Andy Shrimpton

Like most people I have always enjoyed taking photographs.  I really started in a back-to-front way, I started with underwater photography.  Taking underwater photographs is very challenging.  Not only do you have to be aware of your diving procedures and air consumption, but you have to think about camera setting, composition and lighting. I started  FAPO (Find A Photo Online) Photographic Services in 2004 its sole purpose to take and offer for sale, high quality, well composed images.  At a normal event approximately 800+ photographs are taken.  These are sorted, cropped and enhanced so when you view them on screen, a few days after the event, you have a very good idea of the photograph you will receive once purchased. At a sporting event I try and photograph as many competitors as possible, but cannot always photograph everybody.

Photo © Nigel Fraser Ker

Digital Image

The camera system used is a Canon 20D with high quality "L" Pro lens.  The reason for using a digital format is that it allows a quicker turn around time for you to be able to see your photographs.  Also far more images can be taken as film costs are not an issue and the camera does not have to be reloaded after every 36th photo.

I have been asked many times why I only sell photos over the internet.  The reason is simple, during the day many photographs are taken, so each competitor should have a good selection of him/herself.  Due to this, it's only at the end of the day that you are able to decide which photos you like the best.  Because you are able to see all the photos at once, whilst relaxing in your own home, you are able to make the right choice.

Also each photo before being posted on the internet is individual cropped, enhanced and resized to get the best from the photo. This process takes around 6-8 hours after the event where 800+ photos have been taken.  Those people that choose to sell at the event, due to time limitation and pressure to sell quickly on the day, overlook these three key items.  Therefore don't settle for second best, take you time and buy online. 

They say that "a photo is worth a thousand words" that's why I also provide candid shots that show the preparation, concentration, facial expression and the triumphs of the competitors.  Thereby giving you the whole story about the days event.

What really gets to me, is that people think they can buy a digital camera and become a sports photographer overnight.  If you look around at other sites, that sell photographs online you will notice that the quality is not as good as the images presented on this site.  That's because firstly you need to understand the rules of photography, and  that can't be learnt overnight and secondly, you need to know how to use your equipment.

Photo Correction & Enhancement

Your photos can be given a unique look that can be tailored to your requirements.  Styles can include colour changing to black & white, sepia, water coloured or colorized.