Washington DC first day by Niklas Lindskog

Hi!

This is what happened on the first day in DC.

Travel log bullet points:

* Got out the door at around 9 am, walked Massachusets Ave northwest. Turned south after a few locks and turned up unexpectedly at......The White House. Sat on a park bench and reflected for a while. It sure is very white! :-)

* Walked south to the Washington Monument, then west to the World War II and Lincoln memorials. Big empty spaces with not too many people around in the chilly weather.

* Walked north to reach more normal city streets. 9000 steps on my Samsung Health app at 10.45, so I refreshed myself with hot black tea and two donuts at a Dunkin' Donuts in a George Washington University food court.

* Missed a potentially great shot in the Stripes category. Of course matching street crossing stripes with a strpey sweater is a very basic cliché, but this time there would have been a colour match as well. The stripes, both on the sweater and the ground was pink and white. Not black and white. I stalked the woman for a while, hoping for another pink/white crossing, but they were all the usual black/white.

* Left the poor woman and turned west and walked to Georgetown. This is a more small scale part of the city with some houses dating back to the 18th century. Walked the major roads up and down and went down to the Potomac river to look at the view.

* Got a great burger for lunch and took a bus back to the hostel.

* Backed up photos and wrote and sent the Philadelphia blog and got a nap before heading out in the evening.

* Walked to Chinatown and got the subway to Columbia Heights to see something different. Felt like a normal town there. Got the subway back. There were a lot of people about, who turned out to be lining up to see Fleetwood Mac.

* Finished editing Washington photos in the evening and got to bed at 11pm.

Today I broke the record in the Samsung Health app, 27000 steps! 1500 more than the most I did in Bangkok.

Hugs,

Niklas

Philadelphia, day 3 and 4. by Niklas Lindskog

Hi!

I'm a day behind, but here are some words and pictures from day 4 in Philadelphia (and just a few words about day 3):.

Travel log bullet points:

* Day 3 was Sunday = shopping day. A bit of an adventure...the first time I have been on a roadtrip in the US with noone to mapread and help me find my way. Luckily the GPS worked fine. Got the rental car at 10 and drove northwest to VF outlet in Souderton, PA. Small town Pennsylvania all the way with traffic lights every 500m or so. Slow driving. $270 and 4 bags of clothes later I got two slices of pizza and drove through beautiful hilly wooded countryside on tiny back roads to Pottstown, PA where I found Philadelphia Premium Outlets. It started snowing right about when I got there. When I was finished it was dark and snowing heavily. And about 10 cm of snow on the roads. Traffic was moving very slowly visibilty and grip at a minimum. The one hour drive took two and a half.

* On day 4 I went out streeting at 10 am after a fire alarm test drove me to check out of the hotel a little earlier than I had planned.

* Walked the midtown streets up and down.

* Got more shots and a great grilled Reuben sandwich for lunch at my favourite place in Philadelphia: Reading Terminal Market.

* Walked northwest to Old town, a historic part of town with lots of US historyPhiladelphia Museum art with the famous "Rock steps". Rocky even got a statue outside the museum!.

* Turned north and saw Eastern State Penitentiary on the recommendation of fellow Progressive Mark Guider. Very interesting!

* Walked back towards the city center and got my bags at the hotel luggae room.

* Walked to 30th St station and got a Cobb salad for dinner and caught the 6.14 to Washington DC arriving at 8.

* It was about 2,5 km to the hostel, so I got a cab.

* Managed to back up and edit some photos until the laptop battery ran out, but then I was more than ready for bed!.

Hugs,

Niklas

First stop Philadelphia, day two. by Niklas Lindskog

Hi!

This is my report from day 2 in Philadelphia:.

Travel log bullet points:

* Woke at 5 am, so it's getting slightly better.

* Went to the hotel fitness center at 6 am for an hour and a half session.

* Got a pancake breakfast at very authentic Rachel's Noshery.

* Went out streeting at 10 am and started out on pretty much the same route as yesterday.

* After a quick walk through Reading Terminal Market I headed north into Chinatown.

* Continued east to Old town, a historic part of town with lots of US history.

* Turned south and eventually had lunch at the beautiful South Street Diner. Another old style authentic place.

* Continued south on 4th street and Passyunk Avenue into South Philly.

* Got the subway back to the hotel at 3 pm and took a short nap.

* I had planned an evening session, but the long walk and some trouble transferring and backing up my photos just made me too tired.

* So I just went out for a quick dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

Tomorrow is shopping day, so don't expect a blog from Sunday!

Hugs,

Niklas

2-week tour of eastern USA: First stop Philadelphia

Hi!

It's time to start the blog of my 2-week tour of eastern USA this March.

First stop Philadelphia, later I'll go to Washington DC and New York City.

Travel log bullet points:

* Reached Philadelphia at 10pm yesterday after an 18 hour trip from door to door. I'm staying at the Sonesta at Market and 18th.

* Woke at 4 am, which is 10 am in Sweden.

* Went out streeting at 7 am. It had snowed during the night, which gave me some special opportunities.

* Had a great "scram bowl" for breakfast at the Down Home Diner at Reading Terminal Market.

* Walked around the beautiful market and met Greg and Alan. Greg turned out to be a former professional photographer, who had worked for the city of Philadelphia. We had a great chat and I learned that the city had changed from a manufacturing town to Ed Med, i.e. Education and Medical. And many more things! In the photo, that's Greg on the left and Alan on the right.

* On my walk west I ended up at the National Constitution Center. It was a beautiful museum, but I would recommend that you go when you aren't jetlagged. Started to feel the need for a nap.

* Walked back to the hotel at noon and napped for two hours.

* Did some photo editing before doing another two hour photo walk. I happened on a young streetie called Dylan and we had a long chat on a street corner. We're now fb friends! :-)

* Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory before doing some more editing and this blog.

Hugs,

Niklas

Comparing Styles

This is an article discussing the benefits of meeting or viewing like minded enthusiasts of street photography, and being inspired. Then treading in each others footsteps, hopefully though not on each others toes, to watch, learn and develop. Indeed one can learn a lot by watching methods and skills of your fellow artists, but of course always developing your own style.

Batsceba Hardy and I decided to get together, to do just that.

This is our story.................

This was to highlight the benefits of learning and inspiration from your fellow artist, visiting galleries and reading articles.

To encourage one to always keep improving whilst retaining your own style.

Batsceba Hardy is the brain child of Progressive Street. We first met through another group, whilst critiquing together. In the back room we would often chat about styles and imagery, bouncing off each other with witticisms about life in general and street photography. Batsceba would often write beautiful articles with soulful images to accompany. Indeed Bats as I came to know her was a master of story telling in words and images. I was immediately attracted to her humour, poetic work and indeed soulful style.

Consequently we were to become inspired by each other in writing and the art of street photography.
Batsceba had told me of her plans to form Progressive Street, so when she put the pedal to the metal and screeched up the avenue, I was only too happy to go along for the ride.
I have learned so much from looking at art galleries in the use of light and colours from ancient masters to the modern. The artists of our group, push me on to be better, so I thank you all for that.

One of the reasons we all come together, is to peruse other artists work, appreciate, share and be inspired. Of course in this genre we are always seizing the moment “Carpe Diem” which is what our subjects whisper to us from the galleries. We seize the moments from around the world. One of the biggest compliments someone can pay you as an artist, is that they recognise your style, without seeing a signature.

I recognise many artists work in Progressive, and one of those is Batsceba Hardy, whom without doubt has her own eloquent, soulful style.

Art galleries are always a source of inspiration in the use of colour and light.

Not really needing any other reason to visit the beautiful streets of Milano for fantastic street shots, I decided to take the opportunity to meet up with Batsceba Hardy to compare style and techniques .
Batsceba also set about documenting me as I amassed many images in my own methodical ways. Which is the reason this article has both of our views and images.

Why do we look at past images through the centuries. Of course we appreciate the art. We stare in awe at the craftsmanship. We lose ourselves in the moments of the era. It was indeed the street photography before cameras came along. They still used the same principles of composition, light, and colours. Of course the greats did it in there own unique style.

Milan is a beautiful Italian city and a Street photographers dream.
I met Batsceba in a coffee shop in the heart of Milano. A great place to plant yourself and snap away at moments and stories that develop.

oh, Robert Bannister! excitement

I have been to Rome and driven a combi van through the streets of Southern Italy. So I had some experience of the nation and papping a horn. But what hit me immediately when I went to Milan, was the difference in cleanliness and presentation of the city. Sorry Rome, but the Milanese win hands down.

Friendliness, beauty, helpfulness came as sweet as the local coffee. Even when you were rejected to take photos, a simple high five came up, which I interpreted as only take five pictures thank you.

When we set off around the streets, our contrasting styles was immediately apparent. I, with my ruck sack and equipment hanging off me like a Christmas tree, looking the quintessential tourist. Indeed a terrific disguise in the big cities. Also to bolster the case, Batsceba in her beautiful native tongue, would say “crazy Englishman” Then everyone would nod rapidly and offer me a patronising smile. I still got the shots, which to me was the important thing.

On the other hand, the native Batsceba would blend with the natives, and seem to just glide along, as if being carried by the wind.
Her cool attire was key, red leather jacket, shades, bohemian dress, canvass shoes and Pocahontas style thick hair, to finish off the cool Italiana blending look.

Bats carried a canvas bag, with the lens of her Nikon knavishly poking out, as if carrying a pet rodent around with her. When she saw a moment, Bats would glide alongside the scene, the lens would just slightly raise it’s head, and then her slender finger gently resting on the shutter, she would instinctively click at the right moment. All done by feeling the moment, like a Jedai Knight, blindfolded and going with the force.

It was a joy to watch, I called it ghosting.

Indeed when Bats presents an image, it is usually in the spirit it is taken.

We wandered the streets and tubes of Milan clicking away, Batsceba sighing as I set up camp in different places, while Bats documented the crazy Englishman.
I was on an eternal search for an iconic scooter to pan, for my war with Angel Rodriguez. Bats just wanted to stop me getting lost, and skilfully guided me around the city from one coffee oasis to another.

Of course just the trip there and back, was a catalogue of images.
But that is a different story. Needless to say, a journey anywhere is good for the soul.

Carpe Diem!

Seize the moment............

Share, appreciate, learn, encourage.
Street images will go on forever, be inspired and inspire!
Let us be the best of our generation, presenting the street moments from our world.
Visit your local art displays, and most definitely visit the progressive street galleries, sites, magazine and exhibitions.
Read the articles!

Robert Bannister & Batsceba Hardy

Yorkshire In Colour by Robert Bannister

Yorkshire is definitely more colourful these days, with a tourist boom brought in by the Tour De France and a tourist board that has admitted, British beauty does not end at the outer ring roads of London.

Yorkshire has literally gone from a grey place to a colourful vibrancy, epitomising modern day life. The dynamic ranges of our cameras today are letting our future generations see reality in high definition that once we saw in greys.

Betty’s tea rooms, which is always a must experience when in Yorkshire, has definitely gone from Black and white to colour.

Betty’s is celebrating one hundred years of trading and is still batting. The quintessential British tea room which was founded in 1919 by a young Swiss man called Frederick Belmont. The first tea room was opened in Harrogate, but primarily as a confectionist.

Further shops in the mysteriously named Bettys were opened in’ York and Ilkley at a time that was crossing from Edwardian to the House Of Windsor. The early Edwardian style of service continues today, with the uniformed staff attentive to your needs.

During the Second World War, the delivery vehicles from Bettys were used as ambulances and the premises were a meeting place for RAF pilots on leave.

Back in the black and white days, you had to have been born in Yorkshire to play for the Yorkshire Cricket Club. My father made sure I was born in South Yorkshire so I could just do that. It was just unfortunate that I was absolutely rubbish at the game. I love watching it though and like most, I can talk a damn fine game. Now in the days of colour and the influx of overseas players this is not the case any more, with one of Yorkshires finest adoptions, Sachin Tendulkar adorns the walls of fame amongst the likes of Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who is indeed the most opinionated Yorkshire, born and bred man you will care to meet.

Every year Whitby is invaded by Goths, who come to celebrate the town where Bram Stoker took his inspiration for Dracula. Wonderfully adorned people who are only too happy for you to take their photographs around the town. It is also the location where Steam Punks come from far and wide to celebrate Victorian time travel, again more than happy for you to take photos for the princely price of a thank you.

The Hidden Venice

**La Venezia nascosta**

**by Davide Dalla Giustina**

The problem of Venice is its beauty.

This is a beauty ruined by political and economic motives that have made the city a pale reflection of its centuries as a once proud empire. Now Venice appears like a crass Mickey Mouse theme park, and Venetians are unaware actors in The Truman Show.

The historic markets of Venice, the “campielli”, the “calli” (small streets and fields) and the iconic bridges all contend for scarce territory with street vendors and a flood of Chinese tourists flush with money. This insatiable consumerism literally rules the historic centre of Venice, and the few remaining locals no longer have the strength to counter this crass assault on its fine history.

Venice is a victim of mass tourism, and the ugly side of consumerism.

The tourists that clog historic Piazza San Marco are poor in curiosity, uninterested in exploring the side streets and minor piazzas, and experiencing the authentic beauty of Venice.

This phenomenon of unconstrained tourism is alarming, and continues to rise like the high water beating against the Biennale of Modern Art.

Lost in the rush for selfies on Piazza San Marco, shoddy souvenir T-shirts (I love Venice) and banal refrigerator magnets - are countless treasures on the side streets. This includes an astounding 148 churches, not to mention an immense treasure of sculptures and paintings around nearly every other corner.

In the historic centre, people are getting old, there are fewer children, and a certain small criminal element has returned, comprised of drug dealers and apartment thieves.

Many historic shops have closed, and the same applies to famous restaurants and pubs. Owners have succumbed to the fixed 12-euro menu to survive the foreign competition, offering poor quality food to reduce costs. Some shop owners have resorted to operating souvenir shops of Murano Glass replicas.

Only when I returned from my various trips abroad did I realize that my city was not immune to the effects of globalization. Over the years, the quality of tourism has diminished, and the intolerance of local residents has increased as a result.

I cannot yet speak of dreadful social conditions that now affect Venice. Like so many others, I can only attempt to preserve the traditions of the most beautiful city in the world.

Because of the complexity of what Venice faces, I will address themes integrated by historical notes, because one cannot discuss present-day Venice without an appreciation of the city’s past. As a vivid reminder of conditions in Venice, more and more young people are leaving the historic centre - and this speaks volumes about the vitality of any city, especially Venice.

It is important to know the real Venice, and not the romanticized image from Hollywood films, or dazzling photos by tourism operators.

A daily Venice, hidden and precious.

A Venice that the tourist will never see without a local guide.

Because Venice is much more. Infinitely more.

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [19]

Hi! Finally it's my last day it's day 19 in Bangkok:

Travel log bullet points:

* Slept as late as I could, since I knew this day would be very very long.

* Got the delicious noodle soup with crispy pork across the street for breakfast. Again. It was the fourth time!

* Showered, packed my bags and took it easy until noon, when I checked out.

* Walked through the markets to the ferry pier. Took the orange flag boat to Central Pier and walked again in the Bang Rak and Silom areas.
* Took the subway to Hua Lamphong station and shot there a little bit before walking back to Chinatown. In total an eight hour photo walk, including stops.

* Deep fried dumplings and Beijing duck pancakes for dinner.

* Sat in the lobby backing up and editing the photos from the day for this blog.

* After this I''m going to the airport, the flight is as late as 01:25 a.m.

* By the time this is published, I might already be home!?

Maybe I'll see you on my next trip??

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [18]

Hi! Day before last, it's day 18 in Bangkok:

Travel log bullet points:

* Did a 2 hour walk in the morning and went back to the autoparts and mechanics part of Chinatown.

* Last session at the hotel gym!

* In the afternoon I did a 3 hour walk in the small streets, alleys and markets of Chinatown.

* Sampled some street food for dinner. Right outside my hotel!

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [17]

Hi! Here's what happened on day 17 in Bangkok:

Travel log bullet points:

* Had a slow start to the day, went out at 11. Walked towards the subway station and met a nice old man who spoke good English. We had long nice chat, since he was also taking the subway. On the way we came past a 110 year old tea shop, where two young monks were selecting tea for their temple. Had a chat with the monks too and they invited me to their tea testing. I ended up buying a packet of wonderful aged (12 years) pu-erh tea. The owner of the shop was the third generation tea seller in this shop.

* I spent the whole day shooting with the 55mm in modern parts of Bangkok, Siam and Sukhumvit Road. An eight hour photo walk including some longer rests.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [16]

Hi! A summary of day 16 of my Bangkok trip:

Travel log bullet points:

* Went through the Chinatown markets and further west through scorching hot streets towards the flower market..The visit two days ago had left me wanting more.

* All of my senses completely overloaded, I finished off the four hours of shooting with some great green curry and rice at the market.

* After a good long rest I did a two hour walk in the evening, which included getting a haircut (and the beard too)! None of the photos in the blog is from the evening walk.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [15]

Hi! Here's a short report from day 15 of my Bangkok trip:

Travel log bullet points:

* Did laundry, some shopping of necessities and a good two hours at he gym.

* Walked some streets and alleys in Chinatown and ended up at Hua Lamphong station again.

* Took the subway to the Sukhumvit area, had dinner and shot some more.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [14]

Hi! A quick summary of day 14 of my Bangkok trip:

Travel log bullet points:

* Went out early to find some breakfast and to shoot at the small food wholesale market, which is supposed to be 200 years old and just a block from my hotel..

* I can report that deep fried bananas with a coconut batter is yummy! Also had sesame pancakes..

* Took a boat to the Royal Palace temples and became a tourist. But at this temple I did a bit of street photography as well as the tourist shots.

* Walked back along the Chao Praya river, where I had loads of SP fun at the big flower market. The wholesale business is supposed to be at its best at 3-5 am, but it sure was interesting also in the afternoon.

So whatever happened to day 13? I just took a day of complete and utter rest! No photos, no walking, no nothing!

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [TWELVE]

Hi! So, this is what happened on day 12 of my Bangkok trip:

Travel log bullet points:

* Got up at 6:30 and took a cab to the Khlong Toey wholesale foods market. It closes around 10 am, so I wanted to catch it! All of the photos today are from the market.

* Had a late breakfast of duck and rice at the market at around 10.

* Went back to the hotel and worked out at the gym for two hours.

* Rested for a while before going out again. Took a boat to "backpacker heaven" Khao San Road. Turned out it was not for me, I wasn't inspired to take a single picture.

* Taxi back to the hotel for an early night.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [ELEVEN]

Hi! A short report from day 11 of my Bangkok trip:

Travel log bullet points:

* The alarm woke me really early to go on a tour of the railway market and floating market. Tourist traps, both of them, as it turned out. But still not an unpleasant 7 hour trip.

* After some rest I did the Chinatown streets and markets again in first golden hour and later electric light..
* Halloween not like in America, but still visible if you looked. And I looked.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [TEN]

Hi! Here's a words and snaps from day 10 of my Bangkok trip, Day 10 of 19, I'm more than half way there!

Travel log bullet points:

* Got out the door at a reasonable hour and did an eight hour photo walk.

* Started in Chinatown southeast of my hotel, where I found a lot of metal and auto parts workshops.

* Saw a crocodile in a Khlong! (that's a canal for all you non-Thai speakers!)

* Walked further south to the Bang Rak area. Had lunch there as recommended by my dear friend at deviant art Inayat Shah.
* Continued on nearby Silom, following that road eastwards all the way to its end.

* Got the metro back to Hua Lamphong station and did another little session there.
* Finally got some golden hour photos walking to my hotel from the station.

* In the evening dinner and a foot massage, I needed it! .

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [NINE]

Hi! Here's a quick report from day 9 of my Bangkok trip, October 28th 2018!

Travel log bullet points:

* Didn't do too much on this day, but I put in a good two hours at the gym!

* In the evening I did a two hour photo walk. I tried some new streets to the north of Chinatown, but they were mostly empty.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [EIGHT]

Hi! Here's a quick report from day 8 of my Bangkok trip, October 28th 2018!

Travel log bullet points:

* Slow start to the day, got out of the hotel at noon. Decide to be a tourist and see Wat Pho.

* Went through the Chinatown markets to the ferry pier at Rajchawongse and got the ferry to Tha Chang. Had lunch at Tha Chang pier.

* Saw Wat Pho, an absolutely amazing temple area! That reclining buddha is BIG!

* Got the ferry back and shot an hour more or so in and about Chinatown.

* Had a quick street food dinner. Deep fried squid first and the a pork wonton soup to follow.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [SIX/SEVEN]

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [SIX]

Hi! Here's day 6 of my Bangkok trip!

I hope you guys are not bored yet! I counted and I have thirteen more days! Yay!

Travel log bullet points:

* A quiet day after two 8 hour bouts.

* Did laundry, the gym, swam in the pool and read a book.

* Sat in the lobby with that book and realized it was golden hour. Went out for a little while with the 55mm. An hour twenty minutes.

* Felt really alive eating bloody amazing satay from a street stall while there was thunderbolt and lightning, very very frightening!

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [SEVEN]

Hi! A short summary of day 7 of my Bangkok trip coming up!

Travel log bullet points:

* Started off the day by some shooting in Hua Lamphong train station.

* Went to Chatuchak Weekend Market, the biggest consumer market. What can I say....it was BIG, it was hot and it was crowded!

* Managed to do 6 hours there by taking a long break in an AC:d mall.

* Shot some more in the station on the way back and all of the photos in this blog are from there.

* No night shooting, just a quick street food dinner.

Hugs,

Niklas

Niklas Lindskog: a short daily blog from Bangkok [FIVE]

Hi! Here's day 5!

Travel log bullet points:

* If yesterday was energetic, today was sluggish. Might have been the weather. It was even hotter, maybe 34C? And a feeling of thunder waiting to break out. .
* Took a walk to the subway station and went to the shopping malls at Siam for some modern architecture. Normally I like finding lines in those kind of places, but today I was not inspired. Maybe the sluggishness, not the place....
* Took the skytrain north to the Victory Monument area and walked about for a bit. Saw a guy with a grey shirt with some yellow lines coming down some concrete stairs with, guess it, a yellow line in the middle. Got the shot and felt a little bit less sluggish.

* More skytrain and subway back to Chinatown, it was a six hour trip..

* Dinner and night shooting with the 85mm (well I did bring it all the way to Thailand) for two hours before going back to the hotel to write this blog! .

Hugs, Niklas