Alamo Tree

Everyone recognizes the iconic image of the Alamo facade, potent symbol of its place in American history, and its probably one of the most photographed spots in America. But there is a lot more to the site than just that one image. This is from the garden at the back, which is truly beautiful and moving and an ideal place for reflection on what occurred there back in the day, away from the crowds who only want to take the obligatory shot of the facade. The garden is filled with amazing plants, historical artifacts and gentle lawns, but it was this magnificent tree next to the well that really captured my attention. It seemed ageless and somehow benign, providing shade in the hot Texan sun the day I was there. There is nothing but beauty and grace in its marvelously twisted branches, and if ever a tree could be said to be wise, it is true of this one. Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA

Hastings Pier

The pier in Hastings was severely damaged by a fire in 2010, and the remains stand forlornly in the water, waiting to be rejuvenated –which happily will be soon. I find there is a kind of beauty in most if not any ruins, but also sadness, and I was trying to capture that here. The picture was taken across a pool on the promenade, which created a rather surreal effect with the sea beyond; "bridged" by the railings and the wall of the pool. I wanted initially there to be no people in the picture as I was going for simplicity, but people were constantly walking by, cluttering the shot. However, I loved the little vignette of the father and his little girl, and especially the splash of bright colour that her jacket gives. I didn't register the plane flying high over the pier, but was quite excited when I saw it on the finished picture –a discreet counter-balance to the two people. Location: Hastings, England

On the Quay

One of the old jetties or quays in Oslo's harbour is being replaced or repaired, and the motive of renewal seems fitting for such a bright spring day, I liked the vertical lines of the jetty supports and the masts and the cranes, and the four horizontal levels -quayside, water, buildings, sky, plus the contrast of the old boat and the new boat -which together create a rather harmonious image, despite the apparent clutter. Location: Oslo, Norway

The St. Patrick's Day Concert

Well, this one came out somewhat blurred, and technically it's not at all impressive, but sometimes a picture just captures something of the atmosphere of a moment, such that you can't bear to discard it. It was St.Patrick's Day in Texas a year or two ago, and there was rather a poor turn out at this outdoor concert to celebrate the day. I felt a bit sorry for the band who were giving their all and doing a fine job, but to such a small crowd. The mosh pit is hardly heaving, but I love how attentive the kids at the front appear to be compared to the other members of the audience. I should add that this was the afternoon, and things picked up considerably as evening approached. In fact things became quite lively! Happy St. Patrick's Day, wherever you are. Location: El Paso, USA

Berlin Sky

I was going to take the "obligatory" shot of the Brandenburg Gate, but the view through it was blocked by the scaffolding and stage of some gargantuan rock concert taking place on the other side. I pointed my camera up to try and block off this clutter, and photographed instead much of the moody sky over Pariser Platz that afternoon. I was quite pleased with the result because the shot managed to capture the majesty of the gate in a rather striking way. The silhouette of the horses, the angle of the sign and especially the patch of pale yellow on one of the clouds give the image a kind of operatic grandeur which I rather like. Location: Berlin, Germany

Buildings With Faces

It's childish, I know –and I think I have written about this in an earlier entry too– but I love finding faces in objects around us. Sometimes they are sad faces, sometimes happy, but they always give the object –or in this case, building– a personality. The thing is that once you start looking for faces you will find them everywhere, and it is a highly amusing little pastime. Sometimes you even see faces of famous people or people you know. I don't quite know who this one resembles, but the surprised, open-mouthed expression is quite cute –if you like that sort of thing! I've now photographed so many such faces that I've started a new label "Faces on Things" with this entry. Location: Oslo, Norway

Window of Wonder

I love books. Simply love them. A library or a bookshop fills me not just with excitement, but with a very profound sense of curiosity and wonder that borders on the manic –partly because I realize that no matter how long I live, I will never be able to read all the books in front of me. So there's a bit of desperation there too, because with books –as with life itself– we're forced to make choices, from many possibilities that may appear equally appealing. Then one comes across windows like this one in Putney, and the excitement builds up to fever pitch, because the very display of books becomes a work in its own right –one that fires both my love of books and my photographer's energy. There is both chaos and order, and what I particularly like is the way the books are not just displayed conventionally, as in a shelf, all vertical, but are piled horizontally too. The colours, lines and the sheer number of books also create an unforgettable and exciting image. It is as if the books are pressing against the glass, bursting to be purchased and read, but also admired. Bliss! And long live books! Location: London, England