Sister Act

Who would have thought that a simple trip to the bank would turn out as eventful as mine was today?!

Cycling down to Balham to pay off my AMEX card ... "never leave home without it!" I have that motto well ingrained in my mind and as from the day I started my blog I have applied it to: Canon EOS 5D, never leave home without it!

Here I am, cycling along Balham High Road at a fair pace - so I thought :) ahead of me on the pavement I spot a mobility scooter. Not just any old mobility scooter. No, the lady driving it seems to be in a real hurry. I see a lovely photo opportunity and have to get a move on to catch up with my subject.

I step a bit more into the pedals and I'm soon alongside the lady. Without stopping I take a couple of shots. Not bad but maybe I should try a slower shutter speed to capture a bit of movement. Still peddling, I quickly turn the shutter speed dial down and take another shot. This thing is moving fast! Just a few pedestrians to dodge which happens very skilfully :) I have to make a real effort to keep up because I have a few cars and a lorry slowing me down ... Let's see who can make it first to the traffic light.

Can you imagine, I just get pipped at the post! Well that's what happens when you're faced with racing a well rehearsed Sister Act!

"You beat me to it sister. You are flying along in this!"

"Yes, it does 4 miles an hours!"

How lovely, I thought. Certainly beats walking!

It felt good to see someone enjoying herself so much when it was clear from the crutches in the "boot of her car" that she must find it difficult to walk without help...

I must have carried my good humour forward to the bank. No queues. That's a great start! And, Jahinah, the bank clerk, emits lovely vibes from behind the glass that separates us. I take a quick shot and get a lovely smile!

"Jahinah,What a lovely name!"

"It's African and means Gift of God."

Next, on my way back to my bike I spotted my Buddhist friend, Ian, hanging out at his local coffee shop. He spots me too. Again I get a great reception!

I love it when people appreciate the moments a photographer can seize!

Bill, George and Bumblebee

Busy day. I had things to do and places to go to in Balham.

I lock my bike and who do I bump into : none other than Bill - he doesn't really remember me ... no a real surprise there as he has the same glazed yet cheerful look on his face he had when I first set eyes on him months ago...

I do my chores including a visit to the bank and the supermarket.

Not far from where I left my bike I spot George. I push my bike over the zebra crossing and get recognized immediately!

"Ah you took a photo the other day!"

Now how about that, I didn't even have to start the conversation :)

So we get chatting. Customers come, get served and take their coffee with them. They all seem to have a smile on their face and leave happier than when they placed their order!

"I never stopped before because I don't drink coffee... but I have always noticed how friendly you are with your customers ...!"

"So now you stopped because I'm friendly. That's OK too!"

"Sure! And I can see that you do teas! Not a huge selection but tea it is!"

"Peppermint or Green Tea?"

"Green Tea, please."

"Large or small?"

"Small is fine, thank you."

Strangely enough, George's coffee is not from Brazil but from Colombia. He seems to believe it's the better coffee...

As it happens he loves photography and wants to buy a camera.

"When you do, make sure it's a Canon!"

The tea is piping hot so I stay a little longer... for more chit chat. Apparently George often sees me on my bike ... probably as often as I notice him. It's funny how even strangers can be part of other people's lives ... I notice things all the time and run a story in my mind whether I take a picture of it or not ... naturally one recognises people in ones area... one even notices them changing ...kids growing up, youth getting older ... As I cycle around almost daily, I often wondered whether I too play a part in people's lives ... people who don't even know me?

Today was definitely also a day of bumping into people I do know a bit better. Still on the highroad, heading back home I stop to chat with Sharon who lives a few doors down from me while nodding hello to Leanne, a neighbour from only two doors up from me.

It was all happening in Balham Today! Policemen galore stopping cars left right and centre. Policemen, I noticed, are a touch suspicious seeing people with cameras. I hang around wanting to know what the fuss was about when, surprise surprise, an officer comes over to me.

"I see you are interested in what we are doing. Maybe it's best you come off the road however.We are pulling cars over here ... and you are not very visible."

No, I wasn't and nor was my camera by the looks of it :)

"You may have heard of operation "Bumblebee"? Beginning of October the Metropolitan Police has relaunched this very successful campaign to crackdown on burglaries in the capital."

"Yes, I do remember it. It was in the nineties wasn't it?!"

"Yes and it was very successful. Londoners seem to remember it well so the Met have decided to bring it back. What we are doing here is clamping down on drivers who are driving illegally."

Wow, OK ! Yes, I am interested in what the Police is doing but my instinct tells me that I also want to document it. So while talking to the officer I take a photo from the hip.

Not sure whether this guy is "guilty" or not ...

The evidence I get a few minutes later, however, points towards the fact that the operation conducted here today has already proven very successful. I counted three arrests so far.

Out of nowhere.

Another day, another blog. Another day, the same dreary weather... and still, I look forward to the challenge of picking up a shot each day ... not just any old shot ... no, a shot with a story.

Come to think of it, every shot actually tells two stories. Firstly the story of how it came about. By that I mean the photographer's story that is linked to having taken any given image. How the photograph came about, what inspired the photographer and prompted him/her to take the shot and what the photographer intends to convey with the image, all is concealed within a story.

Secondly there is the story the image will invite the viewer to have when seeing any given photo. Sometimes the viewer knows nothing about how and why a picture was taken and yet he or she will start running a story for themselves. Naturally, the intensity and strength of an image will have a direct impact on the intensity and longevity of the impression it will (hopefully) provoke.

Street photography is pretty unique in that sense because unless the photographer focuses on a particular aspect of street photography, let's say poverty or life in a shopping mall for example, anything could happen. Without a specific approach or brief for the assignment, the photographer has to stay open to all eventualities.

I choose to stay open. For the time being at least. This means that I am observing everyone and everything. I am literally constantly on the look out for "something".

When setting off I sometimes only know in the very last minute where to go. Nothing is pre- planned as such. Today, I thought of Streatham. I soon noticed that nothing much was inspiring me to even stop and consider taking a shot.

I am sure you will have come across the feeling of almost doing a "double take" when you see something, or stopping in your track to look at something. This is the feeling I get when I feel the urge to take a shot. Only I don't do a "double take", I immediately take a shot. Sometimes even two! However, today, it wasn't happening so far.

Other than seeing an old man on the ground in the middle of the road surrounded by people, nothing prompts me to stop. Not knowing the story behind the old man's incident I move on. He was looked after so no need to rubber neck for too long.

The only urge I felt in Streatham was to leave... quite quickly :) The highroad is usually very busy. Today was no different and my feeling that it lacks atmosphere gets reinforced. In fact I feel a bit at a loss and out of place in this part of Streatham.

The days are getting shorter and the light being the way it has been for the past few days, I was beginning to wonder where my shot of the day was going to be coming from :)

I got back to my parked bike and cycled another route into Balham. I wondered where I would stop. I knew something was about to jump out at me ... but what :) Relax, I though!

Something guided me to get off at the back entrance of Sainsbury's. I swing off Bedford Hill and left into Sainsbury's car park. As I passed the back entrance an image that simply told the story of how I felt for a while today, caught my eye.

Quick, I need to get rid of my bike so that I can get closer without disturbing the scene. Luckily, a pole came to my rescue. I untangle the camera from around my neck and shoulder. I get close enough to place my camera with the 50mm f.1.8 just below hip height and release the shutter (without looking through the lens). My subject is oblivious not only of my action ... but probably of a lot more too! Nobody else in sight ... at least not while I was taking the shot :)

It's good to talk

Not feeling great ... but can't let my followers down .. can I ?! :) and what about my challenge? same applies to that!

The sun is out. Also I felt better after my treatment so I decided to take the car for a short drive to Fixation and see for myself what the issue with favourite lens is all about.

I ask to speak with the technician. He is still adamant after having fully stripped the lens that it has suffered a heavy impact and that the three elements have to be replaced.

How bizarre! But, hey, it's not about being right or being adamant myself that the lens has not suffered ill treatment... It's about making a decision whether it's worth having the repair done. Last thing I want is to be throwing good money after bad...

"The glass itself is still in excellent condition. Once I've repaired it, it should be working great. As for now, I wouldn't risk it because sooner or later you will start getting distorted images."

OK, time to bite the bullet after all! I give him the go ahead and am eager to get favourite lens back in pristine working order asap!

This still left me with the task of having to capture the shot of the day.

On the way back, still pondering about my lens ... I'm happy about the decision I made. I'm also glad that I made time to chat with the technician. I'm grateful he took the time to come and have the conversation with me. I trust that his 14 years of experience will be reflected in his ability to do a great job.

I had just been reminded of the importance of dialogue and respectful communication.

I stop at Balham and walk around, camera as always ready for action. I quickly sense that there too, all activity points towards communication and community.

The scene of the policeman taking to school kids just jumps out at me and I grab the shot.

I also like the woman on the right edge of frame looking straight at me. It all adds to the uncertainty and beauty of street photography.

At long last

Every time I am in Balham I see this man ... and each time I say to myself : "he would make a good picture". And I ask myself how I could best catch him ... should I ask him, should I strike up a conversation, should I get him unaware? What? I always feel that when you ask a person whether they would be OK having their photo taken, they become very self conscious. Their expression changes and the shot one once thought would make an interesting one, is gone...

Anyway, I was on my way to having my hair cut when I saw him crossing the road. The same thought entered my mind .. only this time it was followed by, "never mind he's on his way home."

So I walk into Style and Beauty on Bedford Hill and immediately take a snap of "Bettie" looking rather bored sitting under the hairdryer. She didn't notice. Irish Bettie, I'm later told, is 80 and I must say is looking "grand" for her age!

Elaine, has never seen me with a camera.

"Nice camera, how much would a camera like that cost? My son loves taking photos - he's not quite four years old mind you but he's always clicking away. I love looking at photos but don't ask me to be in one!

"No, you're fine, I won't!"

Shame, I thought because, capturing people in their work environment is something I love doing.

Anyway, looking none the worse for my haircut I'm off, still in search of my shot.

I head over to my bicycle, unlock it, push it along the pavement and what I see from a distance puts a smile on my face.

I'm pushing my bike faster now. Next to the bench in front of the pub there is no other than "that man" again.

He's turning straight towards me with a big grin. While attaching my bike I take a first shot. I've actually exchanged a few words with him before ... before I started my blog ... but he won't remember and you'll soon know why! He's commented on my bike before saying that it's safe here because he will look after it!

"Are you going to look after my bike then?" click...

"Yeah, it's safe here. And he continues to say words I couldn't quite figure out.

"Pardon?"

It sounded like : "I'm retired. I have a camera (he pretends he's taking a photo). I used to do welding. That's my car." (he pointed at an empty hearse !).

"Ah, OK and what's your name?"

"Bill. Bill and Ben!" he stretched out his hand.

We shake hands. "Nice to meet you Bill!" click, click

All in the span of 2 minutes.

"OK I'll be back Bill just going to that shop."

He's back sitting on his bench, minding my bike.

When I get back Bill's standing under the flower basket in front of he pub, beer can in hand chatting to another man.

I wave, "see you again Bill."

He waves back.

A bit of black magic

Fifth day into my newly found passion : bogging and I feel like I'm getting a bit more organised planning my day around my assignment. It has almost become what I centre my day around .. well, not quite as I set myself quite a routine from the moment the alarm goes off.

Today the soothing chime went off at 6.30 am - one snooze allowed :) but then up, up AND away! But it's still dark then ... Yes, that's right. That's why the camera has time to make it out of its bag less hastily. Besides, my first move is doing my back exercises. Then on to my buddhist practice. The reward : a bee line to the Tooting Bec Lido for my fix! Ahhh what an amazing morning and swim that was today!

Once back, it's breakfast. My mind ticking away between each sip of Rooibos tea. Where am I going to go today and what does my day actually look like? Well, an appointment in town at 2pm which means leaving home at the latest at 1.15pm.

Ok once that was settled, I quickly checked e-mails ... that's never a quick move though...and always takes up much to much time!

What? it's already 12.15 ... I want to get my shot in before heading into town as I'll be in the same area as I was yesterday and found that rather uninspiring.

I know, I thought, I'll cycle into Balham see if I can catch a my friend, Ian, who always hangs out at his favourite caf. I'll sit with him and see what atmospheric shots I can capture there. London has turned into such a coffee and sitting in the street culture.

As it happens, Ian was no where to be seen.. well maybe I left it a bit too late ... it was 12.30 by now ... but hey, I had things to do, places to go ..:)

The good news was that I had 45 minutes to get inspired and observe Balham High Street and the Hildreth Street market area.

It was fairly busy. Lots of mothers and prams and fathers holding babies - London really has changed!

Pigeons flying all over the place. Some sitting on cars. Some tucked away in a nasty looking corner of Waitrose's car park. Suddenly, I noticed quite a commotion amongst the birds. Excited they welcomed the hand that fed them. I was quick enough to react and get a shot of that- It's a good shot. There is even one pigeon in mid air next to the hand releasing a flurry of bread crumbs.

A quick glance at the time confirmed that I still had 20 minutes in hand before I needed to catch the tube .. no harm to carry on. You never know what else might be lurking around the corner?

Across the road I noticed 2 youngsters on bicycles contemplating a shop window filled with an array of gadgets ... tempting I am sure - will they notice being observed? I have to be quick - and I was - and on they moved.

So did I, into Hildreth Street market - very quiet today - hardly any stalls - I counted 2. A cute Jack Russell tied to a post waiting patiently for his owner. That made a cute shot too.

I look around, still in search of a bit of action .... when what I saw next can only be described as a bit of black magic!

Happy snapping everybody!

School's out when I thought it had only just begun.Yes, but school's out every day, right!

Today I got caught up in this afternoon's school run rush ... on foot ... walking the streets of Balham, South West London, "armed" (I'll explain later...) with the same "canon" as yesterday. Memories of my own school days flooding my mind, taking me right back to when as teenagers we used to surge out of the dreaded building as fast as we could only to swamp the streets of Vienna showing little respect... and being as loud and extrovert as only we could be.

Fast forward to today. Street photography - what fun it can be ... striding leisurely along, quietly observing, always on the look out for interesting behaviour that could turn into a story.

Hanging out at Bus stops proved to be the most common occupation and, for me, the most fertile ground.

I walked along Balham High Street clocking up a few bus stops ... nothing much happening other than kids taking up a lot of space ... some kids sharing earphones listening to no doubt the latest rap, others gossiping while staring at another group. no of which really caught my attention - I missed one shot thought which I found quite sweet of 2 small children running round a street post and getting tangled up in one another :)

So on I went another 2 bus stops - from a fare I could already sense that something more attractive was going to happen there. A lot of commotion and loud behaviour - the closer I got the louder the laughs and the more vibrant the mood. Wanting to be prepared for anything I slowly pulled the camera to my eye when out of the blue a group of teenage girls turned around and demonstrated their exuberance, playing full out to the camera. What I like most about the shot is that is was so spontaneous and part of each girl's character shines through.

Happy with my image and in the mood of capturing more images I carried on walking up to Clapham South Tube Station and the lovely common. I was torn between mothers with prams and derelict public toilets :) so on I went.

Crossing the road to reach another part of the common, I turned around and saw a police officer on his bike. Used to taking action shots I instinctively took a photo which prompted the dashing police officer (ahhhh, now I know why I took the shot) to stop, get off his bike and tell me that because I am taking photos I must give him my name. Stunned by such non sense I politely asked :"why? Since when is one not allowed to take photograph?"

"Well, since the act of terrorism -

"Do you mean to say that I am not allowed to take photos in the streets or the common or anywhere in London because of fear that I may be a terrorist?" "no, you are allowed to take picture unless I assess the situation and conclude that you are representing a genuine threat. However, we have to treat every body with a camera as a potential threat and take their name and fill out a form"

"Now, wait a minute", I said, don't you think you are taking things a touch too far?"

I am actually not quite sure how I kept y cool because I was immediately taken back to my days photographing at big international events. Photographers are not allowed to do this, that and the other ... and if there is one thing I dislike most then it's people's who can't help themselves from putting other people in pigeon holes. All kids wearing hoodies are of course criminals :) but people with cameras = possible terrorist? isn't that taking matter a bit too far?

Happy snapping everybody. And good luck to the numerous tourists London attracts day in day out!