Equus Sum

Equus Sum 3439, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

2 weeks ago, I received a mail through the website to take a photograph of Bernardo, a horse with a terminal condition. On Sunday I went out to Staverton in Wiltshire and spent two hours with Bernardo and his owner working in the practice ring whilst Nardo took his exercise.

I came away having made a new equine friend and feeling that I'd been in the presence of a one of nature's gentlest.

Trails 0128

Trails 0128, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

Leaving KPS yesterday evening having brought my camera to show CHDK installed on a G9, I decided to capture few experimental shots by deliberately moving the camera whilst shooting long exposures. Karen doesn't like this at all but I think I do.

Daredevil 2898

Daredevil 2898, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

from Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show Keynsham RFC August 2009.

By 9 pm, I had put away the flashes and was working with high ISO and whatever natural light was available. The stunt worked as designed so, though this looks bad, the outcome was planned. The stunt? One man running into a burning barrier and breaking it with his head.

For some reason, this shot makes me uncomfortable. I like it but it makes me uneasy

Flaming hell mate

Daredevil 2837, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

I finally finished the editing on the Scott May Daredevil shots today. Two more to post but this is my current favourite.

Daredevil 2835

Daredevil 2835, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

Saturday night, I was lucky enough to gain a press pass that allowed James & I to be in the centre of the arena at Scott May's Daredevil Stuntshow whilst it was in Keynsham.

What an evening, what a privilege, what a nice bunch of people and what a show. I can't recommend it enough. If they are in your neck of the woods, get along and see them!

Nicholas Cage & Knowing

Bounteous heart be with me, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

Just wasted 90+ minutes of my life watching this movie. I know I won't get it back. Depressing. All shadow no light.

Halfway through I got bored and went out into the garden to photo a single strawberry caught by one of the rays of the sun that sneak around the corner of the house at the end of the afternoon.

Steamdaddy saga, Episode 2

Got no pockets full of pretty green, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

Spent an hour this afternoon with Mike testing the latest prototype of Steamdaddy II, a selective focus gadget that doesn't cost the earth but does do things that I want to (like allow me to select a a part of the subject to stay sharp and create loads of bokeh @ F5.6).

Mike's done a great job and though the effect is not flattering, I am pleased with the end result. Hopefull we'll be done,done next week.

One sip makes me immortal?

One sip makes me immortal?, originally uploaded by Photoportunity.

Karen's pond has a beautiful water-feature constructed (by Karen) from a blue plastic tub from Ikea. Watching the water run through this evening, I thought I try to capture the calling effect of the sound.

The net result reminded me of the films I've seen where the baddies are always searching for the Fountain of Youth.

Bye Bye Baby

Cerys says "I just don't feel Christmassy"
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

This morning at 11.50 we lost Cerys after a short illness. Bye Bye baby. The perfect little angel dog.

Six @ La Rochelle

Six @ La Rochelle
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

I got back from holiday Friday night last week. As usual I overpacked taking the 5D, my G9, flashes, controllers, etc.

Of course all I should have taken is the G9. It's smart, simple, produces great crisp images when I want them.

Even though the day was overcast and the building in shadow, I love the way the G9 has captured the onlookers of La Rochelle's Bastille Day celebrations.

Cold callers of the world beware

... the next time "Nigel" calls offering me a double-glazing...

Promenade des Anglaises 7.30 a.m.

Promenade des Anglaises 7.30 a.m.
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

I've spent the last week working in Nice. A very hectic event but really productive (thanks Paolo, Herve & Alan!). All went well but the cough I thought I had turned out to be bronchitis.

Nice is a beautiful city with wonderful warm people. Promenade des Anglaises is unique, an exercise area, a tourist attraction, the world's longest catwalk, a place for the young (and not-so-young) to see be and be seen. Wonderful for people-watching with every moment providing a tableau of something unique.

On my way out of the hotel yesterday morning to pick up the bus for the airport, I saw these two artists taking advantage of the beautiful stormy sky and had to drop may bags on the pavement and grab my camera from my bag,

phoenix - lisztomania *brat pack mashup*

4 minutes and 2 seconds of the 80s. Put a huge grin on my face this morning. Strongly recommended.

Jetking - Theories To Suit Facts ... is out!

JETKING-1712
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

It's a buzz to see your work in print, especially when you've worked such a great people as Jetking to produce it.
Their first album is available now via Amazon.co.uk and my work is on the inside!
See http://myspace.com/jetkinguk for more on this great band.

Untitled Film Stll SC-2459

SC-2459
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

My face is a mask I order to say nothing
About the fragile feelings hiding in my soul.
-Glenn Lazore (Mohawk)

I was fortunate enough to spend May 3rd in the dappled Wiltshire sunshine with New France Old England, a historic re-enactment group. As the troup were leaving for rehearsal, I was fortunate enough to capture Span watching as they marched from the camp.

It's okay... I think I can make it

It's okay... I think I can make it
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

Sometimes a change can really be as good as a rest. After editing for hours I spent 20 minutes in the back garden with my little G9 and took this and a few others.

Spike Island - A little bit Bristol-trying-to-be-Hoxton?

Keep me in the loop?
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

The annual jaunt to Spike Island Open Studios today. Usually we try to spot someone up-and-coming with real talent but nothing tickled our fancy.

It's all gone White Cube. A little bit of Bristol trying to be Hoxton and pricing stuff accordingly. Dumb move.

Artists should recognize they need to start somewhere and not price the simplest smallest print at £50. The market pays what the market wants and if banksy and Nick Walker are facing lower prices then maybe beginners need to think on.

ps: one major exclusion from this rant. The work at Art+Power rocked. Stunning stuff from the collective.

A Modern Miss Havisham

A Modern Miss Havisham
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

From yesterday's shoot at an abandoned Naval Base in Corsham, Wiltshire

His heart was broken and no-one even saw

His heart was broken and no-one even saw
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

On the way out on Saturday

Four For Twig The Wonderkid

Four For Twig The Wonderkid
Originally uploaded by Photoportunity

A shot taken en route from Crimes Of Passion at the RWA in Bristol.