Shabby pastels

November 23, 2014November 23, 2014 / mikeosbornphoto / 23 Comments

Boa Vista in the African island nation of Cape Verde is sparsely populated and sleepy – a paradise far away from the strains of European urban life.

Its main town, Sal Rei, is home to around 6,000 people, while the former capital Rabil is more like a village. Its houses are modest, built with blocks and colourfully decorated, although the paint quickly peels in the tropical sunshine. The homes around the main square in Sal Rei are a little more grand, but also with a charming air of dilapidation.

My hotel was newer and inevitably in much better condition, with rustic yellow and light brown walls, which caught the sun beautifully.

Click first image to view this selection

Ocean spray

November 2, 2014November 11, 2014 / mikeosbornphoto / 18 Comments

Tropical islands make you think of warm, still waters and sheltered coral reefs. But the west coast of Boa Vista in the Cape Verde archipelago off Africa faces the full might of the Atlantic Ocean, and quite often the sea is king.

During my recent stay the nearest stretch of Chaves Beach was red-flagged at all times – too dangerous for swimming. This didn’t stop holidaymakers edging close to the crashing waves and others – including myself – from taking photographs. Even I lost a shoe, although the sea spat it back in disgust.

While it was hard to take a dip, the pounding ocean was welcome. I could hear the ebb and flow of the robust tide while I was heading to sleep, which turned out to be oddly soothing.

Click first image to view this selection

Island daydreaming

October 31, 2014July 30, 2019 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Click images to enlarge

The hotel poolside on holiday is for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, reading… showing off and trying to cover up. I become restless and like to experiment with my camera.

This trio of frames capture the colours and textures of the pool and beyond – the first image rolls the layers of sky, sea, beach and pool’s edge into one. I used my macro lens and fooled it into creating the abstract, hazy sense of relaxing by the water’s edge.

They are an homage to photographic artist Mariko Evans, whose enduring trademark is the dreamy, artful frame.

Cape Verde gold

October 26, 2014November 11, 2014 / mikeosbornphoto / 15 Comments

A temporary silence descended while I went away for some rest, relaxation – and of course to gather the rich photographic rewards of a new place.

I went to the little island of Boa Vista, the easternmost of the Cape Verde islands which are scattered off the Atlantic coast of West Africa.

We start at the end of the day, on a beach for golden hour and then sunset. This was the best one, a tropical show by the strong currents of the sea. It was that moment of the holiday where my mind cleared of everything else.

One to savour.