Bodhi's Surf Bar Croyde - Hall Photographic — This latest Croyde watering hole, could well be the best!. Bodhi’s Surf Bar, Croyde. 15.05.23

Checking out Bodhi's Surf Bar, May 2023

September 28, 2023

Bodhi’s Surf Bar is the brainchild of Chris, a great local guy, who had dreamed of opening his own bar for a long time. He thought it would be something that would happen further down the line, but when the opportunity arose, he and his partner Vicky jumped at the chance.

With an extremely strong and pleasing brand and a name taken from Chris’ love for the film Point Break and all things surfing, Bodhi’s was born. It has the most amazing location, and even by other Croyde bars and pubs, this is quite possibly the best! Situated at Downend, Bodhi’s looks straight out over Croyde Bay and the rolling waves beyond. It is the perfect location to drop in, after a long walk, surf or to finish up your evening and enjoy the awesome sunsets that often grace this coastline.

One of a set of images of super talent model Taurai photographed recently at the Wales & West Photography Show, ICC Wales. Newport.

Portraiture at Wales & West Photography Show

July 14, 2023

Following up from the awesome first Wales & West Photography Show at the ICC in 2022, I was keen to revisit again this year, mainly for some amazing talks, great sponsor and camera brand stalls as well as the impromptu opportunity to shoot some portraiture.

There were a number of organised model photoshoot happening over the three days the show was being held, but I only managed to get to one of them which again was being held in the perfectly atmospheric underground car park of the ICC which when lit with some Rotolights provided the perfect backdrop and setting for these portraits.

The General Stores at Mathry

April 17, 2023

I had seen a few photo’s off this location online and had added it to my list of places to definitely visit, but had then forgotten about it until a recent chance visit over the Easter weekend, when I finally stumbled across it in person.

For me, The General Stores featured here is the definite visual highlight in the village, aesthetically, it is the kind of subject matter that I personally aspire to find and actively search for. The rustic flaky paint, the vintage hand written shop signage, the red post and telephone boxes all add to the perfect picture of an old village caught in a timewarp.

A large crowd carrying fiery torches descend on Stow Hill, Newport 04.11.22

Illuminating the 183rd Anniversary of the Chartist Uprising

April 13, 2023

I’ve wanted to get to this event for a number of years, but with many things these days, other commitments or events inevitably get in the way, so it was great to finally get to the Newport Rising Torch Lit March on Friday 4th November 2022.

The torchlit march remembers and celebrates the Chartist Uprising also known as the Newport Rising that happened back on an infamous night in 1839. By replicating the journey made by the many thousands of Chartists, it gives people a sense of the importance of the rebellion made by the many and the sacrifices that many had to endure.

A Land Rover Defender captured during some nice afternoon light. at Lassiters. 29.09.22

Built for the Journey

October 13, 2022

Whenever I see a Land Rover, especially an older one parked in a cool location, which they often are… I feel compelled to photograph it.

For me it’s to do with seeing them in a remote or beautiful location, perhaps by a mountain or by the coast, and their association to outdoor activities be it mountaineering or surfing. It also has something to do with the Land Rover brand, the history, the nostalgia, the build quality and the ruggedness, and all that it represents. It’s pretty much a timeless icon of British design since its launch in 1948.

A beautiful evening walk looking towards Down end. 29.09.22

A fiery reception at Down End

October 6, 2022

When visiting the coast there is nothing better than enjoying the last light of the day and inveitably after golden hour comes sunset.

Here are a set of sunset photographs quickly taken on Thursday 29th September after a sunny day exploring the Croyde coastline.

A sad sight, but from destruction will always comes new beginnings. 29.09.22 *note below.

A landscape scarred

October 4, 2022

After having some lush food at Baggy’s Surf Lodge and enjoying the view, we walked upto Baggy Point. This walk is essential if you are visiting and provides a wonderful vista out across the Atlantic. One noticeable difference on this trip was the landscape. Usually the coastline is rich in green vegetation, flowers, trees, shrubs, ferns, gorse, birds, sheep, insects, bees, butterfiles and more… but due to one of the many coastal grass fires that ripped through the UK countryside last month, it has now been transformed to what you see in these photos.

Looking towards the scaffolding wrapped Dyffryn House from its magnificent gardens set in 55 acres.

Dyffryn Gardens Open Doors Event

September 27, 2022

As part of the Cadw Open Doors 2022 scheme this September, we took the opportunity to visit Dyffryn Gardens for the first time since my birthday in March to make the most of the stunning gardens during some lovely late summer weather.

Dyffryn Gardens is a peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Cardiff, and covers more than 55 acres. The Edwardian gardens are a restoration garden, on a path to excellence. With year-round seasonal highlights the gardens feature the best woody collection in the National Trust. Check out my visit on a warm Sunday in September.

The perfectly preserved A S Ockwell Ltd automotive garage located outside of Cardiff in Peterstone Super Ely, is a working garage offering a wide range of services.

A.S. Ockwell Ltd. Garage Peterstone-Super-Ely

September 25, 2022

After visiting the awesome Spring edition of Barryfornia in May, I took the scenic route back and ended up travelling through the small village of Peterstone-Super-Ely, where I was greeted by this wonderful garage and its vintage petroliana artefacts.

With its enamel signs, and original petrol pumps still on display, this garage gives a great insight into automotive garages from times past. Brands on display include Castrol, Duckhams, British Petroleum and Shell among many more, it’s a great place to visit, for anyone interested in seeing how garages used to look in the UK.

Barryfornia Summer Edition had more awesome Volkswagens on display its second Barry based show. 28.08.22

A scorching Barryfornia Summer Edition

September 23, 2022

After the success of the Spring edition of Barryfornia, I was looking forward to seeing what would be on display for their Summer edition show, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. With the August show again delivering a great mix of air-cooled and more modern Volkswagen finery. Here are some of the photo’s taken on the day at the second Barryfornia event hosted by Rothfink Industries.

One of a set of images of model Amy Tatham photographed at the Wales & West Photography Show, ICC Wales. Newport.

Cardiff Shooters Portrait event at the Wales & West Photography Show, ICC Wales

September 11, 2022

During my first visit to the Wales & West Photography Show at the ICC Wales, I met up with the team from Cardiff Shooters to join in on an organised portrait shoot at the venue.

I’ve followed Cardiff Shooters on social media for a while now, and it’s always great to see the quality of images that come from their themed photoshoots and photowalks. I’ve been unable to get to an event before now, but it was great to finally meet up with the team who were in the middle of their photoshoot, and using the underground car park as an awesome backdrop as captured in these images.

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