A city break to Vienna

We recently decided to take a short city break to Vienna to take in the Christmas Markets and to explore the city. I took the X100V with me to document the trip. We were due to fly from Stansted airport, to save hassle we went up the night before and stayed at the Radisson Blu hotel nearby. I have to say the hotel is brilliantly designed and very comfy, can recommend it.

The weary travellers sing the same old song, a bed and rest for tired eyes need sleeps sweet comfort.

We were up early the next day and on to a Ryanair flight to Vienna.

Together we rest until the days adventures begin.

The joyous seats and comforts rest. Like cattle sits and waits for death.

A Vienna view as the blue winds silent

We went for a walk and found the towns Cathedral, we went inside to take a look around.

Baroque and blue, Vienna’s build and call the names of pilgrim travelled.

She hides her secrets, the spirals curl and mystery reveals.

The light shines upon the stone. A cold and quiet place rejoices.

I love old buildings, especially churches, this one was massive and impressive. The Pipe organ made the place vibrate, a wonderful place to visit.

Remember those who cannot.

Commerce calls, Christmas bekons, to taste the smells of foods and wine.

There are loads of large and small Christmas Markets open this time of year. We found most of them. This was the biggest one, next to the main town hall buildings.

Fun be had, and drink the wine of life. The spin and laughter of cold night air.

A street like any other, but Vienna’s class and history’s tale leaves it mark.

There is tons to do in Vienna, we decided to take a look at Belvedere Palace, it’s easy walking distance close to the centre of town.

A summer palace, build for princes. To walk and see the wealth of nations.

They look upon the crowds, indifferent and aloof. Eternals rule the sky’s.

Beware the hand of gods.

Shadows dance amongst the stone.

Oh Vienna..

While you are there, you must taste the local delights such as Gluwein and Quittenpunsch.

Drink the wine, to warm thy frozen heart.

Mozart spent much of his life in Vienna, he left his mark.

Mozarts view in mirrors, the music plays and genius revealed.

Take the time to wander, there is beauty everywhere.

The lion guards, it growls with teeth that glisten.

The street alive, we wander and admire the stones of distant minds.

To walk and see the site of history.

The beasts trot by, to pull the wheels of commerce.

A dome against the sky, regal structure still in time.

Auf Wiedersehen, until we meet again.

Vienna is a wonderful place, I recommend it to anyone who wants a city break. It’s not too expensive and there is lots to do. All shots were taken with my X100V.

Hastings November 10th 2024

It’s nice that I don’t live too far from the south coast. On this SUnday we decided to pop down to Hastings for a day to grab some chips and walk along the beach front. It was a grey overcast day, the light was flat and since it’s now out of season the place was almost empty. Coastal places always take on a sad tone in winter, with all the colour and excitement of tourists just a memory.

The calm deceives, the anger will soon return.

We got down there and parked right by the beach, this was the scene that greeted us. A single boat floating on a flat sea, very surreal.

To stand and watch oblivion, to know that life’s a gift. To smile and nod and say farewell then set thyself adrift.

She smiles and laughs at natures jokes, take care of those that walk within your soul.

The lovers lay and chatters, together is all that matters.

Machines that rust in silent protest until the fire returns.

Come my friend, the work begins. To feed the mouths and crush thy hunger.

The strangest trees sprout forth among the stones.

The silence deafens

They sleep in hoods of darkness until the light returns.

The beach of souls, it calls to distant minds. The crunch of stones beneath thy feet reminds of happy times.

The tangled webs of steel, the pier resists the march of time.

I stand a look at Hasting beach, the people gone another year. Time to sleep and hide from winters rage until the light returns.

Hastings has lots of fond memories for me, I spent many a happy holiday here. Sitting on the beach, the pebbles in my shoes. The winter always make it look so sad but soon the summer will return and life will flow once again.

A Trip to London

We took a little trip to London, and have a look around. I am not a fan of London mostly, too many people and too much hustle and bustle but there is a lot to see and do, so off we went. We head over near Holland park. A wealthy area in Chelsea and Kensington, lots of posh houses and parks.

A London Mews, time is held and quiet is the gentle tap of echos walk.

Follow the yellow brick road (or line) to find the wizard.

Inside Holland park there is a Japanese garden.

A water fall

And ponds

Walking round any park in any part of the world brings a sense of peace. Walking amongst the trees is calming and frees you from your worries.

Hello Human, how are you? Do you have a nut or two?

Nature calls to those that seek the wisdom of time.

We later head towards Chinatown.

The busy wander in an aimless rush. The sounds and scent of East and West.

If you get the chance, its a great place for food and the business that is London. 
All images were taken with an Fuji X100S

A stroll on Camber beach Oct 2024

There are many beaches near where I live. I consider myself lucky to have access to the coast. One Autumn morning, we decided to go for a walk along Camber beach. These are the images I took on the day on a Fujifilm X100s

Happiness walks by my side.

The blue it shines, a gladdened heart and calmness sweeps into a busy mind.

The sand records the marks of man, a shadow tracks our time upon the land.

The light does point unto the chosen.

The shadows dance.

The wind blows, the watchers see.

A calmness falls as the kite pull thee to they destiny 

I hope you enjoyed these images, it’s important to get out into the world and nature.

1 Picture per day (August 2024)

I thought it would be fun to do a series of pictures in August. The idea is to take one picture on each day in August to document the month. We all know the best camera is the one you have on you so I thought I would do this little challenge to encourage me to take my camera everywhere. I have two cameras, the Leica M246 and Leica SL, so the pictures will be taken with either of those.

A country view of clouds and sky, it calms the troubles of mind and soul, to breath and be.

August 1st 2024.
The shot above was taken from close to my house in kent. I love big skies and the cloud structure had layers and the low clouds were really cotton like. A beautiful scene.

The sun still rises upon the soul. Renewed in daylights breath.

August 2nd 2024

Woke up to another damp Friday morning. Although a similar shot to yesterday, the weather changes by the minute as the sun burns off the dew. I’m not sure about you but my mind is full of thoughts and images from the day before and what may happen today. Just looking at nature, the clouds, the trees, really helps to settle your thoughts and better prepare you for the day.

Tenterden, the cloth does dry upon the hooks. The church stands firm and sings the songs that time remembers.

August 3rd 2024
Today is Saturday, we went to Tenterden for a few supplies, this nice little town still bustles with the chitter and chatter of people doing what they do. The Church is grand and stands tall, proud against a darkened sky. It’s easy to take for granted the everyday but if you stop and look you can see. See the life and history’s drama playing out before you. SInce 1178 this town has stood the tests of time, I wonder what changes will occur over the next 800 years.

A mothers love defies, the bond unbreakable. To be loved and love in return is a gift from eternity.

August 4th 2024
It’s been a busy weekend, my dear mum turns 85 on the 6th, we had a little party to celebrate on the 3rd. Today (the 4th) I went to Woodchurch in kent to the annual steam fair. It was a great day out, walking around in the sunshine, being with people, all out having fun. There were traction engines of all size hissing and clanking their way around the fields. I saw this engine, a mother and son working as a team. It reminded me of my dear mum and how precious family are. So this is my photo of the day, to celebrate all the mums out their and to thank them for holding us all together.

The Oasts of old still stand, to brew the beers that quench thy thirst.

August 5th 2024
Happy Monday to you. I live in Kent, on the South Eastern edge of the UK. It has a long tradition of hop growing and farming. Oast houses used to be everywhere but now only a fraction remain. An Oast House or Hop kiln is a building designed for kilning (drying) hops as part of the brewing process. Hops were hung in the tall, top parts of the buildings with a heater below allowing heat to flow up and out the top via a moving cowl in the roof. These buildings are much less common now, but I was driving to work today and noticed these four standing proud in the sun. They are all residential now but it’s lovely to see this part of history still preserved, so they are my picture of day.

The sun glides quietly beyond the vale, a day does end and night begins.

August 6th 2024
A quiet day in my home office today, I guess I am lucky in that I can do some of my work at home. We went for a walk, as the sun was setting on a tranquil evening, you can feel the night approaching as the twilight sets in. A quietness descends and the sky darkens as the glow of the sun fades. We watched the sun go down and so i took this image to remind me that peace and silence are sleeps companions, good night world, see you again soon.

Through symmetry you see the world, the parallel in mind and body.

August 7th 2024
I have worked in the same building for many years, you get used to how it looks. Because I set myself this “One picture per day” challenge I am being forced to look really hard to find new pictures in my everyday life. I actually spotted a picture yesterday as I was leaving the office, the symmetry, the contrast of hard parallel lines with the world outside perfectly framed. So today, I waited for the light to cast nice shadows and took this shot. It’s the view I get everyday as I enter but only yesterday did I really notice the beauty here. So this is my photo of the day.

A life remembered, the flowers left. A tear flows.

August 8th 2024
I took the day off today to do a photographic workshop down in Rye. It was organised by the Sussex Wildlife trust and was called “The Fine art Photography Workshop: Landscapes and Memory” We met at the Rye Harbour nature reserve Cafe. It was great to talk with other photographers and Martin the host was great. Photography is art and it’s really great to meet others with the same mindset. We went out to walk around the nature reserve and I came across this bench. It would be easy to just walk past and ignore this but I stopped and looked, photography makes you do that. The Bench had a dedication to Tim Simms, he died in 2019 and it would have been his birthday today. Someone loved Tim, a partner, a daughter? They got up that morning, got the flowers and put them in a jar, then drove down to the reserve to place them on the bench dedicated to him. Tim must of loved the place, a twitcher maybe, it brought a tear to my eye. I took this shot, in memory of my trip and to Tim. This is my photo of the day, as with all images, they should invoke an emotion, this one does for me. Check out the collections section for more images from the day.

The angels wait for us to see.

August 9th 2024

Most towns and villages have small churches and a burial ground around them. If you walk through them, you will see memories of people who lived here but have long since passed. Although you think of churchyards as solemn, I like to think of them as restful places where the living and the dead can walk together. I often drive by our local church, I spotted an angel in the churchyard, it was the only one there. It stood out to me so I took the shot and here it is, my picture of the day.

To stand upon the hill, to turn the stones that built an empire.

August 10th 2024
Today is Saturday, we decided to take a trip to Cranbrook in Kent. It’s a nice little village with a small high street, cafes and hardware shops. There is also a windmill, I love windmills, they stand proud in any landscape they appear in, and remind us that we used to use the wind to power our economies long before the current fashion. The earliest recorded windmill design is the Panemone, which originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) around 700-900 AD. So these machines have been around for over 1000 years. The one in Cranbrook is a fine example and is still in operation. You can buy the flour it produces in the mill itself. There is something about these machines that calls to me, they are from a bygone age but like steam engines, have a charm all of their own. If you are ever in Cranbrook, stop by and take a look inside. I love the way they look and so here is my picture of the day as I walked up to the entrance.

The dancers jangle with sticks they fight, the summer fields their battleground of fun and laughter.

August 11th 2024
The summer fete is a tradition in the UK that brings out people to celebrate the long days and easy living. The Morris dancers have been around since the 15th century, with sticks and bells to dance and rejoice the summer. There is a local fete called “Pistons & Paws” which brings together classic cars and animals from the local area. As you may have gathered, I really like the old cars and history is endlessly fascinating. To see the people having fun, the ice cream vans, the classic cars and dogs is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Whilst listening to this group and watching their well practiced moves, it reminded me that people have passions and it drives them. What is your passion? I encourage you all to find something to be passionate about and spend your time following that path. It seems to me that, nothing else really matters.

Harvest comes as summer wains, the air is warm and still.

August 12th 2024
I was on my way to work, on the route I pass through lots of open countryside. By chance I looked and saw a field that had been freshly cut and stacked for hay. I backed up a little, got out of the car and lent over the gate to see this view. The clouds painted across a morning sky, the field freshly cut with the smell of grass in the air. Earlier I wondered if today was going to be a tough day to find a good image, but no. Here it was, just sitting there waiting for me to drive past. This shot was straight out of camera, no edits at all, as are many of my shots here. I love it when it all goes to plan and you get the shot you wanted.

Eyes that watch, he sits and waits.

August 13th 2024
Another working at home day today, it’s a hot day. The UK is not used to hot weather and we are all suffering a bit. I was working at my desk when I was interrupted by a howling cat. I looked down and there was our old black cat called Zulu (he was a real hunter in his younger days) looking up a me. It’s strange in some ways how we share our lives with animals, these little heartbeats are in our homes and in our lives. They bring company and friendship, they become a part of the family. He was looking at me with an intense glare, so I got down close to his face and took this shot. He is an old cat but still a pleasure to be in his company and I am glad he is around. I cropped the original image right down to just his face and so he is my picture of the day.

To glimpse a world outside but the chains of life restrain.

August 14th 2024
I knew when starting this challenge that some days are going to be difficult to find an image. I had both my cameras with me but I could not find anything that felt worth taken a picture of. So the day arrived, there was no decent shots to be had. I began day dreaming a bit and started to look out the window to see if there was anything out there worth shooting. The blinds in front of the window stopped me looking out but I got glimpses of the world outside through the gaps in the blinds. I like the way reality was broken and the blinds prevented me from seeing. I could only see pieces of the world. I grabbed my camera and took this shot. I imagined it like Alice in wonderland, trying to pass through the looking glass. Moving into another more exciting world.

Time ticks by as metal slowly bends to natures will.

August 15th 2024

Another day working at home, as you can imagine, being at home reduces the possibilities of getting some nice shots. So I decided to go for a walk with my trusty M246 by my side. The sun was out, with a pleasant summer breeze. I took a few shots of fields, trees and local cottages. Then wandered past a slightly run down looking farm. I noticed through a gap in the trees and bushes what looked like a car of some sort. On getting a bit closer I discovered a rusting old car, maybe an old Land rover? It looked like it had been there for years, chassis bent, no wheels, missing glass and plants growing in it. I felt sorry for it, left to rust, neglected and destined for oblivion. So I took the shot to preserve it forever and it is my picture of the day.

George Mercer laid his bones upon the soil, to rest and be at peace.

August 16th 2024

Ok, I admit it, I have a thing about old buildings, churches and anything with a long history. When I was at school I hated history, it was boring, learning dates, and basic facts about countries and what happened when. DULLLLLLLLLL. It was only later I discovered the true beauty in history. How people lived, why they did what they did, how they died, the songs of life and death. It was poetic and beautiful. I love old churches, they were the centre of life in so many towns. All the important stuff of life happened in the local church. The births, the marriages, the Sundays and the final goodbyes. This month I have been looking for pictures, today had not been fruitful. After work I went for a walk to my local town and wandered past the local church. I met George, I wonder who he was, what he did in his life, a baker, a farmer or just a man trying to live his life? He was born in 1845 in a little village in Kent. He lived a life and died 63 years later. I found his grave, under a tree, at the edge of the churchyard next to the road. I thought at least he can see the world go by, I wonder what he would have thought about it now. A lot of things have happened over the last 114 years. How different it is now to when he was alive. His final resting place is my picture of the day. Rest in peace George.

Humanity.

August 17th 2024

Today (Saturday) we went to another country fair. This one was called “Tractor fest”. It was crammed full of people enjoying the summer sun and their free time. The old and the young, the rich and the poor, the vendors and the mechanics were all here. It struck me how different we all are but how similar too. I was sitting watching a concert and I glanced sideways, to be greeted by this, a heaving mass of humanity. Soaking up the sun, the noise, the smells, it made me feel alive. This is my picture of the day, enjoy life for it is magnificent.

The water flows and brings the essence of life.

August 18th 2024
Today we travelled down to the LIme Warf cafe near Northiam, Kent to meet some friends for breakfast. There is something very rewarding abut meeting friends and sharing a meal. It’s a great place with good food, friendly staff and a nice location. We were supposed to meet them at 9.30am but we were early, so I decided to have a little wander before they got there. The cafe is next to a waterway, where they rent out and offer canoe trips and other boating experiences. I walked onto the dock and saw this image. The canal stretches before you, with boats either side, calling you to get on board and have some fun. Summer is a great time to be messing about on the water.

The crops that feed stand tall and ready

August 19th 2024
Today was a dull day both work and weather, a cloudy grey day. Earlier in the year we moved, I wondered how the old place was doing, so I drove past to check on it on the way home from work. There used to be an orchard in this field but it was stripped and planted for maize/corn. It was nice to see the place but it had changed, I preferred the orchard and the open fields, now there are crops and barbed fences everywhere. I guess life goes on and things change, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. I took this shot to remind me of the orchard and the ample supply of cooking apples we used to get. We spent many happy years here but we knew it was time to move on.

Freedom flies across the skies, the roar of engines pound the air.

August 20th 2024
I was working in my home office again today, it’s up in the top of the house. It gets hot up their on warm days so I opened the roof window. You get some lovely views of open country up here. I was working at my desk when I heard a roar. There is a small local airport nearby, only small pleasure planes use it mostly and they fly over a few times a week. Today there was a roar, I quickly looked out to see three old biplanes slowly sliding across the sky. I grabbed my camera and just caught them before they went over the roof. It’s lovely to see these old planes still flying, I really like them and so this is my photo of the day.

An angry sky, the sun brings light and births the day.

August 21st 2024

Another day, another dollar or so the old saying goes. I’m off to the office today. As I get up and open the curtains, I am greeted with this. Angry clouds and a blinding sun. I never get sick of this view, it’s different everyday. Today it looked angry, but the sun had a brilliant glow that made me feel glad to be alive, so this is my picture of the day.

The self on show, a shell that moves thy presence.

August 22nd 2024
Another day in the home office, a normal day and not much chance to take a decent picture. In the evening we went down to Folkestone to visit my sister for a book launch. She is an author, actress, writer and all round good person. She is launching her new book called “The Folkestone Five“, a children’s books about a criminal gang of seagulls and their cunning plan to steal chips, ice creams and cigarettes. It’s a wonderful book and is illustrated by Phil Price a very talented artist/teacher also now based in Folkestone. They have a shop called “Custard HQ” in the old high street now artists quarter. I recommend a visit. Usually I don’t like to do self portraits but the venue we were in has mirrors all over the walls of differing sizes and shapes and I liked the way it looked, so here I am, in my own picture of the day.

The tree it stands the tests of time.

August 23rd 2024

The bank holiday weekend is here and we have family visiting. They brought their dog and we decided to take him out out for a walk. We walked round a local field, which has a solitary tree in the middle. I’ve seen this tree many times before, it stands there tall and strong, alone in a open field. A reminder of nature and how determined it can be. I often wonder what it has seen over the years, when there was nothing here, just farms and open lands. It has it’s own history and may well be here long after I am not. You were not here for a billions years, you are alive for 5 minutes and then you will be gone forever. Take time to stop and look at the nature that surrounds you, enjoy your life and protect the natural world while you can.

When the rains came, the droplets fall on eyes of sorrow.

August 24th 2024
Today (Saturday) the rains came, someone forgot to tell the weather it was summer. The rain woke me up in the early hours as I lay their listening to it’s melodic pitter-patter. When the sun came up, I noticed the raindrops clinging to the windows, blurring the reality of the world outside. I grabbed my camera and took the shot. I decided I like the rain, it clears the air and washes away the past, ready for a new dawn.

The tangled tree of life.

August 25th 2024
It’s Sunday today, we decided to go to Bedgebury Pinetum, for those that don’t know it, it’s an area of forest in Kent. It has a huge variety of trees and walks suitable for families, bikes, and even climbing. We have been before, we call it tree bathing, walking through the forest always feels like I am bathing in the trees oxygen and natures energy, it brings a calmness. As you wander through the paths surrounded by trees, all your worries lift, your breath deepens and you relax. It’s a place to go to feel the calm that nature brings. There are lots of different trees, I noticed this one as we walked under it. It’s branches were a tangles mess, it reminded me of how life is and how random it looks but it is all built to evolution’s design. It’s amazes me how tiny seeds can create such complex monsters. So this is my picture of the day, the tree of life.

I sit and watch the humins, so busy, they scuttle by. They need to learn to be more goat, to chill and watch the sky.

August 26th 2024

Today is Bank Holiday Monday, we decided to go and visit our goaty friends. Buttercups is a charity based in Kent that looks after mistreated and abandoned goats from all over the UK. We often go to see them to support the charity and spend some time with these charming little creatures. I sat with this one in the sun, just chillin. He looked at me, and we just sat there enjoying the sunshine. They are very friendly animals, very relaxed around people and love a nice ear rub (don’t we all). You can buy carrot chunks or food pellets which they love, so you can feed them. They take food directly from your hands, which is fun for kids and adults alike. It’s a nice way to spend an hour or two, and you can help them out by adopting one if you want, they still live in the sanctuary you just help with their costs. It’s a worthwhile thing to help take care of them, I recommend a visit.
https://www.buttercups.org.uk

To travel in time, the homes built, the war fought, the people remembered

August 27th 2024
Working at home again, so nothing much to shoot. I took a few shots out of the windows but nothing great. I drove to a local high street to do some chores. I noticed this memorial and the old house behind it. Time ticks by almost unnoticed except for the things we leave behind. History is a wonderful thing if you stop and look, there is history everywhere. This town is over 1200 years old, the house maybe a few hundred, the memorial only a few decades but to stand there and see it all is to witness history. The next time you are out, take time to stop and look for the history in front of you.

A man of steel cast in bronze, a gift from those he saved.

August 28th 2024

I was in Westerham in Kent today. I knew it had ties to Churchill, with his home (Chartwell) nearby. I have driven through the high street a few times and noticed what looked like a statue on the green. Today, after work, I drove up to the high street and went for a walk. I walked down to the green looking for that statue, to find this. It was Winston, sitting in his chair watching the traffic go by. The statue was a seated bronze figure on a rough limestone plinth, a gift from the Yugoslav people. 1969. Standing in front of this statue made me think about all the decisions he had to make during his life. Decisions of life and death during the war years. What kind of man could have made those decisions, kept his cool? I am glad he is remembered, some people are special and here is a memory of one of them.

The rusting chains that hold, to push against the barriers that keep you in your place.

August 29th 2024
I was feeling uninspired today, everything was hard work. I don’t know if you have days like that or it’s just me. Sometimes easy task become hard, nothing works out as intended and you don’t really care much anyway. I went out for a walk to try to shake off the negativity, the countryside always helps. I came across a field that had a large gate held with a rusting chain. Whilst looking at it, it reminded me that sometimes we put up our own fences in our minds, with gates and chains that hold us back. We make up excuses as to why we can’t do this or can’t do that, we hold ourselves back for no good reason. Like the rusting chain and gate, preventing you from following the path, push through it, jump over it. Force yourself to do what you always wanted to, never let those chains and gates inside you own mind prevent you from winning and following the path you always wanted.

Welcome to Ramhurst Lodge, THE place to go glamping in style.

August 30th 2024
I often go for walks in the countryside, I find it relaxing and calming. Whilst out for a walk I came across “Ramhurst Lodge”, a luxury venue for the discerning glamper. The name “Ramhurst Lodge” conjures up all sorts of images in my mind of beautiful country estates, with pools and tennis courts, but instead we have this. It made me laugh. I don’t think I have ever come across a farm building quite so ramshackled and run down, the smell was let’s just say very “country”. Used as a cowshed, this sorry looking building set me thinking about our modern lives and all that we take for granted. Some people are not so lucky, enjoy the comforts you have in your life, appreciate them, for you will miss them if they go. This is my penultimate image for the day, I hope you liked this series, only one more to go.

A stroll with family, the quiet speaks of happy times and friends forever.

August 31st 2024
And there we have it. 31 days of photos from August 2024. I wondered how it would go, would I find the inspiration to get a decent shot every day? Some days were harder than others but It has been fun. I liked having to look around everyday for new topics and this is my final one. We went down to Folkestone today to visit family, we walked along a quiet beach front. As we walked there was a sense of calm and peace that is hard to find in this modern world. My final wish to you all is to spend your life doing the things that make you happy. Ok, that’s it. bye..

I would love to hear from you, so email me on email135@tutanota.com, I suspect I have an audience of one (me) but I hope this series brings you as much peasure as it did for me.

Dan.

Does Gear Matter?

We all want to be better photographers right? There seems to be a never ending supply of new cameras and reviews of new gear. The idea being i guess is that the latest gear means you will be the best photographer you can be.

Does gear matter? What makes a good photographer, can you just get the best gear our there and use it to create images to be proud of? Let’s discuss this bit.

Are you a photographer?

This sounds like a silly question, but what does it mean to be a photographer. To my mind a photographer want to take pictures, to make art, to record a scene in a way that is remembered. Photography allow us to take moments out of time and keep them. Photography is about art and recording the world you see. To be a photographer you must want to actually take pictures, every day if possible and not with your phone. Let me ask you, “when did you last pick up a camera and use it?” I don’t include phones in this since, most people carry these all the time anyway. I should say that there is nothing wrong with phones for everyday photography but they do all the work for you. They will produce OK images but there is no passion or skill in that, it’s not you taking the pictures, you will learn nothing. You really do need a real camera and you need to carry it with you.

Pretty much any camera you can buy costing £1000 or more over the last 10 years will produce a decent image. In the second hand market you can get decent cameras for £500, So what camera you have is totally irrelevant, they are pretty much all good enough.

Nikon D700

But where gear does matter is that you must be comfortable with your camera, want to hold it, pick it up and use it. This is where gear DOES matter. It’s not the megapixels, the autofocus, the high ISO, the weather sealing, the lens selection, the size, the sensor, no. What matters is that you like it, you want to hold it, look at it, pick it up, take it with you and use it.

The only gear that matters is the gear you love and is with you where ever you go.

Maybe I should tell you a bit about my gear journey. Like most people, I have tried lots of different cameras. Pentax (Film), Nikon (DSLR, full frame), Sony (Mirrorless Full Frame and APSC), Fujifilm (APSC and Medium format). In each case I was trying to find the best gear for my style of shooting. I mostly take shots of landscapes, nature, the world around me, street etc. For each system there were advantages and disadvantages, I would buy a camera and lens, use it for a while , then sell it. This went on for decades (Yes I am an old git).

Sony A7R III

One day i discovered Leica. Obviously I had heard of Leica but always considered them a luxury camera for rich people (not me). I decided to give Leica a try, selling a Sony A7R III to raise enough cash to actually afford one. I went for the cheapest one I could find, which was an M8 with a Voightlander 35mm. Did it make me a better photographer?

Leica M8

Nope.

It made me much worse. I sold it shortly afterwards because it was manual focus which meant I kept missing shots, i over or under exposed images a lot, it was an old and expensive camera which I thought was fragile and so was afraid to take it with me in case of damage or being stolen. It was a beautiful camera, I loved to hold it, the manual clicks of the dials, the simplicity of the menus, the pure photographic experience was lovely, it was a joy to own but I still sold it. It just wasn’t for me.

Looking for every improving image quality I bought a GFX 50R thinking medium format was the answer to the best images. Wrong again. Whilst the images WERE great, It was too big and heavy to carry around and it’s complexity and menus drove me nuts. Lenses were huge and heavy, I sold it shortly afterwards.

GFX 50R

Although I often ended up with crap images, I did love the Leica. I missed it.

It was then I realised the truth, the only gear that matters is the gear you love. I spent a lot of time handling the Leica, holding it, wanting to pick it up. It was simple but frustrating and required skill to get anything half decent out of it. I realised that the look of the Leica M camera and the way it operated made me want to use it, take it with me even though I often got crap images. This was entirely my fault, I did not have the skill required to use it properly. Modern cameras make you lazy, with a Leica M you have to do the work and do it properly.

I went out and bought a Leica M246, a black and white only camera. It’s totally manual and ONLY does black and white. I paired it with a Voightlander 28mm F2. That’s it, I’m hooked. It goes everywhere I go, the 28mm stays on it 90% of the time, I did get a 50mm F1.2 for portraits and low light but that is it, 90% of the time its just my M246 and 28mm.

Why did I go for the M246?

It had the same look and feel as the M8, but less fragile. I have always loved black and white and wanted a camera that was specifically built for that. “What about the original M Monochrome or one of the newer Monochrome cameras“, I hear you ask. I did look at the M9 mono but it has sensor issues, I also looked at the M10 Mono but it has 40 MP. 24 MP gives better tonal response than 40 MP in my opinion, the same applies to the M11 and Q2 mono cameras.

Leica M246

I found my camera, I got better using it. It produces jaw dropping images when I get it right that make my heart sing with joy and that I am intensely proud of. I use it as often as I can.

The moral of this story is to find ONE beautiful camera and ONE elegant lens that you love and use them. You will then produce your best work, and you will love doing it. Do not chase the megapixels, the auto focus, the high dynamic range, the endless array of lenses, they are not what you need, you will spend all your time and money on changing gear and not on producing good work. Find one camera you love and use it.

A recent classic car show

From a local Goat sanctuary

Whitstable, Kent

Buttercups Goats Sanctuary

I paid a recent visit to a local goat sanctuary called Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats. I have been there a few times, it’s a small charity based organisation with over 100 animals.

I sat with this one for a while, like and old friend.

I don’t know what it is but there is something about these charming creatures that make you forget all you worries and stresses. To just sit with them, give them a favourite treat (carrots mainly) is just so calming.

They accept us, regardless of who we are.

In the wild they would be hunted, constantly afraid of everything. Here they are safe, relaxed, content. They are happy to sit with you, spend some chill time with the “humins”. They seem to enjoy being strokes and can become a little insistent when you stop. Goats will try to eat anything so keep and eye out for loose material, more than one tried to nibble my shirt.

It’s not a very big place but there is a cafe and you can buy treats so you can feed them directly. It’s a great place for families to come, it’s very cheap and the kids will love feeding them. Although the goats may frighten the very smallest children. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, the goats wander freely and so you will encounter the “little presents” they leave.

You can buy “goat experience” mornings, so you can get to see how the place is run and help with the chores or you can just go and pet them as they wander freely about the place.

Some of the feeding areas

They take care of the sick and abused animals from all over kent and so they need our support. Just going there, feeding the goats, spending some time there really help them out. So why not pay them a visit. Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, Wierton park, Wierton Road, Boughton Monchelsea, Kent ME17 4JW

I had a lovely morning there, just sitting, watching them. They are cute and have their own personalities.

Classic cars

A recent trip to a classic car show.

I went to a classic car show near Appledore, in Kent over the weekend. On display were a collection of cars going back many years. These old vehicles are objects of love and dedication, they are works of art in their own right. For me, what made them classics were their looks, their style, their beauty and their history.

The style shines through on this Chevvy.

All the cars and vans were works of art, and are loved.

There were quite a few cars made by Austin, they have a real class about them.

I think the thing that struck me most was that all the cars were object of passion and love. People cared for them like a child or family member. Each car had a story, a “life“, which the owners were happy to share. Each history unique and full of colour. It was a real pleasure to walk among them, feel the history, the character of each.

They were all works of art.

I can’t recommend enough for you to go and see some of these beauties when you get the chance. To some they are just old cars but as with all things if you really look, find out about them, you will discover a treasure trove of history and love.

A reflection of love in chrome, to cherish the life and time you have. To see the classics and love them are honours given by time.

Whitstable

We went down to Whitstable with a friend for a day out. I’ve not been there for quite a number of years. It would be interesting to see how much it had changed from the place I remember. I’m pleased to say it still has the charm and lively feel that I remember. Although you can see quite a few closed shops now, a sign of the times I guess.

We walked up and down the high street and passed the Wetherspoons that used to be the cinema. I stopped to look, Peter Cushin used to live in Whitstable and the pub is named after him. I’m very glad the buildlng is being maintained and still has some of the character of the original cinema. I wonder what he would have thought of it. The building still feels like a cinema and I feel the movies of old playing to packed audiences, hearing their gasps and screams at another blood chiller, at the hands of Peter.

Walking down the high street, recording the everyday brings a great deal of peace and satisfaction, street photography is different everytime, even if you go to the same place. We wandered around and headed down to the harbour area. It was busy with people and boats tied up, it’s great to see the hustle and bustle, the fishermen, the traders, the tourists all mixing in life’s sweat dance. I took some more shots of the harbour and the beach, there is something about the coast, the wind, the open air that brings a calm.

Sitting on the beach with a cold pint of beer with good friends is highly recommended. Watching the clouds slide across the sky with the sound of children and water lapping is one of life’s pleasures that should not be overlooked.

About this Blog

Hi, I’m Dan. I am 60 and born in South East London, currently living in Kent. Always a bit of a techie and engineer but now into photography and enjoying life. I set up this website to show off my photographs and to have a place where I can write down my thoughts and feelings about life. I hope you like my images, I want them to be art and a reflection of the world I live in. Over time I will put all my best work here and a little about where the images were taken and why I took them.

A typical South East London street, where you would find a small boy running around in the 1970’s

I’ve had loads of different cameras over the years, starting with film (Pentax MX) then lots of others. More recently i’ve had Nikon D800/D810’s Sony A7 and A7R3’s as as well as Fujifilm X100’s and GFX 50R medium format. In the end I realised it doesn’t matter what camera you use as long as you love it. If you love it, you will take it with you. The best camera so they say in the one you have on you. Currently I have a Leica M246 with a 28mm(F2) and 50mm (F1.2) lens. I much prefer to shoot black & white and manual focus prime lenses give you the most control and best image quality that I have found. There is something about controlling every part of image creation that makes it so satisfying, the image is taken by you, not the camera.

I have a few hobbies, including eating, drinking, photography, movies, AI, having fun and holidays.

If you have any questions or suggestions, I’d be happy to hear from you, so get in touch.