After finally being able to purchase a new setup, I passed this on my way home from work the fog in the back ground came out quite well. Sadly due to a mix up with Jessops this was taken with a 50mm not the 35mm that I wanted but I’m happy With the outcome.
I have to admit this does remind me a little of the oresund bridge spanning Malmö and Copenhagen… Now I’ve got the bridge theme tune in my head..
After a brief stint moving between jobs between 2013/14 and generally not taking enough or sometimes any photographs I’m now embarking on revitalising my blog for me and any other people who stumble across it.
After sharing some much needed time in Wales here’s a snippet of the valley near Cricklehowell.
Without sounding like a gameshow commentator … no visit to France would be complete without a visit to the Pommery in Reims pronounced “Rance”. This site has been making Champagne since the 1800’s, Built by French and Belgian miners the estate runs for approximately 180 km.
There are two main regions that produce Champagne (pronounced Champang-ya) one is Reims and the other is Epernay, The owner was a lady Louise Pommery aged only 39 who took over the running of business after her husband died, throughout the tour there are various murals and painting of her which gives her this sense of being a greek deity.
As a side note and in order to bridge and build on International relations I ordered a coffee in Franglish (this made up work was created by my wife) today I ordered a coffee in french and he asked me questions in english .. slightly confusing but i feel better for making the effort!
As you drive in the half a mile long drive is scattered with Modern art that has been crafted by up and coming young artists. And one you enter the huge reception it feels a little like walking into Willy Wonkers factory… only with less musical numbers.
The exterior to the building is an architectural marvel in itself and at certain points i found myself wondering just how much money was being made by the champagne business during our current economical downturn.
on entering the building you are surround by upside down life size elephants giant wooden barrels and a wooden cabin that rains on the inside and as you being the tour you descend down weighty limestone stairs with dim light … a little fact i learned was that as the tunnels are situated under ground at each part of the cellar they can maintain a perfect 10 degree temperature which is ideal for ageing the fizz.
The fact that this place combines modern art along with champagne gives it a completely different feel and its entirely unique.
The cellar itself stretches for what seems like forever with cavernous ceilings along with tunnels that run off which makes you feel like you working with the french resistance each off shoot tunnel holds thousands of bottles and given a name
When the tour ended we gathered in our groups and there was a ceremony where the staff sliced the tops of the bottles off with swords after being sufficiently woo’d we sat down for a truly delicious 3 course meals which would be complete without glass after glass of top notch champagne which complemented the food brilliantly.
All in all its hard to try and ad anymore information in without making this post longer than it already is, The Pommery is worth a couple of hours of your time as it is contemporary but still rammed full of history so its definitely not something you will see again.
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Another snap from my getaway I spent plenty of time trying to reduce the light coming in enough which allowed me to play around with bluring the people moving .. not one a technique to faff with in February when its cold and snowing.
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This was my tourist shot although i enjoy seeking out photos that don’t often get taken often this one was a freebie.. original RAW file looked dark and sombre it was only when i edited this back home that the colours came out of the photo.
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Paris is divided with the left and right bank, the left being the quintessential bohemian contingent and the right which is the business side full of everything commercial. However during my short-time there i had to try and fill some of my more tourist urges and balance that we a deep need to wonder around the urban back roads of a city filled with art life and a vibrance that i haven’t felt anywhere else.
Before starting the journey to france I took time to look at the newly refurbished kings cross, there seems to be something intrinsically fascinating about the curves of the roofing structure… I especially liked the way the light enters through the gaps in the celling and then there is a great balance of contrast against the shadows of the frame work.
The photo attached was taken from my phone as i intend to edit the RAW files and write a post review once I get home.. maybe a photograph best suited for black white
Today we set on a french adventure where i’m hoping to get some great shot arounds Paris. As i often enjoy wondering around cities taking photographs and generally losing track of time I havent really done much prep which isn’t like me but I wanted to walk around and let the moment take me as I’m a firm believer of capturing a moment..
There will no doubt be too many places and tourist bottle necks to avoid but i’m not looking to reinvent the wheel or replicate something so many others have done.. not that i have anything against that as initially thats how i learned how to take photographs in the first place.
I only have a few days so the chances of actually capturing something of any substance with no prep is pretty slim .. however fortune favours the bold and fears the reckless…
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A walk around Leeds lead me to find a ruined building with nothing left but the entrance way.
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Coastal defence tower in malta and whilst on holiday i found this tower and i just loved it, Especially the way the contours of the land against the background of the sea.
i’m still undecided with black and white vs colour with this one
Angry Man with Camera 