Comments welcome

Today, I felt like having a bit of a rant! Not that I set out to have a rant ... but, funnily enough, the idea grew on me as I was walking the streets of London... having been rather busy all day I didn't get a chance to travel to a specific area and decided to stay in the neighbourhood.

My first observation was how messy the streets looked! Dead leaves, empty cans, empty bottles, discarded cigarette packets, cigarette stubs, old wet and torn newspapers, sweets wrappers ... you get the picture!

Funny that, isn't today garbage day? Yes, it is! ahh... well that explains!

As I turn into another street I am compelled to capture the subject of my real rant!

At first glance it doesn't say much ... or does it? Three neatly placed garbage bins - great and by the looks of it they have even been emptied! Even better! But where are their respective lids? Look carefully!

Yes, there they are. Sitting on the hedge above each bin. Now, I can assure you that this is not where the lids were this morning before the garbage men came to empty the bins! No, the lids were where they are supposed to be: namely ON the bins!

I have a simple question for you and for the garbage men:

Why, ohhh why do garbage men know how to take OFF the lids but don't know how to put the lids BACK ON the bins?!

And let me tell you, this house is lucky, the lids are placed on the hedge. In most cases, including at my house, the lids are just thrown willy nilly on the floor, sometimes even on the street itself instead of at least keeping the lid close to it's counter part, if not as desired ON the bin!

There you go, I have had my rant. So, should you have an explanation for this phenomena please send me a comment :)

Another side of London

What a shame that big cities are also breeding grounds for crime... sadly London is no exception.

My heart goes out to the owner of this car, memories flooding back into my mind...

I know what it feels like to come to your car and see that one of your windows has been smashed... it's most upsetting to say the least. First time it happened to me was in Birmingham at the NEC car park followed by another three times in London. To be fair last time it happened was a long time ago ... However, seeing the evidence of this crime today points towards another reason of why Operation Bumblebee (I have come across only a few days ago) has been re-introduced.

Time to bond

I don't particularly like wide angle lenses. Anything below a 50mm lens is classified as wide angle. In my view 35mm is, however, a very handy lens to have for interior shots or certain landscape images for example but anything below that really begins to distort an image.

Of course one can get very effective results using a wide angle lens and every serious photographer is bound to have a wide angle lens in his/her camera bag.

I own a very good Canon 17 - 35mm f 2.8L lens but hardly use it for the above mentioned reasons. I always enjoy getting in close to a subject and for that purpose prefer telephoto lenses (anything above 50mm).

But as of late I have been getting on very well with my Canon 50mm f.1.4 lens. I started using it more and more because it is so handy. It's not imposing and people seems to hardly notice it. How often have I worked with my Canon 70-200mm f.2.8L (quite a beast of a lens-heavy and fairly large) and caught the eye of many ...

I usually get approached with a friendly "great camera" to which I smile - it's not the camera they are attracted to, it's the lens ... but anyway bottom line is, attracted they are and I can't move around taking shots as unnoticed as I'd like to :)

Today, however I wanted to choose a location where I could bond a bit with my wide angle zoom.

I decided to go the the city and try my luck on some of the imposing buildings around Bank tube station. As soon as I reached street level I felt overwhelmed. One financial building next to the other and one bigger and more grand than the other. The streets seemed positively narrow compared to the heights (and widths) of the surrounding constructions.

Where to begin? I take a look through my lens and really don't like what I see. If you want to get the height you inevitably get too much foreground as well as the surroundings ... often coupled with an unpleasant dis figuration.

But hey, I'm here to make friends with my lens and to get to forge a greater understanding for its qualities ;)

So I get on with it and start pointing it at everything in sight ;) my first subject is the Royal Exchange. (Founded in 1565 and first opened by Queen Elizabeth I)

I'm not quite sure what the second encounter represents - but you may have a clue?!

On I went down to The Monument- There, I played around more freely and started to get a feel for what I can do with the lens. The surrounding buildings helped enhance the effect.

Then I moved on to more strange looking buildings - sorry don't know what they are called ... main thing is that I'm still having fun with the lens!

Finally I spot "The Cucumber" from a distance and make my way to it - It has become such a landmark and I have always wanted to see it up close and personal! Pretty impressive to say the least!

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!

Landmark with a twist

What do you do when you surface from the underground and realise you have take the wrong exit?

Do you

a)go back the way you came from and have another go at finding the right exit underground?

or

b)do you stick with that exit and try and make your way to where you want to be over ground?

You see, I was up there, so close and yet so far from where I wanted to be! Other people where already there ... they must have taken the correct exit, right?! or maybe some had done what I was about to do:

Take my life into my very hands and cross over a busy round about! Buses, taxis, cars, lorries, vans, motorbikes, even bicycles ... all trying to get in, around and out again ... preferably taking the right exit for them!

Sounds worth than it actually is :) yes, I had to be quick and look very carefully - other than that : a piece of cake!

So, here I was in the middle of the Marble Arch roundabout - bang in front of the famous Arch itself. I'm a bit disappointed. Looking at it with Park Lane behind me, Marble Arch doesn't look very good at all. The big buildings behind it spoil the shot.

I walk around trying to find an angle that would help throw the background out but ... no, nothing. Looking around me I see a strange looking sculpture and can't make out what it is. Looks impressive so I get closer ... Ah, now I know why I can't make out what it is ... I was looking at it from behind!

Being in front of it makes all the difference! In a strange thought of way, or because of my background, I like it ... but I can't figure out why on earth it's been placed here ... no plaque to read who made it ... nothing ... let's just say it's any body's guess .. and leave it at that!

I am yet to get a good picture of the Arch itself though! So I keep walking around it. No easy way across. I have to walk through the Arch itself, (that's a lovely feeling!) before I can cross over to the other side.

That's better! I can get it all in now without having something unwanted sticking out of it! I still have to be careful not to get run over though..:) I take refuge next to a van that's (illegally) parked there... engine still running, no driver in sight ... I just wait until the lights turn and bingo I get a good full view of Marble Arch without cars. I'm happy. Seeing Marble Arch in detail and paying that much attention to it brings me back to when I first came to London.

I guess it is a bit odd that it should stand here but then again, there seems to be an explanation which reads as follows:

It was built in 1828 as the chief entrance to Buckingham Palace, but when the Palace was extended in 1851, the Arch was moved to its current site as an entrance to Hyde Park. By tradition, only senior members of the royal family, the King’s Troop and the Royal Horse Artillery are allowed to ride or drive through the Arch... and I!

I walked further along and to my surprise two policemen asked me:

"Do you want us in the photo?"

"No!"

"We don't charge!"

Now, that would be even stranger. Just image the police started to charge people for being in a photo!

I take another shot of the lovely Arch but without them!

Now I'm thinking I should have taken them up on their offer if only to carry that photo around with me should I ever get stopped again by a policeman because I'm taking pictures ;)

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.

Lost or forgotten?

Might that be how I am feeling today .... ahhh, yes I knows sounds bad doesn't it :)

I took favourite lens (Canon EF 70-200 2.8L) to be looked at by Fixation on Oct.1st. Although it still takes great shots the zoom ring felt loose - my diagnosis: some screws needed tightening. Little did I know...

Twelve days later, no news. Time for me to call.

"Zoom flexor, rear assembly and narrow barrel all need replacing! That's £ 178.32 for the parts and £95 for labour, plus VAT."

"What?! That's £314.32!"

"Yes that's right. The technician took the lens apart and that's what he noticed. It seems that this must have happened due hard impact."

"That's impossible. I have neither dropped nor knocked the lens."

The lady on the other end of the line insist that this is what happened and that all three components needed replacing.

"You get three months warranty with it."

"Wear and tear" would have sounded more plausible. The lens has served me well over the years. I think I have owned it for at least 15 years. Mind you I look after my equipment really well - lenses and cameras are always wrapped in shammy leather so how this could have happened I simply don't know?

Anyway, forgotten I definitely felt as nobody bothered to call me with an estimate... Now, I feel lost on top of it!

Should I bite the bullet and cough up the dow?! or continue using the lens as it is? It is still taking great shots. I can always have it repaired when it either stops taken crisp shots or literally falls apart :)

Oh well, funny how when I went on my daily blog shot outing I came across a seemingly

fitting image!

What would you say: forgotten or lost?

Striding out

My throat still feels scratchy and my nose has been dripping all morning ... :) apart from that all is well!

Around 1pm the sun was making a real effort to push through a relatively thick layer of clouds. Was this my cue to grab my camera to make a move?

Bother, I didn't remember to put my battery on charge. The Canon 5D has no juice left. Luckily I had charged the battery pack of my Canon D1 mark II the other day. I wanted to familiarise myself with it again and now was my chance. The menu layout and positioning of buttons is slightly different and it's funny how I have to quickly reacquaint myself before feeling fully at ease again.

I was in two minds as to where I wanted to go. I didn't fancy going into town. Sitting on the tube when I am finding it difficult to breath didn't sound too appealing. So I decided to hop in the car and to drive to Wimbledon Common. I have never been there but a guy at the pool mentioned the other day how beautiful the Common was.

I'm always game to explore new areas, besides, bit of fresh air would do me good as well.

Shirley was up for it too. As we are driving along the clouds are getting darker and darker again ... never mind we're on our way and there is no way I'm not getting a shot for my blog!

We didn't quite know the way but followed our nose. Well, Shirley's nose actually! Past the All England Tennis Club and up a hill towards Southfields.

"Stop! I just saw a sign for Wimbledon Common."

I reverse and we take a left and another few turns passed some beautiful houses. Nice area! And we find ourselves bang opposite a path that leads into the Common. By now it's drizzling but it's beautiful at the same time. The Common turns out to be more woodland like. Huge. Not many people around - the rain must have kept them indoors.

I'm fascinated by the big old trees and the remaining long grass. I frame up my shot and as I'm about to take the shot I can see from the corner of my eye that two people will soon be making it into my frame. Impatient I take one shot and wait until the two are where I want them to be. As they reach the exact point, one of them decides to kick a stone. I'm happy with that because it adds a bit of humour to my shot.

The rain is getting heavier. I'm quite willing to carry on walking and see what else we encounter.

"No, not the way you are feeling!" I was told.

"Ok then, boss" :)

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.

Breaking the rule

It's been chucking it down relentlessly all afternoon.

I could even go as far as to say that it really was an unpleasant day to be roaming the streets of London. Still, I could no longer delay my mission to getting out the house in search of my shot of day.

Armed with a huge umbrella I ventured out. I decided to keep my equipment simple and used the 50mm f1.4 lens. Generally one refers to the 50mm lens as being the one that is closest to our normal radius of vision. It's small in size, handles very easily and although I always refer to the 70mm-200mm zoom lens as being my favourite lens, I really like the 50mm lens a lot! It takes me back to my first ever shots taken with an SLR camera. When I started to photograph, cameras were usually sold with a 50mm lens as a customary package. I had to buy this one separately though and I went for one with an opening of f1.4 as it is more light sensitive than the cheaper f1.8 version. Canon also make a f1.0L UMS version which is amazingly bright and the fastest interchangeable SLR lens! Needless to say, it is beautiful and cost the earth!

But I am happy with the one I've got! Grateful that I wasn't carrying my customary heavy equipment I made a dash down my road, across the main road and straight into to nearest shop which happens to be my local stationary shop. The two brothers who own "Miss U" are great! The shop is tiny but has everything you can think of and more! While fighting to close my umbrella I take a shot of Ilesh behind the counter - he smiles and wants me to give him my camera!

"I like cameras! I'm always the one who takes all the family photos."

"Great!"

Telling him about my blog and that his shot may very be the one for today provoked another big smile!

Little did I know at that time that as I stepped out of the shop again struggling with the wretched umbrella I instinctively pointed my camera first across the road to take a shot ... and then again out of the hip to take a guy running towards me...

What can I say? I like all 3 shots! They were all taken in the span of 5 minutes, if that, and really communicate the mood of the day.

Do I really have to make a choice and only publish one image or can I break my self inflicted rule?

I tell you what, I'm going to go for two!

You simply need to meet Ilesh and you also need to see that I wasn't telling fibs!

Taking a gamble

It's grey and miserable today. It actually rained quite heavily and I got drenched on my bicycle coming back from the Lido :)

I wasn't going to rush out again in a hurry. No, cup of tea in hand I made my way up to the office and started to look through all the photos taken over the weekend. There are some really interesting ones that I took on our walks along the Beach. one of which I posted in yesterday's blog.

Today, I'd like to share a shot I still took in London on Saturday on my way to Hastings. I took it from the moving train. Leaving Charing Cross the train headed over the Thames past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Cables either side of the bridge made it difficult to get a clear shot of those landmarks.

What I did however manage to capture is an interesting and unusual shot of the London eye.

It looks as if the photo was taken in black and white, but it was actually shot in colour. Just goes to show what a grim morning it had been.

The wires on the bridge we were travelling over work really well in this photo. I had to be fast though as the distance between the cables and empty space was very short. Taking a gamble and shooting out of a moving train can sometimes pay off and produce a rare image.

Delight in afternoon light

Waking up this morning I felt a bit deflated.

I have been giving what I shared with you yesterday a lot of thought.

I have come to realise more and more how important it is for me to be taking photos. I love taking photos. I love reporting. I love capturing the essence of what people are about. I love documenting things and events that are happening around me, around us. Some people are oblivious to it all. They don't see what I see.

Some object to seeing what I see. They don't see the meaning of it. This is the part that deflates me.

But I have also realised that I cannot let this disturb my mission.

I know I can catch a subject and bring another dimension to it. Honing in on a particular part of an overall impression is what I am good at.

So when I see things I feel the urge to frame it and snap it. And, bingo - you have a photograph - you have a story. You give the viewer of your image the opportunity to reflect, to feel.

My ultimate goal is purely and simply to inspire.

Day in day out for over 20 years I did that. I have had so many positive reactions to my books and my images. To which I always replied. "My images are only as good as what is happening in front of my lens."

"My job is to react, frame well and be aware of existing light."

There is nothing more exciting than having ones lens pointed at something and creating that magic connection between you and your subject. It is only a split second and it cannot be recreated. You miss it.. it's gone... forever. You see it, react to it and capture it... you encapsulate it forever.

How great is it then to be an observer, visually reporting on events?! It is what I enjoy most!

Now, with my reignited mission, I am reminded daily that I go through life seeing photos everywhere. It is as if I have my favourite lens permanently affixed to my retina :) I can't help but see photo opportunities everywhere. And, I feel the need to capture those.

Street photography heightens my visual senses even more. I have to go out and look, be alert at all times. I feel that my eye is becoming even sharper.

How easy it was photographing horses over fences or in a dressage arena.

With it came a sense of satisfaction, for sure. However, knowing horses and the sport as well I did, I felt it became a touch too predictable.

But back to yesterday's event. Remember the "unhappy polish woman"?

Well, today, I received a mail from her! Reading it has turned my feeling of slight deflation into one of hope. Specially hope for her!

I must share it with you in its entirety:

that is very interesting...yours mission!!!...and yours comments...You made me depresd and anhappy till I came back and enter the blog...sorry about that scene but it is just like....I could not belive it when i saw tthat lens looking straight at me doing that imberessing job...and You a photographer...doing pictures of what ever You like...not like me-doing this shit which I f.. have to...and my dream to do photography in my life.I am so tired of being a slave of parking...I am keep on looking...You as me what do I do...hardly trying to go back to normal...this rubbish killing my personality...sorry to going up set with the camera...I promisse to let You take one when I will could to finish this distress........Yours blog makes me cheer up at the end of the day.......thanks....................................................unhappy traffic worden

sorry about my english

and of course I replied:

Hi no longer as unhappy traffic warden,

Thank you so much for your e-mail.

Your words touched me and I am sure that if your desire to be a photographer is as strong as I can sense it is, then you will make it happen!

You are young and full of energy - use this wisely and don't let others rule your life. You are the master of your life - Don't give anybody the power to shatter your dream.

We all go through stages in our life where things seem so hard and we don't know how to get our life back on track. The truth, however, is that we can get the life we deserve. Yes, it takes a bit of effort and a firm believe that we can.

I have been practicing "Nichiren Buddhism" for a few years.This has helped me tremendously.

Please go to this link and watch the video. Am sure it will inspire you. If it inspires you enough you are welcome to come to my house this friday, tomorrow sept. 25th - I am hosting a Buddhist meeting and you are very welcome to attend.

Let me know how you are doing and let me know if you want to come.

regards, Elizabeth

PS your English is great.

is case the hyperlink did not work ... here is the link again

http://www.sgi.org/sgi-dvd.html

So off I go on today's mission. Check in later.

What a delight! Donovan was over the moon when I asked him whether I could take some pictures of him in action.

Donovan is the best, most conscientious decorator I have ever seen at work.

I have watched him near to two months now as he's been working his way down the road I live on. He's on house number four! There is an undisputed consent that our road will be renamed : Donovan Street.

I have a whole series of Donovan - the image I ended up choosing shows the concentration on his face in the soft afternoon light. I made sure I had a bit of the hedge in the bottom of the frame so to add a bit of colour. Looking very carefully one can even detect a drop of sweat on the end of Donovan's nose!

How streetwise are you?

Waking up this morning I was all set to have a productive day!

I had a few thing lined up. The major one was to research (and hopefully find) a gadget that will assist me in capturing the best ever under water footage anybody has ever taken at the Lido :)

The next task was to update my website by adding a page that would inform people about my blogs.

Number one was done in good time! Amazing what one can find on the Internet - And, I must tell you, I have the coolest brother because this "thing" :) I will introduce you to in due cause, is a belated birthday present from my brother ... yes, I had a bit of a "big" birthday back in April I'm afraid ...:)

Number two - adding a few details on my site went fairly smoothly too. Up until it was time to upload the changes that is. I'm designing my site in i.web 09 and, as of one week ago, I have installed Snow Leopard, the latest Apple OS.

Well, what can I say. Apple has let me down a bit for the first time. Snow Leopard has proved to have a few issues with certain applications. One of which is uploading to your FTP directly from i.web. The connection failed, failed and failed again. Time to call Easily, my host and figure out what is going wrong.

I'm sure you are familiar with the scenario when calling any technical support:) Yawn, Easily is no different!

Suffice it to say that by googling forums on the matter, I ended up figuring out myself what to do. Tip: should you by any chance have similar difficulties using i.web/snow leopard use the forum.

And as we are on the subject, should you be using Cyberduck and it worked well in Leopard, note that you will be needing Cyberduck version 3.3b1 if you are running Snow Leopard.

Yes, I know, tedious stuff :) But hey, I got my revised site uploaded! Monumental success I will have you know :) Specially as, while I was on the phone, trying to make sense of what Easily were (falsely) instructing me to do, a deafening racket that was going on in front of my house.

The windows of my office were vibrating and the noise would simply not stop ... here I was holding for Omar from Easily to ask his supervisor for advise ... cause his colleague managed to instruct me on how to delete my entire site but wasn't able help me upload it :)

Great stuff! The commotion outside didn't help in the slightest!

Time was ticking away. When was I ever going to go on my blog journey? Can't stop now. Have to fix the website first.

Still holding for Omar.

Suddenly Shirley had the brilliant idea of sending me out with my camera to document what that ear-splitting racket was all about!

"Ok cool, why not. You talk to Omar :)"

Off I went. No bicycle, no tube to take, not even a bus! I opened my front door and bingo: Action!

The lads were not enthralled having a camera being pointed at them. Not a smile - no, on the contrary, they went about their business looking rather grim faced. Well, I guess I didn't have much to smile about either at his point ... other than proving to be a touch more streetwise today than had been yesterday :)

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!

Meeting a real Angel

Today I ventured further afield - Regent Street to be precise - as I had a "one to one" appointment with a "mac genius" at the Apple Store flagship branch in Regent Street. I love my one on ones there. The guys are so cool, filled with knowledge and passion for the mac - besides it's such good value for money - earlier in the year I sign up to have a lesson a week for a whole year on what ever the mac and its dedicated applications do - cost: a mere £79 - a real bargain and well, well worth it. Ok, enough of a plug - but hey- just wanted you to know : I love the mac :)

In case you're wondering, I'm also into filming - documentary style - and enjoy editing my material. Final Cut Express is a step up from i.movie. It takes a bit of practice and "genius tuition" just speeds up the learning curve.

So packed like a mule - laptop, external hard drive and my 5D with 20-70mm f.2,8L lens - I jumped on the tube for my 11am appointment with Jake.

Come 12.00 noon I was ready to change medium and focus on getting my shot of the day.

I don't know about you ? But the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus and its surroundings does not inspire me in the least... but hey, if I'm already here, I thought, I'd better make the most of it and see where it takes me. Come to think of it, Regent Street is actually one my favourite streets in London. No, not entirely because of THE shop! Its architecture is stunning. I love how the buildings at the Piccadilly Circus end of Regent Street curve.

I'm walking down it, eyes peeled and other than taking a few shots of that famously curved street and buildings I didn't see anything worth taking.

Well, I thought to myself, the "safety shot" could be considered being in the bag :) Specially as I have such an affinity with the place ... and who knows, cyber space might deliver my blog to people who have never ever been to Regent Street? :) if only it wasn't for all the people crowding the pavement though :)

I continued down. Hang round a bit at Piccadilly Circus. Nothing but tourist taking .. ohhh my God: PHOTOS! - I wonder which one of them is a potential thread to the capital?

OK, time to drop it! Yesterday's encounter is long gone - I notice, not quite forgotten though ... but time to move on. And, I do exactly that.

On to Piccadilly itself, my internal sat nav programmed to Green Park where I intend to take the tube back home. Walking along, I'm greeted by a big toothless smile and a "The Big Issue" that sounded like a genuine "hello". I smiled back thinking, that smile and wave of the magazine would have made such a great impromptu shot! If only a blink of my eye could have captured that! When will technology come up with a contact lens capable of taking photos?:)

A few steps later I felt the urge to turn around, walk back, to find out what could possibly lie behind that smile other than wanting to sell as many Big Issue copies as possible.

Have you ever spoken with a Big Issue vendor? I certainly hadn't! So here was my chance. Besides, maybe I could get a photo of him after all?! I knew it was going to cost me (not only a copy of The Big Issue) and I was willing to support the man.

So we started to chat. And guess what? This man was actually an American Citizen! That was the last thing I expected.

" I am homeless. A man doesn't need a home. It's only a burden. Women and children need a home. A man doesn't."

"You mean to say that you sleep rough?" I asked maybe a bit naively.

"Yes, have been for some time now. You get kind off hooked on it.

As our conversation went on it transpired that this man is also a traveller. He's got a wife and a daughter in Eastern Europe (I didn't quite catch where). He used to work with Alice Cooper. Remember him?

"I'm not really into making money, he said, but I have a great idea that would generate a lot of money. If someone gets in on it with me I'm prepared to only take 25% of the profits. I'm a bit cautious though to talk about it because I have had an idea stolen before. So I think I shall save up to get it off the ground myself and keep all the profit."

Fascinating. This visual challenge I set myself is turning out to be much more than simply capturing images. It felt so good to be engaging in this dialogue with a total stranger.

"What's your name", I asked.

"Angel. What's yours?

"That's a great name! I'm Elizabeth, pleased to meet you. I'll have a copy and do you think I could also take a photo of you?"

"Cost you a quid."

"OK, that's fine!"

And then I thought to myself, how funny: usually I get paid to take someones photo ... but then again, I have never had the opportunity to photograph an Angel before!

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!

It's official - I have started my blog.

What a day! I have decided to enter the world of blogging! What was I waiting for? An inspiring and worth while idea and reason of course! And, just imagine, I have found not only one idea ... but two!

But don't let me get ahead of myself ... is one not enough? Well, this reminds me of my Dad who waits and waits and .. yes ... waits for ages before making a decision and then when he finally has come to the painful realisation that a decision is only that, a decision, and pull himself together to make IT (the decision that is) well then : stand back everybody cause he means business and things cannot go fast enough!

So, yes where was I? oh yes, I am starting two blogs today! cause, I am after all my father's daughter! and now things can't go fast enough .. For the past months I have been pondering about projects that would excite me and be an outlet for my creativity.

I have been working as a freelance photographer for over twenty years. Two years ago, however, I got let's call a spade a spade, "fed up" and disillusioned with the world I was photographing! Don't get me wrong, for years I enjoyed the horse world and the fantastic sporting achievements I have been fortunate enough to document. However, there came a point where I no longer enjoyed not so much the sport itself nor the skills photographing horses and rides in peak action requires but some aspects that came with it and that simply got worse.

For example the way certain magazine editors dealt with photographers was, dare I say, a touch disrespectful of a photographers profession. But anyway I sort off ignored that the best I could. I had more difficulties with the way certain Press officers favoured a handful of photographers and allowed them, and only them, access to areas that provided interesting, more creative and unusual photos. I can think of one particular press officer who embodied more characteristics of a bullying sergeant major than a helpful press officer :) And, I remember some event stewards who turned into miniature dictators once given that hugely important role :)

The occasion I remember most fondly was when photographing at the international show ground in Aachen, the mecca of Show Jumping, I had to literally fight with a steward for a position I wanted to take a photo from. A premonition or moment of exceptional inspiration, possessed me to choose a position and angle to take a photo from which was outside the area all photographers were confined to. I had to use all my wits. Firstly to sneak out of the arena and take up the position I wanted just in time to take a particular rider I had set my eyes on. I knew I was going to produce a great shot from this position but I also knew I was going to be chased away from it in no time! My adrenalin was running high. I got to my destination in time. Rider and horse approached the final fence of the jump off in Aachen's Grand Prix. A Million $ in prize money was at stake if horse and rider cleared the final fence and won the Grand Prix. I was on a 300mm lens, head on to this monstrously big spread fence. I hand held the heavy beast because there was no time to set up my monopod. The fence was perfectly framed in my viewfinder, horse and rider filling the frame tightly. To avoid camera shake I kept my eye well pressed to the viewfinder and my elbows were firmly tucked into my sides. Looking through the lens I could see horse and rider approaching. Austrian show jumper Hugo Simon, a real fighter himself, just went hell for leather and approached the final fence in full speed. His horse ET was used to his jockey's demands and always took on his riders wishes with all his heart. Here they were, giving their best and I was ready to give mine. To maximise my chances for a perfectly focussed and sharp shot I had to hold my breath. Hugo misjudged his stride by a fraction. ET, getting very close to the front pole of the parallel fence, had to make an extra huge effort. In mid air Hugo did something I had never seen a rider do over a huge fence like that. The Austrian let go of both reins so to give his partner full use of his neck and with it the best possible chance of clearing the fence! Amazing to witness and even more exhilarating to capture! Yes, I got THE SHOT! And guess what? I am the only one who got it :)

Hugo and ET won the GP. Soon after, the organisers of Aachen decided to start a competition for best International Equestrian Photographer. I was lucky enough that this shot won me 1st prize in the The Silver Camera Award 1999.

"Fighting" for ones passion is always worth ones while!

But back to my attempt at blogging.

In fact I have never read anybody's blog and I am not sure at all whether anybody will ever stumble across my 2 blogs ... let alone one! and if anyone should come across it, would anybody ever stop and read or comment on my blogs?!

The reason why I want to start a blog is to reignite my passion for photography. You see, after my 4th book, Visions of Polo, was published I have sort of taken a rather extended sabbatical and neglected my creative outlet.

My interest went elsewhere. Mainly into building a property portfolio which I have successfully done over the past 3 years. But that's another story which I may share else where. But rest assured it's not the topic of my 2nd blog ;)

My second blog is about "an unusual love affair in london". Check it out. It's about to be launched too.

So, in order to get back on track and revive my photography and creativity I set myself a task.

Armed with my camera I will explore London every day. The challenge is to re-stimulate my visual awareness and to produce interesting shots. I will also narrow my daily photographic exploits down to one image alone that I will post on my blog. You may ask why one image and why roam the streets of London? Choosing one image alone is a great exercise. I am hoping that the additional task will strengthen my ability to capture the essence of a given subject. The purpose being that one strong photo should tell the story. By the way, making the right visual choice is not necessarily a gift one is born with. It can be mastered. First step is to train improving ones eye for light, composition and timing: the 3 vital elements for achieving striking memorable images, in my opinion. A photographer simply has to be ruthless when it comes to framing. You don't want to get a surprise after you have taken your shot. You have to be aware and happy with your shot at the very moment of framing and releasing the shutter. No good relying on retouching and spending hours (or minutes depending on how capable you are) on the computer! I am talking about pure photography! What you see is what you get! And yes it can mean putting effort into it! Use your feet to get closer to a subject for example! The lens is the continuation of your eye and the means by which you are able to frame a subject.

And why London? Well, because I live in South West London and I want to discover new areas and gain a better feeling for the capital.

Today, however to get me started I want to share the photo that has won me Best International Equestrian Photographer.