Film photography · Medium Format · Photography

A selection of shops

I find shops to be interesting subjects to photograph, especially older shops which retain some of their original charm and character (even if the business that resides within might have changed multiple times). Modern shops often lose some of this interest, I think, but they still feature displays that are of their time and which will, as the years pass, grow in interest.

I really like to see old photos of places I know and to remember how they used to look and note how they have changed in the intervening years. I think it’s a big part of why I photograph shops (and other sometimes mundane scenes) – one day I, or someone else, will find similar fascination in remembering and observing how things looked when I took my pictures.

Jalousie
Post office
Steep Hill antiques shop
Steep Hill Bookshop
Fast food and video games

Yashica Mat 124G & Lomography Color Negative 400. Lab developed. Home scanned and converted using Negative Lab Pro.

Taken on 1 March 2025

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Not as hot…

The temperatures have cooled noticeably today and I can feel a pleasant breeze from the window as I type this (yesterday my office was unbearably stuffy). However, I went out today and despite the fresher air outside, the house was considerably warmer inside than out when I got back, although it does seem to have cooled somewhat now we’ve aired it some more.

I decided to go out and make some photographs today. I’ve had the last couple of days free to do this but the hot weather really put me off. I also think I’ve been having a bit of a dip in my photography mojo recently too, finding it difficult to work up enthusiasm to get out with a camera. I expect that the drive to take pictures will return, but it’s a bit frustrating to have time for photography but not the inclination – it feels like I’m wasting opportunity.

My lack desire for picture taking was still evident this morning, but knowing it was the last day of my long weekend, that the weather was more inviting, and that I’d probably feel guilty for not going out, I gave myself a kick up the backside and headed out. I had half-a-roll of HP5+ in my OM-10, plus I took my Yashica Mat 124G and three rolls of film for that too (better to have too much film and not shoot it, than to run out).

In the end, I managed to finish the roll in the OM-10, and also most of a roll of 120 HP5+ in the Yashica Mat. Not only that, but I’m quite looking forward to seeing the results, which is a positive sign.

Next weekend is the annual Sheffield Steam Rally, so I’ll be heading there to get yet more shots of steam engines, classic cars, and suchlike.

Another digital picture today. I like the simplicity of this scene – the window seems almost to float.

Window box

Ricoh GR III

Taken on 6 June 2025

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Hot again

Another hot and sticky day here again. It’s nothing compared to the temperatures and humidity in other parts of the world, of course, but it’s the UK and we’re not really geared up for much beyond drizzle and overcast skies. One thing we are very adept at, however, is moaning about the weather, whatever shape it comes in. 🙂

Here’s a shot I took during our recent trip to Spain, where it was very warm, but we were on holiday so it didn’t feel the same somehow.

What Three Words

Ricoh GR III

Taken on 6 June 2025

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Getting closer…

I thought that these three photos worked well as a set, with Lincoln Cathedral featuring in each as I walked through the city making my approach.

Sorry to not write more – it’s almost thirty degrees celcius in my office at present and I’m sat here with a damp cloth on my head to keep cool while I type! – so I’m trying to limit my time at the computer.

In Lincoln
At the foot of Steep Hill
Lincoln Cathedral

Yashica Mat 124G & Lomography Color Negative 400. Lab developed. Home scanned and converted using Negative Lab Pro.

Taken on 1 March 2025

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Post box with a woolly hat

There’s something of a trend for British post boxes to wear knitted hats of late. The trend apparently began around Christmas in 2012 but has then expanded to take in all sorts of other festivals and reasons.

The name for the “hats” is “post box toppers” and the activity of making and placing them is “yarn bombing”.

This is something I learned today when I decided to post this picture. 🙂

Smile you're on camera

Yashica Mat 124G & Lomography Color Negative 400. Lab developed. Home scanned and converted using Negative Lab Pro.

Taken on 1 March 2025

35mm · Film photography · Photography

East Holmes signal box

This former Great Northern Railway (GNR) signal box has been around for quite some time. It was built in 1873 and is the second oldest GNR signal box still standing and is now a Grade II listed building.

Apparently the signal box designs used by GNR were relatively unstandardised and almost every one built in the 1870s is different in some way.

East Holmes signal box

Yashica Mat 124G & Lomography Color Negative 400. Lab developed. Home scanned and converted using Negative Lab Pro.

Taken on 1 March 2025