So often, street photography is said to rely on a stroke of luck. There’s an old saying that the more one practices, the luckier they become. In this particular image, the scene appears quite simple: a man leisurely strolling down a Parisian street, carrying an umbrella, passing by the end of a walkway. Yet, the truth is, I couldn’t possibly have predicted this moment, nor anticipated his gaze in my direction. Henri Cartier-Bresson often discussed the concept of the “decisive moment” – the precise instant to capture an image, neither too early nor too late. But how could I have known that this very moment was the one? I could have stood there all day, without ever encountering such a serendipitous occurrence. It was as if some inexplicable instinct kicked in, prompting me to press the shutter button. I wasn’t even aware of the image until days later, when I finally developed the film from my trusty Leica camera. And there it was, as if the stars had perfectly aligned, creating a truly remarkable shot.
The great Northern Ireland musician and songwriter Van Morrison (aka Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE) has just released his forty-ninth studio album. World-renowned for his music, his work stretches over sixty years and spans just about every modern musical genre. His latest album entitled ‘Accentuate the Positive’ is certainly one not to miss. I have managed to photograph him on two occasions, and this image is from an appearance at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
Van Morrison in concert at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, England.
The cathedral city of Salisbury in the south of England is indeed a remarkable place that harbours centuries of history and culture. Its roots can be traced all the way back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest cities in England. Nestled in the charming countryside, Salisbury is also in close proximity to the enigmatic prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to around 2,500 BC.
One of the fascinating aspects of Salisbury is its profound connection to the patron saint of England, St. George. This connection has endured for centuries, leaving its mark throughout the city. As you wander through the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, the stained glass windows depict timeless images of St. George, reminding visitors of his prominence and influence. It is truly a breathtaking sight to behold, as sunlight filters through the vibrant colors of the glass, casting an ethereal glow upon the hallowed space.
Another delightful nod to St. George can be found in the numerous dragon motifs that adorn buildings all over the city. These intricate designs pay homage to the legendary tale of St. George and the dragon, a story that has captured the imagination of people for generations. As you explore the streets of Salisbury, be prepared to be enchanted by the whimsical and artistic representations of dragons, which add a delightful touch of character to the city’s architectural landscape.
To honor this long-standing connection, the city holds a remarkable St. George’s Day Festival annually. This vibrant celebration takes place in the main square, drawing locals and tourists alike from all corners of the globe. Against the backdrop of the medieval architecture and picturesque surroundings, visitors are immersed in a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance, and festivities inspired by St. George’s legacy. It is an occasion that encapsulates the spirit of the city and invites people to join in the jubilation.
Salisbury’s allure extends beyond its historical and cultural significance. The city’s central location and its proximity to the major ports of Southampton and Portsmouth make it a favored destination for tourists arriving via cruise liners. As these visitors disembark, they are welcomed by the allure of Salisbury, eager to explore its hidden treasures and experience the unique charm that radiates from every street and alleyway.
Imagine witnessing the St. George’s Day Festival in full swing, where locals and visitors come together, adorned in elaborate fancy dress costumes. The city buzzes with excitement as people revel in the festivities, joining the procession with their own symbolic hobbyhorse riders. The air is filled with laughter and merriment, as families, friends, and strangers alike create enduring memories in this joyous moment that captures “all the fun of the fair”. It is a glimpse into the rich heritage and vibrant spirit that permeate every aspect of Salisbury’s identity.
Salisbury is more than just a city; it is a living testament to the intertwined tapestry of history, mythology, and modernity. Whether you come seeking the allure of ancient landmarks or the thrill of cultural celebrations, you are sure to be captivated by the enchanting ambiance that envelops this extraordinary place. May your journey to Salisbury be filled with wonder and discovery as you delve into the depths of its captivating heritage.
England – Salisbury – man in carnival costume taking part in the St. Georges Day celebrations in the town centre market place. Salisbury’s connection to St. George goes back centuries and the evidence is everywhere from the stained glass images of St. George in Salisbury Cathedral to the collection of dragons found on buildings all over the city.
I had the great pleasure of meeting and photographing Dame Helen Mirren a while back. Last night I watched her portraying chain-smoking Israeli PM Golda Meir in the film ‘Golda’ and would not have known it was the same person. What a great actress and a pleasure to photograph.
Award winning film actress Helen Mirren (Dame Helen Mirren) touring the new P&O cruise liner Ventura in Southampton during the vessels naming ceremony
LFI is a German based organisation which publishes Leica-based books, magazines etc. as well as hosting on-line galleries on their website. As a user of Leica cameras I host a personal gallery there and the editors select for their gallery from those images, together of course with other photographers. I am delighted to say that of late I have been successful with having a number of images honoured by selection:
You can view the individual certificates by clicking on them. All were of course taken on Leica equipment, the first one being taken on film. If you want specific details of equipment etc. feel free to contact me. Prints are available of the images featured.
I wandered into my local dealership the other day, and walked right into a Canon promo day where one of the reps was selling his wife’s home-made jam (jelly) in aid of cancer charities. I told him I wouldn’t switch to Canon, but I would buy a pot of his jam if I could photograph the pot lids. I think he thought I was slightly crazy, but here is the result which just goes to show you never know when and where you are going to see something worthwhile, so keep your eyes open!
This image was taken in Barcelona in 2014 when I stumbled across traditional dancing in the square outside the cathedral in the centre of the old town. It is a simple image and started life as a coloured shot with a very colourful crowd in the background. What you are seeing here is a crop of the original. So there we have it, two friends holding hands aloft as part of a traditional dance, much as a couple may in a jive.
Now let’s take it out of that context and put it into the context of Catalonian independence, or for that matter any other political arena. What do we now see? We see unity, we see togetherness, we see standing together for a common cause. No longer do we see the joy of dancing but now the stress and anguish of politics.
The camera never lies, but the photographer may distort the truth!
Back in 1994 I became aware that Salisbury Livestock Market was to move from its city centre location to an -out-of-town site to make way for a major new supermarket development. To put you in the picture (forgive the pun) the market had been on its town centre site for some considerable time, and was on the route between housing estates and the market square where large markets are still held twice a week. This meant that mothers and children walked through the market regularly, and it was a real part of the community. Children could see animals, city dwellers could mix with country folk and so on.
I wanted to record the existing life of the market before it disappeared, and obtained the permission of Southern County Auctioneers to do so. They co-operated by making the buyers and sellers aware that I was there with permission, as I was afraid of animosity in this fairly tight-knit circle. This fear was borne out when I met a press photographer whilst shooting: he was there photographing in relationship to the B.S.E. crisis that was happening in the beef industry at the time, and was getting very little co-operation.
The project took about a year and culminated in an exhibition at the Salisbury and South Wilts Museum in the cathedral close at Salisbury, my first ever exhibition. I tried to get the supermarket chain (Waitrose) to sponsor me but they were not interested, however a donation of film from a major manufacturer helped.
I have taken just one roll out of all the films I shot to illustrate this post. It was taken close to Christmas and shows a true slice of working life. I am still working with the market at their new location, and with their co-operation, and I am pleased to say that one of my images from the project has been published by National Geographic. I hope you enjoy the 9 images here (dated 1995).
On my recent trip into the city this guy came and sat next to me. I have wanted a ‘vaping’ shot for some time, and he was concentrating so much on his mobile phone he didn’t notice me shooting with my Leica M9 and 24mm Elmarit f2.8 lens. For non-English readers ‘vaping’ is the English word for smoking e-cigarettes. It shows you are better off shooting with wide angles on the street than with telephotos. As Magnum photographer famously said Robert Capa “if your photos era’t good enough, you are not close enough”
As I am sure many of you know I am going back through my old negatives to make sure they are in my digital archives, and I am finding some that I have overlooked in the past. I particularly like these four from 1995 which form a lovely grouping from the Henley-on-Thames historical regatta. Another life, another society, another time. I hope you like them too. (Taken on Ilford HP5+ using Canon camera).
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