Salford blues

May 2, 2021May 3, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Stunning blue skies and water. Reflections galore and sunshine. You’d think it’s the Mediterranean, not Manchester. CONTINUES BELOW

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A vibrant spell of glorious Spring weather prompted me to take my first walk along the Manchester Ship Canal’s ‘left bank’.

The pathway opened up after a new tram line to the Trafford Centre started operating and offers a new perspective on the architecture of Salford Quays.

The startlingly blue sky turned the canal a beautiful colour, which became a mirror for the lines of modern buildings. Add swans serenely gliding around and this made a successful photo walk.

Do you also find the lure of ‘reflection porn’ irresistible?…

Spring has sprung

April 11, 2021April 11, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

Spring has arrived with bursts of life everywhere and carpets of new flowers. CONTINUES BELOW

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Here in Manchester city centre, little local havens including Parsonage Gardens are a riot of bright yellow daffodils.

A spell of warm sunshine coincided with a relaxation of Covid lockdown restrictions, so I finally travelled beyond the city limits to Dunham Massey in Cheshire.

Its beautiful grounds boast many varieties of narcissus, the first flush of tulips and Spring shoots.

Then the weather took a cold wintry turn, even with snow flurries. Let’s hope the blooms weren’t too shocked either…

The life of tulips

March 14, 2021March 14, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 13 Comments

Tulips are an irresistibly favourite flower of the Spring season. It’s hard not to love their cheerful blooms in a whole spectrum of colours.

I recently came home with a rainbow bouquet and bunch of “rhubarb and custard” blooms.

It was hard to resist photographing them in their prime. But as the flowers withered and petals dropped, I found them even more compelling.

Flowers in death are as beautiful as when they’re freshly picked. What do you think?

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Winter gold

February 14, 2021February 12, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

The UK winter has been cold with a lot of snow. Thankfully there’s an inexpensive way to bring warmth and colour into your life. READ MORE BELOW

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Cut daffodils are plentiful and cheap in the shops and bring a welcome burst of vibrancy to your home.

While the UK’s winter coronavirus lockdown continues, photographing these beauties has been an absorbing stay at home project.

I suddenly remembered that I’d captured daffodils back in April when the country first went into lockdown. It seemed deeper and more nerve-jangling than the current one.

This was Easter and we were blessed with warm Spring weather. The shots I created were different to this winter set of gnawing cold and lockdown fatigue. Can you spot the contrasts?

15 beautiful views to take you higher

January 17, 2021January 17, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 10 Comments

Another coronavirus lockdown has made the world shrink again. In Manchester city centre I’m surrounded by buildings and take only familiar urban walks.

Are you also yearning for open spaces? How about clambering up hills to enjoy impressive views? Here are 15 memorable vistas I’ve collected on my travels. Let’s hope it’s easier to enjoy them again before too long.