Newquay's Night Surf

Well it seams the wet weather and gale force winds might have eased enough to enjoy tonight's night surf at Fistral beach. With the flood lights erected and the first heats taking part yesterday i'm hoping to get down to the beach tonight to enjoy the party and watch the pro surfing into the evening followed by a firework display.

I can't wait for tonight's fireworks as watching fireworks from the beach reflected over the water is always magical. Not to mention the live music and DJ's that will also be down there.

As for photographing the surfers in the dark this really will test my photography skills! It's an event not to be missed lets just hope the dry weather lasts into the evening for all the spectators there.

A Budding Photographer’s Guide to Indian Weddings

A few years ago I went to northern India to trek in the Himalayan mountains and raise much needed cash for The Royal National Institute for the Blind. So when I was asked by fellow photographer to post their blog post about Indian weddings I couldn't resist.

"Weddings. They are all so different from culture to culture and person to person, but there is one thing they do have very much in common; camera moments. At every wedding there are plenty of them for amateur and professional photographers alike. But there are a few things that all good photographers at Asian weddings should know before taking their shots. 

We have put together a quick wedding guide to help you navigate your way around one of the most colourful of all weddings.

It is Not Black and White

Black and white, although stylish for photos, will not be seen at an Indian Wedding. That is because these colours are mourning colours and weddings as they are supposed to be are happy occasions. So be prepared, as a guest and photographer, to be amazed by the colours paraded around by the guests and the Bride and Groom to be. The bride is traditionally dressed in a gorgeous red wedding dress, so don’t miss her. It will be a shot to remember!

Bare Your Sole

If you have not been inside a religious place for an Asian wedding before, be prepared for people to remove their shoes. For you as a photographer that means two things. One, you will have to make adjustments for your camera. And two, you will have to do the same and remove your shoes too.

Special Rituals Are Not to Be Photographed

There are some occasions during the actual ceremony itself, especially at a Hindu wedding, which you will not be able to capture digitally. Make sure that you understand in advance which wedding rituals are acceptable to photograph and which ones are not. Don’t worry; there will be plenty of other opportunities for you to get snap-happy at.

Food for Thought

The food at an Indian wedding will be every bit as colourful as everybody’s wedding attire. Nothing makes a better photo than plates and plates of delicious looking food and people enjoying it. This is what you will find at an Asian Wedding. If you are attending a Sikh wedding and you are in the gurudwara (which is the Sikh temple) you might be offered blessed food called ‘Karah Prashad.’ But just to warn you, you receive the food with cupped hands, so make sure your camera is in a safe place whilst this part of the wedding ceremony is taking place. Also, remember to wash your hands afterwards, or the photos you will take might have a sticky look and feel to them.

A Gift Of Money

You probably won’t see guests carrying armfuls of gifts to give to Bride and Groom as it is not customary to give gifts from a wedding list. Usually money is given in beautiful envelopes. And if you are lucky enough to be around when they are opened, you will see that monetary values ending with the number 1 will be in plenty of supply as this is a sign of luck. So, a shot or two of 101 rupees or pounds will be a very welcome addition to the photo album.

It Takes Two To Tango

There will probably be lots of opportunities to take fun shots with people of all ages dancing on the dance floor. The Bride at most Asian weddings does not usually dance and if she does it will be once with her new husband.

The opportunity to take photos of guests congratulating the happy couple with a handshake and a peck on the cheek might not present themselves to the budding photographer as male guests do not usually kiss the bride at an Indian wedding.

Bob Emerald got married on a racecourse in India and wished there had been an Asianwedding photographer there to help capture the unforgettable memories he created. 

So there you have it. Your quick guide to photography at an Indian Wedding. 

Happy Snapping!

Plymouth volksfest photo's

This bank holiday weekend saw the 6th annual plymouth volksfest, although now dubbed as more of a music festival than a Volkswagen classic car show there was still plenty to see and do for both music and car fans.

Arriving on the friday night greeted by a spectacular rainbow over the festival site made the perfect start to the weekend. camping up with Newquay Dub Club, vans were arriving and tents pitched all before darkness and the festivities starting.

Headlining the Friday night was Alabama 3, with a chronic amount of base pumping the band got the whole place dancing. Apologies now for the quality of some of the photos in the evenings in the main marquee, these are taken on my phone as I didn't want to take my camera into the arena and wanted to have a dance and enjoy the music rather then spend the whole night with my camera.

The following morning with lots of thick heads and a few going to bed when the sun came up were left to enjoy a day of sunshine. 

The baja track opened for some off road action and the music continued on several stages throughout the day. There really is something for everyone, with reggae, ska, folk, rock and acoustic music there was even comedy, poetry, dj's and a cinema.

 The evening was topped off by performances from Mad Dog Macrae, Land of the Giants and the Levellers.

After the music ended it was off to the camp to carry on the drinking but with temperatures dropping and frost forming on the tents and vans it was time to do the sensible thing and go to bed!

The next morning and another stunning day. Although a lot smaller than previous years the cars lined up for the show and Shine and the sun did not stop shining. without a cloud in the sky nothing could spoil the day, with an ice cold cider in hand and a constant stream of live music and a selection of good friends there was only one thing to do, enjoy the atmosphere of how a bank holiday weekend should be. 

Finishing off the Sunday night and closing the show were performances by Seth Lakeman and Zion Train. What can I say! Seth Lakeman was pure magic, I felt like I was the only person in the room one minute and he was playing just to me, the next, throw in some thumping stomp box and some serious violin and the place is bouncing. Following this electric performance were the energetic sounds of Zion Train, I can not explain in words the energy that comes from this band. Feeling like I am back in the nineties with a phat reggae beat and insane strobe lighting really was a treat for the closing of the main stage. 

Sadly as with most bank holiday Mondays in the UK the weather did not want to last for the full three day weekend and the gale force winds arrived bringing with it torrential rain, but I really can't complain and the lack of sunshine on the third day was probably a blessing in disguise as the sunburn is really quite painful and i'm not sure I need any more vitamin D for a few days to come!

Well done to all involved with putting on a great show at this years Plymouth Volksfest and who knows what will happen next year with the last ever Run To The Sun festival coming to a close. Hopefully Plymouth Volksfest will stay true to it's routes and keep the volkswagens at the forefront of the festival and not become just another music festival.

Surfing, polo and sunshine in Cornwall

This weekend was another stunner with beautiful sunshine all weekend, although a little chilly that didn't stop the hundreds of people crowding to Watergate Bay to watch the beach polo.

I'm not sure the dog was to impressed with the polo but far more interested in learning to surf. 

Now i'm not typically a horsey' person, i never learnt to ride a horse when i was a child and i never collected my little ponies, but even for someone that doesn't have an interest in horses it was beautiful to see so many of them on the beach. It's not oven you see so many beautifully dressed horses walking on the sand. Now I don't know polo either but i have now learnt that the game is split into four sections the first three 6.5 minutes long and the last 6 minutes. These quarters of the game are called chukkas. Even if like me you were slightly confused by some of the terms there was something for everyone from horse stunt displays, live music and a BBQ on the beach. Another perfect day in Watergate Bay.

Grizzly and the Grasshoppers at the Phoenix Watergate Bay

Saturday night not only saw the final of the Eurovision song contest but also saw live music at the phoenix in Watergate Bay.

To be honest I had not heard of the band before but after a quick look at their website and the promise of  acoustic roots and hints of blues, funk and reggae I was sold.

Clearly the call of Eurovision was to much and the pub was surprisingly quiet but that did not stop me enjoying the band. Grizzly and the Grasshoppers consisted of four band members with each band member playing an array of guitar, drums, bongos, slide guitar and saxophone not to mention the gruff vocals from the lead singer.

I certainly enjoyed the night and am pleased to have got the chance to speak to the band after their gig and learnt that they are coming back to Watergate Bay at the end of the summer for the Surf and roots festival.

Here's a rather shaky mobile phone shot of the band on sat, apologies for the quality a combination of my birthday and several ciders doesn't make the best photo on a camera phone!

Another stunning sunny day in Cornwall

Well what can I say! It's a gorgeous sunny day in Cornwall today, blue sky as far as the eye can see not a cloud to be seen for miles, but let's just remember that it is still quite cold and that it is actually only just a few digits above double figures. Not that I am trying to put a dampener on today because if you get out of the wind and enjoy the sunshine then it's beautiful.

I myself have been out enjoying the sunshine and actually been in the water today too, and lovely as it is the temperature outside was only reading 13'C which in my mind means that I shouldn't have had to witness overweight men with their tops off walking through Newquay just yet. The weather's lovely, beautiful and I really am not complaining but seriously I don't think it's quite bikini's and shirt off weather quite yet!

Top 5 Wedding Invitation ideas.

Getting home from work I was greeted by a small parcel on the floor from the postman. Opening the envelope I was surprised and slightly confused to have received a tea towel. 

Opening up the tea towel I soon realized this wasn't just a tea towel and was in fact a very creative wedding invitation.

Not just was the tea towel a very different way to send a wedding invite that certainly means I won't forget the date but the invite itself was particularly humorous. Rather than the obligatory 'dietary requirements' the enclosed card asked whether you were an Omnivore or Herbivore and proceeded to read 'And also that if i eat the following, I may be sick, or have to go hungry'  If the wedding is as beautiful, creative and funny as the invite then I can not wait for the big day. This then lead me to think about my top 5 wedding invitation ideas.

1. Tea towel, After today's received invite it would be rude not to put the tea towel in at number 1!
2. Jigsaw puzzle, Send a few puzzle pieces to then be put together by your guests to work out where the wedding is. Just remember to include something simple to fill out for the RSVP.
3. CD/DVD - Include a cd or dvd with all the details for your up and coming big day. Create a video with music and photographs with meaning to the special couple. The great thing about an invite like this is that you can include everything needed, images and information on the venue, directions and menus all in one place.
4. Fridge magnet - This is a really simple idea, including a fridge magnet as a 'save the date' you know that the invitation can't get lost and then be a constant reminder every time you make a brew and reach for the milk.
5. Chocolates - Send each of your potential attendees a small box of chocolates, then under each chocolate once eaten have details for the wedding. 

What are you idea's for creative DIY wedding invitations? Have you sent out something different? I'd love to hear your ideas.

Newquay Dub Club Cruise

Yesterday Newquay Dub Club came out in force to enjoy the spring like weather. When I say spring like weather the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky, sadly the temperatures didn't quite make it much out of single figures however it was a beautiful but chilly day.

Meeting in St Columb Major a group of nearly 20 vehicles ranging from classic Volkswagens including split screens and bay window campers, Several BMW E20's, a token Mini and several water cooled VW's all convoyed together into Newquay, With a pit stop at little Fistral beach.

Heads were turning as all the cars passed, children were pointing and we saw several passers by film us as we drove along the coast road in a selection of iconic vehicles.

From little Fistral we then moved onto West Pentire and to the Bowgie Inn Car Park to watch the sun set and grab a bite to eat. An awesome little outing for those with a love for driving wonderful classic vehicles on the beautiful coast roads of North Cornwall.

The big Spring Freeze

We are now nearing the end of March and with British summer time officially beginning on Sunday when the clocks go forward we are most definitely stuck in winter mode. However cold Cornwall is it is not as bad as up country. For those of you who didn't blink and miss it we did actually get a few flakes of the white stuff today.

So it was a very light flurry and it didn't settle but Cornwall had a tiny amount of snow non the less. I know we should be grateful of the slightly warmer weather but quite frankly unless there is going to be enough snow to give us snow days off work and let us build a snow man or go sledging in the Cornish fields then quite frankly it needs to be spring right now.

With Easter only a few days away and weather forecasters saying the cold snap could last another month when are we going to get spring weather?

We all know that the last few summers have been complete wash outs with 2012 being the wettest on record, fingers crossed if winter is lasting this long surely summer can only get better.

Here's fingers well and truly crossed for a hot summer this year in Cornwall.

Cornwall on flood alert

Yesterday being the first day of Spring and the Spring equinox we got off to such a great start, it was dry and bright all day a little chilly maybe but the skies were blue and winter finally seamed behind us. Then today the heavens have opened, all day it has rained non stop and the worst is yet to come according to the weather forecast. 

With flood warnings out for the evening for the whole area Cornwall is yet again bracing itself for the worst. Driving home this evening on the main trunk road through Cornwall the road was only just passable with deep brown muddy torrent rushing down off the fields and into the roads. 

Lets just hope over night it doesn't get too much worse and we wake up a little soggy but not to flooded anywhere. 

Be careful on the roads out there tonight everyone in Cornwall.

Really amazing cover - Can you guess what it is?

As a lot of my regular readers know i'm quite into my live music especially local music, supporting bands in the west country like Willie and the Bandits, The Jeremiahs, The Claze to name a few but after seeing the singer song writer Craig Hammond post this on You Tube I just had to share it.

Can you guess the song before the chorus?



Bloody Brilliant!!!

Wille and the Bandits play in ESSEX!

As some of you may know i'm originally from Essex but been living in Cornwall for the past seven years. My family are still in Essex but all very much love the Cornish lifestyle.

When I heard that favourite local band Wille and the Bandits where playing in Essex I had to get my sister to attend and show some support, she thoroughly enjoyed the gig and is now another firm follower of the band.

My sister text me several times from the gig saying how amazing the band was and at the end of the night I had a very happy message from my sister meeting the band!!

Cornish band gains airplay on BBC Radio 2

A few years ago I posted about local Cornish band The Claze that I saw play at the Merrymoor inn in Mawgan Porth. The years may have past since this small gig but the band have been going from strength to strength and lots of practicing and song writing later they were featured on BBC radio 2 this morning.

It's really good not only to hear new music on the radio but to hear local bands getting national airplay.

A massive well done to the boys and hopefully I get to hear you play live again soon.

For those that haven't yet experienced the band you can check out there tunes here. My favourite has got to be 'Cornish Man' Check them out and let me know what you think?

Chybucca Junction on the A30

I rant quite a lot about traffic in Cornwall, at the main route of most of my road rage is the junction that joins Perranporth and Truro with the A30 also know as Chybucca junction. Anyone that commutes in the morning in either direction on the A30 passing this junction will share my frustration.

Here, all normal road knowledge seams to go out the window and any reference to the highway code ignored, traffic joining the main road from a minor road seams to have priority and people pull out in front of you. Then there's the queuing traffic that wants to get across the junction crossing your right of way... but here everyone must see invisible give way lines and stops to let cars across, this causes tailbacks often as far as Zelah in one direction and the Chiverton Cross roundabout in the other. Even when there is no traffic waiting to cross the junction people still seam to stop at an imaginary give way line just in case often causing accidents.

Well this morning sitting in yet again another queue of traffic waiting to get through the junction I noticed a man in a high visibility jacket setting up some cameras on the junction. Hopefully this is related to the council actually paying attention to the problems on the roads and putting an idea into plan to solve this traffic nightmare hot spot. I remember seeing a few years ago some plans to put a double mini roundabout at Chybucca junction but never heard any more.

With things like Heartlands, the Pool Innovation centre, Camborne college and lots of exciting developments in west Cornwall surely it's imperative to build the road networks to support these new ventures, especially joining Newquay airport with the business hubs in the west should be a priority to help Cornwall thrive as a county not just during the popular tourism season but all year round.

Top 10 Valentines dates in Cornwall

Top 10 things to do in Cornwall for a valentines date, although this isn't a study of Cornish people and what they would want to do this is more of the things that I would love to do for a date. I'm so pleased that the Eden project still have their ice skating rink open until March, as what better date can there be, than wrapping up warm and clinging to your loved one whilst unstable on the ice! That's a definite number one date for me.

1. Ice skating at the Eden Project St Austell. This has to be my favorite idea for a date, I love ice skating, i'm pretty rubbish and can only just about skate but it really makes you feel young at heart and can rekindle the romance in every couple.

(Image from the Eden Project website)

2. Watergate bay beach walk and beach hut hot chocolate. The beach hut at Watergate bay is a really amazing place, with stunning views set right on the beach it's a real must. Try to visit at low tide so that you can get a full walk on the beach followed by one of their amazing hot chocolates. Squirty cream, marshmallows and chocolate buttons included for the sharing. For the more extreme you could even go for a dip in the sea or try one of the many sports on offer at the Extreme academy.

(Image from The Watregate Bay website)

3.Cardinham Woods, Located just off the A30 near Bodmin the woods at Cardinham are truly magical. If you like the film avatar then these woods are a must. A fairy whimsical place with stunning forests and plenty of woodland walks and picnic benches. A winter picnic is always a romantic idea, Just remember the blankets to snuggle up in.

4.Go Karting at St Eval This is more for the boys, but why should valentines day be all about treating the ladies. Treat your Boyfriend to a fun thrilled day of Go Karting and they'll love you for ever!

5.Camel trail. Wadebridge. This is another favorite of mine, and if the weathers good it can be more enjoyable than in the summer, with quieter foorpaths and a lot less foot traffic. The Camel trail starts in the harbour town of Padstow and winds it's way following the river Camel to Wadebridge and onto Bodmin. Think tandem bike for a real treat to bring you and your partner together. Just remember ladies.... Sit at the back and let your man do all the work and watch the lovely scenery go by! There's also plenty of pubs along the way to quench your first after all that cycling. There's plenty of bike hire places including this one in Wadebridge.

6.Cider Farm. Penhallow. If your love for Cornish Cider is as strong as your love for your partner then arrange a visit to the Cornish cider farm the home of Cornish Rattler. Need i say any more!!!!!

(Image from thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk)

7.Kennal Vale Woods. Another one for the boys, Kennal Vale woods in Ponsanooth was once the home to Kennal Vale gunpowder factory. There are lots of remains to explore, including a deep water filled quarry as well as lots of old metal machinery, visiting around valentines day is a must when the daffodils are out.

8.Launceston castle, nothing says romance more than a historic castle. In Cornwall their are plenty of castles to explore but the market town of Launceston with it's castle on a natural mound creates a great day out especially with a spot of lunch and shopping in the town.

(Image from www.english-heritage.org.uk)

9. Trenance gardens and boating lake. Newquay has a lot to offer, from Newquay zoo, to shopping and surfing but their hidden gem set behind the main town is Trenance gardens and boating lake. Set either side of the stunning viaduct in Newquay the gardens are a network of walkways around the lake. In the fairer months you can hire boats on the lake but for Valentines book a table at the lakeside restaurant for dinner and you will not be disappointed.

(Image from http://www.visitnewquay.org)

10. mackerel sea fishing. Another one for the boys to enjoy, set off to sea from many locations in Cornwall and get your man to catch you your tea. Think hunter gather and get your man to provide you with some fresh fishies. Then treat him to his hard work by cooking up an amazing fish supper. For the brave girls get out fishing with him and see who catches the most, But maybe let him to the gutting.

With less than two weeks until valentines day what are you going to do with your other half?