flattened

Another week, another walk with our son, Ben. This time we met a lovely lady called Kyrie and her gorgeous Flat-Coated Retriever, Lucy. It's not often our own 'flattie' gets to meet his own kind so he made the most of it!

 

he's grown ...

postcards from the sea

And so to Brighton.  I'm accompanying the legendary dog-photographer, Mandy Burton on a trip to meet members of The Fujicast, a lively Facebook group brought together by a common love of photography and of Fuji cameras in particular.

I shoot mainly with Leicas, but I do have one Fuji in my possession, the STX-1 which holds a special place in my affections. It was my very first camera, a birthday present from my new bride shortly after we married. It's been dusted down, fitted with new batteries, loaded with a roll of Fujifilm 200 and stowed away in my bag. My main camera for the next two days is, however, my trusty Leica M-P. It's set to shoot in black and white, my chosen mode for the next six months.

The  journey to Brighton is uneventful.  After unpacking at the fabulous Airbnb discovered by Mandy's wife, Lucy, we set off for town. It's a quick stroll down the steep slope to the Royal Pavilion where we pause to take a few shots.

The East Pier is just a short distance away and we take more photographs as we set off towards the i360 Tower.

The stroll along the sea-front is very pleasant. We stop to chat to a couple of people, watch some beach volley-ball players practice and admire a fantastic photographic exhibition on the beach itself.

All the while, the skeletal, fire-charred remains of the West Pier dominate the skyline.

With the light starting to fade we take one last look at the West Pier then make our way to the i360 tower. We catch the last ride of the day, which takes us 450 feet into the air for a panoramic view across Brighton.

It's getting dark now and the rain-streaked windows cast strange reflections across the viewing platform. Down below, the streets of Brighton are transformed into glittering rivers of light as traffic courses the length of the sea-front.

 

We disembark from the tower and the swirl of the sea hooks the two of us back to the shore-line. Mandy and I sink to our knees and watch, transfixed, as wave after wave crashes onto the stony beach in white-flecked spume. 

It's a welcome plate of piping hot chips on the way back to the Airbnb.  I'm also treated to the first sighting of Mandy's ingenious beard disguise! Day done.

 

photographing roscoe

I first came across Mandy Burton's work earlier this year during a classroom session run by my MAC photography tutor, Kate Green. Kate showed us an amazing series of pictures shot by Mandy, many close to where we live.

Two months ago I had the pleasure of hearing Mandy speak at a seminar about her explorations in photography and the creation of her book, 'One Hundred Strangers and Their Dogs'.  It was an absolute delight to hear her talk candidly of her life experiences. Mandy positively sparkled with energy, enthusiasm and a joy for living which was truly inspirational.

So we were thrilled when Mandy kindly agreed to call round last week to take some photos of Roscoe, our new puppy. Refreshed with coffee and chocolate biscuits she duly set to work and here are the lovely photographs she shot. 

What a brilliant person and what a brilliant set of photographs!!