Woman & Goats On The Rim Of The Volcano

"

Ahh photographe ! were the words I remember vividly followed by the most wonderful belly laugh.

It was the summer of 2003 and I was staying with my wife on the island of KOS Greece.

We had decided to take a boat trip tour which included a visit to the nearby island of Nisyros.

We were picked up from our hotel and traveled to the harbor in Karedamena to board our boat for the trip.

On arrival, we were told the boat was going to be delayed departing due to a mechanical issue. To be honest I wasn’t too concerned as I knew the harsh summer light would only get better the later the trip went on into the day.

Later than expected we arrived at Nisyros and stopped at several places on the trip. The unique highlight of the trip was visiting the Stefanos crater. Here we walked on the surface of the volcano which is still steaming but no longer erupting since the last explosion in 1888. I must admit I still felt a little uneasy here but it was definitely a unique experience and the closest I’ll get to walking on the moon!

Our last visit of the day was the mostly abandoned village of Emporeios located on the rim of Stephanos. The village was destroyed by a big earthquake in 1933 and many of the villagers immigrated to other islands and left and made new lives in other countries. 

By this time our delayed start to the trip was paying off with some wonderful late warm afternoon light. Our guide painted a wonderful picture of village history here as we navigated the ruined dusty streets in the warm afternoon sunlight.

A few people still lived here and now and again we came across several habited homes and the obligatory group of Greek cats laying in the dusty shade of broken walls of the buildings.

With so much to explore of interest, I fell behind the main tour group as I constantly stopped to capture yet another image.

I eventually ran out of film and had to stop to load another roll and I’m glad I did. As I finished loading the film I heard our guide shouting my name trying to find me, he knew I was a photographer and he had come across a wonderful scene ahead he knew was a gem.

I rushed over the uneven ground to where he was calling me to see two goats at the entrance of a narrow rustic side street looking inquisitively at our small tour group. In the distance behind was a grey-haired woman with slightly wild hair who sat on her doorstep in a warm shaft of late afternoon sunlight.

It was a unique timeless scene, a slice of life in this unique place and I managed to quickly capture several frames before the goats lost interest and the moment was gone. I was left elated by what I had experienced and captured.

Our guide told me the woman lived here alone at the edge of the dormant volcano with no electricity and just her small herd of goats for company. The biggest revelation though was that she was blind! 

I had so many questions in my head that I wanted to know about this woman and her life but all I could do was get ready to head back with the group to our waiting boat.

However, I decided to quickly get a little closer to take a few more frames down the narrow street and as I finished shooting the woman spoke out in the distance ...Ahh photographe ! followed by the most wonderful belly laugh.

She obviously heard the clunk of the camera mirror, I said thank you and walked away feeling slightly embarrassed that I may have been a little intrusive in my enthusiasm to capture one more image. I re-joined the group feeling euphoric at what I had experienced and captured.

I still wonder how she managed her life, how did she come to live there, and why she still stayed after everyone else had left.

I’ll never forget that brief almost biblical scene and the experience of visiting Emporeios.

Join The Collective

https://bit.ly/3Vn9EhE

"

The sea had a boisterous swell that provided a wonderful echo against the rocks full of beautiful raw power that released the invigorating refreshing scent of fine salt spray into the air that feels like a spring clean for your mind.

This contemporary art photography print will present a powerful and elegant talking point for the wall of your office or home.

Evening Falls  Lloret De Mar

It was late October In Loret De Mar and this area of Catalonia was experiencing some of the worst weather for his time of year in decades.

The week consisted of one storm hitting the coast after another. Eventually, I spotted what would be a very slim window of dry weather.

I had already found some wonderful views along the rustic coastal path and set out at sunrise to create some images. The morning went well and I felt blessed at having some good light and weather.

This particular cove is accessed by a short tunnel along the coastal path location I decided would be better captured later in the day at sunset. My thought was I could include some colour from the sunset if the weather held and we got one! 

Later that day I headed back to the cove and set up my planned composition and I then sat and enjoyed the experience as the light transitioned.

The cliffs here had some wonderful warm tones that complimented beautifully the cool tones of the sea and the fading light. 

The sunset wasn’t a spectacular display of blazing colour but instead, it gracefully faded from magenta into purple and then cooler blue hues of the oncoming night.

The sea had a boisterous swell that provided a wonderful echo against the rocks full of beautiful raw power that released the invigorating refreshing scent of fine salt spray into the air that feels like a spring clean for your mind.

I captured several images that evening in the cove before losing the last ounces of daylight.

View A Break In The Storm Lloret De Mar The Other Image Captured At This Location

View This Landscape Wall Art

https://bit.ly/3KLh3nw

"

As the sun continued to gain strength behind the dramatic cliffs a sense of awe took hold. The warm light of the sun transformed the rugged cliffs into a scene of breathtaking beauty, casting a warm glow on the cool hues of the sea.
The stillness of the morning only added to the peaceful and serene atmosphere especially after the recent storms.


This unique beautiful art photography print will present a powerful and elegant presence on the wall of your office or home.

A Break In The Storm Lloret De Mar

As a photographic artist, I constantly seek out stunning landscapes to immortalise in my art prints.

As a photographic artist, I constantly seek out stunning landscapes to immortalise in my art prints. During my recent visit to Lloret De Mar in Catalonia, Spain, my unwavering pursuit paid off. Despite the tumultuous weather conditions that had been battering the Spanish coastline for days, I was able to seize the opportunity and capture some awe-inspiring oceanic photographs.

The coastline of Lloret De Mar provided an abundance of panoramic views that were perfectly suited for my contemporary photographic art. One particular location that caught my eye was a brief tunnel that led to a charming cove. While I knew that this spot would make for an ideal location to photograph at sunset, my current focus was on the coastal path leading up to the tunnel.

As the sun began to emerge from behind the towering cliffs, the warm light transformed the rough terrain into a breathtakingly beautiful sight. The cool tones of the sea and the gentle lapping of the waves against the rocky shore provided the perfect canvas for my nature-inspired art. While capturing only a few frames, I was in awe of the stunning location and the divine morning light that I was blessed with.

Later in the day, I revisited the cove that lay beyond the tunnel in time for the sunset. The calmness of the evening, combined with the serene atmosphere, presented me with an ideal opportunity to produce some gorgeous landscape pictures of the ocean.

Despite the inclement weather, I made the most of my visit to Lloret De Mar and captured some truly spectacular oceanic photographs. It just goes to show that sometimes, if you pay close attention to the forecast and are willing to venture out in less-than-ideal conditions, you can still capture truly extraordinary art.

View This Fine Art Print

https://bit.ly/3Z41kEh

Murmuration On The Moor

"

As I watched the changing light I could hear the birds starting to wake from their roosts and through the mist and reeds vaguely make out several swans upon the water beyond.

Uplift your mornings and enhance your room into a stunning visual haven.

The forecast was for a misty cold morning and I knew this would provide some wonderful conditions for some atmospheric landscapes. There are few conditions that provide a more beautiful light than fog or mist combined with backlighting from sunlight.

I made my way to Shapwick Heath in Somerset, England, which is well-known for its stunning murmurations. During the autumn months, these wetland reed beds become a nesting ground for the starlings, and at dawn and dusk, they put on a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty.

When I arrived the mist was still very dense but as the sun rose in intensity the mist started to lift gracefully revealing the landscape. I captured a few images before heading towards this body of water which allowed me to shoot into the strengthening warm light of sunrise which I knew would accentuate the luminosity of the mist.

I set up my composition and waited for the mist to lift its grip from the landscape and reveal the horizon beyond.

As I watched the changing light I could hear the birds starting to wake from their roosts and through the mist and reeds vaguely make out several swans upon the water beyond.

I could have stayed there for hours it was so peaceful.

View This Giclee Art Print

https://bit.ly/3ITHO80

Seated View Of The Tor

"

The sunrise was breathtaking, casting its warm glow across the Somerset levels and illuminating the iconic  Glastonbury Tor on the horizon. The crisp winter air was refreshing and certainly cleared my thoughts.

I reached Ham Wall nature reserve in Somerset, England before the sun rose. Every winter, around 10,000 starlings nest here in the reeds and wetlands, attracting visitors from near and far. 

With no specific plan in mind, I decided to keep things simple and only brought my camera, a single lens, extra batteries, and my tripod.

During my exploration, I chatted with a few bird watchers, and walkers, and even had a chance to talk photography with another chap here to capture some landscape photography. 

The sunrise was breathtaking, casting its warm glow across the Somerset levels and illuminating the iconic Glastonbury Tor on the horizon. The crisp winter air was refreshing and certainly cleared my thoughts.

As I continued my wanderings, I stumbled upon a remembrance bench with a wonderful view of Glastonbury Tor rising above the reeds and marsh.

As I stood there, taking in the peaceful stillness of the morning, I couldn't help but feel grateful to be surrounded by such natural beauty.

I always find these benches to be touching and took a moment to read the plaque, which was particularly poignant given that I had just heard of the passing of someone I was very fond of.

The serenity of the location and the view from the bench felt like the image I was meant to capture that morning. I spent a good 30 minutes taking in the tranquility and capturing the scene, simply being present in the moment.

Location Information

Ham Wall RSPB is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and serves as a crucial habitat for many threatened species and helps to reduce the impact of climate change. The diverse range of wildlife, including birds, insects, mammals, and plants, make Ham Wall a perfect destination for visitors to learn about and appreciate nature. Guided walks, events, and activities hosted by the RSPB allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the rich wildlife at Ham Wall.

View This Giclee Art Print

https://bit.ly/3lBcSjD

Evening Falls Lloret De Mar

"

The sea had a boisterous swell that provided a wonderful echo against the rocks full of beautiful raw power that 
released the invigorating refreshing scent of fine salt spray into the air that feels like a spring clean for your mind.

It was late October In Loret De Mar and this area of Catalonia was experiencing some of the worst weather for his time of year in decades. The week consisted of one storm hitting the coast after another. Eventually I spotted what would be a very slim window of dry weather.

I had already found some wonderful views along the the rustic coastal path and set out at sunrise to create some images. The morning went well and I felt blessed at having some good light and weather.

This particular cove accessed by a short tunnel along the coastal path location I decided would be better captured later in the day at sunset. My thought was I could include some colour from the sunset if the weather held and we got one! 

Later that day I headed back to the cove and set up my planned composition and I then sat and enjoyed the experience as the light transitioned.

The cliffs here had some wonderful warm tones that complimented beautifully with the cool tones of the sea and the fading light. 

The sunset wasn’t a spectacular display of blazing colour but instead it gracefully faded from magenta into purple and then cooler blue hues of the oncoming of night.

The sea had a boisterous swell that provided a wonderful echo against the rocks full of beautiful raw power that released the invigorating refreshing scent of fine salt spray into the air that feels like a spring clean for your mind.

I captured several images that wonderful evening in the cove before losing the last ounces of daylight.

View This Giclee Art Print

https://bit.ly/3JYD5CZ

Aegean Tree Lindos

"

The breathtaking views of the crystal blue Aegean Sea and the surrounding mountains inspired feelings of awe and wonder within me. The stillness of the early morning and the increasing warmth of the sun on my skin brought a sense of peace and tranquility.

This wasn't my first time at this spot above the village of Lindos in Rhodes, it wasn't my first time photographing this tree and the mesmerising view it had. The previous time I was still shooting film and the image was fine but I knew the light was much better on this visit and I simply could not walk past it without being drawn in.

Never had I been so envious of a tree, what stories could it tell standing here in such a historic location?What scenes had it experienced overlooking the alluring blue Aegean Sea?

The tree stood just below the ancient acropolis of Lindos. Standing here on a clear summer morning, I was overcome with a range of emotions. The breathtaking views of the crystal blue Aegean Sea and the surrounding mountains inspired feelings of awe and wonder within me. The stillness of the early morning and the increasing warmth of the sun on my skin brought a sense of peace and tranquility.

I loved the sense of history and connection to the past, imagining the daily life of the people who once lived here. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and serene atmosphere left me feeling both uplifted and humbled.

It was worth the steep steps up the hill some named Cardiac Hill !

View This Landscape Photography Art

https://bit.ly/3YHAG3y

Motoscafi And The Bridge Of Sighs Venice

"

The stillness of the early morning enveloped me in a peaceful, serene feeling. The golden light of the sunrise casts a dreamy glow on the iconic bridge picking out rustic textures of the building on one side of the small canal contrasted with the marbled finish of the bridge and building on the right.

Venice is a fabulous place to walk and get lost in and that is how some of the most enjoyable images are captured.

It was crisp cold sunny early morning in Venice and I was wandering with my camera and tripod enjoying the cool air and beautiful winter sun.

As I crossed a small bridge on a back canal I came across the famous Bridge Of Sighs with the sun rising behind.

The stillness of the early morning enveloped me in a peaceful, serene feeling. The golden light of the sunrise casts a dreamy glow on the iconic bridge picking out rustic textures of the building on one side of the small canal contrasted with the marbled finish of the bridge and building on the right.

As I breathed in the crisp air, feeling it sharpen my senses and heighten my appreciation for this moment I noticed this beautiful wooden Motoscafi (water taxi) approaching and knew it would provide a perfect addition to the scene.

I was struck by the romanticism of the scene, feeling as though I had stepped back in time. Capturing this sunrise at the Bridge of Sighs will always be one of my favourite moments to look back upon.

History

The Bridge of Sighs is a iconic bridge in Venice, Italy that spans the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prison to the interrogating rooms in the Doge's Palace. It is named after the sighs or moans of prisoners who were said to have crossed the bridge on their way to their cells, catching a last glimpse of the beautiful city before their incarceration.

The Bridge was built in the early 17th century by the architect Antonio Contino and its design is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The bridge is made of white limestone and has two small windows on either side that provide a panoramic view of the city. The view of the Venetian Lagoon and the Canal Grande from the bridge is truly stunning and makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Despite its dark history, the Bridge of Sighs has become a symbol of romantic Venice and is often depicted in paintings and photographs. It is a popular tourist destination and visitors can admire its beauty from the canal below or take a gondola ride under the bridge. Whether viewed from the water or from the bridge itself, the Bridge is a must-see for anyone visiting Venice.

View This Photography Fine Art Print

https://bit.ly/3IcQ56u

Rowing To Market Venice

"

The light that morning was bright but soft thanks to a thin layer of morning clouds passing overhead.
This worked beautifully with the soft analogous colours and rustic textures of the buildings.
Transport yourself into a morning of Venetian life on the historic waterways of Venice.

This photography fine art print will give you a place to escape from your hectic day to daydream and recharge.

The majority of my commercial work is planned and often executed to a fairly tight brief. Some of my personal especially composites can also involve a fair amount of pre production and planning.This is to ensure everything comes together as perfectly as possible to ensure the vision for the image can be completed seamlessly.

All the above can be very satisfying but possibly even more fun is when I venture out with no ideas what I'm going to shoot and just go and explore.

Cities are some of the best places to do this. I'll often do my homework beforehand and have a few places I want to shoot but beyond that it's all suck it and see !

Venice is probably one of the most fun places to walk and explore. Yes you can quickly get lost here but it's an amazing adventure (unless you need a toilet or to catch a plane) to discover yet another wonderful scene waiting to be captured. It was exactly this scenario that led me to discover this scene.

As I crossed yet another quaint bridge one morning I came across this small back canal with a wonderful 15th century bell tower which I later discovered was called the Greci Bell Tower (The Bell Tower of San Giorgio dei Greci) which is part of The Church of Saint George of the Greeks.

This location was a tranquil escape from the morning hustle and bustle on the Grande Canal and apart from the soft background noise of Venetians in the cafe's getting their morning coffee it was an idliic spot to enjoy the unfolding of a Venetian morning.

The light that morning was bright but soft thanks to a thin layer of morning clouds passing overhead. This worked beautifully with the soft analogous colours and rustic textures of the buildings.I set up my camera and started to consider my composition.

Just as I thought the scene could not get any better I spotted a small rowing boat approaching in the distance. As it came closer I noticed a man stood rowing with what I presume to be his wife with what looked like some produce they were delivering.

I didn't dance with delight but I certainly came close as I started to pack my equipment away knowing I had captured a wonderful moment of Venetian life.

History

The Bell Tower of San Giorgio dei Greci is part of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George located in the Castello district of Venice, Italy. The church has been the center of the Greek community in Venice since 1539, with Greeks living in the city since the 13th century.

Greek Orthodox worship was forbidden in Venice, but with the increase in Greek population after the Fall of Constantinople, the community gained more power and was granted the right to settle in Castello in 1456. In 1536, the Republic of Venice allowed the Greeks to build their own church, which was completed in 1577 and designed by Sante Lombardo.

The church features a main entrance mosaic of Christ and three smaller mosaics above it, as well as a mosaic of Saint George on the side door courtyard. It also holds three Byzantine icons brought to Venice before 1453 by Anna Notaras.

The Bell Tower was built between 1587 and 1603 and was designed by Bernardo Ongarin. It leans slightly towards the canal.

View Photography Art Print

https://bit.ly/3jLfRp5

Morning Deliveries On The Grande Canal

"

The warm winter sun gently rose above the horizon illuminating parts of buildings on one side of the canal contrasting with the cooler tones of those still in open shade providing a wonderful range of colours in soft pastel shades.

It was 2005 and digital cameras were now surpassing film for quality and despite the large financial investment I decided it was time to transition.As you can imaging it was an exciting time and I was itching to take a trip to start shooting. It was a week before Christmas and myself and my wife set off for Italy.

In terms of photography I had a the usual landmarks I wanted to experience and planned to leave my wife in bed and go out early to simply explore and avoid any crowds (there wasn’t too many) and make the most of some beautiful light.

You simply cant take bad pictures in Venice but capturing something new as with any well known tourist attractions or famous views is the big challenge. I try and avoid the popular spots if I can however famous viewpoints are famous for a reason because they are generally stunning viewpoints so I find its my job to add my own twist to it as much as possible.

On one of my early morning trips out I headed along the Grande Canal to explore and experience local morning life unfolding. As I stood on the bank of the Grande Canal I was surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the working boats.

The crisp, fresh air filled my nostrils, mixed with the salty scent of the water.  I watched as the locals went about their morning tasks, delivering goods and supplies to various locations along the canal. 

The warm winter sun gently rose above the horizon illuminating parts of buildings on one side of the canal contrasting with the cooler tones of those still in open shade providing a wonderful range of colours in soft pastel shades.

Despite the frantic activity of the morning deliveries the scene still had a charming tranquility about it that I could have watched for hours.

Venice at Christmas is simply magical, it can only be described as one huge Santas grotto especially at night all lit up.

It's a unique city everyone should experience once is their life.

View Gallery Prints

https://bit.ly/3x69BLw