it gave a different view from the usual.

There is quite a few to process, so may take a few days to update my gallery section.

Halkirk vs John O'Groats

Halkirk beat John O'Groats 5-2 last Thursday, to end the visitor's chances of winning the league and this means Wick Groats are Caithness champions. In the above pic, Stevie Campbell is felled by Stuart Sinclair and wins a penalty.

More Highland Amateur Cup Final Photos

My Highland Amateur Cup final photos have created a lot of interest in Orkney after both Orkney papers printed them on front and back pages. I have gone back through the file and processed some more. Will add lots more to my website's gallery in the next day or so.

First Model Photo-shoot

Last week I stepped out of my comfort zone of sports and events and undertook my first ever model photo-shoot. A totally different pace from football or rugby!

Halkirk's 2008 Gala Queen, Courtny Slater, kindly agreed to be photographed at the Castletown harbour area. It was her first ever photo-shoot as well, but as you can see from the results, she has a natural flair for modelling and made my task a whole lot easier.

The Pilot House doorways made a perfect frame for some of the photos & Caithness stone seems to suit B&W. Even though it was around 7pm, the Caithness sunlight was still a bit too strong at times and made it difficult for me. However, I'm very pleased with my first attempt.

Wick Academy vs Brora Rangers

Wick Academy beat Brora Rangers 3-0 in the North cup tonight. David Allan scored the first (above), Stevie Cunningham the second and Martin Gunn got the third with another penalty. There was a big crowd for the local derby which was played in dull but dry conditions.

Wick play Deveronvale in the league this Saturday (at home).