Duke of Kent

Yesterday, Wiltshire Music Centre welcomed the Duke of Kent. I was asked to take some photos to record the event as part of an ongoing commission from them.

Being a keen photographer has many advantages and being able to participate in such an event is one of them!

I am returning to the Centre again this evening to photograph both the pre-show reception and Nicola Benedetti's performance to celebrate their 15th Anniversary.

Here are some photos from yesterday:

A new photo project

As you may know, I am a keen photographer. One of the ways to keep going out and taking photos is to have a project. My latest project is called Fragments etc.

As Sherlock Holmes once said to Dr Watson "you see, but you do not observe." Photography helps you observe your surroundings. To search for things that you wouldn't normally notice. 

This is a project about fragments. Fragments from cities. Fragments that are perhaps down side streets, or above the eye line. Fragments that have interesting shapes, colours and textures.

These photos are predominantly taken with Kodak Elite Chrome slide film. Kodak recently announced that they would stop production. This is a shame, as slide film produces the most beautiful colours and detail. It has something about it that no digital camera can quite reproduce. 

The other advantage of using film is that it costs you money every time you click the shutter and so I am more careful with my shots. I think about them more.

I have managed to buy quite a few rolls in advance of its imminent delisting from the Kodak range.

Here is a selection of some images.

Kingston Mill Photo Book

Since moving to Bradford on Avon in 2006, I have been documenting the changes in the Kingston Mill site right in the heart of the town.

Kingston Mill stood derelict for around fifteen years after it had been vacated by Avon in the 1990's.

Eventually work started to develop houses, offices, restaurants and shops in 2009.

This book, which you can preview and buy below, is a record of the changes that took place - from demolition to completion of the site.

Kingston Mill by Photographs by Andrew Eberlin | Make Your Own Book

A quotation on photography

“[photography] is, of course, a lucky miracle of timing. But when you see an unbelievable confluence of chance in a photograph, remember that the operator was there, booted and spurred.”

So said Walker Evans in 1969 when discussing the work of Helen Levitt.

An Open Letter to Kodak

Like many, I am sad to see Kodak file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. For me, this has extra resonance as I worked for Kodak between 1999 - 2006 and have a great deal of respect and affection for the company and the time I spent there. 


It is clear that their failure to successfully transition to a digital company is the cause for their current predicament. Despite inventing the technology for digital cameras, Kodak focused on sustaining their highly profitable film business for far too long and did not focus on developing a viable digital business.


You only have to see the numerous articles in the media to see the fondness and nostalgia that many people have for Kodak. So there is plenty of brand equity that can be used to develop a lean but profitable business. 


So, here are some thoughts about how Kodak could survive in the future. These ideas would fundamentally change Kodak's business model but could at least keep the brand alive. 


1) Focus on film. 


Think of all the iconic photos taken with Kodak film.


It may be niche but if you look around there is plenty of nostalgia for analogue photography. Think of the surge in popularity of Lomography, Instagram and Polaroid film via The Impossible Project. Moreover film is profitable.


2) Re-introduce Kodachrome. 


People mourned the demise of this legendary film. The famous Afghan Girl photo by Steve McCurry was taken with Kodachrome. Think of the positive statement of intent that would be made as part of a relaunch of the Kodak brand.


3) Go retro


Fuji have successfully developed high quality retro cameras such as the X100 and there is lots of excitement around the soon to be launched XPro 1. Olympus are about to launch an updated OM digital camera. 


Kodak has the iconic Box Brownie and the Instamatic. How about relaunching those with a modern twist?


4) Create a retail experience


There are vey few camera shops that offer an engaging customer experience. 


There is an opportunity to develop a new type of photo shop that is an exciting place to go to meet the demands and excitement people have around all aspects of photography. 


It could sell camera gear, film, niche products (like instant cameras, classic film cameras, pinhole cameras), a wide selection of photo books and offer inspirational photo walks or classes. Kodak, with the affection that it has with the public is well placed to reposition itself and offer this.




So, just a few thoughts. I might even consider giving up self employment and return to commuting up the M4 if they had the vision to implement some of these ideas.... but perhaps not.

Meeting Place Communications Team Photos

I was asked to take photos of the Meeting Place Communications team at their recent New Year Kick Off Event at the Bath Priory. 


Rather than taking posed mugshots of unwilling subjects, we opted to take more relaxed photos of people chatting around the table. 

I'm quite pleased with the results. You can see some more photos from the meeting here.

New EU regulations on Cookies

No, not those delicious biscuits, but cookies used for websites.


Definition of a cookie


For those who don't know what a cookie is, it is something that is on most websites that you visit and they are used to gather information about your visit.


This clearly has privacy implications which is why the EU are regulating their use.


However, cookies can be extremely helpful if you are, for example, visiting an online shop and you want them to remember your delivery details. It saves you time filling in the same data over and over again.


Cookies are also used by Google Analytics to track visitor behaviour so that website performance can be monitored and improved.


What do website owners need to do about this EU regulation?


This is still open to clarification, but the EU have now published guidelines which are expertly summarised by Paul Boag in this article. He has also provided a link to the full guidelines.


He advises you, or your web designer (could be me!), to find out what cookies are being used on your website.

All the websites I design have Google Analytics which do store cookies. It looks as though you might not need to ask for people to positively accept this via a potentially annoying pop up, but you may need to advise your visitors that the website does indeed have these cookies.


I will keep an eye out for any further clarifications and post them on this blog.

Albums of the Year 2011

Here is the list that many of you may have been waiting for ... my favourite albums of the year:

1) Build a Rocket Boys by Elbow

2) The English Riviera by Metronomy

3) Skying by The Horrors

4) The King of Limbs by Radiohead

5) Let England Shake by P J Harvey

6) Euphoric /// Heartrbreak by Glasvegas

7) The Cold Still by Boxer Rebellion

8) Destroyed by Moby

9) Smother by Wild Beasts

10) A Different Kind of Fix by Bombay Bicycle Club

Wishing you a happy 2012!