People in the Park

To contrast a little the last post, here is a different park, in another country, in a different season and with people as its main subject this time rather than trees (though the observant visitor will notice a number of these too!). The point is really that contrasting two images, however slightly related, often works as a rewarding form of presentation, an interesting access point to seeing and appreciating similarities and difference, yet with a common foundation –in this case the concept of "the park" and what that means for different people. Here we have a warm summer afternoon, evening really, but the sun is still up, and you can almost feel the pleasant lazy warmth and smell the grass. Everyone is in their own little blissful world, some dozing, some having a picnic, others reading, greeting a friend, sharing a special moment. They are dotted about like little islands in an ocean of greenn; there is a communal atmosphere but privacy is respected and cherished. The elegant building in the background and the neatly trimmed bushes and beds give a sense of peace and order to the scene, but not too much; the mood is mellow and summer is glorious... ahhhh, may it come again soon. Location: Vienna, Austria

Wiener Riesenrad

One of Vienna's many attractions is the iconic giant ferris wheel in the Prater Park. I first became acquainted with it through the film The Third Man, in which it plays a notable part – so, eager to follow in the footsteps of Orson Welles, I took a spin, though it was a very slow spin, giving ample time to photograph the increasingly magnificent views of Vienna. I was there just as it was getting dark, which seemed an ideal time. In some of the other "cabins" couples were enjoying a romantic, candlelit meal – one of these can just be seen in the picture. It was a giddy and gently thrilling experience, but somehow quite stately too, like sailing on an old liner. The Riesenrad has been there for so long –and been lovingly cherished and cared for – that it is a "must" on any visit to Vienna. Here we are at the start of the ascent, while it is still fairly light. Location: Vienna, Austria

Hair Style

I came across this facade in Vienna and was immediately drawn to it for a number of reasons. The salon was closed and faded, but had the marks of nostalgia and one-time modernity. The chic, very moderne,1920s lettering is particularly exciting. The two doors would once have opened to two very different worlds –the women's salon and the men's salon, but there is perfect symmetry in their arrangment. The displays case now boasts an odd assembly of lace, a vase of flowers and one forlorn wig, but it is easy to imagine displays of previous decades, of all manner of styles. There is something theatrical about the picture, as if we are looking at a stage- or film-set; but one that has been abandoned, finished with. I am intrigued by such places; I want to know their story, their ghosts and step through the doors and into that fading past...Location: Vienna, Austria

Thirsty Horse

Salzburg in the summer time: blue sky, pretty white-washed building, lush trees and a horse drinking (or perhaps spitting) water. It is, of course, part of one of the city’s magnificent fountains. I remember this being an extremely hot day, so the fountain’s coolness was welcome relief to tired hands, and the trinkling sound of the water had a calming effect while I rested in the shade. Now, with autumn becoming colder and duller as it moves towards winter, I rather yearn for such days again! Location: Salzburg, Austria

More Love Locks

Just a few of the many thousands of "love locks" on the bridge across the Salzach River in Salzburg -itself one of the most romantic of cities. I like the randomness of the palette here -the mix of commercially produced red locks already embosse with hearts and more humdrum regular gold padlocks and, as always, the one or two contributions from individualists. And then there's the glimpse of town, and the river, and the blue sky, and the mountains. Sigh; just...sigh. Location: Salzburg, Austria

People at Tables

Reflecting somewhat my last post, here the tables are full of people. The backdrop is rather more dramatic than the conversations going on, however, it would appear –I love the bored look of the lady whose glass is empty, waiting for her husband to finish his drink). This is right outside the Stephansdom in Vienna and the statues, reliefs and paintings add a biblical sense of theatre and even judgement to an otherwise ordinary scene, but I liked the colours and textures and composition enough to share it. Location: Vienna, Austria