Tradition!

Topol famously sang about tradition in the musical, 'Fiddler on the Roof'. A few days ago, I was lucky enough to see a display of people who still keep alive traditional crafts. I did not realise until I saw it, that the 'flowers' in the picture above are carved from solid pieces of wood, as you can see. The man in the photo has been doing this since he was 8 years old.

The picture below shows pegs being made. These hazel pegs are used for thatching. They are bent in two and then hammered into the thatch to keep it in place. It is fantastic to see that that traditional crafts are still being put to good use. Let's hope that the next generation can still see them in action.

 
Copyright © Greg Wright 2005-9 Photography from Frome - All rights reserved
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  To Microstock or not to Microstock?

OK, I confess. I have sold images through microstock sites. But not anymore. For me the effort involved far outweighed the benefit. As you know, I do now sell photos through Alamy. Most of my images are sold 'rights managed' but a few are 'royalty free'. These 'royalty free' images are the ones that were previously available through microstock. I have only had a few sales from these images since they have been up on Alamy. But the value of these sales far outweighs my total sales from micros.

Having said that, I am sure that this is a reflection of the type of image I have on Alamy. I am certain that if I shot objects isolated on a white background then those images would not sell well on Alamy because they are freely available through micro outlets. If I had these images then a mirco would be a reasonable choice to host them. But is it worth the effort? For me, a resounding NO!

On another subject entirely. I did complete the 50 mile Somerset Levels bike ride and I feel good! It is not too late to sponsor me here.

 
Copyright © Greg Wright 2005-9 Photography from Frome - All rights reserved
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  Stax is Back!

A few years ago I used to ride for the 'Stax in Style' mountain bike team. It was a bit of fun with a few mates. Well Stax is back! On Sunday 7 June I will do doing a lap of the Somerset Levels on my bike to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. It is a great cause and deserves support - and money! You can make a donation and sponsor me by following this link.

The Stax in Style logo that accompanies this post was designed by a friend and so I do not hold the copyright for it.

 
Copyright © Greg Wright 2005-9 Photography from Frome - All rights reserved
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  Grot is Back!

Reggie Perrin is back on our screens this week, so Grot is back!

I jet washed my patio this week. All the mud and other debris collects at one end of it and takes several days to dry out. After it is thoroughly dry, a stiff brush finishes off the cleaning job nicely. After the dirt had time to dry out, some of the 'grot' peeled from the paving stones to make some interesting shapes and, as you know, I really cannot resist making photos of texture. So there you have it, 'Grot - the Return'. 
Copyright © Greg Wright 2005-9 Photography from Frome - All rights reserved
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  Fresh Green Growth

As some of you will know from my post last summer, I really like sweet peas. Well, I am pleased to say that this year's plants are growing nicely and will soon be planted out in the garden - out of range of the hens! 
Copyright © Greg Wright 2005-9 Photography from Frome - All rights reserved
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  Chicken Run

Much as I like my hens, they have made a mess of the garden. I am growing some salad crops this year and I was starting to wonder who they were for, the chickens or the humans. So the naughty girls had to me contained in their very own bespoke chicken run. Although this is not as good for them as roaming free in the garden, it has to be better than what the hens they were reared with are now enduring. 
Copyright © Greg Wright 2005-9 Photography from Frome - All rights reserved
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  Somerset Bike Ride

I have signed up for the Somerset Bike Ride, 50 miles to help the British Heart Foundation. This could be interesting as I have only been on my bike once in the last year. I better get some miles into my legs!

You can sponsor me here . 
Copyright © Greg Wright 2005-9 Photography from Frome - All rights reserved
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