CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-18 13:18:25 (24 comments, 42 reshares, 221 +1s)

Restores your faith a little, thank you Russia :)

2013-05-16 21:19:38 (57 comments, 130 reshares, 243 +1s)

A friend of mine showed me this (Matt Hart) please share and make it viral so we can stop asshats like this company

#fitchthehomless

2013-05-13 15:31:55 (43 comments, 35 reshares, 362 +1s)

The Weight Of The World

Some people look as though they are carrying it, burdens that are etched on their faces, causing the skin to fold under the strain, the eyes to look down, almost afraid to look up and see what they carry. They move through the crowds of the city as if not there, not seeing others and others not seeing them. Living ghosts too tired of living but unable to simply give up.

I watched her as she made her way through the city streets, she never made eye contact with anyone, she look lonely and afraid but more, she looked as though the world had broken any spirit she might have once had.

I often say you will only ever see what is around you when you open your eyes, try it, see the people of your world as they are in reality, not the fake stars so many idolise. 

2013-05-11 08:17:29 (53 comments, 68 reshares, 694 +1s)

Mothers Instinct

Its inbred into most animals to protect their young, this mother and cub were no different, I watched them greet each other by nuzzling close, something then caught the mothers attention and she lay down close to the ground and the cub did the same. Pure instinct.

I believe the US has mothers day on a different time to ourselves in the UK so happy mothers day to everyone across the pond for tomorrow. 

#caturday   #mothersday  

2013-05-10 07:40:52 (197 comments, 163 reshares, 1542 +1s)

Waterfall In The Village

This a small village some 15 minutes from my home called Lymn, the river is fed from Lymn Dam and flows through two small waterfalls before going under bridge the other side of this image, its then fed into a canal. Its really not a big place but you could easily spend the day both here and around the dam.

2013-05-09 11:28:55 (27 comments, 37 reshares, 120 +1s)

When they can make Formula 1, NASCAR or any other form of car sort as exciting, thrilling or as dangerous as this I just might consider watching it.





I wouldn't bank on it though ;)

2013-05-09 07:27:25 (35 comments, 43 reshares, 585 +1s)

Moments Of Simple Contact

I have always had a fascination with eyes, I am drawn to them all the time, its one of the reasons the majority of my portraits I ask the subject to look at me. 

With animals that's not the case, they tend not to do requests so it can be a case of simply waiting for that right moment for them to make contact with you. When it happens though you get to understand why the wait was worth it, apes more than others have a way of looking deep into you. In return you get a moment of looking back deep within them and a moment of contact is made. 

The questions they have about the man looking at them can as far as I can see be as many as the man looking back. 

We believe we hold all the answers, look into the eyes of other animals and you realise we are not even close.

2013-05-08 06:38:35 (49 comments, 81 reshares, 604 +1s)

Stripped To The Bones

This collection of street portraits has grown bigger than even I thought. I sat looking through it last night, seeing all the faces again I could hear their stories resonate again within me. 

Truth be told when we start to strip each other to the bone we are all the same, we will all be born and die, its just the time between that differs and there is so much that will and could govern that time.

No one grows up with the ambition to be homeless, alcoholic, drug user or a beggar. So many thing must happen to eventually drive a person that way, the problem we have is we think it will never happen to us.

Its a shame that some have found out the hard way it can and has, we live in hard times were those that have nothing now seem to have even less, and those that made this unholy mess we now live in seem to carry on as if nothing has... more »

2013-05-07 07:25:54 (135 comments, 133 reshares, 1333 +1s)

Come Drift Away
And call the days name
Of dreams under storm clouds
With ripples of sleep
Passing through your mind
I know the time to wake is close
But I shall dream some more
For the night is long
If I hold on just a little tighter
Come drift away.

Good morning all.

2013-05-06 10:11:37 (35 comments, 41 reshares, 611 +1s)

The Giants Above Us

How many times do you go about your day without seeing what your day is bringing you?

I was stood on Southport beach in the UK, its known for the tide going right out so you can walk along the beach, as I looked down the beach I could see the sun above the clouds casting a light through the lower clouds onto the people into the distance. What I also noticed was no one seeing what was there, even the warm glow from the late autumn sun, the glittering of the sun hitting the areas of water trapped in the sand gave them a clue to look up.

Don't miss what the day will give you, it might only be moments of wonder but it will keep you going for a long time.

2013-05-05 16:38:26 (23 comments, 32 reshares, 150 +1s)

Classic UK advert, keep watching to the end, the cat had my wife in hysterics :D

2013-05-04 16:14:36 (52 comments, 63 reshares, 787 +1s)

Fast Even When Still

There is something about cheetahs that tell you of the speed they are capable of even when they are stood still, they are far from the largest of predators but I would not like to be in the same company as them, nor would I like to try and outrun one ;)


#caturday  

2013-05-03 07:14:17 (161 comments, 200 reshares, 1467 +1s)

The Fascinating Weaver Bird

Watching these birds construct their nests is fascinating, the intricate way they weave the grasses in and out and the fact the entry is at the bottom of the nest all adds o my fascination with them. Should you get the chance to watch them spend some time doing so, its time well spent.

2013-05-02 18:16:04 (74 comments, 45 reshares, 594 +1s)

Questions And Answers

Why? One of the most frequent questions I get asked about photographing the homeless. Do I not feel bad about photographing them? Do I not feel as if I am taking advantage of the situation they are in.

The simple answer is yes I do, every time I take an image such as this it hurts, it cuts deep and leaves me feeling worse when I walk away.

So why keep doing it?

Because it has to be, in this day and age we are becoming more and more insular, we are too concerned about the mundane things in life such as where to buy our next pair of shoes from, how does my make up look. People have stopped looking past their own little bubbles, surrounded by technology that can tell them of disasters happening on the other side of the world so they can say how much of a shame it is while walking by the homeless sat on the street below them.
... more »

2013-05-01 08:24:25 (69 comments, 91 reshares, 1055 +1s)

The Owl In The City

Its amazing what you get to see in the city, this Bengal Eagle Owl was there with her owner Rob from Talonted Feahters, she was very pleasant and I got to stroke her before I took this image, Rob was great too, very knowledgeable in his field and answered all my questions. I love these birds.  

2013-04-30 16:57:15 (46 comments, 25 reshares, 489 +1s)

What If's And Just Maybe's

Our lives are ruled by fate, something we don't really have much control over, it can lead you one way or the other but when you reach the path it sends you down you have no idea at times what the outcome will be. We believe we are masters of our own destinies but at times there could be so many conflicts that decide otherwise, we just don't know it.

I have photographed him before, he is known as the dancing man in Liverpool, he follows a blind busker around called Tony and when he plays he dances, not very well. He draws a crowd, the laugh and point as he staggers about, obviously under the influence of too much drink, in fact I don't recall the last time I saw him sober.

I don't laugh, I see nothing to laugh about, his clothes and haircut tell me he is not homeless, his actions tell me he is probably an alcoholic... more »

2013-04-29 08:56:30 (90 comments, 105 reshares, 1106 +1s)

When Night Meets Day

Can you even imagine being in his domain at night, just what would you see? Nothing, what would you hear? Nothing until it would be too late. Of all the big cats I love black jaguars, they always have a look of intent no matter what and you cannot help but feel you are their target. 

We like to consider ourselves master of the planet, put ourselves in the same habitat as these wonderful creatures with only the same as them we stand no chance.

2013-04-25 07:27:29 (126 comments, 95 reshares, 1254 +1s)

Good Morning And Welcome To My World

This is my world, the little seen droplets of dew hanging like crystal from stems of grass. The morning mist drifting across the water, reflections of the sun and its warming glow awakening the day. 

This is my world, come share it with me.

2013-04-24 07:38:37 (40 comments, 29 reshares, 586 +1s)

Judging Books And Covers

Not the kind of pet dog you would expect him to have, in fact Ken has two and they are his soul companions, they go everywhere with him, spend the day in his tattoo shop while he works.


Ken loves these dogs and treats them like his kids, sometimes we look at what we see too easily rather than what we don't.  

2013-04-23 18:08:30 (309 comments, 762 reshares, 1361 +1s)

I watched this on YouTube last night, it gave me a fit of the giggles so I'll just leave it here as I say goodnight :D

2013-04-23 07:32:17 (98 comments, 97 reshares, 1047 +1s)

Photography Is All In The Eye

On this occasion it really is as you can see myself in his eye's reflection.

But in all honesty it really is, I get asked so many times what kit I have, what lenses I use, they are just that, pieces of kit, something I use as a tool, they are not the be all and end all. I have seen some fantastic images taken with phone camera's that I and other photographers would have been proud to have taken with all the kit we had.

You have to understand what it is you are looking at and what the end result will be, the kit you carry will not do that for you, your own visions are the most important and most inspiring piece of kit you can have. By having and using these right you will start to be immersed in the work you produce, when you get to this stage you will have an audience that becomes immersed as much as you, then you know you haveit... more »

2013-04-22 10:47:21 (85 comments, 116 reshares, 1222 +1s)

Young Blood

Another shot of Napo one of the new jaguars from +Chester Zoo

I have no idea what caught his attention but he watched it for a while, he is beautiful, I love his coat, looks so much better on him than hanging on a wall or draped across the body of the ignorant that think they can be as beautiful as him by wearing his coat.

#earthday

2013-04-20 08:11:56 (160 comments, 151 reshares, 1656 +1s)

Liquid Gold

As the sky burns with sunset
The lights glistens
Upon the lake of liquid gold
And the warmth fills my bones
As the sight lifts my soul
For here I will lay and rest
With this vision to carry me off to dream

Lake Derwent in the lake District in the UK, one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

Good morning :)

2013-04-19 11:03:09 (69 comments, 78 reshares, 1161 +1s)

Back To The Shires

You have to see fantasy to believe in it, you have to dream to feel it, only with by using whats within your soul will this earth show you what others fail to see. We are rooted in myth and legend, be part of that and see what is there, open your soul and it will open your eyes.

2013-04-17 11:03:49 (84 comments, 93 reshares, 1117 +1s)

Of Storm Clouds, Sun Rays And Gods Alters

Castle Rigg in the Lake District on a cold spring morning, this is an enchanted place to be when alone, so many questions but no answers, I have sat here just letting the time pass, looking out at the snow capped hills around. 

We still have a time of fantasy even now, we have just stopped looking for it, go open your eyes.

2013-04-17 09:09:18 (32 comments, 30 reshares, 215 +1s)

I ride a bike, used to be sports bikes now I have a large cruiser, been to many races and seen many crashes. I once saw Troy Baylis come off at high speed at Donnington Park during the first race at World Super Bikes. He ground his little finger off and split one of his testicles when he hit the tank.

Guess what? He got back on the bike and ran the second race. Never missed a race after that, just wore a cricket box.

One of the reasons I hate football, grow some balls and play the game like the men you are supposed to be! The bikers come off at high speed and a lot of them get up and walk away, some don't, most know when they go out there they could actually die for this sport and we have lost a few.

Footballers, nothing more than overpaid nancy boys.

2013-04-16 10:02:15 (138 comments, 118 reshares, 1478 +1s)

Going Home

One of my routes home from work, this is a road that leads you out from Daresbury village, nothing spectacular but its the birthplace of Lewis Caroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgso being his real name) and its my place of inspiration. To the right of this image is the All Saints Church, around in his time.

People ask me a lot about inspiration and were do I get mine, when I first started out in photography I looked to people like John Deakin and other street photographers, when I looked at other genres I looked at other peoples work but I found that through looking for inspiration I started to imitate. Then it dawned on me, stop looking at others work and start looking at what you do, what do you want to show to the rest of the world? It was only by going through this process did I realise I was looking in the wrong places and at the wrong people.

I let the... more »

2013-04-15 17:32:27 (43 comments, 36 reshares, 652 +1s)

No Negative Space

Is it white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Does it matter? Is it possible to photograph a zebra in anything else than black and white?

These are beautiful creatures, one of the many wonders we are still lucky enough to have.

I used the negative space in this image to emphasise the stripes of the zebra, you will see on a lot of my images such as animals and portraits I use negative space a lot, For me if used right its not negative, it adds a positive to an image, it offsets it from the center and your eye will wander over the image more.

2013-04-13 14:54:03 (10 comments, 7 reshares, 96 +1s)

7 TOP Google+ Photographs for April 10

#PlusPhotoExtract

YOUR photo could be in the SUPPORTER SECTION in the next daily Google+ TOP!

How? It's easy:
.

1) Share publicly this G+ post

2) Choose one of the best photographs you have published on G+ and leave a comment with a link under the original G+ post:
https://plus.google.com/+JarekKlimek/posts/Z13LdCT8Jic
Jarek Klimek will manually choose one of those photos and place it in the supporter section in the TOP for the next day!


Indicate your best photographs to the Plus Extract algorithm:
https://plus.google.com/111873853137122484021/posts/37u6oWycU3K

Plus Extract FAQ:
https://plus.google.com/111873853137122484021/posts/LqrTRbP7Cpb

.

2013-04-13 15:13:36 (83 comments, 72 reshares, 1011 +1s)

These Moments

Times such as this, sunsets, sunrises, sea mist and reflections of pebbles in the water are rare. Only found in hidden little alcoves by the sea and only meant for you. When out doing photography you have to stop long enough to enjoy what you see, only then will you be able to show others how you feel.

2013-04-12 16:19:43 (54 comments, 0 reshares, 383 +1s)

2013-04-12 07:37:16 (68 comments, 86 reshares, 737 +1s)

Only When The Lion Roars

Is he really heard.

Sometimes you have to let others know you are here, we have been going through some tough times since 2009 but it seems that the only people affected are those that can ill afford it. Maybe the time has come for the vox populi to become so loud it cannot be ignored. 


For this image I wanted to try something different so I looked at the work of the extremely talented +Danielle Tunstall  but its nowhere in her league. 

This is the beautiful Iblis from +Chester Zoo 

2013-04-11 12:03:10 (193 comments, 212 reshares, 1670 +1s)

You Are Capable Of So Much More

Sometimes it takes a little bit of self belief to set you on a path you have avoided all your life. We are a cautious creature, always aware of what we do, what we say but this sun will still rise on this rock we sit on long after we are gone. Its only when we feel its too late do we realise what should have been done.

Take a deep breath, look forward and take that step.