Netherlands 2016: Christmastime in Amsterdam

Sometimes you make a mistake, and sometimes that mistake is utterly avoidable. The day before this trip I got the then new iPhone 7 took a couple of shots in nice light and thought, 'this is good'. I'd taken some online comments to heart. Something along the lines of 'only 'cause you've got an expensive camera'. Rather than dismissing it, I thought I'd challenge myself and set off to Amsterdam with only the iPhone. As it turned out, I fell in love with Amsterdam that weekend and wished I'd had my X-T1 with me. The iPhone looked alright in good daylight and on a phone screen, but quality simply fell apart as soon as the light dimmed and seen on a laptop or larger. In December in a city filled with beautiful illuminations the good light fell away quickly and what was left on the sensor did not do the city justice. The next time I went, I did not make the same mistake twice.

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Formula 1 Exhibition 2024

The Formula 1 Exhibition at the eXcel Area in London as seen in December 2024.

UK 2024: Kew at Christmas

A walk around Kew Gardens at night, guided by Christmas Illuminations.

South Africa: 2019

Spain 2017: Valencia

I went to Valencia in for the conclusion of the 2017 MotoGP World Champions, but got a little time the day after the race before my evening flight home. It's a city I'm going to have to return to in order to see more of the city itself. The Museu de les Ciències is where I spent most of my time. As well as being an outstanding museum, it is a photographers paradise. Full of leading lines and abstract angles.

Italy 2018: Rome - The Colosseum and Forum

Another of those places where it felt surreal to walk the pathways of a place I'd seen in everything from Asterix graphic novels as a kid, to movies via many history books. Every footstep, a connection to the past. I visited on a bright but changeable February morning and the queues were still deep. I cannot imagine how busy it must be at the height of summer.

Spain 2019: Madrid

Macau 2011: A day in Macau

I went to Macau for a day trip during a longer trip to Hong Kong. An insanely crowded and densely packed place with as many contrasts as buildings. Colonial buildings jostle with temples. Apartment blocks with mega casinos. A single day was not enough to even begin to scratch the surface.

Estonia 2018: Tartu

A late afternoon walk around the Estonian city of Tartu.

USA 2009: RMS Queen Mary

A night in luxury aboard the RMS Queen Mary. A once proud jewel of the oceans reduced to a floating hotel. She may have been grubby and crumbling in places, but the charm and beauty remained.

Estonia 2018: Vanalinn Red

Vanalinn, or Tallinn Old Town is a place with bags of character, exemplified by the near ubiquitous red tiles and bricks that give the buildings a unique 'glow'. I tend to gravitate to Black & White, but this city demanded to be shot in colour.

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