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The Homeless Body

By | Photo Blog

The Darkside of Homelesness

This is a question that we should be asking ourselves.
with all of our luxuries, food, warmth and keeping dry we have so
much already.
Even somebody who is unemployed or in benefits has a lot already.
I regularly speak to the Homeless and many of them I know personally
by name, and still remember from when I worked at a Homeless Charity.
You might be surprised, but many suffer from infections and illnesses,
that should have disappeared years ago.

Begging

Many will be cynical and see the Homeless as beggars, who don’t want
to get a job or are happier in their situation.
I have listened to some heartbreaking stories and have come to an
understanding of why many are in the situation that they are in.
As a professional photographer, I have seen the ugly side of
homelessness, and also had my share of grief when I found out what
has happened to individuals.
1 person in particular, had such an effect on me that years later,
I still get emotional about it.
Yes..
We lost somebody who died, and it was on cold grey concrete with
nobody with them, until they were found the next day.

I have heard stories of happily married people, who had everything and have ended up losing it all.

Hope

There is a positive side
There are many charities that really care, and have a duty of hands on care and help.

Being on Benefits

The average adult over 25 will get roughly £73.10 a
week on Job seekers allowance, which is about
£10.44 a day to live on.
Being on the streets or NFA ( No fixed abode )
doesn’t entitle you to any money.
There are homeless shelters that once full up, there
will be No More Room.
Saying that when the weather gets below a certain
temperature, which believe it or not is checked by
logging onto the BBC Weather website, for an
acceptance or rejection.
This will be a tolerance of +/- 1 degree Celsius.

What Next?

What can we do, when all of us are financially
struggling, and have debts building up.
We can
Volunteer
Donate wisely
Small business involvement
Support a Charity ( Choose wisely )

People or Dogs?

By | Photo Blog
Do you Love Dogs more than People?
A survey in 2017 the question asked was that if you had a choice to Save a Human or a Dog not both, what would you do?
The surprising results stated that over a 3rd of the people questioned would save a Dog.
One of the qualities Humans we possess is empathy, and this is very similar to the emotion that we have for Children suffering.
Also, a social experiment was undertaken, where 256 students were given a newspaper article, where an unknown assailant attacked a victim, who was seriously injured and these were a
Puppy, 6-year-old Child, and a 30 years old adult.
A questionnaire to measure Empathy and distressing emotion was undertaken.
To make this scientific, an MRI scan was performed on Mothers whilst looking at Photographs of Children and Dogs.
The response was very similar.
Interesting!

Empathy
One of the many powerful qualities Humans have is Empathy and there is no getting away from that.
Look at the Funeral of lady Diana Spencer, and the many people grieving, from the Public to many of the wonderful Police working that day.
On the same token, we can have “Empathy overload” or a form of desensitization towards the suffering.

Pulik in the Pub 2018

By | Photo Blog

What is Pulik in the Pub?

Puli Dog Mayhem, for 2 days where a 2 Day Puli event that is held over the Easter weekend
Camping on site is also available from Friday to Tuesday
The Olde Olde Red Lion pub is a Large Dog-friendly, family run pub.

What is a Puli Dog?

A Puli is a Hungarian herding and livestock guarding Dog and their temperament make ideal pets and companions because they are Energetic, Agile, Obedient, Loyal, Faithful, and very Intelligent.
The Puli is a small-medium breed of Hungarian herding and livestock guarding dog known for its long corded coat. The tight curls of the coat appear similar to dreadlocks.

The Big Day

I arrived at the Red Lion Pub Nash Mills – Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire Uk, on Saturday to an area that was enclosed and safe for family events.
I recognized many familiar faces of people who I have only spoken to on Facebook.
This was so excited to finally meet people face to face.
As I arrived, I knew my Doggie senses didn’t deceive me as I hear Barking instantly, as Puli Dogs are very vocal.
Many tents were set up as some folks were camping.
The marquee was where everybody was congregated and like a moth to the light, I instantly was instantly attracted to the area.

The Fun Events

We all toasted to the event, and I have no idea what the small shot of Hungarian nuclear liquid was, but what I do know is, I could clean a car engine with it and strip paint.

As I looked over the stove I could see Csaba and Rita who preparing some food.
I couldn’t wait to try some as it was Hungarian Goulash and Lecso.
One of my 2018 to do's was to try Hungarian Goulash.
As always, I asked for a small portion of both but ended up going back for 2nds.
The Lecso was amazing, and went back for 3rd’s, did somebody say 4th’?

Hungarian Hospitality

We all gave a Toast to the event, and I have no idea what the small shot of Hungarian nuclear liquid was, but what I do know is I could clean a car engine with it and strip paint.

Hungarian Cuisine

As I looked on the stove I could see Csaba and Rita preparing some food.
I couldn’t wait to try some as it was Hungarian Goulash and Lecso.
As always, I asked for a small portion of both but ended up going back for 2nds.
The Lecso was amazing, and went back for 3rd’s, did somebody say 4th’?

My Conclusion

The day was truly a wonderful day, with events galore and Doggies everywhere.
Hungarian hospitality is truly heart-warming, as the day flew past so fast.
The most surprising fact I heard was that some Pulis grow so large
that when standing on their hind legs they can grow up to 6 foot 7 inches.
Let’s say that I slept so well that night and dreamt of Puli Doggies.

Fostering or Adopting?

By | Photo Blog

Who are Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue?

Almost a year to the day, I knew very little, if anything about Fostering or Adopting Dogs.
It’s amazing how life works, as a Photographer, I have done many Photoshoots, and being in contact with the Hungary Hearts Charity now, was from a Photoshoot.
I feel qualified since I have Fostered my Doggie Kaya from Hungary Hearts, as she was saved from a Kill station.
As I am writing this blog Kaya sat up, yawned and went back to sleep, as it is the early hours of the morning.
In the beginning, it was dreadful to think that this happened to Dogs.
But now, it is totally inconceivable, as I totally love Kaya.
You can see Kaya on the right, as we all believe she is 10 years old and has some Labrador in her.

Fostering?

Please allow me to explain a bit about Fostering and Adopting a Dog.
There is so much to consider when Fostering or Adopting a Dog, most importantly you are taking on an amazing animal, who will need lots of Love, Care, Nurturing, and to be incorporated as part of your family.Remember many of the Dogs have been abused, and have been dreadfully treated.
Fostering or Adopting isn’t suited to everybody, but the advantages are limitless, and I for one have really learned so much about Dog behavior, and also about myself as a person.
Physically I have lost over 1 stone in weight, in roughly 6 weeks.

Adopting?

Adopting is permanent, and you will truly have a friend who will always be by your side.
It is very important that you are suited to the correct Dog, as many really have some deep-seated emotional problems.
Kaya at first was so nervous and would bark at anything, but now a few months down the line, she is quiet, and so much more relaxed than she has ever been.
It has taken a lot of patience and physical contact for her to trust me.
But..
She is still work in progress!

Our Community

There is a very close-knit community, in the Fostering and Adoption world with Hungary Hearts, and everybody supports each other.
We have Vet’s, Groomers, Dog Walkers, Fosterers, Food suppliers, Dog clothing suppliers, and so on.
We will always be able to recoommend a service that we have either worked with or have fostered or Adopted from Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue.

Considerations from the Official Hungary Hearts Dog Rescue Website

Fostering info

Adoption info

Photography Watford Photo Course

By | Photo Blog

Photography Watford Photo Workshop – Saturday 1st July

Photography Watford’s Friday started with what should have been a 2 hour journey up the M1 motorway.
It seems everybody wanted to be heading north, and this 100 mile trip took 3 hours!

The M1 Motorway joins the South to the North of the Uk
A Canon 7D body with the lens removed

Workshop Day

We all arrived, on what was such a gorgeous day, and not a hint of rain on the horizon. Again, Coffee had to be consumed, as it seems recently that has become a prerequisite.
There was a small cosy group of people excited and keen to learn more about Photography, and just to top things off there was also a practical side as we were all going to get snapping later.
We all went through the basics of Photography and also a “Do’s and Don’ts ” section also. Having said that, Photographers have a license to snap what they want and very often how they want to.
As often that is the case, we did a basic walk around the Farm to see what we should snap and get a feel for the hidden gems that we could uncover with our lenses.

Yummy food

We were all peckish by this time and the Catering team had a table booked for us all with some very delicious food and drink prepared. This was also very reasonably priced.

Spinach and Panir cheese Curry
A Blue eyed Goose just posing for the camera

A Surprise in store

We were all very keen to get back and start photographing, and in the back of my mind I had a little surprise that I knew folks would Love.
We all very stealthily were allowed in the Bird areas and Avery. We walked around the Avery like Ninjas being careful not to hurt any birds that might be on the ground, and very quietly aware that there were 2 nests of newly born birds.

Naughty Chicken

Into the Naughty Bird area where I was standing minding my own business, admiring the birds, when I felt a Thud on the back of my Leg. As I looked around a little Cheeky Chicken was feeling pleased with himself as he had kicked me. I had to laugh.
My Fav was the Blue Eyed Geese and the Silkie Chicken, which you can see on the Stonebridge website. The Chickens were so cute and friendly, as they had no fear, and came very close to us all. I came close to slipping on something soft and squishy, but let’s not mention it.

A Male Chicken is known as a Rooster, and can be very vocal and noisy.
Chard Vegetable is a delicious leafy plant, that looks like lettuce and is very high in Potassium and vitamin A.

The Garden

The Stonebridge garden is such an amazing work in progress project. Hours and hours of time has been spent working, planting and now harvesting some amazing crops. There were quite a few beautifully coloured Butterflies, Bees and Ladybirds dotted around the garden, which was a real treat, especially for the photographers. The challenge was to get a good photo of a Humble Bumble Bee, as they didn’t keep still for long. You had to be quick, as just as you focused the camera, off they were to the next flower.

Just to sum up in a few words

An amazing day for all was had by all !!

Foodies Festival 2017 – Syon Park London

By | Photo Blog
The Foodies Festival 2017

Passionate about food?
Well, this is an absolute must for your calendar.
There is so much to see and taste, with many exhibitors, tempting you to their own produce.
This is held on the 27th, 28th, and 29th May 2017.

Anjula Devi

There was a live demo of Indian cuisine that wafted through the air, and was so intoxicating.
she was preparing Bombay potatoes & rhubarb, asparagus lime & ginger, chicken curry & Chapattis
Anjula has her own business and has recently had her book called Spice for Life released.

Dhruv Baker

The Jolly Gardener & MasterChef Winner 2010.
Dhruv was co hosting the live demos, and was such a professional, in his presentation.
He is extremely knowledgeable and answered many questions that were asked by people during the live demos.

Candice Brown

Candice was the winner of the Great British Bake-off 2016.
She created an almond topped Bakewell Tart, which was perfection, from start to finish.
The smell was amazing and looked perfect, when it baked.

Jane Devonshire

Jane was the Masterchef winner in 2016.
Jane created a stunning steak dish, which was very succulent and tender.
The live demo really inspires and explains that even complex looking dishes can be prepared very easily and quickly.

The Foodies Festival weekend London Uk 2017 has begun.

This week has been what seems like, the beginning of the long lasting glorious warm weather.
This is great news, especially as the long-awaited Foodies Festival is finally here.

Burning the candle at both ends, and an early rise on the day in question, I soon became bright eyed and bushy tailed, not without a strong Coffee first tho.
The Sat Nav said 45 mins from door to marque, but in-fact this became 2 hours, partly due to the popularity and sheer weight of traffic going to the event.
On arrival, the parking was a meagre £5.00, oh yes one of the new plastic £5.00 notes, the almost see through ones.
Straight to the registration tent, to choose the session and to pick up the tickets.
No more than 3 were allowed, but you could go back.

The first session was with Anjula Devi, TV Chef and author, Anjul was an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to as she cooked a Curry.
Dhruv Baker was co-hosting the session with Anjul and would be for all the sessions.
Within no time it seemed, the session was over and the final product was a tongue tingling Curry, which Anjul made look so simple to prepare and cook.
It had an ingredient in it, that you really wouldn’t expect.
Rhubarb!
Sheer Genius..
Anjul explained that she thanks her Father for the coincidental ingredient.

The next session was with Candice Brown, who won the Great British Bake-off 2016.
What did Candice have in mind?
It was a delicious traditional Bakewell tart.
Candice made creating this tart, look so simple to create, with many useful tips as she went along.
Which incidentally, is by far my most favourite dessert.
You could smell the pastry all through the tent from the front to the back also.
Dhruv Baker was also adding to the enjoyment of the session, as he narrated and answered questions.

The last session, was with Jane Devonshire who won MasterChef 2016.
I managed to get a few photos with Jane before her session, as this was a treat as she was an absolute delight, and so humble.
Jane even mentioned that since she won MasterChef 2016, her feet havn’t touched the ground.
On the menu was Buffalo steak, and a cream cheese, which totally works.
I must admit, my initial thought was Wow !!
The reason is that the meat is tenderised by the cream cheese and also Jane created a coriander based dip, with asparagus and lemon.

Fun with macro Photography – Quiz

By | Photo Blog
What is Macro Photography?

Very simply, just imagine that you attach a magnifying glass or a microscope to the end of you’re camera, so you can see very small objects
ie flowers, insects and so on to be photographed, in great detail.
It’s very much an exciting dimension of Photography, because very often until you get back home and look at the Photo’s on the computer,
you don’t realize what an unseen world you have opened up.

Hover Over Photo’s for Clues?

Used a lot in cooking

Has a peppery taste

Split pulse

A Spring vegetable

Monkeys Love them
Oooh oooh aaahh

Eaten with Cheese

Fairies Hide under them
when it rains

The Spice of Life

The opposite of Salt

Answers: Garlic, Radish, Chana Dal, Asparagus, Banana, Cracker, Mushroom, Chilli Flake, Peppercorn

Photography Watford’s blog

By | Photo Blog

The Homeless Body

| Photo Blog | No Comments
The Darkside of Homelesness This is a question that we should be asking ourselves. with all of our luxuries, food, warmth and keeping dry we have so much already. Even...

People or Dogs?

| Photo Blog | No Comments
Do you Love Dogs more than People?A survey in 2017 the question asked was that if you had a choice to Save a Human or a Dog not both, what...

Pulik in the Pub 2018

| Photo Blog | 4 Comments
What is Pulik in the Pub?Puli Dog Mayhem, for 2 days where a 2 Day Puli event that is held over the Easter weekend Camping on site is also available...