still life

A Christmas collection

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Bah humbug. It’s no secret that I’m not a huge fan of Christmas.

But the warm lights and cold December weather are beautiful to photograph. READ MORE BELOW

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I must have an affection for Christmas lights because I’ve been photographing them for years without even realising it.

My last London flat was bright and white enough for still life sessions, while Manchester and Salford have been providing light and chill since 2016.

In 2018 I passed over a familiar Christmas with a memorable trip to Chile, where the varied and grand landscape took centre stage.

Whether you’re a Scrooge or a bright-eyed Christmas elf, enjoy the festivities.

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The life of tulips

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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

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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?

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The beauty of decay

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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?

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Beautiful Triffids

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I bought two bunches of these popular wedding flowers for the first time and wasn’t impressed. Read more below

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The stalks of my Freesias seemed too tall and spindly, with the blooms perched on top like Triffids. And I was none too keen on their pungent fragrance.

It wasn’t until I photographed these flowers at close quarters that I appreciated their beauty, with delicate mauve and robust pastel pink and yellow petals.

By using a variety of backgrounds, these specimens became photogenic and versatile. I wonder what’s next in my ongoing indoor floral project?