Spirit of Biking 10

My first experience of being on two wheels was when my dear old Dad took me strawberry picking on the back of his clapped out old Honda 90 in the 60s…I remember sitting on the back not being able to see a dam thing past the large bulk that was my Dad, but feeling the crack on the thigh from Dad for having my little arms wide open as though I was flying and not holding as I should have been…that feeling of exhilaration, adventure and excitement has stayed with me to this day…Throughout the 60’s I would be pillion on Norton’s and Triumphs and Scooters, flying around the streets of Lowestoft, riding pillion with the local lads, wearing no helmet, hair flying in the wind…It was incredible, memories that have lasted a life time.  Bikes didn’t play a part in my life during my 20s into my late 40s as my love of horses took over and fed the desire for speed and power.  In 2006 the bike bug bit me again hard, and I went out and passed my test and spent solitary time riding the roads of Norfolk.  Then in 2006 on my way to an Eastern Lights cavalcade I met a fellow rider, who turned into my dear friend Angela, and from that moment we rode everywhere together, Many parts of the UK as well as Europe, the excitement that would swell inside me when we started off on a new trip was indescribable. What’s round the next bend, where will this road lead..who will I meet along the way.  Taking on the challenge of travelling 3000 miles and camping the whole way is no mean feat for women over the age of 50…but we did it and loved every mile we covered. In 2011 we completed a rode trip to Austria, we returned in the July and Angie died on New Years Eve of stage four-brain cancer.  I was devastated. 
At this point I decided I no longer wanted to ride, my friend had gone and I felt desolate and alone.  Then I heard of a female Biker group, “Norfolk and Suffolk Female Bike Group” I joined and I’m so glad I did, because through this group and the new friendships I have formed,  the quest for adventure and the longing to experience the open road is well and truly back…….Being a biker to me means…you have family, your never truly alone, its doesn’t matter where you ride…be it to Tesco’s or Europe,  you will always find a kindred spirit on two wheels to pass some time and tell each other stories of your travels…the Biking fraternity……there really is nothing like it,  and as long as I’m able to “git me leg over” I’ll carry on riding to my next adventure.

Sandi Lowe

Spirit of biking 9

"Riding a motorbike has challenged me physically and mentally, it's introduced me to people who have become an extension of my family and it's opened the door to a whole world of adventure. Everything seems possible when you turn the key in the ignition."
Kate

Spirit of Biking 8

My first interest in motorcycles developed when, at the age of 6, I discovered that my father had kept in the basement of our house, the old 1928 350cc Soyer motorcycle which belonged to my grandfather. I would find any opportunity to sneak down in the dark and dusty basement, find my way to the bike, climb on to it, and dream of riding it for hours. I was fascinated by the aesthetic of this machine. I remember perfectly the feel of the brass handles as I was desperately trying to reach the handlebars and the fantastic combination of colours and textures, where, brass, copper, metal, nickel, rough cast aluminium and leather worked together in perfect harmony. The machine had a wonderful smell, a blend of oil and old fuel. That moment was a revelation to me…

I haven’t stopped thinking, dreaming, breathing and talking about bikes since. These machines are much more than just a way of transport. These machines are an obsession and they have definitely shaped my life.

Laurent from Storik​

Spirit of Biking 6

Motorcycles are my work, my hobby and my passion.  Motorcycling is everything.

Simon - Flying Tiger Paintwork 

Spirit of Biking 5

Motorcycling is a kind of therapy and escape from the stresses of life - I can relax and not worry about being judged on how I look.  Bikers are a family with a big heart and I am proud to be part of that.

Angela

The Spirit of biking number 4 - Ducati Monster

Riding since the age of 16 and now at 70 years the thrill is still there.

John Joyce 09-08-1945

Spirit of biking number 3 - The girl without a bike

This weeks post is one close to my heart and I loved photographing Laura at Sunset.  

"Sometimes life just gets in the way of us doing the things we love.  Whether it be money, work, kids, etc - there will be times when everyone has to make sacrifices.  I started riding when I was 16, but buying my first house last year took priority.  With renovations to do, and a wedding in the next few years, it will be a while before I am back on two wheels.  I hope to one day own a Triumph Bonneville and a Kawasaki Ninja, and go on a proper road trip with my dad."

Laura

Published in South East Biker

I was so excited last year to be published South East Biker magazine, article by the lovely Sandy Caulfield.

We had a fantastic portrait at a private woodland, that we had permission to use.  I loved working with Sandy and her partner's bike's, creating different styles with both the woodland scenery and some outbuildings that were there.

Creating images in my dramatic and signature style.

"Unique, Passionate, Talented - Just 3 words to describe Michelle Szpak - One of the most remarkable and innovative photographers you are likely to come across" - Sandy

Queen of Motorbike Photography

It was amazing to receive the award #Queenof on Twitter the other week.  I am so honoured to be given the title Queen of Motorbike Photography

The trophy will be on its way soon.  What an awesome way to start 2015!!

Crazy... Brave... Living the dream

I can not thank everyone enough for their support with my decision to close the studio and move forward, to be able to work more where my passion is Motorbike Photography,

I have heard many things on this "short" transition to the South Coast....

The words Crazy, Brave and I wish I could do that have been just some of the comments.

 I can not believe I have already been in my amazing new home for a month and a half!  The difference it has made to myself and my life is exactly what I needed.  I have started running again (something I would never have done with the studio).  I am getting away from the computer screen - would you believe actually spending evenings away from Facebook, out with both new and old friends it feels amazing!

I now have Fridays off of work to walk into town and attend dance classes something I have missed for the last 7 years!  

Do not get me wrong I wouldn't change a thing, I have loved the studio, my clients and my team (who I miss a lot)!

For those saying I wish I could do that, wishing that they too could chase their dreams....  I just want to let you know you can do it too!!  It takes working on yourself and it takes stepping out of your comfort zone but its possible! Anything is!

If you think this has been a smooth transition I can promise you it hasn't, I have had my what am I doing moments. Days of panic - have I done the right thing, but sitting here typing while looking out at the sea I know I have and I won't be going back.

Slowing down from my fast pace, 7 days at work a week lifestyle has also been a challenge - learning to relax and not be on go, go, go all the time (I will go more into this in another post).  But slowing down has helped me to get my creativity back.

I am now starting work on a personal motorbike photography challenge which I am very excited to have launched on both Facebook and Twitter (but that is for the next blog post :) )

My 2015 is all about living life and enjoying every minute of it.... make sure you join me!

Michelle

  

A Fork In The Road... Taking A New Direction

The end of 2014 sees me following a dream I have held for over 10 years.

Ever since the idea of living on the coast came to me, I have wanted to follow this path. And now it’s time to set the wheels in motion.

On 24 December, I’ll be closing the Letchworth studio to move on. I’ve had a fantastic time here in Letchworth, where my business has grown from being in The Wynd to much larger premises in Station Road, photographing so many families, seeing many of you grow along the way.

This move is a fantastic opportunity for me to take motorbike portrait photography, a real passion of mine, to a new level.

For these motorbike portraits, all shoots are on location and don’t need studio premises. This will allow me to spend more time with each of my clients, providing a more bespoke and unique service to all.

I started in photography because I loved capturing memories, personalities, which is even more possible when out on location. And I’m so excited that this change of lifestyle will give me more time for myself and in turn more energy and passion for my clients and portraits.

I always believed I wanted the large studio with many staff members, an ever-expanding empire. But especially in this last year, I have realised that actually I want a different lifestyle, one where I connect with all my clients, and allows me a more relaxed pace.

This move will mark the start of a huge lifestyle change for me, where I can regain some of that life/work balance that the studio has not been able to provide me. (If you know me well, you’ll have seen this!)

I’m very excited about this change and look forward to photographing on the beach!

What does this mean for you?

If you’ve been putting off having a studio portrait, make sure you book now! There is very limited space before the studio closes on 24 December, so get in quick. I won’t be taking any bookings for January 2015.

Don’t worry if you miss me! I’ll be back at least four times a year offering you the chance to enjoy a family location portrait. (Dates to be announced on the Facebook page).

If you’d like me to contact you directly with dates when I’ll be back in the area, please let me know so I can make a note.

Thanks for your support in Letchworth and here’s to big new dreams!

Michelle