bench

Beach stripes

/ mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

Beach stripesThe stones, shells and gravel of Whitstable beach in Kent reveal their sun-strewn roughness through hazy pastel stripes of colour in this abstract shot.

Benches have a definite lure when it comes to creating photographs, and this pretty beach front seating place was no exception. They provide natural frames and peepholes to what lies beyond.

My favourite bench in Richmond, back here in London, was used to create Shades of Green. Don’t just sit on benches – go behind them and use your camera.

There will be more from England’s south-east coast in the coming days.

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Soaking up the shade

/ mikeosbornphoto / 9 Comments

A pleasant summer’s day at Richmond Green, sitting on the bench of special significance. For a short while, Dermot looks across the sun-kissed grass, while enjoying the shade of a very mature tree.

I was torn between the bright, fresh feel of the colour shot and the timelessness of the sepia. The mood of the photograph also goes two ways – this could be an enjoyable moment’s peace and time to relax, or does it signify a juncture of deep thought, reflection and even solitude and solemnity? Which do you prefer?…

A moment in green

/ mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

This photograph was taken on Richmond Green, a nice spot in south-west London, not far away from the Thames. It’s simply a detail of a park bench, shaded by a huge old tree. Just beyond this, the sun was shining and many people were relaxing. Getting the focus and light just right for this took some time.

But there is another story to this dark green seat with its peeling paint. It has special significance and was recently revisited a year after the start of something which I hope may outlast the bench.

Does a shot of something seemingly mundane have a great significance for you?…