Country Life Magazine-Steve Overthrow

Back in July 2021, I went to photograph Steve Overthrow at his studio on the banks of the River Parrett in Langport.
I was here to capture Steve for my Life In A Somerset Landscape Project
Steve had revived the lost art of Sieve and Riddle making and you can read more and see some of the images captured in the original blog post Here
Steve had recently been asked to be featured in Country Life Magazine in turn asked if I could supply a few of the images from my project.
The feature appeared in the October 2022 edition.
 
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End Of A Motoring Era…For Me !

I’ve reluctantly and finally had to part with my beloved BMW after 17 years and 216 thousand miles.
I used this car daily for many trips with my family, my mum, and so many photography assignments across the UK so as you can imagine it holds a lot of memories.
I spent the last several years debating to invest money to part restore it so I could continue driving and enjoying it and also for the fact it’s now considered a modern classic and prices are rising.
However, reality bites, and the huge recent mileage that my assignments have demanded and without an option to even store it for a rainy day (how many people have done that) means I had to reluctantly let it go.
Thankfully it’s gone to a specialist dealer who may well restore it and give it a new lease of life.
Yep, I know it’s only a car but it's one which was very much part of family life and it’s going to be greatly missed.
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"Welcoming a New Day: Tranquility at St. Paul’s Gate"

"Golden Whispers of Dawn at St. Paul’s Gate"

A serene dawn at St. Paul’s Gate turned magical as a cat joined the moment. The golden sunrise illuminated the historic site, blending peaceful warmth with timeless history. Even the cat seemed reflective in the ethereal light.

👉 Discover more tranquil art pieces in my gallery.

https://bit.ly/406xFME

It's All Greek For Captain Neofitos

While away in Kos Greece recently the first person I met on arrival at our hotel in Kardamena was this lovely character called Neofitos.

Dressed in white wearing a captain's sailing hat he welcomed us with a big smile. I speak a little Greek so said hello and asked how he was and we (well he) started to chat away I quickly lost track and had to explain I only understood a little Greek with a laugh.

I find at least trying to speak some language, especially in Greece goes a very long way. As many tourists don't speak any they want to know why you have bothered to learn and I often get asked where I'm originally from thinking I must be of greek descent.

Speaking a little of the language even poorly also helps in building rapport when I wish to photograph someone and put them at ease.

We saw Neofitos several times a day as he drove the Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel tourist train to the local beach and back. Always smiling and chatting in Greek it became a bit of a joke when I had to remind him I only understand a little! It mattered not we still managed to converse.

I couldn't leave the hotel without capturing a few frames of Neofitos and his infectious smile.

https://bit.ly/4eZjv6Z

Inspired By 80's Advertising

I came across this Caravan pitched up in October 2019 and just had to return when the light was right to shoot it.
What inspired me so much was that It reminded me of a desert location the type used for one of those grand Marlboro cigarette billboard adverts of the late 1980s but in fact, it was next to a lovely beach on the island of Rhodes Greece.
It’s funny how certain images you remember being inspired by can still have an impact 30 years later.
 

https://bit.ly/44fPRoZ

Woman & Goats On The Rim Of The Volcano

"A blind woman, two goats, and a timeless village on the edge of a volcano—an encounter I’ll never forget."

In the summer of 2003, my wife and I visited Kos, Greece, and took a boat tour to the nearby volcanic island of Nisyros. After a delayed departure, we explored the island’s wonders, including the Stefanos crater—a surreal, steaming landscape that felt like walking on the moon.

Later, we visited the nearly abandoned village of Emporeios, perched on the crater’s rim. Destroyed by a 1933 earthquake, the village was a haunting mix of crumbling streets, a few inhabited homes, and Greek cats lounging in the dusty shade. As always, I fell behind the tour group, stopping to photograph the mesmerizing scenes.

While reloading my camera, I heard our guide calling my name. He had found something special: two goats framed in the entrance of a narrow street, with a woman sitting further down in a shaft of warm afternoon light. Her wild, grey hair caught the glow perfectly. I quickly captured the moment before it vanished.

Our guide explained she lived alone at the edge of the dormant volcano, without electricity and with only her goats for company. Astonishingly, she was blind. As I finished a few closer shots, she called out, “Ahh, photographe!” and let out a hearty laugh. Her joy and resilience left a deep impression on me.

Years later, in 2023, I learned her name was Nina Vasiliou. A man named George contacted me, explaining she was his mother’s cousin. Nina had lived independently in Emporeios until her passing around 2017. Knowing her name and story added a profound layer to a memory I’ll cherish forever—of a brief, almost biblical encounter in a timeless place.

👉 Explore the gallery for serene escapes through art.  

Nina Vasiliou https://bit.ly/4gW5B5E

Jane Wallwork The Exmoor Apothecary

I photographed Jane at her home close to Exmoor one early morning back in May 2022. Jane was introduced to me by Cat Mills the Silversmith I photographed for the project.

Jane works as a Herbalist and was introduced to herbs by her grandmother at the age of 9 which was the catalyst for her interest in plants. 

We spent an hour shooting around her property making the most of the clear early morning light. This was followed by a few images inside one of her poly tunnels accompanied at all times by her dog who's name escapes me.

We finished the shoot inside Jane consultation room where she sees her clients and also mixes her vast collection of herbs.

Just like Cat Mills studio this area was full of character. There were wonderful shelves full of interesting glass jars of herbs and other colourful objects I was like a kid in a sweet shop !

You can see Jane's story and a full selection of images at the project page Life In A Somerset Landscape

https://bit.ly/44y5lpW