Spirit of Biking 10

My first experience of being on two wheels was when my dear old Dad took me strawberry picking on the back of his clapped out old Honda 90 in the 60s…I remember sitting on the back not being able to see a dam thing past the large bulk that was my Dad, but feeling the crack on the thigh from Dad for having my little arms wide open as though I was flying and not holding as I should have been…that feeling of exhilaration, adventure and excitement has stayed with me to this day…Throughout the 60’s I would be pillion on Norton’s and Triumphs and Scooters, flying around the streets of Lowestoft, riding pillion with the local lads, wearing no helmet, hair flying in the wind…It was incredible, memories that have lasted a life time.  Bikes didn’t play a part in my life during my 20s into my late 40s as my love of horses took over and fed the desire for speed and power.  In 2006 the bike bug bit me again hard, and I went out and passed my test and spent solitary time riding the roads of Norfolk.  Then in 2006 on my way to an Eastern Lights cavalcade I met a fellow rider, who turned into my dear friend Angela, and from that moment we rode everywhere together, Many parts of the UK as well as Europe, the excitement that would swell inside me when we started off on a new trip was indescribable. What’s round the next bend, where will this road lead..who will I meet along the way.  Taking on the challenge of travelling 3000 miles and camping the whole way is no mean feat for women over the age of 50…but we did it and loved every mile we covered. In 2011 we completed a rode trip to Austria, we returned in the July and Angie died on New Years Eve of stage four-brain cancer.  I was devastated. 
At this point I decided I no longer wanted to ride, my friend had gone and I felt desolate and alone.  Then I heard of a female Biker group, “Norfolk and Suffolk Female Bike Group” I joined and I’m so glad I did, because through this group and the new friendships I have formed,  the quest for adventure and the longing to experience the open road is well and truly back…….Being a biker to me means…you have family, your never truly alone, its doesn’t matter where you ride…be it to Tesco’s or Europe,  you will always find a kindred spirit on two wheels to pass some time and tell each other stories of your travels…the Biking fraternity……there really is nothing like it,  and as long as I’m able to “git me leg over” I’ll carry on riding to my next adventure.

Sandi Lowe

Spirit of biking 9

"Riding a motorbike has challenged me physically and mentally, it's introduced me to people who have become an extension of my family and it's opened the door to a whole world of adventure. Everything seems possible when you turn the key in the ignition."
Kate

Spirit of Biking 8

My first interest in motorcycles developed when, at the age of 6, I discovered that my father had kept in the basement of our house, the old 1928 350cc Soyer motorcycle which belonged to my grandfather. I would find any opportunity to sneak down in the dark and dusty basement, find my way to the bike, climb on to it, and dream of riding it for hours. I was fascinated by the aesthetic of this machine. I remember perfectly the feel of the brass handles as I was desperately trying to reach the handlebars and the fantastic combination of colours and textures, where, brass, copper, metal, nickel, rough cast aluminium and leather worked together in perfect harmony. The machine had a wonderful smell, a blend of oil and old fuel. That moment was a revelation to me…

I haven’t stopped thinking, dreaming, breathing and talking about bikes since. These machines are much more than just a way of transport. These machines are an obsession and they have definitely shaped my life.

Laurent from Storik​

Spirit of Biking 7

"Dare to Be different" .... Racers.... custom.... Japanese bikes.... Harley's.... vintage.... female.... male.... engineering.... passion.... the things that make us the same is the open road, freedom and the love of motorcycles.

Nick - Retro-Moto Engineering

Spirit of Biking 6

Motorcycles are my work, my hobby and my passion.  Motorcycling is everything.

Simon - Flying Tiger Paintwork 

Spirit of Biking 5

Motorcycling is a kind of therapy and escape from the stresses of life - I can relax and not worry about being judged on how I look.  Bikers are a family with a big heart and I am proud to be part of that.

Angela

The Spirit of biking number 4 - Ducati Monster

Riding since the age of 16 and now at 70 years the thrill is still there.

John Joyce 09-08-1945

Spirit of biking number 3 - The girl without a bike

This weeks post is one close to my heart and I loved photographing Laura at Sunset.  

"Sometimes life just gets in the way of us doing the things we love.  Whether it be money, work, kids, etc - there will be times when everyone has to make sacrifices.  I started riding when I was 16, but buying my first house last year took priority.  With renovations to do, and a wedding in the next few years, it will be a while before I am back on two wheels.  I hope to one day own a Triumph Bonneville and a Kawasaki Ninja, and go on a proper road trip with my dad."

Laura

Back on track now with the #50shadesofmotorbike... session two is here...

"an adrenaline rush on two wheels" - Simon 

Spirit of Biking ..... BKing

It's here the first of my personal series of images to show the spirit of biking (also known as #5shadesofmotorbike)

"Were all so busy and pressured by work nowadays that getting out on a bike is the perfect disconnect; no work, no kids, no bills, just you and the bike to really clear the head. The more fun the better, my bike is as extreme as a cartoon machine, if Wiley Coyote rode a bike, it would be the BKing." - Will

The Photographer Academy

For the next few days I am at The Photography Show helping out on The Photographer Academy Stand (G105 - come and say hello).

I love helping them out on the stand and have been a member of their training for 6 years now (wow doesn't feel that long and I am only 21!!!!).

What do I love about them?  Its all on-line learning, I can dip in and out of the content as I need it and they pretty much have a film on any subject - Business, Studio/Location lighting, landscapes and so much more (it would take a huge list to list them all!!!)  

The films are all around 20 minutes long, a perfect length to sit down and be able to watch without having to block out a few hours!

There is also my journey shown from the start of my first studio onwards, you can see how I grew my business, how the idea of the motorbike's (my passion) took over.

I believe that constantly stretching yourself and learning new things will keep you ahead of the competition! 

Check them out by clicking their logo at the top.... and make sure you come and say hello if your at the show :)

Michelle

Staying ahead of the game...

I don't need training..... You would be surprised how many photographers I hear this from as if they have hit the top of their game and don't need to push the boundaries any more.

The last 3 months for me have been about reconnecting with myself (sounds a bit deeper than it really is), I needed to take time to find the person I was before I got taken over by the studio,sounds crazy but those 4 walls were never me, just took a long time for me to realise.

During these 3 months I have taken up running and got back into dance which I love and had left behind (the studio meant I could never commit to a set class - which was all in my head as I could have made the decision to not take on work that day - its safe to have you time).

Andi my dance instructor and I got chatting during my one to one about training, and that to move forward you need to train a minimum of 2 hours per week... whether you are a beginner or an instructor.  For her that is 2 hours over the classes she teaches (her every day work), to really keep moving forward.

This has really gotten me thinking about our industry and what we do about training, I know when I had the studio I was obsessed with business training, how can I bring in more money, how can I increase the averages.... I needed more money to grow the business and survive.  

I lost the importance of training in photography, after all I was shooting every day in the studio with clients... but is that really stretching you to the next level... its not the place to be testing out new equipment you haven't already practised with.

We become the same as the next photographer, learning to a certain level and just trying to photograph what we think will sell, being sheep following what other studio's are doing... not adding ourselves into the images.

If your a family photographer.... why not see what you can learn from a street photographer or a pet photographer... what could you take from them to bring into your own work and make it unique.

For me a minimum of 2 hours dance training, is now also a minimum of 2 hour photography training, be it booking a model, playing with my lights, watching video's on The Photography Academy, and booking workshops.

Its time to grow as a photographer.... take your images to the next level and challenge yourself to train/play at least 2 hours a week!

Mototechnik's September 2014 event

Such and amazing evening last September with the guys (and girls) at Mototechnik.  They have an amazing store in Stowmarket.  Loved looking round the store and their event had such great atmosphere... I look forward to working with them in the future.

Only a few images from the night as looking after my stand :)

#50shadesofmotorbike - personal project

I couldn't resist getting on board with the launch of 50 Shades of Grey and make it even more exciting by twisting it for motorbikes.

Wanting to capture the spirit of biking with these images and including words from each biker to show the biker behind the bike.

Each images will go along side a quote or story from the biker... be it a favourite road, a journey you will never forget or your first bike....

With a huge response already across twitter and Facebook I am already at 25 bikers, if you want to be involved get in quick!!

The session itself is about 1 hour and just one location, with the aim being one fully edited image to go along side the quote on social media/Blog and website.  Later the images maybe used in a book.

Want to get involved then get in touch though the website, facebook or twitter.

Published in South East Biker

I was so excited last year to be published South East Biker magazine, article by the lovely Sandy Caulfield.

We had a fantastic portrait at a private woodland, that we had permission to use.  I loved working with Sandy and her partner's bike's, creating different styles with both the woodland scenery and some outbuildings that were there.

Creating images in my dramatic and signature style.

"Unique, Passionate, Talented - Just 3 words to describe Michelle Szpak - One of the most remarkable and innovative photographers you are likely to come across" - Sandy

Queen of Motorbike Photography

It was amazing to receive the award #Queenof on Twitter the other week.  I am so honoured to be given the title Queen of Motorbike Photography

The trophy will be on its way soon.  What an awesome way to start 2015!!

Crazy... Brave... Living the dream

I can not thank everyone enough for their support with my decision to close the studio and move forward, to be able to work more where my passion is Motorbike Photography,

I have heard many things on this "short" transition to the South Coast....

The words Crazy, Brave and I wish I could do that have been just some of the comments.

 I can not believe I have already been in my amazing new home for a month and a half!  The difference it has made to myself and my life is exactly what I needed.  I have started running again (something I would never have done with the studio).  I am getting away from the computer screen - would you believe actually spending evenings away from Facebook, out with both new and old friends it feels amazing!

I now have Fridays off of work to walk into town and attend dance classes something I have missed for the last 7 years!  

Do not get me wrong I wouldn't change a thing, I have loved the studio, my clients and my team (who I miss a lot)!

For those saying I wish I could do that, wishing that they too could chase their dreams....  I just want to let you know you can do it too!!  It takes working on yourself and it takes stepping out of your comfort zone but its possible! Anything is!

If you think this has been a smooth transition I can promise you it hasn't, I have had my what am I doing moments. Days of panic - have I done the right thing, but sitting here typing while looking out at the sea I know I have and I won't be going back.

Slowing down from my fast pace, 7 days at work a week lifestyle has also been a challenge - learning to relax and not be on go, go, go all the time (I will go more into this in another post).  But slowing down has helped me to get my creativity back.

I am now starting work on a personal motorbike photography challenge which I am very excited to have launched on both Facebook and Twitter (but that is for the next blog post :) )

My 2015 is all about living life and enjoying every minute of it.... make sure you join me!

Michelle