Night Train

An empty train waiting to depart at Paddington Station late one night. Nothing special about that, except that Paddington, of all London stations, is always a thrill to visit –a true and vast cathedral to rail travel. And it's so spacious that one never feels crowded there, except perhaps when busy commuter trains spill out their passengers of a morning. At night, it's quieter (but never still) and in places a little bit ghostly, but I love to walk along the platforms and imagine the many destinations the trains standing there will pass through. The lighting is alluring -in places, such as against the huge curved ceilings it is blue, like a nightclub. You only see a tiny bit of it here, but I like this picture because it seems to catch something of the essence of what makes train stations so alluring and romantic (at least for me!) I like the variety of lines and the mix of light and shadow and particularly the long stretch of windows along the sleek side of the empty train. All aboard!

Location: London, England

Old Level Crossing

This is a level crossing on the Mid Norfolk Railway –now a heritage line, but formally an important local rail route through the heart of Norfolk.Sometimes freight is still transported on this line, but more often than not it's vintage trains run by ethusiasts that roll down these tracks. Most of the time however the gate is closed, as here. I like the criss-cross effect of the various lines and the geometric shapes that are created by the old-school level crossing, and the contrasts work particularly well in silvertone –which also echoes something of the history behind the motive –which for me admittedly (as with anything to do with trains and railways) always remains romantic.

Location: East Dereham, England

Airplane and Sunset

I just heard today that the airline Norwegian has decided to cut out its long-distance operations due to the ongoing economic and travel difficulties connected to covid-19. I suspect they will not be the last airline to have to resort to such measures. I have flown with Norwegian numerous times and have many friends who work for the company. In my case, most of my travel has been with them has been within Europe, and I am happy that the airline will continue with this side of its operation. Though there has been precious little international travel for me this last year I hope very much to resume discovering the world "when this thing is over" and one of the places I shall definietly return to when things are brighter is Berlin. But there too, changes have occured –such as the opening of the new airport, which I assume will be where I land next time I return –and not at Schönefeld, depicted here, which has closed for good, though parts of it are incorporated into the new Berlin Brandenburg airport. So it's kind of a historical picture, but I'm posting it mainly because of the Norwegian news and because I'm travel sick and because I'll never forget the magnificent sky we took off into on my last flight form Berlin. You can see some of it here as the Norwegian Boeing 737 is boarding. Though primarily a "train" person, there is often something equally exciting about a plane getting ready to depart. Let's hope we'll all be travelling again soon, one way or another.

Location: Berlin, Germany

Train Departure

The Amtrak train leaves the Main Street station of Richmond on a damp autumn afternoon, crawling like a segmented snake into the mist. Above, a bewildering mass of wires, cables and lines. Anyone who knows me knows that one of my greatest passions is trains and travelling on them. They can sometimes be elusive things to capture interestingly in a photograph though. What I liked here was the fact that we see so much of the train because the track is curved at this point and each carriage (or car, if you prefer) is shown at a slightly different angle to the next one, giving the picture a more interesting slant. The man about to cross the tracks gives the picture a human dimension, contrasting with the frightening technological aspect of the lines and cables above.

Location: Richmond, Virginia, USA

Summer Sky Ices

It's hot all over Europe at the moment and ice-cream vans like this are doing brisk business on promenades and beaches and in parks across the continent. Though taken at the seaside, this picture is from a colder season –a sharp winter's day on the coast of England. I found it somehow cheering to see the ice-cream van, even though it was parked and empty, resting before its big period of activity later in the year. the name of the van is optimistic –skies in England can be many things, even in the summer. Yet here, the clouds were rather beautiful, and though the day was chilly and the air sharp, it was an uplifting experience to be at the seaside.

Location: Lowestoft, England

Tower Bridge

This is probably not only the most photographed bridge in the world, but one of the most photographed man-made motives of any kind, and no prizes for guessing that we are in London. For some reason, many people insist on calling this London Bridge –for few things symbolise London more (well.. Big ben, The London Eye, Nelson's Column...). BUT, of course this label is wrong; for this is TOWER Bridge –named for its proximity to the Tower of London and for its two distinctive towers. It's one of the most distinctive bridges anywhere and it was a true delight to fulfil recently a little dream I've had of walking across it. But it's perhaps best seen from a distance from the one of the riverbanks, and if you're very lucky you might see it with the two halves of the bridge's road raised. Here, however, I have captured the bridge –as I try to do with all London bridges– with a bright red double-decker smack in the middle! On a purely technical level I realize I should have captured more of the sky above the bridge to make this picture more balanced, but sadly I was too awe-struck by the sight of the bridge itself that all my composition knowledge went for a burton. Sorry!

Location: London, England

Old Doors

A return to the wonderful railway yard in my old home town in Norfolk –just about my favourite place in the whole world to explore photograph. The clutter and junk of trains has for me a curious beauty about it, as does here the textures and lines and uneven surfaces. You don't really have to be a good photographer to get a good picture here (a bit like Venice), you just point and shoot and you'll capture something interesting. Of course, some thought to composition and light does help, but I have found that very few of the many, many pictures I have taken at this railway yard have worthless or had to be discarded –certainly compared to anywhere else I take photographs. Everything is worth saving. And here, this applies to the old train carriage doors that have been stacked up against the wall of the workshop. How many people have stepped through these doors at the start or end of a journey? How many have stood in the window, waving to loved ones as the train slips out the station. Will the doors ever be used again? Who knows -it would be nice to think so. Yet here they now bask in the sun reliving perhaps their days of glory and swapping tales of late passengers and impatient guards...

Location: East Dereham, England

Down on the Tracks

It's been a while since I posted any pictures of trains, which is surprising considering how much of a train freak I am. I'd happily photograph trains and railway stations and everything to do with them all day long and nothing else, but I think that would be too much –at least for this blog, and there are so many other things that are worthy of photographing too. But, my thoughts at the moment are turning to plans for the spring and summer, and for rail travel in particular, and so I'm dipping into some pictures of the past for inspiration. Here's a picture from the fabulous German railway museum in Nuremberg, taken in its large outdoor yard (I've not wandered dangerously between mainline tracks if that is what you are wondering). Here, all sorts of glorious pieces of rolling stock enjoy their semi-retirement and all the attention poured on them by enthusiasts such as myself. I got right down to track level to give these two trains a sense of grandness, despite their fairly ordinary pedigree. Are the trains coming or going; do the tracks lead away from us or towards us? I'm not going to get too philosophical about it, I just thought it was a nice picture to share, and hope all your train journeys be pleasant and exciting ones!

Location: Nuremberg, Germany

Old Sea Dog

Though not at sea we are in the water here, for this is HMS Warrior, the first armour-plated, iron-hulled warship, built in 1860 for the Royal Navy. She is now permanently berthed by the wonderful Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth as a museum ship, and is well worth a visit, even though most visitors tend to head first for the even more famous HMS Victory which is also found here. But this means there are less people jostling about and –at least when I was there– no queue to get in; in fact, for a large part of my visit I had the great ship pretty much to myself, being one of the first guests to arrive that day. However, I was not quite alone, for pacing the deck was this elderly gentleman –presumably a guide but perhaps a ghost, who by the manner of his gait and poise was re-living days of glory at sea. I imagined him to be a crusty old captain, only really happy when aboard a mighty vessel. Here he seems content –the seas are calm and all is well; there is no mutiny today nor any sign of the enemy. There is time for reflection, and thoughts of a life devoted to the sea. I felt the picture captured both something of the grandeur of the ship and the story of a man, and I like that he is standing a little in the shade, hands behind his back, in control.

Location: Portsmouth, England

Gloves and Mittens Gone AWOL -No 4

Another glove out on its own in the big world. You'd think that one this bright would have been too conspicuous to lose, but it clearly has a desire to escape and explore. All it needs to do first is to cross this sea of slats. Perhaps in search of its partner, which surely must be equally lonely? wherever it is.

Location: Oslo, Norway

Lambeth Bridge

One of my casual ongoing projects is to photograph all 33 bridges that cross the River Thames in Greater London. I'm around halfway there now, and you may have some of the earlier posts featuring those bridges I have so far covered. Here's a new one –the often forgotten Lambeth Bridge, so often overlooked by its more illustrious neighbour a little further down the river (Westminster Bridge. But Lambeth Bridge is as equally an essential crossing and has charms of its own, not least the views of the Palace of Westminster from the other side, and a good deal fewer tourists. It's also a good place to cross over to explore the quieter end of the South Bank, excellent for a good walk either along the riverside or down into Lambeth itself. Interestingly, the red colour on the bridge is meant to refer to the colour of the seats in the House of Lords, which is closest to the bridge, whereas the more green Westminster Bridge refers to the colour of seats in the House of Commons, which is closest to that bridge! Though there's been a bridge here since 1862 (and before that a ferry crossing at this point), the present structure opened in 1932. It has some nice features, like the lamps seen here, and the bridge has now been listed and therefore protected. As is my usual whim, I have photographed the bridge with a red double decker halfway across –for few things symbolise London to me more.

Location: London, England

Boats and Ducks

Here is a little group of boats on a calm blue lake in Germany. It is a hot summer's day with a light, pleasant breeze and one would think that all these boats would be occupied and out on the water, but here they remain waiting, guarded by a pair of ducks. I liked the way the two boats at the front mirrored each other, their bows almost kissing, and the little splashes of red and yellow add a little vibrancy to all the blue, which I find quite appealing. A nice "summery" picture in other words, with no pretension of being anything else, but yet I am a little intrigued as to why there should be a barbecue out on the quay... Location: Nuremberg, Germany

Boat from Above

There's not really a story behind this picture –though I am sure this little boat could tell a tale or two if it were graced with the power of speech. However, I was attracted by all the little details, and the way the bright sunlight played on the murky water and the various textures seen here. I was particularly fascinated by the peeling surface of the quay, revealing a lighter paint beneath and giving the impression of a coastal map. The two brick-shaped objects a little further along are haphazardly placed but perfectly harmonious with the rest of the setting, and the colour is mirrored in that of the oars –another pair. There are also numerous circles here that contrast with each other thematically. I also find it a very calming image –you can feel the warmth of this particular day, and the water is totally tranquil. One of my favourite pictures. Location: Portsmouth, England

Platform Scene

Train stations never cease to fascinate me and of all places to photograph, they are probably my favourite, for there is almost always something of interest going on, and even if there is not the stations themselves lend themselves to inspiring our imagination with their combination of history, functionality and sense of adventure, discovery and romance. As a photographer (and sometimes as a traveller), a quiet station is as magical as a busy one is invigorating, especially, I find, those with glass roofs. When the sun shines through the often dusty or grimy panes of many of these stations the patterns cast onto the platforms below such as here create a sort of spider's web look. This can sometimes be dramatic and even chilling, but here the muted effect is benign, and this is enhanced by the "friendliness" of the yellow truck. This contrasts pleasantly with the red vending machine behind it and the distant figures between show that the station isn't completely empty. Also, the doors to the train are still open, enticing us in... All aboard, please! Location: Brighton, England

Fishing Boats at Sunset

Though my last post was contemporary and winter is still very much upon us, I feel this is also a time to look back on pictures of warmer days, and in a sense re-live golden moments of sunshine. Sunset is, of course, a golden time for pictures anywhere, but perhaps especially so when there is water nearby or there are interesting textures and surfaces to reflect the light. Here, I was especially attracted to the soft light hitting the side of the boats and the way the boats themselves were perched on the beach -itself somewhat unusual, although not along this stretch of the south coast of England where there are few places for the boats to moor, and so they are winched up onto the pebbled beach upon returning from fishing in the morning. All day they sit stranded, perhaps wistfully wishing to be back in the water again where they belong... I love the quiet loneliness of the moment; there are no people about now, no noisy seagulls, just the gentle sound of the waves hitting the shore. A glorious, golden moment of summer. Location: Hastings, England

Bicycle Time

I thought a picture of a bicycle would be appropriate seeing as this year's Tour de France is just about to begin. Of course, this particular bicycle has nothing to do with the race (other than that the yellow wheels may presume to desire a yellow-jerseyed rider), and this is Denmark not France. But I liked the colours, the casual way the bike is parked against the wall, and the potential for adventure it holds... Who wouldn't want to jump on and take a ride. Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

Favourite Picture of the Year – 2

Earlier this year there was a celebration all along the waterfront in Oslo to celebrate the completion of a walking route that effectively takes you from one side of the city to the other. This ”fjord path” takes in quaysides, harbours and piers with lots of attractions, old and new, along the way. It is one of my favourite places for walking and cycling all year round. On the day of the opening there was much activity and extra hullabaloo along the whole route, and at the quayside below the castle where several historic boats are permanently moored some equally vintage vehicles were lined up. I’m a sucker for anything nostalgic, so I felt right at home. The picture is a memory of a pleasant day, but also an affectionate nod to the past. And I liked the pairing of the old truck and boat Location: Oslo, Norway

Favourite Pictures of the Year - 4

Earlier this year I had to misfortune to get stuck in the middle of Germany’s biggest ever rail strike, which started one day after I arrived in that country precisely to travel about by rail for a few weeks. Needless to say it was a highly frustrating time; but there was something rather fascinating about seeing normally busy stations deadly quiet all day –everything was open, tickets could be bought etc. but there were no people about –and of course no trains (apart very occasionally). I was struck by the emptiness of the stations, the unsettling views of bare platforms and unoccupied tracks, yet at the same time fascinated too. Such places have a strange allure when they are empty and still and I tried to capture some of it here, and took numerous pictures this and other empty stations. It certainly helped me pass the time while I was stuck. Location: Lübeck, Germany

Railway Platform

I never cease to be captivated by railways stations and trains –any train, and I have probably photographed them more than is good for me. This is a sleek carriage of the Danish Railways fleet, rearing to go. I wanted to capture the speed and excitement of the train, even though it was waiting at the station. The bright sun shone a sharp white shaft of light along the platform that echoes the white line along the side of the train. And all the lines draw us to a distant focal point. I was also pleased with the contrast and cleanliness of the picture –the colour is muted, and aside from the blue of the sky and its reflection in the windows the image is more or less monochrome. All aboard! Location: Odense, Denmark

On Deck

There’s something theatrical about this shot; it could be the cast of a play placed on the deck for a poster, or group of musicians posing for an album cover. It seems staged, but it is quite accidental, just a snapshot I took while taking the ferry between Denmark and Germany, but I was quite struck by the result. It’s windy and the sea and sky is grey, but the blue of the deck compensates for this. However, it is the bright splashes of colour and the stances of the people that make this picture for me. They are all heading somewhere, with various expectations and I feel it is almost as if one can read their thoughts. Location: Near Puttgarden, Germany