#333 ASSIGNMENT: NEALE JAMES #1
An assignment today that will have you thinking on two creative levels; photographing and writing. Plus, this forms part of an announcement with regard to a new feature coming to the photowalk edition of a Friday. It's a challenge set for the next seven days; a way to think differently about how you approach making your pictures. I'll be fascinated to see what you come up with, so email what you make to the show via the contact page.
My thanks to MPB.com who sponsor this show; the number one company in the UK, the US and Europe when it comes to buying, selling, and trading quality used camera kit online – it’s a safe place to do business, with guarantees upon what you buy and a sustainable way to trade in the circular economy.
Also my sincere thanks to our wonderful patrons, our ‘Extra Milers’ who help to support this show.
From the very peak of an Olympic ski jump, this is my postcard from Norway’s Lillehammer with the words:
“Standing at the top of this Olympic ski jump, this is the literal breathtaking view. Its where athletes launch themselves down a hill at 70mph and attempt to fly for just about a quarter of a kilometre. Whilst most views I imagine will be of this jump from the ground at the bottom, here’s what it looks like if you’re attempting to win something gold to hang around your neck. It’s summer, there’s no snow. I’m happy to walk up and then down again. 936 steps. Slowly. Lots of love, Neale.”
A postcard from Perranporth in Cornwall-land. I really enjoy candid photography and it’s always good when you spot a moment worth capturing. On this occasion we were walking along the rather Covid unfriendly beach, dodging lobster-looking people making our way back to the aptly titled ‘Watering Hole’ for some Cornish liquid refreshment. I didn’t round the tent to see the person taking a picture of the beach, surf and sea in front of her, but can only imagine it would have been a ‘wish you were here moment.’
Best wishes or dydh da as they say here.
BY LYNN FRASER
Plans to hop on a ferry from Cromarty to Nigg on the other side of the firth were thwarted by a bit of a breeze, much to fellow traveller Steve's relief. We should have listened to the Shipping Forecast; E or NE 4 to 6 backing N or NE 3 or 4 later. We'll try again next year. See you then!
Lynn
BY ANDREW HARDACRE
There are few more iconic symbols of the fragrant harbour than the Star Ferry. Featured in Suzie Wong and Noble House, a trip on the Star Ferry remains to this day one of the best experiences HK has to offer. For a few HK dollars (or free if like me you are a pensioner) you can cross from Central (or indeed Wanchai) to Kowloon or if you are particularly adventurous from Kowloon to Central.
The ferry names are unimaginative. Northern Star is acceptable. Twinkling Star is not. I don't know if The Beatles ever made it to HK but I'd rather have a ferry called Ringo or indeed Bryan. I feel a tingle of anticipation when I head toward Tsim Sha Tsui. The impending seediness of the less salubrious areas of Kowloon attracts me as a photographer. The trip back is about the skyline, the buildings engulfing every inch of flat and not-so-flat land. Victoria Peak, the highest point on HK Island, stands tall above.
Take a stroll through Central to the funicular railway that will save you the arduous walk up for the price of a modest bungalow in Glasgow. The Peak Tram is allegedly a must-do experience I have not bothered with in years. Or go wild and see the gas lamps at the top of the steps in Duddell Street. I am reminded of my visits to Bahrain where my old pal Johnny Morris assured me that one of the most popular tourist destinations was a roundabout. They don't have a Star Ferry in Bahrain.
I love going early on a bright day. The light is perfect. Or when skies are pregnant with thunder. Try not to inhale the malodorous smoke belching from the funnels. Just close your eyes and let images of Nancy Kwan and William Holden take you back to 1960. What happened to the qipao or cheongsam? Alas too decadent for the modern day. I wonder what the Cantonese is for “Ooh la la?”
BY JASSINE EL KADOURI
Two months a year the Belgium royal family opens their greenhouses and garden to the public. Here you can find plants, architecture and art from all over the world. Part of the garden tour brings you past this beautiful sight of a Japanese Tower with an Oriental Cherry tree right next to a small calm lake. As a human being, you’re in Brussels, one of the busiest cities in the world, but in your mind, you are free in nature.
