BeanOn Photography Archives - Page 5 of 9

Chichester Marina & Cathedral

“Where shall we explore today?’ “Umm… How about lunch at the nearest marina? In desperate need to see the sea.” I grabbed my laptop, clicked on Google, searched ‘nearest marina to Guildford’ and one of them happened to be Chichester Marina set in the beauty of a natural harbour. “And then we can visit Chichester Cathedral too!” Apparently Chichester Marina is “…the most desirable marina on the South Coast.” Who am I to argue? Actually, it impressed us all; however, I haven’t seen many others along the south coast of England to compare against. The highly recommended The Boat House Café on Trip Advisor fulfilled all expectations. A beautiful setting overlooking the hundreds of boats moored at the marina. We enjoyed a pleasant walk, admiring the catamarans, yachts, sailboats and dinghies while working up an appetite before devouring platefulls of fresh, mouthwatering seafood. With sated stomaches, we ventured in to town to view the impressive Chichester Cathedral. A warm welcome greeted us, and we were encouraged to join the tour that had just begun; instead, we decided to take in the awe-inspiring 20th-century paintings, sculptures and stained-glass below the tall arches on our own. The […]

Jan 09

by Nicola in Back2Blighty, Hiking, Nature, Sunset, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, cattle, England, Exploring, fox, Guildford, Hiking, nature, semi-rural village, Sunset, Surrey, The United Kingdom, woods

A few moments worthy of photographing

As I was about to put on my trainers for a run through the woods, the heavens, yet again, released its floodgates. Over the past couple of weeks, during a rather damp festive season that’s crept in to the New Year, I’d managed to steal a few moments worthy of photographing. With five days left, my time here in this quaint, semi-rural village in Guildford is soon to end. If only it would stop raining until after the day I leave so that I may enjoy one, just one, mud-free run through the woods. I suppose I should carry on dreaming… But soon, so soon I can feel the heat already, I’ll be back in Durban with humidity warmer than an incinerator – the type of weather I’ve never found fault with. Having an ocean less than a kilometre away, solves many issues accompanying overheating.

Special Offer Lifestyle Portrait photo shoot – R450 for 2-hours

A few days ago, I booked a return ticket back to South Africa, and shall be arriving on the 19th January 2016. Exhilaration isn’t the word! In light of my return home, I am offering three different promotions all running from the 1st February – within a 50km radius of Durban. One of the special offers is a Lifestyle Portrait photo shoot – R450.00 for 2-hours. If you desire unique, artistic photography that captures you (as well as your loved ones) at your best, out in the fresh air, then we shall make a brilliant team. For more information, please view here. If you are interested then BOOK NOW! Recently I did a Lifestyle Portrait photo shoot for a fellow photographer; I include some of the best images below.

London’s South Bank and more

My experimentation with long exposure, night and HDR photography took place recently over 2 days and a night along London’s South Bank and more. I shan’t be repeating the night photography stint, lasting from 10pm until 2am, in a hurry. I’m surprised I still have my fingers and toes attached. I’d even donned three layers of clothing on every major part of my body and it felt as if I was wandering around naked, while the temperature played around 4 degrees. I just don’t believe my body functions optimally in the cold, perhaps. One problem that nearly drove me to fling my camera in to the River Thames was trying to get Elizabeth Tower supporting Big Ben in focus. Albeit doing everything by the book. Tripod, focus set to infinity etc. And still no such luck. Return I shall to practice, but only in the summer. Why I didn’t capture the night shots during the summer months is beyond even me. I don’t believe any of the photographs requires an introduction… I loved the different looks by night and by day, and how lights at night can transform the dullest of dull structures, such as the […]

Farewell to Windsor

On Friday, 13 November, I bade farewell to Windsor; my work assignment ended and I have temporarily returned to London. Until the next adventure! I spent a last few hours strolling along the River Thames, admiring the birdlife – the path I took to reach The Long Walk, from Windsor Castle, George IV gateway, along the double avenue of trees to The Copper Horse on Snow Hill. I didn’t quite make The Copper Horse as time eluded me, which caused a silent curse. I don’t know why I didn’t enjoy the 4.25 kilometers walk earlier, when I had more time. King Charles II had the double rows of Elm trees, over 1600, planted the entire length of the route. The king desired to remodel Windsor in a renewed style and The Long Walk was a tick from his lengthy list of improvements. In 1710, Queen Anne had a road constructed down the centre of the tree lined avenue to ensure the coaches enjoyed a comfortably smooth surface. The royal carriages still use The Long Walk every year as part of the route from Windsor Castle to the Ascot Races at the start of the summer social season. […]

Nov 05

by Nicola in Hiking, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Autumn, Autumnal Colours, Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Landscape, the River Thames, The United Kingdom, Windsor, Windsor Castle

Windsor in its autumnal glory

What delight being able to experience Windsor in its autumnal glory. Over a two-week period from late October to now, I immersed myself in an array of foliage in rich tones of scarlet, gold, bronze and copper along the River Thames in Windsor, from Eton towards Stains-upon-Thames. Decorative trees and shrubs in their changing coats of fiery colours reflect and dazzle in the still water of the river. The warm colours of Windsor Castle appear to echo the burnished leaves and rusty colour palettes. Soon the autumnal landscape will lose its leaves, paving its way for a barren, stark winter.

Oct 11

Return to Namibia

Finally I get to visually return to Namibia… I thought I’d lost all my photographs from the first time I arrived in the UK, September 2000, until around 2012, just after I returned to South Africa. My external hard drive had crashed, devouring all my photos from every trip I’d been on while living in Europe: Thailand, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany and the list goes on. Devastated was not the word… The other day my friend mentioned he had a copy of every photo I’d taken while we travelled together. Of course! I’d sent him a copy of our memories after every trip, and he’d done the same for me. Right now I couldn’t be more delighted. I’ve started going through our Namibia trip and the only problem is I want to return with my more professional camera kit – I, after all, upgraded from a Canon to a Nikon – and experience every moment again. Somebody twist my arm! The first time I visited Namibia was for a friend’s wedding in 2006 and I promised myself I had to return. Two years later, (I can’t believe it’s seven years ago) I […]

Sep 21

by Nicola in Back2Blighty, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, canal path, Early morning, mist, misty morning, nature, swans, the River Thames, The United Kingdom, Windsor

Misty morning in Windsor

First thing this misty morning in Windsor (yes, I have returned), I grabbed my camera and rushed out to photograph the sun breaking through the moist air. With hardly anyone around, I freely captured the dim, blurry freshness of the ending summer. A few days to go before autumn officially begins. Oh how I look forward to nature’s colours when the leaves change.

Sep 06

by Nicola in Architecture, Beach, Cities, Dubai 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Burji Khalifa, Du, Dubai, Dubai City of Gold, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Skyscrapers, Souk Al Bahar, The Address Hotel, United Arab Emirates

Back in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Back in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, I found myself rediscovering the old, the new, the opulent, the real, the surreal all from different angles. The heat during this visit appeared as oppressive as when I previously visited Dubai in June; the only differences being a strong hot wind and even more haze, dulling the sky. The day before I arrived there were warnings issued due to a devilish sandstorm. Perhaps the strong winds were the remnants of the storm. Resistance was futile when it came to photographing more of the impressive skyscrapers along the Sheikh Zayed Road. Friday night I visited the Dubai Fountain along with just about every tourist and resident in Dubai. I couldn’t believe the hoards of people patiently waiting for the dancing fountain, all vying for prime viewing spots. The surrounding restaurants were buzzing, and while walking through Dubai Mall, sidestepping families, I expected the mall to be empty, everyone at the fountain, but no, it too was heaving. Back at Dubai Creek, we started off at the Deira side, wandered through the Gold Souk and caught a Abra (water taxi) for 1 dirham (£0.18) each to Bur Dubai where two of […]

Aug 26

by Nicola in Architecture, Art, Back2Blighty, Cities, The United Kingdom 3 comments tags: Back2Blighty, Banksy, Banksy' Mild Mild West, BeanOn Photography, Bristol, Bristol - UK's graffiti capital, Graffiti, St Nicholas Market, St Pauls, Stokes Croft, Stokes Croft Murals, The United Kingdom

Bristol – the UK’s graffiti capital?

While I first stayed in Bristol – the UK’s graffiti capital – upon returning to the United Kingdom, April 2015, I noticed its many graffiti sprayed streets throughout the suburbs of Stokes Croft and St Pauls; however, I didn’t get the opportunity to fully capture the illegal vibrancy with my camera. Thus I returned recently to capture the vandalism, which brings me to the question: IS GRAFFITI ART? A survey proposing the question took place on Debate.org and 85% ruled in its favour. How is this even possible? Of course some graffiti is staggering, talent revealing, but defacing private property turns it ugly instantly. Would you want to return home after a hard day’s work and see the walls of your property marked as someone else’s territory while, what, expressing themselves? Unless someone paid the likes of Banksy to doodle on their wall… Below, amidst the vibrancy, is a photograph of Banksy’s “Mild Mild West”, 1999 – one of the first pieces of street art in Stokes Croft. “The painting is a tongue-in-cheek joke at the people of the West Country being more ‘mild mild west’ than ‘wild wild west’, having said that, the painting reflects […]

Aug 20

by Nicola in Art, Back2Blighty, Exhibition, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Competition, London, Photography competition, Photography Exhibition, Royal Geographical Society, The United Kingdom, Travel Photographer Of The Year

Competitive travel photographer?

Ever fancy yourself as a competitive travel photographer? Well, the 2016 competition for the Travel Photographer Of The Year is now accepting entries. To see what you’re up against, take a trip to the Royal Geographical Society in London to view the first showing of this year’s winners. Close to Hyde Park on the corner of Kensington Gore and Exhibition Road, you will find the gallery. Make sure you visit before the 5th September 2015 and when the weather is good. The main exhibition is free; however, if you desire to pick the judges minds you can do so at a cost. I enjoyed the sun on my back while viewing the stunning photography on large stands out in the open. The glaciers with the setting sun and colours of the sky reflecting, glistening off the frozen water especially drew my eye. Now I crave to photograph the Northern Lights; watch this space! The categories include: Tribes; Earth, Air, Fire, Water; Spirit Of Adventure, Destinations; One Moment; Monochromal; Wild & Vibrant; Travelogue; Travel Shorts. #iPhonePhotography

Aug 04

by Nicola in Hiking, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Darenth Valley Long Distance Footpath, Hiking, Lavender fields, Lullingstone Castle, Lullingstone Country Park, North Downs Kent, River Darent, Shoreham Village, The Hops Shop, The United Kingdom

Spectacular lavender fields at North Kent Downs

During this hike our intention was to view the poppy fields before they took to the winds and bid farewell until next year. Unfortunately, we were too late. However, I turned to admire the view across the gilded wheat and barley fields and a Persian carpet of vivid purple blinked at me in the distance. “Look!” I exclaimed. “We have to go there!” What spectacular lavender fields scattered among the North Kent Downs. Back down through Shoreham Village, up past the church that’s in front of the pub where punters were already sitting outside eating meals and chatting and laughing, through the barley fields, down towards the River Darent, along the Darenth Valley Long Distance Footpath with houses either side, through the wheat fields and then there they were in plain sight. I wanted to run as fast as I could and dive in to the lavender, such beauty so soft and all encompassing. We stopped for lunch on a hill overlooking Lullingstone Castle that dated back to the 11th century, with lavender fields to our right. First time I’d seen hop fields with their bines climbing wooden poles, which belonged to The Hop Shop. The […]

Quintessentially charming Windsor

As a recently self-appointed self-employed contractor – sole purpose to experience as much of Blighty as possible at every presented opportunity – I now find myself luxuriating in everything the quintessentially charming Windsor has to offer. Many years previously I’d before only visited Windsor Castle; drove to the castle, explored inside and out and then back to London. I missed the chance to discover further afield; however, now I have returned and, for a total of 3 weeks, I am making up for the miss. With less than a ten-minute walk to Windsor’s town centre and of course the castle, I absorb myself in the surrounding beauty, mostly along the river’s edge, at least two hours every day or evening. At weekends it’s a bit longer. This past Sunday, my friend travelled from London to join me on a hike amongst Maidenhead Thicket, a twenty-minute drive from Windsor town centre, through cool woodlands and golden wheat fields. Back to Windsor, we next explored Windsor Great Park that appeared to be lightning struck land. With dead silver bark spiking the threatening sky in such vast openness, I couldn’t help feeling connected to nature. And then the heavens […]

Jul 06

by Nicola in Architecture, Back2Blighty, Hiking, Nature 5 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, countryside, derelict, Exploring, Hiking, Kent, nature, Shoreham Village, Stockland's Retreat House, The United Kingdom, West Kingsdown, wheat fields

A haunted derelict, Stacklands Retreat House

Lately, I’ve been relishing hiking Kent’s countryside especially now while the weather has been warm with perfect blue skies and when discovering a haunted derelict, Stacklands Retreat House. This most recent exploration took place from Shoreham Village. At the start of the walk, just past the church and through green wheat fields, about 60 wide steps greeted us – not easy to climb when having to take extra large steps, sometimes two strides to get up to the next step. However, once upon the ridge the view of the village below and fields of poppies in the near distance made it worth it. Across an abandoned golf course, up another steep mound, through meadows with horses, cattle and working farms we reached the eerie building I couldn’t wait to photograph. Through thick shrubbery and trees I could just see the Stacklands Retreat House, a haunted derelict at West Kingsdown: Three large buildings close to each other sprayed with graffiti and strangled by ivy. Watch out for the broken glass, tiles and asbestos littered all over the grounds. “Apparently, this is where priests came to reform after sinning in the church. One of them – known to be […]

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, the place for bargain hunting. Discovering the charm of Old Dubai, a clear geographical and cultural divide from New Dubai, had me enthralled. The city first began to grow around Dubai Creek, where it is still used today for importing and exporting goods to and from different areas. Also, the creek’s waterways are still used as commuter lanes where passengers cheaply cross to and from Bur Dubai to Deira on the brightly decorated wooden dhows. Dubai Museum, in the Bastkiya area, is located within the city’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort, which was erected in 1787. The house of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1912-1958, is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Dubai as it once housed a ruler. This is definitely the place for bargain hunting within the souks: the spice souk (be prepared for a surrender of all senses), textile souk (best pashminas ever seen, but the thought of buying one in such heat completely deluded me) and the gold souk. Abundant food stalls selling tasty finger foods are worth sampling […]