Las Vegas

I'm sorry I didn't get around to posting my Vegas trip photos earlier, but I've finally got a few to share.

Rather than a whole host of "been there done that" images of the fountains, the Vegas sign and the strip, I thought I start with a couple showing a rather more relaxed side to the city.

We had been staying at the Hard Rock Casino, and the pool area there is fantastic, multiple pools, day beds and cabana's to lounge on, music pumping all day long, and brilliant staff who can make drinks appear at will.

Our first attempt at the pool was somewhat hampered by what can only be described as unseasonal Las Vegas weather, more a kin to an April in London, the skies clouded over and believe it or not it rained.  The second attempt however, resulted in perfect blue skies and a good long lie down on the day bed as the rest of the boys watched the end of the Masters golf in the cabana.

As the day drew on, I caught sight of the girl below, and as she sat up and looked over the pool, I felt that although her body was sunning itself on the bed in Vegas, her mind was not.

1 Million Miles Away

And then behind me and in the cabana next to ours, 3 girls arrived to spend the dying hours of the sun laid back and chillin out, inane conversation not withstanding, we all watched the end of the day, before heading into the night in Vegas.

Chillin

And in that night I captured this one.  They have (apparently) had dancers on the gambling floor in New York New York for some time, and they have added them to a number of other casinos, including the Hard Rock.  Where as most have a runway to dance through the middle of the blackjack tables, the Hard Rock have installed the longest poles I've seen.

A long way down

All credit to her, it was a long way up, and a long way back down.  Still unsure whether she helped or hindered my stint at the table, but who cares.

Pole Dancers

Pole Dancers, originally uploaded by ScottCapture.

One wintry night in New York, I was taken to a gallery opening which was slightly less than impressive but it was near the East Village and so we ventured in search of a beer. Following a great chat with a barmaid who filled us in on all the bars worth a visit (including the one where Lady Gaga is dating the barman) we ended up in MotorCity, and after 100 beers, we started playing pinball. It was a great machine complete with dancing girls on poles.

Disappearing

sc-45.jpg, originally uploaded by ScottCapture.

A shot taken from the floor of the Canal Street station in NY, I loved the leading lines, the platform, the yellow line that you mustn't cross, the pillars, and the lights at the end.

I'm getting some strange looks, taking all my photos lying on the floor, but luckily it was quiet!!

Toy cars

Toy cars, originally uploaded by ScottCapture.

After visiting a gallery opening in New York last week where a guy was showing off his collection of tilt-shift images (I was originally very impressed thinking that he had captured some great shots with his lensbaby) only to find out that he had post-processed the tilt-shift effect in photoshop. Now I know you can do that, I've done it many times myself, but I didn't think I'd get a show out of it !! Still, almost as I left the gallery I saw another tiltshift, this time via PATH from a friend with an iphone, a quick look latter and there you go, the latest version of instagram has the feature built in!!

So when's my show?

Winter Sun

So last week the Sun made an appearance in our little corner of Hertfordshire, and with a gentle kick I was inspired enough to get out of the office (downing tools on the BadJupiter US Launch Reception Planning - sorry Sam), and out into the countryside.

By the time I started wandering through the muddy fields in my new dog walking boots, the sun was gently melting into the horizon and I was able to grab a few shots.

Where is it?

originally uploaded by ScottCapture.

Thought I'd share this with you, it's one of my current favourites in a series I'm doing of blurry pics.

It was a really cold night and I'd been taking some long exposure shots over the river, and without really thinking about I turned and started taking some downstream.

A little something warmer on BlueMonday

So today is Blue Monday (not sure if it is everywhere, but certainly is here), Blue Monday is supposed to be the statistically down day in the UK, Christmas is well and truly over, everyone is back to work, the summer is months and months away, lots of people got paid early for Christmas and so have no money left now and to top it all the credit card statements arrive.

So for all those feeling a little blue, here is a little colour, it may not help in any way at all, but it makes me feel a bit brighter.

Icing Sugar

like a bowl of icing sugar

Fairy Lights

Pretty lights

A walk in the wintry woods

December 2010, the coldest in the UK since the MET office started collating the weather in 1910 (I think), the average temperature was -1c across the country, and although it caused havoc for the trains, plains and automobiles, it did provide a stunning cover to my local area.

Gobians is the woodland and open space adjacent to my home village (well adopted home village in Hertfordshire rather than my true home village in the midst of Northumberland), it's a place I love to walk round with open views, woodland walks and lakes. It looks great in the spring, summer and autumn, but in the winter it turns into Narnia.

Narnia

Narnia 2

The snow fall we had just before Christmas give Brookmans Park and Gobians it's thickest covering since I've been here, and for many a year more than that.  But with the right footware and camera in hand I ventured out.

Starting at the bottom of the village I wandered through the woods which had taken on a magical appearance.

This way

From the woods up towards the lakes., meeting many of the people and dogs that frequent the open space.

woof!

Including those on their sledges heading home after a morning on the hill.

Sledging the way home

The lakes were completely frozen, a pretty regular occurrence back in the North East, but not quite so 15 miles from the centre of London.  Reminded me of the stories of the Thames freezing in the old days and the people ice-skating between the bridges.

Freeze

Fallen Tree

As I walked round the lake the sun started to shine, and created this wonderful effect of almost molten gold on the ice.

Molten Gold

Shimmer

Glow

The path round the lake gives lots of opportunity to take some pictures with the Sun high in the winter sky, and also a chance to meet some more of the local wildlife.

Little Robin Red Breast

It was nice to see that even with all the snow, many had taken leave on their walks to sit and admire the views.

Take the weight off

So that was my last walk through the woods with the snow.  It never lasts long down here, mostly causes chaos when it comes, but to me it really makes for a great opportunity to get out with the camera.

No Day Tickets