Matt Meadows Photography

Mousehole harbour

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:54:26 -0800

This is a seond shot taken recently during by trip to Cornwall.

The light was low and overcast, but it gave a moody, heavy feel to the sky which I tried to capture.

If you like it, let me know. If you don't then let me know why!

I am always interested in hearing the opinions of you all.

Mousehole, Cornwall

Sun, 6 Jun 2010 13:25:09 -0800

This image is a panoramic HDR shot a couple of weeks ago in the beautiful village of Mousehole in Cornwall.

I am working to try to overcome the ghosting in the bottom left corner of the image in the boats, but it's not so easy.

However I still wanted to post the image anyway as I quite like the feel.

Isle of Wight by Microlight II

Mon, 3 May 2010 12:22:19 -0800

This is a second shot from last week's microlight trip to the Isle of Wight.

The image overlaps the previous entry to some extent in terms of it's ground cover, but I think that is is visually different enough to deserve a post.

The images have a 'biological' quality to them, as if one is looking at a slide under a microscope.

It was a real pleasure to get the opportunity to take photographs in such an unusual situation. My thanks once again to my pilot Andy for taking me up in the aircraft.

Isle of Wight by Microlight

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:49:58 -0800

This image was taken on Tuesday from a mircolight at an altitude of about 2000 feet.

My thanks go to Andy, the owner and pilot of the microlight, for sharing this amazing activity with me.

For those who don't know what a microlight is, well it files - somehow. It looks like a giant kite sitting on a moped!.

We flew on a beautiful sunny day from Buckingham (near Milton Keynes) down to the Isle of Wight, landing in Bembridge for tea and a bacon buttie on the beach. We then came home, landing as the sun set and the moon rose.

A perfect day.

Archie the Cocker Spaniel

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:19:32 -0800

This is Archie. He's a gundog.

He is friend and mentor to Harvey, who you have seen in previous images.

Archie has taught Harvey all there is to know about being a working dog.

If Archie does not know it about game, then it's not worth knowing............ ?

Spring Days in the Vale

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 09:01:57 -0800

Again my thanks go to David and Archie the Cocker Spaniel for their help in creating this sporting portrait.

My apologies go to Harvey the Labrador, who got airbrushed.

But that's the price you pay for looking in the opposite direction. Again!

Harvey the Dog

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 11:29:52 -0800

This is Harvey the Labrador.

He is six months old and is a handsome animal.

His friend and mentor is Archie the Cocker Spaniel, who you will be meeting in the coming days.

Both are working gundogs and they belong to my neighbour, pictured in previous images.

Country Pursuits

Mon, 5 Apr 2010 10:39:32 -0800

A second image from our shoot last Friday.

David is an excellent model - not that I want to flatter him too much!

A perfect location makes a nice picture for his family scrapbook.

More technical info - one strobe camera left behind David's shoulder to give a back light. The second is camera right more from the front.

Triggered by Ellinchrom Skyport radio triggers.

One liver Cocker Spaniel and one black Lab.

One Man and his Dog

Sat, 3 Apr 2010 04:34:49 -0800

My thanks to my neighbour, David , and Archie the Dog for their time and willingness to be the subjects for this image.

On the technical side, it's lit with two bare speedlight flash guns. Set on manual, the flashes were positioned to cross light the scene.

If you follow www.strobist.com then you will be familiar with the techniques involved.

Gun Dogs Circa 1895

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 05:01:26 -0800

Just a bit of fun!

Best viewed against the black background on your pixyblog screen.

What a Perfect Day

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:27:36 -0800

Another shot taken at Porth Chapel in Cornwall.

On a day like that it was a perfect location.

Surfing Cow

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:45:18 -0800

Taken in Cornwall a couple of weeks ago at Porth Towan.

Dom is featured in the shot and he is modelling a friesian cow outfit. This is a must-have fashion accessory for members of the surfing community for 2010. Don't leave home without it.

Dom works for Surfers Against Sewage, an organization which has a wider relevance in terms of environmental issues.

In their words 'Not just surfers - not just sewage'.

Visit them at www.sas.org.uk

At the eve of the day

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:52:05 -0800

Shot yesterday evening.

'Never work with children or animals' goes the old adage!

If you follow my posts then you will have seen my two Springer Spaniels before. To get them both in the right place, never mind looking in the right direction in relation to the light, was nothing short of a miracle. This makes a shot like this all the more satisfying when it all comes together!

Two speedlights were used to create the image.

True Love....

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:18:55 -0800

Taken in St Ives several weeks ago.

Forgotten Places

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:47:07 -0800

This old Ivy creeper was covering an old wall at what remains of Kennall Vale Gunpowder Works in Cornwall.

Kennall Vale represents the best-preserved gunpowder works in south-west Britain. The site is a beautiful place, situated in a small valley which is intersected by many small streams and covered with the remains of old water-mills once used to provide power for the manufacturing process. The site is a scheduled monument and is managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Production began in in 1811 but ceased in 1914, following the collapse of the Cornish Tin mining industry.

Having just re-read the autobiography by Don Mcullin I sought to replicate the dark, foreboding look of many of his images of war.

Wheal Coates Tin Mine II

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 16:03:33 -0800

This second image of Wheal Coates Tin Mine is an HDR comprised of five shots.

I promised a passer by something a little different, for the most photographed mine in Cornwall.

I hope that this shot delivers just that - an image that breaks away from the conventional, stereotypical images that abound on the internet of this mine.

I quite like it!

Exposure

Sun, 7 Mar 2010 02:15:49 -0800

Admiring the view at Porth Chapel, Cornwall.

A head for heights is required to take in this amazing view of the coastline near Land's End.

I must thank my model for this shot for following my posing directions!

Wheal Coates Tin Mine

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:34:40 -0800

THis is possibly one of the most photographed tin mines in Cornwall. It lies south of St Agnes and it has stunning views over the sea.

What you can see here is the remains of the old engine house used to pump water from the mine shafts. One shaft is visible right next to the building with a grate over the top.

The shaft is apparently 600 feet deep. Drop a stone and I count 5 seconds before it hits water at the bottom. That's a deep hole!

Hope you like the shot.

Moroccan Backstreets

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:46:38 -0800

This is a shot taken from the archives.

Whilst looking for the tanneries in Marrakech - just follow the smell - I saw this character dresses in black against the luminosity of the wall behind.

It was a 'grab' shot. A second later and he had moved on and others had come into the scene, so altering the dynamic of the image.

The moment was gone.

Helicopter View

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:22:54 -0800

This shot was taken last week.

I like its look and feel - strong, vibrant colours.

Taken into the light, the image required a particular approach in shooting.

The Glasshouse

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:07:23 -0800

This is the second shot taken on Monday. It's the glasshouse at Wisley in Surrey.

Wisley is home to the Royal Horticultural Society and if you are a lover of plants and landscaped gardens, then you will like Wisley.

While this shot is not particularly dramatic, I love the tiny details amongst the cacti in the image.

Butterfly

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:01:41 -0800

I photographed this little creature today in the glasshouse at RHS Wisley.

The butterflies were making a guest appearance for one month only. They were most beautiful.

I gave away two of my cards to other butterfly admirers - I hope you like the shot. I post one image every two days or so.

So check back in at this site to view any additions!

Does anyone know what this one is called?

Winter trees 4

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

This is the last image from last weekend.

I love the snow for it's texture in the landscape and the way in which it simplifies the elements that make up a scene.

The weather experts say that this is the worst winter in the UK for some 20 years.

To you Pixybloggers around the world - how's the weather with you?

Global Warming, or is it just a state of mind...?

Winter trees 3

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

My dogs - two English Springer Spaniels (see previous posts)- got the scent of rabbits in the snow here and got quite excited!

The rabbits escaped but it was hard to keep the dogs out of the shot!

Winter trees 2

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

The second image from last weekend.

This is taken about a 20 minute walk from home.

Winter trees

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

Taken at the weekend whilst out with my dogs, this picture is the first of four.

The snow and cold weather in the UK has been going on since mid-December.

For us Brits, that's a long time. Hey, you know how we love to moan about the weather over here!

The Mill Stream

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

This is last shot from the morning's shooting which has produced the previous three posts.

With the sun now up I made my was back to my car, but stopped for this last shot.

It was a stunning scene, and is typical in many ways of so many small river valleys in this part of England.

Unlike most English rivers, this one - the River Chess - is crystal clear and very clean. It feeds local cress beds

which need very pure water to allow plant growth.

Moon set

Sat, 9 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

The moon was setting while I was out in the early dawn to shoot the sunrise.

Behind me the moon began to dip towards the horizon as the sky lightened.

The moon's reflection was beautiful in the water.

Bridgewater Boats

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

Possibly my favourite shot from that day's photography.

Its an HDR - yes it has halos - but I quite like them. They make the sky look threatening and storm-like, so I left them in the image.

Latimer Sunrise

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:57:35 -0800

Following on from the last post, this was the shot I went to take.

I have photographed the same two trees in different winter dawn light a few years ago.

They are situated in an idyllic valley near a place called Latimer in Southern England. It always caches the winter frosts and looks beautiful.

The pale streak in the sky is a band of high cloud.

I want to be like my Mum

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

This little creature is the calf of the subject of my previous post.

They stood in the frosty morning light together and observed me try to shoot the sunrise.

They were generally unimpressed!

Am I looking at You?

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 16:00:00 -0800

I got up before dawn yesterday to shoot winter sunrises.

Instead I came away with this.........!

She makes me laugh..............!!

Grand Union Canal

Sat, 2 Jan 2010 09:10:40 -0800

A shot taken today on a cold afternoon in England.

This is the Grand Union Canal as it runs through Berkhamstead, some 30 miles or so north of London.

I know HDR images are not for everyone, but I like the dream-like feel to the image.

It has a life and vitality that the straight shots simply don't have. Let me know your views!

Wild Christmas Walks

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:14:29 -0800

These shots were taken in the Prescili hills over Christmas.

The camera was raised up on my new monopod and the shutter triggered on self-timer.

My wife and dogs are the shivering models!

White Christmas

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:16:58 -0800

Happy Christmas Pixybloggers!

Recent snowfall in nearby woods led to this image.

Have a great 2010.

Regards

Matty

The Lane

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Our outings with our dogs seem to produce some nice images. This is a shot from a regular walk, and the location has featured in previous posts although you would be forgiven for not necessarily recognizing it. This image is a single B/W shot with an 'HDR twist' to it.

I am trying to encourage constructive comments on my shots - so please tell me what you think.

I have had a break away from posting for some six months, and it strikes me that having returned, people seem less willing to comment than before. What I also find a little odd is some of the shots that generate lots of comments that are, to be frank, rather average! I know it's all subjective and people's opinion, but some do not seem to deserve the praise they draw!

Maybe that will set the cat amongst the pigeons............!

Tyler's Hill

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0800

This is a shot from the archives. It was taken in spring this year. The leaves on the trees are new and the crop in the field is just begining to push clear of the earth.

This is also one of our favorite places to take our dogs for a walk. As views go in this part of England, this is a beautiful place with it's rolling landscape

Orange Juice or CD's?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0800

One of my favourite images taken during our week in Marrakesh, the scene is one of stalls selling squeezed fruit juices and other selling CD's.

Look carefully on the left and you see stall holders engaged in a play fight to pass the quieter moments of the day.

The Mint Tea Seller

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0800

I stood with my camera and I surveyed the stalls. Some sold cooked meat, some freshly squeezed fruit juices, others more contemporary items such as CD's.

Behind me were the Snake Charmers and the owners of tame monkeys, whose handlers would have their charges perform for the camera - and a fee of course.

I declined to photograph them on principle; I would rather the creatures were free in their own habitat to live a natural life.

I turned back towards a stall selling mint tea and other drinks. My eye was drawn by the fake plastic flower garlands which gave a symmetry to the stall.

I simply raised my camera without thought. As I looked through the lens, the stall's young owner made eye contact and that was my shot.

Remembrance

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Today is the 11th November - Remembrance Day.

I have posted this image before but I want to post it again in memory of those fallen in recent wars.

On 4th November 2009 five British soldiers were killed by a rogue member of the Afghan Police, who turned on his British trainers and shot them. They are some of the most recent British casualties of the ongoing operations in Afghanistan. I would like to post their names here.

They were Warrant Officer Darren Chant, Sgt Matthew Telford, Guardsman James Major, Acting Cpl Steven Boote and Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith.

Moroccan Doorway

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:00:00 -0800

A doorway in the Souks of Marrakesh.

I am always drawn to doorways such as this, with their fading, peeling paint and plaster crumbling from the walls.

I seem to be building a collection of such shots over my travels

Souks of Marrakesh

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 22:00:00 -0800

The Souks in Marrakesh are full of atmosphere, with shopkeepers selling their products to both locals and tourists alike. However you would be forgiven for thinking that we tourists get a somewhat poorer deal!

The souks are narrow and tend to be covered over, as seen in this shot. This can lead to some challenging conditions for photography. Choice of ISO and aperture are key to producing a workable shutter speed.

The most popular products for sale are leather goods, such as Moroccan slippers, belts and bags, lanterns (as pictured in a previous post), and carved and inlaid wood products such as jewelry boxes, table tops and chess sets.

If you visit then brace yourselves for the sometimes over zealous attentions of the vendors, trying to gain your custom. You will become used to cries of "Special Price, Asda Price" as you pass by almost every shop! (UK viewers will understand the Asda reference!).

Nightfall in Marrakesh

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:41:48 -0800

This image was shot just after sundown in the Place de Jamma el Fna, which is the main square in Marrakesh. I have described the scene in a previous post as one not changed from the Middle Ages.

Today's shot again echos that sentiment - the motor bike excluded of course! But you get the idea.....

.........The Mosque on the skyline, the heat of the day still lingering in the air, the smoke from barbecued meat sold at the stalls stinging your eyes, people from different continents mingling on the streets.

In all, it's a heady experience that overloads the senses. I throughly recommend a visit........

Marrakesh Markets

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:20:12 -0800

Another shot taken in the main square in Marrakech as dusk was falling.

The square came alive with water sellers, snake charmers and performing monkeys. The air was thick with smoke from barbecues and fires.

I read that it was as scene that had not changed much since the middle ages, and I can only agree with this sentiment.

The Lantern Seller

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Shops selling these beautiful lights and lanterns are a feature of the maze of alleyways that form the souks and markets of Marrakesh.

The detail and intricacy of the metal work on some lamps is just stunning. However they carry a price tag to match and will challenge your bartering/haggling skills to the max!!

Marrakesh back streets

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Shot on the edge of the souks, this derelict building with it's central courtyard and first floor galley is typical of many in the area, all be the others are in better condition.

As the two boys walked across the foreground of my shot I instinctively fired the shutter. The light was low, apertures wide, contrast high and they were unsharp. However the scene had a feel of something from Afghanistan or some such place. I like the image, despite its technical flaws.

Let me know what you think....... thanks

The Spice Seller

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:36:34 -0800

It is seven months since I last posted a shot here. In that time I have been kept busy pursuing my other passion of racing my (pedal) bike.

At least that was 'til I fell off in mid-July, fracturing my pelvis! Not too badly though, but seriously enough not to be able to do anything for the last 12 weeks, except contemplate and recover.

Now that I can walk without crutches again, my wife and I visited Marrakesh in Morocco last week.

This image was taken in the Place des Espices - the center of the spice trade in the city (if you go, stop in at the Cafe des Espices with a great roof terrace).

It's good to be posting again. I hope you like the shot - let me know what you think, as always!

Summer Poppies

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:56:36 -0800

In recent days in my part of the UK we have had some great weather.

A few degrees warmer than it really should........

Is this a promise of summer days to come?

A shot from last year...

This Is Me

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 02:47:30 -0800

I thought about lots of titles for this shot. I thought about calling it 'My Vices' (in response to Elaine's post of a similar name - referring to the bike). The sport of bike racing has been part of my life for a long time. To be just average as a bike racer, you have to be so dedicated - in terms of training, diet and lifestyle.

Just to be AVERAGE. Never mind good....

I refer to the bike as a vice because it consumes my time. I feel bad if I don't train, both physically as I miss the endorphin buzz, and mentally as I feel like a shirker and I worry I will loose my hard-earned fitness.

My bike challenges my photography - my other passion in life. Training on the bike and working full time leaves little time for a camera. Yet I so want to take photographs and improve my skills in this arena. Which way do I turn? I'm not sure........ but I need to keep cycling for now.

I must credit Mark Fleming, with his recent snowboarding shots taken into the sun, and the Strobist website for inspiration for this image! I took this self-portrait using the timer on the camera, then riding round in a circle!

Feburary Frosts

Sun, 8 Mar 2009 00:31:32 -0800

Shot last month in heavy frost in Southern England.

It's a panoramic assembled via Photoshop.

I left the distortion in on purpose as I like the sense of space it creates.

Spot the Spaniel......

Discarded

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

I found this old shoe on the beach.

I just fancied shooting the discarded, washed up debris on the beach.

Every shoe has a story............. the beach is just the next chapter in this shoe's story, it's journey through life.

Oxfordshire Colours

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

This shot was taken on a beautiful day in the Oxfordshire countryside last October.

Let me know if you like it.................

thanks

Dawn mist

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 00:17:05 -0800

Summer Days

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Another shot from last summer's archives.

Taken at Bournemouth - a seaside resort on the South coast of England.

Chrome

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:14:47 -0800

A shot of the spare wheel on the back of a Morgan sports car.

Fade to Grey

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:00:00 -0800

"Feel the rain like an English summer

Hear the notes from a distant song

Stepping out from a back shop poster

Wishing life wouldn't be so long."

Lyrics courtesy of Visage - hear the track here

Smithfield Meat Market

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:00:00 -0800

A fading bill poster stuck to a wall at Smithfield Market in London.

Smithfields is the location of the meat market in London. The market itself is housed in an old-fashioned building that it not really fit for purpose! It's too small, too old and in set in small streets that don't fit the 40 tonne articulated lorries that come from all over Europe to deliver fresh produce.

The market is open all night long to supply shops with meat in time for opening in the morning.

It's a place of all-night cafes staffed by Lithuanians trying to earn money to send to families back home. It has pubs that open at 6am to sell beer to the market workers when they finish their shifts. The pubs are popular with other night workers, such as police, who fancy a drink or two to unwind before they head home to bed to sleep through the day.

It is only a matter of time before the demands of business and the modern world catch up with Smithfields, and it relocates to some characterless corrugated purpose-built industrial estate, and so losing it's soul forever.

Poppies

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:00:00 -0800

Taken last summer in local fields.

Moulie the Cat

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

You've met the dogs. So now meet our cat.

Her name is Schermoulie (or Moulie for short).

She is beautiful. She sat inside a Lastolite light Cube for this shot

The Wife

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

A shot of the wife taken last year.

I was trying to teach myself some of the theories of studio lighting from the Strobist website.

Strobist, for those who don't know, is the most fantastic FREE resource on lighting with minimal equipment.

I urge you to take a look here

Ambush!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Shot over the weekend on a walk in local woods.

Our Springer Spaniels love to play together. Sometimes they look more ferocious than they really are!

This is particularly so when the camera freezes the action and reveals their expressions.

In reality both dogs love each other very much!

7 Up - The Difference is Clear?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

I found this squashed Cherry 7 Up can in the carpark at my local railway station.

I pciked it up and brought it home.

I have now collected about ten images of various squashed drinks cans which have been run over by cars.

I suppose I like the vivid colours, the detail on the cans and the fact that it all says so much about the disposable, throwaway society of which we are all a part.

Too trendy for my ........ Sunglasses

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Shot whilst walking along Oxford Street in London.

These guys just looked so funny wearing their sunglasses on an overcast winter's day, trying to look (and possibly succeeding in being) cool.

I snapped a shot with the camera before they knew what I was doing!

Life on Mars

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Bracken Fronds shot as polaroid.

Best viewed against a dark screen background.

WHitesands

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Shot over Christmas on Whitesands Beach in West Wales

Where is my Squirrel........

Sat, 7 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Taken today as the sun was setting.

Midge was caught by the evening light as she hunted squirrels and rabbits in the snow.

Abandoned Lookout

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

This shot was taken last summer on the coast at Shoreham in the UK.

It is an abandoned costal lookout.

If you like history just in front you can see the remains of gun emplacements from the First World War.

The shot is an HDR from a single image.

Comments and observations please. I will try to return the favour (time willing!)

A distant memory

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 09:23:59 -0800

Shot last summer and taken from the archives.

Happy Birthday!

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 00:29:19 -0800

Today is my Father's birthday!

So this image is for him.... I hope you have a great day!

It was shot last summer when he accompanied me on a day out taking photographs down in Shoreham on the south coast of the UK.

Season of Mists.....

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Shot last summer....... just in case anyone had forgotten what leaves on trees and warm balmy days wearing shorts and t-shirts were actually about.

The southern parts of the UK have just suffered their worst snowfalls for 18 years..... apparently! So I thought I'd post this to remind us all of early summer days

Ok, so those of you who actually have snow on a regular basis would probably choke laughing at the 7" of snow in our back garden at the moment.

But hey, you know how we Brits just love to moan about the weather!!

Local sunrise

Sun, 1 Feb 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Today's shot is a panoramic comprised of two handheld shots.

The images were taken on a recent dog walk near to our home.

Snow is forecast of our part of the UK today, so if I get the chance I will taken the camera out.

My Dogs

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:29:28 -0800

A shot of my dogs Midge and Daisy

Surveillance Society

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Another shot coming from the Brick Lane area of East London.

I just love the irony of the 'CCTV' sign and the graffiti behind it!

A Cockney Lad

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Shot in Brick Lane in the East End of london.

I asked for his permission and he was happy. Perched on the back of his chair outside a pub.

He just carried on talking to his mates like I wasn't there.

Letter box

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

This door was shot near my place of work.

I like the peeling paint textures against the chrome of the letter box.

Tree

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:36:49 -0800

This is one from 2008's archive.

Taken back in September it was shot on a Canon 5D, but through a cheap plastic Holga lens adapted to fit the DSLR.

Poppies

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:34:04 -0800

From the archives of last summer.

Poppies displaying a faded grandeur.

If you like them let me know............. (and even if you don't).

A Forest Pt II

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Shot on another recent dog walk, with my new Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS lens. I love this lens with its fantastic sharpness.

As for the image many of the trees have this ivy which spirals it's way up the tree trunks.

I love the way it changes the texture and colours of the trees. I also like the way the morning sunlight creates beautiful warm tones.

Let me know your views..............

Gnarled tree

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Come closer and see
see into the trees
find the girl
while you can
Come closer and see
see into the dark
just follow your eyes
just follow your eyes

Suddenly I stop
but i know it's too late
I'm lost in a forest
all alone
The girl was never there
it's always the same
I'm running towards nothing
again and again and again

A Forest - The Cure

Urban Alienation

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

I had walked by ths bench and litter bin in a small shopping centre in London almost daily.

You know when you get that feeling that there is a shot to be had there somewhere?

Well I finally returned with my camera.

I really like the shape/design of the rubbish bin. The red jacket sets it off nicely.

I also like the image as to me it highlights the loneliness of urban spaces.

Currently playing: 'E.S.T' by White Lies

'Holiday In Cambodia'.....?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

I really like the title to the song penned by the Dead Kennedys.......

Ok this caravan is not actually in Cambodia but rather in Hertfordshire, UK.

But would you want to spend a holiday in this caravan? Exactly.......... me neither.

And who would have wanted to go to Cambodia as a holiday destination in the late 19060's and early 70's.....?

I just like this bizarre idea in my head, yeah? Ok maybe it's just me..........

Cultured Dog?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Last year I went to the Photographer's Gallery in London to look at an exhibition.

As I walked round I looked over my shoulder, only to see this surreal view of this lady with her dog.

I couldn't decide whether to take the shot or not (was it bad form to snap a shot in The Photographer's Gallery?)..... but i'm so glad I did!

The look of rapt attention on the dog's face is almost unreal!

I also wondered, who takes a dog to an art exhibition anyway?

Please leave a comment if you consider that you would........ particularly if you are the lady in the shot....(!)

Winter's Day

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

I often carry a camera when I'm out with my dogs. You never know what you will find.

I liked this swing which stands in the garden of a local farmhouse. The splash of blue plastic against the shades of winter appeal.

But for me it's the fact that I have never seen a child in this garden, never mind on this swing. That was what I wanted to convey in this shot.

The promise of fun and exuberance balanced against a stark, cold brooding sky.

Echo Beach

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

'I know it's out of fashion
And a trifle uncool
But I can't help it
I'm a romantic fool
It's a habit of mine
To watch the sun go down
On Echo beach, I watch the sun go down

From nine till five I have to spend my time at work
The job is very boring, I'm an office clerk
The only thing that helps pass the time away
Is knowing I'll be back at Echo Beach some day'

Lyrics courtesy of Martha and The Muffins

Reverie

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Daisy, the Springer Spainel, probably wishing i'd go away!

And yes, I pinched the title for this image from Vincent Laforet, but then if you can't imitate or borrow from the best, well............

Let me know if you like her..................

Caravan living anyone? No.2

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

On 30th December 2008 I posted an HDR variation of this shot. I said back then that I would post a 'straight' version of the scene.

This is it...... hope you like it.

Painter&Decorator

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

I saw this guy in London near Oxford Street last Sunday and just had to photograph him. He had such character in his face with his goatee beard.

The googles and paint spattered overalls set it off all the more. He was happy to pose for me. The sad thing is he will never see the results of our collaboration. I need to get some cards made up with my url on, to hand out to those who are willing to allow me to photograph them.

As ever, please let me know what you think. I will return the favour.

Midge at the Seaside

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

This is Midge, the second of our Springer Spaniels.

The image was shot over the Christmas holiday where we were in Wales.

The image is not sharp as it was shot with the lens wide open at f2.8 so giving a shallow DOF, whilst I was running ahead of her. The camera was held low down at her level and the shutter fired 'blind' so to speak.

However I think the lack of sharpness adds to the feel and dynamism of the whole image.

It has been HDR'd from a single shot to give colour and texture in post.

Tell me what you think.............

Daisy and Samantha

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

This is another shot of Samantha, my wife, being acosted by Daisy the Springer Spaniel.

The target of Daisy's attentions is Sam's hairband which seems to hold some unknown fascination for Daisy.

Once she has achieved success and secured the harband she will strut around with it in her mouth by way of a victory celebration!

Undeniably Good

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0800

Toady's shot is one taken of my wife using off-camera flash (aka Strobist). My wife's name is Samantha.

She is an Archer and is someone who wants to become 'undeniably good' at the sport. I took this as a PR shot for her sponsor and we have it framed on a wall. Sam goes to look at it when she wants inspiration.

I came across the concept of becoming 'undeniably good' on the blog of American photographer Chase Jarvis (here for link). He was referring to the book 'Outliers' by Malcolm Gladwell. In it Gladwell outlines how it takes 10,000 hours practice (which averages at 8 hours per day for three years) at whatever the activity it is that one wants to excel at, in order to become outstanding or 'undeniably good'. Chase discusses the concept with reference to photography.

The good news about the 10,000 hours, is that what you need is dedication and perseverance, rather than an obvious natural talent (Gladwell provides examples). Take from this what you will. My wife has read the book and says it is good.

Comments on the shot - AND - on what you think about the whole concept here!

Winter sunrise

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:02:22 -0800

I set out early to shoot the colours of the dawn on a cold frosty morning.

I even left my Springer Spaniel dogs at home so that they would not molest the local wildlife!

I was rewarded by two swans who swam by me. But do you know how long I waited for them to both have their heads out of the water and look photogenic?

Yeah....... a long time.... and they just wouldn't do it!

Father-in-Law

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 18:00:00 -0800

A shot from the summer archives. My father in law put on his Panama hat. As soon as it went on his head he had this kind of film star quality, the way the shadow fell across his face!

I asked him to look straight down the barrel of the lens and the shutter clicked.

Taken on black and white film, the neg was scanned on an Epson V750 flatbed scanner.

Film star or not?

Let me know your thoughts............ I'll pass them on to him!

Moon and skies

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 00:18:54 -0800

Today's shots were taken in December 2008 whilst walking my dogs.

I like the minimalism of the images. The second (Moon with tree) has already appeared in the blog under a different guise.

Leave a comment to let me know your views!

Worthing Sea Front

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 18:00:00 -0800

This is another image shot during the summer just gone. As with yesterday's offering this comes from Britain's south coast.

It shows someone taking in the sea view whilst sitting in a shelter built from brick, with perspex for windows. If you are familiar with UK coastal resorts you will know what I am trying to describe. The construction is designed to shelter the unlucky tourist from the vagaries of the British weather!

I like the graffiti that has been scratched into the plastic, almost certainly by the local youth of Worthing!

Memories of Summer

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:00:00 -0800

Memories of summer gone. A picture for those of us who do not have Winter Sun. For those who are condemned to snow or frost for the winter months!

Or, if you are British, this was the one day that constituted our summer in 2008; blink and you missed it. Sorry!

Backlight Bournemouth Deckchairs. What more could one want........

Frosty dawn

Sun, 4 Jan 2009 18:00:00 -0800

Just before sunrise on a frosty winter's dawn.

Daisy Dog

Sat, 3 Jan 2009 18:00:00 -0800

This is one of my two English Springer Spaniels. Her name is Daisy and she is just the most lovely dog.

She has been photographed as she sat inside a Lastolite Lite Cube. It was lit by two flash heads, one each side, which explains why she looks a little nervous!

PLease add a comment to let me know what you think. I will return the favour.

Currently Playing: 'Move' by The Inspiral Carpets

Maybe its because I'm a Londoner....

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 19:00:00 -0800

.......... or not!

A panoramic shot of the River Thames showing the London Eye.

Please leave a comment as I am always keen to hear your opinions!

Afterglow

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 02:51:14 -0800

Taken about 30 minutes after the sun had set, this image is another from my Christmas week in West Wales.

Currently Playing: 'Stand Inside Your Love' by The Smashing Pumpkins. A beautiful love song with beautiful lyrics. It just grows in intensity as the track unfolds.

My Father and My Dogs

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 03:57:08 -0800

This shot shows my two Springer Spaniels with my Father. Again it was shot last week on a beach in Wales.

Currently Playing: 'Something Good '08 (Radio edit)' by The Utah Saints. (This has a very amusing video - take a look click here for You Tube link!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL from me and my family - including Midge and Daisy pictured in the shot!