And So It's Goodnight From Me

Please be seated, as this is my final post from Nottingham Daily Photo.

After nearly 11 years and over 3500 entries, I have decided to stop posting. It has been a tough decision; being part of my life for so long, but there doesn't seem to be as much interest in photoblogs these days, and I have seen a visible drop in visitors and comments over the last year or so I know that isn't the main reason for doing a blog, but it is good to get feedback and to know what you're doing is worthwhile, rather than something to do to pass the time.

But I've not really been getting that recently, and my enthusiasm for posting everyday has wained too. I could take a sabbatical from it like I have done before. But I don't think the situation would improve after the break. So I have made the decision of not doing it anymore.

I will of course still be taking photos every day, as photography is my passion. And so will probably just post daily on Facebook and Twitter, as I get more interaction there. I may even give Instagram a go.

Also the Blogger platform has changed over time, and I don't find it as easy to use anymore, as they keep tweaking with it, and it seems to take ages for it to perform tasks. It might be down to having so many photos on here now.

So my final photo from Nottingham shows the Pitcher and Piano bar, a converted church in the Lace Market. I was there to take some photos and videos of my friends band The Disco Prophets, who performed there and saw in 2017 with some great covers of disco classics.

Finally I would like to thank all the visitors down the years. All 545,000 of them, and especially those that have left comments. William Kendall and Stefan Jansson who are regular visitors and to my long suffering wife Gail. The ultimate photography widow.

So it just leaves me to wish you all a great 2017. Which after 2016, should be an improvement.

On The Town

I saw this picture in the window of a local charity shop and thought that I quite like it. I have no idea who it is by, but like the simplicity of the narrative. A guy having a drink with a woman in a bar. Is he a private detective, or has he just arrived, as he still has his hat and coat on?

I decided not to buy it, as we don't really have any suitable wall space to hang it, so I just took a photo of it instead. A shame that the yellow, no parking line is reflected in the glass.

It's Your Round Next

I received an invitation the other day to see the re-launch of the Pitcher & Piano bar in the Lace Market.  It has just had nearly half a million pounds spent on it.

I've been in a few times before. In fact Gail & I went to a latex fashion show there a couple of years ago. In factor the stage area is in about the same place as this new showcase bar.

The place was heaving with people when we got there. No doubt attracted by the free bar! We both got a drink before taking some shots of the thirsty crowd.

Surprise, Surprise

That old Fishing Guy, Tom has picked this weeks' Headbanger Challenge theme. He has gone for the unusual theme of 'well that's a surprise'.

My contribution for the contest is this block of flats close to where we were shooting last night in Clifton. By day it looks like it is made of Lego, but by night, I think it takes on a more sinister appearance. Especially with all that communications equipment on the roof.

What surprised and pleased me was how little noise has appeared on the photo, despite it being dusk, and how the camera has retained the dark blue of the sky. Rather than turning it a dark brown or black, like you sometimes get with other cameras.

I took it with our new toy; a Nikon D3s. The lens that I used was a 24-70mm f2.8. Neither are new, but good quality second hand.

For the initiated, the ISO was set at 4000, 1/60 and at f2.8.

The ISO can really be cranked up. But I didn't want to do that. I'd rather see how it turned out at a more normal figure.

Don't forget to pop over and see how the rest of the gang have interpreted the theme, and enjoy this rather joyful song.

My blog photo today shows three girls who look surprised, curious or perplexed at what they are seeing or reading on the mobile phone. I shot this on Sunday, when we took a trip into the city centre as it was sun day too. Unlike today, where it has been raining for most of the day, and I got wet cycling into work.

A Quiet Life

Although it was a bright sunny lunchtime, for some reason not that many people were walking about. If you look carefully, you can see one old chap having a quiet drink in the sunshine.

Men At Work??

Today is theme day. I am still taking part, even though I was unfortunately too late to be included as a participant. My working men, are actually taking a break from whatever their job is, and having an enjoyable pint in the sun. As they are all wearing blue overalls, I take it that they may work in a factory, or at the Castle Rock brewery which is close by.