ABOUT THESE PHOTOGRAPHS

The majority of photographs are of Leicester, England where I live. Others are from such far flung places as North Devon, Scotland and Singapore. I have a day job so pictures tend to be of places that I frequent with family and friends.

ABOUT LEICESTER

Most people from outside Leicester haven't the faintest idea what the UK's tenth largest city looks like which is a shame.

If you're used to cities like London or Liverpool you may perceive that Leicester lacks identity. A common misconception is that it is just another 'grey town' lacking in any major architectural, historical or cultural heritage. You couldn't be more wrong though!

I believe this misconception is because the main throughfares through the city do not pass the places of interest and because it is a flat city with few spectacular views. It is fair to say that the 1960s planners have taken their toll on the character of the city but it is actually peppered with Roman, medieval, Georgian and Victorian delights. It is also full of fantastic parks and a green corridor formed by the River Soar and Grand Union Canal which cuts right through the centre.

Besides environment, the mix of world cultures co-existing in relative harmony is a staggering achievement that people should be very proud of. The general attitude is very easy-going and tolerant - most people here seem to have a knack of quietly getting along with neighbours who are from different sides of the planet.

The powers that be are very keen for us to celebrate and promote our diverse and tranquil city so I thought it might be a good idea to take some pictures. Unfortunately in their short-sighted quest to bring 'prestige' to the city they often allow developers to treat the place like a blank slate - building vast blocks of Lego flats next to areas of character. When it comes to culture there always seems to be money for large edifices dreamt up by people from out of town yet our own home-grown events such as the Caribbean Carnival seem increasingly under threat. Who wants to live in a shoe-box with culture fed out of a tin?

It's time to celebrate what we've already got instead of indulging in the competition to be bigger and better than Nottingham.

I hope some of these photos will give you an idea of what is out there and encourage you to take a closer look.

Do make sure you visit the following:-

• The Market
• New Walk
• Spinney Hill & Highfields
• The Jewry Wall
• The Guildhall
• Aylestone Meadows / Riverside Park.

TECHNIQUES / EQUIPMENT

Photographic technique is a bit of a dull subject so I won't bore you. Suffice it to say that I use a digital camera and I sometimes tweak the brightness or contrast a bit.