Blog
Silk Road Photo Project
In my latest project, Silk Road, I invite you to embark on a visual journey through one of the world's most historically rich and culturally diverse trade routes. This project has deepened my appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life that unfolds along this ancient path. Each photograph captures not only the stunning landscapes and ancient cities but also the fleeting moments of connection between people and their environments.
In my latest project, Silk Road, I invite you to embark on a visual journey through one of the world's most historically rich and culturally diverse trade routes. This project has deepened my appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life that unfolds along this ancient path. Each photograph captures not only the stunning landscapes and ancient cities but also the fleeting moments of connection between people and their environments.
My work reflects a personal exploration of light, composition, and emotion, aiming to tell stories that resonated with me.
Through this collection, I hope to highlight the vibrant cultures, traditions and shared humanity along the Silk Road, celebrating its historical significance and contemporary relevance.
Join me as we explore these images, which reveal the essence of life along this remarkable route where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.
Memorable conversation in Xian Mosque,Nikon Z7, 200mm, F2.8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 64
Xian City Wall scene,Nikon Z7, 60mm, F4, 1/500th of a second, ISO 110
Rainbow Mountains, Nikon Z7, 70mm, F10, 1/200th of a second, ISO 64
Road through the Rainbow Mountains, Nikon Z7, 135mm, F9, 1/200th of a second, ISO 64
Ancient path along the sile road, Nikon Z7, 55mm, F9, 1/200th of a second, ISO 64
Binggou Danxia Scenery, Nikon Z7, 49mm, F11, 1/100th of a second, ISO 64
A quiet scene, Nikon Z7, 78mm, F5.6, 1/250th of a second, ISO 64
Whispers of the Desert at sunrise, Nikon Z7, 30mm, F8, 1/100th of a second, ISO 72
On the road to the Pamir Mountains, Nikon Z7 II, 54mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 160
Village at the foot of the Mountain, Nikon Z7 II, 160mm, F10, 1/500th of a second, ISO 64
Mountain riders, Nikon Z7 II, 98mm, F10, 1/500th of a second, ISO 64
Reflections on the shore of Kala Kule Lake, Nikon Z7 II, 80mm, F8, 1/800th of a second, ISO 64
Yak and Rider, Nikon Z7 II, 32mm, F8, 1/320th of a second, ISO 110
Glacial waters and reflections , Nikon Z7 II, 33mm, F8, 1/500th of a second, ISO 72
Dramatic light and receding snow , Nikon Z7 II, 120mm, F8, 1/160th of a second, ISO 64
Yaks grazing in the foothills, Nikon Z7 II, 80mm, F8, 1/640th of a second, ISO 80
A view from a nearby Village , Nikon Z7 II, 30mm, F8, 1/640th of a second, ISO 80
Early Morning light in the streets of Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 160
Street scene, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 400
Early Morning light in the streets of Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 360
Back streets of Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 28mm, F7.1, 1/125th of a second, ISO 160
Kashgar Street scene, Nikon ZF, 28mm, F5.6, 1/250th of a second, ISO 100
Tea room dancer, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F2.8, 1/1000th of a second, ISO 100
Kashgar Street scene, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 100
Waiting for an answer, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 100
Kashgar Street Scene, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 100
The Streets of Kashgar
We had the great pleasure of travelling to the city of Kashgar, in the south of the Xinjiang province. It is one of the westernmost cities in China, near the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. For over 2,000 years, it has been a vital oasis on the Silk Road between China, the Middle East, and Europe and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The city is a truly magical place with beautiful and vibrant crossroads of culture and history. It captivated us with its unique blend of architectural styles and bustling bazaars. The city's mud-brick houses and intricately carved wooden mosques reflect centuries of craftsmanship and the influence of the Silk Road trade. There are rich aromas of spices and local delicacies, while the colourful markets pulse with energy as merchants display their wares. We could see signs of Kashgar’s enduring spirit and diverse heritage everywhere we turned.
Here are a selection of photos from our trip to Kashgar.
We had the great pleasure of travelling to the city of Kashgar, in the south of the Xinjiang province. It is one of the westernmost cities in China, near the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. For over 2,000 years, it has been a vital oasis on the Silk Road between China, the Middle East, and Europe and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The city is truly magical, with beautiful, vibrant streets full of culture and history. It captivated us with its unique blend of architectural styles and bustling bazaars. The city's mud-brick houses and intricately carved wooden furnishings reflect centuries of craftsmanship and the influence of the Silk Road trade. There are rich aromas of spices and local delicacies, while the colourful markets pulse with energy as merchants display their wares. We could see signs of Kashgar’s enduring spirit and diverse heritage everywhere we turned.
Here are a selection of photos from our trip to Kashgar.
Bedstop Street scene, Nikon ZF, 28mm, F5.6, 1/250th of a second, ISO 100
I couldn't resist this scene when I saw it. Living in Beijing, I often see people bringing furniture outside to chat or play Xiangqi, but this is the first time I've seen beds on the street. I love the bright colours in this photo and how they stand out against the brown mud walls. It also shows everyday life in the city and makes me wonder what that lady is waiting for.
Walking Home from School, Nikon ZF, 63mm, F8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 320
Again I was drawn to the contrast in the colours in this scene. The warm golden browns from the walls and the vibrant blue and red from the children walking home from school. I was also drawn to the deep contrast created by the harsh light and deep shadows.
Street conversation, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F2, 1/500th of a second, ISO 320
I saw people sitting around and having conversations on the street all over Kashgar, but I think this was my best attempt at capturing one. Again I am drawn to the colours in the scene and the interaction between the people having the conversation.
Waiting, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F5.6, 1/250th of a second, ISO 1600
I was drawn to several things in this scene. The ancient house and doorway which has changed its number many times, the stark contrast in the colours in the house and the clothes of the woman. Again it made me think about all of the people who must have called this home and what might that lady be waiting for.
Eleanor Street Portrait, Nikon ZF, 85mm, F1.8, 1/2000th of a second, ISO 100
Eleanor loved wearing traditional clothes but wasn't keen on taking photos, so we had to wait patiently for this shot. The outfit matched the city's architecture well, and the colors of her dress looked great against the blue door.
Early Morning light in the streets of Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 160
I took this in the early morning and was drawn to the way the morning light was illuminating the top of the streets walls. I also love the winding nature of the streets, all of the details that each individual family has added to the front of their houses and of course all of the complimentary colours
Street scene, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 400
I was irresistibly drawn to the tranquil quietness of this scene, captivated by the intricate textures and diverse characters that existed within the composition. Once again, I found immense joy in the beautiful colour palettes that this enchanting city has to offer. This time, there were a few gentle touches of complementary colours that beautifully contrasted with the strong, warm hues present in the walls.
Early Morning light in the streets of Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 360
This is an early morning photo showing the sunlight beginning to light up the street below. I was drawn to the way the street curves to the left, making you wonder what’s around the corner. I also appreciated the architecture and warm colours of the buildings, which contrast nicely with the blue sky.
Back streets of Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 28mm, F7.1, 1/125th of a second, ISO 160
I aimed to capture the backstreets of Kashgar. The maze of narrow streets had me going in circles. I loved the worn-out walls, unique doorways, and window frames, as well as the accents of cool colours dotted here and there. It was also just fascinating to watch people's daily lives in the city.
Street Arch in Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 28mm, F4.5, 1/250th of a second, ISO 125
This archway is beautiful with its symmetry, geometric patterns, and vibrant colours. The old carpet adds charm, and the child with her grandfather brings a touch of everyday life to the photo.
Tea room dancer, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F2.8, 1/1000th of a second, ISO 100
Kashgar offers a variety of great teas, including traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern options. The tea house had a local band playing music and a dancer. I asked to take her photo, and she agreed, so here is one of my photos.
Tea room dancer, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F2.8, 1/1000th of a second, ISO 100
This is another photo from the tea dancer, and I wanted to specifically capture her delicate veil in this one. I truly appreciated the intricate details of the veil, which beautifully enhances her overall costume and adds another layer to the photo.
Kashgar Street scene, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 100
Kashgar is vibrant with beautiful colours. The colours of the buildings in this scene are perfectly complemented by the women's clothing. The intricate details, from window carvings to handwritten graffiti, add so much interest to the scene for me. The harsh light creates strong contrasts and shadows, which I captured at an angle to emphasize the diagonals in the frame.
Waiting for an answer, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 100
This scene unfolded naturally and swiftly. Eleanor knocked on the door alone, and I lowered my camera to catch the moment. The complementary colours were a happy accident. I also appreciate the detail and character in both the door and Eleanor's dress.
Kashgar Street Scene, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 100
I could not resist taking this photo when I came across the scene. The way that the wide courtyard area leads to a winding street and the deep shadows and harsh lights create so much contrast in the scene, and of course, the woman in the scene adds a dash of colour contrast and intrigue.
Eleanor street scene, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F2.8, 1/2000th of a second, ISO 100
What can I say, for me, this is the perfect photo, but that is with my daddy bias included. We took so many photos of Eleanor on that afternoon in Kashgar, but we only got a few that we were happy with. This one we were able to get her to stop in exactly the spot we wanted for a few seconds and managed to get the shot. The colours and the light worked perfectly to frame Eleanor.
Vibrant streets of Kashgar, Nikon ZF, 50mm, F8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 100
I visited the same location as the photo above later in the afternoon when the sun was higher and the light was harsher, which I enjoy for street photography. I adjusted my framing to highlight the street's shape and include more diagonal lines. I also aimed to capture the interesting shapes of the shadows as well.
The landscapes of Xinjiang
A collection of photos showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Xinjiang province in western China. It is one of the most amazing landscapes I have ever seen.
Xinjiang is a province we have wanted to visit for many years. We had intended to visit two and a half years ago when we did our silk road trip but we only got as far as Dunhuang as Eleanor was just too young to go any further.
We loved our trip on the Silk Road and we had long thought about going further west to explore Xinjiang province. We had no idea just how magnificent the Landscapes would be until we embarked on our trip from Kashgar down the G314 towards the Pamir Mountains. The taxi driver who picked us up from the airport offered to take us on the 4-hour trip from Kashgar to our hotel which was 2,000 m above sea level and surrounded by enormous snow-covered peaks. We had a huge downpour of snow within a few hours of our arrival which took us by surprise considering it was early April.
The snow transformed what was already a spectacular landscape into a magical one. My only regret was that we only had a few days to see just a small portion of this magnificent place. We definitely want to visit again and spend more time there in the future. Possibly one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
Here, I present 12 photographs to try and highlight Xinjiang's beauty, inviting you to experience what I saw. While I am happy with the photos they really do not do the place justice. Anyway I hope you enjoy exploring Xinjiang through my photos.
On the road to the Pamir Mountains, Nikon Z7 II, 54mm, F6.3, 1/500th of a second, ISO 160
This photo shows our trip from Kashgar to the Pamir Mountains on the G314 highway, which runs by the Tajikistan border into Pakistan. I had to act fast with my camera since we were in a car. I love how the light hits the mountains and how the road leads toward them. Camels frequently cross the road, adding interest to the foreground, and the car provides scale to the scene.
Yaks grazing at the foot of the Mountain, Nikon Z7 II, 145mm, F8, 1/640th of a second, ISO 64
I chose to photograph a small section of the mountain to include the yaks and a car on the road for context and scale. I appreciate the sharp lines of the mountain, and leaving out the full view encourages us to use our imagination to picture the rest.
Village at the foot of the Mountain, Nikon Z7 II, 160mm, F10, 1/500th of a second, ISO 64
I took this as a panorama image as there was no way I could get the whole scene in a single shot. I decided to use a telephoto lens to do this as although a wide angle would have done it in fewer shots I would have had to include a lot more of the lake and the mountain and village would have become less significant parts of the scene.
My goal was to highlight the mountain's size and the village's isolation at its base. I also like how the clouds hide the mountain's peak, adding a sense of mystery.
Mountain riders, Nikon Z7 II, 98mm, F10, 1/500th of a second, ISO 64
I saw these people riding horses gracefully out of the local village, and I wanted to make sure I captured a striking photo of them, as I wanted to illustrate how this is a unique place where people genuinely live and interact with their surroundings. I purposefully kept the prominent tops of the mountains intentionally out of view to add a bit of intrigue and mystery, and I also wanted to exclude the expansive sky from the frame. This choice helped me focus on keeping the riders and the majestic mountains as the only two compelling subjects in my photograph, highlighting their connection to this amazing landscape.
Reflections on the shore of Kala Kule Lake, Nikon Z7 II, 80mm, F8, 1/800th of a second, ISO 64
What I tried to capture in this particular photo is the individual who appeared to be quietly reflecting on their thoughts while sitting by the serene side of the lake. This tranquil setting is itself in perfect harmony with the stunning reflections of the beautiful landscape, which can be seen mirrored in the calm waters of the lake.
Yak and Rider, Nikon Z7 II, 32mm, F8, 1/320th of a second, ISO 110
When I took this photo, I did not think much about it at the time, but now, upon reflection, I really appreciate it and regret not making more of the scene in front of me. I truly enjoy the quiet and calm feeling that I derive from this particular photograph. The two solitary figures stand out against the backdrop, combined with the peacefulness of the water, the gentle ripples in the lake, and, of course, the stunning scenery that looms in the background. What I particularly regret is missing the chance to capture the perfect mirror reflection of the yak in the lake. Looking back, I realize that I did not experiment with more compositions that included this captivating, mirror-like reflection.
Glacial waters and reflections , Nikon Z7 II, 33mm, F8, 1/500th of a second, ISO 72
I’m much happier with this photo compared to the one above. I invested time and effort into its composition, which shows in the final result. I aimed to highlight the clear waters, the textures and colours of the rocks in front, and the mountain's reflection in the background. I had to find the right angle to capture both the rocks and the reflection while keeping the horizon level. I decided to take a panorama because my wide-angle lens made the mountains appear too distant, and I wanted to maintain their prominence. Overall, I’m very pleased with the final photo.
Road to Muztag Ata , Nikon Zf, 93mm, F8, 1/1000th of a second, ISO 100
This is my first photo of Muztagh Ata, often referred to as the Ice Father, which proudly holds the title of the tallest mountain in this region at an impressive height of over 7,500 meters. It distinctly stands out in the expansive landscape, commanding attention with its majesty. I captured this image from an elevated vantage point to effectively highlight the gentle curve of the road leading up to Muztagh Ata. Additionally, I patiently waited for a car to drive down the winding road, as this provided a sense of the scale of the mountain.
Yaks grazing in the foothills, Nikon Z7 II, 80mm, F8, 1/640th of a second, ISO 80
I was drawn to this captivating scene for several compelling reasons. First, the majestic, snow-covered mountain loomed in the background, commanding attention with its grandeur. Additionally, the yaks peacefully grazing in the foreground added a sense of life and tranquillity to the landscape. Lastly, the striking contrast in colours, the pure white of the snow, the blues of the still-frozen pools of water, and the warm orange-brown hues of the earth, created an interesting photo as the spring snow had just begun to slowly melt away.
A view from a nearby Village , Nikon Z7 II, 30mm, F8, 1/640th of a second, ISO 80
This was taken near the end of our visit before our long trip back to Kashgar. I reflected on not using the Yak's reflection in an earlier photo, so I used a wide-angle lens and lay in the snow for a low angle. I aimed for perfectly still water, but this was the best I got. Upon reflection I appreciate the water's movement and frost patches, reflecting the sudden weather change. I focus stacked the image to highlight the snow texture in the foreground. I'm very happy with this photo and wish I could have just a bit more time here to play with other compositions.
Two Yaks grazing in the foothills of Muztagata , Nikon Z7 II, 84mm, F8, 1/640th of a second, ISO 80
This is one of those photos that makes me think I need to print more and the limitations of viewing a photo on a screen. The reason I say this is that this is a panorama taken of many photos to try and capture all of the scene. When I look at all of the details up close on a print I love it as you can see all of the details which helps me get a better sense of wonder than I had when I was walking along this mountain road trying to take in all of the majesty of the scenes around me. Alternatively, I need to get better at capturing such scenes. I think that probably both are true.
Dramatic light and receding snow , Nikon Z7 II, 120mm, F8, 1/160th of a second, ISO 64
One challenge I had with photographing in this stunning location was the considerable wait for both sunrise and sunset. As all of China operates within a single time zone, meant that I had to wake up extremely early in the morning to try to capture the beauty of a sunrise and then stay out super late at night to catch a sunset. Although I was not entirely satisfied with the quality of any of the photos I managed to capture during those specific times, I do particularly like this one. It was taken a little while before sunset, and the very harsh directional light creates a striking contrast that beautifully highlights the interesting shapes of the mountain peaks as well as the warm, inviting colours at the base of the mountain.
Discovering Laos
I am not sure why I had never considered travelling to Laos before. I have been to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam so many times but I only got around to visiting Laos last Christmas and got the chance to experience this beautiful and welcoming country which really has its own unique relaxing and spiritual feeling. I will share some of my favourite photos of our trip to Laos here.
I am not sure why I had never considered travelling to Laos before. I have been to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam so many times but I only got around to visiting Laos last Christmas and got the chance to experience this beautiful and welcoming country which really has its own unique relaxing and spiritual feeling. I will share some of my favourite moments and photos of our trip to Laos here.
Landscapes of Laos
We got to see some beautiful landscapes while we were in Laos, Karst Mountains, Blue Lagoons, and Waterfalls. Alot of the photos were from Vang Vieng with its beautiful Karst Mountains and Blue lagoons. We also got to see the Kuang Si Falls whch are near Luang Prabang and are charcterised by their beautifully rounded rock formations and turquiose waters. I hope you enjoy the photos I took of Laos Landscapes.
Sunrise from the air, Nikon Z7 II, 30 mm, F8, 1/500 th of a second, ISO 110
I took this photo from a Hot Air balloon in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng has a tremendous amount of red dust from the Karst Mountains and the dirt roads which add to the atmosphere in this photo as it combined with a morning fog. The scene changed from a soft blue to a warm red in just a few minutes as the sun rose and I decided to focus on the other ballon as it worked as a great focal point for the directional light and the surrounding scenery.
Coming down to land, Nikon Z7 II, 47 mm, F8, 1/250 th of a second, ISO 125
This was taken on the same ballon ride, but later as we started to descend. I love this photo's beautiful soft light, rolling fog and warm colours.
The last of Blue hour, Nikon Z7 II, 32 mm, F4, 1/160 th of a second, ISO 280
This photo was taken just shortly before the sunrise. Laos was surprisingly cold in the morning both in terms of temperature and colours of the landscape in the morning. Again I loved all of the fog which creates all of these soft textures in this beautiful landscape.
Vang Vieng Sunset, Nikon Z7 II, 200 mm, F9, 1/500 th of a second, ISO 64
I was drawn to all of the layers in this scene with all of the trees, mountains and the fog and dust from Vang Vieng. I took several photos of this scene, but it worked best when I lowered my exposure which cast all of the mountains and trees into shadow as this vastly simplified the scene and allowed me to capture what drew me to the scene in the first place.
Kuang Si Falls, Nikon ZF, 30 mm, F8, 1/500 th of a second, ISO 110
We only got to spend a short time at Kuang Si Waterfall as we got there late in the afternoon. It really is such a stunning place. The perfectly rounded rock formations and turquoise waters are truly something straight out of a dream. For this photo I went with a longer exposure to smooth out the running water.
Kuang Si Falls,, Nikon ZF, 27.5 mm, F9, 4 seconds, ISO 100
This was taken shortly after the above photo and here I was trying to capture more of the layers within this waterfall which I think I did, but lost some of the beautiful rounded shapes of the first photo.
Here are some more of my photos of Laos Landscapes from Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
Temples of Laos
We have had the pleasure of visiting many Temples in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. While we loved the temples in Vientiane there was a special feeling about all the Temples in Luang Prabang. They are dotted all over the city and are all so different. Also, the way that these Temples combine with the city’s French Colonial architecture is wonderful.
Wat Xiengthong, Nikon Z7 II, 30 mm, F8, 1/500 th of a Second, ISO 110
I was really drawn to the beautiful use of stained glass for the mural on the temple and the incredibly detailed paintings that adorn the temple.
Wat Xiengthong, Nikon Z7 II, 70 mm, F 2.8, 1/2500 th of a second, ISO 64
I was taking photos of this beautiful temple from all sorts of different angles and I was about to move on when these two Monks walked in front of the Temple and I took the shot.
Evening Prayers, Nikon Z7, 85 mm, F2.8, 1/250 th of a Second, ISO 800
I took this photo with the silent shutter from just outside the entrance of the Temple so as not to disturb the Prayers. It is a special time in the afternoon in Luang Prabang when you hear all of the Monk’s Prayers from all the different temples dotted around the city.
Nikon Z7 II, 200 mm, F2.8 1/640 th of a Second, ISO 40
The temples in Laos have such beautiful details everywhere and this wood carving captivated me. The amount of beautiful attention to detail is astounding and I love how all of the dust helps to highlight all of the details and accentuates the shadows.
Temple Gardening, Nikon ZF, 35 mm, F5.6, 1/1000 th of a Second, ISO 100
While I walked around the Temples in Laos I noticed how they are integral to the upkeep and maintenance of their Temples and this photo was my best attempt at trying to capture this.
Delicate Carving, Nikon Z II, 55 mm, F5.6, 1/100 th of a Second, ISO 320
I stumbled upon one section of a Temple where the Monks were making wood carvings for their temples and was really amazed at their patience and skill level. They invited me to come and look at their beautiful work and take photos.
Street Life in Luang Prabang
The beautiful mix of French Colonial and ornate Buddhist Architecture combined with the beautiful natural surroundings of the Mekong Delta give Luang Prabang a unique aesthetic. However, this city also has such a special feeling and it is hard to put my finger one any one particular reason. Is it the warm and relaxed nature of everyone there, hearing the morning and evening prayers, the Morning Alms ceremony, the mix of European and Asian cuisines, the hustle and bustle of the Morning Market, or the way that the local monks are so ever present in the city? Maybe it is a special combination of all of these things. I just wish I had visited this city before and know I want to visit again as the feeling I had in this city is like no other I have experienced before.
Window Frame , Nikon ZF, 100 mm, F4, 1/60 th of a Second, ISO 200
There are some beautiful houses in Luang Prabang. I was immediately drawn to the colours in this scene and the way that the colours in the window frame and wall were so close to the colours of the person and the ornate decoration above.
Window Frame again, Nikon Z7 II, 120 mm, F4, 1/800 th of a Second, ISO 800
When I was setting up to take the photo of this wall and window frame the monk was not there. They placed there head and arm there to sleep as I was lining up the shot. I really like this photo in terms of how it encapsulates the some times sleepy vibe of the city's back streets.
Commuting home after the Alms Ceremony, Nikon ZF, 35 mm, F3.5, 1/250 th of a Second, ISO 100
I took this photo shortly after the Morning Alms ceremony on the other side of the Morning Market. The monk in the back of the tuk-tuk gave me a smile as I took the shot and a hello directly after. They were so happy for us to take their photo.
Morning Market Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F2, 1/1000 th of a Second, ISO 100
I saw these types of sellers selling goods all around Luang Prabang and I found the way that they constantly had to negotiate their way around the street stalls interesting and this is what I tried to capture here.
Temple walk, Nikon Z7 II, 110 mm, F8, 1/160 th of a Second, ISO 64
I had just finished taking a photo of this temple and street and was reviewing the photo when this monk walked through the scene so I quickly took the shot and I am really happy with the juxtaposition of the temple, street and the monk walking through the scene.
Where the Nam Kahan meets the Mekong, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F5.6, 1/250 th of a Second, ISO 200
I was at the part of the Mekong River where it meets the Nam Khan River and enjoying the scenery when this monk stepped out onto the shore and I immediately got my camera to take a quick shot.
Bagged up and ready to go, Nikon ZF, 35 mm, F2.8, 1/250 th of a Second, ISO 100
Many live animals on sale in the Morning Market were already in plastic bags ready for the prospective buyer. While I found this pretty sad, I felt I wanted to take a photo to document and remember it.
Ice Cream Shopping, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F1.8, 1/250 th of a Second, ISO 320
This photo appeared out of nowhere. I was in the supermarket buying some things for my daughter when I turned the corner I saw these 3 young boys looking at the ice cream in the freezer. I was really drawn to the scene and how their robes were reflected in the glass. so I took the shot.
Waiting for Alms, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F5.6, 1/125 th of a Second, ISO 1600
I was looking for good and quiet places to appreciate and shoot the Morning Alms ceremony and I found a nice quiet street that would work well. I came back the next day and, this time there was this dog who was also waiting to see the Morning Alms ceremony so I could not resist taking the photo. The way the dog positioned himself with his front legs over the wooden shade was irresistible to me.
Morning Market Traffic, Nikon ZF, 35 mm, F2, 1/250 th of a Second, ISO 100
I took this photo just at the other end of the Morning Market. I was just playing with my camera when I noticed the little girl at the back off the motorcycle looking right at me so I took the shot.
Laos Furniture removal, Nikon Z7 II, 39 mm, F4, 1/800 th of a Second, ISO 64
I was walking down one of the main streets in Luang Prabang when I saw these men unloading this furniture by standing backwards on the ladder and passing it through the window. What could go wrong?
The Morning Alms Giving Ceremony
The morning Alms ceremony is a way that the people of Luang Prabang support the Monks by offering them food. So just before dawn people sit on the streets to prepare their offerings for the monk and at daw the orange-robed monks come out of the temples in Luang Prabang with baskets ready to recieve rice balls and other food from the local people.
Morning Alms giving ceremony, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F1.8, 1/125 th of a Second, ISO 3200
I took this photo on my first time going to the Alms ceremony. It was on a busy street and I was waiting there for what felt like an eternity but everyone then went quiet when the local monks came by and it was a magical experience.
Family waits for Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F2.8, 1/60 th of a Second, ISO 3200
I took this photo for the second time to the Alms ceremony. I had scouted out some quieter streets, and I found this family who had come out and prepared their food for their local monks.
Family donates to the Monks, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F5.6, 1/125 th of a Second, ISO 1250
This is the family from the photo above giving food to the monks. It was heartwarming to see the whole experience of the family preparing the offerings, donating to the monks, and how thankful the family looked after the ceremony.
Shopkeeper donates food to Monks, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F2.8, 1/125 th of a Second, ISO 500
I had taken note of this exact spot the day before as I thought the flowers above would make a lovely way to frame the monks as they went back into the temple after the Alms ceremony and as I was waiting there the local shopkeeper went over to stand in that exact spot to donate to the monks as they walked past.
After the Alms Ceremony, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F5.6, 1/125 th of a Second, ISO 1250
This was the photo I envisioned taking the previous day with the monk walking under the arch of beautiful flowers into the temple.
Monks donate food to the local population, Nikon ZF, 85 mm, F2.8, 1/250 th of a Second, ISO 3200
I also saw another side to the Alms ceremony where I saw local people waiting there with empty bags asking for donations from the monks and here is a photo of a monk donating to some locals.
Going home after Alms, Nikon ZF, 105 mm, F2.5, 1/125 th of a Second, ISO 1600
This is a photo of a couple of children with their bags full of rice and cookies which had been donated by the local monks.
Travelling home
Waiting for the Train, Nikon ZF, 105 mm, F2.5, 1/125 th of a Second, ISO 250
The trains in Laos were some of the best I have used anywhere on the world and I have ravelled in Japan, South Korea and Europe. They are all part of a Chinese rail line which goes all of the way from Kunming in Chinas Yunnan province into Laos. The trains were quick, efficent and clean which was quite the cointrast from our train experiences in the UK last Summer.
Anyway I had to include this photo as it is actually my favourite of the entire trip. I took it with an old manual focus lens from the 1970s and framed it up between the grey seats which worked as a good way to accentuate the colours that Eleanor was wearing that day or maybe I love it because I am a proud dad.
Embracing the Magic of Professional Photography
Image by Freepik
Exploring professional photography, we find it goes beyond snapshots, capturing moments and products artistically, making them unforgettable. Professional photographers make every frame magical, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. In this article shared by Simon Furmston Photography, let's delve deeper into the myriad benefits of embracing the expertise of professional photographers and how they elevate the quality of visuals.
Pro vs. DIY Photos
When it comes to capturing life's precious moments, quality is paramount. Professional photographers offer an unmatched level of expertise and skill that surpasses DIY attempts. Their deep understanding of lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques results in images that are not merely snapshots but true works of art. Whether it's a wedding, a family portrait, or a special event, professional photographers ensure that each frame is a masterpiece, preserving the essence and emotion of the moment.
Image by Freepik
Give Your Real Estate an Advantage
In the world of real estate, first impressions can make or break a sale. Professional photographers play a pivotal role in presenting properties in the best possible light. Their skill in capturing the right angles, lighting, and ambiance not only makes properties look appealing but also significantly impacts the speed of sales. High-quality images created by professional photographers contribute to increased property visibility and buyer interest, ultimately facilitating successful real estate transactions.
Image by Freepik
Make Your Products Shine
For businesses, product photography is a powerful tool for conveying quality and professionalism. Professional photographers excel in showcasing products effectively, highlighting their features, and creating images that resonate with the target audience. The impact of professionally captured product images extends beyond aesthetics; it directly influences branding and sales. High-quality product photography enhances the credibility and appeal of businesses, leaving a lasting impression on customers.
Image by Freepik
Preserve Those Cherished Memories
Weddings are among life's most cherished moments, filled with love, joy, and unforgettable emotions. Professional wedding photographers play an irreplaceable role in preserving these memories. Their ability to capture the magic and emotions of the day ensures that every smile, tear, and dance move is forever etched in time. These photographers create timeless records of weddings, allowing couples to relive the beauty of their special day.
Image by Freepik
Portrait Perfection Through Professional Skills
Portrait photography goes beyond faces, capturing the essence of subjects. Professional portrait photographers like Simon Furmston excel in this art, with a keen eye for detail, mastery of light and shadow, and the ability to create a comfortable environment. They create captivating stories through individual headshots, family portraits, or group photos, reflecting the true essence of their subjects.
Image by Freepik
Invest in Professional Family Photography
Families grow, evolve, and create countless cherished moments. The Herald-Times notes that capturing these moments professionally is essential for preserving memories and family dynamics. Professional family photographers understand the intricacies of family interactions, ensuring that each member's personality shines through in the photos. These images serve as cherished keepsakes, reminding families of their growth and the love that binds them together.
Image by Freepik
Selecting the Perfect Photographer
The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce points out that choosing the right photographer is a crucial step in harnessing the magic of professional photography. To make an informed decision, consider factors such as style, experience, and specialization. Reviewing portfolios, reading client reviews, and conducting interviews can help you identify the photographer who aligns best with your vision and needs. By selecting the perfect photographer, you set the stage for capturing moments that transcend time.
Image by Freepik
Embracing professional photography unlocks the magic of moments and boosts business success. Whether preserving memories, showcasing products, or crafting timeless visual stories, professional photographers are pivotal. Their expertise elevates visuals, making ordinary moments and products extraordinary. In a world filled with images, professional photography is the key to capturing beauty and meaning.
Simon Furmston Photography sees and appreciates the beauty in this world in a completely different way. Connect with Simon today to learn more!
Wriiten by Jennifer Scott
Spiritfinder.org
Returning Home with a new perspective and new destinations
Photos from my return home after a 5-and-a-half-year absence.
It had been 5 and half years since I had visited the UK and while I spent most of my time catching up with Friends and Family I did get the chance to go out with my camera on a couple of occasions in London and Edinburgh. I had lived in London for 7 years before I left to live overseas. London somehow felt different and familiar to me all at the same time. The same sounds and smells, but new sights that were not there when I was here before. I also ended up going to a lot of parts of the city which I had never been to before too. I had forgotten just how much I loved this city.
It was our first time visiting Edinburgh and we instantly fell in love with the city. Beautiful architecture, welcoming people, nature everywhere and so much history and character. This is certainly a city that we would love to visit again.
Here are my favorite photos of these two beautiful cities. I hope you enjoy .
A view of the Shard, Nikon Z7 II, 27mm, F9, 1/500th of a second, ISO 80
I took this photo from underneath London Bridge and used the underside of the bridge and the staircase to frame the skyline on the other side of the river Thames. I also really like the light and clouds in this photo.
Calton Hill just before Sunset, Nikon Z7 II, 44mm, F11, 1/10th of a second, ISO 64
We went up to Calton Hill a few times to admire all of the wonderful views of Edinburgh that it has to offer. On this one occasion, I set up my tripod to photograph this scene just before the sunset. The sun was due to set off to the right of this frame, but most of the time the sun was obscured by clouds and the sun only came through for a brief moment to light this scene and took the photo. The sun did not come out again, but I am very happy with this photo. I love the warm light being cast onto all of the buildings.
Watling Street, Nikon Z7 II , 60mm , F8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 100
In all of the 7 years that I lived in London I never once came down to the area around St Paul’s Cathedral and I have no idea why. I made a point of coming down to this area a few times on my latest visit and I especially love the view of St Paul’s from Watling Street. I really love the layers and depth on this scene and I also really liked the lights reflecting onto the pavement as well.
St Andrew Undershaft Church, , Nikon Z7 II ,51 mm, F8, 1/200th of a second, ISO 200
I love the mix of old and new in the city of London. There are so many old churches dotted around the city with huge glittering skyscrapers right beside them and I wanted to try and capture the way that these new buildings tower over these old buildings by framing the church between two skyscrapers with two modern buildings in the background. I love the contrast in style and colour of the architecture in this photo.
St Pauls Cathedral, Nikon Z7 II, 69mm, F8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 90
This photo was taken a few days after the photo of St Paul’s Cathedral above and was taken a bit closer to the Cathedral. I could not resist a return visit to this spot and this time I tried to get a clearer shot of the Cathedral with less distractions.
The Leadenhall Building, Nikon Z7 II, 35mm, F5.6, 1/200th of a second, ISO 64
I was drawn to the Industrial design of the Leadenhall building and the striking Orange colour. The light in London is so changeable, especially with all of the large buildings casting their shadows. I got lucky with light being cast on the Leadenhall building which further emphasises the dramatic colour and shape of the building’s facade.
The Guild Church of St Katharine Cree and the Gerkin, Nikon Z7 II, 35mm, F8, 1/160th of a second, ISO 64
Again I tried to capture the contrast between the new and old in the city and I also tried to capture the interesting light that was been reflected onto the church from the surrounding buildings. Finally, I was also trying to capture the atmosphere of all of the commuters making their way to work at this time in the early morning.
London Bridge and the Shard, Nikon Z7 II, 55mm, F9, 1/400th of a second, ISO 64
The London Shard was still under construction when I was living in London and it was so amazing to see it finished and adorning the London skyline. I took many different compositions of this scene and while I am happy with a lot of them this is my favourite as I think the London bus really helps to depict the scale of the buildings. I also love the contrasting shapes of all of the buildings. CyclindricaL, Cuboid, and pyramidical all in one scene as well as the Victorian dock building on the right-hand side of the frame.
Walking in the shadow of the Walkie Talkie, Nikon Z7 II, 35mm, F8, 1/100th of a second, ISO 64
In this photo, I tried to capture the scale of the buildings in the scene as everyone was commuting to work. I also tried to capture some depth on the scene with the Lloyds building in the foreground and the Fenchurch Building (The Walkie-Talkie) in the background with the curving path drawing the viewer through the scene. I also tried to keep the lines as straight as possible. I think that it all turned out pretty well.
Looking beyond Waverley Station, Nikon Z7 II, 85mm, F4, 1/400th of a second, ISO 400
The light and layers is what really caught my eye when I saw this scene. I tried to use the lines on the road as leading lines to all of the layers of beautiful buildings. The late afternoon sunlight really brings out the colour of the stone used in these buildings.
Light reflections on St Katharine Cree, Nikon Z7 II, 35mm, F8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 64
The light in this scene was constantly changing from dull to dramatic as the sun was coming in and out of the clouds and then reflecting of the skyscrapers onto the church. I missed many shots as the time it took me to raise my camera to my eye would often mean that the shot was gone. I therefore got myself into a position where I was happy with the composition and waited for the light to change. I think the photo was worth the wait.
Circus Lane, Nikon Z7 II, 24mm, F9, 1/200th of a second, ISO 64
Edinburgh has no shortage of beautiful streets to photograph and there are literally beautiful scenes around every corner of this city. I was however drawn to this street with its beautiful curved paved street with lush plants and the beautiful church in the background. I got really lucky with the light as for most of this day to was a little overcast but the clouds parted for around 30 minutes while we were at this location. A magical place.
Morning commuters, Nikon Z7 II, 35mm, F8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 140
I was really drawn to the patches of light that were been cast onto the road here and I like the road winding through the beautiful buildings and finally leading to the imposing Fenchurch building. I really like the composition of this photo and I think it is a good portrayal of the morning commute to work too.
Impromptu Portrait, Nikon Z7 II, 35mm, F1.8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 900
We were only supposed to be on the Bakerloo line for two stops before changing trains, but this gentleman saw my camera and asked if I was any good to which I replied with a shrug of the shoulders and an “OK”. He then politely insisted that I take his portrait and so I did. I never realised quite how much the tube shakes and rattles as when I took this photo and I did all I could to try and keep him centred in the frame and keep my camera still. We missed our stop and had to backtrack, but I am pretty happy with the result although I am not able to pinpoint what in particular I really like about this photo.
Walking by St Christophers Church , Nikon Z7 II, 85mm, F8, 1/160th of a second, ISO 64
I was drawn to a lot of things in this scene. The narrow winding land with the imposing church, the couple having a conversation on the bench, the man walking and how the tree and opposite building help to frame the scene.
Biri Island- A hidden pearl in the Pacific
Biri Island is a beautiful island in the Philippines located just off the north coast of Samar. I have been there many times and I never tire of its beautiful landscapes. Here is a collection of photos that I have taken as well as a travel guide to explain how to get there.
Biri Islands Unique Landscape
I am going to start off with some photos of Biri Island's beautiful landscape. It has a set of huge rock formations that shelter the rest of the island from the huge waves and fierce winds of the Pacific Ocean. The island is also surrounded by uninhabited desert islands and has a view of Bulusan Volcano from the Bicol Peninsula.
Morning view from Macadlaw rock formation. Nikon D500, 35mm, F5, 1/500th of a second, ISO 100
This photo was taken shortly after sunrise on a typically windy day at Macadlaw rock formation. I love the colours, tones, and composition of this photo. The light chnaged so quickly as we came down from the rock formation so I asked Rhea to stop for a photo and this is what I got. The way the light is hitting her and the grass with the beautiful colours from the waves and Magasan Rock formation in the background.
Rough seas around Magasang rock formation. Nikon D500, 35mm, F5.6, 1/800th of a second , ISO 320
This photo was taken shortly after the above photo and on our way back down from watching the sunrise from Macadlaw rock formation. I love all of the interesting patterns that have been formed by the sea on the base of these rock formations and how the lines in this formation lead to the Magasan rock formation. I then love the beautiful blue of the ocean and the movement of the rough waves. Then the soft colours of the rock formation and the fact that you can see some goats feeding on the rock formation. They were clearly waiting for low tide to come back.
Macadlaw Rock Formation . Nikon Z7, 26.5mm, F9, 1/1000th of a second , ISO 64
Again I love all of the texture in the foreground of this photo and the lines that lead you into the image and these are what I was trying to emphasise. I also stopped down my apeture to emphasise the sun and keep and keep Macadlaw rock formation in focus. You can also make out the textures on the wall of the rock formation. Just a stunning place to be.
Magsapad Rock Formation. Nikon Z7, 25.5mm, F11, 1/60th of a second , ISO 125
On this day we had some beautiful light hitting Magsapad rock formation and this brought out the range of colors from the dark blacks to the striking whites along with the beautiful soft golden brown colours. Again I tried to make the lines here lead the viewer into the image.
Magasang Rock Formation after a storm. Nikon D500, 11mm, F6.3, 1/80th of a second , ISO 100
I shot this photo a while ago and it is still one of my favorite photos ever I loved it as soon as I took it. We went out after a storm and the mood of the day was on just transitioning to a more calm atmosphere. The rocks were still very slippery with a lot of the rain and seawater still on the rocks. I love the texture and patterns of the sea floor and the cliff face lead you to the Magasan rock formation. Also the water adds an extra layer of contrast and interest to the photo and I also really like the moody sky to the top left of the photo.
The last rays of the sun hitting Bel At Rock Formation. Nikon Z7, 24mm, F11, 1/125th of a second , ISO 64
I took this photo on my latest trip to Macadlaw rock formation and I was luckt to get there just before the sun was about to set. Again I was drawn to the patterns and textures on the floor of the rock formation, but I was also drawn to the colours that were revealed by the sun at this time of the day. I could not avoid getting the sun in the shot so I stopped down the aperture on my lens to create this sun star efect. I was not initially drawn to this photo when i first took this photo, but it has really grown on me alot since.
Sun Setting over Mount Bulusan Volcano. Nikon D500, 80mm, F11, 1/40th of a second , ISO 100
Mount Bulusan is an active Volcano in the Bicol region of Luzon and our room in the Seacret Hotel had a perfect view of it. I set up my camera to take a timelapse of the sun set and this is one the photos that it took in the process. I love the way that the sunlight hits the volcano and how it allows you to see the shape of the volcano. the colours and mood of this scene also really resonates with me.
Golden sky and white clouds. Nikon D500, 85mm, F6.3, 1/800th of a second , ISO 100
I have been asked many times what would I do if I was stuck on a desert island. Well, Biri Island is surrounded by so many of the tint desert islands which are completely uninhabited and this photo was taken from one such island looking across the water to Salvacion Island. It was late afternoon and I spotted a break in the clouds across the water and I took the image. I love how the silhouette of the island and the dark clouds at the top of the photo frame the beautiful golden light in the sky and the wonderful formation of clouds.
Some other photos of note
It took me a long time to go through the photos that I had the privilege to take while I was in Biri and it took me even longer to pick my favourite 8 photos that I have talked about above. So here is a gallery of some of my other favorites. I really love all of them, but I wanted the process of this blog to be for me to really reflect on what photos I wanted to highlight so I can use this help drive me forward as a photographer. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the above photos.
The People of Biri Island
I have always felt so welcomed when I have visited Biri island by the warm friendly people who live there. It is hard to understate the different pace of life that there is here. The island has no cars at all. The few roads that are here are used by the occasional motorcycle taxi which has been modified by having the frame of an ironing board welded to the back to accommodate more passengers. Boats are the main form of transport for many people living here as many people traverse the waterways between the islands or make their living as a fisherman. Here are some photos that I took of the people who live in Biri Island.
Neighbourhood Waterways. Nikon Z7, 64mm, F4, 1/500th of a second , ISO 280
I took this photo in the waterway which is right next to my step-parent’s house. I actually tried to take a lot of photos of the boats that went past, but none of them really turned out right as people would wave and smile at me. It is not that I did not appreciate the warm welcome, but I wanted to try and capture a more natural scene as if I was not there and i took this photo just as they turned to me so I guess that I failed to some extent, but I still happy with the image. I was really happy with the photo and I love how I managed to capture the surrounding mangroves, fisherman’s homes, and the snaking path of the waterway behind.
Sunset Silouhettes. Nikon Z7, 85mm, F9, 1/1250th of a second , ISO 64
When I first started photography I was always trying to capture everything in the highlights and shadows, but now I love to embrace the shadows and relish the chance to shoot a silhouette. The sun was so bright in this scene that I had to stop down the lens and raise my shutter speed just to stop the whole scene from being blown out. My phone at the time was really struggling to capture anything.
Anyway, I patiently waited to see if anyone would come into my frame and then the far-off boat appeared as I adjusted my frame the other boat came into view and I caught the image. I loved the quietness of the scene and the layers that I managed to capture here.
Sunset walk home. Nikon Z7, 85mm, F2.5, 1/60th of a second , ISO 100
I managed to capture this photo from a very similar vantage point to the one above but about 40 minutes later. I could not resist the colours of the sunset and the scene of some people wading through the water on their way home.
Bath time. Nikon Z7, 35mm, F5.6, 1/200th of a second , ISO 64
I distinctly rememeber taking this photo and I loved it as soon as I took it. I was walking on the way to Santo Nino whne I saw this boy taking a bath under the standpipe and I quickly croched down to take the photo. I love the contrast between light and shadow, the textues on the road and water bottles and the way the the bottles, soap and tap form a frame round the boy.
Our Hosts on Salvation Island. Nikon D500, 10mm, F3.5, 1/1600th of a second , ISO 100
We decided to take the short boat ride from Biri Island to Salvacion Island and shortly after we got off the boat it began to rain and this family beckoned us inside their home to shelter from the rain. They offered us two plastic seats to sit down on which we accepted, but as turned around we realised that these chairs were the only furniture they had, but they insisted that we use them. They were so welcoming and friendly that I wanted to take their picture as soon as the rain stopped, but only their two daughters wanted to be in the photo.
Rhea. Nikon D500, 24mm, F11, 1/320th of a second , ISO 100
This photo was taken near a beautifully small island just 10 minutes off the Biri coast. The island was dominated bt lots of black rocks surrounded by crystal-clear water. I remember it was a roasting hot day and we spent a lot of time trying to find sufficient shade. I took this one as Rhea was coming back from a paddle. I love her yellow dress and how it contrasts with all of the blues in the image. The crystal clear water is also so beautiful.
Some other photos of note
I have decided to include some other photos of life on Biri Island which I am also proud of. This includes a drone photo of the town of Santo Nino and some photos of regular day-to-day life on the island.
Videos of Biri Island
Here are some videos I put together which I made to try and capture the beauty of the island.
Biri Island Travel Guide
Flights
The closest airport is Catarman. There used to be one flight a day, but now it is down to one flight every few days. so you need to book in advance. The flight is operated by Philippine Airlines.
Transportation to the Island
Once you get to Catarman Airport you will need to get a taxi or a van to Lavezares. The taxi drivers know when the flight comes in so there is usually no shortage of people willing to take you to Lavezares. The trip from the airport should take a little over an hour.
Once you get to Lavezares you will need to take a boat. You can get one from the port which is right next to the market. The passenger boat will leave when they have enough passengers to fill the boat so you might need to wait a while. Otherwise, you can pay extra for a Special service which basically means a private boat. The boat trip will take a little over an hour.
Money
Please note that there are NO ATMs on Biri Island or in Lavazares so it is best to withdraw cash before you leave Manilla or get a taxi in Catarman to take you to an ATM before you go to Lavezares.
Accommodation
There are a few places to stay but none of them are on tour standard booking websites so here are a few good places to go;
Seacret Homestay. A Nice house by the sea and you can stay in one of the rooms overlooking the water and on a clear day you can see Mount Bulusan. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/seacrethomestay/
Princess Lj Hotel and Restaurant A Hotel right next to the Rock formations and with a swimming pool. Here is the link; https://www.facebook.com/princessljhotel/
Villa Amor. A bed and breakfast next to the Ocean which has a good reputation on the island. Here is the link; https://www.facebook.com/biriislandsvillaamor/
Rock Formations
You will need a tour guide to take you to the Rock Formations and they are available by going to the Tourist Information Centre in the town centre. You can get a motorbike taxi to take you there.
Amplify Your Artistry - Unorthodox Ways to Make Your Mark as a Creative
Jennifer Scott reached out to me to ask if I could publish her article about some ways to mark you as a creative. You can find more about her work at Spiritfinder.org
The journey of creatives like artists, fashion designers, makers, and other innovators is often a winding path. Amidst the sea of talent, how can they cut through the noise, garner attention, and showcase their distinct offerings? Today, Simon Furmston Photography provides a guide on eight effective strategies that can help these talented individuals to gain the visibility they rightfully deserve.
Increase Exposure
The most foundational step to getting discovered is visibility. To maximise your exposure, actively participate in relevant exhibitions, art fairs, and local events. These platforms give you an opportunity to present your work directly to an engaged audience. Moreover, in the digital age, the power of online platforms cannot be overstated. Utilise social media channels, blogs, and online art galleries to reach a global audience and make your work accessible 24/7.
Curate Your Portfolio
First impressions can make a significant impact. A strong, curated portfolio provides a powerful snapshot of your capabilities and creative range. It should showcase your best work, neatly organised to reflect a clear narrative of your creative journey. Ensure that you maintain an updated portfolio both online and offline, ready to captivate potential clients, collaborators, and critics.
Consider Entrepreneurship and Set Up an Office
If you're poised to elevate your creative career, think about launching your own enterprise. By structuring your endeavours, particularly by starting your own business. This critical move not only enables you to handle larger projects but also lays a robust groundwork for a lasting creative profession. Plus, this helps to safeguard your personal assets and offers tax advantages, making it a smart choice for many business owners.
You’ll also want to set up a home office in case you plan on working from home at least some of the time. If your home doesn’t have the space you need, consider finishing a basement or remodelling a garage or spare bedroom. And good news – these kinds of renovations have the added bonus of boosting your home’s appraisal value. Just make sure you keep those receipts!
Master the Business Landscape
The bridge between creativity and commercial success lies in understanding the business world. As a creative professional, familiarising yourself with marketing principles, pricing strategies, contractual processes, and negotiation tactics is crucial. This knowledge will help you not only promote your work effectively but also monetize your craft, securing your financial future while fueling your creative pursuits.
Market With Brochures
Creating visually engaging brochures is a significant method to enhance your exposure. Building your own brochure using free online templates allows you to elegantly highlight your work. By distributing these in art exhibitions, happenings, and inventive locations, you can connect with likely clients and partners, thereby expanding your network and opportunities.
Seek Out Mentors
A mentor in your field can be an invaluable asset. They can offer guidance, provide industry insights, and open up valuable networking opportunities. Their experience and wisdom can help you navigate the myriad challenges of the creative world and significantly shorten your path to success.
Seek Out Collaborations
Collaborating with fellow artists or designers can be a game-changer. Such partnerships allow for the exchange of ideas, the opportunity to learn from each other's expertise, and the benefit of audience cross-pollination. Joint projects often result in fresh creative expressions and can lead to surprising breakthroughs.
Create a Strong Online Presence
In today's interconnected world, having a compelling online presence is paramount. A personalised website or a portfolio platform is your digital business card. Use this platform to engage with your audience, sharing snippets of your creative process, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on new projects. This not only keeps your audience engaged but also fosters a deeper connection with them.
Success as a creative professional requires more than just talent. It's about strategically putting your work out there, making connections, and leveraging resources to your advantage. By implementing these eight strategies, creatives can boost their visibility, open doors to new opportunities, and make their mark in the competitive world of arts and design. Remember, your unique creative voice is meant to be heard, and the world is waiting to discover your brilliance.
If you’re looking for a professional photographer, reach out to Simon Furmston Photography today to get started!
A suprising spring which has taught me a lot about myself
A look at my photos in Beijing during the Spring of 2023 which includes photos from the wall and the city.
This spring I found it difficult to go out and take photos as I was so busy with my work and also busy being a dad. In the Spring I have tended to go out and take photos of the beautiful flowers and again this year I did go out and take photos of the beautiful flowers and while I enjoyed the process I was not happy with the results. The photos of flowers left me cold and I am not sure why. I love nature and I love many Nature photographers, but for some reason I was drawn to taking photos of man-made structures and the people who inhabit them. Maybe I have just been in the city for too long and I am curious as to whether I will feel differently when we are in the Phillippines and the UK this Summer.
Art District Painters. Shot with Xiaomi 11 Ultra
What I really liked about this photo is the colours, contrast and scale. The contrast of red and green is perfect and the amount of negative space on the left helps to emphasise the scale of the job that these guys have. This was one of the few occasions that I did not have my camera so I used my phone instead and spent alot of time trying to get the lines and perspective right.
Beijing CBD at Sunrise, Nikon Z7, 175mm, F8, 1/25th of a second, ISO 64
This was taken in the early hours of the morning and I love the soft light hitting the buildings and the soft colours in the sky.
Eleanor, Nikon Z7, 135mm, F3.2, 1/250th of a second, ISO 400
I took this one in our local park where there is a huge bed of beautiful purple flowers. Most of it is taped of to stop peple tramling them byt there was a little patch where we manged to get a few photos of Eleanor without ourselves trampling on the flowers.
Broken tower at Jingshanling Great Wall, Nikon Z7, 14mm, F9, 1/250th of a second, ISO 64
I got to go to this section of the wall before the pandemic and I have always wanted to go back since, but as it is outside of Beijing it was not always easy to do so. Anyway it was lovely to be back. I was drawn t this staircase, broken tower and amazing clouds in this composition.
The endless wall, Nikon Z7, 93mm, F9, 1/160th of a second, ISO 125
With this photo, I was trying to convey depth by including multiple layers of the wall as it crisss crosses the landscape endlessly. We also had beautiful light as the sun was just about an hour away from setting.
View from within the tower, Nikon Z7, 46mm, F9, 1/200th of a second, ISO 125
With this photo I was trying to use the doorway to frame the view as well as capture the feeling of the towers interior. I tried many on my trip and this is the best I could get and in reality it is not the best as the light utside was so harsh, but it is a bookmark for me try again later.
Family time at the Wall, Nikon Z7, 34mm, F8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 64
This is not the first time Eleanot has been at the wall, but it is the first time she tried to walk alot of it. I just wanted to capture the moment as she took a rare rest.
A long way down, Nikon Z7, 21mm, F8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 200
Again I was trying to capture depth in my photo to show the expanse of the wall as well as capture a photo that puts you in the moment of walking on the wall.
Hutong Hound, Nikon Z7, 35mm, F8, 1/320th of a second, ISO 2500
I was immediately drawn to this dog as it stared at me as I walked around the corner. So I decided to take a photo as his owner played cards with his friends. I really like the way he stared right into the camera the entire time and the look of curiosity that he had while he was looking at me.
Nikon Z7, 50mm, F7.1, 1/80th of a second, ISO 64
There are a lot of bikes in Beijing and alot of these are rental bikes which can be rented for just a few Yuan. I have long been trying to photograph the people that collect and service them at the end of the day and this was my first real success.
Outdoor Dog Salon, Nikon Z7, 35mm, F8, 1/320th of a second, ISO 1100
I could not resisit taking this photo as I walked past. the dog noticed me before the barber and her friend and was taken just as they saw me. They were actually very ok with me taking more photos (which I did), but I like this one the most as it captured that moment.
Pingyao-The Ancient Financial Capital of China
This Spring we went to visit Pingyao in Shanxi province in China. It is a city which has been around since 800 BC and was an important Financial centre in China from the 16th to 19th Century.
The city is full of beautiful old buildings dating back from its former glory days. They are both grand in nature and also include lots of intricate details. Some are also clearly in need of some restoration which seems to be ongoing but also done very tastfully.
We stayed in a beautiful traditional home which was hidden away in the maze of old streets and just by the city wall. It had two ornate courtyards with lots of beautiful plants, flowers and traditional decor.
We loved the History, Culture, Food Architecture and people who wanted to take a photo with us every 5 minutes.
Here are some of the photos from our trip.
Early Morning on South street
50 mm, f8, 1/50th of a second, ISO 280
I am super happy with my composition here. I wanted to capture the lantern in the foreground, the tower in the background, and the detail and character of this street. As I was readying to take the shot the lady came out of the doorway and looked at me and I instantly thought “Perfect” and then pressed the shutter.
Pingyao City Wall
50 mm, f4, 1/400th of a second, ISO 64
Pingyao is also called the turtle city because of the shape of the city walls that kept the city safe for so many years. I really loved the inscriptions on the bricks and just how quiet it was up there. We ended up walking almost the entire wall as there was only one entrance and exit open at the time.
On the way to work
26 mm, f6.3, 1/320th of a second, ISO 125
Pingyao has a wide variety of beautiful doorways. Some are made of carved wood and some of cast iron. I took this on our first walking the city and as I was framing up the shot I heard a loud clank and thud and then the door opened and this man on his electric scooter came out and this is when I took the shots. I really like the colour combinations, texture and the moment in this photo.
Friendly Street Vendor
44 mm, f4, 1/125th of a second, ISO 64
Pingyao’s side streets have many simple street vendors. This man was selling some biscuits cake type snacks from a wooden bench. After I bought one he asked me to take his photo.
Night Life on South Street
70 mm, f8, 20 seconds, ISO 64
I was trying out some long exposures on sout street and then a small Police golf cart-type vehicle came down the street and swerved to avoid hitting the many pedestrians which made the colour streaks.
Street works
33.5 mm, f4, 1/400th of a second, ISO 400
A lot of our planned routes around the city were blocked by these huge roadworks where the whole street was been dug up. I loved the scale of the works and the way people are still carrying on their normal lives on these streets. In regards to this photo, I was drawn in by all the leading lines with all of the cables and pipes. I also really like the textures and details in this photo.
On the way home
120 mm, f8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 250
I took this photo just inside the city wall shortly after we had come down from the wall. I was trying to get a photo of the light hitting the wall when I heard an engine that seemed like it must be just a few minutes away from exploding I panned over to this tricycle and the three men looked right into the camera and two smiled so I thought that must be my cue to take the photo. I really like how they are looking right into the camera, the epic environment and how that contrasts with the tricycle.
Keeping score
85 mm, f2, 1/160th of a second, ISO 200
Another friendly street vendor that I walked past many times as they were on the way to our hotel. I bought one of their biscuit-style cakes on the first morning walk and she smiled and waved t us every time we walked past. I loved the way she had her whole setup right from the front step. She cooked them from the step and had a little stool to sit down on and kept score of what she had sold that day by using a piece of chalk on the back wall.
Nightlife on the other side of South Street
200mm, f8, 1 second, ISO 64
While I made a lot of effort to go to see the streets at the quietest moments by getting up in the early morning I also wanted to capture the night crowds on South Street. My tripod attracted a lot of attention from people behind and in front of me and I actually like the way I have people looking straight into the camera on this one.
A Morning stroll
50 mm, f2.8, 1/320th of a second, ISO 450
This was taken on another early morning walk. I loved this street when it was quiet and captured people enjoying their Morning walk. I really like the composition of this one and how it looks in Black and White.
Last-minute window shopping
50 mm, f1.8, 1/100th of a second, ISO 1250
This was taken just as everything was closing down and I love the smoke and light in this photo.
Fragile load
14 mm, f5.6, 1/500th of a second, ISO 250
This was taken as I noticed how his man was carrying the box up against his head with it looking like it was going to fall down any minute. He seemed to have little regard for the fact the contents were fragile and were supposed to be held in a specific direction. Anyway, I like the subject, leading lines and the dash of colour from the cherry blossoms against the streets.
Distracted Craftsman
73 mm, f4, 1/400th of a second, ISO 64
I was drawn to the beautiful door of this shop and the man working on what looked like a mini table saw which he never looked at while he was using it which as a Design teacher gave me a great deal of anxiety.
Morning Deliveries
85 mm, f2, 1/400th of a second, ISO 220
I can never get bored of the wide range of vehicles they use for work in China as well as all of the modifications they make to them. I love the way the vehicle contrasts with the beautiful street.
Front Door
50 mm, f2, 1/160th of a second, ISO 320
There are so many beautiful doorways in Pingyao and I took this one in the rain as it helped to really deepen the colours of the signs and darken the wooden textures. I spent a lot of time trying to line this one up and get it all straight.
My Favourite Photos of 2022
My favourite photos of 2022
So I have finally reviewed all of my images and made my annual album and here are my favourite photos of 2022. This process of reviewing my images has really helped me to understand what I enjoy photographing and how I would like to develop as a photographer in 2023.
Now I cannot wait to go out there and take more photos.
Nikon Z7, 135mm , F2.8, 1/320th of a Second,ISO 64
I took this with a Manual focus lens at a busy junction. I saw the guy on the bicycle and had to quickly pull focus and I was sure I had missed focus and the moment. It was only later when I reviewed the image that I realised that I got it perfectly in focus.
Nikon Z7, 120mm , F5.6, 1/100th of a Second, ISO 200
I was on my way back in a taxi and seeing loads of posts on WeChat about these beautiful clouds in Beijing but it was only as we got out of the car that we saw these beautiful clouds and stunning light. I wanted to include the building for context and scale of the clouds. I also liked how they were balconies and imagined what the view was like from up there.
Nikon Z7, 50mm , F5.6, 1/5000th of a Second, ISO 200
We had taken a trip to Qingdao (also know as Tsingtao) and it did nothing but rain for 36 hours from when we arrived. The torrental rain turned to drizzle and the inner Brit in me took that as a cue that we should finally head to one of the beaches in the city. Then from out of nowhere the sun finally made an apperance through the clouds and case an amazing light on the water and through the clouds. I love the soft colours and atmosphere in this photo.
Nikon Z7, 65mm , F4, 1/160th of a Second, ISO 180
This is one from the series of photo I took in Fenghuang. An ancient Chinese town in Hunan province. I loved my time here. Beautiful buildings, tight streets and amazing subjects everywhere. I loved every second in this place.
Nikon Z7, 85mm , F6.3, 1/320th of a Second, ISO 220
This is the second from a series of photos that I took in Fenghuang. I got up early in the morning to catch the morning light. The light, shadows, sunject and texture are what I love about this photo.
Nikon Z7, 85mm , F8, 1/50th of a Second, ISO 640
This is the third from the series that I got from Fenghuang. I had noticed these archways before and I loved how they act as a natural frame so I waited for some time and I was really lucky to get this man with his cart as my subject. One day I would love to go back to Fenghuang.
Nikon Z7, 400mm , F5.6, 1/250th of a Second, ISO 64
When I took this I was just trying to capture the sunset and the buildings in the foreground and it was only later that I saw the windmills on the mountains. I am super happy with the final result.
Nikon Z7, 86mm , F4, 1/400th of a Second, ISO 64
This was taken from one of my two visits to the Forbideen City and I really like the juxtaposition of the woman with the phone in the Forbidden City. I also love the way the colours and shapes of her clothes work with the building here.
Nikon Z7, 145mm , F9, 1/250th of a Second, ISO 500
This one took alot of patience. While the Forbidden city was relativly quiet I still had to wait a long time for a few seconds where there was not anyone there. There was a man’s backpack sneaking into the frame for what felt like an eternity. Then finally when everyone left I had a few seconds to capture this photo. I love the symmertry, depth and colour here. It was well worth the wait.
Nikon Z7, 50mm , F2.8, 1/500th of a Second, ISO 64
I got this photo at the drum tower. The light was beautiful and the look that they were giving each other at that moment was unmistakable. I loved capturing this little moment.
Best of the rest
It was really hard to work out which photos were my favourites and I could quite easily of picked one of the images below as my favourite on another day. They range from landscapes, streets and portraits. To be honest I am really happy with all of them.
Eleanor in 2022
So I finally went through all of the photos from last year and I have put together the best photos of Eleanor in 2022.
So I decided to review all of the photos we took of our daughter in 2022 and here I have put all of the best photos from 2022.
January
Nikon Z7, 35mm, f2, 1/320 of a second, ISO 3600.
I love this photo. She was very difficult to photograph as she kept moving very erratically, but I managed to get this one shot. Her outfit, facial expression and background all work really well together I think.
February
Xiaomi Civi Phone
This is a photo Rhea captured with her smart phone and it really needs no explaination as the photo says it all!
March
Nikon Z7, 50mm, f2, 1/640 of a second, ISO 64
Eleanor decided to snatch this leather dog toy from a shop and then ran down the street as fast as possible. I ended up having to buy the toy. Eli was so happy and I captured the moment when she decided to sit down and enjoy her new toy.
April
Nikon Z7, 200mm, f4, 1/320nd of a second, ISO 280
I took this photo with an old vintage lens. I love the determination on her face. Maybe she will make it to the top this year.
Xiami Civi Phone, 5mm, F1.8, 1/100th of a second
Again a photo that needs no explanation. The sheer joy of seeing Eleanor develop her own sense of humour is enough.
May
Nikon Z7, 50mm, f2, 1/100th of a second, ISO 220
At last my obsession with taking my camera everywhere paid off. I could not have posed Elanor any better if I tried. The way Eleanor is looking at the end of the slide, her flushed cheeks, the leading lines and the separation all came together, but maybe I love the photo because I am a very proud dad!
June
Nikon Z7, 50mm, f2, 1/250th of a second, ISO 64
A candid moment with Rhea and Eleanor on a beach in Qingdao when the Sun finally came out!
Nikon Z7, 24mm, f4, 1/1250th of a second, ISO 64
Another photo from Qingdao where Eleanor got to enjoy her obsession with both Dinosaurs and Bubbles.
Nikon Z7, 52mm, f4, 1/800th of a second, ISO 64
Another photo from Qingdao with Eleanor and Alexa sharing their stroller which perfectly depicts the extremly foggy and grey conditions of our last day in Qingdao.
July
Nikon Z7, 45mm, f4, 1/125th of a second, ISO 140
A photo of Eleanor at No 5 Valley in Zhangjiejae. I love the light and contrast in this one.
Nikon Z7, 51mm, f4, 1/200th of a second, ISO 2200
It took many failed attempts to get this photo. Eleanor could not stop laughing as we were running up and down this little path, but most of the time I could not get to the right position to take a photo in time. This perfectly captures her mischievous behaviour and sense of humour.
Nikon Z7, 75mm, f4, 1/200th of a second, ISO 1400
While Eleanor was always smiling while she was in Zhnagjiejae she was not so good at standing still and the only way we managed to get her to sit still for this fraction of a second was with Rhea distracting her off-camera. It required a lot of patience but the photo was so worth the effort.
Nikon Z7, 51mm, f4, 1/500th of a second, ISO 1800
Eleanor loved running up and down all of the old streets in Fenghuang and I loved this moment where I captured her dancing on the street. A little Marilyn Monroe in the making!
Xiaomi 11 Ultra, 8mm, f2, 1/800th of a second, ISO 50
This photo was taken on the one small patch of grass in the 798 Art district and this is again a photo I could not have posed her any better. A natural!!
August
Nikon Z7, 85mm, f4, 1/160th of a second, ISO 64
This is one of my absolute favourite photos of the year. Rhea's loving embrace mixed with Eleanor’s fascination with the earring. The colours and contrast also works really well. This should remind me to get the studio photography equipment out more often as I absolutely love it. However, this is the one and only time we could get Eleanor to sit still in front of the camera.
Nikon Z7, 115mm, f8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 160
While we wanted to go to the Temple of Heaven Eleanor was determined to go in the opposite direction.
September
Nikon Z7, 135mm, f2.8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 320
This is another one I took with one of my old vintage lenses. I love the softer look and colours of this one.
Nikon Z7, 85mm, f1.8, 1/400th of a second, ISO 64
Eleanor is very popular with all of the local people here and this is the first occasion where she turned round to talk to these ladies. I have no idea what she said, but they loved it.
October
Nikon Z7, 120mm, f4, 1/200th of a second, ISO 200
This is another one of my favorite photos of the year. I was finally able to capture Eleanor so deep in thought with one of her daydreams. I am also really happy with my use of the railing as a leading line and the beautiful colours in the background. Love this photo!
Nikon Z7, 100mm, f2.8, 1/250th of a second, ISO 10000
The only photo that I am really happy with the Autumn colours this year was with Eleanor enjoying the colours and the bubbles that are floating in the air. She was so happy.
November
Nikon Z7, 135mm, f2.8, 1/160th of a second, ISO 64
This is definitly not a great technical photograph, but it is one I love as it expresses her funny and playful character. Sometime I can become obsessed with technical details, but this is often at the expense of making an intresting photo.
December
Nikon Z7, 49mm, f4, 1/125th of a second, ISO 100
This one was taken in one of the beautful Buddhist temples in Xishuangbanna. We could not resist getting her one of the local dresses and it suited her so well. Then there is that smile.
Nikon Z7, 91mm, f4, 1/320th of a second, ISO 560
A candid affectionate moment between Rhea and Eleanor.
Nikon Z7, 35mm, f1.8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 900
This was taken at Xishuangbanna’s night market and this was taken just after Eleanor saw all those lights and she turned round to say “WOW”. It was an amazing night market and a wonderful evening.
Nikon Z7, 35mm, f1.8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 560
Another photo from the Night Market. I love the focus on Eleanors face, the surroundings and the local trying to sneek a photo of Eleanor.
Nikon Z7, 35mm, f1.8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 900
Our final.family photo of 2022. It was a tough year but it ended well.
A Tropical corner of China
A selection of my favorite Images from our trip to Xishuangbanna
We had the great pleasure of visiting Xishuangbanna in the south of Yunnan province which is just a short distance from the Laos and Myanmar borders. It is a place with a lot of unique cultures and ethnic groups which can be seen in the food, architecture and temples in the area. It is also a place with a lot of biodiversity with tropical plants, flowers, fruits and wildlife, including some Elephants. I did not capture any amazing photographs while we were there, but here are my favourites from our short stay.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical gardens in Xishuangbanna are expansive and beautiful. Amazing flowers, trees and birds all around. We could have easily gone back there many times and been sure to see something different every time.
Flower and reflection, 160 mm, F4, 1/320th of a second, ISO 64
Dai gardens
The Dai are the largest ethnic group in the area and their culture seems to be very much a mixture of Southeast Asia and China. The gardens were beautiful and we had the chance to see many of their beautiful temples, markets and gardens while we were there.
Dai Shrine, 24mm, F9, 1/320 th of a second, ISO 64
We could not resisit getting Eleanor some traditional Dai clothes so here are some photos of her around the Dai Gardens.
Eleanor at Dai Temple, 50mm, F4, 1/125th of a second, ISO 100
Loving Embrace, 90mm, F4, 1/320th of a second , ISO 560
Night Market
We have never been to such a large and expansive Night Market before. When we first went we thought it was quite small as we just walked around the part on the city side of the main temple, but it was only when we went on the other side of the temple which was along the Mekong river that we saw the huge sprawling, Night market which was busy with stands selling food, clothes, and all sorts of handcrafted items. It was so much fun and somewhere we came back to every night.
35mm, F1.8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 560
30mm, F10, 30 seconds, ISO 64
35mm, F1.8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 1250
22mm, F9, 2.5 seconds, ISO 64
35mm, F1.8, 1/125th of a second, ISO 900
35mm, F8, 8 seconds, ISO 64
A period of transition in Beijing
It has been interesting and surreal to hear people and the media outside of China talk about the pandemic in the past tense while here it is something that has very much at the forefront of people’s minds. These last few weeks have seen a transition and an easing of many of the regulations and people can finally start to look forward to a more normal experience in the city. This is something I am very much looking forward to seeing and photographing.
This set of images is from the last 6 weeks and really bears no relevance to what I just wrote other than I like the photos and they were taken at and around this time. I hope you enjoy them too.
It has been interesting and surreal to hear people and the media outside of China talk about the pandemic in the past tense while here it is something that has very much at the forefront of people’s minds. These last few weeks have seen a transition and an easing of many of the regulations and people can finally start to look forward to a more normal experience in the city. This is something I am very much looking forward to seeing and photographing.
This set of images is from the last 6 weeks and really bears no relevance to what I just wrote other than I like the photos and they were taken at and around this time. I hope you enjoy them too.
A loving look, 50mm, F2.8, 1/500th of a second, ISO 64
I was at one of my favourite locations in Beijing which is a busy junction next to the Drum tower and the light was beautiful. However, I only had a few percentage points of my last battery left so I knew I only had a few shots left. when I spotted this couple walking across the road and giving each other this look, and I only managed to get one shot, but I was so happy with the result. That definitive look with the beautiful drum tower in the background and that wonderful afternoon light.
Locked door, 35mm, F5, 1/200th of a second, ISO 280
I could not tell you in which Hutong I took this photo as there are just so many narrow streets and alleyways and I often get lost in them and this was one of those times. However I loved the light in this narrow alleyway hitting this door in contrast to the dark alleyway from where I took thos photo. I really like the contrast of colour and light here along with all the detail on this old decaying door.
Family ride, 50mm, F2.8,1/500th of a second,ISO 64
Seeing a family share a scotter is a regular sight in Beijing but it is also something you get used to so quickly that you forget that it is far from normal in other parts of the world.
I find it so hard to capture that part of life here and I have many failed attempts. However I really like this one. The three of them are clearly in their own world alone with their thoughts. Also I like how they have their helmet dangling from the side of the bike blanket rather than anyone wearing it. I am sure that it has barely been worn.
Conversation at the White.Pagoda, 35mm, F4.5, 1/400th of a second, ISO 64
This Hutong around the White Pagoda is apparently famous for the training and trading of fighting crickets. I have still not found these here but everytime I come I see people sitting and having a conversation so I decided to try and capture this scene instead.
Hutong Chess, 48mm, F5.6, 1/50th of a second, ISO 64
I loved all of the things goining on in this scene. The two people playing Chinese Chess, the dog sleeping on the tricycle, ducks in their cages and the very early Chinese New Year decorations everywhere.
Last of the Autumn leaves, 120mm, F4, 1/200th of a second, ISO 320
This was taken on a street near the Forbidden City and I was amazed that there will still Autumn leaves here as the ones.in my neighbourhood had long gone. So I was initally drawn to.the long canopy of yellow and green leaves and I also liked the two men sharing a laugh as they cycled by.
Cyclist, 50mm, F2.8, 1/800th of a second, ISO 64
This was taken shortly after the first photo I put on this post and might very well have been the last photo I took before my battery died. What I was trying to capture here was the beautiful light and the colour contrast of the Bell tower. and the rental bike which is everywhere in this city.
Cyclists, 24mm, F11, 1/10th of a second, ISO 32
This was taken in Qianmen Street in central Beijing. A place usually bustling with activity but it was strangely quiet and I tried to capture this with a low shutter speed to emphasise the motion of the few cyclists while keeping the Zhengyangmen tower sharp.
City in the grips of a Sandstorm, 175mm, F5.6, 1/10th of a second, ISO 64
This photo was taken over a month ago and I only came across it recently. The city was in the grips of a sandstorm and most places in the city were closed so it was not the easiest of days, but I decided to document the day with a photo anyway. It is only now when I see the photo that I actually like the mood and softness of the image.
My First Exhibition
So I had the great plasure of having my photos exhibited in a gallery in the Dalishar Hutong which is just south of Tiananmen Square. I know there were many friends who could not visit the gallery because they were outside China and a number of friends in Beijing could not visit as the last few weeks as the gallery has been closed because of the latest lockdown.
So I thought that I would share my photos here and talk about each of the photos I choose for the Exhibition. I hope you enjoy.
So I had the great plasure of having my photos exhibited in a gallery in the Dalishar Hutong which is just south of Tiananmen Square. I know there were many friends who could not visit the gallery because they were outside China and a number of friends in Beijing could not visit as the last few weeks as the gallery has been closed because of the latest lockdown.
So I thought that I would share my photos here and talk about each of the photos I choose for the Exhibition. I hope you enjoy.
View of Downtown Beijing from the Great Wall
Nikon D500, 85mm, 1/250 second, F8, ISO 100
I took this photo in November of 2018 when it was starting to get really cold, but the visibility was perfect. I love the juxtaposition of the ancient and modern parts of China together as well as the beautiful mountains adding an element of Nature. It just all fell into place for me on that day.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain View
Nikon D5300, 116mm, 1/10 second, F8, ISO 100
I took this photo in April 2019 in Lijiang. I managed to find a high vantage point in the Ancient city the day before and then woke up early the next morning to take this photo. I already noticed the mixture of Ancient Chinese Culture and the beautiful Mountain, and I was hoping for good conditions in the morning and was lucky enough to get them. The first rays of the morning
View of the city from Fragrant Hills
Nikon Z7, 200mm, 1/1000 second, F2.8, ISO 125
I took this photo in the Autumn of 2019 from the Fragrant Hills area of Beijing. This is an area for its beautiful autumnal colours and while I took some photos of the beautiful red leaves it was this black and white photo I was most happy with from that day. I was able to get to a pretty high vantage point and wanted to capture the layers of all of the different buildings which helps to give scale to the buildings in the CBD. I also wanted to capture the beautiful gradients in the sky.
Reflections on the Yulong River
Nikon Z7, 23mm, 1/80 second, F9, ISO 220
This is a photo I took in December 2020 from a Bamboo raft. I just remember the beautiful landscapes around every bend; the river was so quiet and serene. I took many photos from that raft, but this was my favourite. The lone house, the beautiful mountains and the reflection all work together in this photo, and they instantly take me back to that beautiful ride on the Yulong river.
Morning view from Husband Mountain
Nikon Z7, 70mm, 1/20 second, F10, ISO 64
I took this photo just after sunrise on the 30th of December 2020. I got up extremely early to take the trip to this vantage point to see the sunrise, and while the view of the sunrise was obscured by clouds, the light just a few minutes later was beautiful. I had played around with a few possible compositions before the sunrise but decided that rather than going wide to try and capture everything, I would go for a more telephoto focal length to try and focus on the parts of the image that caught my eye which were the s bend of the Li river, the stunning Karst Mountains and the small town. It was a really special morning for me.
Memorable conversation in Xian Mosque
Nikon Z7, 200mm, 1/125 second, F2.8, ISO 64
I took this photo in June of 2021 in the beautiful ancient Mosque in Xian’s Muslim Quarter. I noticed these beautiful archways and the way that they lined up on a previous trip to the Mosque but had not had the chance to photograph it. So, when I returned with my camera, these two people were sitting and having a very friendly conversation, and it was clear that they were not going to go anytime soon, so I took the photo, and I was delighted with the result. Two friends are beautifully framed in the archways within Xian’s Mosque.
Commuters to the Big City
Nikon Z7, 70mm, 1/100 second, F8, ISO 4000
I had pre-visualised this photo as I had been down this street before (that time without my camera) and I was keen to return to try and capture the buildings of Beijing’s CBD and its commuters. I was also glad that I could get the surrounding trees to frame it all. In order to do all of this I was lying on the pavement, but no one seemed to notice or care which suits me just fine.
Street sweeper in Fenghuang
Nikon Z7, 85mm, 1/320 second, F6.3, ISO 220
This is a photo I took in July 2022. We only stayed in Fenghuang for one night, and we fell in love with this beautiful city. I knew that the best time for taking photos would be the following morning, and the city was so beautiful in the morning light. I took many photos, and this is one that was the least well-received on my social media, but it was my personal favourite, and it still is now. The stillness and quietness of the scene, the light and shadows of the street and the solitary street sweeper walking through the scene.
Mother and Child
Nikon Z7, 85mm, 1/160 second, F4, ISO 64
This is a photo of my wife and daughter, which I took in my makeshift studio (living room). The pose was natural, and this is what I love about it. The loving embrace from the mother and the insatiable curiosity of the child looking at the piece of Jewellery. We had intended to have both wearing Traditional clothes from Hunan province, but my daughter refused to wear them, and she would choose her clothes. The colour combination worked well, though.
All the Stars align for Photography at the Forbidden City
All the Stars align for Photography at the Forbidden City.
Photos from a recent trip to the forbidden city without the usual crowds and beautiful conditions for photography.
I planned a trip to the Forbidden City with a few friends last weekend and we were expecting the usual large crowds, but when we turned up in the early morning we were happy to see that there was hardly anyone else there. We were also lucky enough to have some really beautiful skies and nice light as well although Beijing is starting to get pretty chilly (oh those Beijing Autumnal winds).
So all of these conditions allowed us to take our time to appreciate the grand scale of this amazing place along with the beautiful intricate details that are on every single item in the Forbidden City.
Here are some of my favourite photos from the trip.
Forbidden City Archways, 145mm, F11, 1/250th of a second, ISO 500
I was trying to capture the beautiful symmetry and depth that is shown in so many sections of the Forbidden City here. I had to be really patient in getting my lines lined up and waiting what felt like an eternity for one person with a backpack to move before I could get this photo. The wait was so worth it.
Lady in the Forbidden City, 200mm, F6.3, 1/250th of a second, ISO 80
I was trying to capture the scale of the Forbidden City here and the best way I thought of doing this was to include a person in the photo and this lady with her dress made the perfect subject. The focal length helped to bring the subject and the background much closer together here which I feel also helps to capture all of the layers of the place.
Lady with Parasol in the Forbidden City, 135mm, F6.3, 1/250th of a second, ISO 80
Again I was trying to capture the scale of the Forbidden City, but this time I went for the wider focal length of 135mm to try and capture some more of the scene and she just so happened to be holding a traditional Chinese Parasol which I think adds to the scene.
Pagoda Ceiling, 20mm, F8, 5 Seconds, ISO 64
I have tried to photograph this ceiling which is inside of the many pagodas in the Forbidden City before and failed miserably. Thankfully one of my friends let me use his travel tripod for this one and I was able to take my time to line the shot. the light was coming through the ceiling windows which helped to light the beautiful dragon sculpture and all of the beautifully painted tiles. I had to spend a lot of time lying down on the floor and it took many attempts, but I think it was worth it.
A Courtyard within the Forbidden City, 85mm, F4.5, 1/400th of a second, ISO 64
There are so many courtyards within the Forbidden City and it is really hard to explain the scale of this place, but it is apparently it is 10 times larger than the White House and 5 times the size of Buckingham Palace, and 1/3rd larger than the Vatican City. Anyway I tried to capture these beautiful courtyards and these grand buildings that bookend each courtyard with a wide angle lens but my favourite attempt was taken by stitching 16 photos taken with my 85mm lens.
A collection of other images from within the Forbidden City.