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I took this photograph of Samson and Goliath some years ago and I may have included it previously. The old brick wall at the right is no longer there and sadly the blue sky has been missing these past few weeks.
This is an improved version with the sky extended at the top of the image, a touch of red removed and it has been sharpened in Topaz.
The above images were taken on my old iPhone 8. It has been replaced with an iPhone 13 and while setting up the new phone all my photographs were moved across. I found these while doing a clean out.
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) was founded in 1845. It is renowned for its academic excellence and rich history and attracts students from all over the world. An iconic landmark is the Lanyon Building, a striking Victorian masterpiece named after its architect, Sir Charles Lanyon.
All images iPhone 13
Walking around Belfast on a sunny Saturday (yesterday) produced these images. I had walked up towards Queens University and Botanic Gardens and found a free Fun Day in progress at the Gardens. There was Bollywood dancing, arts and crafts and a guy with a bubble machine
Botanic Gardens, colourful as always.
I posted a photograph a short time ago of The Grand Central Hotel in Bedford Street taken with my iPhone. This is another one taken just a bit further up the street.
This image of Writers’ Square, again taken with the wide angle lens on my phone.
I’ve found my phone is fine for grabbing quick images and they look good, very good even, on the small screen. When moved onto the computer with a large screen however they don’t look quite so good. Having said that, I’m fairly sure these images would meet the quality standard required for many uses.
County Armagh countryside viewed from the battlements of Killeavy Castle.
Walking on Botanic Avenue on Saturday past I found I had joined a crowd of people outside the No Alibis Bookstore. I’d been looking at a sports car on the other side of the street and hadn’t been aware of the crowd until I was surrounded by people. Thinking it must be a book signing I asked some girls what was happening, then I noticed the Secret Service guys standing around trying to look comfortable in casual clothes. “Bill Clinton is in the bookshop” the girls said – and he was.
When President Clinton (do we still call him President?) emerged from the shop he effortlessly engaged with people in the crowd, striking up conversations and exchanging pleasantries. Strolling along the street, he continued to interact with people, even pausing to take selfies when asked and giving time to anyone who approached him. It was evident that he was well-liked by the local people, and he appeared at ease, relishing the laid-back atmosphere and warm reception. He continued in this way talking happily to people, until the crowd thinned and he was able to move on.
When I drove into town that morning I didn’t expect to see a former President walking casually about on Botanic Avenue. I told my wife and she asked me if I’d spoken to him. I hadn’t – I’d been too busy taking photographs!
Ewart’s Mill or the Ewart Building, once a Victorian linen warehouse in Bedford Street, has been redeveloped at a cost of £85m. Now a modern office building it is connected, at the first and second floors, to a new 17-story office complex. I take it this is the modern looking building behind.
The building to the right is the luxury Grand Central Hotel, formerly Windsor House. It was originally an office block and at one time the tallest building in the city.
The Europa Hotel can just be seen in the gap between the buildings. It opened in 1971.