30th June 2006

I have added a New image here which Nike doesn't rate. She finds it too contrived with the man and the rock together and says in the photo they do not balance. She prefers an image I took behind the palm trees with the sun setting in silhouette. I will post that tomorrow and you can see what you think.

Meanwhile the football scores are in for this evening. I predicted Italy 2 Ukraine 0 so I am in with a chance over that but who would have thought it, Germany take out Argentina on penalties. Man, it shows you just how unpredictable this game can be.

Nikki and I are in the process of mortgage hunting so suddenly the D200 looks like it may be on hold. Great!

Ian and I discussed the subject I chose for the photography in July and we decided to use something a little easier to start with. So we are shooting things to do with ...

This is the new subject of photos for July. I look forward to seeing Ian's photos and already have a few in mind for myself.

Nikki and I are watching Sharpe tonight (in fact we have had a bit of a marathon recently). We are hoping to get out tomorrow and take some photos in the sun (and maybe find some red images).

29th June 2006

New image added to the gallery. Not much to say at the mo'. I think I must be very boring!

28th June 2006

The latest football scores are as follows. Looks like I am being left behind here. Great!

28th June 2006
James Thompson: 45pts
Mark Finnemore: 44pts
Ian Bursill: 44pts
Marc Baker: 39pts
Matt Stokes: 39pts
Craig Johnstone: 37pts

New image for the gallery is here.

27th June 2006

The latest image in the gallery is here.

Football scores are as follows. Seems I am having about as much luck as Lampard in this tourni.

27th June 2006
Mark Finnemore: 43pts
James Thompson: 43pts
Ian Bursill: 42pts
Marc Baker: 38pts
Matt Stokes: 38pts
Craig Johnstone: 36pts

Ian was researching names for work and was on this funny site on chavs. Check out the T-shirts bit. Very funny!

26th June 2006

I truly don't know where to begin. I have only been away a week and so much has happened with everybody it will take an age to post all the emails and info. Here goes...

Firstly I did promise Ian that I would let him know what our photography subject will be for the coming month (and the end of this month - blimey which reminds me I have to revise this page when I go onto another month. Wow! These blogs do take some doing).
The idea is that to inspire us to be creative with our photography we will take turns each month choosing a subject and then try to make interesting and unusual photos about the subject. The theme can be a word, colour, verse, saying, category or just about anything. So without further ado the theme I choose for June/July is ...

The rules are there are no rules. Take whatever photos you can about this theme. At then end of next month I will post some of the best. I am sure Ian will post on Pbase as well. Also if anyone else feels like having a go I can post your images here or link to them. I say this as Nikki is starting to show an interest in photography now that her brother is getting into it. She is even thinking of using my D70 or getting a D50.

So Ian, there you go. Thunder it is. As I said I would explain where my choice came from. we had spoke about having some theme to shoot over. As I remembered this while away and still thought it would be great fun, I thought it would be nice to shoot something difficult. What better than a sound. And no ordinary sound. And then I thought I Thunder and how it could be shot in so many different ways. Therefore it is my first choice after which you get to choose something. I have to say as I am typing this I am really looking forward to what you come up with for August. It seems unlike in my childhood, as I am older I love a surprise.

Right, now on to the football scores. Below are all the scores as they have accrued while I have been away (last scores I have first..).

23rd June 2006
Mark Finnemore: 36pts
Ian Bursill: 35pts
Marc Baker: 34pts
James Thompson: 32pts
Matt Stokes: 31pts
Craig Johnstone: 30pts

22nd June 2006
Mark Finnemore: 34pts
James Thompson: 31pts
Marc Baker: 31pts
Ian Bursill: 31pts
Matt Stokes: 29pts
Craig Johnstone: 25pts

20th June 2006
Mark Finnemore: 25pts
James Thompson: 25pts
Marc Baker: 23pts
Ian Bursill: 22pts
Matt Stokes: 21pts
Craig Johnstone: 21pts

19th June 2006
Mark Finnemore: 22pts
James Thompson: 21pts
Matt Stokes: 20pts
Marc Baker: 20pts
Ian Bursill: 18pts
Craig Johnstone: 17pts

I will try to bring the scores up to their present state tomorrow but don't have the up-to-date scores with me (Ian, did you email them?)

Nik Kelly sent me through a link of a chap's photos from the big smoke, some of which are quite good.
Nik also sent me through a link to his other photos from Japan which can be seen here. Nik suggest choosing the slideshow button to run through the images. I truly can't decide which are my favourite images. I love the Tea house in the park, the cute images of the Japanese characters, the architecture, the airport, the stairs, the nature shots but you can't beat the neon at night. That's my favourite kind and the backstreet shot really gets me. Vivid and nicely taken. I love it! Really, really good Nik, thanks.

John went out on his birthday last weekend and hopefully will let me know how it all went. He took in a show (very cultured - what the hell happened to the P*& up!?) In the meantime he sent me this link to old music videos. These will make you wince.

Spencer down in Kent has sent through some more emails including one that made me jump. It is a powerpoint file that has you clicking away through lovely baby images and Nemo images which then suddenly changes to a pic of the Exorcist and makes a horrible macabre scream. I usually don't get 'got' by these things but it made me jump and Nikki, who hates scary eyes, had s complete fit. You git Spencer, you wait till I find something for you.

I have posted some images from holiday in the gallery which you can also see here an here.

I have updated the poker pages but don't have a time for the venue coming up so I will update that when I get the info (so poker guys if you know who is hosting yet and when can you email me please?)

Nikki's brother Rik has been blasting away with the D50 and taken some great shots. I will post some on his page when I get the chance if he wants.

Rachel has announced that she is engaged so congratulations to her and Jey. I did know about this before I went away but didn't have time to post anything.

Kristian Peacocke has emailed us. We haven't seen him in an age. I know Kristian through Nikki as it is her mate from University who we see now and again. He has a new girlfriend and is probably making oodles of cash fixing computer networks or summit. I have emailed him and hope to have a link to his blog soon.

It has occurred to me that I have been so busy typing and catching up with everyone else I have not typed much about my holiday. Fuerteventura is a nice addition to the Canary Islands that Nikki and I have visited. It is hot and a bit bleak although it did manage to keep cloudy when we were there in the mornings but always got hot in the afternoon. Aside from one days driving with a Megane convertable my mum, Nikki and I stayed about our holiday village complex. As all the meals and drinks were included which basically sun ourselves and indulged. I am almost half a stone heavier and those that know me know I was heavy to begin with. The complex in Costa Calma was great and the holiday lovely but I really need to see more on a break. There is only so much sunning myself I like. Not even a quick game of volley ball or the making of a giant sand chair for me to sit in while the tide came in around me could make it interesting for anymore than a week.

I find myself quite happy to be back and even at work. It is good to see everyone and catch up on some photo processing.

The vote is still out on whether to get a D200 thought it is looking more likely as both mum and Nikki want the D70 and Rik wants my 70-300mm. The damn problem is getting hold of the 18-200mm Nikon that I want to go with it. They are like gold dust!

That is about it for the mo'.

17th June 2006

Off on hols for a week!

John have a great Birthday bash and enjoy the show.

Frances have a great party.

I will see you all when I return...

16th June 2006

Football is still very close...

Football Updates
Mark Finnemore: 18pts
James Thompson: 16pts
Matt Stokes: 14pts
Ian Bursill: 13pts
Marc Baker: 12pts
Craig Johnstone: 11pts

15th June 2006

Almost holiday time - I can't wait to get away so much I am not even taking my laptop! Yep, unplugged for a week. Man I will not know what to do. (Err, hang on it's an all-in holiday..??? I mean what is there to do? Drink! Then float around the pool. Bong!)

Actually put up a photo I liked this evening though I did photoshop it a bit (and by a bit I mean loads) but is was a fast, unplanned shot down a road tunnel so I am pleased it came out at all. It reminded me of some of the old painted comic books I used to get. As usual check the gallery in 2006 Landscapes.

Scores in on the football pool...
(Wednesday's games)
As Ian so eloquently puts it... Germany have invaded Poland yet again!

Football Updates
Mark Finnemore: 14pts
Ian Bursill: 12pts
James Thompson: 12pts
Matt Stokes: 12pts
Marc Baker: 10pts
Craig Johnstone: 8pts

I did a bit better yesterday and made some ground back up. After England's win tonight I am still in it but Mark is looking strong.

Spencer in Kent sent some unbelievable photos here (I warn you now - do not look if you are offended by nudity or large fence posts... Don't get? You will if you see this photo. And boy, did this guy get it!) Just for the record he made a compete recovery so that's ok (don't now about this lady - you don't recover from what she's got!)

And lastly Rich Welsford, my mate from the Big Smokey, sent me a link to some work he has done editing to video methinks. Haven't seen Rich in an age - he must be getting into video production (with a company teaching people to play instruments - sweet!)

14th June 2006

Rik finally got his camera from Jessops today who cheekily tried to charge him way more than was agreed after making him wait. I am a bit put out by this to be honest and will be considering other vendors for my photographic needs if it continues. Places like warehouseexpress are definitely good value and if you can stand to shop on the net I would recommend it (although they like everyone else are short of the old 18-200mm...What a shock!)

Have no D200 to take away with me. Boo! So the trusty D70 shall be coming across the Atlantic as of Saturday.

John is nicely lined up for his birthday. Although, dude, that is the worse fake trailer I have ever seen. Peaced together from the Lord of the Rings and Dragonslayer methinks. Ha, like the game movie though of Battlefield 2 - funny!

This is a government health warning - Ian Bursill has guffed and all those in the 1 mile radius should use appropriate breathing apparatus like this. (And someone should definitely sow his ass shut!)

I have posted another portrait photo in the gallery (portrait 2006) of English supporters in Rochester which is quite funky.

Football Updates
As the world cup goes on the scores on the Mulberry Square pool continue to get ker-razy. Scores are as follows:
Mark Finnemore: 13pts
Ian Bursill: 12pts
James Thompson: 10pts
Marc Baker: 9pts
Matt Stokes: 9pts
Craig Johnstone: 7pts

So I have moved up the table about as much as Ronaldo moved his fat Brazilian arse around the pitch yesterday. Ho hum!

13th June 2006

Nik's brother Rik still hasn't got his D50 from Jessops. I think they may be giving him the run-around. He will eventually get my 70-300mm lens as I am going to get a D200 at some point, all-be-it after the holiday it would seem. Still, no complaints as the D70 is more than up to the task. I will only be taking the iPod to store all the RAWs as we are on a 'computer free' trip this time. It is probably a good thing as I am feeling a little drained as far as using my macs goes (and not really in the mood).

So the plan is to change the equipment I have and take Ken's advice on my setup - D200, grip, WT-3, Nikon 18-200mm, Tokina 12-24 and of course my fast 50mm as a back up. With luck I will have the gear ready for Newark's summer shoot and, of course, the charity gig for Joan and Rainbows.

I did want to post a load of stuff but I will wait for a major update until after the hols (when hopefully I get some great shots abroad).

John sent over some fun links - and old interview with Alan Moore and some weird crap about Peterborough and its pubs (which pretty much killed my argument that the 'boro was an ok place). He will be going out with gang while I'm on hols so I must see them all when I get back (and hopefully with my trusty new camera - where ever it comes from).

Spencer has been sending jokes over from darn south so I will post one -

a Bridge too far
A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. All of a sudden, he said out loud,
"Lord, grant me one wish."

Suddenly the sky clouded above his head and in a booming voice the Lord said, "Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."

The man said "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want."

The Lord said, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of another wish, a wish you think would honor and glorify me."

The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish that I could understand women. I want to know how they feel inside, what they are thinking when they give me the silent treatment, why they cry, what they mean when they say 'nothing', and how I can make a woman truly happy."

The Lord replied,
"Do you want lights on that bridge?"

At work the running score on the World Cup stakes are as follows:
Mark Finnemore: 10pts
James Thompson: 8pts
Marc Baker: 8pts
Ian Bursill: 8pts
Matt Stokes: 8pts
Craig Johnstone: 5pts
These are slightly out of date as of today's results so I will update them when I get the scores from Ian. Looks like my Argentina 6 Ivory Coast 0 score may have been a little off!

Nice to see Gareth in the studio today and here that the family are almost out of the woods.

Another image added to the portraits for 2006.

I think that is everything for the mo'. Right off to watch some more DVD's and chill out.

12th June 2006

I have managed to post a photo in the 2006 portraits (the first, yay!) but I am too tired to add much tonight. I have been emailing and chatting with a nice lady from Kent about her D200. I will try and catch up some more on the site tomorrow.

9th June 2006

Got to leave work early today (hopefully) to drive to Kent to see Rach (Nik's mate from Uni) and her fiance Jey so I will not post for a few days.

I did recently get a taste for Sake and wanted to get some shallow Sake bowls. I couldn't really find anything exactly as I wanted it so I bought a set cheap on eBay. It will do until I see something I like more. My friend Dean in the Big Smokey likes Sake too and put me on to this site to get some authentic Sake from the Land of the Rising Sun. Quite appropriate with Nick sending me his photos from his trip there (see 6th June below)

It is gona be hot all day and tonight so driving for 3 hours should ba a larf!

Oh my God, I can't believe I am moaning because we are having nice weather. I'm gona just shut the hell up.

8th June 2006

Man it is a hot day today. The heat absolutely wipes me out.

Still um-ing and ar-ing about a graphics tablet and whether I would use one or not. I have had an A5 one for years and not bothered. I think I will give it a go on the PC and if I get on with it maybe get a Wacom one. My friend Chris reminded me about them as he is considering getting one (which reminds me to send him the link I found here for a resonable A5 tablet).

Ian (at work) found some funny sites online (or was it James??) here and here. This made me chuckle too (I am a simple soul - although Ian was in tears). If you can't be bothered to see anything else, check this out!

Oh and the photos I took last night sucked so I won't post any of them but may see if I have anything in the data banks worth uploading.

7th June 2006 **UPDATE**

Shot the sun setting tonight but I have no idea how the images will look (I will look now). I will post some if any of them are any good.

Another Image added to gallery - Black and White shot of Old John in Bradgate in (fake) infra-red.

**By the way guys if you read this - I got an email from Dean. There is a problem with emailing his work address so don't. Apologies Dean, I didn't know. Anyone else, please warn me so I don't email your work if its a problem. Cheers, M'dears...**

Here are everyone's emails (so far) about the Bretton photos (and other things).

Had a few more emails from work about people with a collar fetish. We do the web site for a clothing company - the Collar Company. It oftens has ladies with their collars upturned and it had got a fetish following. Who would have thought it. Getting your yar-yars from starched collars.

This is a sample of the emails the yahoo group post. Quite funny!

" Hey Folks,

Please feel free to post topics about collars up here...

Topic of the Week:

The way you fealt the first time you wore your collar up / how old
were you / where and when did you do it / how did it make you feel /
did you get an looks, compliments?

Please respond back I would love to her some of the experiences.

For me the first time I started popping my collar was when I was a
young teenager. Everyday after school I would put on a polo and pop
my collar. At that time the big thing for me to show off my popped
collar was to walk out to my mailbox and get my mail, doing it slowly
so that people in the neighborhood could see me in my popped collar.
It was the first time I really started enjoying the collar up look,
and it was during a time when collars were just not worn up...early
to mid 90's. It also was the first time I knew that it was a fetish
for me because of the way it aroused me. I eventually started
wearing dress shirts collar up under sweaters and what not and I
liked that feel even more. I even started double and triple popping
my collar each and every day. Wearing my collar up back then and the
same now has always made me a bit nervous because of what people
think and perceive but as I did then and as I do now (not as much
anymore) I pop with dignity and fully up for all to witness.

Post some of your stories please, I would love to hear about the
first time you wore your collar up and how it made you feel.

Keep the collars up and keep them high...SAL!!! "

So, keep your collars high their guys. Bizarre!
Still, if that burns your candle, I say go for it! One life and all that.

7th June 2006

Still considering what to get with a wide angle lens. Read and interesting review here from Ken Rockwell, who seems to feature in the magazines quite a bit.

That reminds me - any guys from Bretton. If you have any pics can you email them to me so I can add them to the Bretton page? You know, it's a nostalgia thing...

6th June 2006 **UPDATE**

Bit of a surprise for the Bretton crew - see if these images stir any memorys...

6th June 2006

As promised Nik sent through these amazing photos (thanks Nik!).

5th June 2006 **UPDATE**

Nik Kelly, one of the Bretton Posse, has just got back from Japan. His email makes Japan sound absolutely amazing. Between him and John talking about it I really want to go now.

I will let him explain;

(Nik Kelly)
"Right - got back from Japan late yesterday.
My summing up of this ancient culture; awesome!
It is the strangest, safest, fastest, friendliest, brightest most exciting place I have been to on this planet and I recommend it to you all. Minty, you will love it and I wish I was coming with you [Rae & I are already planning to return next year for much longer this time].

Highlights;
* Ordering food from Japanese language only ticket machine restaurants [what will we get to eat today?]
* Seeing the Imperial Palace and getting lost in the royal gardens
* Being photographed by the locals when I wore my Japan Football top [having a guy run over the street to take a picture was a little odd]
* Studio Ghibli Museum - it's like entering childhood or one of their movies, or possibly both
* Taking the Shinkasen ["Bullet Train"] to Kyoto; approx 450 miles in 2.5 hours
* Visiting Kyoto; its like a giant village after being in Tokyo plus the architecture, temples and stone gardens are incredible. Even surrounded by masses of people it was still a very tranquil place - beautiful
* Being intercepted by Japanese school children in sailor uniforms who want to practice their English on you
* Shinbuya - armies of teenage girls dressed as Manga characters [and those that weren't appeared to be dressed as hookers] and being in inspiration for the set for Bladerunner or Logan's Run
* Listening to music with a beer in my hand as my retinas burn out from looking out over the city from my hotel room
* Shinjuku - Shinbuyu only more so
* The endless friendliness of the locals. An old lady paid for us to ride the bus because we were looking confused
* The food is amazing, as are the bars and arcades
* The view over the city for 50 floors up - using lifts so fast your ears pop like being on a plane
* Tokyo gardens - like Kyoto they're amazing places just to sit
* The attention to detail in everything from architecture to wrapping [but possibly not in town planning, its almost impossible to find anything]
* The 3D CGi horror movie I saw
* The way a city of 12million just works in a way London, Brighton, Oxford etc don't seem to be able to

I could go on, but I'll wait for my photos [yes, which include ones of me fighting Godzilla in Tokyo Bay] before I bore you some more..."

Thanks for the email Nik. Sounds amazing. Keep me posted.

5th June 2006

I'm on holiday today! Yay, relaxing day... this is more like it.

New images in the gallery. I added a poppy field but played around with the image. Not sure about it.

Rik has his own page now. Images from Saturday on there.

Yesterday was a close call with the D200. Jessops have a buy now, pay in a year (0% interest) in stuff over 200 quid. They are also very reasonable with their prices (challenging internet prices!). I mean a D50 with a lens for 350 quid. Man, it makes me want to get one.

The D200 is just an awesome camera. It is basically a scaled down D2X but you don't have to sell a kidney to get it.

The weekend was brilliant. With the kiddies coming over on Saturday night we had a real session. I had to crawl to bed and it was only 12.30 or so! (God I am old and a lightweight).
Yesterday was great with Nik's mum cooking a feast and wine, beer and cigars all day. Stuff of holidays!

3rd June 2006

Been out to Jessops and Jacobs today looking at the cameras. The D200 is looking very sweet! I got one out and had a go, along with tests on the Sigma 12-24, Nikon 12-24, Sigma 105mm Macro (I will post the pictures tomorrow maybe). I really want a D200 - they are the mutt's nuts.

Big Birthday hello to Spencer Marco down in Kent. My man Spencer is a West Ham fan but we won't hold that against him (only kidding - especially after still reeling from the cup!). He has sent me some jokes and here is one.

A Jamaican fireman came home from work one day and said to his wife: "Y'know sump tin, honey, we have a wonderful new system at de fire station...
Bell 1 rings - we put on our jackets.
Bell 2 rings - we slide down de pole.
Bell 3 rings - we jump on de ingine and we's ready to go.

From now on, when I says,
'Bell one,' I want you to strip naked.
'Bell two,' you jump on de bed.
'Bell tree,' we's gonna mek love all tru de night."

The next night, he came home and shouted, 'Bell One' and she stripped naked.
'Bell Two' and she jumped on the bed.
'Bell Tree' and they started to make love.

After a few minutes, the wife yelled out, "BellFour!

What de hell is 'Bell Four', woman?" asked the astonished Jamaican.
She replied: ...........
Roll out more hose, man, you ain't nowhere near de fire.

Not sure if I am going to have time to post a photo but I will later. We have company tonight with Rik, Nik's younger brother, coming over with his girlfriend Laura (or is it Luce??). Things usually get boozy...

Oh before I forget - Poker dudes! Your alter ego images are up. I need your profiles please.

2nd June 2006

Apparently Jacobs in Leicester (in a new store on London road) are selling D50s with a lens for 350.00 notes! Wow, tempting to get simply as an addition to the D70 and to save lens changing.

Another new photo in close up 2006 - actually the first there. Another bird photo from the other morning. It was either this one or another showing the birds eye but I went for this one as the posture was more dramatic.

It is difficult because the D200 at the moment is very attractive. It has many features of the D2X but is a fraction of the price (and weight!)

1st June 2006

Firstly let me say that Alison and Gareth are getting ready to have a baby soon so I am in the middle of updating my ipod for them to watch videos while in hospital. They should have a good choice as I am adding about 15GB!

I was considering going out to take some photos but the weather looks miserable so I don't think I will bother but rather post an old image I rather like. Not shot in RAW which (as Ian would agree) allows for a much better photo through Phase One conversion but I like the composition.

This is in Tenerife with Nik reading and sunbathing on the balcony. I shot most of the holiday photos in JPG but I regret it. I much prefer RAW with its wonderful conversion in Phase One. Oh well! The problem is that if I don't take the laptop away I can't see the photos I take until I get home but on holiday I really should have a break from it all.

Here is a picture of the victor from May's Poker Night. Nasty took the pot at the end from Sneak (yours truly) who tried his best to pull a Mel GIbson 'Maverick' moment which totally didn't work. Oh well. There are some who think Nasty should change his name to Godfather. I think you can see why...

No way Nasty, keep your name. It suits you, you complete jammy git!

Right I think that's enough for one night. I'm off...