Out With the Old & In With The New

Well I deliberated long and hard over my "best of 2008" for the Photo Friday challenge and in the end I choose this. I realise that this shot is not for everyone and it's not something you would hang on your wall but it says a lot, it's a great moment captured (hark at me bigging myself up).

Photography has gradually taken a hold on me over the last year after being on the back burner for a very long time and it's been great, long may it continue too. I enjoy all sorts of subjects too but I've found that street stuff gives me the most satisfaction, when you see that moment happening and you manage to capture it, it is the most rewarding as far as I'm concerned, the shots that make me go "Yes!!" I got it! So it's for that reason I chose that shot, there are many others I like, some I really love but it was this one that gave the most back to me. I hope that all makes sense because I've had a couple already ;O)

So if you think it has merit you can vote for it from Friday January the 2nd and you'll find it under Random Rambling shot 370.

Today's I thought appropriate for the "Out with the old" thing for new year.

So it just remains for me to say to you all, my family, friends old and new, my regular readers (thanks to all of you too, your comments keep me going) Happy New Year, may it be good to all of you.

CM2008 (for the last time eh?)

Uninviting

Not a lot to say today apart from isn't it flipping cold?

I did venture out for a walk this afternoon despite the frost that has hung around all day. I have to wonder why benches seem to beg to be photographed. You see many images of them and I must admit every time I see one I feel compelled to take a shot.

I went out with the 17-85 attached but changed to the 50mm as I couldn't get enough shutter speed in the failing light but I really should have moved a couple of stops from f1.8. Still I liked the small point of focus on the frost, just a bit more depth might have been better.

On another note I'm deliberating over the latest Photo Friday challenge "Best Shot Of 2008" I'm my own biggest critic and trying to pick one shot is hard! Any thoughts let me know!

Bet you're glad I didn't have a lot to say eh? I'm off to light a log fire!!

CM2008

Frustration All Round

I'm feeling a little frustrated, I need to get out and look at something different to inspire me I think. Mind you the freezing weather is not encouraging me to do so!

Frustration of a different kind is this shot. I shot this (along with a few more) from the hip. I find this kind of thing rewarding and frustrating. For me this could have been a great shot but the moment is gone in a split second. No time for adjusting aperture, metering, focus points etc. Probably only one or two in ten is actually ok. So I posted this more because it isn't quite right than I thought it was spot on. I hope that makes sense?

Oh and the guy sitting down sure clocked me, nothing unusual really but he doesn't half look like Michael Shumacher-I wonder........;O)

CM2008

Out Of Order

I've been messing around with a PC for some of today, I won't bore you with the details but how can a usb port work under DOS then disappear under Windows?

Presumably some sort of driver problem so you go to the manufacturers web site to find them. What model do you have? Don't know, well enter the serial number or part number on the case, you do that, numbers not recognised!! Packard Bell is the company in question and the support is dire in the extreme. It went on and on with seemingly random answers as you go through the process. Not looking for an answer here folks, just venting my frustration! Thankfully it's not my PC but it's another vote for MAC.

I went for a short walk yesterday, short because Tez decided it was actually a bit cold for walkies. I kept the 50mm on just for fun although I don't really intend to use it as a walk around lens but the very short DOF at f1.8 is good to play around with. Anyway I fear I may be waffling, I saw this, do you think the bench may be shut down for maintenance? Struck me as amusing in any case.

CM2008

Gift Montage

Just messing around with the new 50mm and some of my gifts really.

The box set of Weller Live at the BBC is exceptionally cool, especially as it's the four disc set, if you're a fan and can still find it I recommend it! The new range of Lambretta "Who" branded stuff is pretty cool too even for an old duffer like me :O)

The layer is Weller Live on the 22 Dreams tour earlier this year at Hammersmith Apollo and I have to give credit to my son SCM for that shot with his Sony Ericsson K850 cybershot, which for a cameraphone is pretty good, especially in macro mode!

As always let me know what you think, the top left corner is bothering me!

CM2008

Almost Over

Over already, gone in a flash and boxing day is upon us!

Travelling back from my nephew's house last night (thanks to you guys for your hospitality ;) and I played around with the camera on the journey home, I hasten to add I wasn't driving!

Now the shots I got could just be classed as bad photography but the results are rather pleasing and this one I liked in particular and you can make out the date and time so if you look closely you'll see that Christmas day was indeed almost over!

Before I get any shouts of photoshopping too far I made only very minor adjustments to this ;O) twas just a bumpy road (aren't they all).

CM2008

The Waiting's Over

Merry Christmas to you all!

The 40D has had a great day and is sitting in front of me wearing it's new battery grip and a "Nifty Fifty" as my friend over at id7 calls it. It's not the fastest focusing lens in the world but I wanted it for the f1.8. I think it might take a while to get used to a prime lens again! Anyway I'm rambling, I just thought I'd try it out on Rudolf here. It is a terrible photograph but what the hey!

Enjoy yourselves ;O)

CM2008

Stocking Filler

It's all done, the shops are closed so if I haven't got it so be it!

We've had a nice meal, cooked by my good self, a few glasses of something or other so I'd better push off before the spelling gets really bad.

I'd just like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, have a happy and safe time with you and yours.

CM2008

Ding Dong Merrily

Finally finished work, not quite as early as I'd anticipated, in fact I worked over just to get a job finished but it's done-shipped and I feel better for it, a sense of completion!

I can finally relax and enjoy myself :O)

Trying to keep up the festive images here but I'm really not convinced this works, it's not quite how I envisaged it to be. Still there's always tomorrow.

CM2008

Tenuous Link?

More Christmas preparations leave me little time this evening. Still only one more day of work which is something to look forward to!

I've had this image for some time and despite calls from the family to post it I've resisted. Why? Well it seemed a little cliché, the Coca Cola tin and the selective colouring. That's not to say that personally I didn't like it though and with nothing festive to post today I thought just maybe......

We have to remember that the familiar image of Santa in his red suit with white trimmings was in fact a creation of the Coca Cola company! So there you have it a very tenuous link to Christmas. I'll try harder tomorrow, maybe ;O)

CM2008

Christmas Past

Christmas shopping is almost done. I've deliberately left a couple of things so I have an excuse to go out Christmas eve shopping just because I like it, might even take the camera with me as I have something in mind....

Thanks to those of you that came up with suggestions for yesterday's image, keep them coming and I'll make a choice in a few days!

Another similar shot today, can't say I'm as struck on this one but I like the reflections.

CM2008

Title Competition

Ok, so I promised you something seasonal for today and here it is, such as it is.

I thought I'd have a little fun competition with this one as I couldn't think of a title. If you can think of one leave it in the comments section or leave a comment/send a message on facebook etc, however you want to contact me.

The winner will get a free 8" x 10" print of any image they like from the blog (excluding personal stuff like my kids etc). I'll post anywhere so if you're far away no matter!

So I'm waiting, get thinking :O)

CM2008

Shrinking Island

Well nice to see opposing views to yesterday's post, I didn't get as much abuse as I thought I might, just enough! ;O)

I've been out this evening so didn't have time to prepare anything else. Just an example of the coastal erosion, massive parts of the cliffs falling all of the time. It's really quite strange in places because you can see buildings cut in half or completely fallen to the beach. In Cromer itself the original village is actually under the sea, makes you think what inroads the sea has made in a relatively short time.

I shall endeavor to post something seasonal tomorrow, promise!

CM2008

Time Warp

I jumped out of bed when the alarm went at 6.30 this morning. I woke my son for school, went in for a wash and after I was dressed, picked up my things and looked at my phone 5.10am!! ARGH the clock had changed it's own time again, now I've had the clock a long time, maybe 20 years or more but said clock is now in the bin!

Now continuing the time theme. I used to be convinced that women take a long time to go to the loo (bear with me here), always seem to be waiting ages for them. Women protest they're not so I've come to my own conclusion: It's not women taking their time but the loos themselves are in some sort of alternate reality where time moves slowly, a time warp if you will, so those inside don't notice how long they've been gone. What does this have to do with images? Whilst we were waiting (ages) I shot this!

Whilst I await the barrage of abuse I would like to point out that my tongue is firmly in my cheek ;O)

CM2008

Peter Parker?

A real quick post today as I'm in a terrible rush!

Another portrait from Duxford on Remembrance Sunday. With out knowing it I shot this guy twice at different times so I must have thought he had something about him. My wife however reckons he looks like Stan Lee from the Spiderman comics fame. You decide?

CM2008

Twinkle Twinkle

This time next week I shall have finished work, not that I'm counting or anything ;O)

I said I didn't have anything that looked remotely like Christmas, I lied but not intentionally!

Walking back through this tunnel a few weeks back and we came across an exit for the V&A museum and as you looked up the stairway all you could see were these lights shining like stars. I have to admit this is a blatant crop and I had a longer shot that looked better if they had not been building a temporary ice rink in the foreground but I guess that's why the lights were there!

CM2008

Ye Olde Palace

I'm still a week and a day away from holidays but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Price lists are all done after some hard work at the weekend and they're on the way, my one big headache at this time of year! Lots more work to do mind but I'm glad that weight is off of my shoulders :O)

I woke up very early this morning, couldn't sleep. I often feel I was made for night work even though it's been twenty two years since I actually done any but I often seem to get more done late at night or early mornings. Which is where this image comes in, what else would you do in the wee small hours if not process raw files? Once again I processed three versions of this, this one (obviously) a less saturated version and a B&W, after much deliberation this version won. It's the old palace at Hatfield House and unless you're off there for a banquet this is about as close as you can get which I have to say is rather disappointing.

C2008

As The Crow Flies

Another weekend has come and gone, just one more before Christmas eh, time to panic!! Personally I'll be content with just having a break from work.

I guess I should be posting winter/Christmas images but to be honest I haven't really got any. There was a fantastic frost the other morning combined with a spectacular sunrise. I could see it all unfolding before my eyes as I drove on my way to work, wishing I could park up somewhere and just go walking instead. Perhaps over the holidays I'll have a chance to get out and capture some (mental note to self, bring tripod back from work).

Until then you'll have to put up with another summer image, proof that we did have some sun-for a couple of days at least.

CM2008

No Names No Pack Drill

Well I've actually started the Christmas shopping, you've done yours? Already?

I'm a real last minute kind of shopper, I like dashing around Christmas eve getting last minute bits n bobs. Mind you because of some bad advice from a shop assistant I do have to return an item and exchange it, I knew from the tone of her voice she didn't really know the answer. Sorry being cryptic but the recipient of said prezzie will be reading this, can't give the game away!!

No Names No Pack Drill? Because I just couldn't come up with a title for this one, if you have one please feel free to leave it in the comments section, there's a prize for the winner-just don't know what it is yet! I worked for some time on this one and I've posted the full colour version but I tried a slightly desaturated version too and I rather liked it, torn as usual!

CM2008

Wave Back

I feel a little bad, I was moaning yesterday about being cold and I was/am but there are people out there that can't afford to heat their homes this winter. The elderly for a start, which is a disgusting state of affairs that I won't get into here.

There are people without homes at all and are sleeping out in this freezing weather, some won't make it through this winter I'm sure, although I can hope I'm wrong. So I should be grateful that I have a roof over my head, heating, hot water etc, sometimes we don't stop and think do we?

The image today was taken back in the summer and to be fair I've already posted a similar shot but I hope this one is different enough to stand up on its own?

CM2008

Alive Alive 'O'

Cold, flipping, sodding, bloody cold, can't seem to warm up at work or home!

On the good news front my son had his cast taken off today, still on crutches mind, no sports for a good few weeks yet and maybe six months before it's back to full strength but still he's on the up :O)

I decided not to bore you with the B&W version of yesterday's post I have some barnacles for you instead . Not really much more I can say about them really but I found them quite fascinating.

CM2008

Steadfast

Another image that I've been looking at for a while and only just done something about it.

It's another one of those that I had a hard job deciding between B&W and colour, at the risk of repeating myself I might post the B&W tomorrow and let you decide which is best.

Anyway let me know what you think of this as it stands, comments are always welcome and appreciated. Constructive critique is also welcome, it's all part of the learning curve!

Thanks to those that left opinions regarding Macs, I'm definitely leaning that way but knowing me I'll ponder for a while yet-I could buy a new lens instead......ummmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Hark.....

What's that dear? New flooring? Don't really see as that will help to be honest but thanks for your input ;O)

CM2008

Loitering With Intent

Well I have to say I made a real pig of myself last night, all you can eat isn't all it's cracked up to be.

I got some great gifts for my birthday too but do you know what I was most pleased about? They were bought locally and from independent shops too.

I know I bang on about this sort of stuff but if you can't buy locally made products the next best thing to me is to buy locally and support local businesses especially those that are independent shops. I can shop online just as well as anyone else but if I can buy it in the high street I will, what will happen if we all shop online? People complain that town center shops are closing down and we're being overrun with coffee shops, cafes etc but if we don't shop there how can these businesses survive? It's difficult for some stuff I know, camera gear for a start, not likely to find much gear made in the UK but I do have a local camera shop, he'll match most prices where he can and you get personal service. Can't beat it I say!

Well that's my two pennies worth, I'd better shut up now ;O)

Oh yes, image, shot this a few weeks back, pigeons just hanging out, but I'm sure they have an agenda, a plan...........?

CM2008

Christmas May Now Commence

It's my Birthday today and despite all the jibes from my friends it's not the big 40 just yet you cheeky blighters!

We have a tradition in our house that Christmas preparations don't start until I've had my birthday, so you can all feel free to start now.

Thanks to everyone who has sent messages, cards and gifts, it means a lot.

I shot this whilst walking along Regent Street, just a little empty arcade off to the side and it really looked Christmassy (I'm pretty sure that's not a word). I say empty until I pulled the camera out of the bag and then everyone decided to go down there, never mind.

Right I'm off out for dinner, all you can eat Chinese buffet, should be interesting with a kid on crutches!

CM2008

Frostbite

It's been one of those, washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning days around here. I can't wait to get back to work for a rest! ;O)

It was a crisp frosty morning this morning and knowing no limits to bring you an image every day I went almost as far as the garden shed in the bitter cold to shoot this so I hope you appreciate it!

On another note I'm seriously considering dumping the PC for a Mac, not something I thought I'd ever say. If any of you have any insight into Macs please let me know. Is the transition an easy one? Will it slow down over time like a PC will? etc etc...........

Wrong Destination

I don't think I've anything to complain about today, which will come as a relief to you all I reckon. Work went smoothly, lunch was good, shopping was kid on crutches free (bless him but it does take a while).

Obviously shot in the underground, why is it that you always seem to miss your train by seconds and with a choice of two destinations (50/50 as I see it) the next three trains are not going your way?

Did I just complain? Surely not!

CM2008

Optical Illusion

Another week almost over then, I have to agree with some words of a friend the other day, the older we get the faster the weeks/months/years seem to rush by.

I shot this at Duxford on Remembrance Sunday, one of the side drums of the Royal Anglian Regiment band.

The optical illusion? From a distance I was fooled by the rope tension look, couldn't figure out why 1, they would be using them & 2, why they sounded so sharp if they were. Upon closer inspection they were just hooked over ;O)

CM2008

A Little Reminder

Whilst mooching around London on Sunday and making our way along Regent Street we found ourselves at Carnaby Street.

I wasn't purposefully looking for it, not sure I really wanted to see it, preferring to remember it how it was, with all it's Mod orientated shops and the old flea markets selling army surplus parkas etc. Striding up and down with my mates deciding how best to spend the money burning holes in our pockets, new suit, new shoes, button down shirt?

However we were there so in we went. So commercial these days. Big shiny shops from all the major fashion brands, even the Merc shop has gone up market (still cool though) but we turned a corner into Ganton Street and there was Sherrys, Mod as you like, a real blast from the past. Inside were still all the old posters, badges, autographs, photos of scooters etc, the prices however were a little different, better save your pocket money kids!

Carnaby Street? Not what it used to be, as one of the Jam's worst recordings once said (Foxton wrote that one right?).

CM2008

End Of The Line

After whinging about low light on Sunday I saw some shots from the new Canon 5D MkII yesterday taken at ISO3200 and they looked absolutely flawless.

Don't get me wrong I love the 40D, it's more than good enough for my skill level and it's where my budget is right now but if I had the funds I'd be in that line to buy one tomorrow-drooling whilst I waited!

This is as far north as you can go on the London Underground (which is actually overground as you can see). I've held onto this for quite some time, trying to decide whether I liked it in B&W or colour. As you can see I went for the B&W, I mean colour, still not sure..............;O)

CM2008

Broken Defences

Just got back from my final exam of my evening class. It really is a stretched out course taking over two and a half years for what could really be accomplished in ten weeks or so! Still never mind, it's done now and I'm sure they have their reasons for spreading it out so far.

Another image demonstrating the power of the sea this evening and our constant battle to keep it from eroding our coastline away, this part has given in and judging by the cliff falls around this area they'd better fix it soon!

CM2008

Shiny Fellow

I took a day off today, very unusual for me, felt like I was skipping school!

Walking along the south bank of the Thames yesterday and there were various people dressed up, some so convincing I didn't realise they were real at first. Anyway this was one, not really sure who, if anybody, he was supposed to be but he looked great.

CM2008

Up-n-Coming?

Went into London today and just generally mooched around.

We went down to the South Bank to see the Christmas Markets and underneath the centre was this open space covered in Graffiti, by design it would seem too, there was some cool art down there.

There was a guy skateboarding, some kids with BMX's as there are some purpose made ramps down there too. Then there was these guys who I think were doing their own shoot for their band but when they saw me pointing the camera posed anyway.

In terms of photography it wasn't a great day, the light was really poor, still I came away with a few usable frames.

CM2008

Lost in one's Thoughts

This is one of those portraits from Remembrance Sunday. This I think really captured the feeling of the day for me.

I have no idea what his thoughts really were of course............

CM2008

Seaside Special

Phew what a day, I have to agree with an old friend, some days no matter how hard you try, you just can't get it all done. I'd promised myself a weekend off but to no avail! Hey ho, I am taking Monday off though so all is not lost!

Continuing yesterday's theme a little but shot from the top of the cliffs. I really liked this shot but this is the fourth attempt at getting a result I liked, it's close but I still don't "love" it! The lamp post is completely annoying but to clone it out is a step too far for me.

Spookily a friend emailed me an almost identical shot to yesterday's, got one of these too Neil? I think he's stalking me!! ;O)

CM2008

Whatever the Weather

It never ceases to amaze me, no matter what the weather throws at us, why do we British still have a compulsion to get on the beach?

I include myself in this, although I do draw the line at getting in the water because even at the height (if there is one) of summer that North sea is flipping taters (as me old Nan used to say bless her). I distinctly remember visiting my great uncle in Felixstowe, Easter time, when I was four or five and insisting we walk along beach. It was snowing, hard, we still went!!

Enough of that waffle then! Don't forget to visit my good friend Craig over at id7, he's raising money for a very worthy cause so pop over and give him some support, he's promised a mugshot at the end of the month-can't wait ;O)

CM2008

Grand Mo, No Technophobe!

Having had a second look at the portraits I'd try to capture on Remembrance Sunday there are three, maybe four, that I might post.

This is one of those. It was the moustache, cap etc that that I saw. It was only afterwards that I noticed he was texting as he walked, it just didn't seem to fit somehow but I guess that's me putting him into a stereo typical group!

CM2008

Did You Just?

Just a quick post today as I'm off out in a mo and after yesterday's rant perhaps it's for the best ;O)

This was one of those images that was rescued by PS rather than enhanced but I like the surprised expression and it was worth the effort IMO.

So the question "Did you just............press that shutter?" yeah I kinda did ;O)

CM2008

Do You?

So we discovered this morning that my son (with the broken ankle you'll remember) cannot travel on the bus to school.

Why? Because he can't manage? No. Because his friends refused to help him? No.

In fact because insurance won't cover him. On top of this the school wished to know if we were going to take things further IE were we going to sue them. For doing an after school activity, something he enjoys, frankly knew was a rough game (that's part of it's appeal) and he had an accident (think about that word accident, it's called that for a reason).

What is this PC, human rights, namby pamby world coming to? The fact was that there are other parents complaining about much lesser injuries. Don't these parents realise that if they pursue this, eventually all these activities and sports will stop for fear someone might cut a knee, strain a muscle etc etc? They complain that kids these days don't get enough exercise, so I've got a great idea, lets stop them doing anything that might have even a remote risk of injury and keep them all indoors (where all the walls are padded obviously). Sheeeeesh, sorry folks, it makes my blood boil it really does! Don't get me wrong, people do have rights and we should take reasonable steps to ensure ours and our childrens safety etc but when a school is worried you might sue them because your child got hurt playing a game.......

Oh there's an image today too, this knackered old bus with it's slogan reminded me of cheesy 70's holidays, which of course I loved at the time!

CM2008

Endless Decay

Woke up to a dusting of snow this morning, now I don't mind a bit of snow but with a son on crutches it's really not what's needed right now!

So I still haven't posted the image I had for yesterday, maybe tomorrow. Another of the water tower today. I had a vision in my mind of how I wanted these to look but when I got there the scene was different. There was far more foliage around than in my minds eye and the brooding sky that I'd photographed above the local church not ten minutes before had gone too. Such is life! So there I was almost laying on the ground on a narrow path to get this shot through the railings instead, whilst getting strange glances from motorists speeding by ;O)

CM2008

Which Window Today?

As they used to say on Play School! You don't remember Play School? Hmm perhaps I am old after all.

I got into work early today, had lots to do and for a change got it all done, a better day than yesterday for sure. Bacon rolls for lunch, a walk with the mighty Tez this afternoon. I took my camera but photography and Tez are a bad combo so I went out again afterwards on my own.

I had today's image all sorted yesterday, that was until I went out this afternoon. I'd been wanting to photograph this building for ages and being as it's only about 400 yards from my house you'd think I could have got up there sooner! I digress, this is an old water tower, or part of it. The story goes, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, that the building is listed (good thing) but can only be used as a water tower (bad thing IMHO) because it's not needed for water, it could be turned into something useful and still retain it's character instead it stands empty, decaying with it's door boarded up and it's beautiful coloured windows smashed. What a waste!

CM2008

Oasis

I've had one of those Murphy's Law kind of days, know what I mean? I won't moan about it because I don't like to moan, lol!

I'm learning much from the tutorials over at Chromasia in terms of technique, whether that equates to better images from me, well the jury's still out on that one but I shall keep on trying.

I've posted a similar shot to this before but they are two years apart in reality, different camera and a little more knowledge too so I thought it worthwhile.

CM2008

Illumination

Well he's plastered, my son that is.

Went back to the fracture clinic this morning, had another x-ray and slapped a fresh full plaster on. Let's hope it's off for Christmas! He of course is still worrying how long it will be before he can get back on the pitch.

These are some old bus lamps, do you spot my deliberate mistake? Answers in a comment please.

CM2008

Fabulous Hooker

Well he was until I got a phone call this afternoon and had to dash out of work.

Yup, we've just spent over four hours in accident and emergency because my son broke his ankle at rugby practice this afternoon. It's doubled in size and he's in plaster up to his knee, so what do you think he's most worried about? He can't play the match on Saturday that's what, good lad ;O)

I don't think a post on my blog would be complete these days without a moan from me so...........................whilst I'd walk to the ends of the earth and back for either one of my boys and I'd spend my last penny on them it has to be said that hospital parking charges are daylight robbery! There, feel better now.

CM2008

Plastic Fantastic

There's a very welcome return to posting by my old friend Craig over on id7 so if you haven't been over before or for some time pop over now and check his images out! He's also raising money for a very worthy cause, you can read all about it when you get there..............

This is another shot from the Science museum, a huge gallery devoted to plastics and surrounded by these red plastic slats. They're rather like an over sized version of those plastic efforts your Mum used to hang in the doorway to keeps flies out-which come to think of it really didn't work and just looked naff!

I took quite a few of these but this is the only one that really worked for me.

CM2008

Homeward Bound

There's a subway that runs from South Kensington all the way through to the Science Museum with exits along the way for the other museums, it's cool in a grubby sort of a way!

So in support of things shot at f.4 when they really shouldn't have been here's one of my own ;O) I still like it!

CM2008

Shy & Retiring

I've sat for most of the day processing RAW files of products for work, I can hardly see straight and I've seen just about enough of Photoshop today.

So in true tradition, here's one I made earlier! This chap raised this DVD up just as I was about to press the shutter, I don't think he'd seen me, just happened that way and in the end I liked the result.

CM2008

Lonely Pony

I spotted this Mustang out in the pen just as I was leaving last Sunday. I don't know why she's out here and to be honest we were so cold at the end of the day I didn't want to try and find out. I hope they bring her in for the winter though.

I'm a Spitfire fan through and through, the sound has made the hairs on my neck stand up since I was a very small boy but I still have a soft spot for the Mustang. Designed, built, put into production and service all in the war years was some feat. It still has a Rolls Royce Merlin at the heart of it too ;O)

Using a split RAW conversion and the selective colour tool etc. Not sure if I've pushed it too far for some but I kinda like it!

CM2008

Mini Trees

I had a chat with my boss earlier today about this whole financial situation the country/world is in right now. It really is crap, through no fault of our own, especially those of us that have strived to continue manufacturing in the UK, keep people employed and resist the temptation to import cheap products. I could carry on but you'd be bored and I'll get bitter and twisted!

I shot this whilst walking along the beach with my eldest son. He remarked that all these little plants looked rather like small trees, we then went off on silly conversation about a whole community of tiny people living here, daft but it's these things that happy memories are made of, things you'll remember for all time.

I like this frame but I could not get it to look right after many attempts, this has come close and whilst the almost teal sky might not be to everyone's taste I like it, reminds me of how 70's colour photos looked and being a nostalgia junkie it brings back happy memories for me.

CM2008

Cheerful Besides

Whilst out on Sunday I was hoping to capture some portraits that conveyed the mood and feeling of the day and to be honest I failed miserably!

I did however capture this chap looking rather cheerful and in a way perhaps he was right, I don't know his story but whilst remembering we were also there to give thanks for the freedoms we have, perhaps that's why he was smiling? I'll never know I guess.

CM2008

Flying Bicycles

Phew! Just back from the first youth club of the season, I'd forgotten what a noisy bunch they are, still they seemed to enjoy themselves which is what it's all about.

Spotted this at Duxford on Sunday, I've never seen it before and I'm really not quite sure what an "Airshow Bike" is actually for, never seen it in the air!

CM2008