Retiring after 33 years

My first paid for motorsport picture was published in 1978 and I have been behind the camera ever since. However, time has come to say farewell to what has been an exciting and interesting career.

Costs are rising and the returns are dropping. Too many people giving away their work are driving a lot of the pros out of the game. The sport itself is suffering in the current economic climate, fewer teams and cars, less money to spend on marketing, all of which means less cash to spend on what we do best.

Over the years I have made a lot of friends in all areas of the sport and I will miss that more than anything. I had 4 years behind the wheel which gave me a better understanding of the sport and I know improved my photography. I had pictures published in lots of magazines and even used on TV, so I can bore the other oldies in the old folks home with stories of my exploits when I eventually get there.

Hats off to Canon for providing me with the best tools for the job these many years. Most everything will now go but I will still hang onto at least one camera and a couple of lenses for general photography.

Good luck to all who are still working in the sport.

I have to admit that retirement is the best job I ever had. I hope you enjoy yours as much and wish you well.

Will you still click just for fun? Perhaps some other genre? Good luck my friend.

Hi Kenny

Hope you do post a few here from time to time if you have a relaxing day out watching/shooting some motorsport.

I have been on here for around two years now and still class myself as a beginner, I always enjoy looking at your pics, especially for composition ideas.

My dad said the best thing he ever did was retire, good luck in the future.

Alan

I know I will miss my motorsport friends that range from F1 drivers at one end of my experiences to those that are the heart of motorsport, the marshals, many of whom have become true close friends over the years.

No idea what I will do as far as photography is concerned, I had my first camera when I was 9 years old in the days of dark rooms and chemicals and one of the first digital cameras in use on a race circuit in the UK, so a wide and varied togs life.

I am not retiring from all work, just the photography which has now become an unsustainable financial burden. This year has taken its toll of a lot of photographers, not only in motorsport. I know wedding togs that have quit for similar reasons - too many people doing the job on the cheap or for free.

Thanks for the nice comments and I will post some of this years shots when I get a chance. I plan one more major meeting so I can see some of my friends before I go.

KennyG wrote in post #12787920
I know I will miss my motorsport friends that range from F1 drivers at one end of my experiences to those that are the heart of motorsport, the marshals, many of whom have become true close friends over the years.

No idea what I will do as far as photography is concerned, I had my first camera when I was 9 years old in the days of dark rooms and chemicals and one of the first digital cameras in use on a race circuit in the UK, so a wide and varied togs life.

I am not retiring from all work, just the photography which has now become an unsustainable financial burden. This year has taken its toll of a lot of photographers, not only in motorsport. I know wedding togs that have quit for similar reasons - too many people doing the job on the cheap or for free.

Thanks for the nice comments and I will post some of this years shots when I get a chance. I plan one more major meeting so I can see some of my friends before I go.

A sad post to read, not that it surprises me. There is a long, dark winter on the way. Who knows how many more of us will be gone by spring next year? 2011 has been the worst year I can recall and I don't see it getting any better soon.

Good luck.

Sad to hear you're retiring Kenny your numerous posts have been very useful and your general outlook on the state of motorsport photography.
All the very best.
Rich

All the very best Kenny. I hope you enjoy your retirement. I understand perfectly well your reasoning, and I totally agree with your thoughts. I am of the opinion that the digital age has gradually killed off the need for the club motorsport pro photographer. I, like you, have been in the game for a very long time and the work becomes less every year. Anyway enjoy your leisure time and maybe we will cross paths in some "home for the bewildered" somewhere in the future. Take care mate.

I hope you enjoy your retirement Kenny, all the best

Enjoy the retirement

Enjoy!!! One day I will get there!

KennyG,

Sorry to see you go but, I fully understand and agree with your reasoning. Besides the great photos you have produced over the years you have mentored many people in so many ways, on here and in person.
It is a loss for the world of motorsports photography. Now go enjoy retirement and cover your ears whenever you hear the roar of an engine LOL.

Your friend,

Jeff

Enjoy your retirement , I have enjoyed reading your posts and have found them very informative in starting my career in professional motorsport photography .