Scramblers at Drumlanrig

I recall a famous quote that says that a portrait shot in colour shows the person’s clothes, but take a portrait in monochrome and it shows the person’s soul.

It’s a great quote, and I’m beginning to think the same theory applies to sports photography. Colour is great for showing the glamour and the visual impact, but a black and white image really seems to show more of the soul of the sport.

These mono images were taken May 2019 at the Classic Grand National of Scotland, which was held in the grounds of Dumlanrig Castle. Sadly, this was another important sporting event that couldn’t be held this year due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

I love the way a camera acts like your passport to all sorts of different worlds. And this is indeed a different world! The riders, families and race organisers are so committed to their sport, and it attracts a great following; transforms a fields into superb race track; complete with its tented / motorhome village and stalls and exhibitions. The action is great for us photographers, and we can select those images that just hopefully convey hopefully some real sense of this major event and the drama of motorcycle sport.

Here’s hoping they get it all back together in 2021.