What the ghost was watching…
Remember the portrait I did of myself as a ghost here? Well I thought you might be interested in what the ‘ghost’ was watching.
Yeah I know it’s a tourist shot – but I like it…
The London Eye a night with the London Aquarium.
On a recent photowalk round London at night it was hard to stop me being attracted to pretty lights. So as we walked along the Thames this was an obvious shot for me. Yes, yes, yes I know it’s a very tourist scene and it’s been photographed a million times – but I like it….
Unfortunately I didn’t actually enjoy taking this shot. Why? Well I was bouncing up and down in need of the loo. However, it was about half one in the morning and there wasn’t one nearby. Gentlemen you have no idea how lucky you are in regards to plumbing late at night. So it was a quick bounce bounce, click, bounce bounce (while the exposure ran on the tripod, bounce, bounce), head for a loo….. So I’m rather pleased with the result all things considered.
Troll hunt by the Thames
Usually when you walk along by the Thames all the little gates leading down to the water are closed. Locked even. So when we discovered one that was actually open, well we just had to go on a troll hunt under Westminster Bridge. I mean how could we not – the trolls might have left it open just for us! Ok that’s a creepy though but you get what I mean……
The Thames is tidal at this point and was very low. So it took quite a bit of care to get down the seriously slippery steps. There was much squishing about and trying not to think of what we might be treading in. Down by the water we set up our tripods as close to the edge as we dared since no one fancied a soggy camera. This was the view under the bridge facing east, I’ve looked carefully but I can’t see any trolls. Maybe the security services have chased them all away…
And now for something different…
It’s a funny thing but most photographers really don’t like having their photos taken. We much prefer to be behind the lens than in front. Unfortunately if you go out shooting with other photographers you will end up having your image captured by some of them, probably when in some strange position trying to get a shot! Nevertheless I find it immense fun, even if it does mean I end up being photographed. I very much admire a lot of the Urbex (urban exploration) photographic work that’s being done by some at the moment and an integral part of this for many is the self portrait – known as selfies.
Now these aren’t a piccy of themselves posing in front of a famous landmark (ok some are but not the good ones), but often fantasy style shots in some way. Characters created by the photographer/model to contribute to a surreal or unusual image. Some people do this by wearing masks or hoodies, and if you have a scoot about on the internet you’ll find loads of really inspiring shots.
So I suppose it was inevitable that I’d have a go, even if only at one. And so here it is….
I’ll watch as a ghost
It was taken in a tunnel near London’s Waterloo Station and this is from a single exposure. I did debate taking multiple exposures, some with me in shot and some without, then combining them on the pc. However in the end I liked the idea of trying to capture me as a ghost rather than creating the impression. So here was have it. ISO 100, F20 and an 8 second exposure. I felt very self conscious doing it but I’m kinda liking the results.
Eerie…
This is St Pauls Cathedral in London. The view from the front is well known around the world and it’s one of London’s most famous landmarks with many books written about it’s history. I love the architecture of old Cathedrals but St Pauls doesn’t really fit into the Norman or Gothic styles you normally find around England being much younger. However I still wanted to visit to photograph it. Unfortunately I was politely informed that photography was no longer allowed inside. Perhaps if I’d been trying to sneak a mobile phone or a compact in I’d have stood a chance but no way with a tripod! There were no limitations on the outside though and while the most recognisable shots are from the front I knew there were other viewpoints. I had to wait quite a while to get a shot without loads of tourists in but I think it was worth the wait. Eerie for me is practically always black and white and that was the feel I was going for in this shot. I even used an unsuspecting tourist to create a ghost – can you spot her?
I’d been itching to visit for a ground shot ever since I photographed the landmark from almost 400ft up giving rise to the image below. I shall have to plan and plot my next foray now hehe…
Both of these shots are available to buy as prints. Just click on the image…
More from the Sky…
I’m still working my way through all the shots from Saturday but thought I’d share some of the ones I’ve already sorted through…
On Top of the World
The Church of Lilac
Under the Light
and finally here is a shot of me on top of the tower taken by the wonderful Lynda Bowyer whom you can check out at www.lyndabowyerphotography.com. My mother freaked out when she saw this shot! Personally I just wish it didn’t make my rear look so big but that’s not Lynda’s fault!
Take care I’ll be back soon with more shots….
London Skyline : Fairy Tale London
WOW I have so much I could tell you all about this shoot, I hardly know where to begin! OK so I guess the beginning would be a good place. Well, after the Google+ London Street Art Photowalk I was asked if I would be interested in a skyline shoot. Naturally I said yes and after lots of waiting, signing legal disclaimers etc, we were eventually granted access to the roof of one of the tallest towers in London. So along with a few other photographers I found myself almost 400ft above London watching the sun set through my lens.
Fairy Tale London
What a view! There are not many views that leave me speechless but this certainly did. This shot is looking towards Blackfriars and St Pauls. I’ll be posting more shots from this shoot I’m sure but just wanted to share this one with you before the working week claims all my time once more.