In the Beginning

Firstly, a big THANK YOU to all of you who have followed my photography for several years now. You know who you are and you are scattered across many countries of the world. For those of you who are also photographers I have loved following your work too and will continue to do so. I received so many positive comments on my images and associated ramblings on various sites along with suggestions that I should set up a blog that I eventually took the plunge and here it is.

I have also created Facebook and Twitter pages all linked to this blog, my website and my Flickr photostream. That in itself has been a massive learning curve of ‘links’, ‘badges’, ‘gadgets’, ‘profiles’, ‘URL codes’ and a load of other stuff that I’m only beginning to understand. So, whilst I think I have everything up and running I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I’ve got something wrong. Time will tell. In the meantime I hope that you enjoy this and my other sites.

Having set the blog page up the next question was where to start.

After a bit of thought I chose this picture; not because it’s a great photo – it isn’t. It’s just because in many ways I feel like this guy.

Japanese Street Entertainer with Crystal Ball

A few weeks ago I came across this street performer in Helsinki doing the most amazing things with a crystal ball. In a matter of minutes he had gathered a large crowd around him and several people were trying to see the 'invisible' threads that they believed were attached to the ball. Of course there was none. I gave him a donation and rattled off a few shots.

It turned out that he was from Japan and was on a journey 'around the world'. He had no idea where he was going or even where he would stay on a day to day basis. He simply perfomed his amazing act and asked for a small donation to allow him to continue his travels. Several times over the last few weeks I have wondered where the Japanese man and his crystal ball have got to. He is completely unaware that he has been a part of the inspiration in getting this story started.

Setting up this blog I realised that I have no idea where it is going to take me either. If not in person, it will nonetheless travel across many countries of the world thanks to the hours I have spent learning all this computer jargon and more importantly thanks to you for your enthusiasm and support.

If you ever see the Japanese man give him a donation, wish him well and tell him about this blog.

Tom


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Articles and photography copyright of Tom Langlands

 

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