The Big Interview

with Alan Spence

Alan flopped onto the Big Interview sofa after picking up both trophies in the 2004 SCA Touring photographic competition

Welcome Alan

Q - Double winner, huh, you must be pleased!
A - When I had a look at the display of photos I was amazed at how many
there were and then when I looked at them closely I was amazed at the
standard!  I had pretty much resigned myself to not getting either trophy
but was still hoping for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th place. Probably more important
than who won or lost was the positive message all the photos put across
about sea kayaking to everyone who saw them.

Q - What equipment did you use
A -  For all of the photos I used  a Canon PowerShot S40 4Mp digital camera. For shots on the water it was housed in a Canon WP-DC300 rigid waterproof casing.  Photos are downloaded to my computer using Canon software and I use Adobe Photoshop Elements for basic processing (e.g. levelling horizons, cropping, saving for the web etc.) and try to do as little manipulation as possible.    Processed photos are printed on an Epson Stylus Photo 1290s (A3) printer using Epson 'Premium Photo Glossy Paper' and Epson ink cartridges.

Q - Where do you keep your camera when on the water?
A - It's either round my neck or in my knee tube but always readily
accessible.  I guess it's a compromise - I don't particularly like it
dangling in front of me when I'm paddling and there's always the possibility
of getting drops of water in front of the lens when it's choppy.  However,
if it's in my knee tube it takes time to get it out and while sea kayaking
may not be particularly high speed pursuit, it's surprising how quickly
photo opportunities can appear and disappear!

Q - Composition  - aim and fire or annoy fellow paddlers with your requests?
A - A bit of both!  If I see a potential shot coming up I'll try to get
myself into a position to capture the scene as I want it.  If it would help
the shot by getting paddler(s) into a particular position I'd definitely
ask.  The people I paddle with are always very accommodating - mind you,
they expect me to do the same for them.  When you're paddling in a
particularly scenic area with lots of photo opportunities this can make for
slow trips.

Q - Does your boat have a name?
A - I've often thought it should have but I've never come up with anything
that I really liked.

Q - Your favourite ever trip?
A - That is so difficult.  I've had the good fortune to paddle round most of
the highlands and islands in the company of good friends.  Trips that
immediately spring to mind are the Bishop Isles, Papa Stour, St.Kilda, Cape Wrath, Pentland Firth Triangle and Coll & Tiree.  I guess you're not going to pin me down on that one!

Q -  Where in the world would you like to paddle if dropped of by helicopter tomorrow?
A - Paddling with whales must be one of the greatest privileges a sea
kayakers can experience - I think it would have to be Johnstone Strait off
Vancouver Island.

Q - You went out to St Kilda with your club this year based on a
"mothership".  Sounds great? What was St Kilda like?
A - St.Kilda is awesome - there is no other word that describes it better.
We were extremely lucky with the weather and the service provided by
Northern Light Charters and the skipper and crew of the Elizabeth G was
brilliant.  There is so much to see and do.  We paddled round all the
islands and stacks in excellent conditions, explored the village and walked
over most of Hirta taking in all the sights.  We even managed to watch the
Storm Petrels coming in to roost in the early hours of the morning.  As a
destination for kayakers it is second to none.  I would advise anyone to go
there if they get the chance.

Q - Thrill seeker or chill seeker?
A - Both - they're not mutually exclusive!  There's nothing to beat rock
hopping or surfing a sea kayak if you're aiming to get the adrenalin flowing
but if you're looking to chill out with friends your sea kayak can take you
there too.

Q - Troglodyte or beach bum?
A - If there's a cave I've got to explore it.  If there's a beach I want to
lie on it - but definitely not on the sand!  I especially remember an SCA
trip to Rum where we spent an excellent couple of hours stretched out on big
flat rocks in Kilmory bay on a glorious summer's day - magic!  Nobody wanted
to leave.

Q - Foodie or freeze dry
A - North East Sea Kayakers run an annual 'Gourmet Grub' weekend where
(unsurprisingly) top quality cuisine is the focus of the trip - I'm banned.
I'm beyond salvation!  Mind you, after years of extolling the virtues of
Wayfarer food there have been several occasions this year when I've actually cooked my own meals from basic ingredients - maybe the foodies are wearing me down.

Thanks Alan
And best wishes in next years competition which has already started and
finishes on 30 September 2005.