A few images from the first 4 races at Mollington Races on the 6 May 2019.
A great, relaxed day out, with friendly people and gorgeous horses. Made me miss my horse riding days!
Thanks to Warwickshire Hunt for inviting us along to capture some great images from this
Birmingham is one of the largest and most racially diverse cities in the country.
Each year it hosts the Frankfurt / German Market and it’s visitors increase greatly over this Christmas period.
What we perhaps don’t see are the number of homeless people tucked away…I say tucked but that is perhaps inaccurate as they are in plain sight – just ignored by the majority of passers.
Their are many reasons why these people find themselves living on the streets, some due to an unfortunate set of circumstances leading them to a place they never expected , others cannot hope with the confines of buildings and find a certain comfort in the lack of restrictions. Who are we to judge? Sadly there are also the organised gangs that professionally beg….the ones who arrive an hour or so before the early morning commuters to set up their little sleeping bags to give the pretence of being there all night. Perhaps these are the worst, they are preying of the real street people – next time before parting with goodwill, have a talk to them… find out their story and make sure you are actually making the difference you believe you are.
I was lucky enough to be invited along to a Sony Experience Day at Phlash Works studio by London Camera Exchange.
It has not been a great secret that for the past few months I have been toying with changing allegiance from Canon to Sony. The key factor being the small form factor of mirror less cameras as well as the much lighter weight of the kit.
Sony has been extremely open about its focussing technology and this has allowed a number of third parties to make adaptors so you can use different lenses on their bodies rather than forcing you to buy 100% into the system,
I took advantage of the change to use a Sony a7rii matched to a Sigma MC11 to see how it would work with my current crop of Canon L lenses. One huge advantage of the Sony system is that the image stabilisation is built into the body rather than adding extra weight and cost to the lens.
The Images below were all shot using the Canon 70-200 L IS (version 2) and in some images there is a tiny amount of vignetting in the corner . I am not sure whether this is caused by the adaptor, the lens hood or a mixture of both or something totally different but it is only a very tiny amount visible in the corners and can easily be cropped out. Especially considering you have 42 megapixels to start with.
Canon has promised to bring out a mirror less camera sometime in 2018 but that is almost 3 years after Sony , at the moment the Sony A9 which is less than the 1Dx to purchase and offers a number of focusing advantages and resolution advantages over the 1Dx.
I dont imagine that the Canon will come in at around the same price point as the Sony and when it is released the A7 will be due for a upgrade and you can only imagine what the version 3 will offer? perhaps a bigger buffer and better battery life? Again though third party batteries for the Sony are around £10 each!
Taken from the flyer for the event:
On 30th September Cotswold Airport is throwing open its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom.
In what is set to be an unforgettable and incredible day packed full of dramatic re-enactments and demonstrations; sensational attractions; hundreds of vintage and military vehicles; lots of exciting activities for all the family; and plenty of entertainment, this event is the launch of what will become an annual show held each year at Cotswold Airport – one of the most unique venues for events in the South West.
Star features not to be missed on the day include:
– A huge display of vintage, military and emergency services vehicles and planes
– A kids play zone with giant inflatable slide, toddler play zone, vintage pedal cars, and entertainment by the incredible stilt-walking magician Mr Bamboozle
– Wartime re-enactments
– Steam traction engines
– Control tower and airside tours (limited availability)
– Pleasure flights in light aircraft and helicopters
– Hot air balloon rides
– Model aircraft static display
– Live period music
– Airport fire crew crash demo of a rescue from a burning aircraft
– Incredible rescue demonstration by a lifeboat hovercraft
– Family dog show
– Vintage plane flypasts
– Beer tent and food
– Shopping stalls
All culminating in a jaw-dropping hot air balloon night glow to music … not to be missed!
=========================
A somewhat cold and windy day – strange how all airports seem too be windy!!! Looking forward to its return next year when it promises to be a 2 day event. Hopefully a good amount raised for charity based on the large attendance that we saw whilst we were there!
and my images form the event:
The amazing dancers from Red and Ginger
On stage at Nottinghams Vintage Carnival on the 2 September, dancers and audience alike certainly looked like they were having fun!
Each August Bank Holiday sees the Alvis Fighting vehicles Society host its Annual Show near Dunchurch . This year saw over 300 vehicles being displayed covering pretty much every decade since war became mechanised.
The field was filled with enthusiastic re-enactors dressed in period gear to match their vehicles which were the focus of the show.
Guests were wowed with displays ranging from modern day rescue techniques to demonstrations of firepower to beautifully choreographed dancing by 8 ton tanks…..
Saturday the 1st of July saw the racecourse at Leicester hosting a vintage festival with a swathe of stalls, entertainment and cars to see. Staff and members of the public embraced this and were dressed in period clothing from the 1950’s.
Those brave enough were able to learn dance moves and strut their stuff in the dance tent accompanied by live music. For others it was an opportunity to bask in the gorgeous sunshine and remember a bygone age.
Coventry hosted some pre-audition auditions for Britains Got Talent at Millsys Cafe Bar on the 20th October 2016 and some of Coventry’s finest unsigned talent showed up to give it their best. Unfortunately we won’t know until early next year who was successful in their rounds but we wish them all the best in this round and the regional rounds taking place over the next couple of months. Who knows you could be looking at the stars of tomorrow right now!
Some pictures of the very talented Kiaya Lyons closing the outdoor part of the Crownfest festival in aid of Coventry MIND, supporting mental health for over 50 years.
Closing day of this two day festival at the Old Crown Pub in Coventry
