Paintball

Some people who know me will know that my biggest vice is paintball. I have been playing for almost 19 years now and have had some major exciting times with it over the years ranging from doing it as fun to taking it a whole lot more serious and eventually doing it every weekend . The sport has become so successful it has taken me to places like Barcelona, Toulouse, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, Oregon, London and Euro Disney Paris to name but a few.

Like everyone who tried it for the first time it was in the woods pretending to be Rambo and plotting to ruin the other sides chances of success. I went back and enjoyed it even more than the first time - I was gloriously hooked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paintball as a game has evolved so much in the last few years and has moved from the woods to areas that are much more spectator friendly. One of the gripes in the past was when you played in the woods you just couldn't see what was going on the other side of the field if that was where the action was. Woods ball is still a major part of the game of today and I think it will be with us for some time. I mean it's just too much fun romping around in the dirt.

Some of the significant changes in the game include the the equipment used. Everything is becoming so much more lighter, faster, easier to operate. Just imagine the markers (guns) being able to shoot as quick as your finger can pull the trigger. The markers themselves are more than capable of going a high as 32 balls per second - now that's fast!!!

So, how has it changed I hear from the back?? I have got some YouTube videos below showing what I mean as I believe its easier for you to see for yourself - enjoy!!!

Finally a new house to call home ...

It has been a few months in the making after the last attempt went cock-eyed. If you have not read the story on my blog, here is the link for you to get an idea of the pain felt at the time.

So after months and months of waiting and watching we found the right place at last - yipeeeeeee!!!! It was well worth hanging on as we managed to secure a decent enough place especially in light of the current market being what it was. It is much bigger than the last place but that was a conscious decision to go that route in light of the way the business is rapidly growing. At this rate I may end up with a proper office/studio combination - watch this space!!!

All in all, what a manic week with moving and also trying to get the web site live. So without sounding too boring, thanks again to everyone for bearing with me whilst most of the office was boxed.

www.mikepatterson.com is finally live......

www.mikepatterson.com is now finally with us and I would like to thank everyone who has provided the necessary input where required.

Screenshot as shown

My web site

Well, the saga still continues but I am so glad to say that it is finally getting closer to going live, which will mean I can sing to my heart's content about how wonderful I am as a photographer. But hey, if you are reading this, then you already know that dont you HAHAHAHA.

Seriously, I keep meaning to get it finished and I only have myself to blame for the delay, so a huge thank you to those who have patiently sat in the background, waiting, waiting more and giving me the extra little push I needed to finally get it completed.

Something from the weekend

If every portrait session was like this, I would be such a happy bunny. I have never met such an amazing family and all the kids were just brilliant. The day started around 10.30-11:00am and finished around 3.30pm and then having to get back to show the images at 8pm. What a long day, but it was sooooooo much fun!!

The nice part was that not once did anyone complain especially as the day was a typical winter's day. The the images from the day are so varied, ranging from railway crossing/tracks (where I nearly electrocuted myself but thats another story), forest and beach to name but a few.

Thanks again Zoe!! ;-)))))

What to do on a cold winters evening??

I had the pleasure of taking my first kiddy pictures a few days back - thanks for helping Anne!!

Now keeping in mind its winter, it's also fairly late in the day as it was raining all morning, it's cold and I am at the mercy of two little girls. I was trying to remember all these wonderful secrets I had read by other photographers as to keep them amused and to get them to pose. Well that all went out the window on the day. With it being so cold, it wasn't easy to keep them amused long enough to get the shots needed but hey I don't think I did too bad in the end.

Belfast Fasion Week 2007

I was very fortunate to be allowed to take some shots at the 2007 Belfast Fashion Week show which took place in the The Baby Grand at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.

In its 3rd year now and definitely making a statement as each year goes on with it fashion ideas made are made available to the general public. In total, 11 models are used over the 3 days the show goes on for with the support of institutions like Toni & Guy Bobby Brown to help.

A small selection of images taken at the event which was great fun (from a photographers point of view of course)!!!




A few more other shots are available at my Flickr site

Nicola

Recently, I was able to grab some time with Michelle, a good friend of mine along with her daughter Nicola. We went to a park area close to where I live that has a castle with a kids play area, stacks of fields as well as a wooded area. Everyone uses this place to go walking, strolling or taking the dog out and now and then someone on a bike too. I would probably say it was more a case of the dog taking the owner(s) for the walk. I shall miss coming to this idyllic little spot when I move in the near future (more about that later).

I wanted to try something different and I have to say I had a great day. Nicola is a real poser and has no trouble putting hands and legs wherever was asked - very professional considering she has never done anything like this before!!!! Up until that session, I had never worked with children either so it was truly refreshing from that point of view.


The other highlight of the day was having Galway's only "Lion Dog" running around and chewing my reflectors, my ear and anything else he could get his razor teeth on.

One of my favourite shots of the day where Nicola is looking like a real young Puff Daddy, veeeerry cool!!