MAKING MEMORIES

Storm brewing Malaysia Style

2010-08-10T16:17:00.001+01:00

Pina Coladas, cold beer, chicken satay and lashings of fried rice topped by a fried egg was the mainstay of my diet during the 7 days in Redang. Luckily its just the type of food I enjoy and since arriving home 2 days ago I've quite missed it all.

Todays shot shows one of the many amazing storms which occured over the rainforest of Redang. The rain was torrential and in combination with temperatures in the high 30's meant that most of the time the Island was like a sauna. Yesterdays clam lived just under the water in front of the island featured in today image.

Giant Clam in the waters of Redang Island, Malaysia

2010-08-09T16:23:00.002+01:00

Returning to work after three weeks away is always likely to be a struggle. With the addition of Jet Lag, a seven hour time difference, and the heat of August, it is far from pleasant. The holiday was a fantastic though and there being no alternative, it is a small price to pay to have seen and experienced so much.

Todays image is a macro shot of a Giant Clam, of which there was no shortage just off the beach in Redang. The colours as exactly as they were and not the result of post processing. This guy was blue, others were green, grey, red and a whole range of sizes. Rather shy creatures many simply closed up as I approached so I was lucky to get a shot like this.

Skelewags

2010-07-10T17:06:00.002+01:00

For a period of around 5 years in the early 1980's I was lucky enough to be a pupil at Lutterworth Grammar School, during that time I would have visited the local church on a number of occasions, most of which I probably spent dreaming about local girls and the next night out at the pub. Many years later I returned this time to look at the Medieval Wall Paintings above the nave. With there deep rich red colours and haunting images of skeletons I cant believe I hadnt noticed them before.

Peterborough Cathedral

2010-05-10T17:11:00.000+01:00

Fisheye lenses arent everybody's cup of tea and thier use generally can be quite limited. In some cases though the effect can be fantastic.

Another Happy Monday

2009-11-23T10:02:00.005Z

Back to work today after a weekend off which included a trip to the cinema to see Disneys "Christmas Carol" in 3D. What a great film, made all the better by the whole 3D experience. Throughout the film though I kept thinking to myself, what would Dickens have made of this. So much has changed in the past 150 years in the world around us yet the story is still not only very popular but very relevant. Having said that the way Scrooge was dancing around singing and giving away money he'd probably have been sectioned today and medicated :-))

Todays image is of a stained glass window from St Andrew's Church in Letheringsett, Norfolk, not quite as old as "The Christmas Carol", a great piece of workmanship.

After The Rain

2009-11-22T00:00:00.000Z

Weather terrible over the past few days with floods in parts of the country, yet suprisingly mild for this time of year. First thought is this all related to global warming with the end of the world just around the corner or is it simply seaonal variation. At least when its horrible outside its a good excuse for processing images on the computer.

Todays image is of The Old House in Kibworth Harcourt, Grade 1 listed its probably the best house in the village. This was taken just after a rain storm evidence of which is the puddles and water lying in the road. In retrospect it would have been nice to have moved closer and used then to capture reflections of the house.

Here are a couple of alternative versions of the same image created by adding a texture layer.

Buckfast Abbey, Devon

2009-11-11T20:54:00.005Z

Sorting through some old photographs today and came across this image of Buckfast Abbey in Devon. The image was taken just after a major rain storm leaving the sky very dark and the Abbey lit up by the sun. As is often the case time was a limiting factor as I was on a family day out and it was getting late in the day so little time to explore. The lighting was absolutely perfect as can be seen in the image.

Lyveden New Bield, Northamptonshire

2009-06-18T00:00:00.000+01:00

Renovation Time at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

2009-06-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

The Royal Leicestershire Regiment, Newalke Houses Museum, Newalke, Leicester.

2009-06-15T00:00:00.000+01:00

Harlyn Bay Coastal Path, Cornwall

2009-06-14T00:00:00.000+01:00

Absinthe For Sale

2009-06-13T00:00:00.000+01:00

I cant say I've ever tried Absinthe but would like to if I ever get the chance. Having said that I've never been a big fan of spirits, prefering instead a good Real Ale or Cornish Cider. This shot was taken opposite Kings College home of the Choir and Attracted my attention because of the the sign and bike.
A little computer magic was required to get this effect which my wife would hate, telling me I'd buggered it up, but heh I see photography as art rather than simply documenting things as they are, as such I'm more than happy to remove unwanted artefacts like streetlamps and signs.

Memories of James Herriott

2009-06-12T00:00:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I mused about Absinthe but then admitted I actually prefer a good real ale, well here is a great place to sample just such a tipple. Made famous by James Herriott in the 1980's it was the setting for many epsiodes of the TV series. Siegfried Farnham played by Robert Hardy was probably my favourtie character, someone who I would imagine would also enjoy a good pint.

This shot was taken in the spring when it was quite cold outside, note the large log fire which made the place even more cosy.

Cromer Pier on England East Coast

2009-06-11T00:00:00.000+01:00

Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester

2009-06-10T00:00:00.002+01:00

As a Leicester lad I must say the City is somewhere I only visit every now and then. Old, tired and run down was probably how I would have described it for years. As a teenager I would visit after dark and boogie the nights away in night clubs, especially as I recall Mr Kiesas above the Haymarket, but at other times it had little to offer.
All change in 2008. The old Shires shopping centre was repalced with the state of the art Highcross, large areas made pedestrian, everywhere cleaned and tidied and a new arts quarter developed which included the grand Curve theatre. Guess what its now somewhere I visit alot more often.

The Natural History Museum, London

2009-06-09T00:00:00.003+01:00

If you've never visited this place, next tie you are in London take half an hour to go and have a look around. The exhibits are fascinating but in my opinion of more interest is the building itself, an absolute marvel of design, the structure is full of carvings and detailing unparalleled in the UK. This shot is taken loooking along the length of teh main hall, coloured stone all around and light streaming through the glass roof. Photography is allowed but no tripods. Now I've a D700 with its amazing low light capabilites I'll have to return but on this occasion I was using a D200 so was rather limited.

Pontiac Grand Tourer, USA

2009-06-08T00:00:00.002+01:00

As a child there were two outstanding things I recall from the USA, Elvis and their amazingly huge cars. My best friend at school Douglas Hamilton was lucky enough to travel regularly in such as car and I was so envious. His wealthy father ownbed a Ford Mustang which would roar into school to take Douglas home.
It is hardly suprising then to learn that when I finally visited the USA last year for a 3 week holiday one thing I wanted was to drive a big jazzy car and I wasnt dissappointed. The Pontiac was described as a mid range car as there were many largers one. 5 litres or petrol hell. I am afraid I have to leave my ecoprinciples behind for the three week visit.

Centreparcs

2009-06-07T00:00:00.004+01:00

I dont know if any of you will have been to centreparcs but if you havent I can definitely recommend it. Lots of outdoor space, thoughtfully managed, with consideration for the environment and wildlife, yet within a short distance of gret indoor water worlds. I must admit that I've only visited in the colder winter months when for me the place comes into its own. I recall one visit when it snowed heavily. Image sitting in a bubbling pool surrounded by steam watching moonlit snowflakes falling into the water. pure magic.
This image above was taken at the edge of the lake on a particularly sunny spring day. I was attracted by the colours of the canoes, though didnt actually use one. Note the sandy beach and the fountain in the distance, all part of the magic that is Centreparcs.

Dubai Marina From The Harbour Hotel, Dubai.

2009-06-06T00:00:00.000+01:00

City of lights and architecture. Thats how I will remember Dubai from my first visit. In essence it was simply one huge building site with the most amazing architecture I have ever seen. The worlds larger seems to be added to the front of every name in this place, tower, indoor ski slope, airport, shopping mall, to name but a few.
My visit unfortunately conincided with a heat wave reaching 54 degree in places, something which I'm not a big fan of, air conditioning was of course the norm everywhere which helped me but probably not the environment, and yes I did feel guilty every time I adjused that temperature dial.
A week wasnt really enough time to see all I wanted and one day I'd like to return, my favourites probably the older parts of town, but then I've always prefered ancient to modern.

Madinet Souk Antique Shop, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2009-06-05T00:00:00.003+01:00

Although this shop was located in a fake / reproduction Souk adjacent to the Burj Al Arab Hotel many of the items on sale were actually authentic. Compared to the sort of Antique shops I am used to visiting in the UK there was no comparison, in fact many of the items on sale were the sort of thing that could be purcahsed at a UK car boot sale. The day was very hot and sticky, but the people were very friendly, and at least the interior spaces were air conditioned. Outside it was staggering 51 degrees hence the lack of exterior shots as the camera just couldnt cope(excuse).

Zaha Hadid's Railway Station In Innsbruck

2009-06-04T00:00:00.001+01:00

After watching a South Bank Show documentary about Zaha I was intrigued to see some of her work in the flesh. Unfortunately this railway station was quite small in comparison to some of her amazing creations, but it certainly gave a flavour of her genius.
The colours and the way the light reflected on the glass was superb. This station was our entry point, later we headed upwards to the zoo passing through more of her structures. Having had a taster I now want to see some of her more impressive work. When I do I'll be sure to post the images here so watch this space.

Dr Bainbridge's Dispensary

2009-06-03T00:00:00.000+01:00

Abbey Park Cafe, Leicester

2009-06-02T00:00:00.000+01:00

Norwich Cathedral

2009-06-01T00:00:00.000+01:00

Leicester Cathedral

2009-05-31T00:00:00.000+01:00

Peterborough Cathedral

2009-05-30T00:00:00.000+01:00

Ambleside

2009-05-29T00:00:00.000+01:00

Mevagissey

2009-05-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

Porthlunney Cove

2009-05-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

Mevagissey

2009-05-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

Natural History Museum

2009-05-25T00:00:00.001+01:00

An Old Master In Wistow

2009-05-24T00:00:00.002+01:00

Around 10 miles south of Leicester City centre lies the long lost village of Wistow. All that remaisn now is the hall, a few associated cottages and St Wistans Church. The hall is no doubt hung with all sort of grand olde masters and it was with this in mind that I created this image of a tree in the church graveyard. The colours were as is which attracted my attention to it, the rest was created by computer.
One day I intend to visit the inside of the church, the keys are apparently available from Gardens cottage or so it says on the door, within tombs and memorials galore. Watch this space.

Motorhead at DeMontfort Hall Spring 1980

2009-05-23T00:00:00.002+01:00

DeMontfort Hall holds very fond memories for me as the venue of my first ever rock concert. I was just 16 and having purchased the tickets a few weeks before against the wishes of my parents I was counting down the days for at least a month before.
The Band was the notorious Motorhead, with lead singer Lemmy at the helm. The Tour was "The Bomber Tour", which with frequent volumes in excess of that produced by a Lancaster Bomber, was probably the most appropriate title that they could have chosen.
My pier group were all denim and leather clad head bangers, a case of safety in numbers, and "head banging" was the norm at parties. Not for me on the night in question as 2 days before I have inadvertantly managed to lacerate the top of my head on a door frame requires 15 stitches. My folks were horrified that I still wanted to go to the concert in that state, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world and boy was it a good decisions. I recall vividly a huge skeletal bomber riding up above the stage with lemmy holding onto the side as the music reached a staggering 129 decibels, I has tinnitus for days afterwards as did all my mates..... great for the teacher the next few days at school.
My lasting memory though was after the concert we queued to get the groups autographs at which point the extremely sexy and well endowed lady in front of us lifted her top and asked the boys to sign their names on her exposed breasts for all to see. Happy days.

Grandads Potting Shed

2009-05-22T00:00:00.002+01:00

Potting sheds, especially those painted blue are quintessentially English, don't you think.
As a child I was allowed to use a similar shed as a den, and it was my favourite place to hang out. Not blue like this one, but preserved in creosote, such that everyone could always tell when I'd been in there by the eye watering smell which emanated from my body for the following week or two.
Currently my sense of smell is terrible, a bonus on many occasions, especially during those "nappy" years, and I do often wonder if the daily bombardment of my inner nasal structures with the toxic creosote at such a tender age, was a significant aetiological factor. I'm sure many things its wouldn't be allowed in this modern health and safety consious era.

Waterworld at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, USA

2009-05-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

Last summer I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in the USA. I'd always dreamed of living teh American dream and travelling along Route 66 and that is exactly waht we did. The exchange rate was at its best, just prior to the slump so it was cheap aswell... an added bonus. Towards the end of teh trip we arrived in Los Angeles and headed for The Universal Studios. This shot was taken during the Waterworld Show which was superb, explosions, fire, people falling hundreds of feet, jet ski's, the kids loved it.

The Foxton Locks Inn, Foxton Locks, Leicestershire

2009-05-20T00:00:00.002+01:00

There are probably very few children brough up in Leicestershire on the 60's and 70's who won't remember a school trip to Foxton Locks. until a few years ago it was a muddy and generally run down place. No so now. A grant has enabled restoration of the site including the Foxton Locks Inn which now not only serves a great range of Real Ales but also offers really nice food, which if you are lucky can be consumed over looking the water at the front of the building. They even provide blankets to keep your knee's warm in the winter under the canvas cover.
I have visited many times and always receive a warm welcome, and its also dog friendly.

Mevagissey Harbour, Cornwall

2009-05-19T17:00:00.002+01:00

With the decline in small boat fishing in the water around the UK the number of working harbours getting less each year. Personally I love the colours and ambience of seaside towns, probably a throw back to childhood trips to the seasid, Which is probably why I love visiting mevagissey so much. It simply has it all. Ice creams, Cornish Pasties, a harbour bar with leather settees and real Cornish Scrumpy. Along the harbour wall kids haul out crab after crab as fishermen come and go. A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to see a 2ft long dogfish swimming within the inner harbour, on the last visit I only saw them in the aquarium, which is now free to visit. If you ever get the chance to visit this place make sure you leave time to see the museum where there are a great selection of black and white images of the harbour many years ago...... amazing.

OLD POSTCARDS OF CORNWALL

The Halcyon D1 Days

2009-05-18T11:36:00.004+01:00

In 2000 I took the plunge and decided to swop fill for digital so purchased a Nikon D1 SLR. 2.79m pixels and a price tags that still makes my eyes water. It was amazing, all my old Nikon lenses were immediately available with the ease of digital.
One of the first images I took was in a field behind St Wistans Church in Wistow where an obliging cow posed for me. I printed it and proudly hung it on the wall at work where it has sat ever since. I look at that almost every day and for years have been thinking that I must have another go at photographing cows to see if with news lenses and a new camera I can do any better. Well finally I have something to show. Note sure if it is really any better, but I like it.

Las Vegas USA

2009-05-17T00:00:00.001+01:00

Las Vegas city of lights and fun, and wow what a photographers dream. Amidst a multitude of people trying to sell me female flesh in variety of forms I set up my tripod and captured the images which combined produced this HDR. Unfortunately my visit only lasted for 2 days, I could have happily spend 2-3 weeks there taking photographs there was so much to see.