Photomarathon Bath

This was the second time the photomarathon had run in Bath. Both times as part of the Bath fringe arts festival. I entered it with my daughter but I plugged it several time to the media students at BSU.

To be honest I hadn't quite understood the idea or exactly what it entailed. However I showed up at the Circus - under the trees in the centre - at 9.50 as requested. I paid £6 and received a 24 exposure neg film and a card. On the card were 22 themes. The idea was that I would find a suitable image for each of the themes. I needed to take the pictures the in order listed. I had just one frame per theme. If I failed to find a suitable image I was to snap my feet. It seemed very straightforward. Stevie decided to go shopping mid morning so the team got halved. At 3.30 we would all meet again at the Green Park Brasserie for card 2. This would have the final 11 themes. It was expected that we'd finish at 8pm at The Bell in Walcot St. Nice.

The weather was good and I set off with Stevie to take the first picture. I have to admit it took me half the roll to remember how the camera worked. I just use my digital compact or mobile phone all the time now. It was wuite a challenge and having to take them in order was very frustrating. You could take a picture and then around the corner would be an even better one for the same theme.

I was looking for something abstract. When I came across a 1950's cadillac in immaculate condition. I got the shot using the chromed bumper. The I chatted to the owner. he then drocve away as I looked down at the next theme...iconic. Oh shit..... I walked off kicking myself for missing a great shot. On the opposite side of the road I watched an old biker put his helmet, throw his leg over a harley davison and roar off. Double shit I'd done it again!

I walked alot but picked up all the necessary shots. Some better than others. The break, beer and chat with the other marathon photographers at Green Park was nice. I took the next lost quickly. I went home to sort out tea for the family. Later Mary and I popped down to The Bell (Great pub) and I submitted the film and the second card. There were a small band of finishers still there and we swapped stories of the marathon. We'd all had the same issues. Now we await the exhibition in the Octagon on May 22nd.

I learnt quite abit. I know now why I love my digital - its quick i can shoot plenty of images and I can see and re take when I need to. The whole thing opened my eyes - so that alone made it worthwhile. Thanks to Arran for organising it.