The snow came in March and for many it was wonderful to see. The snow fell midweek and the majority of schools stayed open. Not much time to get the slides out for some toboganning. The snow was great for taking photographs. In the evening rush hour through the village, I found that my iPhone enabled me to get some atmospheric pictures. Headlamps and snow flurries against the old buildings is a good mix for composition.
Early evening snowfall in the Village.
In the morning, the scenery was bright and white. More snow had fallen overnight and I went out again with my camera. The trick with snow pictures is to crank up the exposure compensation so as to counteract the camera wanting to underexpose. On the iPhone the Camera+ app allows you to adjust the exposure setting. Several of the pictures in the Nature area of the park worked really well.
The park with a blanket of snow.Knowle park in the Snow.Framed by the snow.The outlines of trees I the snowSnow on the bushesPath through the Nature Reserve.Christmas card scenes in the village.
I also took some pictures of the High Street. We have a red letter box and telephone kiosk. The colours set against the white snow work really well. I was also very lucky that several villagers decided to wear red that morning. The colour co-ordination made for some very good pictures that proved very popular on my social media feed.
Knowle Church with snowVisit Knowle sign covered in snow.The red colours stand out in the snow.More snow scenes in Knowle
I hope you enjoyed these pictures and now let us hope that spring returns in the following weeks.
A lone tree covered in snow.
Here are some pictures from 2017. Looking back, I should have done some better adjusting of the exposure settings but even so they show the village show bound
As you hurtle down Great Charles Street, Queensway, heading south out of the city, you will emerge from one of the tunnels keeping your eye on the traffic filtering in from the left. As you are concentrating on the road ahead, you will most likely miss the blue footbridge crossing the road. Constructed from concrete and steel this pedestrian bridge links Church Street and Ludgate Hill. When you stand in the middle of the narrow bridge, you can feel the structure vibrate from the traffic pounding the tarmac below.
Standing on the footbridge looking up to the lights on Ludgate Hill.
The bridge is best visited at night especially if you are a photographer. There is a super opportunity for a long exposure as you look south. The symmetrical road structure with the tunnel ahead of you makes for an ideal canvas for car light trails. Cars peel off to the left and if you time the traffic lights correctly then cars filter in from the right. Using my x100v resting on the flat metal railing, I am ready for the long exposure. Camera settings of ISO160, f/16 and shutter speed of 30seconds will give good results. The north view is also interesting but does not have the same symmetry as the south.
Looking north with the light trials from the traffic.
Whilst I was taking photographs, a group were running over the bridge and this allowed me to take a few street shots as they came down the ramps. I am sure there will be plans to replace this metal structure with a larger one and a search on the web mentions this is being explored. Until then, it remains a great place for those long exposure pictures.
Running over and down the bridge.Looking towards Church St.
If you fancy a walk around Birmingham then be sure to follow more of my blog entries. The link below is a good starting point.
St Paul’s church is situated in the Jewellery quarter and is a picturesque escape from the busy city centre which is only a stone’s throw away. The square has so much character and is always a delight to visit. I was dropping off my picture with the RBSA gallery and happened to have half an hour to spare. I wandered around the perimeter of the square. Immediately I saw that there were some early displays of daffodils on the east side of the square. The picture of the daffodils with the church in the background is one that I have tried before. This time the picture caught the imagination of social media. The image was featured in England’s Big Picture and Independent Birmingham Instagram and Twitter pages.
The church interior with the central picture of the Conversion of Saint Paul.
As I walked around to the church entrance, I noticed that it was open and so I ventured inside. I have been inside a few times before but never with my camera. The sun was streaming in through the windows making a lovely scene of shadows and light. The pictures of the church, which is a grade I listed building, show the features. The East window has a enamelled stained glass window depicting the Conversion of Saint Paul. The organ has a long history including when it was built and a list of organists over the years. The pews have doors to them and there is a sign indicating that Mathew Boulton had a pew in the Church as the photograph shows.
Mathew Boulton worshipped at Saint Paul’s ChurchThe organ has a long history.
The Millennium window caught my eye. This was sponsored by the Birmingham Assay Office. There was a competition and the winner was Rachel Thomas with her stained glass window ‘The Angel’s Crucible’ based on Job 28.
The Millennium stained glass window is worth a visit in its own right.The splendid eagle lecture.Beautiful light inside the church.
There is much much more including the Eagle pulpit, the organ with its history and the balcony surrounding the inside view. There is so much to write about and once you have looked at the photographs then be sure to visit the webpages of the church and more about the history. I will leave you with a few photographs of the outside of the church including the resident pigeons.
This couple is walking past the church towards the Jam House onto the skyscrapers of SnowhillThe residents of St Paul’s Church and Square.A view of the church in-between the trees.
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) organise a Photographic competition every 2 years. This is a very prestigious photographic exhibition, and the judging is very competitive. Two years ago one of my Lockdown photographs was selected and I was very pleased to have been selected. This year my picture of Alder Lake in Washington State, USA was selected. The picture was also given a good “hang” meaning it was in the centre of the room and therefore more accessible for viewing. Although I did not make the final prize selection, just being selected means a great deal. I am only now, at a late stage in my life, making the most of my photography and I am enjoying every moment. There were several other photographers and friends that I knew at the private view in the gallery which made the evening more enjoyable as well.
A selfie in front of my picture
You can learn more about the work of the RBSA on their website.
Scotland is a wonderful place to always visit and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a weekend on Loch Lomond in February with Sandy. Having flown up on the Friday morning, we picked up our hire car and made our way to Duck Bay on the bonny shores of the Loch. A magnificent rainbow greeted us set against the backdrop of Ben Lomond. I knew then that it was going to be a lucky weekend.
A rainbow at Duck Bay with Ben Lomond in the background.
So much to see around the shores and following Duck Bay, we headed over to the east side of the Loch. When we arrived at Balmaha, the low sun was reflecting off the water creating beautiful light reflections. I love visiting such places out of season as the places are quiet and you have the place to yourselves. Balmaha houses the Loch Lomond coffee house and the pub serves a tasty bowl of soup. After a stroll around the Lochside we drove back to Balloch.
The lovely view over Balmaha on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond.
Our destination for the end of the day was Loch Lomond shores. Whilst it is very commercial and more concrete than aesthetics, it is redeemed by the views of the Loch. Also I saw that renovation of the Maid of the Loch steamer was gathering pace and that the paint work had been stripped off and the metal was showing.
Loch Lomond ShoresThe Maid of the Loch under restoration.
Saturday morning threw up some colours in the sunrise and an early morning photographic stroll allowed for some interesting long exposures. We were staying at the Cameron House hotel and the grounds gave excellent access to the loch shore.
Early morning view of Loch Lomond.
After breakfast, we set off for Inveraray to visit the prison museum. This attraction was excellent and gave an insight into the past society and the harsh life people led in the Highlands especially if they broke the rules. There was a restored black Mariah which Bill one of the staff, showed us and also provided an excellent account of life at the prison. It was an enjoyable drive along the Loch. After every turn on the road, there was spectacular scenery just asking to be photographed.
This is Bill dressed up as one of the prison guards at Inveraray JailBill telling us about the Black Mariah prison transport.Inverary on the Loch Fyne shore.
My favourite picture of the day was stopping at the layby “Rest and be Thankful”. There was a glimpse of the sun which lit up the valley and highlighted the old military road and the roadworks on the side of the mountains. I just stood there for several minutes taking in the beautiful scenery.
Rest and Be Thankful.
On our last morning, the weather was dull with a great deal of cloud cover. As I wandered along Duck Bay looking for photo opportunities, I passed by many people huddled together talking in low voices. I wondered what they were doing. Undeterred, I found a good spot on the Loch shore and set up for a long exposure. I found an interesting stone in the water and lined it up with the island in the background. A very peaceful scene. As I was taking the photograph, two women in wet suits ventured into the loch and I found out that they were freshwater swimmers. They agreed to have their photograph taken. Whilst they were well prepared for the cold waters, a man followed soon after and he looked unprepared and a likely candidate for hypothermia from the low temperatures.
A Sunday morning swim in a cold Loch Lomond.
On my way back I then realised that all the people who were standing in huddles had transformed into swimmers. I realised that a favourite Sunday morning pastime is to venture into the cold waters around the Loch. This is not something that I would enjoy.
My final picture is from Firkin Point which I had not stopped off at before on my visits to Loch Lomond. I discovered the lone tree over the Loch. The afternoon had closed in and so the picture leant itself really well to a black and white processing.
The lone tree at Firkin Point.
I you enjoyed this account of Loch Lomond then be sure to read these as well.
This posting of oil and water photography brings you a selection of more colourful abstract pictures. Here are some more eye popping pictures from the colourful world of Oil and water. Make sure you stay for the links at the end as well.
The mix of the coloursDoes this remind you of anyone?Mellow Yellow with a hint of blue.Crowded out by the red.
If you enjoyed this then here are some more Oil and Water blogs including how it was done. I hope you liked the title that pays homage to the Deep Purple song, ‘Smoke on the water’.
The great fire of London has captured my granddaughter Lily’s imagination. We have been discussing the fire as she was learning about the historical events in history. As I would have some free time in London, I decided that I must go and visit the Monument near to London Bridge. In all my time in London, the Monument is a place that I have never visited. The Monument commemorates the Great Fire of London in 1666. Having stayed overnight in London, I wanted to see the sunrise from the Tower of London. As I was in the area, my next stop was St Katherine’s dock for breakfast and then a walk on the North Bank of the Thames to the Monument.
Anahita, the artist performing steps dressed in climbing gear,
When I arrived at the monument, I was able to walk straight in but before going up I was informed that there was a performance taking place and hoped that this would not impact on my experience. Quite the opposite, I was pleased that not only would I be climbing the 311 steps up to the top but that there was the chance to experience something different. At the bottom of the monument there was a wheel chair which gave a clue to what was happening higher up the stairs.
Leaving the wheelchair behind.
Two thirds of the way up, I met Anahita who was shuffling up the stairs. She was dressed in climbing gear and was moving up the stairs back first. I asked Anahita how she was getting on and whether she minded me taking her picture.
The going is steady but tough for AnahitaWhichever way you look at it, the spiral of steps is immense,Determination to reach the top.
This brave and inspirational woman explained that she was performing ‘STEPS’, a never-seen-before performance. Anahita is a British Iranian artist who is a wheelchair user. Her performance was being live streamed. After passing by, I reached the top of the monument and enjoyed the amazing views. I even recorded a video for the grandchildren to let them know that I had been to the top. On the way back down, I encountered Anahita again who was nearly at the top. I wished her well and continued down the steps to the bottom. She left a big impression and congratulations on her strength and determination.
Views from the top of the Monument.Tower Bridge and the Thames.London’s burning
Here are a few links about Anahita and her work to bring recognition to Wheelchair users.
I had some time to visit the canal in North London and my starting point was just north of Kings Cross Station,accessing the canal from York Way bridge. Making my way north I passed Coal Drops Yard and under the railway bridges. There was a Canal and River Trust stand near to Gasholder park and whenever I see them then I always stop and have a chat. Abeselom was one of the three representatives from the Canal and River Trust on the stand. I struck up conversation with Abeselom and mentioned my 100 strangers project. I was told that all my subjects smile and an artist friend said that my strangers should look more interesting. So Abeselom provided a suitable expression for me causing some merriment.
Abeselom strikes a pose for the Canal and River Trust.Canal reflections at St Pancras Canal Basin.
A few steps on and I noticed some striking reflections of the boats in St Pancreas Canal Basin. The boats, trains and buildings made for some fascinating pictures. I move on along the towpath. There were interesting people, buildings and activity all along the route. It is a people thoroughfare. There was a photo workshop, people with suitcases and some intriguing buildings.
A view on the canal.Colours and nature.The canal locks at Camden
Eventually I reached Camden locks and browsed around the Market which linked underneath the railway arches. This was a great place to visit and the range and diversity of the shops was amazing. The place was great for street photography plus there were interesting statues and displays as you will see in the pictures below. Finally I moved down the road to Camden Tube station and made my way down to Fitzrovia where my meeting was taking place.
A larger than life soldier.Lost and trapped.
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That bridge at Camden.Colours of CamdenCrossing the rainbow crossingMore colours on the street.Colourful shopsWalk like an Egyptian.
If you liked this then I have other blog postings that you may like.
A thought provoking memorial to the Covid19 pandemic sits in the gardens of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. There are four statues standing expressing emotions of despair, tiredness and exhaustion. These bronze cast life sized figures are based on the real life experiences of three health care workers. The work is called “Your next breadth” and you have to pass by it as you enter into the Royal College.
The four figures.
I was there for a conference and had the opportunity to visit the artwork. I was inspired to take many pictures at different angles of which my personal selection is shown in this blog. The artist and sculptor, Kenny Hunter, designed this work and I found more examples of his work on Instagram. These four figures are set out in a diamond with three looking forward and the fourth looking into the circle with arms outstretched. They radiate a powerful message about working at the frontline during Covid19 and are a fitting tribute to all the health workers that were involved in the care of patients.
Face of despairFace of exhaustionFace of concern
. Like any emotive pieces of artwork, the photography is a challenge as you look to take a picture that is different from all the publicity pictures that have been taken. I felt privileged to be able to take the pictures that are in the blog. As readers will know, I have seen many tributes and several of them have been featured in my blog. The photography of this memorial adds to my increasing story of the pandemic and how people are remembering what happened. These tributes will allow people to find closure after a turbulent time in the history of mankind.
Even during the night.
This is one of several art installations that have occurred since the pandemic. I have provided links to these for your further reading.
The streets of Edinburgh lend themselves to street photography. The natural backdrop of old buildings and captivating views of the surrounding countryside help to frame the people as they go about their everyday life. The winter light is strong and directional. The stonework reflects the light and makes for some interesting pictures. Here is a selection for you to enjoy.
Light and shadows on the junction of Fleshmarket Close and Cockburn Street.Looking up both Cockburn St and Fleshmarket Street.In a rush for politics.The view over Holyrood to Arthur’s Seat.Waiting at the corner.Detail from the Royal MileWhose scooter is it?Old Infirmary LaneJacob’s ladder with Waverley in the background.Let us wait here forever. Calton Hill.
If you liked my take of the Streets of Edinburgh then please search for Street Photography in my blog. Here are a selection for you to look through and enjoy.
