travel – Page 13

B204 – THE DAY MY CAMERA NEARLY DIED!

October 25, 2017October 25, 2017 joshfspear4 Comments

Back in New York and the main thing im going to take away from today is that New York rain seems to be something you cant find anywhere else. its non stop and literally everything just gets soaked through. I went out today not expecting to get that wet, it was just like a little bit of drizzle when I left, well that turned into some thing completely different, but a few years ago I watched that documentary of the New York photographer Bill Cunningham and in that documentary Bill talks about being out in all weathers in New York because thats when you get the best shots, and the guy is completely right, New York seems to go into this completely different mode when it starts raining. My highlight of New York in the rain today was seeing a women walk round with a metal Bin on her head to project her afro, she literally didn’t get a damm what she looked like as long as her hair stayed dry.

if you read yesterdays post you would know my plan for today was to stay around Hunter’s point and take it easy. Well after a quick chat with my parents my dad said I had to have a chill dog from a street vendor, so that became my mission, track down a street vendor and have a chilli dog on the “side walk”. and as soon as I got off the subway at 7th and 59th street, there he was a street vendor with all the goodies apart from Chilli dogs, sorry dad but I just went for a hot dog, I hope that counts. I did plan on not giving up till I got a chilli dog but I was hungry, so that will have todo.

My other plan for today became getting a good shot of the smoke or stream that comes up from the ground around NYC and after hunting for ages to try and find somewhere, I finally bumped into the perfect location just by 42nd and Grand Central Street. ( im trying to remember the names of the streets, just so I feel like a local). Once I found this spot I only had to wait a few minutes before this guy walked past, it was a pure case of right place right time, but thats how street photography works really, the more hours you spend on the streets, the more places you end up in at the right time. This is one of my favourite photos Ive taken in a long time, this whole photo feels quite peaceful at a time when everything is starting to get a bit crazy. Im not sure if that makes sense to you, but it does to me.

Here are my photos from today, Ive tried to take it easy today and just get some good rest, now I’m looking forward to laying in bed watching some movies and getting some proper sleep!

I hope you like my photos. oh and if your wondering about my title today, my camera nearly broke because the rain just didn’t stop and I really wasn’t prepared for that. Apart from that I would say its been a pretty successful day.

B204 (1 of 1)-6 — – this is one of my favourite photos Ive taken recently –

B204 (1 of 1)-4 — – the rain today was proper rain, the stuff that no matter watch jacket you had on your T shirt was getting wet –

B204 (1 of 1)-2 — – here you go dad, this is where I got my hot dog from –

B199 – CROC HUNTING DIDN’T GO SO WELL

October 20, 2017 joshfspearLeave a comment

This morning I woke up with one plan and one plan only, to see a wild Alligator. that was my only mission, after speaking with the girl on at hotel reception she told me that I was definitely going to see one and that they are everywhere round here. even in the lake opposite our car park. So that became my first place I looked, I wasn’t really too sure how close I could get to the water, but that didn’t stop me, Ive always wanted to see one and now Ive got that chance. turns out I didn’t see one in that lake, so back to google.

After spending some time on the internet googling “croc places near me”. literally thats what I googled. turns out that theres a a fair few lakes / swamps around but what I was expecting was some kind of beach on a lake, where you could walk around and take photos of alligators and everyone happy, that wasn’t what happened, its actually a lot hard than that. We literally drove 10 miles out into the swamp land place, where they have these crazy birds which look like eagles mixed with Vultures mixed with black birds, that eat road kill and anything else they can find. these birds are literally like the size of a small dog and scare the hell out of me. I have no idea what they are called, but if anyone reading this does, please please let me know.

We now had to come up with a plan C, which involved parking the car and walking across a trail to see what we could find. about a mile down the the road from the scary birds we found this car park which was kind of close to a lake and thought that was our chance. but after walking around for like an hour, we didn’t see anything. literally nothing apart from this small blue lizard thing. So it was back to the hotel, for an afternoon sleep, not every day is like this, normally we are working and don’t have a chance to head back to the hotel when we want, so this was actually pretty nice.

Ive been on the internet trying to figure out my best chances of seeing a croc round here, Im pretty sure my best chance is going to be at a lake 18 miles away, where an alligator has just tried to grab a dog, but i’m really not sure if I can make it over there before we leave on Monday. Might have to be either a really early morning thing or late at night, both really scare me because when its dark and they like to hunt then. if I can free up some time I will, but who knows. for now the mission is on hold, to be resumed.

here’s my pictures from today, if your ever in Bartow check out the antique stores they’re pretty cool and have given me loads of idea for my flat.

B199 (1 of 1)-2 — – what are these birds, they look like something from a horror movie –

B199 (1 of 1)-3 — – on our hunt to see an alligator earlier –

B199 (1 of 1) — – Im not a massive antique buff but just looking round these places it pretty fun –

B198 – I FEEL LIKE A TRUE AMERICAN

October 19, 2017October 19, 2017 joshfspear3 Comments

So just got to our hotel in Tampa, Florida and the journey feels like its gone on forever, first we didnt have a pilot of the plane, no idea how that happens but it did. Im not going to moan about it thought, because now we are in Tampa and the car hire company have given us the one things I’ve always wanted. a proper american SUV, this thing is a beast. they have given us a GMC Yukon SLT, this thing is like a $60k monster. No idea why they looked at me and thought it would fine, but they did and Im happy about it.

Overall it feels quite good to be back in the south, I know Flordia is quite touristy but it doesn’t feel like that where we are, it feels like a cool part of the world, even though Ive only seen it in the dark. Tomorrow we have a day off, so im looking forward to explore this place, at the moment my main goal is to see a crocodile, like a proper wild one on the side of a river bank, but not sure if that will happen. the chances are ill just chill all day and try to burn of that ridiculous amount BBQ food I just eaten.

This is now like my sixth america state in the past 5 weeks and I really feel like I’m starting to understand a bit more about this place, it almost feels like I’ve completed america if that makes sense. every time I go to a new country I always want to feel some kind of connection to that place, and get the lingo along with the way of life. Im not sure if 5 or 6 weeks is enough time to feel like that, but with america I kind of feel like I’m starting to get the hang of the crazy country.

As today was just really like a travel day not many photos were taken but I did try and get out after dinner and do like a mini photo shoot with the SUV. and to be honest I think thee photo look pretty cool.

B198 (1 of 1)-4 — – Would this SUV even fit on UK roads? –

B198 (1 of 1)-2 — – I would love to drive round London in this –

B198 (1 of 1) — – flying to Newark airport to Tampa, literally spent the whole time just looking out the window, apart from when I was sleeping- (only good thing about sitting at the back of the plane is that you can take good pictures) –

B195 – I DELETED EVERYTHING!!!!

October 16, 2017October 16, 2017 joshfspearLeave a comment

It happened, my first major major cock up in 195 days.

Well today started as any other shoot day does, really early and straight on the move, nothing out of the normal, and as normal I had my camera with me and would take photos as the day goes on, some cool, some terrible photos but all of it is still useable content in some sort of way.

well after I had been hustled by a bunch of boy scouts, no joke they literally called me over to tell me about a great offer on the cup cakes, and said that we could barter for the cupcakes. I was up for it and asked for 6 for $10 something I felt was completely fair, then the head scout with all the badges basically said no deal and sold me them for the standard price of 4 for $10. I didn’t even want the cup cakes, but thought it would be good to teach these guys a lesson or two in business only for me to end up losing out and falling for their tricks. the lesson I learnt here is don’t be fooled by the scouts, they know exactly how to get your money.

The other thing is I took photos of is the crazy size of houses in this area, we are currently in place called Bedminister, New Jersey and these houses are like something out of MTV cribs, its ridiculous. Im not sure if its because theres so much land out here or if these people have just figured out life, but these houses are impressive.

anyway I had some great examples, but ill just have to see what I can do tomorrow.

its now obviously tough post today, I did find one photo on my phone that I took this morning so that is below, the fog looked really cool in the trees and reminded me of that old TV show Man Tracker, about I guy who could track down anyone even in the harshest conditions. The other two photos I was saving up for later on but I suppose now is a good as any. they were two photos I took in New York city, and I think they sum that place up quite well. Im a big fan of black and white street photography, so I try and do as much of that as possible. I feel like black and white adds an extra element to the photos, that I think is thanks to the film photography ere that everyone is so used to seeing. it has helped to give B&W photos a timeless feel.

so here they are, enjoy the snaps and sorry of the mish mash post.

B192 (1 of 1)-8 — – new york Subway after rush hour –

B195 (1 of 1) — – my only picture that has survived from today –

B191

October 12, 2017October 12, 2017 joshfspearLeave a comment

Its been 25 hours since I left my house and the day is finally over, im laying in my bed next to Williamsburg Bridge and its fair to say this is amazing. out of my window I can see the Empire State building and the Rockerfalla, what a view to fall asleep looking at. right now I should feel tried but this city doesn’t seem to sleep so its only right that I stay awake that little bit longer just incase I miss something.

Ive only explored the city this afternoon for a few hours and only walked around seeing the sites and just getting my bearings but already I know this place moves at like 100 miles per hour, blink and you’ve missed someone walking around in an Elmo outfit while someone rides bike the wrong way down a one way street, while a group of taxi beep him like crazy. Im struggling to find the words to describe this places, the closest thing I can think of is “London on Steroids”. thats literally New York.

With such a short amount of time here before moving on, I’ve got to be really careful about what I choice todo, the main thing on my list is going to the B&H camera store tomorrow and checking that place out, its been on my list of things todo for ages and tomorrow is my chance. if you know about it, then you know why I want to go, if your not sure what im on about. heres a link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%26H_Photo_Video (i know people don’t agree with Wikepdia but for this purpose its fine).

I also want to walk across the manhattan bridge and just see the sites really, maybe hire a bike if I get time or something like that.

Anyway I was only going to post three photos of today, but I’ve changed my mind, whats the point in taking loads of photos of this place each day only to post them every now and again when Im back in london. today is a bit short and sweet, but thats because my brain is slowly falling a sleep. tomorrow we will conquer.

B191 (1 of 1) — – this is my view during the day from my room –

B191 (1 of 1)-7 — – this is my view at night, while in bed. New Yorks sky line is like nothing ive seen before –

B191 (1 of 1)-4 — – this place is constantly moving at full sleep –

B191 (1 of 1)-2 — – it was like this guy was waiting for someone to take a photo of him –

B189 – ITS FINALLY HAPPENED A TRUE GAME CHANGER

October 10, 2017October 9, 2017 joshfspearLeave a comment

The Condo has hit a new level, If you’ve ever been to the flat you would know that theres been one big thing missing from it and that is Curtains, for some reason We’ve never got round to putting up curtains or blinds. Its not that we are lazy its that we haven’t really needed them and I’ve just kind of adapted to natural light in the morning. today though that has changed and my DIY skills have gone up a new level. Most people know that my DIY and manual labour skills are pretty much below average, well not any more, my first day of being 24 and Ive just used my first drill, and made multiple even level holes and put up blinds. this is well and truly a big step.

the DIY bug has hit me hard and now things are going to change round here. before it was all about the painting, now thats pretty much out the way, Ive now got to start building things, taking things away and updating things, its a never ending job that I’m now getting excited about. I just need to keep Amy away from Pinterest and I might have a chance of getting this done.

Now im pretty much a site man and a grafter, it was only right that after my success at putting the blinds up, i sat down and had a proper cup of tea, Bilbo ( bilbo Baggins – leave the bag in) with a lot of milk, the only difference being to take the photo I needed a a second pair of hands and a few pints of milk.

At last though, im now sitting on the sofa watching Tattoo fixers and dont have anything todo apart from right this post, tomorrow I pack for a trip to America so be prepared for some cool shots of the states, Ive got a busy 6 weeks of travel and Im looking forward to showing you guys what I get up too!

Im having a really weird moment where Ive confused myself because this post is written the night before its posted. is that confusing, would you rather I wrote in past tense or current tense. I dont mind just want to know what reads better.

Any way let me know and enjoy the snaps.

B189-1 — – the bed room with the blinds, its finally coming a long, the white wall by the blinds is dirty because I was leaning on it. just ignore that –

B189-1-3 — – this is amy sitting on the floor asking if we can stop running about doing things now –

B188 – GOPRO GOPRO GOPRO

October 9, 2017October 9, 2017 joshfspearLeave a comment

As some of you may know it was my birthday yesterday and I was given a Gopro from Amy. Since they came out Ive wanted to have my own Gopro, but just never got round to getting it. well yesterday Amy made that happen, so naturally all my photos yesterday were taken on the Gopro.

We weren’t jumping off cliffs or anything life that, just out of a family meal at some local pub near me called the white bear for a roast. fast forward 12 hours and im now sat on my sofa, writing this post, really wishing I had wrote it last night. Im in full Monday Morning mood, and need to pull myself off this sofa and actually get dressed.

Ive got one of those days again where an extra 3 hours fitted inbetween 2 and 3 O’clock would make a whole lot of difference to my day, but I suppose thats not going to happen so I just got to do what I can.

Back to the Gopro, this thing is insane. My main reason for like it, was because its basically josh friendly, I can drop it, submerge it underwater and it wont break. 95% of the time when my camera’s break its my fault, but now I really think this camera will be able to stand up to what ever I put it through. Im really looking till I can use the gopro for what its made for, capturing those crazy moments, that a normal camera cant or just doesnt get. maybe its time to finally learn todo backflips and see how they look on camera.

but for now its time to pull myself off the sofa, make myself look half presentable for work and head out the door and kick off those Monday Morning blues, otherwise I think Ill just end up sitting on the sofa watching netflix and not doing anything ever again.

Heres som photos I took yesterday with the Gopro. its not a 5D, but its definitely going to be fun to use.

– no idea how this happened, but I kind of like the effect –

– running round after flo trying to get a decided picture of her is not easy –

B187 – ITS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR

October 8, 2017 joshfspear2 Comments

FIRSTLY ITS MY BIRTHDAY, POSSIBLY THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR EVERYONE. I have a few reasons for this, October babies are the best type of babies, mainly because summer is over, christmas is still that little bit far away and everyone needs something todo, so bam October birthday it is. The only thing is one of my good chums, possibly the top chum, benjamin Delany, the happiest, grumpy person on the planet is moving to Australia on Wednesday , so last night he stole my brithday and had leaving drinks, they were incredible and to be honest I’m not sure what happened, just know that head hurts and that I saw a whole lot of old friends.

The photo you see below is from when Ben and myself went to a concert at Twickenham, we were about 14 years old and had no idea what we were doing, turn out its 10 years later and we are still no closer to know what we are doing with ourself.

Much love Ben and have a good time down under. and never steel my birthday again. Im sure you’ll have a sick time.

Anyway I cant just post one photo and don’t want to waste too much time talking about Ben, so heres a few photos from my train journey yesterday. I was on the train Amy had fallen asleep and I realised I had played with my 5d in almost a week so, I was just have fun talking photos out the window and ended up with these photos. After playing with a few lenses I have to say that for everyday “bloggin” the best lenses has to be the 24-105, it gives you a lot of focal length and to be honest, hasn’t let me down yet. When Im just walking around with my camera, the chances are ill have the settings on Auto, just as a safety, incase I miss something and this lenses always seems to get the focus right.

Anyway enjoy these photos and see ya later ben, don’t get too sun burnt.

Screen Shot 2017-10-08 at 14.07.12 — – ben and me 10 years ago –

B187-1-2 — – I feel like most of my life is spent on transport –

B186 – A TRUE LIFE SAVER

October 7, 2017October 7, 2017 joshfspear1 Comment

Friday was on of those days there I had about a million things todo and 10 places to be, its the last weekend before I leave for the states again, and its actually my birthday weekend. so last night Amy and me went out for some dinner and to let lose. she knows this really cool Italian tapas bar in Smithfeilds London so we headed there is was called Polpo, its like a small chain if you are ever in London I would definitely recommend it. the tapas was incredible.

Anyway, after a meeting ran over by 30 minutes earlier in the day it put me a little behind but with the thought of a beer and some good food I managed to pull it all back. I know this post is more of a commentary about my day, but thats just what it is. One thing I do want to say, is how much I love the fact that phones are now proper camera’s, my Iphone has literally saved me from complete failure of this three photos a day challenge. When I don’t have my DSLR camera on me, I know that my phone will back me up and get the shot.

even though it is so easy, I kind of do miss the days of film photography where taking a photo getting it exposed and then seeing the end result was such a big ordeal that it meant you had to be constantly thinking about exposure and what film you wanted to use. I kind of like that idea, maybe I should do a project after this focusing on film.

Maybe thats my opportunity to buy a Leica.

anyway thank you Amy for a great little birthday meal, and Ben Delany if your reading this, you’ve stollen my birthday Saturday night and for that I hope you realise I’m not happy about it.

Heres some snaps from our evening, I tried not to take to many photos but just enjoy the evening. One thing I want to ask is my iPhone doesn’t seem to be great in low light, but Ive seen other peoples and they seem to be a better quality, are people using some sort of app or lens. if so which one should I get, want to up my iPhone photo game.

B186-1 — — this was the way down to the bar below, it annoys me that nothing in this photo is straight –

B186-1-3 — – testing out the iphone in low light –

B185 – I COMPETELY FORGOT IT – PT.2

October 6, 2017October 6, 2017 joshfspearLeave a comment

Firstly I want to apologies for yesterday post being so late, I genuinely thought I pressed post, but obviously I did and only realised when amy sent me a message telling me I didn’t.

forToday is just me carrying on from yesterday and talking about how much I like this weather and where the sun seems to be in the sky. Im not sure if its because im finished at the right time but between 5:30 and 6, the sun seems to be in just the right place to give me some cool camera flares. for most people it must be an annoyance and just get in your eyes while driving or some other really British complaint, but for photographers a like this is a great time of year.

When I finished work today, i thought my idea of grabbing some lens flare shots was dead in the water, not only did I have to run across town to Argos and get some storage boxes, but I also had todo it during rush hour, possible my least favourite time of day. its like a bunch of wild animals travelling around in a coke can, no one wants to be there. But as I got off the train at Highbury and Islington at 17:40 the sun was perfect and I decided to walk a bit slower than everyone else and just take some snaps. and to be honest im pretty happy with how they turned out, my favourite from today has to be the business man walking to the platform looking out the window with his hand covering his eyes from the sun, for me that is perfect for talking about sun flares.

Flares are basically a quick way of turning a dull photo into a cool photo, it adds this other layer to your photo. I know a lot of people add flares to their photos in photoshop, but I always think its much better to try and master the art of flares before going ahead an modifying them.

Heres my three photos from today, I have one question for you guys though, why do adults ride push scooters?

B185-1 — – Highbury and Islington today at 17:40 –

B185-1-2 — – sun flares this time of year are sick –

B185-1-3 — – why are adult scooters a thing –