Summer vibes and Winter jibes

Selection of photos I took in 2009 with a canon eos 30. (click for larger images)

Rune Stones of Sweden

These images of ancient rune stones are taken from the Swedish National Heritage Board's photostream.

British Folks

Photographer James Pearson Howes has created this ongoing project, focusing on the people who take part in the many strange and colourful folk events that are still held throughout Britain. The final project will take the form of three small limited edition hand bound books.

Magic Mushrooms

I took these photos of magic mushrooms growing in my Mum's garden a couple of years ago. The mouse was sitting nearby. I don't like mice so my initial reaction was to stomp on it, but I didn't. I don't know what he was doing there nor why he wasn't afraid of me. It's possible he was a drug user and had lost his natural fear of man. If I ever encounter that mouse again, I will teach it to fear man.

The Children of Venezuela - Photo Gallery

Venezuela is frequently depicted in the media as being an unstable nation. The controversial government of President Hugo Chavez has divided the people of Venezuela. His choice of controversial allies and inflammatory comments have made him unpopular with the American government.

The children of Venezuela live in uncertain times. Will the Bolivarian revolutionary government unite the nation and help the underclass pull itself free from poverty? Chavez' recent Russian weapons deal and agreement to ship oil to Iran is likely to antagonize America even more.

"The Russian government approved a $2.2 billion loan for weapons," Mr. Chavez said. "And we must thank them."

These photos of children in Venezuela are an insight into a more intimate side of the nation's identity than is usually shown. These children from around the country will bear witness to whatever the future holds for their nation.

All photos by Tom Rowsell. Click images to see full size.

Doha - living in the shadow of progress

According to the Trafficking in Persons Report by the US State Department, Qatar has been classed as Tier 3. Labourers, predominantly from Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Phillipines are sometimes forced into unpaid labour. Those who are paid receive very low wages and work and live in dangerous conditions. As Doha's skyscrapers dominate the desert landscape, those who create them see a different side of Doha.

These pictures are intended to illustrate the duality of Qatar. I have focused on roads and doorways as each is symbolic of a transition from one space to another, mirroring the changing landscape of Doha. Doorways are also an important symbol in many Islamic cultures.

All photos by Tom Rowsell