Like it or lump it, my new camera has changed the way I see. And whilst I'm stil learning the ins and outs of the functions, and its pitfalls and foibles I am really enjoying a slightly more relaxed work flow. Working in a 4:3 ratio with a 3:2 overlay is interesting, and it means it feels more like a 35mm camera than my SLR does, wierdly?.

That said most of what I have shot so far lends itself to B&W with only a few exceptions that are worthy of colour. This image was very off the cuff, and whilst there are two frames, I liked the attention at the edges of the frame, and the similar stare from the statue. I am in G10 heaven at the moment. Reading the manual, has meant that I have been able to tweak my custom settings further and today's images are my sharpest yet as a result of modifying the FOCUS points, image stabilization and ISO in favour of the lighting, working RAW and using LIGHTROOM also helped in the conversion. My next few images will be from the G10 in a much looser fashion than a lot of my previous images. It reminds me a lot of working with film..... Good times...... Thanks for stopping by ...... CSJ

There aren't too many things these days that impress me, I guess we have become so used to the changing face of image making and our expectations are a lot higher than in the past.

What I have learnt this week though from a plethora of sources is that image making can happen long before you press the shutter, the idea of light and form can occur in your minds eye long before you make an exposure. How you make that exposure depends on technique, tenacity and knowledge and a seeing eye. I watched a fascinating documentary (here) on William Eggleston, probably best known for getting Colour Photography known as an art form, and for having a reputation for photographing the 'ordinary' often 'banal' scenes of South Eastern American towns. I have to say that to many his images are misunderstood, and misinterpreted, but to me they are total genius. I would love to be able to lay down a body of work like his before I die and to be known as a guy that photographed the downright ordinary.

It hammered home to me also that over the years I've gotten to know lots of photographers and their work, but never in my life have I engaged at such a level with so many as I do now. I'm honored to be a part of the current scene, and love looking at as many blogs as I can digest, its inspiring, so thank you to you all, you know who you are...... CSJ

Not much to say about this, other than I liked what I saw, so I photographed it. Is that ok? ...... CSJ

Today was all about not being beaten. OK admittedly I'd given into the pressure of going with the family to IKEA of all places, and whilst I'm not normally adverse to a portion of retail therapy, today for some reason (probably my cold, and the fact I missed the gaypride carnival in Bournemouth) I wasn't especially fussed about going. Anyway I did, and I rather got my hopes up that I'd be in time for an IKEA breakfast, a small but yet rewarding way to make up for the negative of actually being there.

But low and behold we were not served a delicious breakfast, albeit that they'd served the person in front of us, and that they had trays of breakfast fodder left lying there, no we were denied because we were 10mins after the 'deadline', so it was meatballs or meatballs, or bread.... and folks its got to be said that when your tummy craves a full english breakfast, I'm afraid bread wins over especially at 11.10am!!! grrrr.

Anyway we were in there for 3hrs, and it wasn't until i got home I realized I hadn't shot a single frame during the trip out. I was now on a mission to achieve at least one frame that I was happy with. G10 in hand, coffee shop on the horizon, and a willing Fin, we headed out. Glad really because in a raw 3x2 ratio (inspired by Werner Bishof) fashion I achieved a few loose frames that I could see an image in. I smiled and went home.

Thanks for stopping by ...... CSJ

There aren't many people in the world, that could ask me to rise from my sack at 4am and go out and shoot an image. But lets just say that twitter is a powerful medium, and that people who are genuine seem to shine through. @karenstrunks is one such user, and her passion for the 4am project, and her belief in this strange hour of the night, meant that there were thousands of bloggers doing the same thing all over the world last night.

I for one actually felt invigorated by the experience, and really enjoyed it. It enabled me to get a shot I otherwise might not have done.

This shop is unique, very unique, it really is a Treasure Chest by name and by nature. Well done to the organizers of the 4am Project. I felt like I was part of something big.

Something a little closer to home this evening, caught before the recent snow, and the lunacy that came after, in a moment of sheer sunshine, that lasted an afternoon.

I actually got lucky on both of the weekends immediately after my trip North, and to be honest loved every moment of it. It was such a nice feeling just being out and about with the camera, I really enjoyed the moment. It was like I was breathing through my camera, if that makes sense.

I saw this image and was hoping he would move a little to his left, in fact I was hoping for a couple of bollards to the left, but it never happened so rather than miss the frame I shot it anyway. The original un-edited frame is here...............

.......archives/0902041900a-main.php

The frame looked ok, but as I studied it there were elements that p*st me off, and just of curiosity I flipped it and found this image in there.

It is a little heavier on the crop than I'd normally go, but felt helped along by getting a second opinion from DJN. I like the image now, and didn't feel the need to edit it too far tonally. As always looking forward to your thoughts. csj..... go flip one of your own and see what you end up with!!!

A wet and windy day, revealed no more images than a wet windy day would, so tommorow, hangover permitting (not mine, my wifes), I'll endeavour to pop out with Finlay. And get some more shots around about town, although there are warnings of gale force winds, so we'll have to see.

I thought tonights' image was quite sinister, and forboding, also like the calm before the storm, apt me thinks!!!....... csj

In the previous 'hung out to dry' entry

....archives/0709271900_clean.php

I saw the shoes hanging there and thought that it must have been a freak accident the first time round, or some kind of one off dustbin collection fopar, but when I walked down the same road this week and saw this, I now realise we have a serial shoe thrower on the prowl.

I actually had sympathy for the person that had lost their shoes the first time I saw it. These however are two more pairs of shoes flung and hung. I watched over the last few months the original pair slowly make their way down the cables to end up close to the back of someones house on the street, but now there are these two pairs, which I have no doubt will end up breaking the phone wires. I guess I shouldnt get too upset, it gave me something to point the camera at.... csj

The weekend didn't yield my usual mix of images to play with, instead, I am sifting through an eclectic mix of images that really feel dry and without any perception / juxtopostion, or irony. I miss my seeing eye, but I think it may have gone on holiday for a while. I will keep on trying, but at the moment, I'm struggling to see. If it has stopped working, I may need some inspiration, and I am open to offers and suggestions. If I stop posting images, I'll feel I'm letting myself down, yet if I continue, I may dilute my body of work with images I'm not always a 100% on.

I mean I like images for different reasons, sometimes its the light, sometimes its something that makes me chuckle, sometimes its a symmetry, or irony. Sometimes and I hope not that often its because of desperation to get an image posted. I'm not entirely sure that tonights' post falls into this 'harsh' category, but I cant help feeling like that after the crop of images I am currently looking at.

It might be that I have the images here, but tonight I can't see them, if that makes sense. Anyway as ever my photographic mind, and fingers are working beyond their means, I'll let you decide..... csj

Feel kind sea sick tonight, can't describe the feeling any better than that really. Just want to shift this feeling and get better, its keeping me awake at night.

Its the eve of my little boys b-day, and he's a big 2.0 tommorow.... he's been a little bit of a test tonight, little scamp, I think he ate one to many crispy cakes.... a day at the zoo is required me thinks. Hopefully the fresh air will sort me and him out....

Just a little thankyou to my long suffering wife, for getting all his b-day organised (mental note: must do more towards them next year!!!).

Works kept me flat out aswell this week, back to the day to day demands on Monday!!!.... csj

Well they granted permission to demolish the old grain silo that I photographed here

...../archives/0711101900_clean.php

in a previous entry, it made the front of the local papers this week, and true to all developers plans, they started virtually immediately. There was quite a few people stood looking at the derelict site on Sunday when I went past. I stood and mingled and listened to what a few people had to say.

It's funny how whilst I'd heard that it was a listed building, and that it was haunted, and that it held the remains of some clubbers under a floor that had apparently collapsed, oh and had pigeons nailed to its internal walls, I guess these urban myths and legends will be swept away to become someone elses footings. Funny tho that I found this only minutes after hearing the bit about the pigeons.... I wonder if there was some truth in it after all....csj

Fantastic light today, very harsh, very bright, saw a house fire (well the end of it), got trounced in a ball pit, met a blue dinosaur with a tongue piercing, and walked a hole in the bottom of a shoe having walked around the whole of Poole 3 times.

But only took 4 half decent shots on the best weekend for photography in ages.... guess thats the way it goes sometimes..... csj

Could'nt resist a quicky on a Saturday night to inject a bit of love during this Valentines' week.... night off tonight from the kids, going for dinner with me wife.... cya csj

I couldn't post anything last night, as Virgin decided it would be a good idea to cut our broadband access for 12hrs? Without explanation... Anyway here is last nights' entry tonight which is another frame from the same day. I apologise for the delay in posting yet again, but thats life I guess.

I actually prefer this image, or at least see it in a different light to the previous shot, albeit of the same subject from a different angle, wierd thing about this image is that in my head I shot this after yesterdays shot, but EXIF tells me differently... wierd..... as always interested to hear your views on the picture.

Oh and after last weeks competition let down, I heard from 'Garden Photographer of the Year" today, they want to see one of my images for inclusion (possibly) in the final show.... so watch this space ;-)...... csj

So the last image caused some mild controversy over the discussion about 'pure' photography and what I enjoy doing which is playing with pictures and post production in photoshop. To those people who commented I thank you, and I always love a good debate about imagery and image making, no matter what the outcome.

But to be honest nothing will ever change my view that all photography from a simple snap to 'the best' Reuters commision, will ever detract from the plain fact that a good picture is in the eye of the beholder and will always remain completely 'subjective'.

So I support 'moonheads' view, and yes I'm not a perfect image maker (is there one?) and I make mistakes, nay I admit I rush things, but what's most important here on ID7 is that I'm having a go, and will never stop having a go at making pictures that people want to talk about or remember....its what makes me tick.

Anyway to tonights' entry and title. I was dragged to B&Q today of all places, and to be honest there was some cracking light at around 11.00am today and I wanted to be out with my camera, but duty calls. On the way back over Towngate Bridge in Poole I saw this guy just starting to setup, so I got home, dumped the pots, and other purchases in the garden (mental note: they are still in the garden) and headed back over town to see if I could catch him whilst he was in the middle of things. I got there and went over for a chat, both this chap (I didnt get first name terms) and his colleague thought I was an inspector, I spent 10mins convincing them otherwise, before he allowed me to photograph but in those 10mins I learnt a lot about the Postermans' underworld...and competition, and rediculous EU health and safety rules, and sackable offences.... it was an insight into their world at least. Also not a bad job, he retires next year, and reckons on paper he is a millionaire for his retirement.... I'm in the wrong job .... ho hum csj

From Saturdays quick trip out, I shot about three images on the best weekend weather wise that we had had since xmas, feel I let myself down a bit, but sometimes thats the way it goes, the eye is either working or its not, and for some reason this weekend it wasnt... never mind. Anyway I was quite pleased with this. On my blog route I came upon a guy working on 'Jo Jo' , it was amongst several boats in dry dock? (is that the term) and I asked him if he minded if I just worked around him whilst he was patching the old girl up, he didn't mind at all....he recond that she'd be sea worthy next week.....I hope so for his sake.

Also on not an un-entirely different note, I will be totalling the votes for book inclusion in 2 days and will create a menu item in the right side of this archive showing the entries that will be included. There will of course be artistic licence over new images between now and when the book goes to print, so some later images may be included. I'll keep you posted as to the books progress and when it becomes available....... csj

Mel says (my wife) its funny how when she looks at an image of mine, that she knows exactly where it is, even tho shes never been there in her life, but I guess from just second glancing things as we go out on walks and being familiar with our surroundings. For all its down sides, Poole has quirky little shops and eateries, to some they might seem a little backward or old fashioned, but they are what they are, and they make up the landscape of what I guess Poole is all about. I hope some of it doesnt change.......ever.......

Now that I've posted this image I'm not as happy with it as I was whilst editing it...... uhm mental note, to try harder............. csj

Ok applied some artistic licence at 20:18GMT and changed the tonality, I'm a little happier now..... phewww.

Nearly got blown over it was so windy today. Walked round Baiter and back up the quay, saw a few things worthy of a frame or two, not bad for a grey overcast day. Will try again tommorow...... sorry for the late post......

This image has 6 adjustment layers, and was mostly done in lightroom, apart from the final layering and a little bit of masking around the wheels and in the background detail. Anyone after specifics, drop me a line....... off to bed now (00:16am) ..... tired csj

An old one from before Christmas, again one that I've looked at and looked at, and I feel maybe I've 'touched' too much. Its was one of those maybe frames, that had a little moment in it, and I wanted to use, but fell short for one reason or another. Anyway after a tweak and a shove, I am happy (ish) with the result.

I dont think this would win any awards or anything, as it doesnt really say much about the guy, but it was the hat, the motion, and the drink that held me on this image. Sometimes I rant here trying to justify the image, sometimes I should just leave it upto you guys as the viewers to decide. csj

A huge thanks go out to Matt at Lightflows for the code required to complete the ID7 move to moveabletype 4.0x later this year cheers.

This weekend was wasted waiting in for Virgin to install a V+ to keep my family amused, by the time that saga was over with, it was too dark to go out on Saturday afternoon. I did manage to get out during the morning, and got a few shots down through the town of which this is one. Today was mad inshore wind, and it was SO HEAVY, the waves were right up and breaching the Evening Hill promenade walkway along Sandbanks. To be honest it was so bad with spray I daren't get the camera out, and thats not like me!!

These two were strummin for their lives in town, and the sound was fantastic, certainly lifted the January spirits of most if not all the shoppers that I saw walking by. I slipped em some change into their open guitar case, and started shooting a few snaperoos. csj

So that was a challenge, but it seems for the foreseeable future I am locked into this older version of the engine that drives this site. Never mind. It works and it works well, I just don't like being left behind. So to that end I'm going to recode the entire site offline and make it work in the newer platform, then bring it online when its perfect. That was it, back to business as usual.

This image was caught down a side street in Poole at the back of the old Iron Mongers on the highstreet, just after the fire earlier in the year, which ripped through the neighbouring building. I thought we'd lost this shop, but luckily we hadn't. Its one of the last traditional old shops on the highstreet, a vritable aladdins cave of nic naks...

It reminds me of an old shop I used to go to when I was younger and living in WGC, the name slips my mind but it too had everything....

I decided to drop this image to black and white using hte channel mixer and the red channel as the image itself contained a lot of red. The rest of the sdjustments were in the curves, and a tone added on the yellow channel of one of these curves....csj

Update: A friend has just told me the the shops name I used to visit was Kershaws in WGC... ah the old days! ;-) csj

Just before New Year, I noticed that a place I walk past on a regular basis had had all of its 20 pane glass windows smashed overnight. Thats an expensive mess to get into, and to be honest I felt sorry for them, I just hope they caught whoever it was that did this. I really dont like mindless vandalism anywhere near where I live. Guess its just something we have to get used to.

Oh and I couldn't resist shooting her slightly mad hairdo!..... and boots.. ;-)

Just one more thing, I will be updating the core of ID7 over the next 24-48 hours, so apologies for any wierdness in CSS / Scripts etc....as I move from 3.33 to 4.01 Movabletype, so dependant on whther the code works or not will depend on whether I post tommorow or not.

It didn't work out to well, whilst the upgrade succeeded to some extend, having looked at the outcome of the templates that make up ID7, I would have had to recode all of them, and whilst I'm not giving up on the idea of upgrading, I have restored the database and instead upgraded to version 3.35, which has resolved one of my issues, and left me with one bug. But we are almost back up and running. Apologies again for any wierdness experienced today. csj

16:34 : Update all working 100% again.... csj

Sploosh, snap!, thats how this image happened, in that order - ;-)

There are huge bits of this image I have problems with, there are bits I like, there are moments of desperation in trying to keep up a one image a day blog!, but you have to keep on trying.

A shot taken whilst out looking for images, and to be honest it was a rotten afternoon, and the light was rubbish, and as much as I hate pointing the camera at a seagull, other than jumping in that water myself I had no choice on this day. I promise to refrain in the future!, honest

Not often I post a 1x1 image, but it can be a rewarding format to 'see' in and I have found it tricky looking through an SLR viewfinder and trying to see square. I have friends that are extremely good at doing this, not just by rescuing otherwise rubbish shots (likes me) but actually shooting in a square, and making it work from their minds eye. Its definatley something I'm going to try more of.

However in terms of an image I find it has to be with intent, like peering down through the viewfinder of a Hasselblad or Twin Lens and you need a purpose or good subject to shoot 1x1. Often portraits work well, and some landscapes / seascapes, close-ups look fantastic. I will try hard to get this right over the next 12months. Another plan, and an idea for subject matter - shoot square!.... csj

I don't have much to say about this, but at the time when I saw this object, it dawned on me that all tourist custom had finished for another 6 months for this trade, and it inspired me to look in more detail at the moored up ferries, along the coast, and wondered what these people do for the rest of the year?

This was a "maybe" shot that I had looked at and worked on but wasn't sure whether I was going to post.

But I did.

First day back at work today, and there was an air of energy, which is good to hear, but lets see if it lasts. I hope so.

So it's all officially over for another 12months. If you haven't taken down the decs, then GO DO IT NOW else you'll have bad luck (allegedly), and its back to the grindstone tomorrow for most of us. I am looking forward to it, but in a lot of ways I'll miss the time at home with the kids, and just relaxing (obviously). I am excited about the next 12months though, and I have a book to put together, and a lot of work re-jigging ID7 to the way I want it to be.

I am also thinking of introducing guest photographer posts to the site, and audio interviews in podcast (mp3) format to discuss technique and experiences. I have a few names in mind, and will let you know later in the year about when this might occur.

This image is from a walk out today, and really for me summed up the 12th Day of Christmas nicely. Enjoy ;-)

It struck me as I was out looking for things to photograph that so much has changed in the last 12-18 months down here, that big parts of Poole arent recognisable from when I first came down here.

Plans afoot mean that further 'investment' in Poole is planned and bigger parts of the town will become pedestrianised to cater for the extra load on the town. We've already just lost our Sports Centre, for what I fear was an underhanded way of gaining retail space eventually. I noticed that the local Bus drivers went out on strike because they are being penalised for not making targets, when the town is now so much busier.

I love this place, but I wish someone would just step back a minute and think rather than worry about liining their pockets.... It doesnt weem wholly fair on the town or its people.

There is time for change in this New Year, I hope.

On another note if anyone would like to vote for ID7 in the 2008 Photoblog Awards, here is an unashamed link to the voting page ;-)

http://vote.photoblogawards.com/photoblog.php?title=-_id7-co-uk_-

Thanks a quick click means ever such a lot, cheers csj

Sorry, I couldn't resist this one, it was literally on a plate. I'm not usually one for boats, but the last two shots, and tommorows maybe another were all shot along the quayside, yesterday when I was out. The wind was up and it was bracing to say the least...... it was also a nice little try out for the 50mm, it plays very nicely with manual focus, and I am very happy with it.

Any fellow Canon owners out there wish to comment on this lens, I am very surprised at its quality over cost. Very very good.

Thanks for stopping by.... csj

Went out today with the 'nifty fifty' as its lovingly known and thought I'd test it out on the front of the 20D, it went really well, its wierd after spending time with a zoom going back to prime lenses, but it made for some interesting battles with composition. I also used manual focus as its commonly known not to trust this lens near wide open with the auto focus, as I found out to my peril on the first bunch of shots off this lens.

Anyway live and learn.

Today though I am very pleased with its resolving power at smaller apertures, and it has definately earnt its place in the camera bag as a manual focus prime. An absolute bargain at around 50 UK pounds.

I got a few frames off, and I hoping if the light is good tommorow to do the same, but will have to wait and see.

Finlay said OI OI OI today and thought it was hilarious.....uhmmmm

Thanks for popping along.... csj

Oh yes, the faces in this say it all, shot on Christmas Eve, and with just a few seconds before the train passed, I spotted the lady in the fur lined hood, she just summed up all which is Christmas spirit, in true Dickensian style, the face, is worn out, and down right had enough of everyone around her. I really wanted to say something, but she just looked at me with daggers, as if to say "Go on pal one more word and I'll do something I regret".....it was Christmas so I didn't ;-).... I'm sorry but I just couldn't resist.

Christmas day ended abruptley at 4.20pm with an 8hr power cut, so we had to spend the rest of the evening, chatting, and playing with toys by candlelight, it was actually really nice.... but annoying at the same time, felt like I was missing out on something, when in reality I probably wasn't.... Fin didn't even notice I dont think......csj

Interesting today, popped into town to pick up a couple of last minute bits, and before we ventured to Santa Land in Poole Park to give Finlay the opportunity to feed 'reindeer', and the like.

We walked around the lake, and noticed that it had begun freezing over, something that doesn't happen each year, but it was spectacular as the birds stood on it, and the light bounced reflections in all directions. Certain chunks of ice had broken up and it left some great shapes.

Finlay was in a foul mood, probably, as we discovered later he was teething, and cold air on bare gums - ouch I can only imagine the pain, but he was better by the time we got home. Aside from that he didnt see Santa even tho we'd paid £11 for it, it was all getting a bit too much for him , and he was very upset. Maybe tommorow, if Santa is still there we'll try again, he did go on the train tho....

This shot for me is very cold, and Christmassy..., tommorows' is a bit more public, and contains HUMAN BEINGS, yes real living people.. ;-)

The lens and body slung over my shoulder today attracted some wierd comments, friendly but wierd. I don't carry a camera bag all the time, and today three people came over to talk to me about my kit, which never really happens, strange..... must be the season of good will to all men, which reminds me, I gave my pocket of change to someone who had less than me today.... made me feel good, should it?

I'm not too sure whats going on with my subject matter recently but its all a bit dark and gloomy, I'm not intentionally seeking depressing subjects, don't get me wrong, I'm a happy person normally, and like to laugh, but my images are very dark in terms of subject matter, sorry about that.

Tonights' is no exception. I didn't manage to leave the house in the light today, and town was sheer madness apparently.

In the search of enlightenment, One photographers' quote that today rang true of my work in general is this....

'All the technique in the world doesn't compensate for the inability to notice'. - Elliott Erwitt

Which is why this one is pertinent and related to tonights image directly, not only in terms of what its saying, but also by the fact that I am guilty of sometimes 'just pressing the shutter' and trusting my kit to make the balance, sometimes I see an image and always (in my gut) know that I am 'near enough', not good practise I know but alot of my work is based on the instant moment, and not the technique behind it.

I wouldn't have noticed this subject normally, but I guess what with it being Christmas and the lack of other interesting characters and motion in my usual blog spots, you start to notice the inanimate objects around you more.

I'm hoping Santa is going to be bringing me a new lens for Christmas, I've asked for a second hand Canon 50mm EF1.8 nothing fancy, but on the existing body it should give me the opportunity to shoot some lovely soft portraits, and shallow depth images thanks to the multiplier (1.6x focal length) So maybe the new year could bring a different flavour to the images here on the site. I just hope I've been good enough for Santa to bring me one....

I am thinking of embedding one or two quotes from famous photographers here on ID7 somewhere, maybe on a page of their own. As always let me know what you think. csj

After looking at Chromasias' posts over the last few days, I started thnking about the content and influences on my site. Its true I take a lot from that which is around me, in my home, in my town, and along the Coast where this blog is based.

But along with a few comments posted on Daves latest entry, I figured that its true that in most Seaside towns the winter close down brings lots of opportunities to reflect the effects of tourism. So I might use this as a theme or at least investigate it further in entries during the winter months. Obvious I know I know and can draw on cliche but I'll do my best to work at keeping it fresh.

This image is built of five layers, and uses LAB Color to produce the colouring.

Five adjustment layers on this one tonight, just to bring in the balance (or not) from the alleyway, where this intriguing little piece of graffiti resides.

In the back streets of Old Poole, just off the commercial old town street, this little plea for a lost dog, the alley way, is only 2.5ft wide, and someone went to the effort to paint this and the plea on the wall. Good luck to them trying to find the dog, I don't know that he has been found yet....but if you are interested in Henry, then here is his page....click here.

Another oddity on ID7....;-) enjoy.

Ouch, just been Xmas shopping, I feel bruised. It was Jam packed in town, I went for a lonesome walk along the Quay, not another person there, it was quite eerie to be honest.

Then I headed back up through town hoping to meet with Mel for a coffee, but I made it home before she got back with the kids, another dark winters day, but figured that if I was going to find anything to shoot then it would be in the town, with the spirit of Xmas abundant.

I think I found it here in this shot, with Poole Towns' local street greengrocer doing his bit to raise the spirits of busy Xmas people. He certainly added a bit of colour to an otherwise dreary grey day.

I am just getting my files sorted out, using a DROBO and LIGHTROOM to perform what is possibly (neigh definitely) a mammoth task of Date Sorting and Categorising all my shots.

I am not the best filer in the world, and to be honest I seem to leave a trail of digital destruction behind me wherever I edit my photos, so I thought I'd get organised over the festive period, during the quiet Turkey free moments, when everyone else is snoozing.... Fat Chance.

I thought I would bring everything together from the three / four places I work on my images. I'm just getting round to Dave's way of thinking and using a better back up source.

I should have plenty of photo opportunities over the next week or so, and I am going out this weekend whatever the weather.... mind you I still need to get that last pressie (or two) and some wrapping paper, else my life is over!!......

This shot was from the Sea Sculpture looking back at the upstairs of a restaurant in Poole, I wasn’t prying I was just pointing in the direction when I saw her relax her facial expression. It was just a moment in time, I felt was worth capturing.

So a bit of a camera less weekend again, as Poole is slumped into another weekend of constant rain, it's quite unfair, because as I remember last Monday the sun shone, and I just know that tomorrow morning when I slip back into my work gear, the sun will shine and I'll be unable to just nip out with my kit. I mean I shouldn't be that precious I guess. As nice as the camera is, its old now, and due an upgrade, it's still going strong though and has never let me down. So staying out of the wet should maybe not be my excuse any longer, maybe I should just rise to the challenge and go out and shoot no matter what the weather.

Apart from that it's been a pretty busy weekend, I tell you I think I'd like 07 to end now, and for a clean slate in 08. NO MORE STRESSES!!!.... Time for a beer. ;-)

This image was a quick frame grabbed last weekend, and to be honest not one of my all-time favourites, but as Dave told me, sometimes you have to photograph what you see, not always what you want to see. I guess he's right, you don't always have the perfect subject unfold in front of the lens, sometimes its just cliché, or subjects that don't quite meet the grade, but yet for some strange reason still grab your attention. Here it was more the low / contrasty sunlight and the juxtaposition of the colours against one another. As always let me know what you think.

I know that some of the images posted recently are not my usual thing, but I guess I've just been trying different things, and its been difficult with the build up to xmas, at the weekends and other personal things have prevented me from being more pro-active at getting out and about with the camera.

I guess when Fins a bit older he can come with me if he wants to... I duck out on a Saturday whilst he's asleep and pop a few frames, usually only an hour or so, but enough time to re-visit things I've seen before or try a few new areas.

I think thats why i like to record that which is around me. I'm not so good at pointing the camera at the kids at the moment, I need to get over it and start doing more of it before they both grow up and leave home!! ;-). Anyway not a problem, I'm sure if I relax into it the pictures will come more freely. Roll on summer!.... I hate dark days.

Another of the Li 150 Lambretta, this one I liked just for the cliche chrome and mirrors, and all the interesting angles. I've desaturated the shot and adjusted the curves to boost the overall contrast in the image. Then used the Channel Mixer to turn into a monochrome image, but allowed an amount of colour to come back through to the image, by using the opacity slider onthe channel mixer layer.

If none of the above makes sense, you should grab yourself a tutorial on Daves site, by taking the link to the right, you'll learn all sorts of techniques, coming up this month he has a tutorial on LAB COLOR mode and how to use this to dramatic effect on your images. As ever I'd love to hear your comments.

In a month of retro, where lots of old memories have come flooding back, mainly inspired by an old mate with a penchant for retro, I saw this pack on the ground which took me back to first school in my mind. I remember playing with these when I was little, the only difference as I remember was that they were packed in the box, in a small plastic bag, and were very fragile, you couldnt drop the box without them going off.

I couldnt beleive it when I saw them, I had no idea you could still get them. A small retro treat..... ;-)..... jeez I'm so old.

Ok so its a Restaurant before any locals send me an email, and she was outside, but I like little moments like this, and thought what the hell, shoot it now, and ask questions later.

I liked the fact it was the 'Customs House' which has officialdom written all over it if you like, then you have this woman, rubbing what looks like a pregnant tummy, holding a cigarette, its all juxtoposition and presumption, but I like that kind of thing in a photo. I like to ask as many questions as the picture answers if you know what I mean.... I don't know that she was pregnant, but I just have a hunch....what do you reckon? that or a large pudding! ;-)

Sorry I havent been full of words this week, thanks to those of you that pop by persistently and communicate via mail and leave comments, it means a lot. Most people know that during the week I look after a chunk of technology, which bless its heart, failed me this week.

I needed to work later to recover data and get the best of it back online again from backups. Not very interesting, but 1100 peoples accounts and information needed restoring and it takes FOREVER... anyway its done, we are all back smiling again and I can move on. Also spent the afternoon watching our kids learn to become radio DJ's which was exciting and rewarding....

Anyway tonights' shot is from last week, wasn't sure I had the image I wanted amongst the ones that I'd shot, but this one was quite pleasing for me anyway. I always feel a bit of a cheat when I do a shot like this, I may take a more conscidered approach to this theme and try to find occasions when the context of the graffiti contains another subject that has a meaning, but I guess beggers can't be choosers on a rainy Saturday afternoon... ;-)

I couldn't resist this one, made me laugh just a moment in time that doesn't happen often in front of your lens.

Not abstract, not difficult to read, but I liked the other characters that make up the rest of the shot. I may re-edit this at a later date but for tonight I am pleased with this one.

We had a problem at work which meant I didnt get back til 11pm last night, and I was so tired, I couldn't post yesterday so sorry for that. Tonights abstract offering is from my jaunt to the Quay last Sunday. If I could offer a prize I would, but I cant so I wont, but I can give you some advice and say that if you guess what that is, then you should treat yourself to a £5 subscription to Chromasias' tutorials from the link on the right, and learn yourself how to create extremely complex, frustrating images to look at. Enjoy ;-)

I had a good day out on the Quay yesterday, saw a few things that I've probably walked past several times and not given a second glance. I've learnt to be more patient when it comes to looking and seeing and recently found that subjects I once ignored, seem different and more appealing in different light.

I found that if I stick to what I know, then its easier to shoot, and I see more, rather than trying to push 'left field' and busting my head when I dont come up with the image. An image a day is difficult, sometimes impossible, and to be honest it can be very difficult to maintain, but even though posting an image that may not be my favourite, or may not be quite technically perfect, but yet still demonstrates an aptitude and a passion for image making then its all worthwhile. At least to me it is. This image if you are wondering, is looking down, not up as the illusion makes you feel.

New Forest Scooter Club, gave me the opportunity to shoot this on the sunny quayside today, they pulled up on mass, and I stood and watched 8 or so old Mods as they went for a beer, what a great day to do it.

I spent a happy hour or so, shooting down there today, much warmer than yesterday, more buzz, more people, and several opportunities arose. I also met a fellow photographer / blogger out and about and we compared shots, and kit, and to be honest it was a nice relax, made a change from the usual hassles of the week. I'd love a Scooter, but I think I'd be divorced for spending too much time keeping it on the road. Maybe when I get my true mid-life crisis I'll invest in one. ;-)

My life, what a week, the kids have certainly kept us on our toes this week. I wont go into too many details but blimey having an 11yr old, and a 'nearly' terrible two'er is lets say a challenge.

I did get out today, but it was at least 0 with the wind chill, and my hands froze... I saw a few things tho, even tho it was totally dead along the coast, everyone was shopping, and I tell no lie!, town was heaving today with people running around like headless chickens in the pre-xmas rush.

I'm far more relaxed about xmas shopping, and will do it all a little later than most ;-).

This shot was interesting to work on in post-production, I never thought I'd get an image of these cast iron monsters that I'd like to post, but I am happy with this one. As ever let me know what you think...

On another note, I'd like to just make an entry to say I'm thinking of you Clare, at this time of the year, you will never be forgotten...Cous

Its funny how since Jamie Oliver visited our school food, that I find myself craving junk when I get in from work. I can't help thinking its having a bit of a negative effect. On me at least. Uhmm Donuts..... to be uttered in the 'tone' of Homer.......;-)

A bit delirious tonight, apologies for strange posts this week. A bit disjointed. Oh and a good friend Craig pushed me to make an entry tonight, I was just going to crash and post tommorow. Thanks Mate......

A bit of street photography from last weekend before the Remembrance ceremony, I can only think they were chatting about the old times, but hey who knows.... maybe I should have asked..... mental note for next time, ask your sitter before taking random shots...... myabe not..... ;-)

Last week The Lighthouse, the venue for a service of remembrance for a young girl that Amber knew who died from Cancer and other complications.

A fitting send off for such a young spirited and talented person.

Then this week, a shot which today symbolises the need to take time for others, to take time to think about others, and to take time to 'drive with our eyes open'. Be a little more cautious, as we move about this big old world, and to think of the parents that are now without Jo, who lost her life behind the wheel of her car two nights ago, on a fast stretch of road, that is notorious for its danger, and lined with trees....

I guess time is short and precious eh!

A quicky tonight, from last weekend, I spent the weekend looking up in the air for subjects to shoot...saw this, and shot it.

Had a bad day at work today, one of the kids lost her life to a car accident, so the place was in a sombre mood. A definate time for reflection.

Moon base alpha in Poole, and before anyone questions my sanity this actually exists in my town. Anyone from Poole like to guess where these Alien Space craft are? or indeed what the picture is actually depicting?...go on have a guess you know you want to.

From 1919 until 1945, Remembrance ceremonies were held on Armistice Day; observance was then moved to Remembrance Sunday, but, since the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 1995, it has become usual to hold ceremonies on both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. - Wikipedia

I was out with my wife and Finlay going for a coffee, and I was only too aware of the 11am 2mins silence. We happened upon a convoy of old wartime vehicles, and well..... tonights post was in the can!.

I know the vehicle is American, and the costume is American, and I know we all got involved in the wartime effort, but I can't help wishing it had had a British Military feel to it.... from an image perspective purely. Guess you can't have everything.

An interesting building, I walk past this alot, and would love to get inside, I might just break in one afternoon I think the gate is damaged, it looks a tad unsafe tho. Interesting history I bet. Although I am not too sure what it was.

So I did a few of the sculpture that day, and I quite liked this capture, which occured as a Harley went down the Quay, those bikers come in handy sometimes!!! ;-)

Tonights' image is a photograph, I gather from the general lull on the net today that some people were having issues viewing some sites. Anyway never mind, but here is an image caught at the weekend, in town, just South of Poole Bridge, whilst I was out and about.

And it got me looking around. There arent too many places you can actually go to get away from being seen, if thats your aim. But I guess they are there to protect as well as to be nosy and invasive. Big brother eh, can't live with em, can't live without em....

By all rights tonights shot should at least be full of exploding colour, have a loud message, or depict the occasion, but instead I decided to go with something a lot calmer, coz frankly my head is banging after the weekend, and I really dont care for any more fireworks this season.

This was shot just along from the sculpture in yesterdays post. I'm not a fan of its composition, but the light was so striking I couldn't pass up the opp, also quite liked the fact that the bird on top was sat in the shadow of the lamp (just) and that the shadow split the building down the middle. Thats all really.... enjoy

Oh and on a slightly different note, you'll notice that I have a new banner to the right here advertising Photoshop tutorials. I can speak first hand having used all of Chromasias tutorials so far that they are truely excellent, a must for any budding photoshopper, so take the link and sign up they are an absolute bargain!!, I learnt more in ten minutes on these than in the last 10years of using all flavours of photoshop. And thats the truth.....csj

I was going to leave up yesterdays post for another night, but figured that as I was out seeing the STEROEPHONICS! tonight, I wouldn't be lazy, and I'd post up yesterdays efforts.

This was a journey of discovery, having really never paid it much attention before I am still in two minds over this 'structure / sculpture', it really does look as tho it was made up as it went along, without offending too many people, it just doesnt flow for me, I cant figure it out. I think its one of those things you need to be away from to appreciate.

So before I slate it completely I will give it one more chance, and next week I intend to look at it from the other side of the estruary. It might even photograph well at night..... that said.... I'll let you decide for now.... ;-)

I saw this a few weeks ago, whilst dropping my step daughter off, I still dont really understand why they are there, but I imagine its a makeup class, or hairdressing thing!...

They made me laugh, all sat there staring out.... and there bald partners next door.... just like real life eh! ;-)

Posting for tonight a bit early, friends are doing a fancy dress for the kids tonight and I wont be able to post, however the light is rubbish today, and I'm going to be left short of shots for the week, So I'll probably post every other day until I can get out properely.

3rd viewing, no bites as yet...

I wondered what they were all thinking and saying as she ran by. I should have continued shooting, but it was a weak subject, it was just an observation really. They had a right little chat and stare.

Also whilst its not dynamic I have posted a larger main image, and whilst according to my stats this should be fine for most viewers, please let me know if it doesn't appear ok.... csj

Saw this lonely little engine in Poole Park, he wasnt upto much, so I photographed him for Finlay. Post processed by dropping the colour and increasing the luminance, a slight crop and I was done. Not an outstanding image but one for posterity. csj.

I've tried to photograph this little building before, but never been able to perfect the shot. I'm possibly only 92% happy on this one aswell, but as it was the best I coud do at the time I thought I'd post it anyway.

Its a small outpost for fishermen, and wannabee fishermen (fisherpeople?) who need a bit of bait, a bucket, or a line to go crabbing, a nice little piece of Poole, that should never disappear. Its one of my earliest memories, coming here, I grabbed a chance to go crabbing with Amber when she was younger, and we caught 14 crabs. Oh happy days.

Anyway I tried to break the horizon with the subject, and took a low vantage point on this to try and give a unique angle of view. A wee bit of post processing to increase the already hi-contrast image and a tweak on the blue curve and I think thats all. There is a nice reflection from a car window that refelcted light onto the side wall, it looks heavily processed there but it wasnt. Enjoy ;-)

Today was a lot better than last weekend, I went out with a clear head, and saw a few things, nothing amazing, but my eye was working a lot better. I don't have a medical problem with it, and I guess if you havent read any of my previous posts, it wont mean anything, but I argue with my 'seeing' eye, and get quite angry when it doesnt behave for me... ;-)

This shot was along our front, the new (unused) monster development that swamps the Quay sits empty for a fourth year. Its a total traversty really. Theres nothing here but hoardings and TO LET signs. Its not as if its just the winter and people give up on their LETS, they have never been fully occupied 'ever'!.

We've just done this. What a burden, having to arrange the sign-off on the third floor conversion. Its all red-tape, self closing doors, sprinkler systems, water supplies, cost, expense and documentation. It's sensible I guess, but hey its just a load of old rubbish.

And whilst I'm having a rant, I figure that 'HIPS' for selling a house are the biggest waste of money, and are a government con to be Big Brother for the masses and force people into giving away stats on their homes that they can use against us to charge for services, and taxes.

SAVE your money and call your 3 bed house, a 3 room home, do the HIP yourself and download all the relevant documentation , be sure to shop around for the Energy Certificate, they can vary in price, they all show the same rubbish information, and can vary in price from £75 - £130, so be careful.

The photo was shot at the end of my road, and shows the work of another long project to convert a third floor. I wish them luck.... Our house gets signed off tommorow, fingers crossed.

Today was a busy day, with house viewings, and work meetings, and the like. I found time to 'Google' my old lecturer from Ware College, where I studied photography as a teenager. I found the old boy still working in the game, and now living in Ipswich, not Ipswich UK as I thought, OH NO.... Ipswich - Australia. Anyway it was nice to catch up and I filled him in on the last 22 years and we reminisced about the good old days.

He reckons the Australians aren't as subtle or understanding about the style of photography that he offers Click Here and is thinking of returning home to the UK.

To be honest he's a commercial photographer through and through, and whilst I can admire that trait, its something I gave up a while ago, so that I may 'enjoy MY images' if you understand.

His first comment was to say, "please let me see more of your commercial work". I had to disappoint him on that front, but stand true to my beliefs, that by opting out of the studio and the pressure of having to make money at photography I now get to enjoy my shots, far more than I ever did whilst being told what to do.

I guess I'm stubborn, but thats the way it is. I'm happy with 'my lot' and I wont change now.

I still enjoy shooting weddings and portraits, and I pick and choose the work as it comes in.

Todays Image is of the NEW frontage to Poole Museum that strikes me of being not quite finished, or is it art in architecture..... I think its an open debate...

We are selling up, the house goes on the market tommorow, and Dave before you think I'm moving to Blackpool to steal back my skies, I'm afraid thats gonna have to go on hold.

Enjoy ;-)

This was shot just a few minutes before old 'stinky' (the last post). A slightly unique signpost, highlighting one of the cycle ways on the South Coast and I believe offer a 7+ mile continous cycle way around Poole, although I may be wrong...... let me check......... aha here we go - Poole Cycleways.

Not really much in the way of adjustment here, just a little tweak to the overall contrast and saturation via a couple of layers, and thats it here. What attracted me to take the shot was just the simple paint drops on the sign, that glinted against the sunlight and contrasted nicely against the blue. Thats it really. Enjoy

Winner of SeeitSunday Entry - Theme 'Digital'

Why do any companies that sell you a service (Wessex Water) think they can blanket pull the wool over our eyes. For example, we are currently endeavouring not to upset our neighbours. All we are having is a new water main connected to supply sprinklers in our property which facilitates the council regulations on third floor loft conversions. Sounds simple.

PAH!!!

Its not. The company that "fitted" the sprinklers, I use "fitted" liberally, won't finish their connection until the Water Board have done their bit. The Water Board refuse to connect the pipe until the sprinkler company have done theirs. The end result "NO JOB DONE". We are in a quandry. On top of the 1350quid spent on trying to get connected to water I have paid 1050quid to sprinkler company, and again on top of that another 80quid for a brown box ( I have no idea what its for) 33quid on water pipe, and 24quid on a valve to go on the end of 'said pipe'. Then I have to dig a trench to put the pipe in, which HAS TO BE at 75CM below the ground level, which in turn is 50CM below any other water pipe on our street???, it has to run from our property to the public highway..... WAHHHH!

Then they have the cheek to cancel on us four times claiming not to have enough of the street to allow them to dig up. (What does that mean?) then on the fourth visit tell us that they cant connect the pipe because of the brown box (!!!) and make every excuse under the sun.

I'm just a laymen, a simple member of the public... not a plumber, not a sprinkler fitter, and not a road blummin digger. What do I know about this.... in a word NOTHING!.... should I have to know for the amount I've paid??, whats the interest on that amount over 1.5yrs, should I go for compensation??? let me know...RANT OVER.......phew sorry about that, but that feels better.

The photo is a desaturated, blue curved, shot of a service box, on the edge of our lovely Poole Park, which was nested in the Autumnal forestation by the side of the railway track. I thought SOS was an apt title for this... a depressing day...

You see I need a new camera. This dawned on me as the third year of the trusty old 20D clicked over and I realised that everything around me has 'moved on'. Now here is the dilemna, how do I justify the expense of a 5D, or better a 1DS Mark2, without really earning a crust at photography?. Can I really take that money out of the family pot to indulge myself?. I had a comment on the blog from someone last week, in fact it was Rob who said that he could have enough camera bodies, but never enough lenses!!. I'm inclined to agree however I now have a gremlin in my head, that is chewing away at my brain, trying to figure out ways to earn enough money to by one.

Who will win, my patience and self control, or the gremlin?, watch this space.....

Todays' image is from my walkabout on Saturday, and is of a building I know not what, several times I have walked past this and wondered what actually goes on behind the happy facade.

Its' located at the end of Poole Quay and really is a strange little building, extremely narrow in profile and the frontage doesnt really say a lot. Mel thinks it may be a design agency or something, but again a strange place for one of those aswell. If anyone knows, maybe you could enlighten me.... I recorded it for posterity, because it seems that anything quirky these days is just ripped out and replaced by a block of flats.... CJ

Went out today, in the rain, it was absolutley rubbish light, but I tried to the make the best of what I saw. I met a lady out walking her dogs, which were having symmetrical fun at each end of a long chewed up stick, if I'd been 2 secs quicker on the shutter it would have been all "gnarly teeth" and symmetrical, my kind of shot, instead I ended up with this, which I'm not displeased with overall.

Today's topic of discussion is hardware. A lot of people talk to me about their lenses and cameras, and I do have to wonder how important all this is in the mix of things.

I know that you have to apply the right lens to the job, and to have good kit is nice. But I have seen some fantastic images taken with a shoebox, some tinfoil and piece of photographic paper, I might post a couple ;-). Not practical for professional use agreed, and holding a Pro-Body always feels right. But it begs the question why spend so much? Do we all secretly fall into the cliché of 'keeping up with the Jones'' or do we all unknowingly have a materialistic desire for new things.

Is it a human thing, a culture thing, a social thing, or just greed? I'm not entirely sure, and I know that I am as guilty as the next person. I often just flick through EBay for items, some I just want, some I have no use for, but just want, some I “need” but can’t afford.

So in the wise words of my Mother "You came into this world with nothing, and you’ll leave with nothing!", everything that happens in between is just circumstantial to our surroundings I guess, and probably equates to consumerism. Its a shame, but that's life.

So when DJN at Chromasia.com told me that he'd just purchased a 15mm Canon lens, and he wanted a Canon 85mm F1.2 and that his friend John Washington had a Leica M8 and a noctilux f/1 (lens 2nd hand was £1600)......... I was a bit green with envy.

Ridiculous as it sounds it's in all of us to some degree or another, and there doesn't seem to be anything in me to stop that want and need.

This picture I guess, depicts for me, the sense of throwing out the old to replace with new, I mean they look like a perfectly good pair of trainers, with no real faults, but someone was intent on getting rid, for whatever reason, we'll never know, but I bet it was to get a better pair!!!! ;-), also an incredibly good shot, not mine, theirs.

I know I know I promised a portrait tonight, but I walked passed this today, and frankly I had to post it, what with the Rugby World cup on and all. The last time this place was open, bearing in mind of its location on Prime Sea Front real estate, right next to the ever popular Poole Pottery was four years ago. I stood in there and watched the end of some sports, with my wife during the early stages of our relationship.

I just cannot believe that a piece of local architecture, that has Poole written all over it has stood empty for so long. Its a shame when the likes of 'Dolphins Quays' and other modern flats and apartments have taken over our once 'local' Poole in favour of capitalist developments. They continue to sardine pack people into plasterboard accomodation, and in the shadows of this, take over all of our heritage which is swallowed up and forgotten. That is of course just my opinion, but seeing this again today struck a chord. Call me sentimental, call me what you like....

Just in case you dont have time to comment, but you do however use 'Stumble Upon' then leaving me a 'thumb up' or 'thumb down' on any of my work would be appreciated.

Here is a link to Perfect Pieces Blog on the local demise of Poole Pottery and local architectural and business premises in Poole Click Here. In a similar vain and also worth a read, if you are local to Poole, is this article: New from 'ThisisDorset' on the demise and planning trying to be bulldozed through local council. GRRRRRRRR