Captureen

Last May, I visited Borough Market in London for the first time. Unfortunately, once I arrived, I found out I forgot the camera’s battery. I decided to come back later coz I wanted to capture some photos.

Fortunately, the second time I found Borough Market Demo Kitchen, where free cookery demo takes place in the market hall. The guest on this day was Chetna Makan who cooked some recipes, while John Holdship gave tips about food photography.

I stayed for the whole demo, and took photos. It was a very sunny day so the lighting was a big challenge. Even John explained how he used natural lighting and handled harsh light. I offered him to hold a white sheet as a reflector, then I started to capture some photos.

So First, Chatna cooked coriander Chicken.

Then, she baked garlic naan.

And finally, cauliflower paratha with cucumber raita.

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In August 2013, I arrived to Cologne for the first time, where I stayed 6 weeks. I went back to it several times in 2013-2016. During my short or long stays, I used to walk around the center, pass by the Dom and capture photos, many of which were for street artists; painters, musicians, singers, bands..etc. Some were bad, others were normal, and few were exceptional.

But in all the cases, I liked to capture the moment, the people around and the colors.

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Last year, I visited the British Museum for the first time. It was a Friday evening where the museum usually opens till the end of the day for a wide range of events. That evening was all about Egyptian history and culture. There were workshops for crafts inspired by the ancient Egyptians work. There were also exhibitions, music and dance performances.

One of the performances that received a lot of attention from the audience was the “Modern Tahtib” show. The leader of the group is originally Egyptian, and he was passionate about explaining the historical origins, the development and the significance of the movements.

It was interesting that the group members come from different background, and what brought them together was their interest in Tahtib. One of the drummers works as an IT manager and  one of the young dancers studied physics, another was an engineer. Also, they came from different origins; Asians, African, Latins, European.

Although it was different than the traditional Tahtib in Egypt nowadays, it was fine and I saw the audience interacting with the performers and the rhythm!

Certainly art and sport bring people together no matter where they come from!

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Different styles of calligraphy is one of the things that captures me, in any language and any form. I like to observe the flow of the pen, the strokes of the brush, and how the calligrapher moves his/her hands smoothly, as if he/she were playing music.

In Japan Tag in Düsseldorf, there was a booth where they offered to write any word one asks for. The audience lined up, and I stood observing the calligraphers. I hardly could capture some photos due to the space and the crowds, but at least I could shoot some.

This one, I believe, was an old master. He offered quick classes to audience where he gave them directions to write a word. There were others who taught people to write something, but this man really captured me. Certainly, he does something he loves, something that he would like to pass on to others.

I also got my name written, and this was part of it!

After all, in a digital world, I admire those who master hand-crafts, calligraphy and similar types of art. Especially, those who keep their heritage and pass it on. 

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While wandering in London’s parks, I could spot lots of squirrels running and climbing trees. In St.James Park in specific, many visitors get closer and hand-feed them. Others get disgusted as they see them as ugly rodents.

I was told that those gray squirrels are not native, and they were brought in the nineteenth century. Their introduction to the eco-system affected the native red squirrels who disappeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. Some people still report spotting red ones though!

So if you like to have a closer look, take some peanuts next time you go to a park in London and they will come to you!

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