I had some brownies delivered today….. but before eating them I decided to photograph them.

Food photography is arguably one of the most challenging types of photography out there. Like painting, you start with a blank canvas and build. Layer upon layer, you construct the photo until you reach the perfect balance.

But ultimately it has to look delicious!

These salted caramel brownies were made by Violet’s Kitchen and I thoroughly recommend them.

We all need a treat now and again so have a look on their website – salted caramel are my favourite but there are other options available.

Thought I’d stretch my legs last night and go for my daily exercise.

It’s amazing how much traffic is still around on a Sunday evening during lockdown….. #coronavirus #staysafe

During the coronavirus pandemic, the rainbow has become a symbol of support for people wanting to show solidarity with NHS workers on the front line.

The trend was reportedly started by a nurse who wanted to create “a sign of hope” for patients and staff in hospitals across the country.

Below are some posters in my local community in Bury together with more clapping for the carers. You can see an amazing lady who brings out her jukebox every Thursday evening and loves a good dance!

During the last few weeks I’ve had time to dust off my faithful macro lens.

I’ve always liked getting closer to nature and seeing things that most of us don’t. Nature can be beautiful but can often seem cruel too.

Below are a couple of moments from the past but I intend to publish more current images from my garden soon.

The first is of a dragonfly which landed on a concrete post in my back garden. I’ve never seen one this close since so I guess I was lucky.

The others are of an unfortunate butterfly which ended up being in the wrong place at the wrong time…..

 

Robbie MacDonald is a journalist who has written for newspapers and magazines across the north of England, from the Tyne to the Mersey, and now works for a marketing and design agency.

Robbie wanted a range of photos to use for various projects including a new blog and social media. The blog features writing and photography on personal subjects of interest such as northern England, Scotland and Ireland, regional and grassroots politics, history, music and entertainment, art and design.

Born in Scotland, he spent his early childhood near Glasgow and then moved with his family to the north-east of England in 1970s, near Middlesbrough, as did many other Scottish families with links to the steel industry at the time.

He developed an interest in photography as a teenager and studied at Cleveland College of Art & Design in Middlesbrough and then Bradford & Ilkley College.

After graduating, he worked in graphic design and printing in Bradford then later at Cleveland College of Art & Design in Middlesbrough and Cleveland Technical College in Redcar. He also spent some years working for music retailer HMV.

Influenced by friends working for newspapers including the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette, The Northern Echo and The Journal in Newcastle, he later trained as a journalist in Darlington during the late 1990s. His first job as a reporter was at the Hexham Courant in Northumberland. Later he became Cleveland reporter for the Darlington & Stockton Times, covering his home patch.

Over the years, he has written for titles including the Harrogate Advertiser, The Bolton News, Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Oldham Evening Chronicle, where he first worked with Darren Robinson. Now with a Greater Manchester agency, Robbie writes a range of news which has been used by publishers including the Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News and national magazines.

During these strange times I’m finding more and more beautiful places just minutes from home……….

Stay safe.

 

 

Prague.

This magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for more than ten centuries. Almost undamaged by WWII, Prague’s medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle that looks eastward as the sun sets behind her. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events catering to the independent traveler’s thirst for adventure.

It is regarded by many as one of Europe’s most charming, colourful and beautiful cities, Prague has become the most popular travel destination in CentralEurope along with Vienna and Krakow. Millions of tourists visit the city every year.

Prague was founded in the later 9th century, and soon became the seat of Bohemian kings, some of whom ruled as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town in the 14th century – many of the city’s most important attractions date back to that age. The city also went under Habsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918, after World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia. After 1989 many foreigners, especially young people, moved to Prague. In 1992, its historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries and Prague became capital city of the new Czech Republic.

 

Sir Keir Starmer has been elected as the new leader of the Labour Party.

In January I spent the day with Keir Starmer and Oldham MP Jim McMahon when he visited Oldham and Manchester to launch his leadership campaign.

See my blog here……..  https://www.darrenrobinsonphoto.com/2020/01/13/keir-starmer-in-oldham-manchester/

 

The nation applauds NHS workers during coronavirus outbreak…. residents in Bury pictured during tonight’s clap for our carers…..

An Asda wagon on its way to supplying our local stores…. on the M66 near Bury.

Keep up the great work during the coronavirus outbreak..