Blog

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2010-09-35 New web-site launched for black and white photographs

With the ever increasing number of monochrome photographs I decided to launch a new web-site to showcase these better and to separate them from the colour work on this site. Click to View

2010-09-10 Northumberland

I have just come back from a few days in this wonderful county; my visit included Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh and Hadrian's wall - pictures to follow soon!

2010-06-1 Web-site upgrade - completed

Finally the bulk of the work to revise the layout and content is done, there is a bit of tidying up to do and a few duplicated images to sort; the result of posting larger versions of some pictures already on the site. The old ones can now be removed.

2010-05-05 Web-site upgrade

This is still underway, I hope to have it all finished by the end of this month.

2010-05-03 Spring greens with the Canon G11

Had to leave the DSLR at home and just took the handy G11 with me today. I am mightily impressed how much of an improvement it is over previous iterations but I still intend to go back with the Canon 5DMk2 for a reshoot!

2010-04-14 Web-site upgrade

A major upgrade is underway, this will take a few weeks so please bear with me while the site undergoes a period of transition.

2010-04-05 An Otterhound in the family

It is ages since I found time to add to this blog, things have been busy, particularly preparing my talk on "Digital Monochrome Methods" and making the prints. Hahnemühle, the fine art paper manufacturer, whose papers I like so much, have been kind enough to sponsor me in this. I have now given the talk twice and it has been well received so time to move forward again.

On a different tack we have a new addition to the family, Bumble the Otterhound. She was 10 weeks old when I took this picture, if you don't know what a full grown Otterhound looks like think small scruffy donkey. You can see how Bumble is progressing on her blog Bumble's blog

2009-12-27 Commercial Photography web page

New improved summary of services offered as a commercial photographer.

2009-11-01 New 27" iMac

The speed and rapidly diminishing hard drive space of my old iMac finally persuaded me to upgrade to a new iMac, 2009 version, which I bought on Friday. I transferred my images, software, presets etc - which I was surprised to be able to do in one day - upgraded to Photoshop CS4 and wow! The speed is blistering, the big screen a delight to use, as is the new mouse and I fully recommend this piece of equipment.

2009-07-23 Do you suffer from hayfever?

It has affected me for the last two weeks of June and first two in July for about 50 years. I had been free for a week until a trip into the Derbyshire Peak District today. Had a great walk from Mam Tor along the Great Ridge and made some super pictures (to follow) but did I pay for it! So bad when I got back to the car I had to get my wife to drive me home; yes - that bad!!

2009-07-03 Today's the day

After neglecting this site whilst getting ready for the exhibition I am devoting today to a major update. There will be lots of super new images to see.

2009-06-28 End of June already!

I can't believe it's been so long since I added to this blog. I have been so busy either preparing the new web-site or getting ready for the next exhibition. I have snuck out with the camera on a few occasions, got a few decent shots too, but I really must make more time somehow. I seem to be continually on the go.

2009-05-05 Photographer of the year

Interviewed today by Leicestershire and Rutland Life having been unanimously chosen as their "Photographer of the Year" As you might imagine I am very pleased and feel this reflects a lot of hard work put into my photography over the last year and the immense support received from my wife, Georgina.

2009-03-27 A big thank you

To everyone who came to the exhibition at Staunton Harold last week and especially to the many who bought a print or two. I met lots and lots of super people and had a great time, Thanks again!

I also managed to get a few pictures which I shall posting in the Leicestershire gallery very soon.

2009-03-19 Adobe Lightroom 2

I have been using Lightroom since early Beta versions. I have just downloaded a trial version of Lightroom 2. I am just overwhelmed by how much more it can do and can't recommend it highly enough. When I have a bit more time I will post an example of the improvements.

2009-03-17 Coalville Cougars Basketball

Great game tonight against Bosworth Blazers. I took lots of pictures and am pleased with the results. I used to cover quite a bit of motorsport a few years back but for three years now have not covered any sport at all, It's great to be back in action. There's always plenty happening and lots of good picture opportunities.

2009-02-28 Lincolnshire coast

I didn't feel as if I had been out with the camera for ages so, with a reasonable day promised, off to the Lincolnshire coast. Came back a happy bunny with several decent monochrome images.

2009-02-20 More improvements

More changes to the website including provision for lots more images and a gallery dedicated to basketball pictures (located under the colour gallery).

2009-01-16 Changes to the web-site.

I have been reading about search engine optimisation, SEO, and making enquiries about bringing this site to a wider audience. As a result of which I am currently undertaking a major revamp of the web-site to improve the layout and copy etc.


As if I didn't have enough on my plate already!

2009-01-14 Happy new year!

Yes, I know it's a bit late but there just are not enough hours in the day. There's a big new project ongoing and various bits of development to do in addition to which I'm already having to prepare for my next exhibition in March.

2008-12-18 PHOTOGRAPHY IN PUBLIC PLACES

The National Policing Improvement Agency issued new guidelines in November relating to the implementation of stop and search under the Terrorism Act 2000 After reported difficulties and misunderstandings dating to the implementation of the Terrorism Act 2000, the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) issued advice relating to the implementation of stop and search under the Act at the end of November, stating that: ''The Terrorism Act 2000 does not prohibit people from taking photographs or digital images in an area where an authority under section 44 is in place (power to stop and search people and vehicles under section 44 of the Terrorism Act). These powers are exceptional, and should only be used in specific circumstances" Further, the advice reminds police that the 2000 act is meant for use only in cases where the officer seriously suspects the individuals of gathering information for terrorist activities, saying, "If an officer suspects that photographs are being taken as part of hostile terrorist reconnaissance, then a search under Section 43 of the Terrorism Act or an arrest should be considered." It reminds officers that the act does not prohibit people from taking photos in public places unless they are suspected of terrorist activities. Even if a police officer suspects an individual of taking photos to inform and aid terrorist plots the police officer does not haw any power to delete images or destroy film. Power does main for officers to restrict photography locally, to protect children, for example, but these decisions are made by local police forces. This was reiterated in July by Lord Bassam, who stated that: "Police officers have the discretion to ask people not to take photographs for public safety or security reasons. However, the taking of photographs in a public place is not subject to any rules or statute" Despite the law, many professional and non-professional photographers have reported intervention and obstruction by the police in public places. Earlier this year, RPS Director General Stuart Blake contacted the Home Office to clarify the legality of photography in public. The reply, dated 6 June, stated, "There is no legal restriction on photography in public places", and that, 'It is for the Chief Constable to ensure that officers and Police Community Support Officers are acting appropriately with regards to photography."

About time too, this has needed clarification for a long while.

2008-12-17 Lee Filters

I have just ordered a set of Lee Filters. For years I have been content to take multiple exposures (one for the land and one for the sky) and blend them in Photoshop but the time available for processing is getting less so now I have to save time by getting it right in camera. My Christmas present from me to me :-)

2008-10-26 Commended in Landscape Photographer of the year

I received the following email....

"Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2008

supported by the UK's leading Tourist Agencies

Dear Bill

The final judging of all shortlisted images in the Take a view Awards has now been completed. This year again saw some stunning photography and the judges had an extremely hard, but enjoyable, task.

We are very pleased to tell you that your image has been Commended by the judges and awarded a place both in the Awards book and as part of a slideshow presentation that will run on a TV screen at the National Theatre exhibition.......... "

Wow! I'm very pleased as you can imagine. The image is below.

2008-09-30 Leicestershire landscape photographs

Had some great trips out to places in Leicestershire over the last few weeks. Pictures in the East Midlands landscape gallery.

2008-08-30

Newly released! Book of images of Norfolk

2008-07-30

I have become a sponsor of Coalville Cougars basketball team. They won 19 of the 20 matches last season and are now in the premier league! I'm looking forward to getting lots of exciting basketball shots, a new sport for me. Should make for some excellent fun over the next year or so.

2008-07-26

Good news when I got back though - two of my images have been shortlisted for "Take a view 2008" the Landscape Photographer of the year competition!

2008-07-25

Just back from the North Yorkshire Moors, a desperate week with very poor weather and hardly any worthwhile shots to show for it. Ah well, happens like that sometimes...