sometimes some people get me wrong
when it’s something I’ve said or done
sometimes you feel there is no fun
that’s why you turn and run
but now I truly realise

One of the most attractive features of the gr 3 is its diminutive size coupled together with the quality of result it produces, I had it with me yesterday as well as the e620 which I did use but not before I went walkabout with the gr 3..

I love the way folk are not threatened by it in the hand, they almost look dismissively as though thinking “yet another bloody tourist” it is this perception which aids in getting some of the shots I might otherwise not have taken. I tend to shoot mainly raw files and the write speeds have increased dramatically over the previous model, should you not wish to bother with the raw, the fine jpeg setting is instant and the quality astonishing.

The one thing above all though is its portability, it fits in my pocket, the wide attachment fits in the other, I purchased the Lowe pro apex 100 to cart it about as everything fits in it and it weighs next to nothing, added to which it’s waterproof.. Yesterday the lowe pro was in the car, the wide was in one pocket the camera in the other, it doesn’t get better than this. I walked passed a number of other like minded individuals all of whom were groaning under the weight of the kit they had with them, I just smiled to myself and continued on my way. It is a liberating feeling…

If I were to choose a photograph which represents me and how I feel I think it would be this image…
I was doing what I love to do, which was wandering around the beach when I saw this chap, I had actually been walking with my wife when I caught sight of him, my wife had walked on oblivious to the fact I had left her and was heading in the direction of this chap, as I was determined to get the picture.
Thankfully she is very tolerant and is by now used to me doing such things, she often finds herself chatting seemingly to me only to turn and see me disappearing in the distance chasing after a picture I have seen…

And you really didn’t think it would happen
But it really is the end of the line
So I’m sorry that you turned to driftwood
But you’ve been drifting for a long long time
You’ve been drifting for a long long time
You’ve been drifting for a long long
Drifting for a long long time

This is a well known location on the west coast not far from Liverpool, I have visited it a number of times and have always been fortunate to come away with a number of what I consider good images. That said it is always hit and miss as to whether you are besieged by hordes of visitors clambering over the sands and whatever else is there to view this unique site..
On this visit the light was to die for and the sky sublime, it was converted and split toned, I hope you like it…

Walking through the leaves, falling from the trees
Feeling like a stranger nobody sees
So many things that we never will undo
I know you’re sorry, I’m sorry too

When I saw this structure my first thought was it resembled a space ship coming into land, depending on your point of view that could be your worst nightmare or the answer to all your dreams..

What added to this was the vague shapes you can make out in the structure, it was shot on my ricoh gx100 and converted to b&w other than that it’s a straight shot.

On  completely unrelated point, I am considering  upgrading my Olympus and moving over to Pentax, this is for no other reason than the vast array of cheap glass that you can utilise. It has been a source of constant irritation to me  that the 4/3rds has limited lens compatibility, that and the premium you pay for the 4/3rds mount from independent makers..

I used Pentax film cameras and loved them, the lenses are stunning and have a similar lineage to Olympus, the beauty of the Pentax like Nikon is the ability to use all the old lenses without undue expense of buying the mount adaptors. I also like the fact the sensor size means not doubling up on focal length, it is not  a done deal as yet, so it may just be a fleeting thought on  my part. Should I do so it will mean a typo change, but rest assured the ricoh is here to stay.

I have to say in the main I find most graffiti poorly done and lacking artistic merit in any way, alas the world is not full of Banksys,  his unique style and very powerful message is clear to see, they are not just an image but a wonderfully constructed narrative, long may he continue..

So why the picture of this I hear you ask ? On seeing this what drew me to it were the stars and the 13,  together with the weathered and distressed colours on the siding. I have no idea what the 13 alludes to nor the significance of the star..

The no holds barred part of my imagination sees a message for another dimension, or a code for  a terrestrial traveller, once I open that doorway the possibilities are endless. So for a moment let me ask you to sit back and concentrate on the picture, let your mind wander and see where your journey unfolds..