Autumn sunflowers

September 27, 2020September 25, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 17 Comments

A summer field filled with bright yellow sunflowers is a glorious sight. But what is it like when the colour has faded and the season shifted? READ MORE BELOW

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I visited this Cheshire field beyond the fringes of Greater Manchester on our final summery September day. It belongs to Little Heath Farm who encouraged visitors to come and enjoy the sunflowers and take photographs in the uncertainty of a pandemic.

The field is now maturing and the carpet of yellow has faded. The flower heads are heavy with seeds and drying out. It’s a picture of natural progression and the cycle of life, full of textures and more muted colours.

The sunflowers may have aged but they remain a thing of beauty.

Castlefield nights

June 14, 2020June 14, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 11 Comments

Lockdown has made photography a very local affair here in Castlefield, Manchester. Continue reading below

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I’ve ventured out with my camera only a few times since coronavirus pandemic restrictions were eased, swapping indoor projects for exploring the neighbourhood’s canals, industrial architecture and tramways.

Some warm summer weather prompted some walks to capture fiery sunsets (and even a bright, prominent moon).

And one late night I prowled around the viaducts armed only with a wide aperture, dialled-up ISO and the the street lights for company.

Travel still seems a remote prospect, but at least Castlefield is rich in texture and interesting spaces.

Lockdown photography

March 30, 2020March 29, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

A week ago the UK government introduced stringent measures in a effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

We’ve all been instructed to stay at home and make only essential trips for shopping and exercise while keeping our distance. When I venture out to stretch my legs or fetch supplies, my camera stays behind – it would be frivolous to go out and shoot.

Photography is an enjoyable and creative outlet for me, so I’ve turned my attention indoors like other photographers.

Familiar, ordinary objects become interesting, while having flowers in the house is a definite plus. I’m lucky enough to have a balcony so can enjoy the view (even though I’ve captured it countless times before).

As the pandemic marches on, it looks like we’ll be at home for longer. What are you photographing during the lockdown?

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Moments of calm

March 21, 2020May 10, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 8 Comments

These are not normal times. The coronavirus pandemic around the globe is triggering profound changes, a lot of uncertainty – and is making us feel anxious.

A lot of us are having to stay inside our homes and alter our routines drastically, giving us more space to think about the situation.

It’s important to take time out from the dramatic cycle of news and think about our mental well-being. One small way to do this is by focusing on images that promote calm diversion.

I’ve put together a gallery of nature, sunsets, landscapes and minimalism that can draw you in and focus the mind. Take some moments to look at them if it’s all getting too stressful, and enjoy a moment of peace. Stay safe and healthy. Take care.