Another year, another trip to France. What an amazing spot! Did lots of swimming, drinking and burning in the sun. Even more suncream needed next time. Took my proper camera this year too as I need to use it for more than just paying jobs. A few select photos as uploaded to Flickr.
A beautiful set of images of Sanaa’s Rolex Learning Centre in Lausanne being used as an area for skiing and generally mucking about. Love it. Probably not what the Architect intended but lots of fun regardless.
(via Bob Barton on Twitter)
All images © Johann Watzke
About two years ago I went on the amazing Seb Rogers Photocourse with a cast of characters, some of whom I manage to keep in contact via the joys of Twitter. I don’t think I realised how much I learnt that weekend but now that I’m trying to make a part income from photography that I realise that almost all of what I saw that weekend was of use. Exposure, focus, RAW processing, histograms, basic camera technique etc etc. I’d read about all of this stuff on the web before but it didn’t really click until then. After putting it into practice afterwards things got a lot easier and allowed me to take a few more steps up the ladder. Plenty more steps to go but it really helped me on my way.
Anyway, the point of this is that the below photo is of Guy Parry who was on the course.
It also happens to be one of the most viewed photos on my Flickr stream, mainly due to being added to the Strobist group I’d imagine. This was a little plop into a stream that we both rode through it taking turns to light each other with a flash held by Seb (Voice Activated Lightstand). I’d always wondered what those photos turned out like and Guy uploaded a few today. Being the other side of the camera means that I don’t normally see decent pics of me riding. Nice to see a few decent ones at last. Thanks Guy!
Lighting test
Plop
Nice panning shot
Last weekend I headed out to ride some trails with Vaughan. After working, working and doing some more working recently getting out of London and using my bike was a joy. Day one of riding Machynlleth first I seemed to have forgotten how to ride a MTB. No real trail skills and those bars felt rather wide after the daily commute. Back up to the top for another trip down the final black section and things were starting to come together again. Usual beer and meal in strange Welsh town in the evening then up next day, breakfast at Little Chef and over to Llangelda to do the black. It felt like we were flying along compared to the previous day.
Loved it. Going again soon with Matt & Graham I think. Can’t wait.
Here’s a picture of me on my new bicycle. Takes a while to get used to but great for nipping around town. A little bit much to go all the way to Camden on it from Peckham but bearable. Slightly odd to get used to the smaller wheels after using 700c for riding around. Feels very twitchy at first. I think I may swap the bars for the lower ones for a bit more tucked in position.
As the recent owner of a Brompton bicycle – purchased on the cycle to work scheme for meetings and general pootling around town – I find this really impressive. Beautifully shot and edited too. Leaves a really nice feeling after watching. Makes me want to do Lands End to John O’groats. Looks like a fantastic experience.
60° North – A British Adventure from Joe Sheffer on Vimeo.
This is a short film about our pack raft and folding bicycle adventure from Sumburgh Head to Muckle Flugga in the Shetland Islands.
By Joe Sheffer www.joesheffer.net
and Alastair Humphreys www.alastairhumphreys.com
Music by Cinematic Orchestra.
All shot with 2 Canon 5Dmk2’s and as many lens/tripods/sliders as we could cram onto the back of a Brompton.
Nice to have our friends Nat & Cath in London for a few days and their amazing children Caitlin, Elsa and now Joe too. Spent some time in Peckham Park in the sunshine with them all relaxing. Amazing how smart kids are. Fascinating to watch and engage with.
Which is a good thing. She’s got a great eye for seeing amazing things to take pictures of (some are quite bizarre) and has now started uploading to Flickr also. Go and have a good look (and chuckle) at the pictures of toilets, people dancing at bus stops and shoes on pavements – amongst other things.
An interesting video I’ve been meaning to sit down and watch for a while now. I’ve received very similar treatment when setting up a tripod in public places. Amazed and reassured that the police are so reasonable and know the law properly. Shame on the stupid security guards though.
A few weekends ago Emma and I headed down to a very picturesque Manor House near Chichester after work on the Friday. We were welcomed by Kate, the owner, and also her dog Monty. We also met Lou who was staying there for a few weeks from France as part of the WWOOF‘ing that Kate runs at the house. The idea is that you can sign up and go and work anywhere in the world and receive bed and board in exchange for 6 or so hours work a day on an organic farm.
I was there to shoot a few photos of the stables in the morning, which are currently being renovated. We were treated to organic apple juice (made from their own apples), salmon and eggs (from the chickens on site), lots of coffee and a couple of hours of chatting and relaxing. Amazing to get out of London for a day and relax. Incredible just how quiet it is outside of London. As well as Monty, Kate had two lovely collies staying with her. I was also able to feed the chickens which was great – see the below video.
One of the nicest things about staying at a place like this is seeing the little family mementos and history around you. It’s incredible. These tractors really stood out to me, along with the little trike in front.
After staying far too long and getting far too relaxed we then headed over to Alresford to meet some friends, have some lunch, relax some more and take another dog – Gus – for a walk around the nearby watercress farms. Could definitely get used to this lifestyle. One day perhaps.
