January 7, 2014

Welcoming the new year with a bang...


As Big Ben struck midnight, so began ten minutes of sheer brilliance along the banks of the River Thames in London...

12:00 a.m.
January 1, 2014


"2014 with a Bang"
London, England


And who said the Brits are an understated bunch?  




It was billed as a "multi sensory" experience...







...as if masses of light and booming explosions aren't enough?  Fruit flavored mist from the pyro-technics was filtered down upon the crowds from the explosions.  Planned for banana flavored confetti was nixed due to the rain.  Bollocks!






Hard to believe, but yes...it was raining in London.  Not that it dampened any New Year's Eve revelling spirits however.  And after one last burst that lit the sky white...




...it was over.




And so begins 2014.

12:10 a.m.
January 1, 2014


"The Quiet After the Storm"
London, England


"I think that I shall never see,
fireworks quite as lover-ly."
-moi
(obviously inpsired by London and Shakespeare)


For anyone interested as seeing this amazing display in action...

  
courtesy of the BBC


I have to tell ya, I'm usually unbelievably critical of my photography.  But I'm kinda chuffed about these.  Had never tried photographing fireworks before, and I was afraid the recommended camera settings wouldn't be adequate once I saw the magnitude of the explosions.  It wasn't until I returned home to the states and viewed the images outside my LCD screen that I realized I didn't end up with ruined results after all.  I did surprisingly little editing beyond adjusting some levels and sharpening.  They aren't perfect, but they certainly aren't wonky either.  I'm actually kinda pleased with myself.  Thank you London!







Here's where I'm linking up today ..."The Party's On"

Please join me on Sundays for Song-ography.
This week's song title is Sara Bareilles' "Brave".



36 comments:

  1. Kathy no wonder you were GOBSMACKED! Sitting here waiting on these amazing shots!

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  2. I'd be more chuffed than a chuffed thing with these Kathy - brilliant series of images. I think 'understated' went out the window for us Brits after the Olympics :-)

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  3. The Big Bang Theory! Your photos are fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Oh WOW...how did I NOT thing of "Big Bang Theory"!!!!! :)

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  4. wow! Those are some fireworks and some amazing shots. I would think getting a sit on the ferris wheel is a tough for new years but you would be front & center. Happy New Year to you across the large pond.

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    1. I don't think I'd want to sit there. They were shooting off fireworks from each of the capsules on the London Eye.

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  5. Those fireworks are beautiful! Wonderful shots!

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  6. WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW. wow.

    I wanna go!

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  7. awesome!! looks like a must see for sure. ( :

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  8. WOW! great technique!! Not talking about the London Eye... Kathy your eye is awesome. Beautiful shots. Makes me want to go next year!!!

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  9. Amazing!!! I have ever seen photos like that! Super fantastic!!

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  10. WOWZA!!! Those photos are fantastic! Way to go! London on New Years Eve is now officially on my bucket list.

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  11. Yes, gobsmacked is right (one of my very favorite words)...When I saw the video last night I was amazed, have never seen a fireworks display quite like this before and you captured it so fabulously. I love the silhouette on the bottom. I tell ya, the rock the dock fireworks every Friday in the summer just won't be the same after seeing this one!! ;)

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  12. Best fireworks photos I've seen! I think maybe the best fireworks, too. Wow, wow, wow!

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  13. Kind of pleased with yourself? You should be as these are AMAZING, the first one in particular is stunning but they are exceptional.... and yes London really does know how to do fireworks.... it is a very Brit thing actually. Hope you enjoyed London, looking forward to seeing more shots from your trip

    Mollyxxx

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  14. They are perfect!!! I'm truly blown away...absolutely gorgeous display of fireworks. I can't imagine seeing that in person!!! Thanks so much for sharing. :)

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  15. Whoa!!! AB FAB, Kath. And the Brits know that means ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, DAHLING!!! Nicely done! Stay warm...aloha

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  16. I love that feeling of seeing a photo come up on the screen that makes me feel like I got it. Even just one or two split seconds of "it" ... one out of two hundred tries...but there "it" is! Must be wonderful to have these to always remind you of the wonderful adventure that took you out of the box to begin this unwritten year. Blow your favorite up huge! Hang it where you can see it often! I'm loving the silhouette feel of the rooftops/wheel set off by that insane light! Have to say (from my melancholy ol' soul...) that the second to last is my fave. Thanks for bringing all of us along for the ride!

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  17. Holy cow these rock Kathy!! I can't believe how lit up the sky is. Happy New Year my friend. Glad you are home safe and sound. xo

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  18. My GOOOOOOOOOODNESSSSSSSSSS GRACIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Kathy. i'm speechless.

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  19. Oh KATHY!!! Wonderful and would have loved to have been there for the spectacular display. Love this and your photos are perfect just as they are.. xox

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  20. Some great firework photos! You should be proud of these!

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  21. Wow, these shots are beautiful... I don't think I've seen fireworks shots so amazingly captured, bravo! It's difficult to choose a favorite, but #3 and #7 come real close.

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  22. oh my these are brilliant photos!! How exciting to be in London on New Year's Eve!!

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  23. These are AMAZING! I mean, really! Way to go!

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  24. ASTOUNDING! You SHOULD be hyped about these photos! Stunning. What a show!

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  25. WOW... AMAZING SHOTS.. You should be proud of these shots. Makes me want to go to London for New Years Eve..

    Hugs~

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  26. Really amazing shots. I am so happy that you got to experience London with the ushering in of the New Year. Thanks for sharing.

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  27. Well now I'm officially "jealous" of you. These are outstanding and amazing. I would have loved every last minute of this show.

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  28. Wow wow wow - amazing shots of an amazing display!

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  29. These are spectacular - you captured the atmosphere perfectly ! I heard about the scented display. And... us Brits know how to party! lol!

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  30. WOW!!!

    WOWWWWWWW!!!!!

    And... WOW!

    Kathy! AMAZING images! Just amazing. !!!

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  31. They are beautiful!

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  32. Yes. these are fantastic shots, and thanks for sharing the video, had not seen this in its entirety. I had heard about that fruit flavored mist !

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