Dressage

We had to get out of the apartment. After a vivid brainstorm for a suitable goal of our expedition we finally agreed on a dressage competition in Vallentuna. Since I am not a keen photographer of animals or nature I decided to make art of it. And I kind of like the result.
I discovered that my lens is too short, however, so I need to look for a bigger and longer. In this game size really matters. Well, here are my first shots in a growing interest of man-horse interaction.

Stallion with larger size

The bright side of life

As a photographer I am not fond of sunshine. The best light for my pictures I find on a slighty overcast day with soft shadows. The wheather is not for us to decide, just to stand and live with. I always carry a camera and when the light is not in my favour I just make the best of it anyway. Like in these pictures.

 

Two more that doesn't like the sunshine.

SLUSSEN

One of the greatest local traffic hubs in Stockholm is Slussen. I go there once in a while to take pictures. It is going to be different after decades of political discussions. I am not against. It's a terribly schabby place that really need a makeover. All pictures are from the latest visit.

Nostalgia

Our annual gathering with friends was a nostalgic event as usual. And of course the eternal storytelling about what has happened since. Changes in relations, new kids, health issues and whatever new on the church frontier. The warm summer evening ended up in singing the hymns of our youth until the camera ISO couldn't bear the darkness.

 Smartphones are for seniors only.

Il dottori

Singing is essential in Nostalgia

Going home

Today I hit the road heading to my hometown for a planned gathering with friends.

Arboga. Coffee break

Örebro - halfway

Karlstad. Autopilot on the rest

Slottsbron. Village of memories. Road to left - paradise lost

Åmål - home at last after four hours on the road.

Exhibition, pictures of pictures

Yesterday I was at a one-day exhibition in Gnesta, called Gnestaplanket. I was there for the first time and pinned up my pictures in the free space on a separate wall. Then I spent six hours socialising with fellow photographers and visitors that passed by. A very relaxed event and I managed to sell a copule of my book STREET. Amazing.

Desk top publishing

In just a few days I will participate in an exhibition so I've better get ready. Last week I spent quite a number of hours in the darkroom. Today, after selection of pictures, I started retouching them. However careful you are there are always dust dots to remove. And I am just a beginner in retouching images. It's far more easy in photoshop. But a well done copy from the darkroom gives me far more satisfaction.

Millesgården

At least once a year we visit Millesgården. The home and studio of Carl Milles. Yesterday was a nice day for a visit. Slightly clouded and comfortable temperature.

I am very fond of this Jugend style living room

An end an a beginning

The White Gold

Industrial history can be both charming and nice. At least when it comes to the domestic things in life. Cups and plates and all those things you need. Today we explored Gustavsberg porcelain factory.

 A masterpiece. Table for flowers.

 Pretty much, huh?

For social shiting

Steninge revisited

Today we went to Steninge castle since the forecast was sunny. It didn't look that way when we left but my wife was optimistic. We arrived shortly after a shower and decided to walk the park before shopping at the barn. (The most beautiful barn i Sweden, without cattle, I must add). The pictures today is from the castle park only. When we were finished the sun broke through and it was hot. I think the park is nicer with clouds.

The castle is due for a major makeover

And so are the other buildings

Another tree that asked for attention

Favourite church makeover

Today we went out to the islands to check out some furniture, visit a garden exhibition and  to see  the result of last winters interior makeover at my favourite church. I guess they just painted the walls and ceiling. It still looked the same as before.

The organ is still as nice as ever before.

Arrival - Reunion

Our daughter Anna has arrived from Montreal where she lives and works as a photographer. She will stay with us in Stockholm for some weeks over the Summer. It's unbearingly hot in Montreal in Summer so the swedish Summer suits a former Moscow citizen better. Now we can look forward to many interesting expeditions in the Stockholm area. With the company of at least a couple of cameras.