Exploring Norwich City Hall

On Friday 1st November 2013 Eureka Wellbeing Photography members visited Norwich City Hall. For several members it was the first time they had stepped inside this fascinating civic building. Over the next few weeks we will share some of our photos with you here. To kick it off though, here's a picture I took of the exterior of the City Hall. I had been walking along the War Memorial at the top of the market - walking a bit too fast in fact. Remembering our Eureka slogan - 'find wonder as we wander' - I decided to slow down a bit and Take notice* of the beauty around me. It had been raining and there were a series of puddles, each reflecting the light in interesting ways. Peering into one of them I saw the 'shot' that I subsequently captured, above. I'm pleased with this one!

~ Colin ~

* Take notice
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. 

Seeing Acorns Grow

The following piece was written by Paul Judkins, a 'Friend' of Eureka Wellbeing Photography, who has been kind enough to share his expertise and experience with us on many occasions. He specifically asked me to post this on his behalf, here on the Eureka blog...

~ Colin Howey

"The choice of the title for this piece is a tribute to the work of Colin Howey and Emma Blake who founded Eureka Wellbeing Photography over two years ago - as well as to the legacy of John Harrison and Tom Simpson, who have contributed massively since then as 'facilitators' of the group. They have nurtured the group: not by 'leading' or 'directing', but by inspiring confidence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging. 

By visiting Norwich Assembly House yesterday - the biggest ever single gathering of Eureka members - the evidence of the group's commitment to enjoying and prospering through photography was clearly evident to me. Members were soon laying on the floor, pointing lenses up to the ceiling and behind walls - anything unusual to get the unique flavour and style that is the hallmark of Eureka photography. The results were simply great!

Smiles on faces as they shared their work, pleased with what they had made. And that is what they do - they create images together. They never just 'capture' or 'take' a shot. To be amongst the photographers was a pleasure. It is immensely satisfying to see them flourish. 

'Finding wonder as we wander' is a maxim we should all consider."

Now You See Me...

Eureka members recently visited St Benet's Abbey in order to take photographs with the theme of, 'An Outsider's Perspective' for a forthcoming community exhibition organised by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust's St Benet's Project. Here is one playful little piece we produced from the visit, featuring Paul appearing and disappearing...

Green Places - St Giles Church Graveyard

Today, Eureka members visited the graveyard of St Giles church, near Norwich city centre. In particular, we had come to visit the wonderful parade of old wisteria, with a mind that, all too soon, the blossoms will fade, then fall. We were not to be disappointed...

However, when we walked around the back of the church, away from the road a world of wonder awaited us...

We were greeted by a lovely untended 'wild' area, verdant with trees and a variety of plants and flowers (we reject the idea that they could be called weeds!). It was also pleasing to hear the birdsong and the restrained rustle of wind-tickled leaves brushed by a gentle breeze...

listen to ‘Green Places, Chill Spaces - St Giles Church graveyard, Norwich’ on Audioboo

Bug Eyed

Wandering, Camera in Hand

I was unable to join other Eureka members today, so - taking full advantage of the lovely weather towards the end of the day - I decided to take some photographs as I walked through Norwich, finding wonder as I wandered. Here are some of my pictures...

Colin

Eureka Visit Norwich Cathedral

Eureka members enjoyed their visit Norwich Cathedral last Friday. In particular, it was fantastic to welcome three guests who have been on the Eureka waiting list to come and join us. Norwich Cathedral is an extremely photogenic building and, as such, can lure you into taking those 'chocolate box' shots. As you know by now, our 'house style' tends towards the unusual and the quirky and that was reflected in our 'take' on this wonderful building...