Night shots

Christmas in Manchester

/ mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Christmas may be a smaller celebration in 2020, but it hasn’t stopped Manchester putting on its finest illuminations, bringing bling and bokeh to the city. READ MORE BELOW

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I chose a dry, mild evening to walk a large circuit around Manchester city centre, stopping often to capture the lights.

There’s restaurant The Ivy’s declaration of love to the city, which has become an Instagram hit.

But my favourite is the cathedral tree which is a glittering frame with not a pine needle in sight.

The scourge of Covid is on the rise again and this Christmas is like no other. No matter how you’re spending it this year, have a safe and happy one.

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Middle East travel

/ mikeosbornphoto / 11 Comments

Tensions in the Middle East have ratcheted up since the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, while the unintentional shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger jet has done little to instill confidence in travellers to the region.

I’ve visited the Middle East several times over the last 15 years and discovered a compelling part of the world which has a lot to offer.

The futuristic desert cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are thrilling discoveries en route to chilled Indian Ocean beach holidays. Oman is more low-rise, restrained and authentic, but with a splash of luxury should you want it.

Further up the Gulf is the small state of Qatar, where I happily spent a week exploring capital city Doha and indulging in some dune bashing out in the desert. Jordan and Israel, meanwhile, have a wealth of historical treasures and the relaxing Dead Sea.

For sunshine seekers during the long UK winter, the Middle East presents opportunities for good weather and a seaside climate. But how do you decide if it’s safe to visit? Read more below the gallery

A taste of the Middle East. Click first image to view gallery

For UK travellers, the definitive place to go for advice about visiting the Middle East is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. The information is detailed, comprehensive and updated constantly.

Iran, Iraq and war-ravaged Syria and Yemen currently carry a red warning against all travel. More popular destinations including the United Arab Emirates come with the advice that “the security situation could worsen with little warning”, while historically most visits are “trouble free”.

A whole host of other trusted travel sources, such as Fodor’s, are also providing information about the situation.

As part of my year of travel, I was very keen to visit Iran, famed for its cultural treasures, delicious cuisine and welcoming people. But I put this on ice before recent events, concerned about the government’s attitude towards LGBT issues.

I’ve also had my eye on a tour of Lebanon but am reconsidering, given the presence of Iranian-backed militias in the country.

Choosing never to travel to the Middle East again would be an oversight. The region has so much to offer and is richly photogenic.

But you don’t have to make any decisions alone – there is a lot of guidance available.

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2019 in 12 photographs

/ mikeosbornphoto / 10 Comments

Another year is drawing to a close, and there’s just enough time to glance back at 2019.

The year until October was dominated by travel, experiencing new places and creating new memories. The latter segment of 2019 has been about reconnecting with my neighbourhood and city of Manchester.

These photographs – just one for each month – distill the essence of each location and take me right back to that place, whether it’s on top of a Namibian sand dune, experiencing a magic Icelandic snowfall in May, or right here in Manchester.

It’s time to herald 2020 and wish you all a very healthy and Happy New Year.

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Walks with my camera

/ mikeosbornphoto / 14 Comments

When winter takes a grip here in Manchester, the temptation is to hibernate with a hot drink and a blanket.

But the need to stretch your legs and brave the fresh air can take over. I find wrapping up warm and picking up my camera bag helps the cause.

My recent camera walks have taken in the city’s Bridgewater Canal towpath, the nearby Cheshire countryside and a festive Manchester city centre after dark in the pouring rain.

Here’s some of my shots. Remember it’s always worth popping a small camera in your pocket when the leave the house – no matter what the conditions are.

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Azerbaijan: Land of fire

/ mikeosbornphoto / 3 Comments

This was a fleeting visit to an oil-rich country on the shores of the Caspian Sea, following visits to its neighbours in the Caucasus, Armenia and Georgia.

Azerbaijan boasts a showpiece capital in Baku, with contemporary architecture and wide, pleasant boulevards.

Outside of Baku, the country boasts fortresses, ancient rock carvings and plumes of fire from the earth.

But the landscape is sometimes barren and unforgiving, while the opulence and modernity of Baku doesn’t extend much beyond the city.

Here’s what I saw…

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