The Pillbox

The same pillbox photographed in 2009 and 2016. The first shot looks west towards East Runton and the second image looks east towards Cromer, the distinctive Victorian pier being visible on the horizon.

Originally constructed on the clifftop, the pillbox ended up down on the beach due to coastal erosion. An intricate series of coastal defences were constructed in key locations along the Norfolk coast, many of which can still be seen.

At the start of World War 2, Norfolk was seen as the most logical location for a potential German invasion of England due to its geographical location (closest part of Britain to Germany) and beaches with deep water access that would enable ships to get close into the coast and put troops ashore.

Heading Upland

Images taken on moors near Stanhope and Consett in County Durham.

Back on Track

Images from a new project that i’m adding to the mini blog on my main website this month. Early days but I like the results so far – especially the digital black and white which I’ve never really been keen on until now. The prejudice of an old school film fan.

It’s been a tough year, photography wise. I just haven’t been that happy with making pictures or photography in general. With this little project i’m trying to remedy that malady and try to get back on track. At the moment it feels like i’m running on empty.

As for the reasons, well i think it’s mostly about last year catching up with me. There was no time to emotionally deal with events at the time. Keep calm and carry on was the unofficial motto, but you have to pay the bill eventually. No avoiding it.

Grief. I think it arrived earlier this year and it’s been hard to shake off since. Some days lurking in the background, others up close and personal. Subtle but strong.

Grief. Small word. Big impact.

Photography is so intrinsically part of my life that maybe its no wonder that it’s been affected by recent events. Photography is feeling, and I’ve been feeling numb, tired and a bit lost. Hopefully this little project can start to put me back on track.

Feeding the Gulls

Sea front at Hunstanton, Norfolk – September 2016

Terris Novalis

Terris Novalis is an impressive sculpture located in Consett, County Durham that symbolises the economic regeneration of the area.  In the background is the Tesco building, the supermarket standing on the land where the old steel works used to stand.

Sea Wall

Hunstanton Sea Front – September 2016

 

Sage Talk

Presenter Rana Mitter with Damon Hill, Tanni Grey-Thompson and former Colonel Lincoln Jopp at the Free Thinking Festival at Sage Gateshead  – 18th March 2017.

A few weeks ago i was fortunate to go along to a great talk at Sage Gateshead  (a most impressive building btw) as part of the Free Thinking festival  which hosts a variety of discussions recorded for BBC Radio 3 programme called… you guessed it… Free Thinking. Sadly we only had time to attend one talk but i’d certainly like to go another year as the range of topics being discussed were fantastic.

The topic under consideration at the talk i attended was whether the rush of adrenaline makes us think better? The panel consisted of 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill, Tanni Grey-Thompson (16 Paralympic medals during her career (including 11 golds) and won the London Marathon six times) and former British army Colonel Lincoln Jopp ( served for 27 years, commanding in conflict zones around the world).

The talk was recorded and can be heard HERE via a BBC podcast.

I did manage to get a photo at the end, though my choice of a wideangle lens wasn’t exactly ideal – it was just on the camera when i left the house! Not a bad shot though 🙂