Close ups

I thought that my blog needs some colour, so I am including a few close ups of the glorious attractions that lie in our gardens and parks. Spring is on its way and I am looking forward to snapping away and capturing a few of creation's marvels. Almost any digital camera can do the same, with a little patience and a steady hand, and perhaps a tripod. One of the most amazing macro photographers uses a simple bean pole to steady his camera. Look up Lord V on Flickr.
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Havering in snow

A few days ago we had heavy snowfall in Havering - heavy, at least, for this part of the world. I was out with my camera and a I took a few shots, some of which I have tinkered with in Photoshop. I tried to get an infra-red look in the duplicated monochrome shots. When I looked at the frozen and lifeless soil, especially on my allotment, the question put by Ezekiel came to mind, "Can these bones (soil in my case) live"? When the warmth and the sun of spring arrive it will be like a resurrection.

Peaceful London

ONDAY, 17 AUGUST 2009

London is a pretty hectic town like so many in the developed world. But there are quaint spots where the rush and pace of modern living seem to pass by unnoticed. One such spot is Little Venice, a romantic name coined by Robert Browning.

It is situated a busy area of west London, very near Paddingon. Overhead and nearby there are the busy noises of motorways, but this spot is a quiet oasis by the side of the Grand Union Canal, a waterway that runs from Birmingham to the Thames in London. Before the age of the train most heavy goods were transported throughout Britain by horse-drawn barges. All that traffic has long gone and today the many craft that quietly cruise these canals are for recreation only.

About myself and my camera

I am a semi-retired teacher living the London Borough of Havering, an area on the eastern edge of London. In many ways it is an ideal spot; you can get into the City within twenty-five minutes and you are within walking distance of the start of the rolling Essex countryside.
I am seventy-three and live with my wife, Meg. Professionally I have been a secondary teacher in state and also in private, mainly Christan. education. Although I could have retired thirteen years ago I still do several days teaching in our local church school. I help out when children need extra tuition and also I do some work in the French department.
As I have been a christian for many years some of my posts will comprise thoughts and quotes and narratives concerning my faith. I have read widely in christian biography and church history and I would like to share some of the treasures I have found, treasures that are often found in obscure places.
I like photography and travel, so I shall mention and perhaps illustrate those episodes in my experience that I think will be interesting.

Recently I have added a macro lens to my collection. This enables one to get in really close to the subject I am still pretty much an beginner in this new field and I am finding it difficult to hold really steady focus as I take a shot. Anyhow, I shall be bold enough to include a few close-ups I took in my garden.