It's the end of a long day photographing a live training event for a client in Budapest, Hungary. The client and I are walking down the street to do a bit of street photography when we notice a man using an iPad to take photos of the outside of a new restaurant. So we strike up a conversation about camera's (I've got a 5D with a 50mm prime lens hanging off me) and it turns out that he's the owner of this new place and tonight is their first opening! It also turns out they do a mean selection of veggie dishes which is great news if you're a veggie like me!

Rafi is the bosses name and we get chatting. We're introduced to his staff and they recommend the best dishes on the menu. Rafi is also a keen photographer so I spend some time looking at his pictures and giving him a few hints and tips on camera techniques. I also get out my camera and offer to do a few promo shots of his place.

I love the way the camera is a universal ice breaker. Once you tell people you're a pro then it's instant rapport and a great way of finding common ground. I'm doing more and more oversees photoshoots and, as I discovered in Peru, even if language is a complete barrier all you have to do is hold the camera smile and those barriers just fall away!

The nicest part was the food was on the house and we made new friends in a Budapest!

I've just got back from a week in Barcelona, this was a business/pleasure trip and the weather was fantastic. Joined by fellow photographer Hawa Jaimal, we spent days working on several projects to capture the real essence of Barcelona, the people and the place.
We avoided the typical tourist attractions and discovered places that are seldom seen other than by locals. We are planning an exhibition in the near future and I'll be uploading some of the pictures to the gallery soon. Watch this space!