As part of my research I wanted to look at some relevant photo stories that had already been produced and published. I found "on any given Thursday" by Colin Wiseman in "cranked" magazine and the story is all around the history and progression of a secret MTB spot called 'the shires' and its riders. I chose to look at this story as it is a similar topic and direction that I plan to take my own photo story. I liked that the story was told with the purpose to inform/ enlighten people of what can happen when a bunch of like minded individuals put there heads and hearts together, as well as let people who may have never heard of the place know its story.
I like that it covers the origins of the spot, the major events, as well as the lives of the people that build and ride there, the story highlights the passion these people have for the sport, location, and building trails. This passion for the sport is what leads to bigger and better things both in the tricks they do, the trails development , as well as the lives that these people live. All of this is shown within the story both through the images and the accompanying text.
What I noticed in this photo story was that the images didn't necessarily follow the story that the text was telling and instead was adding a new dimension and view to the place. Firstly the image you see on the title page does not relate to the text however it does tell you that the story is about some extremely talented riders. The text talks about the history, events, details and overall story of the place and the images show you some of the current people that ride and dig at the shires which gives you a nice balance between getting to know the location as well as the people.
On page two you get introduced to a few members of the crew through a group portrait, all holding their own 'shire' brand bike frames. This not only introduces the characters to this story nicely but also introduces the style and fashion of the sport to people who may be a new to the world. The fact they are holding their own brand of bikes shows the viewer that they managed to make something positive out of doing what they love. You also see three images of them riding which highlights the skill and dedication they put in to the sport due to the images showing the crazy things that these people attempt on their bikes.
Next you get introduced to a core belief in the sport, you see a photo of a shovel with the words 'no dig no ride' cut into it, and on the page across the text talks about the effort they have all put in to take the place from a natural, untouched forest to a play park for bikes. It talks about how often these ramps need fixing and how much upkeep they need to stay as good as they can. This gives context to the image and the rule because you see that this isn't just something that's been built and will last forever its something that if people abuse it will fall into disrepair. The temporary nature of this spot adds to why they are so secretive and select on who can ride there, but nobody rides without digging.
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