Macro with the Fuji X100S
Venus Drive 14 August 2013, 2.3km Who'd have guessed that the X100S isn't just a brilliant streeting camera, but does decent nature macro photography as well! First field test went better than expected: slapped on a Raynox DCR-250 close-up lens and used my Nikon SB-800 flashgun with a flimsy DIY diffuser softbox (it fell into
British Turkish in solidarity with Taksim
After a series of peaceful demonstrations for preserving a recreational area in Istanbul
Photographing protests – my experience so far
How it all began In 2006, a photographer friend asked me along to the 'No More Fallujahs' peace camp at Parliament Square, where anti-war campaigners were demanding an end to the UK/US military occupation of Iraq. It sounded exciting. It was all new ground to me, photographically and otherwise. I was tempted, but hesitant. Coming
Tribute to Salgado’s ‘Genesis’
aka 'Everything looks better in B&W', born of a running gag between me and a photographer friend when we went to see the Genesis world premiere at the Natural History Museum. I had a free guest pass sitting in my wallet from years ago. Ten years ago maybe. It had gone flimsy and was frayed
Falling in love with the Micrarium
As far as museum exhibits go, the Grant Museum's new(ish) Micrarium has taken the top place of honour on my list. It's a wickedly wonderful place for the 'tiny things' that are my favourite things: the invertebrates that constitute an approximate 95% of all animal species. You won't get that feeling if you walk
Operation Vendetta
George Orwell's 1984 leads to V for Vendetta leads to a bunch of Guy Fawkes-masked activists marching on the Houses of Parliament from Trafalgar Square this 5th of November. Lots of discontent, it seems, about the government's failure to serve its people, the dismal state of the economy and the environment. Also something about
Anti-Islamic film protest
"You cannot pass through here." One of the stewards stepped to the side and blocked my way, "You have to go round the other side." "But I'm not passing through," I told him. "I'm here to cover the event." A moment later, I was receiving a briefing from their media person, and then let loose
Teochew opera – a fading heritage
Experience has taught me that some performers don't take it too kindly to having a lens poking into their faces, so I approached one of the aunties, wearing my cheeriest smile and in halting Mandarin, if they'd mind my intrusion backstage. Then from down the road came D and M, who marched straight up