Challenged by Ivan yesterday, and ashamed that I had declared Bedford devoid of urban interest (when the real truth is that I am devoid of the skills and creativity to find and capture the interest), I realised that I have fallen into a bit of a comfort zone with this project.
So I decided, that I am going to go urban and architectural for a while. I do have a few bees, leaves and the like stored up to share and I will allow myself to use these on days when I have struggled. Let's see how this goes. I hope I wont lose you, dear friends .....
So, 'Welcome to Bedford'. Such is declared at the front of the Bus station and I thought this morning it might be a good place to begin. You have had quite enough of my long ramblings, so I will just say that I have today been reminded of some of the many reasons why I find this kind of photography so difficult.
You don't get the real 'Welcome to Bedford' photo as it turns out that my beautifully composed capture, for which I patiently waited for a pedestrian to be in just the right position in the frame, can not be publicly revealed. It became quickly apparent, that the fellow who had obligingly crossed into my path this morning turns out to be one of the volunteers where I work who has previously specifically denied permission for his photo to be taken. C'set la vie!
Love this image, the Modernist architecture, albeit on a modest scale - and the special feature, a person in just the right place, well timed. Thank you Helen Jane, look forward to more of Bedford. But of course present other photos, we like variety. Fav, btw!
Oh no -- what a let down to have someone wander into your photo who didn't want you to take it! Interesting architecture -- something I find fascinating so I look forward to more.
This looks new. I remember collecting my Mum from Bedford bus station in the 1980s when she came to visit us from Lancashire. She loved travelling on the bus.
I've never been to Bedford, so I'll be interested to see more of it. I like this shot.
I've been thinking recently that it's time I tried to focus on some (any) aspect of photography - rather than just heading out with a camera and waiting for something to suggest itself. The problem is choosing! Maybe your approach, going for the thing you're least confident about, is the way to do it. Gives me plenty of scope!
@rosiekind Rosie, I am beginning to think that there are some interesting buildings - it is just they are lost in a sea of dull ones and poor town planning so it is difficult to admire them - especially with the camera!
@helenacharles It is amusing to think that I am managing to inspire anyone Helen. But it is astonishing to realise how quickly we settle into a set subject and style without full exploration of other options.
@onewing The bus station is about a year old. It is not a bad building it look at but there have been a lot of lost opportunities with the redevelopment. The biggest mistake was moving the Tourist information centre from the lovely old building in St Paul's square to the midst of the bus station. All they get now is enquiries about bus times!
@justabetina Ah - lack of confidence. A terrible thing. I know your problem. Actually buildings are not the thing I am least confident about. It is people. Either people watching me, observing me, posing for me or expecting me to take decent portrait photos of them. I am all for heading out with a camera and waiting for something to suggest itself. Nothing wrong with that.
I've been thinking recently that it's time I tried to focus on some (any) aspect of photography - rather than just heading out with a camera and waiting for something to suggest itself. The problem is choosing! Maybe your approach, going for the thing you're least confident about, is the way to do it. Gives me plenty of scope!