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.

Tap/click first image to view gallery

Manchester’s winter haven

January 26, 2020October 26, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

This was a return visit to Fletcher Moss Park, a beautiful nature spot in Didsbury, south Manchester.

The last time I wandered around there with my camera was in late summer 2018, when it was a lush riot of colour. The park’s famous Poplar walkway was full and verdant.

In January the great trees were bare and mournful. The rock garden was showing signs of death and decay. But amongst this were the early green shoots of Spring, those signs of hope.

The colour cast of my two Fletcher Moss sets is very different. But Manchester folk still visit to walk their dogs, stretch their legs and enjoy this city haven – whatever the season.

Tap/click first image to see the gallery

The north in bloom

April 28, 2019April 16, 2024 / mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

I’ve taken a year-long career break and have spent several months travelling. But it’s also a great opportunity to be at home and have the freedom to enjoy what’s nearby.

On a recent spell of warm, Spring weather I visited Dunham Massey, a National Trust property close to Manchester. The expectation was a carpet of bluebells, but instead there was a vibrant display of tulips.

I was using my secondary, more portable Fuji and finally cracked its macro capabilities. Back at home I continued my shoot with some leftover flowers and new plants on the balcony. Maybe there’s truth in the old adage that home’s best…

Click first image to see the gallery

Cape Town flavours

April 18, 2019April 16, 2024 / mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

Cape Town is an excellent place to start your travels around South Africa. I arrived after a tour of amazing Namibia, and it proved to be a tonic after that country’s unrelenting climate and vast desert terrain.

It’s a city that has it all, sitting by the ocean and bounded by a rugged mountain backdrop dotted with breathtaking viewpoints.

There are also little coastal towns on the Cape Peninsula, beautiful botanical gardens and the irresistibly photogenic neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap. And don’t forget the cute Boulders penguins.

Cape Town is geared up for tourists but it’s plain to see why visitors flock here. It’s well worth following the herd.

Click first image to see the gallery

South African beauties

February 14, 2019January 9, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

The Protea is South Africa’s national flower. There was no better place to see them than on a recent visit to the wonderful city of Cape Town.

The botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch have the most amazing backdrop of one side of Table Mountain, boasting a treetop canopy walk among its acres of well-manicured grounds.

I made a beeline for the Protea garden with my macro lens, realising there are numerous varieties of the flowers, beautiful with blooms and after they’re gone.