New camera

Slow buses aside, I've been busy with my new camera - a 'feel good' treat for my recent birthday. Whatever you might think about street photography, I've been enjoying myself out in the City, Covent Garden, the South Bank and the West End. To my surprise, I am also getting a kick out of portraits and using the old maxim "don't ask, don't get", I have got some great shots from various characters around the city. Here's one of the door men at Madame Jo-Jo's in Soho...

... and here are two media students who were doing a very weird photo shoot on the South Bank last month. The girl was in a wig and a flesh coloured body stocking so, from a distance, it was quite an arresting sight that turned a few heads.

And, for the record, this is me with my new toy...

When I am out and about, I like taking a few 'candids', but not to the extent of being disrespectful to people. If I want to take someone's portrait, I will ask them beforehand - but admittedly, I can see how my preference for posed shots might not always always get the best results. Here's the bouncer from The Village in Soho, just around the corner from Madame Jo-Jo's. Would you shove a camera in his face and take his photograph without asking...?!

Those arms are quite incredible.