Storm brewing Malaysia Style

Pina Coladas, cold beer, chicken satay and lashings of fried rice topped by a fried egg was the mainstay of my diet during the 7 days in Redang. Luckily its just the type of food I enjoy and since arriving home 2 days ago I've quite missed it all.

Todays shot shows one of the many amazing storms which occured over the rainforest of Redang. The rain was torrential and in combination with temperatures in the high 30's meant that most of the time the Island was like a sauna. Yesterdays clam lived just under the water in front of the island featured in today image.

Giant Clam in the waters of Redang Island, Malaysia

Returning to work after three weeks away is always likely to be a struggle. With the addition of Jet Lag, a seven hour time difference, and the heat of August, it is far from pleasant. The holiday was a fantastic though and there being no alternative, it is a small price to pay to have seen and experienced so much.

Todays image is a macro shot of a Giant Clam, of which there was no shortage just off the beach in Redang. The colours as exactly as they were and not the result of post processing. This guy was blue, others were green, grey, red and a whole range of sizes. Rather shy creatures many simply closed up as I approached so I was lucky to get a shot like this.

Skelewags

For a period of around 5 years in the early 1980's I was lucky enough to be a pupil at Lutterworth Grammar School, during that time I would have visited the local church on a number of occasions, most of which I probably spent dreaming about local girls and the next night out at the pub. Many years later I returned this time to look at the Medieval Wall Paintings above the nave. With there deep rich red colours and haunting images of skeletons I cant believe I hadnt noticed them before.

Peterborough Cathedral

Fisheye lenses arent everybody's cup of tea and thier use generally can be quite limited. In some cases though the effect can be fantastic.

Another Happy Monday

Back to work today after a weekend off which included a trip to the cinema to see Disneys "Christmas Carol" in 3D. What a great film, made all the better by the whole 3D experience. Throughout the film though I kept thinking to myself, what would Dickens have made of this. So much has changed in the past 150 years in the world around us yet the story is still not only very popular but very relevant. Having said that the way Scrooge was dancing around singing and giving away money he'd probably have been sectioned today and medicated :-))

Todays image is of a stained glass window from St Andrew's Church in Letheringsett, Norfolk, not quite as old as "The Christmas Carol", a great piece of workmanship.

After The Rain

Weather terrible over the past few days with floods in parts of the country, yet suprisingly mild for this time of year. First thought is this all related to global warming with the end of the world just around the corner or is it simply seaonal variation. At least when its horrible outside its a good excuse for processing images on the computer.

Todays image is of The Old House in Kibworth Harcourt, Grade 1 listed its probably the best house in the village. This was taken just after a rain storm evidence of which is the puddles and water lying in the road. In retrospect it would have been nice to have moved closer and used then to capture reflections of the house.

Here are a couple of alternative versions of the same image created by adding a texture layer.

Buckfast Abbey, Devon

Sorting through some old photographs today and came across this image of Buckfast Abbey in Devon. The image was taken just after a major rain storm leaving the sky very dark and the Abbey lit up by the sun. As is often the case time was a limiting factor as I was on a family day out and it was getting late in the day so little time to explore. The lighting was absolutely perfect as can be seen in the image.

Lyveden New Bield, Northamptonshire

Renovation Time at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The Royal Leicestershire Regiment, Newalke Houses Museum, Newalke, Leicester.

Harlyn Bay Coastal Path, Cornwall

Absinthe For Sale

I cant say I've ever tried Absinthe but would like to if I ever get the chance. Having said that I've never been a big fan of spirits, prefering instead a good Real Ale or Cornish Cider. This shot was taken opposite Kings College home of the Choir and Attracted my attention because of the the sign and bike.
A little computer magic was required to get this effect which my wife would hate, telling me I'd buggered it up, but heh I see photography as art rather than simply documenting things as they are, as such I'm more than happy to remove unwanted artefacts like streetlamps and signs.

Memories of James Herriott

Yesterday I mused about Absinthe but then admitted I actually prefer a good real ale, well here is a great place to sample just such a tipple. Made famous by James Herriott in the 1980's it was the setting for many epsiodes of the TV series. Siegfried Farnham played by Robert Hardy was probably my favourtie character, someone who I would imagine would also enjoy a good pint.

This shot was taken in the spring when it was quite cold outside, note the large log fire which made the place even more cosy.

Cromer Pier on England East Coast

Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester

As a Leicester lad I must say the City is somewhere I only visit every now and then. Old, tired and run down was probably how I would have described it for years. As a teenager I would visit after dark and boogie the nights away in night clubs, especially as I recall Mr Kiesas above the Haymarket, but at other times it had little to offer.
All change in 2008. The old Shires shopping centre was repalced with the state of the art Highcross, large areas made pedestrian, everywhere cleaned and tidied and a new arts quarter developed which included the grand Curve theatre. Guess what its now somewhere I visit alot more often.

The Natural History Museum, London

If you've never visited this place, next tie you are in London take half an hour to go and have a look around. The exhibits are fascinating but in my opinion of more interest is the building itself, an absolute marvel of design, the structure is full of carvings and detailing unparalleled in the UK. This shot is taken loooking along the length of teh main hall, coloured stone all around and light streaming through the glass roof. Photography is allowed but no tripods. Now I've a D700 with its amazing low light capabilites I'll have to return but on this occasion I was using a D200 so was rather limited.

Pontiac Grand Tourer, USA

As a child there were two outstanding things I recall from the USA, Elvis and their amazingly huge cars. My best friend at school Douglas Hamilton was lucky enough to travel regularly in such as car and I was so envious. His wealthy father ownbed a Ford Mustang which would roar into school to take Douglas home.
It is hardly suprising then to learn that when I finally visited the USA last year for a 3 week holiday one thing I wanted was to drive a big jazzy car and I wasnt dissappointed. The Pontiac was described as a mid range car as there were many largers one. 5 litres or petrol hell. I am afraid I have to leave my ecoprinciples behind for the three week visit.

Centreparcs

I dont know if any of you will have been to centreparcs but if you havent I can definitely recommend it. Lots of outdoor space, thoughtfully managed, with consideration for the environment and wildlife, yet within a short distance of gret indoor water worlds. I must admit that I've only visited in the colder winter months when for me the place comes into its own. I recall one visit when it snowed heavily. Image sitting in a bubbling pool surrounded by steam watching moonlit snowflakes falling into the water. pure magic.
This image above was taken at the edge of the lake on a particularly sunny spring day. I was attracted by the colours of the canoes, though didnt actually use one. Note the sandy beach and the fountain in the distance, all part of the magic that is Centreparcs.

Dubai Marina From The Harbour Hotel, Dubai.

City of lights and architecture. Thats how I will remember Dubai from my first visit. In essence it was simply one huge building site with the most amazing architecture I have ever seen. The worlds larger seems to be added to the front of every name in this place, tower, indoor ski slope, airport, shopping mall, to name but a few.
My visit unfortunately conincided with a heat wave reaching 54 degree in places, something which I'm not a big fan of, air conditioning was of course the norm everywhere which helped me but probably not the environment, and yes I did feel guilty every time I adjused that temperature dial.
A week wasnt really enough time to see all I wanted and one day I'd like to return, my favourites probably the older parts of town, but then I've always prefered ancient to modern.

Madinet Souk Antique Shop, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Although this shop was located in a fake / reproduction Souk adjacent to the Burj Al Arab Hotel many of the items on sale were actually authentic. Compared to the sort of Antique shops I am used to visiting in the UK there was no comparison, in fact many of the items on sale were the sort of thing that could be purcahsed at a UK car boot sale. The day was very hot and sticky, but the people were very friendly, and at least the interior spaces were air conditioned. Outside it was staggering 51 degrees hence the lack of exterior shots as the camera just couldnt cope(excuse).

Zaha Hadid's Railway Station In Innsbruck

After watching a South Bank Show documentary about Zaha I was intrigued to see some of her work in the flesh. Unfortunately this railway station was quite small in comparison to some of her amazing creations, but it certainly gave a flavour of her genius.
The colours and the way the light reflected on the glass was superb. This station was our entry point, later we headed upwards to the zoo passing through more of her structures. Having had a taster I now want to see some of her more impressive work. When I do I'll be sure to post the images here so watch this space.

Dr Bainbridge's Dispensary

Abbey Park Cafe, Leicester

Norwich Cathedral

Leicester Cathedral