All kinds of everything
As I wandered, I realized I was becoming more interested in the details around me, more so than wider streetscape. It is amazing when you realise just how little attention you can often pay to the small things when out and about. Many of us are too busy rushing about, or with our heads focused on our screens to notice what is around us. It could be an architectural detail, a splash of colour in someone’s clothing or on a wall, or even a sticker on a lamppost.
Embracing the shackles
It has been a little while since I last headed out on a photo walk. This has mainly been down to my ND noggin having a bit of a hissy fit lately. It is hard to motivate yourself to go on a wander when you are struggling to decide what to eat for lunch. However, I finally got into a space where I could plan a walk. I decided to head into South Shields, jump on the ferry across to North Shields, and walk along the quayside into Tynemouth. The ferry has been off for a while after the North Shields landing suffered storm damage in January of this year.
All at sea with a blister
I wandered up and down looking for something a little different to capture. I’ve visited the area a few times before so it is always fun to try and find something new. I investigated some different shooting angles of the public art along the riverside, along with picking out details of the National Glass Centre. I was also sticking to my 40mm prime lens so I really worked for my rewards. There was a lot of zooming with my feet along with sprawling on the ground, looking like a crumpled pile of discarded clothing.
Putting my feet in the air
Photography can become a very restrictive practice, if you let it. It is easy to become creatively confined by only shooting one genre, in one particular style, or with only one subject of interest. I realise that tunnel vision is often necessary to push ourselves forward to fully understand a specific aspect of the craft. However, it can easily become the only focus and we can miss so much by not stepping outside of these confines and dipping our toes into different waters.
Windy and Grey
Surprisingly, one of the most intriguing things I saw was on my way to the coast was an old domestic-use garage. I was fascinated by it and its well-worn look. It is something I have found out about myself recently – I enjoy the mundane or the ordinary. I get far more excited about photographing an old garage than I do a stunning ‘picture perfect’ landscape.
In search of the fiery ball
The sun only appeared for about 90 seconds on my walk, but it did make for an interesting late afternoon sky over a nearby farm. I watched it for a while and then tried to capture the beauty on camera. I couldn’t do it justice via digital sensor.
The day after the White Stuff fell
I ventured to the coastline, seeing the sea at its bluest, contrasted with the snowy white cliff tops. There were lots of people out enjoying the fresh air and the cold temperatures. The queues at the local coffee kiosk were looking healthy. I added my patronage.
First Wander of 2026
I wandered the streets in awe of the beautiful white blanket covering everything. My eyes were caught by pops of colour from road signs, people wrapped up in big winter coats navigating the quiet streets. The sky often lost all detail and became a large grey blanket overhead, bathing everything a soft, gentle low light.