Sunday, 24 October 2010

Short of cash? or maybe a limb?


Short of cash? or maybe a limb?, originally uploaded by marush1.

Not quite what it seems.
Part of a themed hotel masquerading as an 18th century hamlet.
Behind the glass is the bar area.

Saturday, 16 October 2010

Sunset


Sunset, originally uploaded by marush1.

At last the cloud cover rolled away and I was able to get the sunset I had been trying for since the beginning of the week.

Tuesday, 5 October 2010

Space Saver


Canon EOS 5DMkll, EF 24-70 f/2.8, 1/25sec, f/2,8, ISO 800
Books have always been a significant part of my life ever since I learnt to read. However a lifetime of accumulated reading material finds me running short of space to store any additions to my library, so an alternative solution had to found.
Books, by their physical presence, provide me with more than their text. Their smell, surface texture, weight and the requirement to actually turn the page add much to my reading pleasure.
I have resisted the idea of the ebook for some time, but now space pressures force me into trying one. I have been pleasantly surprised. The Kindle has its own physical presence, provides an acceptable tactile experience and an adequate replacement for the page turn. Above all it allows me to continue accumulating volumes without worrying where I am going to store them. Add to that the instant gratification of downloading a new book in seconds and the availability of thousands of free books via Project Gutenberg and I am more than satisfied.

Sunday, 3 October 2010

Napoleons Tomb, Paris


Canon EOS 20D, Tamron 28-300mm, 1/125sec, f/3.5, ISO 400

Napoleon's remains were brought to Les Invalides from St. Helena on 15/12/1840. On 14/4/1861 they were moved to the crypt of Les Invalides, where they were housed in a tomb designed by Visconti.
The tomb, crafted in red porphyry from Russia, placed on a green granite base from the Vosges, is circled by a crown of laurels and inscriptions, reminders of the great victories of the Empire. In the round gallery, a series of low-relief, sculpted by Simart, represent the main actions of his reign. The remains of the emperor, inside the sarcophagus, are protected by six concentric coffins, built from different materials, including mahogany, ebony, and oak, all one inside the other.

Black and White conversion using Lithograph preset in Topaz Detail

Friday, 1 October 2010

'Ware serpent


Canon EOS 550D, Sigma 10-20mm, 1/40sec, f/8.0, ISO 400

Took Griff to Beacon Fell Country Park yesterday During our stroll round the park we came across this giant serpent. This is one of the sculptures scattered through the park, all made from materials within the park.