Picture of the Week - Reflecting on Rylands

The John Rylands Library is one of Manchester’s most attractive buildings, inside and out. A routine walk along Deansgate turned into one of those special photographic opportunities with these glorious patterns created by the low sun reflecting from the windows of the building opposite. An iphone was all I had so it was pressed into action. Back at base I boosted the contrast and saturation to accentuate the effect.

Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain hit the roads of Cheshire. Two stages came close to Macclesfield, the first from Nottingham to Knowsley and the second a loop around Stoke-on-Trent. The company bike was pushed out and I went along to watch it all go past in a blur. Tour de France winner and Olympic gold medalist, Bradley Wiggins and world road champion, Mark Cavendish were the stars of the show.

Check out the country's most famous sideburns

The police have a great time...

Is that Cav admiring my bike?

Olympic Torch

Macclesfield greeted the Olympic Torch today with some of its infamous rain, but it didn't dampen the crowd's mood or put out the flame! Only 57 days until the greatest show on earth...

Awards Success

It was a good night at the Bluecoat in Liverpool at the end of March where I picked up several awards at the British Institute of Professional Photography Northwest Awards. One silver, three bronzes and several merit awards.

Silver and bronze in Environmental Portraiture, an opportunity to use some arty lighting which I always enjoy doing:

A bronze in the Industrial category for these chrome plated handles

And bronze too for this rather nice Jag in the Advertising category:

Handywork

Have you ever noticed whilst you watch the news that a barrage of flash guns go off every time a politician lifts their hands? Simply it makes for a better photo and gives a hint of their character. Whenever I photograph an event I am constantly watching my subject and waiting for that moment. Here's some of my handy work...

Picture of the Week - Lighting the way

Keeping your eyes open will pay dividends because people do the daftest things. So I screeched to a halt when I saw this old-fashioned signpost beautifully adorned with a period lampshade. I wanted to create an appropriately retro image so I gave it a black and white treatment. I wonder if it was the bulb-shaped moulding at the top of the signpost that inspired the anonymous prankster. Perhaps they'll add a switch next time: I'll keep my eyes open.

A sign of winter

Winter has finally decided that it's, well, winter. I went to one of my favourite locations above the Goyt Valley to take this shot. Textbook composition would place the sign on the left pointing into the picture but, rebel that I am, I wanted to include the long shadow cast by the low February sun, daring you to take a different path over the wintery hills.