Sports event photography testimonial - 5 reasons James Jagger is Windsurfing UK’s chosen photographer.
Sports event photography is a big passion for James Jagger. Along with JJ’s other niches, sports event photography makes up a sizable chunk of his workload. In particular, working on Windsurfing UK magazine, alongside its editor Tez Plavenieks. Speaking about James’ work ethic Tez tells 7 reasons James is the best sports event photography professional.
Professionalism is key in any sports event photography.
Whilst I know James on a personal level there’s no question that when he gets into work mode it’s nothing less than 100% professional. That suits me as during a Windsurfing UK shoot the job needs to be done efficiently and promptly. Deadlines are everything with magazines.
An article about non-planing windsurfing in Windsurfing UK mag.
Also, windsurfing conditions wait for nobody. Everyone knows how changeable the UK’s weather can be. Having James turn up when he says he’s going to, locked and loaded and rock to rock means I can get afloat and start straight off the bat. No faffing, no messing about and no dilly-dallying. Plus, post-session and the pics are delivered in a timely fashion. Which, again, is essential.
Knowing windsurfing from a participant’s point of view.
Being a windsurfer himself James knows and understands what the sport’s about. This is another important point as he’s aware of what makes a good windsurfing shot and what doesn’t. I’ve worked with other photographers who don’t come from a windsurfing background. It can be fine but you have to spend time mapping out how a windsurfing session may run depending on the conditions.
As I say you don’t have to do this with James as he gets it. And we can be stuck straight in as soon as I’m rigged up. I can’t reiterate enough how timing is vital. And cutting down the initial toing and froing means more time afloat. Which in turn leads to more (and better) action pics.
A James Jagger shot on the front cover of Windsurfing UK magazine.
Being able to anticipate.
The above point leads directly to this one. Whilst windsurfing is a broad activity with a set of comparable traits each rider has their own style, favourite moves and ways of sailing. I know I certainly do.
Being a windsurfer himself James can also perform in front of the lens. Here, getting involved in some windsurfing equipment testing.
James - knowing me and the sport as he does - is able to anticipate what I’m going to do on the water. I don’t need to run through a shot list. Instead, we both will understand what the conditions dictate. James can then just point and shoot. Noting my subtle movements he’s ready to click at just the right movement safe in the knowledge the shot’s in the bag.
Having the right sports event photography skills and equipment.
All this sounds great but a good sports event photographer will also have a set of honed skills they can combine with tip-top camera equipment. An eye for the shot, framing and being aware of subtle things that make or break a photo in tandem with a high-end camera kit is what’ll give dynamism to the photos.
The right camera gear and photographic skills are key components that help create dynamic imagery.
With a sport like windsurfing dynamic imagery is everything. Especially if you’re trying to convey the stoke through a magazine medium. You want riders to get the buzz and be excited about what they’re looking at. Getting them revved up for their next session and frothing for more!
A hardy and robust attitude.
Standing on sometimes lonely windswept and often rain-soaked beaches requires a certain hardy and robust attitude. Windsurfing in the UK often means bad weather. Getting wet and cold is therefore par for the course for any photographer shooting from the beach.
Slalom tastic article featuring James Jagger photos.
James is used to and able to put up with this kind of weather. I’d argue he actually enjoys blustery coastal locations. But whatever the case he’s gets the job done. Sometimes in some appalling weather more times than I can count.
Summing up.
Over the years James and I have completed many windsurfing photoshoots. We’ve also done a whole bunch of others around different watersports disciplines. James can turn his hand to most sports event photography situations. And there’s no question that all the publications I work on are all the better for having JJ involved. If you’re looking for a professional sports event photographer to cover your event or work with regularly you can’t go far wrong than Mr Jagger.