Ebbw Vale August 2008 Canon 5D, 24-105mm Lens
"It's how you keep your curtains open in Wales......"
News & Blog
It's two flavours I would never have put together....
After a wonderfully sunny break in South Wales, I returned with more film to develop than digital! I think I put this down to the fact my 5D doesn't react well to rain, but the little Olympus XA2 that I bought from 'The Real Camera Co.' in Manchester for £10 was great fun to use!
So, I'm a bit nearer to that messy transition between digital and film. I know I can't afford a Leica, but a 'proper' 35mm film camera would be nice. Developing the negatives from the XA2 reminded me just how forgiving film can be, as well as having that 'warm', analogue feel.
That war in my head just keeps going...
So, I'm a bit nearer to that messy transition between digital and film. I know I can't afford a Leica, but a 'proper' 35mm film camera would be nice. Developing the negatives from the XA2 reminded me just how forgiving film can be, as well as having that 'warm', analogue feel.
That war in my head just keeps going...
Posted @ 20:38 on 13th August 2008
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"Space Cadets Greenhouse"
Manchester Lowry July 2008Canon 5D, 24-105mm Lens
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Wisdom in the strangest places....
I have been struggling to go out and take pictures recently. Using every excuse from work, too tired, back-log of pictures to process, weather miserable, you name it, I've said it.
Went to the cinema on Friday to see 'Kung-Fu Panda'. Great film, recommend it to anyone, especially if you have a child-like sense of humor like mine. Anyway, there was a line in the film that I think may become my all-time favourite:
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift. That's why they call it the present...."
So, time to kick myself into gear. Summer is approaching, all those excuses will disappear, and time to get capturing (someone told me off for using the phrase 'snapping').
Carpe Diem.
Went to the cinema on Friday to see 'Kung-Fu Panda'. Great film, recommend it to anyone, especially if you have a child-like sense of humor like mine. Anyway, there was a line in the film that I think may become my all-time favourite:
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift. That's why they call it the present...."
So, time to kick myself into gear. Summer is approaching, all those excuses will disappear, and time to get capturing (someone told me off for using the phrase 'snapping').
Carpe Diem.
Posted @ 20:25 on 19 July 2008
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"Lowry"
Manchester July 2008Canon 5D, Hartblei 45mm T/S Lens
If ever I needed Columbo....
It's always nice to meet new people, especially when those new people leave as new friends. It is, however, disappointing to find that a good portion of your favourite snacks, for example cakes, have literally 'gone south'. All this will make sense to someone, I'm off to have an 'unaccompanied' coffee. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
PS More Sophie & family pictures added.
Posted @ 21:59 on 11 July 2008
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"A Work In Progress"
Canon 5D, 17-40 f4 L Lens
Whatever happened to Saturday Night TV?
Howdy,
Yup, more Riverdance pictures (it could be a blessed relief for everyone when the thing is finally gone..). I have also added a couple more Sophie pictures. Enjoy!
Posted @ 21:52 on 14 June 2008
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"Abana and Riverdance"
Cleveleys. June 2008Canon 5D, 17-40 f4 L Lens
Hello, yes, still here.
Today went back to the Riverdance for the first time in three months. Took some pictures of the ship after most of the top deck had been removed, but also took the opportunity to shoot the above picture, one I had been wanting to do for ages. The wooden structure sticking out the sand in the foreground is the sailing ship Abana. She ran aground in 1894 after mistaking Blackpool Tower for a lighthouse. We've all done it......
The Abana was on route from Liverpool to Florida when she ran into trouble. The Blackpool lifeboat crew was alerted but a rescue attempt was delayed for a few hours as the lifeboat, the Samuel Fletcher, had to be towed from Blackpool to Bispham by horse.
By the time it was launched at Little Bispham, the Abana had already been wrecked off Shell Wharf. The lifeboat crew rowed through the surf to the stricken vessel and rescued the men, only to become stuck on a sandbank. However, the lifeboat crew pushed her clear and reached the shore to the cheers of about 100 people. Rescuers and rescued were given a party at the Red Lion Hotel, Bispham. I, however, got soaked in a sudden shower, nearly lost my new wellies in a patch of soft sand, then went home and had a coffee.
Posted @ 21:12 on 05 June 2008
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"Everyone wants a picture" Cleveleys. February 2008 Canon 5D, 17-40 f4 L Lens +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Riverdance and RAF Survey" Cleveleys. February 2008 Canon 5D, 17-40 f4 L Lens
90% Luck....
Hearing that some cargo had washed ashore, I tried to get to the beach, only to be beaten back by the weather (and vicious looks from the police). Later found out that all that had come ashore were digestive biscuits. Disappointed as they are my favourites.
Took several pictures with my G9 as well as the 5D, and will post more pictures as I process them.
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"Riverdance on the Beach" Cleveleys. February 2008 Canon 5D
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No motorbikes...
A completely chance trip into Cleveleys after work today ended with me facing the shipwreck of the Riverdance, which had run aground on the beach. Fortuitous yes, the camera gear I had with me, no. I was lucky enough to be carrying my 5D, but due to the lesson I was teaching to my photography class today, I only had a 100mm macro lens. Still managed to get a semi-decent photograph, but couldn't include many of the on-lookers gathered there. Will try again tomorrow.
Just for the record, I did get many admiring glances whilst taking pictures. I put this down to the fact that in near zero degree weather, with icy 60mph gusts blowing inland, I was the only muppet without a coat. Take heed and listen to your mother folks, always take a coat with you.....
Posted @ 22:50 on 01 February 2008
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"Blackpool Has Everything..." Blackpool Promenade. January 2008 Canon G9
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Skippool Creek Warning Sign
Skippool, River Wyre. January 2008
Hasselblad 500cm, HP5
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New Toy!
Just taken delivery of a used Hasselblad 500cm, which I found on Ebay for a ridiculously good price! Cosmetically tired in places, but thankfully in great working order. Took some test shots this morning, initially very impressed, time to start saving for that digital back.......
Posted @ 20:00 on 12 January 2008
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'Winter Trees'
Pentax K1000, Fuji Neopan 1600
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Happy New Year
Hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas. Spent the festive season in South Wales, where I was able to exercise a Pentax K1000, which was kindly donated to me, along with a couple of superb prime lenses (cheers Bill!).
Posted @ 20:15 on 08 January 2008
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'The Green Wood Turner' Hexar AF, Ilford HP5
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No, I'm not dead.....
Many apologies for the inactivity recently. Work has been busy, and I've been out taking and developing film galore! If you want to see a decent web site, visit a site by my mate Geoff. Disgustingly good landscapes and wildlife shots, made even more galling knowing he managed to take them all using Nikon gear.
Posted @ 22:15 on 01 December 2007
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Toy Camera Day
Saturday October 20th is World Toy Camera Day. Users and owners of Holgas, Dianas and other Lomo cameras are encouraged to go out and take as many photos as possible. Keep an eye on the 'Lomography' section of the site to see my efforts for the day!
See the Toy Camera website for more info
Bill
Posted @ 15:42:34 on 07 October 2007
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Updated Section
Details have been added under the 'projects' section, outlining the two current imaging projects I'm currently working on. Feel free to comment via
Bill
Posted @ 20:27:43 on 02 October 2007
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I have restored some level of normality with the guest book. Under the 'Contact & Comments' section, there is facility for you to contact me on a special email address, and your comments will be posted straight into the page! I'll also be able to follow up with any answers to questions, or further comments, and if requested, your email and/or identity will remain confidential. Not ideal I admit, but better than nothing.
Bill
Posted @ 20:49:58 on 01 October 2007
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It's a sad sad sad sad world..........
It is with great regret that I've had to close the comments page of this website. This has been due to rude and offensive messages left by some individuals. I am working on a way to allow people to leave comments via the mail system, but I'll keep you informed!
Bill.
Posted @ 20:28:22 on 28 September 2007
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Updated Gallery
Under the 'Photography' heading there is now some content and sample gallery under the Lomography section. Enjoy!
Bill
Posted @ 17:50:29 on 20 September 2007
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Well the more observant of you (although there are only 3 of you that look at my site, hello Dan, Geoff and Andy!) the site is going through some cosmetic changes. I will get most of this finished in the next couple of weeks, thank you for being patient!
Bill
Posted @ 21:56:20 on 09 September 2007
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Coming to the end of the Summer holidays has left me with a huge pile of RAW files to process ready for printing and uploading to the website. As well as some excellent views around South Wales (made better by being blessed with some excellent weather!), we were fortunate enough to spend a week in fabulous
Pictures to follow and I'll add some commentary in the blog too.
Bill
Posted @ 20:22:21 on 30 August 2007
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Hello one and all, and welcome to my blog! I will endeavor to bore you senseless with innane ramblings of various happenings in my life, usually based around my photography. I cannot say how often this blog will be updated, but I'll try and keep things current.
Posted @ 20:18:25 on 29 August 2007