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

2016... Well I never...

It's been another year filled with hair colour changes, more ink additions, health ups & downs and yet, still, many miles travelled... all for the sake of these 4 wheeled wonders!
The thing is, I don't really know where to start and what to say about this year! It's all slightly surreal.
I had to go back on my Instagram, and also look through my hard drives to remind myself of this years antics. Some things feel like years ago, whilst some only feel like yesterday!
I've had a couple of things happen that I could of NEVER predicted would happen in my life... yet, alone all in one year.
The funny thing is, all this car photography stuff started because my GP at the time told me I needed to get a hobby. Anyway, I've had this "hobby" for 3 years now. Which isn't long in comparison to some people I've met. But I've had some incredible experiences in this time! Beyond imaginable!
They say a lot can change in a year and upon reflecting the events of this year, it certainly can.

January, I had the awesome experience of shooting at Koenigsegg for Koenigsegg and Shmee150. Getting to ride in the Regera with Christian von Koenigsegg and do the first proper shoot of this car, was incredible!!!! It helped that it was snowing to really set the scene and make my photos really stand out.

Little did I know that these photos would basically go viral, with them still being shared and reposted on social media pages today! A few images also got printed on canvas for display at the Geneva Motor Show, along with being published in the Koenigsegg magazine and featuring in the Salon Prive catalogue. So a massive thanks to Tim & then the team in Angelholm.

Another year of working with the lovely guys at Oakley Design...
I love these guys! I'm picked on like I'm one of the lads, we have great laughs on our road trips and I'm honoured & privileged to be invited back time and time again to shoot and show off their unique and performance enhancing modifications!
Whether I'm shooting their Veyron in the Graffiti Tunnel at 3am, leaning over a banking section of a test circuit in France or I'm on a forklift to get aerial shots of a P1, it's always a pleasure to showcase their work.
I cannot wait for their expansion to their new units next year, they thoroughly deserve it! I look forward to working with you again next year and thank you for another incredible year.










I MET JENSON BUTTON!! I forgot this was this year, but oh my God, it was amazing. Attending the London Classic Car Show for the first time ever and meeting someone I've been such a fan of for so long - was insanely cool! He was so lovely - as was Suzi Perry, Jodie Kidd & Bruno Senna. It was also a celebration of the McLaren F1, so that was epic!

Ryan Lugg, hosting his awesome Supercars Of Essex car events, and Cars & Curry nights - has been pretty damn cool too. Especially when a McLaren F1 shows up at a curry house!!! Now that was slightly crazy! But thank you for putting on some cool events and drives, Ryan!

Then a quick run through of other events from this year that have been pretty cool...
- Gumball 3000 coming to town!
- Auto Italia (basically where it all started for me, 3 years ago)
- Blancpain at Brands Hatch = where we also saw the P1 GTR & Aston Martin Vulcan flying round the track
- Blancpain at Silverstone = massive thanks to Pasin Lathouras for the pass for that!
- Goodwood Breakfast Meeting = shooting the Shmee150 "Blue Crew" final drive together
- Goodwood FoS
- Fast Factory meet
- Icons by the Lake = great events hosted by Lee Hill!
- Being invited to the opening of Ford Epsom
- Salon Prive = although it was very very very wet, it was a very cool event with some stunning cars
- Visiting the set of Transformers = SEEING A CENTENARIO ON THE ROAD!!!!! <3
- Passione Ferrari was a fun day = FXXK <3 599XX <3 LaFerrari <3 sounding epic on track!
- Mercedes Petronas F1 Team Christmas Party!!! (Massive thanks Mike!!)
- Special thanks to CarCrazedFool and Porsche Colchester! Especially for the epic 911R shoot! :)

Special mention to Ciro, owner of The Sharnbrook - his events are always amazing. The variety of cars is brilliant, the atmosphere is fantastic... he does such a superb job, I cannot wait for next years events.
Then you have the usual attendees, Yianni & Lenny. I can't thank them enough for looking out for me and checking on me! They aren't just hilarious, they're both very kind guys... but shh, don't ruin their image now ;)








Now, a moment of reflection to sort of round this up.
23rd June, 2016... Probably the scariest event of my life. BUT. I learnt a lot.
A lot changed. A lot then made sense to me.
That date, the day of the accident I was involved in, en route to Goodwood.
I thought that was it, truth be told. Game over.
Alas, someone somewhere said it wasn't and TA DAH! All of us involved are still here today.
I learnt who cared, I learnt who didn't. There were people who showed up asap! There were people who I'd thought were my best friends, yet never even sent a message to check I was okay!
The biggest thing I learnt, every opportunity you're handed... take it! You don't know when your time is up.
There's people I met after that accident, and people I grew closer to that I'd of never met, but I'm SO bloody thankful I survived and did!!

Which leads me to some special people and special events - Demi, Chris & Roger! Our trip to the Nurburgring was so much fun, we may not of seen anything incredible but it was sure damn fun!

Our trip to Dubai, now that was epic! Cars we saw, cars we shot, people we met, sights we saw... LOVED IT. Part of the reason for going was so I could meet up with someone, yes... I'm that crazy person who flies half way round the world to meet them!
A massive thank you to Natalia Itani, her kindness, hospitality and sweet words meant a lot! Plus, that Huracan was beautiful! MUCH MUCH MUCH want <3

Anyway, to my "gang" - LOVE YOU GUYS!! I look forward to what 2017 has in store!

Then everyone else, I haven't forgotten about you - be it spotters & photographers, people I see at events, or friends I haven't seen in ages - that are away from cars (sorry! these cars are rather time consuming and energy depleting!)
but you've all made this year amazing and I can't put into words how thankful I am for you all!!!!
To those who have been in my life and left - thank you to you to. I've learnt a lot.

It was a special year in managing to get Dad out and about - so proud of him, my hero! But the support we have from you guys is just... indescribable! So thank you...

Health isn't amazing in our house, but it could always be worse! I missed a few epic things... LIKE A VENENO cause pain was just too bad but oh well.

Anyway,
Much love, health, happiness and positivity for 2017!
Take care.
Jo

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

How did this article get the the green light?!

http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/13713677.display/

This has genuinely shocked me! The above link needs to be viewed prior to reading the rest of what I'm about to discuss.

The above article, is borderline inciting criminal damage. How can someone openly write in the press that they agree with the fact someone keyed someone else's car, for no reason at all?! Well. Sorry. That's dreadful!

"I hate to generalise but allow me to generalise. You can't spend more than a house worth on a car and claim the moral high ground." REALLY?! Whether the owner of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was born into money or bought the car himself, that is irrelevant. It was still his car! His property! Some people are fortunate to have money to spend on a nice car. I think he has every right to take the moral high ground! The owners car was just parked, in a car park, not in harms way...

Bringing in how SOME arrogant supercar/luxury car owners drive is just distasteful generalisation based on the actions of a minority. Funnily enough, even how they drive still doesn't warrant damaging someone else property!

This woman clearly doesn't go out in these "swanky cars" as she is totally clueless that there are owners who drive responsibly. The funny thing is, I'm not a clueless individual just defending the drivers. I'm fortunate in getting to go out in these cars and seeing that people do obey the laws of the road.

She also hasn't heard of organised car events which actually allow you to go over the National Speed Limit on a thing called a "closed track" - this is why we have many circuits around the country and events such as V Max to experience the high speeds in a safe controlled environment.

These types of articles really make me laugh in just going off of stereotypes and tarnishing everyone with the same brush.

"Surely a chap confident in his man credentials would be happy in a Nissan Leaf, ostentatiously plugging it in to charge at a city centre rapid charging point, winking at the ladies going by as he shows how much he cares about the future of the planet." Okay and this is just sexist! Do women not own these fancy cars?!

This also made me chuckle! "The level of fancy of the car is in direct proportion to the level of morality of the driver. You don't get boy racers in a Fiat 500." The last bit! Oh my life! I guarantee you, I've seen more boy racers in Fiat 500's than I've ever seen boy racers in supercars.

Anyway, I'm going to end this here as this is just hysterical!

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.

The Supercar Event - In Aid of The Children's Trust Charity

I attended this event last year and it was brilliant. Cars & sunshine. Perfect.

BUT... With a wider variety of cars to watch on track, the sound of the sirens from the Surrey Police & Fire Service display stands, to the stunning display of Lamborghini's from Lamborghini Club UK, and the echo of Sporting Bears blasting around the outskirts of the track & nearby roads... This year, The Supercar Event had upped their game!

It was split over a 2 day weekend but I must say, Sunday was brilliant. The number of cars was incredible along with the superb weather (unlike Saturday with it's wash out!)

Joe Macari provided their LaFerrari for the start of the day on Saturday, working through plenty of petrol but providing plenty of smiles.

The variety of Lamborghini's that appeared on the LCUK stand over the 2 days was brilliant. From a Banana Yellow Diablo SV all the way through to the latest Lambo, the Huracan. They displayed some real beauties!

I unfortunately got no images of the Sporting Bears cars (apart from a beautiful Orange Performante) as those guys just don't stop!!! They were just producing ride after ride for people. Incredible guys!

There was plenty of stalls for people to enjoy too, but I think everyone was focused on the cars!

Here's a few images and a link to the full album -
TSE Saturday - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkingman/sets/72157652606003833
TSE Sunday - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkingman/sets/72157652679223713

Skully x