Switching on Winter

I love light. As a child, I was known to switch on all the lights in the house because I loved it so (and then get a lecture from one of my parents about electricity costs and wastage). I have an associated fascination for lamps and string lights and streamers and candles and tea lights and lanterns..even bright resplendent full moons. I can almost imagine The Significant Other nodding his head vigorously at this admission as he recalls all the times we've been out and I've been busy admiring the lamps and light fixtures in the place while he tries to talk to me.

And that is the reason why winter in London is a miserable time for me. The mere six hours of dull grey light in a day are just not enough for my soul and now that I am a grown-up, I also realise the significance of electricity costs and the ramifications of wastage and have to unhappily adhere to grown-up norms of prudent living. Pah.

And so, when they put up Christmas lights in London - although a bit too early - I'm certainly not one of those complaining. Last night they switched on the lights at Regent Street and Oxford Street and I was there in a flash, soaking it all in.

I wasn't the only one, though. The moon seemed to be taking it in too (much to my delight).

I certainly needed the cheer.

(Another version of this was published on Metrotwin Mumbai and one of these photographs appeared on Londonist this morning).

Of Bubble-Princesses and Cycle Rickshaws... On Regent Street

Continued from here and here.

Shoppers, tourists, office workers, weaving their way through cabs, cars, buses and bikes - the typical Regent Street scene. Who would imagine that bubble princesses, half out of a fairy tale and cycle-rickshaws, half out of South East Asia also ply their trade here?

The cabs and the bubbles on Regent Street are courtesy Hamley's - the largest toy store in the world and a popularity, arguably rivaling the Buckingham Palace in touristy circles. The cycle rickshaws or pedicabs, as they're also called, run in a few select tourist hot-spots around Soho in Central London. Mostly driven by out of work punters or students trying to make an extra buck, they're known to be pretty safe and fun. There are generally no background checks on the drivers, but I suppose you could calmly jump off if the driver tries to er...speed away with you. I personally haven't been on one in London - but have had lots of 'authentic' rickshaw experiences in India, so this is not very new to me. In comparison to India's rickshaws in fact, these ones seem ultra-safe and boring. The safety takes the edge out of a rickshaw ride - imagine one in the middle of mad traffic zipping about you, with your heart in your throat and your hair on edge, as you desperately cling to the seat, trying not to fall off the thing. Haha! There there, I assure you, the London 'pedicab' ride is nothing like that.

The bubble girl, also courtesy Hamley's, was drawing a lot of attention (and customers to Hamley's), but she seemed to have her own concerns on her mind. And then she noticed me clicking and struck a pose.

She was certainly bringing some cheer about her. :)

And that sums up my Regent Street experience in black and white. Would love to hear how you liked it, and especially feedback on my black and white pictures.

I've noticed quite a few new subscribers and followers of this blog - a big thank you to all of you! Please introduce yourselves and let me know what you think of my work. If you prefer to stay in the background, that's alright too - I still really appreciate your support and interest. Will be back soon with more. Until then, let's collectively hope for the return of good summery weather to London!

Scenes from Regent Street in black and white - 2

Continued from here.

Regent Street was designed in the early 1800's by the great British architect John Nash, as a compliment to the Prince Regent. It has since, for the most part, been identified as the physical and metaphorical heart of London's social scene. Over time it has evolved into one of the most iconic shopping streets in Europe - more so, under the control of the Crown Estate, who took over Regent Street in 2001 and converted it into a brand.

Three years in London, and I've yet to catch this street deserted. It's always bustling.

And occasionally you'll come across scenes that seem like they do not belong, but are yet very much part of the fabric of Regent Street. But that's another post. Watch this space and keep the feedback coming!

Scenes from Regent Street in black and white - 1

This post marks my foray into the world of black and white photography. I have done the odd B&W shot before, but this is my first attempt to capture a place/theme entirely in the medium.

I present to you a series of scenes from Regent Street - posh shopping crescent in Central London, connecting Oxford Circus with Piccadilly Circus. I chose Regent Street because it is one of those places in London that everyone who's ever been in London has been to - it is a destination, yet it is common, it belongs to commonplace memory. And I've attempted to pick scenes from this commonplace-ness of the street - to see if I can make you look at it a bit differently. I do hope you'll let me know how I've done.

(click on images to enlarge)

Black and white photography is evocative and sensual. Done right, a visual in two tones can bring out the mood and subject of the picture far more beautifully than colour. And the reverse is even more true. Black and white can be a tricky medium, and therein lies the reason for my trepidation.

More to come...watch this space. And please don't forget to leave your feedback!