John Kortland Photography: Londoners in Action

I’m am seriously loving John Kortland‘s awesome contributions to the Flickr pool lately, so this post is dedicated to him. He has a fantastic eye for street photography, for capturing those little moments (at just the right moment) that make living in this city so amusing.

People watching has got to be one of the best ways to pass time in London, seeing little glimpses of a stranger’s personality, wondering about where they came from, what their story is and where they’re going. Just watching life unfold, really. And life unfolds in a pretty interesting way around here sometimes.

Here’s a few of the moments that may have gone unnoticed had John not been around with his camera! Enjoy.

Thanks John!

To the rest of you, be sure to stop by his page and give this talented photographer a little virtual handshake. John’s been into photography for about 30 years now and being retired, he’s got lots of time to poke his lens around London’s busy streets.

 

Little Corners of Camden

Nunhead Cemetery

One of the three “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries I had yet to visit in London, Nunhead is  tangled, overgrown and disheveled but its beauty is only amplified by these characteristics. It’s a place of peace, with chirping birds and winding pathways lined with trees and monuments, trails off the main track and fantastic views over London. We only had about 30 minutes to explore a small corner before it closed, but here are some photos of this resting place tucked away in a near-forgotten corner of southeast London.

Elephants 171-180

Today is an elephant day. Here’s 171-180. Choose your fave! If you could paint your own elephant, what would it look like?

171. Jarlo by Marty Thornton; Victoria Tower Gardens

172. Luna by M McCann, J Scott & N Colyer; Westfield

173. The Paul Smith Elephant by Sir Paul Smith; The Royal Exchange

174. Baarsfant no2 by Menno Baars; Green Park

175. R by Gavin Tuck; New Burlington Place

176. No More Plundering by Milo Tchais; Potters Field Park

177. Utopia by Mitch Freeman; Queens Walk, Hungerford Bridge

178. Naveen by John Stefanidis; Notting Hill Gate

179. 21st Century Ganesh by Mythili Thevendrampillai; originally at India Place (I interviewed Mythili for a London Art Spot post last February.)

180. Boogie Woo by Nandita Chaudhuri; Soho Square

For more photos, interviews and other info, visit my Elephant Parade page. Stay tuned for the rest!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Our first stop at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland? Mulled Wine. It’s £4 a cup, but when you’re standing in freezing night temperatures, it’s a must to keep your hands from going numb and to warm you from the inside.

We had some good laughs trying on hats (for example, one that looked like a fish – you stick your head up into its mouth), ate some bratwurst smothered in ketchup, watched the pretty lights of the rides and bought a a couple goodies from the Christmas market. There’s also an ice skating rink if you’ve got good balance or don’t mind a few bruises.

You pay for rides and food at regular fairground prices, but entry is free and it’s a nice experience just wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere. Friends of mine went on a weekend which is apparently crowded, but we went on a Monday night after work and it was just right. The Wonderland is open till 10pm. Dress warm!!

http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/