Carmouflage

Another scene that I’ll probably not see again for a while, both because the year has progressed and the light won’t fall on these cars through this fence for another several months (at least not in the same way, and possibly at a time of day when the cars are not there), but mainly at present because there aren’t any cars parked on this street anymore due to the pandemic.

It’s a road I walk up when dropping my films to be scanned at my local lab, but that’s closed too for the time being and, as I’ve bought my own home-developing equipment, I might not be using them as frequently when they do re-open (something I’m torn about – while me home developing my film is cost effective, I don’t want to deprive the lab of any business. It’s a valuable place to have on my doorstep and their service is great).

While it isn’t the foremost concern by far, I do worry a little as to the impact this pandemic will have on film photography. While is was going from strenth-to-strength before all this happened, I do wonder how a potential pandemic-triggered recession might affect it. If money is short, will people still want to spend so much on film and processing costs? I hope so, but it’s a concern nonetheless.

Pentax Espio 140M & Ilford HP5+.

Taken on 19 February 2020

0 to 60 in?

It’s said that men, when the reach middle age, can compensate for their lack of youth by splashing out on a fancy set of wheels. Well how about this hot little coupe? 🙂

It does have a slightly disapproving look about it though, with it’s eye-like lights and pursed mouth, so maybe don’t be too heavy on the accelerator…

Pentax Espio 140M & Ilford HP5+.

Taken on 11 February 2020

It found us again!

This giraffe was stood outside Dunkin’ Donuts at a shopping park we visited recently. The background was too busy to shoot it full length, so I chose to place it against the cludy sky instead, lending it a somewhat comically menacing air. I have an odd sense of humour…

Pentax Espio 140M & Ilford HP5+.

Taken on 8 February 2020

Tramlines

Another grabbed shot, taken while walking back from the local shopping mall.

Pentax Espio 140M & Ilford HP5+.

Taken on 11 February 2020

In the shadow of the neighbours

I walk past this house sometimes if I walk to the post office, and on this occasion the light was very nice – low sunlight casting lovely, contrasty shadows. As I usually carry a compact camera in my coat pocket throughout the colder months, the little Pentax Espio was on hand to do the job.

Pentax Espio 140M & Ilford HP5+.

Taken on 11 February 2020

Evesdroppers

A pair of pigeons (or are they doves?) perch atop telephone wires. It reminds me of one of those old cartoons where the birds would place their heads to the wire and evesdrop on the converations being transmitted.

Pentax Espio 140M & Ilford HP5+.

Taken on 11 February 2020

Soon to be gone

A short distance south from Haggler’s Corner (see yesterday’s post) is a short row of businesses, only one of which remains trading – a wooden staircase manufacturer and supplier called Heeley Stairparts. Alas, this too is soon to close its doors. The reason for this is that there is a plan to widen Queen’s Road at this point, meaning that this row of buildings needs to be demolished.

I discovered this when a lady across the street from me noticed me taking photographs and asked what I was doing. As the road here is very busy, I couldn’t make out what she was saying so crossed the road once the way was clear. It turned out that she was the owner of the staircase business and thought I was from the council – she’d heard that the council sometime photograph buildings that are due for demolition (I have no idea if this is the case or not).

I quickly reasured her that I wasn’t there in any official capacity and had just been attracted by the low sunlight on the buildings (although these shots are B&W, the storefront is a light green colour that was glowing in the light), and we chatted for awhile about the reasons for the demolition and how it was a shame that so many older buildings in the city are torn down for re-development rather than being repaired and restored.

I’m not a stick-in-the-mud who opposes all new development – far from it in fact – and understand that sometimes buildings pass their useful lifespan, or are simply unsuitable for restoration, and this row of shops doesn’t stand out for any particular reason amongst others in the city – apart from than the staircase store, the other buildings seemed pretty run down. Nevertheless it’s a shame that the woman’s business is going to disappear and I wish her well in her future endeavours.

Pentax Espio 140M & Kentmere 400.

Taken on 18 January 2020

Haggler’s Corner

Hagglers Corner is a multi-functional space just on the outskirts of Sheffield city centre. It hosts live music and other events, has a cafe, a shop and provides spaces for local makers of things. I didn’t get chance to go in on the outing, but will try and make sure I give myself time to do so next time I pass.

Although this picture doesn’t really indicate so, Queen’s Road is a busy thoroughfare, being one of the main arteries into and out of the city centre. I managed to find a brief spell with a gap in the traffic to take my photo that emphasises the road leading into shot (and the zig-zag road markings denoting the Pelican Crossing.

The two towers above the roof of Haggler’s Corner are minarets belonging to the Madina Masjid that sits a short distance beyond.

Pentax Espio 140M & Kentmere 400.

Taken on 18 January 2020

Evocations of a journey #1

Last year, Postcard Cafe, a blog I follow, posted a number of pieces featuring photographs made on train journeys. The first of these I came across was a post titled “Jumping someone else’s train” and I commented on their post how I liked the idea and that I might borrow it at some point.

Today’s post is the first attempt at doing something along similar lines (badum-tish!).

If I’m to be critical, then Postcard Cafe’s posts are much better than my attempt here, but I’ll admit to making life more difficult for myself by a) using a compact film camera that struggled with camera shake, and b) attempting to fit picture making in around some work I had to do on the train, thereby probably missing some opportunities (plus I had a window-frame next to my seat, which limited my field of view somewhat too). Anyway, enough with my excuses and on to the photos.

For the purposes of this post, I’ve limited my photos to ones taken station-to-station. I shall also leave them without narrative, and just let them tell whatever story you see fit to make up. They are in chronological order though, both outbound and homeward.

Pentax Espio 140M & Kentmere 400.

Taken on 15 January 2020

Abandoned bags

Another shot featuring reflections (albeit, mostly of the sky in this one) making up a trio of posts over the last three days. I like the ambiguity of this shot, it making it look like the faceless person walking away has forgotten or abandoned their bags.

One thing this roll shot with the little Pentax Espio has taught me, is that the camera falls back on slow shutter speeds very quickly in low light. Several shots on the roll were largely spoiled because of subsequent camera shake (although in some cases, the motion blur has added a great sence of movement to the images too). This said, I have used it in dim light before without any noteable camera shake, so I wonder if it’s somehow mis-read the Kentmere’s DX coding (or maybe it’s just faulty)? Where I’ve used the camera in sunny conditions, it’s a capable little performer though, so I shall bear that in mind for future reference.

Pentax Espio 140M & Kentmere 400.

Taken on 15 January 2020