tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11525792874358742782024-03-13T21:09:31.946-07:00A.H.Fine Art Photography BlogWelcome to my photography blog! Please take the time to look around. My photographs have been published in award winning magazine 'Journeys' which has picked up the 'Consumer Magazine Of The Year 2013' award. This publication is available in WHSmith stores and online. If you would like to purchase framed versions, mounted pictures or greeting cards, a selection are available direct from my website - ahfineartphotography.com. Kind Regards, Alex.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-62081482054616535152015-01-10T23:50:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:49:23.174-08:00Sunset At Karekare Beach<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SfzqjACj7iI/AAAAAAAABH0/wGlITjnLHUA/s400/Karekare+Gull-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331393945926888994" />Right time, right place. This picture was shot at Karekare beach - West of Auckland. Before capturing a photograph like this, you have to absorb and enjoy your surroundings ! I spent an afternoon trawling the beach - going back and forth. It's a place I've visited many times, yet each experience is completly different. Shades of light constantly change. The sea, wild and unpredictable is an amazing thing ! To get to Karekare beach you have to walk a good 10 minutes from the car park at the bottom of the valley. You can hear waves pounding the shore long before you see the sea. The volcanic magnetic black sand is still an amazing thing to me ! This place is magical and somewhere I always plan to revisit. It's great to have a special place that moves you every time you see it.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-63912969627634279872015-01-09T16:24:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:49:59.255-08:00Good Wish Garden<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6rbePUfxI/AAAAAAAAA0A/RAXzMQ6d8_8/s400/DSC00161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286851501041680146" />A photograph taken in the 'Good Wish Garden' within the grounds of the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. This quiet oasis in the heart of urban Kowloon is a great place to chill. Turtles can be found playing in the waters. The rockery with its beautifully ornate gardens make for a tranquil setting. It's hard to believe thousands upon thousands of people are probably shopping just 2 minutes down the road!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-29369652554691139392015-01-08T16:23:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:50:22.910-08:00Open Door<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6qFI_YkWI/AAAAAAAAAzw/PsjtvM70Dds/s400/DSC00936-2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286850017868943714" />The ornate entrance to the Po Lin Monastery ('Po Lin' meaning Precious Lotus in Chinese). You'll be free to look around at the exterior and interior, which provide a superior example of architecture and art. The monastery is festooned with small statues and inscriptions. The wooden boxes you see are for donations prior to entering the temple. The inside of the temple houses 3 bronze statues of the Buddha representing his past, present and future lives as well as many Buddhist scriptures.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-75180338018678015562015-01-07T16:22:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:50:55.906-08:00Incense Sticks<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6v-QPLFyI/AAAAAAAAA1A/N239hwD_neY/s400/DSC01098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286856496624899874" />A photograph taken in the incense gardens at Po Lin Monastery. Founded in 1924 as a sanctuary for Buddhist monks, the Po Lin Monastery offers superb sights both inside and out. The use of incense apparently dates back to biblical times and may have originated in Egypt, where the gums and resins of aromatic trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts to be used in religious ceremonies. The Incense sticks are planted here as a mark of worship and respect.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-1048321309890026422015-01-06T16:20:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:52:20.174-08:00Jellyfish<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6uS2e1AOI/AAAAAAAAA0o/jGjcyqX4GjA/s400/DSC01728.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286854651465236706" />The marine and animal life of Ocean Park In Hong Kong comprise of pandas, rare and exotic birds, sea lions, and penguins, though arguably none is more impressive than the jellyfish! These amazing creatures don't need a respiratory system since their skin is thin enough that the body is oxygenated by diffusion. They have limited control over movement, but can use their hydrostatic skeleton to accomplish movement through pulsations; some species actively swim, while others are passive much of the time. An amazing plethora of jellyfish can be photographed in Ocean Park. This was one of my best shots.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-40352683048217986042015-01-06T16:17:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:51:53.924-08:00Tin Tan<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6uzZ8EF0I/AAAAAAAAA0w/8bCQRoznd24/s400/DSC01117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286855210738915138" />The Giant Buddha, or the Tin Tan Buddha, was unveiled in 1993 after taking roughly 22 years to complete in China. This statue is one of the reasons why Buddhists from all over the world are attracted to the Lantau Island. This shot was taken close to the incense gardens using a zoom lens.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-74882531799833377142015-01-05T16:19:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:59:39.841-08:00Tough Building<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6vd4y3ztI/AAAAAAAAA04/FXwy8wtuDok/s400/DSC00247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286855940576366290" />A close up of the 'International Finance Centre' on Hong Kong Island. This building became a focal point for the recent Hong Kong New Year celebrations and looked to explode 'firecracker style' on TV the other night, however I'm pleased to report the building still stands! In the tradition of true skyscrapers, the design is simple, memorable and strong.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-35471332596169977762015-01-04T16:13:00.000-08:002015-01-17T04:00:01.920-08:00St Paul's<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6tzQi6HmI/AAAAAAAAA0g/e7uN4o8iCTU/s400/DSC00642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286854108705857122" />The Ruins of St Paul's in Macau display various statues of the virgin and saints, cryptograms from garden of Eden and the crucifixion, seraph and the devil, a Japanese chrysanthemum, a Chinese dragon, a Portuguese sailing ship and moral warnings extolled in Chinese. This is a close up of the magnificent stone facade that was built in the 1620's.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-24600862838985408762014-12-20T16:11:00.000-08:002015-01-17T04:00:34.299-08:00Macau Tower<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6tXJVNfRI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/udngRn-Ew6E/s400/DSC00708.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286853625733020946" />Macau's answer to Auckland's Skytower! Where's a tripod when you need one?!?! At least I managed to find a convenient resting place for my camera when this picture was taken. This shot was made without using a flash. It's just a question of controlling the shutter speed. This is the second best way to experience the Macau tower. The first is to have a meal in the revolving restaurant at the top! Yes, it was yummy!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-12850906930353306182014-10-16T16:07:00.000-07:002015-01-17T04:00:57.335-08:00Wisdom<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6shmYL1KI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/2kiksFmM2f0/s400/DSC01145.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286852705817187490" />Back to Lantau Island. The 'Wisdom Path' is situated close to the Po Lin Monastery. It's a lovely walk that leads you to a sight you don't expect to see, that being thirty-eight individual timber columns with inscriptions arranged to correspond with the topography of the landscape. The figure-of-eight configuration symbolises infinity and the number 8 is a very lucky number in Hong Kong society. If my memory serves me well, I took this shot while the sun lay behind the most prominent column. This makes things look darker than they actually were.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-73864035173816619432014-08-15T16:05:00.000-07:002015-01-17T04:01:27.864-08:00Expensive View<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6sFm9iDDI/AAAAAAAAA0I/9We9HOLJRdI/s400/DSC00304.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286852224937495602" />Without doubt, a trip to 'The Peak' should be one of the first things you do when you visit Hong Kong. The views are simply breathtaking. If you fancy purchasing a house or apartment in this area I guarantee the prices will take your breath away too! Property up here is the most expensive in the world! As my current savings pot won't 'afford' me a more permanent view, I decide to settle for a photograph!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-37590960960779437522014-05-07T15:59:00.000-07:002015-01-17T04:01:57.119-08:00A Sign<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SV6qk5IvUrI/AAAAAAAAAz4/RWEzF9JWlm4/s400/DSC01535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286850563369030322" />Hong Kong was proud to be involved with the Olympics of 2008. The Country co-hosted the equestrian events of the games. This picture was taken at Victoria Harbour. The symbol of the Olympic Games is composed of five interlocking rings, colored blue, yellow, black, green, and red. This was originally designed in 1912 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. The five rings stand for passion, faith, victory, work ethic, and sportsmanship.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-30141941749131547632014-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:002015-01-17T04:02:29.604-08:00Close Up<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/R0dh06gk-OI/AAAAAAAAAbo/4OF-Ctpep0I/s320/DSC07810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136181461726329058" /> A close up shot of the Eiffel Tower. The thing that struck me about the structure was just how big it was. In truth I don't think it's possible to convey this on film. Some things you just have to see in person ! Though freezing cold, hundreds must have gathered to view the tower this particular evening. Hard to believe it now, but many people considered the Eiffel Tower an eyesore when it was first built. The searchlights on top of the tower act as a beacon in the night sky.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-24322458048124436022014-03-05T15:16:00.000-08:002015-01-17T04:02:59.659-08:00Paris - Moulin Rouge<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/R0dfhqgk-NI/AAAAAAAAAbg/HAGM81muiCI/s320/DSC08017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136178931990591698" /> This photograph was taken on the move. As you can see the rain is lashing down on the window pane in front of me. I had to be quick to get this shot. I was travelling on a bus when this was taken. The powers the be don't like transportation stopping outside this famous Parisian landmark. For some strange reason I think this photograph works. By the way, if you fancy a meal and a show at the Moulin Rouge (French for Red Mill) it will cost you around £100 pounds.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-69217655512886002712014-02-11T14:57:00.000-08:002015-01-17T04:03:19.860-08:00Paris - Eiffel Tower<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/R0dcF6gk-MI/AAAAAAAAAbY/W1387YiVP9U/s320/DSC08026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136175156714338498" />The Eiffel Tower taken on a very cold November night. The Tower is such an iconic site it's probably nigh on impossible to capture a 'different' view of it. Still... I had a go. A little known fact - 6,719,200 people visited the tower in 2006 and believe it or not more than 200,000,000 have seen it since its construction. Another factoid - maintenance of the tower includes applying 50 - 60 tons of 3 graded tones of paint every seven years to protect it from rust !Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-36824771543066886522014-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:002015-01-17T04:03:48.879-08:00IFC In View<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SpcD3lJLqLI/AAAAAAAABWo/k1lZ6M6uGzU/s400/DSC03920.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374768933688289458" />City scape Hong Kong style! Early evening is always great for photography. Somehow this time of day makes pictures appear more alive. As you can probably tell, natural light is fading fast. The International Finance Centre 2 (IFC2) stands out in this shot. It's a magnificent structure and is currently the 7th tallest office building in the world, the 3rd tallest building in the Greater China region and the tallest building in all of Hong Kong! IFC2 overlooks Victoria Harbour on the North Shore of Hong Kong Island and is a shimmering beacon night and day. Feel lost in Hong Kong? Find this in your vision and you're sure to find your bearings.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-48562011764985091152013-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:002015-01-17T04:04:09.720-08:00Hungry Horse<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/RzjSHn5Vy5I/AAAAAAAAAbE/X4k3eN_K4QA/s320/DSC07709.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132082803799083922" />I was driving along a remote road in Cornwall when I came across this nosey fella (the horse). Like all good drivers I slowed up, then drew to a standstill as he approached the car. He was very interested in my vehicle. He walked around it a few times and then proceeded to stop at my window. I think he was looking for food and I must confess I was slightly concerned I might be next on the menu ! I slowly opened the window and said 'hi' as I reached for my camera. After the picture was taken - I got brave and ventured outside. Needless to say he soon got bored of me and headed down the road to greet his next victim (the driver of a ford focus).Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-24971290913152161402013-11-06T14:18:00.000-08:002015-01-17T04:04:39.514-08:00Nun In St Peters<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/RypC0OoICsI/AAAAAAAAAaU/U6TUEZMagdQ/s320/DSC06155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127984590761757378" /> I tried to be as unobtrusive as possible and I think it kinda worked ;) This picture was taken in St Peters Basilica in Rome. I like to think these nuns were visiting the place for the first time (just like me) and were amazed at all they saw and experienced. Although the Vatican Basilica is not the Pope's official seat, it's his principal church. Most Papal ceremonies take place at St. Peter's due to its size, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the Vatican City walls.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-71429317267416571912013-10-21T14:16:00.000-07:002013-10-12T08:04:56.104-07:00A Gift?<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/SU16RGmSN5I/AAAAAAAAAw4/I9qQCVQ2p8U/s400/DSC01205-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282012372223014802" />The soulless hustle and bustle of all the shopping and business commuters seem a world away on Lantau Island. Looking into the eyes of the 'The Giant Sitting Buddha' is an awe inspiring experience. As you can see, the peaceful, serene Giant Buddha has one hand raised while the other rests on his lap, open. Maybe he has a gift for all who visit here? Something to share? No matter your views on religion or spirituality, this is a wonderful location to unwind. Personally, I believe this place is the beating heart of Hong Kong. Batteries re-charged, I feel it's possible to face the shops of Kowloon once more.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-86625435504681088342013-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:002013-10-12T08:11:19.866-07:00Wetland Wonder<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/Spb7qZd0RLI/AAAAAAAABWg/5B3NkhiT5q8/s400/DSC03829b.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374759911122289842" />You could be forgiven for thinking this was another photograph from New Zealand, but it's not. This shot was taken in the Northern part of Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong. I feel the 'Hong Kong Wetland Park' doesn't get enough publicity. After spending a good half day here, I found myself wanting tell all who'd listen what a special park this is. It's a wonderful place to learn about conservation and comprises of a 10,000 square meter large visitor centre, wetland interactive world, and a 60-hectare wetland reserve. All this, combined with themed exhibitions and a magnificent resource centre make this a special retreat. This picture is just a simple shot surveying the landscape in front of me while exploring the reserve.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-80819532597667274852013-10-21T14:10:00.000-07:002013-10-12T07:49:26.591-07:00Skyward<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/RypA6uoICrI/AAAAAAAAAaM/-rLVI1_OMf0/s320/DSC06371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127982503407651506" /> I love a good building and yes, Rome is full of em' ! This shot was taken while looking skyward. I think I must have been looking for pictorial inspiration at the time ! I quite like how this photograph worked out. I think I was in one of Romes many Piazza's at the time, enjoying the summer sunshine.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-7185037467123113792013-10-21T14:06:00.001-07:002013-10-12T07:42:26.014-07:00Surfer At Piha<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/ReyUl0crn5I/AAAAAAAAAUM/j27Vq5NY_OA/s320/Piha+Surfer-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038565460575756178" /> A lone surfer surveys the waves out at sea. Piha is world renowned for its surf. As mentioned previously, many big world championships take place here. The tides can be very dangerous though ! Not for the faint hearted !Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-4008624059084902782013-10-21T14:06:00.000-07:002013-10-12T07:24:15.454-07:00Sun Sinking At Karekare<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/RdYrC_9BCaI/AAAAAAAAAJY/b6m3Og4rRo8/s320/Karekare+-+Sunset.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032256964160194978" /> Sunset At Karekare Beach. This is the one place I could watch the sun set every night of the year. Not good at getting out of bed for sun rises, so I think I'll just skip those :) The rock you see before you is Paratahi Island (see other listing below). This was a beautiful calm evening. The cloudless sky let me capture the sinking sun in all her glory.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-29548678804205053332013-10-21T13:56:00.001-07:002013-10-12T07:50:28.127-07:00Poppy On Poppy Day<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/RzjMRn5Vy4I/AAAAAAAAAa4/8sgnlF-EC9g/s320/DSC07783.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132076378528009090" /> Another simple shot. This photograph was taken in a small village called St Ive (near Callington in Cornwall). Wind and rain are Autumns companions, yet this delicate looking thing has almost seen the season out. No small feat ! The secret to getting a shot like this is to get in close. The blurred background helps highlight the rich colours on display.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1152579287435874278.post-23346203291758856412013-10-21T13:56:00.000-07:002013-10-12T07:49:08.909-07:00Stairway To Heaven<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vmq32f7hgXo/Ryo96eoICqI/AAAAAAAAAaE/utNhfu2AGB0/s320/DSC06322.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127979200577800866" /> Rome is impressive on many levels. So many sites to see ! Even if religion is unimportant to you, the Vatican Museum proves a breathtaking place to explore. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. Pictures of these will be added soon. In the meantime I hope you like my shot of the Vatican staircase. I wonder how many people have trod these steps this week, month or year ???? Answers on a postcard.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12832017719928393320noreply@blogger.com0