Canary Islands

Marilyn

/ mikeosbornphoto / 11 Comments

I was taking a stroll around the outer reaches of the Canarian town of Corralejo on my recent holiday, and came across something totally unexpected.

On a whitewashed wall next to an ordinary pavement on an undistinguished street, was an image of Marilyn Monroe. A simple stencil graffiti in dark paint, with those iconic features very clear in the fading light.

Who put her there and why? I can’t find the answers to those questions but am pleased with the photograph – she is almost outdone by the bokeh from some distant traffic in this shot.

It seems there is a lot of Marilyn street art all over the world. If anyone knows any more about this example, I would love to find out.

Marilyn

Corralejo colour

/ mikeosbornphoto / 15 Comments

Fuerteventura muralThe resort of Corralejo on Spain’s Canary Island of Fuerteventura is a hive of restaurants, bars and shops set by the beach and harbour. It’s a mecca for tourists but relaxed and not brash.

My camera quickly found a recurring theme under the warm, sunny skies and the light of this island’s latitude – the dazzling whites, sumptuous blues and bold colour schemes of the town’s architecture.

Much of it may be modern and less distinguished, but it has a vibrant style, including one outlandishly styled villa complete with mannequins suspended on the roof – and a bust of Napoleon.

Click on first image for the full gallery experience

The dunes

/ mikeosbornphoto / 13 Comments

This is an unmissable stop on a trip to the island of Fuerteventura.

It’s like a slither of the Sahara Desert has broken away from the might of Africa and drifted off into the Atlantic Ocean. Tall, honey-coloured sand dunes sit just a short distance away from the sea. They shift silently and create beautiful landscapes and patterns.

Its small scale means holidaymakers amble about this natural playground. The two vast hotels in the area barely peep above the sand from certain vantage points, while the strong light reflecting off the sand creates some unusual photographic opportunities.

Click first image to launch the gallery

Images from Morocco’s Sahara desert:

Sahara sunrise

Sahara feet

Camel train

Desert island layers

/ mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

I’ve returned from a trip to the island of Fuerteventura with my camera a little sandier and more used than before my departure.

It’s part of Spain’s Canary islands, basking in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Africa. It’s a fairly rocky, dry outcrop boasting very warm weather, sparkling colours – and even Sahara-esque sand dunes.

This taster shot says it all in a layered cake – electric blue sky, azure waters, plenty of sand and a modern tarmac road through the middle. It was a fruitful place for photography, and I’ll bring you more from the island in forthcoming posts.

Desert island layers