The beauty of decay

July 26, 2020July 24, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Do you think that beauty is exclusively the preserve of youth and vitality? CONTINUE READING BELOW

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I always have fresh flowers in the house and recently bought a lovely spray of roses. Of course cut flowers fade sooner or later and are discarded, to be replaced with a new arrangement.

But this time I held on to the roses as they began to wither away. Fellow blogger and Australian photographer Lee Cleland suggested drying some blooms and capturing them – an excellent idea.

The vibrancy of flowers fresh from the florist is replaced by a darker mood and the sense of impending death.

But the beauty isn’t diminished by degradation. In fact I think the creative rewards and interest are enhanced. How about you?

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.

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.

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Stormy seaside

March 1, 2020February 28, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 9 Comments

The Lancashire seaside resort of Blackpool is famous for its golden sands, soaring tower, kiss me quick hats and fairground rides.

I decided to explore it for the first time on the murkiest of winter days, when a cold wind was howling and rain lashing down.

The backdrop was solid grey and the caramel-coloured, foamy sea swirled around dramatically.

I took refuge in the spectacular (and warm) Tower Ballroom, given a yearly outing by TV show Strictly Come Dancing.

A testing day culminated with a nasty fall on the Promenade (please check for loose bootlaces) and a grazed camera.

But I’ll be back in the summer to see blue skies, excitable crowds and Blackpool in all its seasonal splendour.

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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.