It is by most counts a lovely place to live. The proximity of the river with it's pleasing walks and splendid views, the recreational advantages of being adjacent to the largest of all the Royal parks and the presence of amenities close at hand make Richmond an immense draw for Londoners accounting therefore for the demand and price levels of property in the area. Yet Richmond also lies in the flightpath to Heathrow with residents having to endure the seemingly near constant sound of approaching aircraft in the day. From tomorrow July 1, the second phase of operational trials which allow for aircraft to arrive earlier in the morning and to use whichever runway that was deemed more suitable during busy periods begin at Heathrow and this trial has been extended by a further six months until March of next year. With the possibility of a third runway the subject of constant debate in political circles, it comes as no surprise that much talk at the annual summer party of The Richmond Society was about Heathrow and aeroplanes.
With support for the plight of local residents coming from Zac Goldsmith the sitting member of Parliament for the constituency along with a number of his party colleagues as well as the Liberal Democrats, it is a certainty that debate over the long-standing issue of flights over the borough is set to continue. If Richmond is to get noisier then the residents will be gathering support to ensure that they too will be heard.
For the moment though and through the course of the afternoon, members of the society enjoyed their annual get-together on the lawn and grounds of Trumpeters' House courtesy of the owners, Baron and Baroness Van Diedem.
Guests of honour at the party this year included Bamber Gascoigne and Mark and Rosemary Edwards. Observers of the recent celebrations of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee will recall that Mark Edwards was the originator of the Gloriana, the centrepiece of the water pageant on the recent weekend of celebrations.
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
In an inter-denominational event organised by Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, Emeritus Anglican Bishop of Rochester lights a vigil candle in the memory of Shahbaz Bhatti, the assassinated Minorities Minister of Pakistan who was gunned down as he travelled to work in 2011. Bhatti a Roman Catholic, had spoken out in support of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws. Shahbaz who knew that he himself was in mortal danger had recorded a video to be released in the event of his murder saying that as a result of his belief in Christ Jesus who had give his own life for us, he too would be ready to give his own and defend the rights of others.
The Vigil of Light concluded the Night of Witness event at Westminster Cathedral which was held on Thursday the 17 May to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in practising their faith in various parts of the world. The sacrifice in respect of each of five selected incidents was first announced to the congregation. This was followed by a scripture reading before each of those occasions was then commemorated with the placing of a picture on an easel, the lighting of a candle and prayers of the rosary. Please check my site for updates and further images. High resolution images are available upon request.
Fujifilm X10
Other images - Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II
EF 16-35, 24-70 and 70-200
You are welcome to use my pictures for personal, religious and educational purposes without charge but if you share or distribute them in any manner, I would be grateful if you would kindly acknowledge the origin of the images. Thank You
Weenson Oo/picture-u.net
Weenson Oo/picture-u.net
Last Thursday marked three lots of Pannack within a week and how visually satisfying they were too. One day my friends you will know her as a household name. Those of us who have been touched by her ' stop dead in your tracks and gaze ' quality of photographic art already know this. Laura's pictures tell a story. You only have to look at her blog to appreciate this and rarely will you find there to be a need to embellish a post with more than one image. One picture says it all just as one picture won her the biggest prize of her young career so far, the World Press Photo Award in 2010 for the category of Portraits Singles. While one picture is enough to tell of a story she chooses to write, a few images taken on the preview night of her latest solo exhibition at the no half measures establishment going by the title of Gallery One and A Half might tell of another story, the coming of a bright star.
Fujifilm X10
Thirty years ago tragedy struck on a Belgian grand prix circuit east of Brussels. Approaching the seventh turn during the closing laps of the final qualifying session, Gilles Villeneuve's Ferrari was launched into the air off the rear wheel of a slowing car. With alarming ferocity the car somersaulted along the short straight which was the first part of a section called Terlamenbocht, at the end of it throwing it's driver out across the track onto the catch fencing. At just 32, Gilles Villeneuve's grand prix career was brutally cut short and a shining light was lost to the world of motor racing.
Gilles' first formula 1 race was at Silverstone in 1977 and though at the wheel of an aging Mclaren M23 acquitted himself very well, running ahead of far better-established stars in the early stages and closing on Mario Andretti, the pacesetter of that season. Less than a year later in the fourth race of his first full season in the sport, he would lead the United States Grand Prix West at Long Beach until half distance when an over hasty move to overtake a car which he was about to lap on a twisty section of the circuit resulted in contact with the wall. By then however Gilles had served notice of his ambitions and many would remember well his astonishing and near impossible levels of car control.
The tales of inhuman feats are many such as emerging with a lead of 12 seconds after practice at a rain-soaked Watkins Glen. That's Twelve Seconds!!! There might have been only six wins in his short career which lasted little more than four years but every one of them was memorable. The last two in 1981 probably most of all since they were achieved in a car that had no part to play at the front of a chasing pack of pursuers. Hanging onto third place which would then become second by the skin of his teeth, Giles wrestled a beast of a car and pressed Alan Jones until the Australian's Williams car broke, resulting in a most unexpected victory and a first for a turbo-powered car around the tight confines of Monaco. Till this day I do not believe this would have been possible were another driver behind the wheel of that Ferrari. Then just a fortnight later he led a train of five cars home at Jarama. No one it has been widely testified could have held it all together let alone at the front.
By far the most impressive characteristic about Gilles for me was his integrity. At the end of the 1978 season, despite having been with Ferrari for a year, the prancing horse team signed a more experienced Jody Sheckter to be the number 1 driver in the team. However as it turned out, the driver who would lead Ferrari's charge over the season would be Gilles so when it came to Monza in September, all Gilles had to do to be world champion was to overtake Sheckter, something well within his near limitless ability. But Gilles having given his word that he would help Sheckter to the world title was not about to renege on his promise. Thus when Didier Pironi overtook Car No 27 at Imola less than three years later when both cars had been given the directive to slow down, Gilles took the move as a duplicitous act of enormous proportions. That was why on the morning of May 8 1982 notwithstanding that once again his was generally the pacesetter of the two red cars, he felt a need to establish his role at the front of the team, a desire that cost him dearly. Former world champion contender Carlos Reutemann met with Gilles before the race at Monza 1979, saying to the Canadian that if he had an opportunity to take the title he should not throw it away. World championships were very hard to come by added Reutemann and there may not be another chance. " Nah " replied Gilles. " I've promised Jody I'll let him win. He's going to help me win in 1980... " Be it at the cost of a world title, for Gilles his word was more important.
The stuff of champions, Gilles was the hero you would find in boys' own comic books. He had a sense of honour and a set of values from a bygone age. Enzo Ferrari once said he loved Gilles like a son. and called him " Il Piccolo Canadese ", the tiny Canadian, a term of affection he reserved for Gilles. Ferrari was a man who had seen them all and had contracted even for a short time, arguably the greatest of them all.
Salut Gilles.
Salut Gilles.
Picture Credits - victorvarela.com, timblair.net, actualfoto, unknown sources
Maurice Sendak was according to the New York Times, the most important children's book illustrator of the 20th century. I wouldn't argue with that, having purchased a now-lost copy of Mahler's Symphony No3 on RCA Records by James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It was as much the sleeve as a desire to know the work that encouraged me to buy that particular recording from a now equally long-gone music shop on the northern reaches of Regent's Park Road, one of the few music stores which in my days on a student 's budget was offering brand new recordings at a discount.
The magic of Mahler 3, now my favourite of all classical works was captured perfectly by the work of Sendak. Mahler would wake early each morning to work in his little studio, a composing hut as it was, built on a lakeside and surrounded by a flower-strewn meadow. Unsurprising then that such delights of nature would be encapsulated into music which opens with a movement intriguingly and delightfully entitled ' Pan Awakes, Summer Marches In '. From there Mahler revealed to us in music about what the flowers told him and then the animals and then by man before the angels have their say and finally to be crowned by universal love. It was credit to RCA therefore that they recognised from Maurice Sendak's own repertoire, the perfect technical and artistic rendition that would capture all of Mahler's musical vision as Sendak's work would tell us what came to Mahler in the night.
The maiden visit of the Capella Musicale Pontifica " Sistina " otherwise known as The Sistine Chapel Choir, the Pope's personal choir to Britain, was greeted by a packed, standing room affair at Westminster Cathedral last evening, the proceeds of the collection going to The St John Southworth Fund which supports parishes, organisations and projects across a wide range of issues including poverty, homelessness, old age and issues affecting children in danger of deprivation.
Lasting an hour and a half, the choir under the direction of Mgr Massimo Palombella sang unaccompanied, performing music historically used in Papal Celebrations taking the audience on a journey through the Liturgical Year. The concert concluded with an address by Archbishop Vincent Nichols who expressed his gratitude to the Pope for sending the choir, referring to the uplifting nature of the music before going on to speak of the work of St John Southworth and the worthy cause of the charity. Then he made special thanks to Mgr Palombella and the members of the choir, speaking in very fluent Italian and highly impressive it was too before closing with a prayer from his heart. Mgr Palombella additionally addressed the audience before leading a final encore.
Fujifilm X10
I spent part of last Friday afternoon checking out Parkopedia's site about where best to park on the edge of the City though within reach of Victoria Embankment. My first visit to Somerset House was scheduled for last Saturday you see. I had a very special invitation to a discussion hosted by Save The Children on the subject of child poverty, a subject close to my heart.
About two years ago I came to know of Laura Pannack through an email from Canon about her winning entry in the category of portraits at the 2010 World Press Photo Awards. It was a stunning image by someone so young though with an obviously burgeoning talent. Music lovers can tell the style of a composer just as you can easily discern Laura's very distinctive signature. There is a great clarity of subject which is perfectly exposed. Her pictures have soul and offer the viewer not only an essence of being there but more importantly an opportunity to bear witness to a story being told. From arrangements of simple backgrounds to landscapes with a watercolour effect and she does it in analog!!! I remember when I began to follow her blog that she was very attached to her ' Baby Bronny '. Now of course she has moved onto something else since the Baby Bronny has seen it's best days. I first met Laura at Vision 11 in Olympia when she was part of a panel discussion on career development. She spoke with the natural eloquence of a practised professional and seasoned orator, with charming humility and in an inclusive manner. Thus I was specially delighted to have spoken with her on that occasion and remained in touch since.
On Saturday last in company with Liz Hingley, Abbie Trayler-Smith, Carol Ann Storey and Simon Roberts, fellow photographers who were jointly commissioned by Save The Children to spend a year working with families around the country to tell the story of children in the UK who live in poverty, Laura participated in a discussion panel at Somerset House recounting their experience in assisting the charity on this campaign. During the duration of their commission, much time was spent with several families and images from their assignment are in an exhibition entitled Our Lives, on show at the Embankment Galleries until 20 May.
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| Laura Pannack with Abbie Trayler-Smith, Liz Hngley, Jess Crombie of Save The Children, Carol Ann Storey and Simon Roberts |
Laura was also presented two days earlier with second prize in the advertising campaign category at the Sony World Photo Awards, again at Somerset House. Her pictures were for a German charity highlighting the plight of children caught in marital discord. This is art, fact and the capture of truth before your very eyes. As you would expect, in time-honoured style, they raised interest with their ability to shock
provoke thought
and encourage comment
Again you have until the 20th of May to catch this exhibition. I was there for three hours yesterday and probably need to go again. Somehow I can't remember what was first prize. Surprising? Not to me, since I came for two helpings of Pannack.
Fujifilm X10
The calm at the start of the Easter Triduum has a special solemn attraction for me. After years of service on the altar, being out amongst the congregation makes way for those moments of quiet reflection. I think this too is quite possibly the first occasion in a long while that I've visited the Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday in the Catholic tradition joining in with worshippers after The Last Supper. Yes there were many worshippers coming and going but that didn't detract from the sense of occasion.
The quiet moments of Holy Thursday extend into Good Friday where at Westminster Cathedral a long almost unending queue forms after The Celebration of The Passion for personal veneration of the cross. It is a very solemn and dignified event lasting almost an hour and a half as the line makes measured and tranquil progress towards the sanctuary. It is a day where even the most casual of observers would I expect not failed to be touched by the calming nature of the proceedings.
Fujifilm X10
Delving into the archives as I seem to be spreading myself thinly of of late. There are times you have to dig deep to get something and it reminds me of a Thursday afternoon last June when I had the privilege of accompanying the Lower Sixth Biology department of Ellesmere College on their field trip to Preston Montford where the Field Studies Council runs a learning center set in 12 hectares of woodland and grassland by the River Severn near Shrewsbury. Very picturesque let alone inspiring it was too.
One of the IB students from Germany was explaining to an A-Level student that those of the IB course had to get something out of their time at Ellesmere as the pictures here show.
With their IB course now over, it wouldn't surprise me if indeed they did get something out of it and their time at Preston Montford.
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
.jpg)
It is the twelfth year following the second millenium as the Paschal Triduum reaches it's conclusion with The Easter Vigil, the first of the celebrations of Easter Sunday.
Built between 1895 and 1903 and finally consecrated in 1910, Westminster Cathedral as mother church to the Catholic community in England and Wales was dedicated as Cathedral to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. Currently enjoying a glowing passage into it's second centenary it remains lit as a beacon in celebration of the Risen Christ amidst the glassed environment of Victoria Street.
Happy Easter Everyone
Fujifilm X10
Dress them in white
Take them out
Pick them up
Get creative with the local flora
It will feel like more than just another day in the park
Canon EOS 1D MarkIV
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Would you believe there are 6,000 Boris Bikes in London?
Often referred to by the name of Boris Johnson, our current and hopefully next Mayor of London who himself is an avid bicycle rider, since the scheme under which they are available was launched during the period of his first stint in office, they are commonly sighted in the Zone 1 Travelcard area of Central London, covering approximately 17 square miles or 44km2 for those more up to date with the international convention of weights and measures. Liveried in the familiar colours of Barclays Bank their sponsor, they are berthed in 400 docking stations as part of Barclays Cycle Hire, a public bicycle sharing scheme. The princely sum of £1 buys you access to a day's cycling joys with the first 30 minutes of usage being free. Costs rise thereafter in order to promote the constant circulation of bicycles. Freedom to roam on two wheels except of course where even this environmentally-conscious activity is prohibited such as here in Kensington Gardens.
A scheme for everyone if not everywhere.
Canon EOS 5D MarkII
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
This experience should have a deja vu feeling about it but it doesn't.
When I last had the 50L which was almost two years ago my main use for it was as a low light lens. With the high ISO capabilities of the 5D Mark II, it remainedin the bag for the most part back then and eventually made way for a 16-35 which as readers of this blog will know, is a mainstay in my camera bag. However there is much about the 50L that couldn't keep me way and I envisage much call is needed for it in Project 2.
My recollection of the 50L was it's weight, something noticeably different this time round. I imagine my weight-bearing shoulders having much experience of either a 24-70 or 70-200 over the past two years appreciate the much diminished mass of a 50L. Being smaller than a 24-70 additionally makes it a nimble proposition mounted on either a 5D2 or 1D4.
The need to shoot with the 50L took me to investigate both it and the snow and ice of Horsenden Hill and Wood.
It was my first visit to Horsenden, having learned of it's joys through a chance meeting with Irene, a local resident out walking Millie, her Yorkshire Terrier. I love the feel of snow beneath the soles of one's boots. Being a townie at heart I have to admit to readily being lulled into an over-assured sense of sure-footedness. Nothing thankfully that a washing machine couldn't handle!!
The journey through the woods up to the top of the hill reminds me of scenes from Wagner's Parsifal
beyond which lie the more open spaces that make the area home to two golf clubs.
Observers will by now have noted that I have yet to offer a sense of the thin depth of field that the 50L offers but I'm sure you'll understand the need to lose oneself in taking in the beauty of all this snow. Down to business of photography then and I think ( and hope ) you'll agree it
gives a good account of it's capabilities.
I wonder if this fellow may have a thought or two to offer.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
All images shot at 1.2 naturally ;)
More to follow.....
More to follow.....
The weekend of January 13 and 14 saw the fourth year of the London Ice Sculpting Festival which transformed Canary Wharf into a showcase for competitors from near and far. With judgement due at four in the afternoon on Saturday, work on the 2m blocks of ice began early on Friday morning.
The frantic effort continued into the evening as the sculptors for both the pairs
and singles speed competitions worked on completing their entries in good time.
When the results were finally announced, Portugal took the pairs prize
while local hero Jonathan Lloyd whose work also won the vote for the most popular sculpture was the unanimous winner in the singles speed contest.
The event brought a wealth of visitors to Canary Wharf, not only to admire the work of the competitors
but also to enjoy the various ice and snow-driven events and food, glorious food.
Canon EOS 1D Mark lV
Canon EOS 5D Mark ll
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8IS L USM
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Kodak as we knew it is no more. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen but not adieu.
There are few names more synonymous with the world of photography than Kodak. Founded by George Eastman and producing it's first camera in 1888 the company has touched more people on Planet Earth than McDonald's but neither deed nor name count for much if you don't keep up with the ways of a changing world. It is ironic that having developed the world's first digital camera in 1975, the company failed to get behind it's own invention. For photographers everywhere, it is particularly sad to witness the reduced circumstances of this very special giant. I suppose if it wasn't Kodak who gave us film, there would have been someone else but I'm glad it was Kodak.
You gave me my first camera, the film in my first SLR, my first sheet of photographic paper, the last roll of Kodachrome and APS cartridge I ever used, my first compact flash card and card reader. To thanks for the memories I would add that it would be great to see you back in the future, leaner and meaner.
For more details and comments, please see this report by the BBC
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
On a moderately cold and damp Saturday night, faithful worshippers make their way to a brightly-lit Westminster Cathedral for the celebration of Midnight Mass, a feast to mark the birth of Christ our Saviour.
At the conclusion of mass, several make their way to observe and pray at the crib which on this occasion was a modest affair, much in the way as Jesus himself was born into this world.
As those gathered began to journey home, they were met by Archbishop Vincent Nichols in the Cathedral Piazza. A good shepherd tending to his flock making this a blessed and memorable occasion.
Merry Christmas Everyone
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
The season of Advent
originated as a fast of forty days in readiness for Christmas though nowadays
Christians are not by practice, expected to enter a period of fasting. As in
Lent however, Advent remains a penitential season. Purple is worn as a colour
for instance. For Gaudete Sunday which is the third Sunday in the season, there
is a relaxation of the penitential observances as more focus is placed on the joyful anticipation of the birth of
Christ. Gaudete means Rejoice so Gaudete Sunday fittingly is a day of bright lights greeting the early worshippers seen here as they prepare to join in the celebration of mass.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
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