London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
Someone left a chair outside the Cheapside Road entrance to St Paul’s Tube station. I had already had a bit of fun doing some pictures on the approach to the Tube station when I came across this discarded chair. I assume it had been left or transported from one of the nearby restaurants. The chair was ignored by all the commuters entering or leaving the underground station. I had a wonderful 10 minutes just taking pictures of people who studiously went out of their way to ignore the chair that was in their way.
A lone chair sits outside on the pavement.People know the chair is there but do their best to avoid it.It was great to see how people just did not react.No matter how busy the station became, the chair just sat out the rush.The chair does not seem to mind the fact that it is being ignored.One of my earlier pictures as I was walking towards the tube station.
So this ends my brief tour of “London Times”. If you missed any of the others then here is the full list.
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
My appointment was at the Sandbox workspace, which was conveniently located near to the Millennium bridge. This London landmark is a photographic challenge. How do you take different pictures on this iconic bridge. The answer is that it is very easy to do so as people are passing over the bridge all the time creating their own photographic moments. I scouted around the underneath of the bridge and took a few pictures of tourists moving around above.
Approaching the Bridge.Tourists from above.Underneath the bridge.
Then I went to the south part where the two pedestrian walkways split and provide a pleasing symmetrical photograph. As I expected there were too many photographers in this area although taking photographs of photographers is a fun pastime.
Those photographers LOL.
On the bridge I took a few pictures and then I moved back to the picture sweet spot to try and take some more pictures. Again more photographers! It was time to cross the main part of the bridge and I took a cool panoramic view of the Thames towards Tower Bridge. Then I started to focus on St Paul’s Cathedral which was framed by the northern part of the millennium bridge. London always has something to photograph and you are never lost for subjects. Both the people and the buildings are super subjects and I hope you agree when you see my photographs.
The bridge is a popular crossing point.A panorama from the middle of the bridge.Framing St Paul’s Cathedral.Flowers are still around St Paul’s cathedral.
Here are more pictures from my “London Times” series.
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
Sunrise at the end of November and the sun is low in the sky. The chance to wander around Borough Market before a morning meeting was too good to miss. Arriving at Southwick, I took some time to reflect at the London bridge viewpoint which has a memorial to the people who lost their life in the terror attack in 2017.
The shard towers above Southwark Cathedral.A view of the Cathedral through the branches.
Southwick cathedral stands tall against the Shard which dominates the skyline. Borough market was busy as traders were replenishing their stores following the previous day’s work. The market is expanding all the time and much larger than when I remember it when I worked in the area. Mind you that was 40 years ago. Time does pass quickly and that is why I love photography as you capture those moments for others to look back on and enjoy. The low morning sun created pockets of light which I tried to follow with my camera.
Christmas is coming.Pockets of light in the Market.Helmets together!
There is some street art around that helps create stories when the people walk past the artwork. I just let myself be pulled along with the commuters that were passing through the area. They were stopping off at coffee shops and then disappearing into offices. I like Clink Street and the two murals one of which depicts William Shakespeare.
Street Art under the bridges.Shakespeare Mural.Colourful lamp post.
London was cold and a chill wind was driving along the Thames but this did not stop me taking pictures of the river from Bankside in the gorgeous light. Dropping into the Borough Yards underneath the railway, there are many different pictures to be taken as the lights from the shops create shadows on the walls.
Arches in Borough Yards.Colours on the walls in Borough Yards.Looking out at Southwark Bridge.
And if you missed my other London Times Blogs here we go.
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
Following on from Paddington Basin my next stop was the SouthBank. Colleagues had booked dinner at Brassiere Blanc near to Waterloo station and I aimed to arrive early so I could take pictures in the area. Waterloo station was busy with commuters getting home on a Friday. This is not a station that I know well although I quickly found a couple of sweet spots for taking pictures.
Waterloo StationThe Friday rush hour at Waterloo station.
The Southbank was buzzing with people visiting the Christmas markets and the Royal Festival Hall. There was so much activity with the area under the Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges being a mixture of regular bars and eating establishments. The added addition of Christmas markets was bringing in the crowds.
Colourful lights.Festival Hall with a boat on the Thames advertising Slow HorsesChristmas markets under the bridge.
Along the Queen’s walk, there is an old carousel which draws the eye. Such attractions are always good to photograph. I was able to set up the camera to do several slow-motion pictures of the working carousel. Many people are standing looking at their loved ones sitting on the horses. As they remain stationary, they make a nice focus for the long exposure.
Spinning Carousel.Silhouettes agains the lights.
The London Eye has a commanding presence and was illuminated in pink providing a backdrop to the activity taking place around the Jubilee Gardens. There were good photographic opportunities at the entrance to the Jubilee Gardens that leads the eye to the eye. My final subject for my photographs was the Shell centre which was bathed in a contrasting deep blue and stood out as a backdrop to all the fun that was taking place in there area. The meal at Brassiere Blanc was very tasty and a set of restaurants that I will visit again in the future.
The London Eye in pink.Fish and chips anyone.The Shell Building.Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges.The Southbank at night.
I had a couple of days in London and this provided a wonderful opportunity to take pictures around the Capitol when there was downtime between meetings. I have created a series of blogs for you to enjoy which contain my photographic journey.
Looking towards the end of the canal and the heart of the area.
Before booking into the hotel, I went to Paddington station to see my highly commended picture of Floodgate Street in Digbeth. The picture was part of the travelling exhibition of selected pictures from the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition. Paddington is adjacent to the canal basin and provides photographic opportunities of people, boats and buildings.
Boats moving on the Canal.
There were a few boats moving on the canal and people were leaving work. Several canal boats are now floating restaurants and as the sun was going down colourful neon lights were being turned on. The canal is familiar territory to me and I looked for new opportunities and the Paddington Central footbridge provided them. The bridge links with the Venice Walk via brightly lit tunnels. Always a good place for a camera.
Pedestrian Tunnel on Venice Walk.Another view of the Pedestrian Tunnel.Bridges – Paddington Central FootbridgeBridges – The Point Footbridge.Bridges – the Rolling Bridge.Bridges – under the A4206
I also ventured into Sheldon Square as the flash of colour caught my eye. The line of coloured panels provide a super background as people walk by, hurrying home after a long day’s work or taking time to reflect.
Reflecting after a long day at the office.
As dusk becomes firmly entrenched, the lights from the office buildings surrounding the canal provide numerous reflections on the water. The weather was cold but there was no wind and the water was very still. Many people are moving around, crossing bridges and their silhouettes contrast with the bright lights. The point bridge and rolling bridge are other places for good photographs. Soon it was time to move on as I had a dinner date to attend.
Skyscrapers around the basin.Close up of boats and offices.Christmas tree
You may be wondering about my visit to Paddington Station. I was delighted to find that I am in the travelling exhibition with my highly commended picture of Floodgate Street. Here I am besides my photograph.
Paddington Station with my picture from UKLPOTY
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. Please visit my other links
The low sun during winter provides a special time in Birmingham. The best place to experience sunrise in Birmingham is Moor Street train station. The four platforms line up with the sunrise throughout the year and using one of the several phone apps, predicting the sunrise is relatively straightforward. In winter, the low sun makes it extra special and if you are lucky the station concourse provides great opportunities for golden hour pictures. I arrived around 8 o’clock on a late November morning and the sun’s rays were beginning to touch the station. The reflections of the glass surfaces of the trains adds to the special golden hour light that occurs. The scene below made me think of the KLF song Train to Trancentral. The man pushing the button to release the doors, the sunrise and the golden train in the distance all came together at once. A very fortunate capture at Moor Street Train Station.
All aboard, all aboard, whoa.
The light was still good as I passed through the Bullring onto the Mailbox. The sun was creeping into Gas Street basin creating warm colours with the red bricks which are a feature of the area. Whilst the golden glow was disappearing, the light was low and beginning to light up several buildings along the canal. There were also long shadows as people walked along the towpath. I missed several good photo opportunities as the sun moved quickly and I lingered in some spots more than others. The unfolding scenes of light and shadow do not stay for very long. Over the years, I have learnt that the winter sunrise works well from the basin up to National Indoor Arena. For a few minutes, the place looks as if someone has shone a torchlight onto the water. Then it disappears and light intensity drops to normal levels. I captured many pictures from the morning both in the city centre and the westside of the city. Enjoy my selection as you scroll down the page.
Golden Carriages at Moor Street.Looking down towards St Martin’s in the Bullring.More building in Birmingham. “It will be good when it is finished”20 mph.Into the Sun on the canal.Know where you are going.The pink runner complements the colour of the basin.Shadow walking the Black Sabbath bridge.Bradley place commuters.The Basin starts to see the sun’s rays.The Cube outlined by the sun.More sun, shadows and reflections.For a brief moment the sun illuminates the bridge.
Enjoying it so far then here are some pictures from November 2020.
Flying back from Portland to Reykjavik on Iceland Air was an experience. Having a window seat on a clear day provided uninterrupted coverage of the Pacific Northwest landscape. As the pilot turned the plane north eastwards, we were able to view the snow-capped peaks of Mount St Helens, Rainier and Adams. We were on the wrong side of the plane for Mount Hood but caught glances of the mountain. The highlight of the flypast was crossing over Mount Adams with Rainier in the background. The light was clear and bright. It is possible to distinguish the features in the mountain and where previous lava flows had occurred. All three are active volcanoes with Mount St Helens erupting in 1980.
Flying over Mount Adams.Mount RainierMount St HelensRainier and Helens
Eventually the night came and we entered Canadian air space. There was one more exciting view to see on our flight. As we crossed over the North West Territories we saw the Northern Lights flickering above the clouds. Taking pictures of the Lights is interesting as to the naked eye there is a faint glow. I then pressed my iPhone15 against the window to remove reflections. Fortunately the cabin lights were dimmed. The long exposure coupled with the sensitivity of the iPhone reveals the green colours of the lights as shown in the pictures. The lights lasted for about 10 minutes and then slowly faded. This was a memorable flight for sightseeing.
The Northern lights seen out of the window.More Northern Lights.
Thanksgiving is a special time in America. Having enjoyed our visit to Washington State, we made the decision to repeat our time there this year. Last year, we stayed in a Cabin on the foothills of Mount Rainier but my in-laws have now moved south to an area around Riffe lake. Their house is idyllic nestled into the deep evergreen forest of Washington. The house is equal distance between Mount Rainier and St Helens. The nearest town, Mossyrock, is 20 minutes away and further provisions require another 20-to-30-minute journey. Their residence is adjacent to Riffe Lake a large reservoir which curves around the valley. The reservoir was created in the 1960’s by Tacoma Power and there are several submerged villages under the water.
The View of Riffe Lake from the road view point near to MossyrockDeep in the Evergreen forest around Riffe lake.
The area has many features that are brilliant for photography. In 2017, the authorities lowered the reservoir level by 30 feet as there were worries that a seismic event in an area with several active volcanoes could lead to catastrophic flooding. Consequently the shoreline has exposed many trees that were cut down to make way for the original reservoir. The remnants of the tree trunks are stripped down and the roots are exposed. When exploring the shoreline these cut down trees look like alien beings which are ready to walk away. The word triffids comes to mind as one moves around the lake shore getting close up to these tree trunks.
Walking down to the Lake Shore.The exposed roots and tree trunks on the shores of Riffe Lake.This tree and roots looks like it is on the move!The landscape is eerie and looks very strange.Walking around the tree trunks.This provides a sense of scale of the trees.Overlooking Riffe lake
Adjacent to Riffe Lack is Swofford Pond which is an oasis for fishing and wildlife. The road passes the shores of the pond and provides a scenic view of the area. On one side there is a bank from the start of green mountain and forms a scenic border to the surrounds of the pond. Everyday I passed by Swofford Pond and everyday I grew to love the area even more.
Swofford Pond is adjacent to Riffe Lake.An autumnal tree looks out over Swofford Pond.A storm passing through the area of Swofford Pond.
Riffe lake feeds into Mayfield Lake which in turn is another reservoir. This lake has several camping areas and the main boating town of Mayfield is at the southern head of the water. Whilst a popular boating resort in the summer months, during the winter the place is deserted which adds a degree of charm with the piers empty of boats. In Mayfield there is an island providing views up the lake with a miniature lighthouse that must be popular in the summer months.
A view over Mayfield Lake.Empty jetties waiting for the summer months.A lighthouse on the lake island at Mayfield island.A very quiet, Mayfield village during the winter months.Another view over the lake.
The reservoirs and the pond around Mossybank are picturesque and there are many trails to explore. I will be back again to enjoy another view of the area. Whilst I was visiting, there were many residents that I came across whilst I was traveling around the area.
A Texas Longhorn we met on our daily commute. Love those horns.An inquisitive song sparrow.
This is my second visit to Washington for Thanksgiving and I post a picture of my sister and brother in law together with Sandy enjoying our Turkey dinner.
Happy Thanksgiving 2023
If you are interested to read about my previous visit to Washington on 2022 then please follow the link below.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens have been an important part of my life in Birmingham. I have attended many student balls and other celebratory events at the Hospitality suites. When I was President of the BSSPD Dental society I held my annual dinner at the Botanical Gardens during Spring 2013. The after dinner speaker that evening was Birmingham’s very own Don Maclean. We held our pre-dinner drinks on the London Terrace. Other memories include attending the Luminate night time light show during a previous Instameet. However I have not taken the opportunity to view the gardens in more detail. Therefore, I was so pleased that IgersbirminghamUK approached the Botanical Gardens to arrange a photographic Instameet. The Gardens were very enthusiastic about the idea and we agreed to visit in the Autumn when the leaves would be turning colour.
Exotic flowers in the GlassHousesKoi carp pretending to be the Meg.The architecture of the Glasshouses
We arranged to meet on a glorious Saturday Remembrance Day morning. There was a good number of IgersbirminghamUK photographers attending the meeting and our first duty of the day was to observe a minute’s silence at 11 o’clock. We then entered the gardens and met Sara the CEO. Sara was so welcoming and enthusiastic about the Botanical Gardens. She gave us an introduction to the charity and then outlined the future vision for the Gardens. There are exciting and ambitious plans to remodel the site. Sara showed maps and plans of what would be done over the coming two to three years.
Sara, the CEO, pictured in the Glasshouse.Details in the glass house.The London TerraceThe beauty of Autumn.
IgersbirminghamUK instameets begin with an introduction and a group photograph. Once this is completed then we are free to go out and explore the gardens. I always get caught up with talking with other Igers photographers and forget to take the photographs. Catching up with people is part of the social activity of an Instameet. The glasshouses is the first area that you encounter when entering the gardens. I spent time photographing the beautiful Koi carp in the fountain area. The narrow corridors and the layout of the plants make this area very attractive and bring you close to the plants. I forgot to capture the beautiful circular window onto the gardens but many others did not. This is one of many reasons why I will return as there are so many different features to see and photograph. Leaving the glasshouses, I had an audience with the residents of the Terrace aviary. The birds were very talkative. You get pulled along when visiting the gardens and the London Terrace naturally guides you along with its wide embracing veranda and views. Here you have to stop and take in the beauty of the scene. The rolling bank of the lawn leads your gaze out to the Lawn Aviary and the Band stand. The sunlight was bright and lit up several trees whose leaves were turning a golden brown. The light captured and intensified the colours. I found myself stuck in the area around the bandstand just taking photographs of the scene unfolding before me.
The bandstand.Leaves everywhere.Details at the Aviary.
I looked at my watch and realised that I had only seen a small part of the Gardens. I needed to move on. The Lawn Aviary is one of the buildings that will receive a major make over and the architectural design is captivating. I look forward to when it is receives an upgrade. Walking thought the Aviary, I dropped down the bank to Wilson Walk and came across the Urban garden area. Whilst this area requires renovation, for a photographer the place was full of strong shadows and light. There is some neglect and overgrowth of the plants and this appeals to my photographic eye. Another area where I found time slowed down for me was the Rock Garden and Memory pool. Water always creates reflections and the Rock pool offered many different views. Walking back via the colourful Acer trees was a treat and I slowly realised that I had done a full circle as I arrived back at the London Terrace. After browsing through the shop and stopping to say thank yous, my final pictures were of the entrance arches. I am unsure whether these will still be around after the renovation and I took several pictures of them against the sun to create diffraction effects with the light.
A door in the shadows.Reflections in the Rock Pool.Details on the bandstand.
Time to go back home and process all the pictures that I had taken. A big thank you to Birmingham Botanical Gardens for allowing us to visit. These are my pictures of the event and there were some fantastic photographs from other members on the Instameet. The way to find these photographs is to follow the hashtag #igbuk_meet_botanical on Instagram. You may need to delve into individual photographers’ accounts to see more pictures due to the nature of the dreaded Instagram algorithm. You will be rewarded with some beautiful views of the gardens.
The entrance arches to the Botanical Gardens.
The IgersbirminghamUK team have visited other sites and places and you may wish to follow the links below to see what takes place during our meetings. You are most welcome to attend our Instameets.
These are some of my blogs on our visits to other sites around Birmingham with the IgersbirminghamUK team.
Amazingly, I have not written a blog about the German Christmas market in Birmingham. I have taken pictures of the Christmas markets but many of them are single photos on my social streams. My first observation is that the markets are set up way too early. The present one opened up on the 2nd November 2023. This is crazy yet when I visited the city centre a week after the opening, there were many visitors enjoying the early experience of Christmas. Over the years there is a pattern as the markets extend more and more. However, there was a grand reset in Christmas 2020 with the Pandemic but now the markets are back to their former self.
Centenary Square at Christmas.The big wheel in Centenary Square.
In Centenary square, there is the Big wheel, an ice skating rink and other spinning attractions. The pedestrian link to Victoria square is more subdued as it is private land although the restaurants in and around Chamberlain square are doing well.
I love this street photograph. A store called Filthy Fries! How do they arrive at such names.
The real noise and excitement starts in Victoria square and this is with you all the way down to the Bull Ring. Shops selling food and drink. The prices are very high considering there is standing room only. The shops also sell other items such as candles, jewellery and gifts you never knew you wanted. I expect most of these gifts will be put away or recycled after Christmas.
Christmas market in Victoria Square, Birmingham.A long exposure of the Carousel in Victoria Square.Looking down to New Street.
My purpose for going to the early Christmas market was to take pictures. Every photographer in Birmingham has to post a picture of the market on their Instagram account. I did not want to be left out so armed with my iPhone and x100v, I braved the crowds on a Thursday night. Taking pictures with the iPhone is straightforward although I hold onto it firmly as I do not want it snatched away from me. Taking a camera out and then putting it on a tripod does generate some attention so I used the tripod sparingly and looked for convenient surfaces to rest the camera.
Chosing candles.What the reindeer is looking at.Christmas decorations.Those gifts you never knew you needed.The Floozie enjoying the lights.Chocs galore.
My plan for photographs including taking pictures of spinning things including the beautiful carousel in Victoria Square. I was also keen to capture some of the atmosphere and fun that people were having by being around the market. Taking pictures is not easy as people get in the way and are not posing for you. Therefore at different places in the market, I grabbed what opportunity that I could and moved on. I also walked back from the Bull Ring via Gas Street basin which was less crowded and therefore easier for photographing.
Piccadilly ArcadeFather ChristmasHe is everywhere.
When I got home, I was initially disappointed with my pictures. I am always like this as I want every picture to be a winner. I know that is never the case and I was just hoping that I had captured some good ones. I am always surprised by the pictures that look good and were opportunistic rather than the ones that I had planned in my mind.
This is a feature every year.
So this is a snapshot of the Christmas market in Birmingham 2023. I am sure that I will look back on these in a few years time and cringe at them. There is still another Christmas market to open around the Birmingham Cathedral which happens to be more picturesque. Maybe some photographs of this market will feature in my future blog postings.
Signs in the market.
Walking back along the canal to Gas Street Basin, there was the opportunity to take some long exposure pictures. I liked this one of Stop Lock Bridge on the Old Birmingham Canal.
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