Kew is my Garden

The end of December provides a great opportunity to take some long-exposure photography in Kew Gardens, particularly now the Christmas sound and light show looks to become a permanent feature of the holiday season in our village.  And whilst I was wondering round the the Palm House, I noticed that Syon House just across the Thames in Isleworth was lit up as well.  

No matter what the season, Kew Gardens never ceases to enchant me, especially at dusk. 

The New YBAs: Young British Architects

Last month my older daughter had to have one of her projects for her first year architecture course photographed for her portfolio.  When she was at art foundation school, the projects were unusual, but nothing quite as curious as the smelliscope.  This is a wearable device which enables a person to capture the aroma of a meal and then to paint a picture of the meal with inks developed from the meal's ingredients and brought to mind by oils which had been infused with the smells of the dishes.  Got that?  And my daughter wore this to Franco Manca on Tottenham Court Road at lunch time while I stood on a chair in front of her.  And we weren't chucked out!

Wonderbreak in Wales

My partner and I did something that I hope will become an annual tradition: getting away for a few days before the Christmas activities begin.  In early December we drove to one of our favourite places on earth: the Brecon Beacons in southeast Wales.  The weather was dismal, but the scenery nonetheless beautiful and emotive - this photographer's aspiration.  And the proof of a great trip is to have a fantastic time despite damp, drizzle and dark.  You just need the right attire, attitude and ambiance.

Holiday Paradox

There's no denying that the Christmas holiday season provides incredibly wonderful oportunities for taking all sorts of fantastic photographs - from the lights of a village, town or city to home decorations to pets and family shots.  The thing is that many of these opportunities happen in low light and so are somewhat tricky to get right.  But I was pretty pleased with what I came up with this year.  I hope you enjoy these shots.