Behind the Lens

Reflections

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:49:00 +1200

Every community has its’ own special places, those which reflect and form the community which they have become an integral part of.

The Waikato / Waipa area (of which Hamilton is the major city) has many such places. One of my personal favourites is Mystery Creek Events Centre – quite possibly as have spent so much time there and are constantly amazed by the transformation it undergoes with each event. Be it the thousands of farmers who travel from all over the country to visit the many exhibitors at the National Field Days event, to the 30,000 young people who camp onsite for the Parachute Music Festival, to the hosting of World Rally Championship which sees rally car teams travel the world to compete in the most southern round of the international championship.

During a rare quiet moment at a recent event, I was blessed to see this lovely sunset as it reflected on a lake at Mystery Creek. A reminder that beauty and tranquility can be seen in the most unlikely places.

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

New Zealand World Cup Game 2

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:05:00 +1200

Monday morning is often a slow start but this Monday morning was something special. Many stayed up or set their alarms for the 2am (local time) game start of the New Zealand vs Italy game. While yet others choose to find out the result when they woke later that morning.

The build up to this, the second of New Zealand's pool matches had been interesting with some writing off the draw against Slovakia almost as a fluke and many a commentator predicting a three or four nil win to Italy. But not the All Whites or their supporters! The team was determined to show the world there was more of the good stuff to come and home support was cautiously optimistic.

And so, just seven minutes into the game Shane Smeltz guides the ball into the back of the Italian net and a roar goes up throughout New Zealand. It wasn't the start the majority expected and Italy seemed extraordinarily relieved when their equalising goal came from Vincenzo Iaquinta in the 29th minute. The second half in particular saw Mark Paston (the second of the goalies) make the types of saves legends are made of. This along with a solid team effort kept the full-time score at 1-1.

The world may have been shocked to learn the All Whites had stood up to Italy and held thier own but at home there was only elation. We may be a small country but are fiercely proud of our sporting teams. And as if we needed another reason to be proud of them, it has to be the way they are handling themselves with this dramatically increased exposure and media hype, and the way they are actively honouring the fans there in the South African stands and here at home.

New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud has become the land of the all white cloud.

Though the story isn't over yet. Early Friday morning will see the All Whites take on Paraguay for the opportunity to cement their place in the second round of the FIFA World Cup and the history books.

Enjoy every day :-)

Kim
(Kiwi05 on Twitter)

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

New Zealand at the World Cup

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:17:00 +1200

Just for something different am going to talk sport - more specifically the FIFA World Cup currently being played in South Africa.

In a country which is best known for its' All Blacks rugby team it was the All Whites that this week made the world stand up and take notice of New Zealand. Being just the second time we have played in the finals of the World Cup New Zealand could be, and is, excited simply to be part of this truly international event. Not ever being one to be limited by the size of our country, the hopes of the team and the nation has been to show that we are capable of punching above our weight and are not just there to make up numbers.

This is also the first time the World Cup has been played in the social media age and though New Zealand has embraced Facebook, it has been a slower to take up Twitter and is still coming to terms with Foursquare, etc. This however is changing and was well pleased to see many a status update and tweet come through in relation to #NZL at the #WorldCup.

The early hours of Tuesday morning (local time) saw many crowd local bars, clubs, living rooms and bedrooms to watch our team take on Slovakia in the first match of the World Cup finals. After 28 years of not seeing a New Zealand team play at this level the excitement and anticipation was up there, as to was the build up in familiarising a country with its' newest sporting heroes.

The first half of the game saw New Zealand hold their own with a half time score of 0-0. Five minutes into the second half Robert Vittek scores for Slovakia and the New Zealand supporters could be forgiven for feeling a little deflated. But not those out on the field, they were relentless in pursuing that equaliser goal and the first World Cup point to ever be achieved by a New Zealand team. Heading into extra time and the nation had its' heart in its' mouth. In one amazing moment Winston Reid heads the ball straight into the net, with it raised the hands and voices of New Zealanders all over the world. It may have been 1.20am on a Tuesday morning but the streets of Auckland and Wellington erupted with celebrations. Never has a country been so proud to achieve a draw! And proud we are of our All Whites.

With all of Group F locked at one point each, will you be watching as New Zealand take on Italy?

Enjoy every day :-)

Kim
(Kiwi05 on Twitter)

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

West Coast Sunset

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +1200

It is a beautiful experience to witness a great sunset. So humbling to know thousands of people from all over the world will see the very same sun setting. A reminder that we live in world of many nations, each of which contains the precious people who make planet earth what it is. Each person has their own thoughts, aspirations and outlooks. And yet, we all watch the same sun rise in the morning and same sun set in the evening.

New Zealanders are known for their desire to travel, and it sure is a fantastic way to learn more about the people and cultures around us. Just don’t forget to take the time to get to know the people who are right here on your door step. Get to know who they are, where they have come from, and most importantly, get to know where they are going.

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

Tiger Eyes

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:32:00 +1200

Sometimes there is a goal we have in mind that may take many years to realise. This photograph is that very realisation of a goal created by childhood imagination.

At approximately 8 years of age I remember the circus coming to town and considering the size of the town in which we lived, this was a big deal. Proudly taking out my new camera I took what I thought were fantastic photos, only to find when the film was developed - my imagination had far out weighed my ability.

A few days ago I tried once again to capture the image from those years and here it is. Only through photography does the extraordinary ability to capture and share a slice of my imagination with you all exist.

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

Streaming Clouds

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:17:00 +1200

A beautiful part of photography is capturing that unexpected moment which seemingly comes out of nowhere.

On this particular day, it was while driving along off to assist at a local event. With the rain pouring down, and dark skies all around, the sun suddenly streamed through the car's driver side windows. Looking up to see sun-rays bursting through the clouds, did what any reasonable phtographer would - scretched to a holt, pulled out the umbrella and camera, and went tramping through the wet grass to find the vantage spot that was just right.

This particular setting was on the side of State Highway One, near Hamilton International Airport. Though the sun was making a dramatic appearance, the rain continued to come down and so was there standing on the side of the road, umbrella, camera and cars rushing by, taking this very photo - which of course made it all worth it.

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

Circuit Racing

Wed, 26 May 2010 22:39:00 +1200

There is so much more that goes into creating a photo than the photo itself. On this particular day, during the Hamilton 400 round of the V8 Supercars, it was about taking a rare moment out of a busy schedule to enjoy watching the NZV8s rush around my home track.

This moment was made extra special by the amazing light coming through the autumn leaves on the trees either side of the track creating a strip of light along the racing line of the cars, illuminating them like spotlights. And so we see not everything can be planned :-)

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

Smilie

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:12:00 +1200

For anyone who is a parent or has children close to them, knows the unexplainable love you feel for that child. And so it was when my niece was born. The wonder of the creation of life sure does blow me away.

As they live some distance away, spending time with family is both precious and treasured. It was during one such visit, on a lovely summer day spent under the Mangrove trees, near the river mouth that this photo was taken.

At the time of the photo, she was just six months old.

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

ITM Hamilton 400

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:45:00 +1200

It was a proud day Hamilton won the rights to hold the only New Zealand round of the V8 Supercars, over both Auckland and Wellington. Three years on, the ITM Hamilton 400 is still the biggest street race to be held in New Zealand (and considered by some the biggest sporting event to be held in New Zealand).

As is the nature of a street race there is a lot of change which occurs in the transition from every day street, to race track.

This photo is part of a photo essay depicting this changing landscape.

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

Mystery Creek Boat

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:37:00 +1200

Currently one of my favourite photos - but no doubt this will soon change :-)

I just love that special time of the day when all goes quiet and the water stills, just as the sun is making its’ last appearance disappearing over the horizon.

Each year 3,000 teenagers and young people descend on Mystery Creek Event Centre, Waikato, New Zealand for the four day Easter Camp. It is a great opportunity for everyone to interact, learn and share their faith. For the past few years I have volunteered at the camp. During a rare quiet period this year, I took the opportunity to wander and photograph at that great time of day to capture what you see here.

Enjoy every day :-)

Thanking you,

Kim

Kim Raggett
All About Sports and Photography
info@allaboutsports.co.nz

Welcome to the Photo Blog

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:27:00 +1200

Welcome :-)

Often there is much that happens behind the lens in preparation for and during the taking of a photograph. In this space we will bring you the stories that accompany some of our favourite All About Sports and Photography photos.

Please feel free to comment on the blog post – though please note they are moderated so may take a day or two before you see your comment displayed on the website.

Enjoy every day :-)

All About Sports and Photography
Email info@allaboutsports.co.nz
Twitter AASPhotography
Facebook All About Sports and Photography

A Week in Vancouver

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:08:00 +1300

My great-grandfather used to often talk about living life with no regrets. Sometimes it is when we don't do something, that can we regret it as much as doing the wrong thing. Not going to Vancouver, would have been one of those regrets!

For sure, there were sleepless nights wondering if this was just some crazy idea never meant to become a reality (which I have been known to have). But come Monday 15th March as the sun was rising and the runway wet from rain, the plane touched down at Vancouver International Airport, as it did any remaining fears disappeared in a flash and so began a most amazing week.

Vancouver welcomed me with open arms. That first breath of clean, fresh, crisp air was refreshing to the body and soul. The city soon began unveiling its' beauty and diversity, in snow, mountains, ocean, ice hockey, shopping, architecture, but it is the people that have greatly impressed me. The please and thank you’s, but most of all, the sorry’s. Here consideration and respect for others is alive and well - in a world that all too often thinks only of itself.

The opportunity to meet a number of twitter friends has immensly enhanced my time here. The offers to show me around, to meet up for various events, and even those who couldn’t be here, sent their heartfelt apologies. It was also the random people I meet on the Skytrain, at GM Place and in the streets that extended my love for the people of this city.

Vancouver, thank you – you are amazing! I will miss you and you will always have a place in my heart :-)

Just some of the great Vancouverites on Twitter:
@Mozy19
@CanuckBlondie
@Kato66
@Claudgirl
@Lyteforce
@Alixiswright
@Tsmethurst
@Kabutar

What makes a real sports fan?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:46:00 +1300

Are you one of these mad crazy people who give up your time, money and to some extent your sanity to follow your favourite sports team?

All over the world, people are showing their true colours in the face of defeat for one simple reason – passion and the love of the sport! And who wouldn’t, with the nail biting excitement of a close result, the incredible atmosphere of a live game.

As a fan of MotorSport I see enthusiasts walk past the “Caution: MotorSport is a dangerous sport” signs, risk being hit by flying rocks, standing out in the cold and being covered in dirt and mud – just to see their favourite team car screaming by at a death-defying speed. We all admire the skill level of the driver, co-driver, mechanics and all those who work so hard to keep the sport alive and make every event a reality. These dedicated people – most of which are volunteers – are not exclusive to MotorSport. Every sport has it’s army of supporters and volunteers to which much gratitude is due.

So next time you are enjoying your favourite sporting event, why not sign-up to volunteer? If nothing else, it will give you a new perspective on what it means to be a real sports fan.

Additional Note: Motorsport Auckland are actively seeking volunteers as they now have two race tracks to staff. They can be contact through:

(a) Trademe auction
(b) Facebook page

Golf and Tennis Camp Attracts International Participants

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +1300

Players travelled from as far as Japan to attend this weeks’ summer Golf and Tennis Camp. The week long camp was presented by New Zealand’s premier high performance golf and tennis academies.

The participants who ranged in ages from 8 to 18 were excited, yet somewhat shy as they signed-in and received their complimentary camp t-shirts’ on Monday morning.

This first morning was spent receiving professional tennis coaching at the New Zealand Tennis Academy before having a break and a well deserved lunch. The afternoon saw them introduced to the superb facilities of the NZ Golf Academy and for many their first time picking up a golf club.

With the New Zealand Tennis Academy and the NZ Golf Academy both based at St. Peter’s School, Cambridge it meant an easy walk across the soccer field as they alternated between tennis and golf each day.

As the week progressed it was easy to see the confidence growing in this great group of young sporting people. Friday afternoon saw the handing out of prizes from each of the academies and an entertaining question and answer session. Here the tables were turned and it was the students who asked some of the questions – but there was no getting past this group of switched-on coaches. And so it was, a great week was had by all.

For more information visit www.allaboutsports.co.nz or email admin@nztennisacademy.co.nz.

Summer Golf and Tennis Camps

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +1300

New Zealand’s premier high performance golf and tennis academies have joined together to present their first Summer Golf and Tennis Camps. Though both academies have run many successful camps, this is the first time they have combined for one super camp. Participants in this historic event are treated to first-class international coaching at top rate facilities.

The week long camp provides players of all levels the opportunity to partake in both tennis and golf. With the New Zealand Tennis Academy and the NZ Golf Academy both based at St. Peter’s School, Cambridge they are uniquely positioned to provide this rare opportunity. Once the players have signed-in on Monday morning (and have received their complimentary exclusive camps t-shirts and unique gift packs) they spend the morning receiving professional coaching in either golf or tennis. After enjoying the wholesome lunch (which is also complimentary) the groups swap and spend the afternoon playing the other sport. This format is continued throughout the week until Friday afternoon where games, entertainment and the much anticipated prizes are awarded.

New Zealand is well known for it’s clean green environment and the grounds of the academies are no exception. With lush green grass and views over gently rolling hills they are located in that delicate balance between rural outlook and city convenience.

For more information contact the New Zealand Tennis Academy at admin@nztennisacademy.co.nz.