Canal

Today, as usual was meant to be reading for John and writing for Helen, but it was so nice out, I couldn't stay in. I went on my favourite local walk - a circular, the first half of which is along the Lancaster canal. I needed to chill after yesterdays exitement at the EDL protest.No smell or noise of cars, just the odd digger! There are several pubs en route so I thought I'd get some shots for my possible project as well.

EDL in Preston

The EDL were protesting in relation to the building of another Mosque in Preston. There were about 1000 - 2000 of them who had travelled from all over the country. The area was heavily policed as there was also a demonstration by the UAF in the market square at the same time. Large metal barriers (more like metal walls) were erected to keep the two groups apart. The streets were cordoned off and at one point I was stranded upstairs in Nero's cafe which provided a good vantage point. The event went without too much trouble. I was wary of taking my SLR so opted for my compact. I needn't have worried though,, I was very surprised at the amount of very expensive cameras and lenses on the 'front line'. 
Thios doesn't fit with any project but was too colourful and controversial to miss.

Saturday morning in Blackpool

I assumed that I would get better evidence of drug use in Blackpool, however I discounted two things. Having gotten up at 5am to get there before the cleaners begin work (according to a council worker I met one morning in Preston you have to get out before 6am to see the best evdience before its cleared up - again maybe the public are never aware of the true mess left on the streets!).

I was immediatley struck by something. The streets were amazingly clean. I put this down to two things, the time of year - not many holiday makers and the temperature - there are cold weather warnings on TV. Having said that it wasn't that cold -1 to 0, although I guess after drink and dressed  in just a shirt or short dress it could be. Still got a few shots though. I used the on-camera flash as opposed to my Metz 45 for two reasons. The Metz is bulky, and a bit obvious having to carry it around the dark streets of Blackpool at 5.30 in the morning. Another reason is again, I didn't want to draw too much attention to myself with a bright burst of light.

Preston Thurs AM

I was out on the streets again on Thursday morning to record some more evidence of drug use. Still not sure where this project is going, maybe to show the hipocracy of thegovernment in realtion to alcohol use as a drug and the promotion and effect of it on society.

Blackburn Hawkes

On Firday I signed out the Cannon 5D Mk II as I may buy one. I decided to try it out at the fastest game in the world - Ice Hockey. Blackburn Hawkes were playing Whitley Bay at home. It was quite bright at the arena and I required a fast shutter to capture the action so put the camera onto shutter priority. The camera then used iso 1600 at F5.6. EVen with the camera doing most of the work, it was still quite difficult to watch the action, put your eye to the viewfinder, frame and cature the image. Also, given that during the 2nd and 3rd periods I was shooting through a perspex barrier the results are not bad.

Methodology of Crime Scene Photography

The methodology of crime scene photography is very specific involving certain practices to ensure that the scene is recorded as faithfully as possible for a jury to view in court. This negates the need for the jury to visit the scene (which may not be possible for several reasons) and provides views of the scene that is seldom described sufficiently in words.

As I have no longer got access to real crime scenes, a possible project idea would be to use the same photographic methodology to record other subjects which may be regarded as crimes.

I have a few ideas to follow up on this concept but here is my 1st.

Due to the recent paper co-published by Professor David Nutt as a result of a study in the Lancet that
'heroin, crack and crystal meth were deemed worst for individuals, with alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine worst for society, and alcohol worst overall' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11660210), it would seem to me that if alcohol is the worst drug, then it should either be made illegal or other drugs made legal!

The idea therefore is to record the buyers, dealers, consumption and after effects of taking this drug.
My 1st attempt at this took place at 7.30am on Sunday morning when I attempted to record the effects of the masses taking this drug the night before.

It was not a dry morning! This Sunday was also Rememberance Sunday and a parade was due to take place in front of the town hall. Due to this council cleaners were out from 8am. Having said that there was plenty of evidence of drug taking from the previous evening.

Reflection: 
In future I will check the local paper for deatils of any events due to take place in town on the morning of the shoot.
I will need to set out earlier to beat the cleaners.
I'll try Thurs morning after 'student' night on Wednesday.
The images should really have scales and numbers alongside them to indicate their status as evidence, this will be done should I progress this idea.
I may experiment with two flashes/open flash later.