Shells
I really enjoyed the recent talk by Rojer Weightman on still life at Leighton Buzzard Photography Club. It reminded me of some still life paintings that I had seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. These are miniature still life paintings (some only postcard size) by a seventeenth century artist called Adriaen Coorte.
I was particularly impressed by the simplicity of Coorte’s paintings of shells, like those below…
I happen to have some shells…
Remembering that Rojer Weightman had talked about experimenting with different lighting, and particularly, low light sources. I decided to play…
Using an old fleece as a backdrop has it’s own problems.
It was interesting to experiment with different lighting and depth of field.
I was quite pleased with the effects of candle light.
. 
The experiment continues.
I was particularly impressed by the simplicity of Coorte’s paintings of shells, like those below…
I happen to have some shells…
Remembering that Rojer Weightman had talked about experimenting with different lighting, and particularly, low light sources. I decided to play…
Using an old fleece as a backdrop has it’s own problems.
It was interesting to experiment with different lighting and depth of field.
I was quite pleased with the effects of candle light.
. The experiment continues.
Calke Abbey
On a quick trip to Calke Abbey, a couple of days ago I saw this little fellow in the stables.
Calke Abbey is full of random items.
…and a lovely herd of deer.
There was a lovely display of wild(ish) flowers including these allium, poppies and cornflowers.
Calke Abbey is full of random items.
…and a lovely herd of deer.
There was a lovely display of wild(ish) flowers including these allium, poppies and cornflowers.
Dalí's House
On a recent trip to France and Spain I visited the area near Roses in Catalonia.
Salvador Dalí Museum
Having enjoyed the Salvador Dalí museum in Figueres I was keen to go to Cadaqués and visit Dalí’s house at Portlligat.
Cadqués
We drove to Cadaqués and walked across the headland to Portlligat.
The clarity of the light (and the water) here is amazing!
Personally, I found Dalí’s house at Porlligat more interesting the the museum at Figueres. I feel that the museum represents Dalí the showman and the way he presents himself to the world, whilst the house is much more intimate and personal.
Dalí’s House
Salvador Dalí Museum
Having enjoyed the Salvador Dalí museum in Figueres I was keen to go to Cadaqués and visit Dalí’s house at Portlligat.
Cadqués
We drove to Cadaqués and walked across the headland to Portlligat.
The clarity of the light (and the water) here is amazing!
Personally, I found Dalí’s house at Porlligat more interesting the the museum at Figueres. I feel that the museum represents Dalí the showman and the way he presents himself to the world, whilst the house is much more intimate and personal.
Dalí’s House
Birmingham 2022 Comonwealth Games Triathlon
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Triathlons were held In Sutton Park and Boldmere, local to my home. It was a rare opportunity to try my hand at sports photography, and cycling in particular. There were four events, on the Friday Mens & Women’s and on the Sunday Para & Relay.
Men’s
Women’s
Para
Team Relay
Men’s
Women’s
Para
Team Relay
Steam Fair
26/07/22 15:36 Filed in: Historical | Photography
On a recent visit to my brother at his home in Lichfield we walked in his local park, Beacon Park. This was an opportunity to see Carter’s, a visiting steam fair.
The Octopus
Carter’s Steam Fair is a traditional English travelling funfair with rides dating from the 1890’s to the 1960’s. The rides and vehicles are all beautifully restored.
The Excelsior Steam Yachts
This impressive set of 1920s steam-driven yachts is one of only two or three surviving examples of a very popular ride in Britain at the turn of the 20th century. Two ‘yachts’ swing under steam power to an almost vertical angle which, although appearing sedate from the ground, gives it a kick which makes it one of our most popular rides with thrill-seekers.
The Paramount Chair-o-Plane
Dating from the 1920s, this is a rare example of working vintage chair-o-planes.
The Lightning Skid
Noisy and fast, and beautifully and intensely decorated, the Skid is a very popular ride dating from the 1960s.
The Jubilee Steam Gallopers
The oldest ride that the Carters own, the Gallopers was built in about 1895 by Robert Tidman & Sons in Norwich; when it was new, this would be the fastest most people had ever travelled.
The Octopus
Carter’s Steam Fair is a traditional English travelling funfair with rides dating from the 1890’s to the 1960’s. The rides and vehicles are all beautifully restored.
The Excelsior Steam Yachts
This impressive set of 1920s steam-driven yachts is one of only two or three surviving examples of a very popular ride in Britain at the turn of the 20th century. Two ‘yachts’ swing under steam power to an almost vertical angle which, although appearing sedate from the ground, gives it a kick which makes it one of our most popular rides with thrill-seekers.
The Paramount Chair-o-Plane
Dating from the 1920s, this is a rare example of working vintage chair-o-planes.
The Lightning Skid
Noisy and fast, and beautifully and intensely decorated, the Skid is a very popular ride dating from the 1960s.
The Jubilee Steam Gallopers
The oldest ride that the Carters own, the Gallopers was built in about 1895 by Robert Tidman & Sons in Norwich; when it was new, this would be the fastest most people had ever travelled.