Alleyway...

I am currently re-watching some of the classic Sherlock Holmes movies from the 1930s and 40s, and am fascinated how so much the atmosphere is created with contrasts of light and shadow in constructed studio sets that evoke a London of fog, mystery and suspense. Though I took this picture in the daytime it nevertheless conjures up for me something of that mystique –I can easily imagine placing Sherlock Holmes himself in this alley, striding along with his trusty companion, Doctor Watson. I was particularly pleased with the total blackness of the top of the picture, which makes the sunlight beyond so inviting. I also liked quite well the way the texture of the stone came out. If I had had a fog machine under my arm I think I could have even recreated something of Conan Doyle's London too! Location: London, England

Half-submerged Quay

Summer. Rich and warm. Blue skies and deeper blue water –such as in this forest lake that I came across quite by accident whilst out hiking last week. The half-submerged quay beckons the passer-by: come and stick your weary, hot toes in the refreshing water, or jump out from the plank –it's all so inviting -and the total tranquility of the scene –no one else was about for this was deep in the countryside– made it even more delightful. It's not only my own favourite picture of this summer –but it was my favourite day. Location: Nordmarken, Oslo, Norway

Cover Change

I have just changed the cover or header of this blog for the first time since I started posting –I thought it was about time, and hopefully the text is a little easier to read on the new background. But I didn't want to to totally lose the photograph that I had as the header before, so here it is, unsullied by my text! It was taken along the beach promenade in Brighton in 2009, but I suspect is pretty much the same today, though perhaps some of those colourful doors are now open in the hot weather, and the "clairvoyante to the stars" is doing brisk summer business! Location: Brighton, England

The Tour Party

People on tour groups fascinate me -they become something of a creature of their own, rather like queues do, and tend quite often to adopt all sorts of interesting dynamics, habits and even manners of dress -mostly very colourful. Inevitably cameras (or other photograph-taking devices) are always at the ready, so that nothing is missed. Yet sometimes I feel the cameras are seeing whatever it is the people are looking at rather than the viewer -say I, who take photographs myself! Now I am not at all criticizing or mocking tour groups in any way –though rudely noisy or disrespectful groups of any kind tend to ignite my irritation– I just find them interesting to observe. This group are visiting Oslo's historical castle. I liked the colours and ways people are standing, and the cameras and the man with his hand oustretched give a focal point that is out of frame; whatever it is it clearly has them captivated ..except one or two who seem rather bored. Location: Oslo, Norway

The Birds is Coming -II !

To complement yesterday's entry I thought it would be nice to redress the balance and say that most birds I have encountered have been perfectly behaved, unobtrusive and genial, and I couldn't imagine a world without them –the sound of birds singing in the morning or evening is one of my favourite things. And even seagulls can be polite and friendly, such as these fine gulls in South Carolina who were clearly only too delighted to be able to pose for my camera. They had no intention of ganging up against the human race... or did they! Location: Charleston, South Carolina

The Birds is Coming!

Earlier this week I re-watched Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic "The Birds" and once again found it to be a most unsettling film –strengthened as it was by an experience I had a few days earlier when I was attacked by a very angry raven in Oslo. It was unexpected and –as far as I was concerned- totally unprovoked, though I may unknowlingly have trespassed onto what the raven considered its own personal territory. The attack resembled very closely those in the film, and I was indeed fortunate that it was only one bird that was after me. But some years ago, on an island off the Australian coast, I was similarly attacked by a seagull on an idyllic, deserted beach In the film seagulls are the other large bird doing the damage along with the ravens. So though I am truly a bird-lover (ornithology is one of my other hobbies) I am now a little apprehensive when I notice them ganging up, lest they have it in for me! These gulls however seemed fairly harmless –more curious and cheeky than vindictive– and I was quite pleased to get five of them into one shot in all their flying beauty -without being pecked! Location: Brighton, England

Union Club

For Independence Day I wanted to post a picture that captured for me the spirit and heritage of The United States, and this is one of a building I find particularly apt –The Union Club in Boston. It was founded in 1863 as a gentleman's club in support of the Union, and has had many prominent members over the years such Ralph Waldo Emerson and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Its location is apt too –on Park Street (part of the Freedom Trail), overlooking Boston Common on one side and the Granary Burial Grounds on the other. It is a sedate, solid and traditional place, and its facade looked particularly fine in the evening sun when I took this picture; it seems to be veritably glowing with pride. Happy Independence Day. Location: Boston, USA

Headless Zebra or Painted Burro or Back End of a Horse!

Some photographs turn out unintentionally amusing, like this one of a donkey -or burro...or zebra.... in a Mexican street. I had hoped to capture the whole of the animal, but of course he had to dip his head just as I took my picture. I am inclined to believe the animal has merely been decorated to look like a zebra, the clue being the "graffiti fest" banner in the background. The stripes seem to be fading a bit around the middle of the animal, adding to the surrealistic nature of the picture. Location: Tijuana, Mexico