Feb 8, 2010
Graham Watson is widely regarded as one of the world’s best cycling photographers. Graham’s photographs have appeared in almost every major cycling book and magazine around the world. He sets the standard in print quality, with breathtaking images that are available for purchase via his website.
602nds were fortunate to catch-up with Graham after the Tour Down Under.
602nds: The Tour Down Under continues to grow each year here in Australia. From your experience traveling the globe how is the race perceived by overseas cyclists and fans?
Graham: Difficult to say because Australia is so far away, and the TDU still a very early event, for traditional fans to equate fairly – unless they are actually there. I’ve watched the TDU grow each year and it will be very hard to improve on what we saw this January. But we have to allow for Lance not being there in a year or two – that might make quite a difference at first. Most of us would like to see harder stages in the TDU as a sprinter winning 3-4 stages is not a good image for the race. I think the race is perceived in Europe as being ‘too easy’ because of this, even though the opposite is often true.
602nds: Do you have a favourite mountain climb anywhere in the world when you rub your hands together when you see it in a race?
Graham: I suppose the Mont Ventoux or Col de Galibier are the two most awesome climbs in the sport, I get all excited when I know they are on the programme! Good scenery and action shots are guaranteed, whereas as Alpe d’Huez only has the climbing challenge – there’s not a lot of scenery.
602nds: With over 30 years experience in cycling photography is there one image that stands out ahead of others?
Graham: I took a shot of Lemond & Hinault at Alpe d’Huez in the 1986 Tour – nothing has come anywhere near to that since. It shows them looking very gladitorial as they climb the mountain, eyes bright, focussed, with plenty of scenery and fans in the background. It recorded a moment in cycling history that means as much as the content of the image.
602nds: What is the one image that didn’t work out the way you wanted and you still kick yourself about?
Graham: I think it has to be in the 2001 Tour, at Alpe d’Huez, when Lance attacked Ullrich and gave him ‘the look’. He’d fooled everyone including me that he was too weak to attack – a great moment missed.
602nds: What advice can you offer the novice photographer with a passion for taking sporting photographs?
Graham: Make sure your passion carries you a long way, for getting into photography is a very challenging task these days. Keep your photography simple to begin with; get the basics right; learn to compose, expose and get everything in focus to start with; as you progress, buy longer lenses, and learn about using flash as well. If you are passionate about any subject, it helps your photography as you have a deeper interest than photographers merely looking to take shots.
602nds: What is your favourite wine?
Graham: The most difficult question, because I love most wines! Easier to choose a region’s wines – so mine is Piemonte, west of Turin in Italy. Names like Barolo are well known, but I also love Barbera d’Asti and especially the Nebbiolo variety nearby. All reds of course – white wine is just a thirst quencher.