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Olympic Fever

29/7/2012

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Picture
Olympic torch, London 2012
London 2012. After a 7-year build up, one of the largest sporting events has arrived into London. The opening ceremony for the Olympics in London was well received and went off without any major hitches. 

There were stumbles with the security provision for the Games, and worries about whether the transport system would be able to cope with the extra demand. However, along side this, people’s imagination has been captured by the Olympic Games. 

The Olympic torch is one of the endearing symbols of the Games. Those who had the opportunity to run with the torch came from all walks of life – reflecting the British nation, and capturing people’s imagination. 

I was fortunate to work in central London, and managed to see the Olympic torch twice. I arrived to the Globe just in time to see the torch and runner pass by the crowds lining the street. It took only moments, but the crowd was jubilant – and cameras and camera phones captured the fleeting moment. 


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Olympic torceh, London 2012
The second time was when the torch was taken down the Thames towards Tower Bridge. The flotilla moved along the Thames to the delight of the crowds lining the river and office workers watching from their office buildings. 

I felt fortunate to be in a city that is holding the Olympics, but also to have had the opportunity to be part of the lead up – even if it’s a very, very small part of it. It’s good to have coverage on TV, the radio and the internet. However, seeing a part of it live adds something special. 
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In the Middle of the Park

6/3/2011

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Picture
National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace
The National Sports Centre, situated in the middle of Crystal Palace Park, is a good example of a functional and modernist, if not slightly brutalist, architecture. 

Opened in 1964, and a Grade II* listed building, it is steeped in sporting history. It is situated on the original Crystal Palace Football Club’s football ground, and the site also hosted the FA Cup final from 1895 to 1914 as well as other sports. 

How sports are housed says a lot about a nation, and where sports sits within it. Sports venues tend to be bold statements on a nation’s sporting pride. Although, the National Sports Centre is being usurped somewhat by the Olympic Park in Stratford, it has played a significant role in Britain’s sporting heritage. 

As a photographer, I find myself drawn to modernist architecture as it often lends itself well to be photography. However, on a personal level, I have mixed feeling towards modern architecture. When done right, it can be light, airy, spacious and forward thinking. When done poorly, it is brutal and unwelcoming. 

Not surprisingly, the National Sports Centre is a very functional building, and the modern architecture reflects the 1960s. It is a bold, modern statement and looking towards the future, and state of the art for its time. 

What really drew my eye to the Centre were the lights in front of the building. The white, pointed structures can be easily mistaken as art. It was not until I was leaving the Centre that I realised they were lights – as I only ever saw the building during the day. 

The white structures give contrast and texture to the grey concrete of the Centre. They are almost space-like. 

Often I am passing by the National Sports Centre en route to somewhere else, but have taken snapshots on my digital point and shoot digital camera. 

I do plan, however, to take photos on a larger camera. However, I have yet to decide whether to take them in black and white or colour. It may be best to photograph them in both!

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    Author

    Heather Martin is a London based photographer who specialises in architectural, event and B&W film photography.

    For more info, please to the About page.

    **Heather Martin owns the copyright to all the photographs and text within this blog, unless otherwise stated.

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