I enjoy taking photographs, but frustratingly I am not always particularly inspired, or don’t get struck by particularly good ideas. That’s perhaps why I’m a technologist, rather than an artist. Also it’s one of the reasons I enjoy candid photography, but that causes me problems as I get very nervous about sticking a camera in peoples faces (and am a bit pants at making them feel relaxed).
The great thing about mobile phones with cameras is, naturally, it’s much likely you’ll have it with you, and so are able to capture pictures you might not otherwise take, and capture moments that wouldn’t otherwise be recorded (Citizen journalism, I suppose).
Unfortunately, notably with the iPhone, the camera and options is rather poor. But I’ve tried regardless. So whilst idly browing my iPhone’s albums last night, I realised I had a few pictures that might be fun to bring together in a weblog post. Make of it what you will 
Penguins
We were over in Edinburgh on Sunday last week, when we met our Wedding Photographers to go through things, and do a few trial photos. It was great fun. More on that in due course, but we’re so far delighted with our choice of photographers, and really excited to see how the pictures from Sunday, and of course the wedding, come out. We had access to the Zoo from the house we were in, so popped in to see the penguins. It’s something of a moral dilemma whether caging animals is fair, compared to the educational value and sense of the world around us it instils in children. All said, I still think I find Zoo’s sad places.
Merchant Square, Glasgow
I really like this covered square in Glasgow, although the bars and restaurants around it never appeal enough itself, the space itself is enjoyable. At Christmas it usually has a few specialist stalls with some interesting gifts, and during the year there are often displays, including a few art and photography ones. I’m an absolute sucker for lights at night, and wish the council would do something more permanent around the Royal Exchange Square, which looks wonderful through the winter months with it’s lights.
Citizens Theatre: Desire under the elms
We went to see ‘Desire under the Elms’ at the Citizens theatre, and the stage was dominated by an impressive house structure. As the focus of the play moved about the house, various walls moved to allow us to see through. It gave a wonderful sense of things. Rather precarious for the actors up on the 1st floor I’d imagine!
The play itself was wonderful, and very well acted. Not exactly the most uplifting of subjects, but a compelling couple of hours. As a corporate sponsor of the theatre, I’d earlier had an explanatory talk from the artistic director. We’re hoping to get along to see ‘Waiting for Godot’ sometime very soon, a play I’ve been looking forward to seeing for a long time.
St James’ Orchestra, Paisley
We went along to the winter concert of St James’ Orchestra, and after the first half trying to see over the head of a tall and fidgety person, we moved up to ‘the gods’ for the 2nd half for a better view (and acoustics). My piano teacher was playing the viola, so it was nice to be able to support her.
If you enjoy classical music, I can highly recommend looking out any amateur orchestras in your area for an accessible and enjoyable evening of music, played to a very high standard.
We’re certainly hoping to attend future concerts by the orchestra.
Stew and the Dogs
My friend Stewart (also, bravely, my Best Man) and his fiancé Carla, have two Spaniels, who have a huge amount of energy and, er, enthusiasm.
They descended on Stew on his sofa, when I was visiting last week.
You’ll be pleased to know the beer was not spilt, but it was a close-run thing.
Good riddance
We had a bad encounter with Mr Crowe of Dans La Cuisine in Shawlands. Whilst we did thankfully still get a kitchen, it was the wrong colour. I discovered this note on the window of the now defunct show showing that his landlord had a similarly poor view.
That said, I’ve definitely realised I have a very poor judge of character. I hope nobody was left out of pocket or worse off as a result of the company going out of business.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are wonderfully enthusiastic flowers, aren’t they? First to appear in the spring, I often wonder where the bugs are that will pollenate them. Highlights the problems with the iPhones camera that it’s a bit ‘blurry’ in high-contrast (ie. the white is bleeding), or maybe that’s pocket fluff.
All the pictures are on my flickr account, and can be seen in larger sizes if you click the images.
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