Better luck next time

Last week I was in Italy in the remarkably beautiful lakes region near Como. I say beautiful, but in fact it was hard to tell what with the rain clouds barely rising above the bobbing waters of the swollen lake.
The timing of the trip was cruel to say the least. Leaving Edinburgh airport in bright sunshine, my flight to the drenched Italian playground of the rich and famous was blighted by the news that mainland Europe was to receive a pounding from the thunder gods and as much rain as they could shake a stick at (whatever that means).
For a Scot, this wasn't good news. For a Scot who was also a photographer, this was heart-breaking. And so, sitting on the coach peering through a rain-splattered window, I watched what I could only imagine was the most delightful paradise of elegant mansions and steep-sided valleys pass by in a dull, grey mist.
Maybe next time.

Age before ingnominy

Reports are coming out that Corey Pavin hasn't made any firm decisions about his Ryder Cup team (as you'd expect) but, more importantly, is considering all options including his playing partners on the Champions Tour (www.pgatour.com/2010/tournaments/r475/03/17/transcript.pavin/index.html).
I don't want to cast the net of possibilities too wide, but just imagine the drama if Pavin decides to ditch Woods in favour of Watson. Some are already casting doubts over Tiger's involvement due to the WAG environment which is associated with the Ryder Cup. If Watson musters a few good performances against players on the PGA Tour, he could be in with a shout.
The Masters is looking ever more intriguing.
Love it.

Celtic shots

I'm currently processing shots I took at Celtic Manor last November when the weather was at best hit but more often a complete miss. As it turns out, the shots are looking good with the course looking spectacular in the late autumn light.

Sitting in front of my screen, I can't help but wish the grass would start to grow again so I could get out to take some more shots like these. The start of the season is just around the corner and with the Open in St Andrews, the 150th celebrations and the Ryder Cup to round things off, it's going to be quite a year.

Bring it on.

Magical things

Sometimes truly magical things happen when you least expect them. And to prove my point, I refer to a conversation I had recently at community play staged by the local amateur dramatics society - you know the thing; lots of questionable costumes, local humour and a collective anticipation that something inevitably will go terribly wrong. To be fair, it didn't. In fact, it was a roaring success and I very much hope the venture is repeated next year.
Anyway, back to the moment of magic. During the interval, I got chatting to a fellow audience member who explained that every year he drove professional golfers at major Tour events. His magical moment was at the 2000 Open in St Andrews when he picked up three players who just happened to be Tom Watson, Tom Kite and Payne Stewart.
"Imagine turning round and seeing those three in the back of your car," he said with his eyes wide with excitement. I imagined the situation, and agreed with him that it must have been pretty special.

Tiger's choice

It seems incredible that Tiger Woods has decided to hold a press conference and not take questions. This was his opportunity to clear the air but he doesn't seem willing to take it.

In a show of defiance, members of the Golf Writers Association of America have voted to boycott the conference (apparently three curtailed). The rift between the media and Tiger Woods seems to be getting deeper.

Youth of today

I interviewed an amazing woman today who is as inspiring as she is talented. Lara Jade is fasion photographer based in London but works all over the world. Her photos are beautiful (www.larajade.co.uk).

It turns out the 21 year old only started tinkering with photography when she was 15! Two years later she had set up her own company, was signed to an Italian agency and was about to be chucked out of uni for being too good.

Some of us are born to be be good. Others have to struggle at it.

Around Scotland in nine days

I am currently in the middle of a round-Scotland tour that has taken me to places like Castle Stuart, North Berwick and St Andrews. It is part of an initiative organised by Golf Tourism Scotland to promote best practice to the Scottish golf industry. My remit is to promote the virtues of photography to the assembled masses.

To be honest, standing up in front of a room full of quizzical golf industry bods isn't really my thing. I'm usually out on a course shooting at the break of day or in my office at the bottom of our garden writing articles. Unlike my fellow speakers who are perceptive and persuasive, I feel slightly uneasy up there, and I think it shows.

That said, the forums have been very well received and I hope my message that good photography can help the golf industry gets through.

Until next time.

First time around

I know it's taken some time, but I have finally gotten round to joining the blogosphere, and I must admit it's rather daunting. There's a huge difference between writing copy for a magazine or newspaper and typing out your thoughts on a blog. Who is the audience and why would they read my ramblings? I'm sure I'II find out.
I felt the same trepidation when I launched my website (www.markalexanderphotography.co.uk) last summer. It was another step into a relatively unknown world which has proven hugely successful and quite liberating.
Here's hoping the same goes for my blog.