It was in December 1963 that Mike Vaquer, a work colleague in the Yorkshire Insurance Company, introduced me to colour slides, of which I produced thousands when still using film, and we began
a series of annual trips to photograph West End Christmas lights together. These hung over Regent Street that year.
I spent the afternoon continuing my reading of Elizabeth Goudge’s novel ‘Gentian Hill’.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s nourishing chicken and vegetable stewp and fresh crusty bread with which I drank more of the Bediani.
The lights just pop when the background is black. Lovely images.
Thank you so much, Dale
Mm chicken! I’ve never shot anything with a film camera, Derrick. I would know how to process the film. West End had me think of a 1980s song from the Pet Shop boys. It speaks of how pretty the girls are on the West End.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_Girls
I used only film until I began with WP in 2012, John. In the early days everything, such as focussing and light control, was manual. I have forgotten all I learned about all that, so never go off automatic now. Thanks very much
I see, my local camera shop sells film and the cameras too. I can shoot in Manual but use Auto. Call me lazy!
Dinner sounds wonderful as always. I enjoyed the pictures.
Thank you very much, Bridget
So beautiful!
I’ve always loved bright lights against the dark night sky! All lights, but the holiday lights seem to be especially festive.
(((HUGS)))
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
Beautiful Christmas lights!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful shots. You can almost feel the sparkle of those lights.
Thank you so much, Merril. Film was an excellent medium – just prohibitively expensive in comparison to digital
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Advent’s getting away from me! I just thought about it today, and here you are on Day 4 already. Our thanksgiving came so close to the beginning of Advent that a lot of my friends are feeling the same sense of temporal dislocation. I’d better get myself in gear, or all the pretty lights will be gone before I know it!
Dinner sounds yummy and your old pictures are really putting us in the Christmas mood, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Pat
Ah,slides . . . We are so lucky to live in the digital age – one of the few modern things I approve of.
Yes. In fact all my slides and negatives have been uploaded on my computer as well. I just have to find them when I want to use them
There’s a downside to everything.
Very beautiful… like giant jewels in the night sky.
Thank you very much, JoAnno
Love your pictures Derrick, it really puts you in the mood!
Thank you so much, Diane
Looking forward to your next posts for the Advent season Derrick.
Thank you very much, Arlene
I loved that book!
I am doing so, too, Kim. Thanks very much
Beautiful photos. I always like to read posts and see photos of snow and Christmas decorations by bloggers. There is something very peaceful about them
Lovely and festive pictures, Derrick. Your meal prepared by the Culinary Queen sounds delicious.
Thanks very much, Eugi
What a nice memory. I must get out and see some of the Christmas lights.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Regent St’s lights are always pretty special
Thank you so much, Sheree
Lovely! We will go on our annual trek to the Christmas lights when it is less cold. 11F today!
That is cold. Thanks very much, Rose
Those are beautiful Christmas memories, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Beautiful.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome
Lovely Derrick. Merry Christmas to you and Jackie.
Thank you so much, Cynthia. The same to you and yours
These are gorgeous pictures
I adore seeing lights at this time of year
I would have stuck with film cameras for many more years, I believe, but was married for a while to a “tech head.” This guy wanted the newest cutting edge technology at all times. As soon as digital cameras became possible for regular folks to afford, he bought one for himself, a 3.0 megapixel powerhouse of a camera (ha ha!), and let me use it. I got hooked. When we divorced, I bought my own, and upgraded to a 5.0 megapixel, and thought that was amazing.
Thanks very much, Crystal