Barbour Dept b Sonar Jacket

Everyone knows Barbour.  Its very much a household name now.  Its only recently though that it has seeped into the mainstream consciousness.  I think it was due to Alexa Chung wearing a Beaufort at Glastonbury along with Hunter wellies.  It was most definitely not regarded as fashionable or stylish until then.

I bought my first Barbour in 1996.  It was a Border jacket.  I still have it now but it is crying out for repair.  Barbour was worn by Street urchins,  rough diamonds and football casuals way before then.
Aquascutum scarfs and Barbour jackets went hand in hand on the terraces, not because it was cool or someone on the telly wore one.  No, it was because it kept you warm and kept out the rain.  So why did I buy one. Well I bumped into some Manc lads in London who looked cool and I have always seen areas like Manchester and Liverpool having the edge when it comes to casual clothes so I asked them what the next big thing was and they said Barbour.  This was in 1996.  So I bought one.
I now have three Barbour Jackets.  A Border,  Dauntless and recently a Sonar.

The reason why I went for the Sonar was the extra rear pockets which fits my cameras and film rolls and other bits and pieces so I dont have to carry a bag.  don't get me wrong I like bags but for street photography they get in the way.  The Idea behind the Dept b and the Toki range is to have enough pockets so you don' have to carry a bag so this fits in with my Photography.
I was after the Barbour Casseslls and was also taking an interest in the Commander jacket.
I had trouble finding the right size in the Cassells and the Commander was a bit expensive for what it is  so I settled for the Sonar which is a nice 6oz waxed cotton jacket.

I am sure the youngsters will stop wearing traditional Barbour jackets very soon but I will always be wearing mine even if Alexa Chung clones thinks its not cool anymore.

Dolly Pond meets Street Photographer

Photography and the Human Condition

First off lets get the definition out of the way.

The human condition encompasses the unique features of being human, particularly the ultimate concerns of human existence. It can be described as the unalterable part of humanity that is inherent and innate to human beings and not dependent on factors such as gender, race, culture, or class. It includes concerns such as the meaning of life, the search for gratification, the sense of curiosity, the inevitability of isolation, the awareness of the inescapability of death and the capacity of humans to be good as well as evil and whether or not this makes us worthwhile beings. In essence, the human condition is the self-aware, and reflective nature of Homo sapiens that allows for analysis of existential themes.

Capturing the human condition on camera is to me the essence of Street Photography and what I have been striving for lately.  You need patience and a certain manner with which you behave in your surroundings and also with other people.  

If you want a proffessional example as well as my amateur version check out

http://www.magnumphotos.com/

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Ok So I have been given the go ahead to Exhibit my work at a pop up shop in  Stokes Croft.
Its not the Tate but its a start and the staff are really enthusiastic and want to have a launch party and all sorts.  Well any excuse to get pissed and fall over.  This is Bristol after all, not leafy Oxford.
Here are my pics of the day.   Really trying to reach that Street Photography aesthetic.  Not easy but I will get there.  Oh yes.

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Been shooting film recently (which I will put up soon) so have not posted any digital pictures for a few days.
Back on the Nikon today and took some good pictures. I was in a good mood which
sometimes has an effect on your photography.
The Old lady at the end was a great subject.  Her clothes were immaculate and was very much a lady of a bygone age.  I said to her I take pictures of interesting people.  She said "I am not interesting I am 88"  I beg to differ.
See for yourself.

Country Tracks - R.E.Tricker Ltd. Hand-made Shoes, Northampton, July 2011

Shadows

Due to the fantastic weather we have been having in the UK, it is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of shadows.  All taken with my Nikon S9100 and tweaked slightly in post process to  give them a slight edge.  Check it out.