I am back in Bangkok before starting out on the Steve Davey’s Laos & Vietnam photo tour next Wednesday. This time I am staying in the older part of Bangkok where all the backpackers seem to be and not far from the Grand Palace. Having flown in yesterday, it was an early start today around sunrise at 6am and I wasn’t sure what I would photograph.

As I wandered round the local area, it was much quieter than the night before but a few folks had seemed to have partied through the night. So I turned towards the Grand Palace and stumbled upon a few runners … and then more runners which given that it must already have been 30 degrees centigrade seemed mad to me. Eventually, there was a sign … ah it was the Bangkok Marathon so I decided to walk along the route up to the Grand Palace.

It wasn’t a surprise that this marathon is held very early in the morning because I doubt anyone would survive the heat later in the day. I was hot just walking along so congratulations to all those that completed the course which finished in front of the Grand Palace … a spectacular backdrop for the event.

It was great weather this morning for the mass launch at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta this morning. Over 80 balloons were launched with a wide variety of clouds and a few special shapes too. As always the launch field was crowded and everyone was in good spirits. If you like chocolate, then the pick of the bunch must have been the Choc Dip balloon pictured left.

In amongst all the balloons, vehicles and trailers, i managed to find and meet up with some of the friends that I made at last year’s fiesta. It was great to see them again and I am sure that we will have longer to chat over the weekend. This evening I will be flying with Gary again and it looks like it will be near perfect conditions … fingers crossed for an amazing flight!

I had previously posted some photographs from the British Motorcycle Club meeting at Brands Hatch in July and I have now added some more images from their last meeting of the year which was also at Brands Hatch at the end of September.

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday and perfect day for racing as well as photography. Being the second time that I had photographed motorcycle racing, it was certainly easier than the first time – I think that I managed to get some good pictures. Brands Hatch is a great circuit to photograph as there is good access and sight of the track as well as the option to go into the pits during some meetings like this one.

Last weekend, I spent Friday, Saturday & Sunday at this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta meeting some great people and photographing the event.

Now I have posted my selection of photographs from this event which includes some shots from inside the basket of the Coop Funeral Services balloon whilst tethered in the arena on Friday – thanks to Kelli and Martyn.  Of course there are a number of images from my fantastic flight with Gary and his team on Saturday evening – many thanks for a great experience on my first flight in a hot air balloon.  After racing back to the fiesta site, there are some shots of the night glow on Saturday.

It was a great event which I hope I can be back at next year.  But before then I really want to go back up in a balloon and do some more aerial photography.

This evening I had a swift and uneventful drive from London to Bristol where I am shooting the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.   The weather forecast looks a bit mixed so I am praying foo some good weather so the balloons fly or at least some dramatic skies. 

Anyway, it is an early start each morning with flights at 6am and then 6pm which should be really good for the light.  It would be great to see if I can actually get on one for the flights especially with my new fisheye lens.

I have finally managed to make a huge dent in my post processing queue and have completed last weekend’s studio shoot as well as the photographs from my skiing holiday at the beginning of February.

Normally, I carry a small “point & shoot” camera which I tends to stay in my pocket and I don’t end out with any pictures at all.  This time I decided to break with tradition and took my DSLR and a couple of lenses with me in a small camera backpack.  The results can be found in my Skiing in Chatel gallery.  Please let me know what you think.

It is great to be up in the mountains again.  For the first time, I have taken my DSLR with my whilst skiing, carrying it in a well padded backpack.  It does mean that I have to stop and get the camera out every not and again but I think I have got some good images.

The easiest time to photography the scenery and action on the slopes is a lunch time when we had stopped in a piste-side restaurant.  Then I can just sit there eating & drinking with my camera at the ready (see left).  Whilst the light is not at its best in the middle of the day, it is still possible to get good shots especially with the help of a polarising filter.

The skiing has been great which is surprising given the spring like weather and lack of fresh snow – a tribute to the pisteurs here in Chatel.

On Sunday 25th May 2010, I volunteered to photograph this year’s London Marathon for a great charity called Bliss.  I have previously blogged about the day and since then I have been busy editing all the images and creating a new gallery which is now complete.

Please check out the full gallery of Bliss at the London Marathon from which you can purchase image downloads and ordered high quality prints through Fotomoto.

Unfortunately, Fotomoto only currently provide professional printing from USA based lab which require international shipping to UK. Having been in contact with Fotomoto, they are looking at partnering with professional printing labs in UK and other countries but no timelines.

All the profits that I from these downloads and prints are being donated Bliss to help them in their work for babies born too soon, too small, too sick.

Finally, thanks to all the great runners and supporters at Bliss who I met on during this photo shot.