Hackney graffiti

click photo to enlarge
Over the years I've mellowed a little with regard to graffiti. I still dislike "tags" and the graffiti that is piled up one surface on top of another as spraycan-equipped passers-by superimpose their graphic on top of that of earlier "artists". However, I am better disposed towards the considered piece that seeks to add something of beauty, interest or humour to the street-scene.

We came upon today's example in Hackney, London. It isn't particularly accomplished drawing and doesn't seek to make any obvious point, but I like the restricted pallette, it brightened up a street corner and it caused me to wonder why the raindrops were multi-coloured. The piece also causes something of an optical illusion due to the figures being much larger than life-size. This has the effect, at first glance, of making the bicycles appear to be under-sized or children's bikes. As Isay, nothing profound, but nothing offensive either, and on a wet day the subject resonated..

photograph and text © Tony Boughen

Photo Title: Graffiti, Hackney
Mode: Aperture Priority
Focal Length: 22mm (44mm - 35mm equiv.) crop
F No: f7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec
ISO:200
Exposure Compensation: -0.3 EV
Image Stabilisation: On

Café cutlery, Broadway Market, London

click photo to enlarge
As its name suggests Broadway Market is a market street that has grown up on an old drove route, a track or road on which cattle and other animals would be driven into London to slaughter houses and markets. Such roads are characterised by broadness due to the quantity of animals that would be involved and the fact that a broad way gave a better chance of the route being passable because the animals and other travellers were not all concentrated in a narrow way and could choose the better ground for their passage.Today this street in Hackney hosts a mainly food market that fills the street and the shops on either side have a high proportion of eating establishments.

We stopped off at one on a recent visit to London and secured this photograph of cutlery. On a rainy but warm day we were eating inside with the whole of the side of the restaurant thrown open to the pavement. My son noticed the containers of knives, forks, etc ready and waiting for customers and he suggested the shot.

photograph and text © Tony Boughen

Photo Title: Café Cutlery, Broadway Market, London
Camera: Olympus E-M10
Mode: Aperture Priority
Focal Length: 60mm (120mm - 35mm equiv.) crop
F No: f5.5
Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec
ISO:1250
Exposure Compensation: -0.3 EV
Image Stabilisation: On