I like being a female in a man's world... but why do GIRLS make it so difficult?!

Hey hey!
So I wrote this a while ago and realised I had discussed this on my Instagram story the other day, so just gave it a refresh...

This blog could go one of two ways - it comes across as how I intend which is honest and truthful - from my perspective, however, the usual thing when I have discussed this with some people is I'm considered bitchy. I think I have written this quite well to make people understand it from my perspective.

Well, here goes...

Now I've never wanted a regular job. My dream job was to join the Armed Forces and work on vehicles, and up until I fell ill with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, that was the plan. At 15, it all fell apart.
I then never really considered what job I would do - at this point I was a carer for my Dad, my life wasn't exactly normal. To have such aspirations and thoughts of what career I could manage, with a severely ill Dad and with ill health myself. But after I lost him, I started in Social Media & Marketing, which I love!

Anyway - away from the thoughts of job/careers/being a real grown up - I grabbed a DSLR, set up social media and attended car events = voila! Combining my love of content creation and cars.

Now, all this social media, YouTube and photography stuff is not easy. It's SO competitive. 

There are so many amazing photographers out there, with each and every one trying to get noticed, it just isn't easy. 

Now this industry is... predominantly men, and on the odd occasion I've been noticed & chosen over the guys, it's instantly assumed it's cause of your sex as to why you were chosen. Not that you've been selected due to talent, skill, drive, determination or passion. But that's fine, it's to expected.

Guys make up the majority of my social media followers - which is no surprise, cause it's a male dominated industry after all.

But when I first started taking photos of cars, guys were shocked I was out and about doing the same thing they were. They hadn't seen a female wandering around Knightsbridge snapping the supercars. Then when they realised I wasn't some sort of alien, and we started to speak they soon found I was just as passionate about the same stuff as them.
I see all of this is changing now, and it's so cool! I get such amazing messages and support from my followers (males and minority of females) on my social media pages, saying that they admire my drive to stand out in a mans world, by just being me! Not being scared or intimidated and showing off my knowledge (sometimes more than what some of the guys know - love when that happens by the way!)

There's only one thing that annoys me, and it annoys every other genuine passionate female petrolhead I've met, and the true car guys... fake. car. girls.

This is where I will be considered bitchy and that's fine, we all have an opinion at the end of the day - but considering I've had people say things to me, that back my thoughts, feelings and opinions - I don't mind.

No.
I'm not skinny.
I don't have killer legs.
I don't take pics showing boobs or whatever, or proper cringe underwear shots, next to a bagged car or something.
That's fine. Like you do you girl. That's cool. If that's what you wanna do... go for it! But keep that away from being a "car girl."

I don't pursue my passion for attention. I pursue it cause I love it!!
It's in my blood. My Dad taught me all I know about fixing cars, how cars work, what model was what, how to identify cars by the rear lights in the dark from a distance - that kinda stuff.
I don't want to pretend I know this stuff to find a rich car collector boyfriend.
I don't pretend to love this stuff for attention.
I don't want to pretend I'm into this stuff to try and impress someone... I have no one to impress.

But unfortunately the internet is saturated with girls who do "love cars" with the above intentions. I've met a few of these female YouTubers and tried to converse in cars but funnily enough... they suddenly have to rush off?! Convenient.

When trying to compete in a male dominated industry is hard enough, you then have to compete in a superficial world too, which makes it all even harder.
People always say it's me being rude or bitchy but it's not. It's true, in my opinion.
I have people message me frequently asking why this person and that person are getting this gig when clearly (in their opinion) I know more or would be more suited... and I don't respond. If I was bitchy I'd say something rude about the people getting these opportunities in response to these DM's - but I don't. It's just how it goes.

I just find it hilarious when you watch these videos or see posts, and the girls clearly don't know what they're actually reciting, or they get the model of the car they're driving or describing wrong! It cracks me up every time - especially if it's on the manufacturers press day, even funnier.

Oh.
The absolute BEST thing - is where these girls clearly try and act like they don't know of me when we have crossed paths. Orrrrrrrr, where they act like they don't/haven't snooped on my IG and stories etc... when I clearly see they have ;) personal fave!

So yeah, guess I just wanted to vent and show this from my perspective, as a passionate, knowledgable female petrolhead.
Let me make this clear - I'm not bitter, I'm not bitchy. It's just a frustration, and an observation on an industry I would so much love to have a career in.

I get everyone has their jobs to do etc, but its the clear fake love of this stuff - that I literally kill myself for, or the ulterior motives that are just written all over some of these faces you see. But hey... I'm just here doing my thing and they can do theirs.

Anyway, I don't think that was bitchy.
I think I explained my point diplomatically and from my personal perspective. 

End of the day, I let my knowledge and passion speak for itself in my social media posts and YouTube videos, and if people can appreciate that - I'm very grateful, honestly.

Don't get me wrong, there are women in this industry I admire and look up to, whether they're racecar drivers, automotive journalists and road testers, leaders of race teams, analysts within motorsport, car sculptors etc. There are women I admire, but it's a minority unfortunately.
Times are constantly changing - and I guess it's just waiting for the change, where, women will be considered based on brains not beauty.

I know, one day I will be appreciated for the genuine passion, knowledge, love and obsession for cars and it will be rewarded with a cool career within automotive.

Until then, thank you for taking the time to listen to my rants - let me know what you think!

Skully x

London Motor Show - courtesy of Confused.com

I was kindly invited by confused.com to attend the London Motor Show, which this year was held at London's ExCel.

I hadn't previously attended the motor show but was intrigued to attend this year. 
Upon arrival, the screeching of tyres drifting in the hall, could be heard echoing through the entrance halls - which happened to be from a C63 AMG doing demo displays.

You walk in to find a very vibrant confused.com stand surrounded by the newest London Taxi's to the left, a beautiful classic Jaguar XJ220 on display with being detailed and a wild variety of cars on display in the rest of the hall.

Personal favourites were the 997 GT2RS, the array of Hummers, the Low rider, XJ220, Rennsport conversion Targa and as always the Liberty Walk cars look insane on display!

I had a lovely encounter with female CEO of Confused.com, Louise O'Shea. When asked about the show, myself and my friend Harry didn't hold back on being honest regarding our thoughts.
Whereas SEMA is known for crazy cars but is more of a trade show, and then you have Geneva which is about displaying manufacturers next releases - same for Chicago, Detroit or Frankfurt in fact. You then have Goodwood Festival of Speed which is just an insane display of classic cars, racecars, modern cars, supercars, hypercars and future cars. LMS kind of doesn't have an identity or anything as such. It's hard to distinguish what the aim is of the show. Is it a trade show? A display of classics? Do manufacturers intend on doing big future releases like back in the day when the show was at Earls Court?
You hear the older generation discussing how amazing LMS was back in the 70's and obviously with a slight hiatus here and there, things changed.
The current London Motor Show is good but just needs that added "oomph" to stand out.

But, the venue is MUCH better than being hosted at Battersea Park, that's for sure.

It was also interesting to have a chat with some of the staff from Confused.com regarding car insurance and how it all works etc. The staff were incredibly friendly and insightful. I'm hoping when it comes to renewal time on my M140i, we can make the figures work!

Many thanks confused.com for the tickets! YouTube now has my vlog and a few images can be found on my facebook page - found here

Skully x

I promised I would keep this up to date...

Hey people, hope you're all well!

So I promised to keep this going... either my health has taken a hit and I can't manage it, otherwise, it's due to editing and sorting so many photos out - that I then forget to update this after doing them!

Either way, my apologies.

I attended Goodwood 75th Members Meeting on Saturday. That was so cool! Such impressive and historical motors. I attended the event with Automeisje aka Yvette. It was our first meeting and it was so cool to meet a fellow female petrolhead.

What else has happened car wise? Hmm... Been to Dubai a few times. The cars there are just something else. The events are amazing too (I'll do a separate post on that)

I'm now just getting impatient for the good weather and ability to attend more shows, events and shoots!

That's my quick update and apologies for neglecting my page.

As I said, hope everyone is good - any suggestions for the blog etc. let me know!

Skully x

Private shoots... why so awkward?!

So we're a couple of weeks into 2017 already, and I've managed to already attend a car show BUT... I'm missing taking photos so much!!!
There's just something about private shoots, that is so fun. Not even doing it just to show off for social media - just to meet new people, learn more about people's pride & joy and to hopefully create images they enjoy!

Now here's the political issue of it.

I have some lovely people who ask me to take photos for their companies, or for personal use and they pay for my time, travel and efforts.
I mean I'm no professional and I sincerely appreciate when someone wants to pay for my work. 

But it's something that's so awkward!!!
I've had people approach me just expecting my photos (my time) to be free! 

It often goes -

"so wanna do some photos of my car?"
"Sure, what you thinking?"
"Well somewhere near mine, do a few pics"
"Sure! I'll do mates rates too!"
*lots of laughter*
Erm.... You're expecting me to bring my expensive equipment to you, upon your request, and to spend my fuel, time and efforts to come do this for you.... for free.
Really?

I use my expensive camera and lenses (they don't buy themselves unfortunately.) The expensive camera body. The fuel for travel. My time. My effort. The editing time. 

People will say, don't buy such expensive cameras and lenses, but I wanted to upgrade! I just need to maintain it and expand the lens collection. The money would go right back into what it paid for, to keep it moving! Bigger better equipment!

If I say, can I shoot your car - I understand, I asked... therefore I can't charge for my time, upon me asking. Same at a public event! Not right for me to charge for that.

But it's just so awkward!

Then you have people offering everything for free and people choose that option! You kind of lose hope with most people and wait until someone who appreciates your time and work, asks.

But it's just such a touchy subject. When it doesn't need to be.

Anyway, just a random thought as I haven't posted in a couple weeks.
I will definitely try and keep this updated this year!

Take care
Skully x

Twenty Four

2nd January, 1993 saw me enter the world.
A lot has happened in those years. Everyone has their story to tell but mine is certainly an awkward, complex, unpredictable one!
Now, I'm not sure what I want to do/achieve this year... I know after 2016 tried to see me off, I'd rather like 2017 not having an scenarios like that, preferably!

- I know I want to raise more awareness for the illnesses I have, not just for my benefit, but for all those that suffer this horrendous pain!
- I DEFINITELY want to see my godchildren more!

But car wise, I'm not really sure. Obviously getting to drive some more cars would be EPIC but 24 is an awkward age for insurance! BOO. So I guess just experiencing some cars would be just as cool!!

Going to explore more of America is certainly an aim, especially the West Coast as I haven't been! (any companies that want to sponsor a car photographer to visit the West Coast... feel free to get in touch ;) worth a shot! haha)
Travelling in general, as and when time/life allows me would be cool. I really love just going somewhere new and discovering new stuff and meeting new people.

But I guess, I just want to better myself.
- Better ways to manage my time
- Find a way to balance my illnesses, with not overdoing it!!!!!!!
- Just become a better person really.

I really do want to try and blog/vlog more this year. Myself and Demi did film some stuff at some events last year, but never really did anything with it!

I said all my thank you's at New Years, to all the amazing people I know and love, but anyone who reads this... thank you!!

Take care
Skully x

It's not all doom and gloom

So my Facebook reminded me today that on this date in 2009, I failed the majority of my GCSE's. Great, thanks Facebook.
The thing is I'm not even ashamed to say that now. At the time of picking up my results, I felt mortified, I bawled my eyes out and hobbled out of the hall on my crutches with my incredibly unsupportive Head Teacher and Head of Year trying to say "it's fine" like... thanks! That's what I want to hear right now.

I didn't fail my exams due to lack of trying or anything, this part of my life is where it gets hectic and confusing. I shall try and keep it brief and understandable.
I fell ill at the end of 2008, with at the time, suspected M.E (which it turned out to be) But as my doctor was a skeptic I had to continue with life as normal battling the painful and annoying symptoms daily.
It got to a point in 2009 where I had to leave school due to deteriorating health, I was promised they would send me work, well, what a train wreck that was!!! Four months leading up to my exams, I had missed of school. With ZERO pieces of work being sent home for me!
Anyway, leading up to my exams, the school requested doctors letters for the exam boards which we provided.

Exam time came, I was on lots of painkillers, I had my pyjamas on underneath my school uniform and was in an exam hall full of people! Not the extra help I was promised at all, with a room where I had extra time and could lie down as and when needed etc. away from everybody else. Turns out the school hadn't sent the doctors letters off. Brilliant.

Not only was I suffering with my new illness, my Dad had just had a serious leg operation, my sister was incredibly ill with various illnesses, my parents were divorcing, my Nan was diagnosed with Dementia, I had to leave my part time job and I'd stopped playing football which was my FAVOURITE thing in the world... My life was a mess, to then be thrown into my exams!

I survived them though. Just.

Results day came round, I hobbled in on my crutches with the lovely judgemental schoolmates I had staring at me. Opening that envelope I didn't hold much hope.
(See the photo attached for the results - although it was 3 C's & 2D's and excuse the POOR english typing)



In hindsight though... Passing 3 exams was impressive considering how much school I had missed, how doped up I was on painkillers, how ill I was and how much was going on at home.
Now I know my situation isn't "normal" but the point of this post is, everyone has various experiences with exam results.
I know people who did extremely well in their GCSE's and went on to college and uni, but now work in a supermarket!
I know some people who didn't do too well, but they have a good paying job, some in accounting and jobs like that. It all varies!
I didn't go on to further education, as I became bedbound shortly after my exams.

But I look back and think, had I known that from those awful results I'd of been shooting some of the worlds best cars, visiting factories such as Koenigsegg, experiencing shows in the States and the UK and driving cars worth more than my life!!!! I wouldn't of cried, I'd actually say "that's fine by me."

A lot of the positives have weirdly been down to social media and the people I've been incredibly lucky to meet. From Zalasin & ItsWhiteNoise to the guys at Oakley Design, and everyone in between.

If you failed your exams, don't worry! You'll figure something out!
Just follow your hearts passion and enjoy it!
I know photography isn't my career or even anywhere near it, but one day I'd like to hope it could be. I'm also incredibly lucky to have such an amazing Dad to support me! Again, my situation isn't "normal" but we make it work.

Take it easy

Skully x

Been a while! Blogging or Vlogging? Do I continue?

Afternoon people,

I sincerely apologise for having not been writing my highly opinionated thoughts about my shoots, Central London supercar news articles and cars in general!

I must admit, I kind of forgot about blogging! I did do some vlogging and I love doing it cause I get to annoy people with my instant thoughts and feelings regarding cars as it's all instant and in the moment! Whereas writing, I take time to stop and think about what I've written and re-read it etc. so it's not quite as exciting I guess. Plus let's face it, it's effort reading something in comparison to going to YouTube and watching a video!

So blogging or vlogging...
Well blogging has the positive of not having to worry about how ill I look on camera! (or how chunky I look!)
I can happily sit with a box of Jaffa Cakes, no make up, hair in a bun and in my trackies writing away... and no one would know. Clearly NOT happening atm *cough*
Vlogging, I really enjoy showing people my point of view at events and in friends cars etc. Now I haven't done many videos lately, some of the opportunities I do regret having not filmed such as:
- Koenigsegg visit and shoot (oh and going in the Regera with Christian von Koenigsegg driving)
- Driving the Porsche 918!!! EPIC EPIC FAIL.
- More of my car spotting Golf antics
- Events in general! I like showing people what sort of events I attend and my perspective

Obviously, the other main issue with vlogs is that I don't have enough arms for it. Trying to hold a camera along with my DSLR, where my priority is to get stills, is tricky!
I hopefully have some more cool stuff coming up where I may try and vlog it... Big question is though, with so many people doing it now! Do I revive the vlogs?!

Anyway as always, my IG is kept up to date (as best as possible) with my photos: @skullsandsnaps

I shall try and get back into my writing though. It's quite therapeutic...
Take care

Jo x

Just another Daily Mail article about Knightsbridge...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3197127/My-week-Blingmobiles-SARAH-RAINEY-joins-Middle-Eastern-boy-racers-flying-supercars-eye-wateringly-vulgar-spin.html

If you keep up to date on these articles, you will see... it's 99.9% the same as any previous article discussing the "Ramadan Rush" with the "crazy wraps" or the "loud noises" that "disturb residents."

Well...

This article is essentially narrated, like a children's story in parts, for example: when referencing The Wolf Of Knightsbridge and his dispersing of the crowd. It kind of read like a retelling of The Three Little Pigs, as though he was huffing and puffing till they all blew away!

Whilst on the subject of TWOK, the way this story made Angelo, TWOK & the owner sound was just... arrogant! I can tell you from personal knowledge of these people, that's been written so dramatically.
"I am forbidden from touching the plush red-and-white leather interior; forbidden from pressing the astounding array of buttons and levers that dot the dashboard; and, above all else, forbidden from putting my foot anywhere near the accelerator." YOU ARE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S CAR!! You are in THEIR 6x6, it's not a regular G63 or anything. Of course you can't just go touching everything! They don't let just anyone sit in there either.

One thing I have commonly noticed with these articles, they send women. Now I'm basically the only female to take pics in Knightsbridge of the cars, I've written in the past and made a video with a great friend of mine about how difficult being a female in this male dominated industry is. When these female journalists show up, with no passion or knowledge of these cars, the way they portray them is awful! Not to mention stats and figures are often HORRIFICALLY misquoted. On that note, the "Orange" which is more like Red & Black McLaren P1 is by MSO and quoted at £850,000... I'd try somewhere more in the region of a million plus.

The article actually tells of how much money these visitors spend, which is a great boost to the local economy. The article uses that lovely term "Ramadan Rush." The thing is, that's not why they're here. It's to escape the heat in Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai etc. The dates of Ramadan change yearly, so it just doesn't make sense and is such a cringe term used by the press.

"These cars may be dazzling to look at, but with them comes trouble: traffic chaos as they stop on yellow lines, hurtle down one-way streets and fail to pay parking fines." Yes, they may be dazzling. Trouble doesn't tend to come from them. Chaos more often than not is caused by London Taxis, with ridiculous numbers lining up way outside of the allocated bay of the Taxi rank. Followed by minicabs and chauffeurs (in UK plated cars) just stopping in the narrow one way streets surrounding Harrods to collect or drop off passengers. Hurtling is far from what a good proportion do! You may have the odd one or two who will put their foot down, but the articles make it sound like EVERY single Arab guest is just wanting to break the law by having a lead foot!

Shmee150 has done an amazing video highlighting the speeding, sound, disturbance, nuisance complaints regarding the Arab cars - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxLDItrQoWc - and yet again, the paper fails to mention how it's the Brits who are the main perpetrators for the noise and speed on Sloane Street.

I just feel the press want to constantly make this a huge deal and it's frankly boring and pathetic. Can someone at least get a new angle on this topic?! Like... maybe how the average speed of the new Aventador SV visiting from Qatar was 13mph!!! Not 130, 13!!! Yet, 2 seconds after that goes cruising by, an English plated BMW M3 goes flying down the same straight strip at terrifying speeds!

It's so annoying! Anyway, I could continue but that's my rant over. Goodnight.

Skully x

Oh... also mentioning the Swarovski Crystal Mercedes is a bit of a fail in that article - it's English NOT Arab.

Supercar Siege 2015

Now I saw this event advertised by Mulgari Automotive, who were sponsors of the event. The other thing that caught my eye about this event was the charity, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund - I come from a military family so any way in which we can donate to any supportive charity, I'm game.

I arrived incredibly early BUT it was so worth it to see a LaFerrari in my rear view mirror as I entered the gates of Leeds Castle (which isn't in Leeds... It's in Kent) I lead a convoy of a LaFerrari & a 458, with Ross one of the organisers in front of me.

 

As we passed through the windy tree covered entrance road we approached a massive Royal Navy helicopter along side a Pagani Zonda F and a Koenigsegg Agera N.

 

It was such a beautiful setting and although I was there incredibly early, I was quite glad I was. I had these incredible cars essentially all to myself for pics! No people walking past! No battles for angles with other photographers! It was lovely... albeit cold.

The minute the gates open to all the cars, all hell broke loose!! We had American hot rods, supercar classics, supercars, modified car clubs, japanese cars by the dozen... it was amazing!

 

The mayhem didn't stop with just the cars coming in to set up! People heard just how good the event was once the gates opened and flocked to the castle... and caused major traffic all down the motorway!

The Sporting Bears were there doing passenger rides for donations and they SOLD OUT! Owners took out their pride and joys in the blazing sun putting smiles on peoples faces over a 10 mile track.

Anyway it was an incredibly hot day with a great atmosphere, fantastic cars and beautiful scenery. The event raised over £30,000 if I'm not mistaken, which is just amazing!!

Here's a few more pics and if you want to view all of the, - here's the link - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkingman/sets/72157653085373876

There's also a link to SeenThroughGlass' youtube video of the day - it's a fab watch so check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azKYnBuJqNo

Auto Italia at Brooklands 2015

Italian cars. So beautiful to look at.

Lamborghini. Ferrari. Alfa Romeo. Maserati. Fiat.
All had fantastic numbers attend. Seeing so many of each brand, was like viewing a production line at each factory. Such variations, and the care people have taken to keep the older models so pristine is amazing.

I was attending with Lamborghini Club UK and they had a stunning display of 52 cars! Ranging from various models of Gallardo's, to a Murcielago SV and obviously Aventadors with a few other models!

This Lamborghini Aventador, courtesy of Lamborghini Pangbourne, was absolute perfection!! The Black & Gold just looked incredible. The Gold stitching on the interior looked flawless and the Gold alloys just finished this off beautifully.

One of my favourite images was this...  The stand off!!

Visitors to LCUK's stand was Oakley Design's Matte Chrome Green LP680 Huracan! This colour was just stunning. It suited the car so well, really showcasing it's shape.

The club was lucky to participate in the parade lap. Prior to the Lambo's getting to be unleashed (a tad) on track. These guys went first...

I really enjoy getting to shoot these incredible cars, that are a part of LCUK. They're cars you can only dream of getting close to when you're young!

Now these were some of my favourite pics I took -

For the full album - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkingman/sets/72157652332933006

Skully x