WRC GB Rheola Stages.

[Felix Page]

So, I'm stuck in cold, wet Wales, this time at the Rally.

I don't really follow it these-days but as it's on my doorstep as such I feel I should go annually, though probably not next year. As a member of the public, options are somewhat limited. Anyway, as I find myself in the paddock more often, I quickly tired of stage-side action and elected to take a wander with my Bronica SQA 6x6 creating portraits of the hardcore rally fanbase. These will follow later in the week once I've processed them.

I did enjoy using the SQA, especially the contrary nature of using 6x6, at a Rally event of all places. I'm using Pan F Plus 50 film for another project and it is so lovely, I can certainly see myself using it next season in the paddock. On Tuesday I have a large format workshop, hopefully that won't steal my heart instead.

C&C is welcomed as always, I can't help but feel these images are almost generic, but in a forest with a car going past, there's not much more one can do. Shot with a 1D2 and the old 80-200 if it matters.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-22.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-12.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-3.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-5.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-25.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-16.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/super_prix/wrc09/wrc-29.jpg

[Jeff Kapic]

Did you scan in anything from the 6x6?

Jeff

[Matt Romanowski]

3, 4, and 5 are solid. Last shot is very nice through the trees.

[Mark Baxter-Jones]

It'd be good to see the shots of the rally fans, they (we) tend to be a bit crazier than most!

How did you enjoy Rheola? I'm thinking of going there next year.

[Rob Stewart]

Wait a minute, what's that in 5 and 7? It looks like sun! I don't remember any of that over the weekend! All I got was grey grey grey.

Yes, would like to see some scans of your 6x6's when you get them sorted. You've inspired me to do what I've been meaning to do for a while now and get my Mamiya 645 out.

[Felix Page]

Thanks for the comments.

Mark, it was my first time at Rheola. I opted to stay at Walters Arena, which is great from a spectating point of view, you do see alot. However, if you are also trying to photograph then the special tape plagues all good, close angles. I went to Halfway in 2007, which was probably the best, I got very close and was able to escape the scrutiny of the safety marshals the further I ventured into the forest. That was a night stage too, getting back was interesting to say the least! You might get a good establishing shot at Rheola mind, it's almost like looking down from Paddock Hill at Brands to Druids, just imagine mud & jumps.

As for crazy rally fans, here's a teaser. I've developed everything, just need to scan it all now.

This is Patrick, he goes to all the Rallies.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8369/sqa.jpg

I wish I had more time in between the downpours, there were many interesting people.