Tower Hill

I figured last night that if we are lucky we live to see about 29,000 days (close to 80 years).  I’ve got around 17,000 to go if I’m lucky.  A finite thought but I had it after spending the day at the beach and having the space and time to think.

As I got home at around 10:30pm I used the thought to convince myself to wake up after only about 4 hours sleep.  It took me around an hour to power down so by the time I closed my eyes it was close to midnight.

I really didn’t want to get up and I really didn’t want to go all the way to Tower Hill but I somehow dragged myself out of bed and shiver by ass off waiting for the bus at 4:15.  Once I get off the bus everything switches on though.  Even without coffee or breakfast I’m good to go for a couple hours and what I get to see keeps me going.

5:13 AM

Lights on the bridge or lights off?  I can’t decide.

5:18 AM

It’s getting lighter later now.  I don’t really know how much longer I can pursue this as I only have about 30 minutes to work with now until the City starts to pulse, buzz and hum.  By 5:45 cars and trucks are virtually everywhere and by 6:15 forget about it, there are pedestrians everywhere and the London that I own for myself for about an hour is gone.  Given up to everyone else to use.

5:39 AM

I’ll keep at it.  At least until I head to Bosnia and Kosovo.  Looks like I’ll be headed there around mid-August.  Then back here for a few days until I leave for Hopi Nation and other things August 28.

Covent Garden

Not the greatest sunrise today.  No low clouds to catch the light early and bounce it back and light up the sky pink.  But there were a few low clouds to break up the pool of light forming in the East.  Shot the market from the front so it was backlit first.  There is about a ten minute window to get this shot with the dynamic range my digial has.  Film of course there is more and with a little burning in the darkroom I imagine you have about 30 minutes.

4:59 AM

A graduated ND filter would make all the difference, but I don’t have that kind of cash for a mattebox and filter (think I would go with an ND.06, thanks to working with Mr. Mackenzie).

5:10 AM

Here’s the reverse and of course it was easier to work with but not as exciting.  The trash is kind of distracting but what are you going to do.  Seems that everyone is paying attention to the sign painted on the road.  Oh, but I kid!!!

5:06 AM

Inside the market, where it is usually jammed with tourists.

5:19 AM

Ok, fine.  Yes I did take a picture of the phones.  Just like a tourist would.  But five of them?  I mean when was the last time all five were used simultaneously?  THAT would make a good photograph…hmmmmm.