Gallery: it begins with a P (Monochrome Madness) Today I am focusing on just one letter, P. Why P, you ask? I had no Particular Purpose in choosing it for this week’s Monochrome Madness challenge to be honest. I Possibly Perceived it as a fairly challenging letter to express through a Photographic Process.

Gallery: it begins with a P (Monochrome Madness)

Today I am focusing on just one letter, P. Why P, you ask? I had no Particular Purpose in choosing it for this week’s Monochrome Madness challenge to be honest. I Possibly Perceived it as a fairly challenging letter to express through a Photographic…

Bringing history to life I was never captivated by history at school. Maybe it was the dull manner in which it was taught. Maybe I was unlucky with the teachers I had, unable to bring the past to life. Or maybe it was the focus on kings and queens, generals and politicians, rather than the lives of ordinary people. Certainly it is the latter that most interests me today.

Bringing history to life

I was never captivated by history at school. Maybe it was the dull manner in which it was taught. Maybe I was unlucky with the teachers I had, unable to bring the past to life. Or maybe it was the focus on kings and queens, generals and politicians, rather than the lives…

Gallery: the flowers of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s national flower is the blue waterlily. We saw these beautiful flowers everywhere, not just growing in lakes but also as offerings in Buddhist shrines in particular. This flower is considered a symbol of truth, purity and discipline.

Gallery: the flowers of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s national flower is the blue waterlily. We saw these beautiful flowers everywhere, not just growing in lakes but also as offerings in Buddhist shrines in particular. This flower is considered a symbol of truth, purity and discipline.

Three shrines, three religions, one country On the north coast of Sri Lanka, near Jaffna and not far from the island’s northernmost point, we visited three very different shrines in close proximity to each other. Together, for me, they illustrated the diversity of religious belief in a country that has seen its fair share of internal conflict but, for now at least, has settled its differences.

Three shrines, three religions, one country

On the north coast of Sri Lanka, near Jaffna and not far from the island’s northernmost point, we visited three very different shrines in close proximity to each other. Together, for me, they illustrated the diversity of religious belief in a country…

Gallery: when luck plays its part We can plan our shots as carefully as we might, but luck plays its part too. There are always factors we cannot control, from people to weather to wildlife.

Gallery: when luck plays its part

We can plan our shots as carefully as we might, but luck plays its part too. There are always factors we cannot control, from people to weather to wildlife.

Gallery: monochrome minimalism Everything captured within our photos should be there for a reason. What we leave out is as important as what we include, but we also need to be sure that our subject is clear and that our photo says something about that subject.

Gallery: monochrome minimalism

Everything captured within our photos should be there for a reason. What we leave out is as important as what we include, but we also need to be sure that our subject is clear and that our photo says something about that subject.

Along the Regents Canal The Regents Canal links the Grand Union Canal in Paddington with the Thames in east London, via the Limehouse Basin. It is 8.6 miles (13.8 kilometres) long and like most canals has a towpath. These towpaths were originally used by horses to pull barges but today are popular places for walking, jogging and cycling (where wide enough).

Along the Regents Canal

The Regents Canal links the Grand Union Canal in Paddington with the Thames in east London, via the Limehouse Basin. It is 8.6 miles (13.8 kilometres) long and like most canals has a towpath. These towpaths were originally used by horses to pull barges but today are popular…

Gallery: composing for depth Once we learn some composition techniques, we no longer need to ‘rehearse’ them in our minds before taking a photo; they become instinctive. But whether you study and follow the ‘rules’ of composition, or prefer to take a more relaxed approach to photography, there’s no denying that certain compositions are especially pleasing to the eye and impactful.

Gallery: composing for depth

Once we learn some composition techniques, we no longer need to ‘rehearse’ them in our minds before taking a photo; they become instinctive. But whether you study and follow the ‘rules’ of composition, or prefer to take a more relaxed approach to photography, there’s…

Gallery: a March selection (2026) In England we have this saying about the weather in March and years ago most of us would have recognised it as pretty accurate. But these days the weather is much less predictable it seems. This year March came in like a lamb, turned lion-like, then back to lamb for a short spell before becoming very fiercely lion until the very last day when the lamb reappeared!

Gallery: a March selection (2026)

In England we have this saying about the weather in March and years ago most of us would have recognised it as pretty accurate. But these days the weather is much less predictable it seems. This year March came in like a lamb, turned lion-like, then back to lamb…

Just a few sights in Anuradhapura Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital, founded in the 4th century BCE by King Pandukabhaya. It is considered the first city in the country to have embraced Buddhism. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to massive ancient stupas, vast archaeological ruins, and a sacred tree.

Just a few sights in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital, founded in the 4th century BCE by King Pandukabhaya. It is considered the first city in the country to have embraced Buddhism. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to massive ancient stupas, vast archaeological…

Gallery: Souq Waqif at night In the past there were two options. Carry a camera if you were actively out taking photos or leave it at home and risk missing a serendipitous shot. These days we don’t have to choose. We can leave our heavy camera gear at home and still grab those unexpected moments with our phones.

Gallery: Souq Waqif at night

In the past there were two options. Carry a camera if you were actively out taking photos or leave it at home and risk missing a serendipitous shot. These days we don’t have to choose. We can leave our heavy camera gear at home and still grab those unexpected moments…

The beasts of Wilpattu I wasn’t always happy about the way animals are treated in Sri Lanka (we were taken to one elephant facility that I felt was well below the standards I have seen elsewhere). But you can’t fault their extensive national parks system and the habitats they provide for wildlife.

The beasts of Wilpattu

I wasn’t always happy about the way animals are treated in Sri Lanka (we were taken to one elephant facility that I felt was well below the standards I have seen elsewhere). But you can’t fault their extensive national parks system and the habitats they provide for wildlife.

Gallery: up on the roof I hope these images of animate and inanimate subjects found on rooftops around the world, from cats to crosses, demonstrate that it is always worth looking up while carrying a camera. You never know what you might see!

Gallery: up on the roof

I hope these images of animate and inanimate subjects found on rooftops around the world, from cats to crosses, demonstrate that it is always worth looking up while carrying a camera. You never know what you might see!

Gallery: imagining colours We all know the colours of the rainbow and our imaginations can supply them even when photographed in black and white. The colours of many other photographic subjects are equally recognisable too. But when we strip out those colours and leave our imagination to fill them in, other elements of the subject, like texture and form, come to the fore.

Gallery: imagining colours

We all know the colours of the rainbow and our imaginations can supply them even when photographed in black and white. The colours of many other photographic subjects are equally recognisable too. But when we strip out those colours and leave our imagination to fill them…

Gallery: birds in a land of lakes Wilpattu National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Its name is derived from the Sinhala words ‘Willu-pattu’, meaning ‘land of lakes’. The landscape is a mix of dense jungle, open grassy plains and the sand-rimmed water basins that gave it its name.

Gallery: birds in a land of lakes

Wilpattu National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Its name is derived from the Sinhala words ‘Willu-pattu’, meaning ‘land of lakes’. The landscape is a mix of dense jungle, open grassy plains and the sand-rimmed water basins that…

Bird-watching walk at the Mudhouse When our tour company, Selective Asia, suggested we might like a stay at the unique Mudhouse in western Sri Lanka we were in two minds. Would we love the ‘back to nature’ vibe or would we find sleeping in the semi-open with few ‘mod cons’ too much of a challenge? But we took the plunge, booked a two-night stay, and it proved to be a great decision.

Bird-watching walk at the Mudhouse

When our tour company, Selective Asia, suggested we might like a stay at the unique Mudhouse in western Sri Lanka we were in two minds. Would we love the ‘back to nature’ vibe or would we find sleeping in the semi-open with few ‘mod cons’ too much of a challenge?…

Gallery: sitting on the dock of the bay How often in this busy world do we take the time to just sit? Sitting to enjoy a view, to take a pause from all the activity that fills our days, to simply relax? And if we do, are we 'wasting time' or are we using it wisely to recharge our batteries?

Gallery: sitting on the dock of the bay

How often in this busy world do we take the time to just sit? Sitting to enjoy a view, to take a pause from all the activity that fills our days, to simply relax? And if we do, are we 'wasting time' or are we using it wisely to recharge our batteries?

Gallery: seeing walls in black and white Whoever said 'We build too many walls and not enough bridges', and when, sadly it seems very apposite to our times. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if right now we were building more bridges than walls? And yet, the world is full of walls, and we have to admit that they are often necessary.

Gallery: seeing walls in black and white

Whoever said 'We build too many walls and not enough bridges', and when, sadly it seems very apposite to our times. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if right now we were building more bridges than walls? And yet, the world is full of walls, and we have…

Exploring Doha’s Katara Cultural Village Katara Cultural Village was constructed on reclaimed land along Doha's coastline as a centre for culture and the arts. It takes its name from the original one for this region, Catara, the first record of which appears in Ptolemy’s Geography, written c. 150 A.D.

Exploring Doha’s Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village was constructed on reclaimed land along Doha's coastline as a centre for culture and the arts. It takes its name from the original one for this region, Catara, the first record of which appears in Ptolemy’s Geography, written c. 150…

Gallery: journeys that shaped me Setting out on a journey you may think you know where you are going and therefore what to expect. But there are always surprises in even the most well-prepared trip, and it is often the surprises that prove the most memorable experiences. It’s a healthy reminder to leave room for serendipity in any travel plan.

Gallery: journeys that shaped me

Setting out on a journey you may think you know where you are going and therefore what to expect. But there are always surprises in even the most well-prepared trip, and it is often the surprises that prove the most memorable experiences. It’s a healthy reminder to…

Gallery: a museum shaped like a rose The ‘petals’ of a desert rose are formed from crystals which create a circular array of flat plates, in a shape reminiscent of a rose blossom. The design of the National Museum of Qatar. was inspired by these crystals.

Gallery: a museum shaped like a rose

The ‘petals’ of a desert rose are formed from crystals which create a circular array of flat plates, in a shape reminiscent of a rose blossom. The design of the National Museum of Qatar. was inspired by these crystals.

Gallery: seeing Doha in black and white There is a temptation while travelling to take only those ‘souvenir’ photos, and it’s one I often fall into. It’s all too easy simply to point the camera at them and press the shutter while considering only the basics of composition. At the same time I do try to look for the more unusual photo opportunities, and I like to capture the details of everyday life in a city.

Gallery: seeing Doha in black and white

There is a temptation while travelling to take only those ‘souvenir’ photos, and it’s one I often fall into. It’s all too easy simply to point the camera at them and press the shutter while considering only the basics of composition. At the same time I do…

A day in Doha What do you do if you love to visit far-flung locations but are fed up with long haul flights and nights spent trying to sleep on a plane? You could splurge on business class to make your night more comfortable. But no amount of splurging will help with jet-lag, and however comfortable the sleeping arrangements your night will still be disturbed by noise from turbulence and your fellow passengers.

A day in Doha

What do you do if you love to visit far-flung locations but are fed up with long haul flights and nights spent trying to sleep on a plane? You could splurge on business class to make your night more comfortable. But no amount of splurging will help with jet-lag, and however…

Gallery: a February selection (2026) I often feel the need to seek adventures abroad, especially in the tail-end of winter. So for most of February I have been in Sri Lanka, enjoying a mix of wildlife, culture and a bit of relaxation. This therefore will be a rather different monthly round-up from usual.

Gallery: a February selection (2026)

I often feel the need to seek adventures abroad, especially in the tail-end of winter. So for most of February I have been in Sri Lanka, enjoying a mix of wildlife, culture and a bit of relaxation. This therefore will be a rather different monthly round-up from…

Gallery: using juxtaposition for effect Juxtaposition is often referred to as a literary device, placing two concepts close together to highlight their differences. But it is just as effective in visual arts, including photography. And these contrasting elements hopefully work together to elicit a response from the viewer.

Gallery: using juxtaposition for effect

Juxtaposition is often referred to as a literary device, placing two concepts close together to highlight their differences. But it is just as effective in visual arts, including photography. And these contrasting elements hopefully work together to elicit a…

A postcard from Sri Lanka: Land Monitor Lizards I’ve spotted the impressive Land Monitor Lizards, the largest of Sri Lanka’s lizards, all over the country. In the national parks, in the gardens around Sigirya's Lion Rock and even in the busy streets of Galle Fort.

A postcard from Sri Lanka: Land Monitor Lizards

I’ve spotted the impressive Land Monitor Lizards, the largest of Sri Lanka’s lizards, all over the country. In the national parks, in the gardens around Sigirya's Lion Rock and even in the busy streets of Galle Fort.

A postcard from Sri Lanka: Jaffna’s clock tower and statues of Tamil kings Jaffna's clock tower was built to commemorate the visit of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales to Ceylon in 1875. In 2013 three golden statues of Tamil kings were added to enhance the surrounding area.

A postcard from Sri Lanka: Jaffna’s clock tower and statues of Tamil kings

Jaffna's clock tower was built to commemorate the visit of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales to Ceylon in 1875. In 2013 three golden statues of Tamil kings were added to enhance the surrounding area.

A postcard from Sri Lanka: an Oriental Garden Lizard The Oriental Garden Lizard is common throughout much of Sri Lanka. This is a male in his bright breeding colours.

A postcard from Sri Lanka: an Oriental Garden Lizard

The Oriental Garden Lizard is common throughout much of Sri Lanka. This is a male in his bright breeding colours.

A postcard from Sri Lanka: Unity in Diversity Sakkotai Cape, located near the town of Point Pedro in the Jaffna District, is recognised as the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. A short jetty marks the exact spot with a sign bearing the national flag.

A postcard from Sri Lanka: Unity in Diversity

Sakkotai Cape, located near the town of Point Pedro in the Jaffna District, is recognised as the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. A short jetty marks the exact spot with a sign bearing the national flag.

Gallery: a January selection (2026) The days in January may be short, and the sun in short supply. In England we’ve had more than our fair share of rain this month, or so it seemed. But there were also some brighter, if colder, days. And at the start of the month even some snow (relatively rare these days).

Gallery: a January selection (2026)

The days in January may be short, and the sun in short supply. In England we’ve had more than our fair share of rain this month, or so it seemed. But there were also some brighter, if colder, days. And at the start of the month even some snow (relatively rare…