As already mentioned, I find modern Doha to be an extremely harsh city. For unknown reasons, there appears to be a resistance from the Municipality and property developers alike to avoid softening the urban cityscape by significant green landscaping, and to be fair, with some noticeable exceptions.
Read MorePublication in Urban Eye Magazine
Proud that one of my images, taken in Hanoi (Vietnam) is published in the latest Urban Eye Magazine (January 2017 Edition), but also with sadness that this is the last edition ...
Read MoreWeek 2 in Sri Lanka - Fuji X100s vs Leica Q
I spent my last week in Galle to mostly travel around the area, in an almost desperate attempt to see and capture as much possible quality stock before my return to Doha. This is (as always) made easier by renting a scooter, and with the wonders of Google maps in my pocket, deep explorations into the back roads and rural farmlands is always possible without the angst of getting lost.
Read MoreWeek 1 in Sri Lanka - Fuji X100s vs Leica Q
As always, my trusted Fuji X100s, a constant travel companion of circa four years, accompanied me. However, having also recently accuired a new Leica Q, I was interested in seeing which one of these tools suit me best. Admittedly, my heart layed with the Fuji before the trip, as my short time with the Leica has been slightly unimpressive to date.
Read MoreNew Gallery Sections ... The Scapes
Just added two new sections to my Gallery, namely Colorscapes and Monoscapes.
Read MoreEveryday Doha ... and things #1
Despite repeated visits to the obvious hunting grounds, I also consciously try to force myself to recognize the less obvious "charms" of Qatar and Doha's generally bland, uninspiring scenery.
Read MorePortraits of Syria: The Bakers
It is always easy finding a bakery in Syria. Apart from being plentiful and mostly located in well exposed locations, one just need to follow the great aroma of freshly backed bread to the open shopfront window swiftly serving fresh, hot, steaming flat breads to customers queuing in the street outside.
Read MorePortraits of Syria: The Craftsmen
What always used to fascinate me was how Syria appeared and felt like it was literally thirty years behind most modern industrial nations, a time-warp taking one back to the times before big factories and a simpler lifestyle.
Read MoreTo Blur, or Not to Blur …
Not looking for any excuses, I can understand that out of focus subjects can be a big issue in the commercial photography world, but is a less-than-tack-sharp street photo really bad if it still serves the purpose of capturing and conveying a particular special moment that would’ve otherwise been lost forever?
Read MoreIt's as simple as Black & White in full colour ...
After many years of street shooting, all the time working almost exclusively in colour (and yellow for the last part), I think that a great colour display helped me to rediscover and appreciate the qualities of black and white. I started becoming interested in things like tonal ranges, shadow detail and light qualities.
Read MoreStreet Photography in South Africa: Death of a Street Photographer
After an absence of almost three years, I'm about to take off for a week in Cape Town! The last time I returned to South Africa was around mid-2012 and I recall writing this overwhelmingly negative article about my impressions and street photography experiences at the time. I stayed on in South Africa for another year or so after this arcticle before moving on again, but have to admit that over time I started feeling slightly better about the charms that Johannesburg has to offer. Though my destination is different this time, I'm hoping for an overwhelmingly positive experience this time round. The original 2011 article:
Read MoreStreet Photography in the Middle East: Some Observations
With wide ranging clampdowns on the freedoms of Street Photographers throughout many parts of the world at the time, the intention if the original article was to provide fellow street photographers with some informative guidelines to avoid legal problems when out photographing in the Middle East. At the time I didn’t quote and analyse any official, legal facts on general Middle Eastern policies and laws on Street Photography, but purely shared some of my own experiences and observations that would hopefully help to keep photographers out of unwanted trouble with the law.
Read MoreFirst-world creative block ...
I found it difficult making the mental switch, feeling mostly like a bumbling beginner street photographer aimlessly shooting whatever looks mildly interesting in a desperate attempt to just bag ONE keeper.
Read MoreCleaning out the attic ...
As a long-time resident in the Middle East Gulf, our desert summers are pretty extreme in terms of high temperatures and uncomfortable, humid conditions. Only the bravest, and certifyable insane will venture out with their cameras, and then only to realise that it was a massive mistake - even in the dead of night. Summer is therfore usually the time to revisit my old photo stock and catching up on some overdue editing.
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