Wow, what a year 2016 was! Personally and professionally, 2016 was a year to remember.
Personally, several ‘bucket list’ items were ticked off as we traveled across the US and The Caribbean during the spring.
Professionally we made great strides in solidifying the GDMK Images brand as a quality source of creative and unique artwork and photography. 2016 was our first full year taking our art stall around the country and was a great success. Its really satisfying so many people show their appreciation for our work.
It’s easy to bulk buy mass produced products at a low price point and resell them. We are not about selling for the sake of selling. We are about creating something different – something a little special that can’t be bought elsewhere.
I am passionate about the subjects in my work and I hope that comes through in my unique art style.
We made some great friends and met some really cool people along the way. Its not all about selling you know!
Below is a quick video summary of GDMK Images in 2016. The first video shows a taster of what you will see in our #tedontourusa trip blog posts. Part 1 of the Ted on Tour USA blog series is already available.
The second video is the soundtrack of our summer events, a soundtrack dominated by English Electric, Merlins, Napier, a bit of sizzling steam and a few other oddities thrown in![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
We are proud of our achievements of 2016 and are really looking forward to 2017. Our event list is being finalised and will be posted shortly. You will be able to come and say hi at many railway, aviation, classic vehicle and military shows in 2017. Remember to subscribe to the GDMK Images newsletter to keep up with our latest news and events or alternatively keep an eye on the Where to Find GDMK Images Page
What Can You Expect From GDMK Images in 2017?
We have lots planned for 2017 including –
blog posts about our 2016 Tedontourusa trip including travel and photography tips
a new railway digital art series called ‘End of the Line’
a new range of gifts available exclusively from our art stall
new military digital art starting with ‘The Home Guard’ and ‘An Officer and a Lady’
digital art featuring RAF Lancasters ‘Over Enemy Country’ and Dakotas ‘One Day in June’
Thanks for your support over the last 12 months, heres looking forward to 2017!
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Our stall was located inside the diesel shed at Toddington which created a great atmosphere for the event surrounded by locos under restoration and all the associated engineering equipment.
In the shed was D1693 (47105) undergoing a thorough restoration by its owners the Brush Type 4 Fund. The class 47 loco was used extensively on all sorts of freight and express passenger duties all over the UK network and a small number are still in use today. Over 500 of these locos were built and several are preserved or under restoration on preserved railways around the UK.
The groups other Class 47 loco, 47367, was in use during the diesel gala and is painted in Railfreight grey Freightliner colours as carried in the 90s.
Next to this was a very rare class 20 loco. This loco, currently numbered 2001, was part of the CFD fleet which worked in connection with the construction of a high speed rail link in France. In British Rail service the loco was numbered 20035. 20035 went to France in around 1992 but was never very reliable in service for its French operator. It spent a long time out of service following mechanical breakdowns and eventually returned to the UK in 2005. It is in a very poor condition and is being used as a source of spares for the other class 20 loco on the railway D8137 (20137) and the owners other class 20 (20228) based at Barry. Once component recovery is completed the shell will most likely be scrapped.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18050″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Growler Groups Stunning Restoration of 37248
One of the highlights of the diesel gala was the use of English electric Class 37 D6948 (37248) which is looking absolutely immaculate following a thorough rebuild and looks as good as the day it entered service in 1964.
This loco is owned by the Growler Group which is based on the railway with its stablemate 37215.
37215 has been restored into BR Blue colours as it would have looked in the 1970s and 1980s whilst D6948 carries its original BR Green colours in which it was delivered to British Rail.
The Growler Group had their publicity stand in the diesel shed with us and several other stall holders. Ted took the opportunity to join the Growler Group as he was very impressed with their locos.
Below are two short videos of their Class 37s. The first shows the stunning quality of 37248s restoration into as built condition. The second shows 37215 departing Toddington with a train.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/bZJLjPfAPjQ” title=”Class 37 37248″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/973N4pFxRtA” align=”center” src=”“https://www.youtube.com/embed/973N4pFxRtA“” width=”“560“” height=”“315“” frameborder=”“0“” title=”Class 37 37215″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Ted Gets to Grips With a Class 47
Following Teds recent flights in the C-47 Skytrain and B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Ted jumped at the chance to get to grips with a main line diesel loco. Class 47 D1693 (47105) was open to inspect so Ted dived at the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of this 95 mph main line mixed traffic loco.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”ted-drives-a-class-47″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway History
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway runs through the stunningly beautiful Cotswold countryside. The heritage railway was originally part of the Great Western Railway’s main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, via Stratford-upon-Avon. Work started in 1900 and was completed by 1906.
The line was closed to Passenger traffic in March 1960. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was formed in 1981 with the intention to re-open the line from Stratford Race Course to Cheltenham Racecourse. The line was originally double tracked throughout but now consists of a single line with passing loops at stations.
The railways operating base was established at Toddington. The railway restored 1/4 of a mile in 1984 and the first trains operated in the same year. There is now just over 12 miles of track from Laverton to Cheltenham Race Course with an almost complete northern extension to Broadway.
The railway predominantly runs steam hauled trains with regular turns for its diesel loco fleet.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Preserved Locomotives Based on the GWSR
The GWSR has a wide range of locomotives and their associated owning and support groups based on the railway. Below is a listing of steam and diesel locos based at the time of the 2016 diesel gala. I have included links to their owning groups. Please take time to have a look at the groups pages as you will find much of interest about the respective groups locomotives. Each of these groups are to be applauded for the excellent restorations of their locos which are a tribute to their hard work.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The gala featured most of the home diesel loco fleet plus class 33 D6575 (33057) visiting from the West Somerset Railway.
Crowds seemed healthy enough, with trains seemingly well loaded with happy punters, so hopefully the railway will make sufficient profit to ensure many more of these great events can be run.
Railway Galas quite often provide us with quiet periods after each train has departed. Apart from allowing us to take a breath from selling and answering questions about my art style, I like to hunt out abstract picture opportunities.
There are photo opportunities everywhere and many times I like to look for abstract scenes that would look good in black and white or subjected to various colour treatments.
Railways are full of picture opportunities. Of course everyone wants to get the standard shots of the ‘big’ attractions, but for the following week, social media is awash with similar pictures of locos all looking sort of well …. similar. ‘Record shots’ are everywhere, don’t fall into becoming a ‘record shot’ photographer.
Push yourself to break the mould and look for different opportunities. Low angle, ground level, high vantage points, close-up and abstract picture opportunities are all around you. Challenge the inner photographer in you and find something different. Many pictures might well turn out pants, but some will be a little bit special. Many more efforts will let you know you are on to something different and next time you will know to get a little higher, a little lower, a bit closer or indeed further away.
Do something different. Your eye will develop and you will create your own style. Become a railway photographer rather than someone who takes pictures of trains.
I hope you have enjoyed the photos and my overview of the diesel gala, please feel free to leave any comments below
All the best for now
Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20never%20miss%20an%20update!||”]Subscribe and never miss an update![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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The Latest Editorial Stock Update Features Railway Pictures
I have just added 20+ Editorial stock Pictures to my Alamy and Picfair portfolios. This update features railway pictures of diesel locos from the 1960s and 1970s at various locations on the Severn Valley Railway.
The Severn Valley Railway is a preserved railway that runs through the Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside. You can read about the railway on my Severn Valley Railway Location Report.
Click any image in the grid to see the full picture and select either ‘Alamy’ or ‘Picfair’ from the ‘flyout’ to licence from the appropriate agency.
Some of these pictures are also available as wall art, select the ‘Buy Wall Art’ flyout to view and buy wall art.
Thanks for looking and please feel free to leave any comments on this update in the comments below.
Thanks
Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”update-features-railway-pictures”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up I want to save 10% on my purchase!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20save%2010%25%20off%20your%20next%20wall%20art%2C%20phone%20case%20or%20t-shirt%20purchase!|”]Subscribe and save 10% off your next wall art, phone case or t-shirt purchase![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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Some of these pictures are also available to buy as wall art and personalised gifts – follow the links on the pictures to buy as stock or wall art and gifts.
The update features images of diesel locos from the 1970s and 1980s on and around the Severn Valley Railway.
The pictures includes scenes at the main stations and some of the classic diesel locos including class 50, class 52 and class 55 locos.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”70s_80s_Railways”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1443099097328{padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1445371015759{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;background-color: #fffffd !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 4px !important;}”]
The update features images of people and Classic Cars at the Classic Car show in Hinckley during September.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”hinckley-classic-car-show”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
More Editorial Stock Pictures Coming
I have another sizeable batch of editorial stock pictures featuring more 1970s and 80s railway scenes, modern aircraft from air displays this past summer, general modern railway scenes and a number of autumn themed pictures.
This batch should be ready for upload towards the end of next week or early the following week.
All of these upcoming releases will be added as editorial stock on Alamy but a number will also be suitable for wall art and adding to gift products.
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The Severn Valley Railway is a preserved railway that runs 16 miles between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. As with most of todays heritage railways, the line fell victim to the rationalisations that ravaged the railways in the 1960s. Even before the infamous Beeching Report, the Severn Valley Railway was recognised as economically unviable and identified as a candidate for closure.
The railway ran from Hartlebury through to Shrewsbury. Construction started in 1858 with final completion coming in 1862. Stations were located at Stourport-on-Severn, Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade, Bridgnorth, Coalport, Ironbridge, Buildwas, Cressage and Berrington.
Primary traffic for the line was coal from the collieries at Alveley and Highley. The line was never considered as financially successful.
The railway became part of the Great Western Railway in 1870.
The Great Western Railway built a link from Bewdley to Kidderminster in 1878. This connection allowed traffic access to the Black Country and West Midlands.
The line played a useful role during the Second World War as a diversion route around the Midlands.
Through passenger and freight services ended during 1963. The line was removed north of Bridgnorth soon afterwards.
Coal traffic continued from Alveley until 1969. Passenger services from Bewdley to Kidderminster and Hartlebury lasted until 1970.
Preservation Beginnings
In 1965 a group of local enthusiasts formed the Severn Valley Railway Society.
Their aim was to buy the section of line from Bridgnorth through to Alveley Colliery sidings near Highley.
The societies hard work was rewarded in 1970 when the first train services ran between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade.
By 1973 sufficient funds allowed purchase of the the line from Alveley Colliery sidings, through to Highley, Arley and Bewdley as far as Foley Park, near Kidderminster.
Services started running south to Bewdley in 1974 with occasional special trains running through to Foley Park.
The railway always knew a station and connection with the national railway network at Kidderminster was vital.
British Rail traffic to the British Sugar Corporation sidings at Foley Park ceased in 1982. This presented an opportunity to buy the 1 ½ miles of railway through to Kidderminster Junction. At the same time, an agreement to lease the old Kidderminster Goods Yard from British Rail allowed the dream of a station at Kidderminster to become reality.
The new Severn Valley Railway station at Kidderminster came into use in 1984. Finally trains were able to run over the full length of the Severn Valley Railway as we know it today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Overview of the Severn Valley Railway Today
Today, the Severn Valley Railway is a far cry from the economically unviable railway of the early 20th Century.
The railway is predominantly operated by steam locos with a small number of services, mainly at weekends, operated by classic diesel locos. The Severn Valley Railway is the home of many types of steam and diesel locos.
Many railway preservation societies call the Severn Valley Railway their home including –
Each of these societies are focused on preserving and operating many different types of loco, coaching stock and infrastructure but each contributes to the Severn Valley Railways success. When you have read this article, please take a few minutes to read about their organisations as they deserve much support.
All stations are maintained in typical Great Western Railway styles and colours and the railway retains its authentic Great Western Railway lower quadrant signals.
Moving away from the locos, the Severn Valley Railway operates classic period rolling stock. Of particular note is the railways achievement in running full rakes of coaches from defined periods. Many railways find themselves in a position where their coaches are a mix and match of styles and eras.
The Severn Valley Railway can proudly boast its ability to run full rakes of rolling stock from the following railway companies
Great Western Railway
London Midland and Scottish Railway
London and North Eastern Railway
1950s/1960s British Rail
The LNER rake is particularly eyecatching with its varnished teak panelled exterior.
As well as running regular steam and diesel timetabled services, the Severn Valley Railway has regular theme days to attract visitors including
Steam galas featuring many visiting steam locos
Diesel galas where the service is operated by classic diesel locos
Most visitors start their journey at Kidderminster, which is ironically the railways newest station and modelled on the original Great Western Railway station at Ross on Wye.
Kidderminster mainline station is directly adjacent to its mainline counterpart, being only a short walk across the cobbled station frontage. This provides a convenient connection for visitors using the main railway network.
At Kidderminster station you will also find the Kidderminster Railway Museum (www.krm.org.uk) and the Coalyard Miniature Railway.
Bewdley has three platforms and was originally the junction station for trains to Hartlebury or Kidderminster. Adjacent to the station is a goods yard full of wagons and coaching stock.
Highley is a small station but also home to The Engine House. There is only one platform but several lines through the station. This a reminder of the areas important mining past and that industries reliance on the railway to get its produce to the market.
The Engine House at Highley is an interesting visitor and education centre. On display are several steam locos for you to get up close to and get a real sense of the immense size and presence of a full-size steam loco.
Another item of interest is an original Post Office sorting vehicle. Inside you can see how mail was sorted on the go by mailmen in days gone by.
On the upper floor is an excellent cafe and viewing terrace which allows great views of passing trains.
[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid item=”2915″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1480361748635-de2b9bec-7682-0″ include=”2908″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/5TV5MDwb5V8″ title=”View From The Engine House Cafe Balcony”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Hampton Loade Station
Hampton Loade is a beautiful station that seems to be in the middle of nowhere. Trains pass here allowing you the chance to change trains.
The Severn Valley Railways northern terminus station. The buildings date back to the railways original opening in 1862, albeit with numerous changes in that time.
Bridgnorth has a locomotive works and yard. You can get an overview of the works from the platform and station overbridge but access is not allowed.
I suppose this is due to that dreaded ‘Health & Safety’ mantra that dominates the modern world – whatever happened to using common sense and taking responsibility for your own health and safety? Please, don’t get me started![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Photographic Opportunities
On The Railway Photographic Opportunities
There are many factors besides the meticulously restored stations, locomotives and coaching stock that makes the Severn Valley Railway so rich in photographic opportunities.
Each station provides fantastic opportunities for capturing or recreating period scenes. You can document the operational activities of a busy railway scene. Guards and Station Masters interact with the public, drivers attend to their locos and massive locos ooze atmosphere alongside authentic signalling equipment. There is much to inspire photographers.
The attention to detail means many period still life set pieces are everywhere including authentic signage and period baggage.
Interesting pictures can be had at the north end of Arley Station. Trains pass here and you can get some nice images of the trains passing. At the north end of the Platform is a grassy picnic area with a restricted view to the north. You can get shots of the southbound service arriving with the loco of the northbound service in the foreground. Afternoons are better due to the suns position.
At Highley, cross the bridge and walk northwards past the signalbox. Pick a point along the fence to get pictures of southbound services coming round the bend. The trains approach head on before entering the station. Telephoto lenses create a compressed field of vision for this shot. Afternoons are better when the sun has moved around.
The overbridge at Bridgnorth station provides a useful viewpoint of the yard as well as views of trains ready to depart southwards. The view southbound can be tricky with high contrast lighting being a problem most of the day.
The first location is still technically on the railway. The Engine House viewing balcony is an excellent place to relax with a cuppa and view the trains coming and going from Highley Station. I recommend this location in the afternoon as the sun will have moved around sufficiently to light your subjects.
The railway meanders, as its name suggests, through the Severn Valley and at many points is close to the Severn River. At 16 miles in length, the railway passes over several level crossings, public footpaths and bridges, all of which provide lineside photo opportunities.
The Severn Way, a long distance footpath following the River Severn, provides several vantage points for photographing the railway between Arley and Highley stations.
The most well known of these spots features the Victoria Bridge passing over the River Severn just south of Arley Station. This location is a classic photography spot on the railway and features regularly in the railway press. As with the Engine House location at Highley, lighting is more favourable in the afternoon.
You can leave the train at Arley and walk down to the river. Follow the Severn Way northwards towards Highley. Along the Severn way you will encounter several locations that set the railway in context with the surrounding countryside. This walk should be undertaken in the morning to take advantage of the morning light. In the afternoon your scene will become backlit as the sun moves around.
If you were feeling adventurous, it is possible to walk from Bewdley through to Hampton Loade. You would follow Northwood Lane until you came to the Severn Way. The route generally follows the railway and provides many different opportunities to photograph passing trains.
I must stress in the strongest terms, DO NOT TRESPASS on the railway at any time, however exceptional you think your photo could be. Trespassing is illegal. Walking around a working railway is dangerous – trains WILL kill you. Your presence is a distraction for the staff who have a job to do. Ultimately, stupid acts of trespassing usually result in unnecessary tighter controls on those of us who do respect the railway environment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Lasting Impression
My lasting impression of the Severn Valley railway is overwhelmingly positive. For a start the line is a good length and trains are regularly 7 or 8 carriages long meaning the locos have to work hard in places.
Each of the stations are impeccably restored and maintained to represent a working Great Western Railway allowing yourself to be immersed in the ambience of times long since passed.
Add in the fact that the railway passes through some stunning scenery and you have a winning formula.
The railway and the hosted preservation societies provide a nice mix of large and small locos mixed in with matching rakes of coaching stock.
The railway also has regular turns for the diesel fleet which I highly commend. A lot of people think of diesels as boring, but they nevertheless played an essential role in the history of Britains railways.
Preserved railways need to remember that many people won’t remember steam trains active on the ‘real railway’. I’m in my late 40s and never saw a steam train in service. My youth is full of BR Blue diesels with compartment stock working trains to various seaside resorts.
I hope you enjoyed this overview of the Severn Valley Railway. Please take a little time to visit the groups I have linked to as restoring and running railways is an expensive, unglamorous and time consuming labour of love. The groups deserve all the support and publicity they can get.
I would love to hear your views on what I have written and am only too happy to answer any questions you might have.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up I want to save 10% on my purchase!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20save%2010%25%20off%20your%20next%20wall%20art%2C%20phone%20case%20or%20t-shirt%20purchase!|”]Subscribe and save 10% off your next wall art, phone case or t-shirt purchase![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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I have long wanted to travel Europe by train. I recently had a short notice opportunity to travel so decided to have a test run of European train travel. Prague and Budapest have been on my list of places to visit for a long time and were at the top of the list of destinations.
This two part article gives details on some of the sites I used to research and book the trip and features a selection of photography tips for anyone planning a visit to either Budapest or Prague.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Researching Flights and Train Travel
The Man in Seat Sixty-One website is my go-to site to find reliable information about European train travel. I recommend this site if you have any plans to travel Europe by train. If you haven’t considered using the train to get about in Europe then have a look. It may well surprise you how easy and cheap it can be. Looking through the seat 61 website, I found there was a direct train service between Prague and Budapest. Ticket prices were a bargain starting at only €19!
To maximise the available time in both cities, I chose to fly from the UK. The first site I check for cheap flights is Skyscanner. I find Skyscanner is useful because you can choose broad searches. I selected ‘UK’ as the departing airport and ‘Prague’ as the destination and in no time had a selection of flights and prices. I repeated the search to get results for Budapest flights. Comparing flight prices showed flights to Budapest were cheaper. It made sense then to start this trip with a flight to Budapest and then catch a train to Prague.
For return flights, I searched for ‘Prague’ as the departing airport and ‘UK’ as the destination. The first search showed the cheapest flight was £69. I decided to check neighbouring countries to see if there was anything cheaper. I quickly found I could get an Easyjet flight from Berlin Schonefeld to Luton for £19!
I went back to Seat 61 to see how easy it would be to get from Prague to Berlin by train. There was a straightforward service available priced at €39.
So travel wise, everything looked straightforward – a flight to Budapest, direct train from Budapest to Prague, train to Berlin and flight home.
I used Trip Advisor to find suitable accommodation. A couple of well reviewed places were available in both Budapest and Prague so the trip was viable.
I chose to stay for three nights at the Akademia Apartments in Budapest and then two nights at the Charles Bridge Hotel in Prague.
Modern travel is amazing, within 10 minutes I had
booked flights with Jet2 and Easyjet
checked in on both flights
printed boarding passes.
received confirmation for five nights accommodation in two different countries
I returned to Seat 61 to find out about train tickets. The first leg from Budapest to Prague needed booking via the Hungarian Rail Operators website. The site is fairly easy to navigate and buy tickets as there are English versions of the web pages. Be aware there is no print at home option for tickets. When you buy a ticket, you get the usual email confirmation. This confirmation is an e-ticket with a 10 digit reference code at the top. When you arrive in Hungary you need to visit a main railway station. Here you can print your tickets from the internet ticket printing machines. These are blue coloured ticket machines dotted around the stations. Enter your 10 digit reference number and your tickets will be printed.
To find ticket prices for the second train trip from Prague to Berlin, the Seat 61 site advises checking prices on both the German Rail Website and the Czech Rail websites. Prices can vary on each site so you may save some money. I bought tickets from the bahn.de site for €39 each plus €2 per person for a reserved seat. These tickets can be printed at home.
Budapest Airport Transfers
With the key elements of travel and accommodation booked, I researched the smaller items such as getting to our accommodation and the best ways of travelling around at each destination.
The Budapest by Locals website is packed with lots of useful information and is a good read for anyone thinking of travelling to Budapest. TripAdvisor forums are also a useful resource. I found two real nuggets of useful information.
The first nugget was from TripAdvisor. A lot of people were recommending the Budapest Airport Shuttle minibus transfer service. This service takes you straight from Budapest to the doorstep of your accommodation. You can book your transfer in advance. Your confirmation email will include a booking reference.
After collecting your baggage at Budapest airport, simply follow the lines on the floor marked ‘Airport Shuttle’. The lines guide you straight to their booking kiosk. Give the person your printed confirmation and your minibus will be arranged. You are usually asked to take a seat and await your accommodation name to be called. This service is cheap and efficient as it literally drops you off at the steps of your accommodation. The airport is 25km from Budapest city centre and takes about 40 minutes in the rush hour. Budapest driving could be politely described as ‘enthusiastic’ and the shuttle is recommended as a convenient way to avoid this enthusiasm!
Budapest Travel Card
The second nugget of advice involved advice on the public transport network in Budapest. Budapest has an excellent public transport network including buses, trams and metro system. Two travel cards are available – the Budapest Card and the Travel Card. Both cards include free travel on all public transport for a set period of 24, 48 or 72 hours. The difference is that the Budapest Card includes some free entry or discounts to specified attractions and discounts at certain restaurants.
I recommend one of these two cards if you want to use public transport to get around the city.
The 24 hour Budapest Card is 4900 HUF or €17 each
The 24 hour Travel Card is 1650 HUF each or €5.30
There is a lot of discussion about the relative value of each card. On this trip, I found the Travel Card gave the best value. We didn’t have enough time to visit a lot of the attractions but needed to get around easily and cheaply.
If you were visiting for two or three days and intended to visit and enter a lot of attractions, then I would recommend the Budapest Card.
If you were only visiting for two or three days and just needed to get about cheaply then I would recommend the Travel Card.
One thing to note is that there are a lot of venues and discounts included with the Budapest card. You will need to get about a lot to get the most value from the Budapest card.
You can choose to buy individual tickets for your tram or metro trips but be very wary and vigilant in your use of individual tickets. There are several different types of ticket available with differing conditions. You MUST validate your individual tickets BEFORE starting your journey at the red machines on the Metro or in the trams. Ticket inspectors are extremely vigilant in checking tickets. Should you be found to have an invalid or unvalidated ticket they are renown for being extremely firm with transgressors. Significant on the spot fines and threats of police intervention are frequently mentioned on forums by tourists caught out.
I highly recommend the use of a travel card if you intend to use public transport as they do not need validating in any way. You just show the ticket to the inspector when asked.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Accommodation
As mentioned earlier, I used Tripadvisor to find suitable accommodation.
Budapest
In Budapest, we booked 3 nights in the Akademia Apartments on Akademia Utca. This is a one bedroomed self-catering apartment. The apartment is perfect for a couple as it provides all you need for a quiet break. Akademia Utca runs parallel to the Danube one street back from the riverbank. The Parliament building is about 200yds from the front door. If you know Budapest then you will understand how perfect this location is. You are right on the No 2 Tram Line and 350yds from the Kossuth Lajos ter on Metro line 2. This is particularly useful if travelling by train as this Metro line takes you directly to Budapest Keleti railway station.
Prague
In Prague, I booked the Charles Bridge Residence which is about 50 yds on the castle side of the Charles Bridge. The location is absolutely perfect. The Charles Bridge Residence rooms are massive with equally big and comfortable beds. I must mention Michal, the owner, who greeted us and checked us into our room. He is a top guy, extremely friendly and helpful. He arranged no hassle taxi transfers to and from the railway station at a discount rate which were invaluable as we arrived mid evening and had to leave early morning.
I can’t recommend Budapest highly enough as a great destination for photographers, albeit with a slight caveat discussed further below.
There is just so much of photographic interest to see. Below is just a small selection from dozens of places of photographic interest.
Shoes on the Danube
Hungarian Parliament building
Margaret Island
Chain bridge
Buda Castle
Fishermans Bastion
Danube Promenade
As fantastic as these places are in the day, they are utterly transformed at night when illuminated.
Although Budapest is busy with people bustling around, I felt totally safe even with all my photo equipment. At night, I had my tripod over my shoulder with my camera attached walking around and felt safe. I did exercise caution at all times and was always on the lookout for potential problems but never once felt uncomfortable.
The people are extremely friendly and the city is beautiful. As you look around it seems inconceivable the city and people were witness to such brutality and horror for so long.
There are many photos of Budapest on the internet, all very similar, so one of my aims was to capture a different viewpoint on these iconic locations.
Below is a selection of my alternative views on Budapest with the odd classic viewpoint thrown in.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Shoes on the Danube and the Danube Promenade
The promenade provides a nice leisurely stroll along the River Danube. From the Promenade you get great views of the magnificent Buildings and attractions on both sides of the river.
The shoes on the Danube memorial consists of 60 pairs of 1940s period shoes. They commemorate the Jews who were lined up on the Danube’s riverbank bank, executed and whose bodies fell into the river during 1944 and 1945.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid style=”load-more” items_per_page=”3″ gap=”3″ btn_add_icon=”true” btn_custom_onclick=”true” filter_size=”md” include=”36845,36844,36843″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1483967600932-ed90085e-6dac-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Hungarian Parliament Building
The architecture of the Parliament building is truly stunning. The building is of Neo-Gothic styling and was fully completed in 1902.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid gap=”3″ filter_size=”md” include=”18179″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1483967600935-4ac36050-b635-8″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is one of the central tourist attractions and one of the main crossings when visiting the different attractions. There are lots of opportunities to take photos of, and from, the bridge.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”3″ gap=”3″ filter_size=”md” include=”18178,18177,18182,18181″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1483967600936-43862c54-e068-6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Hungarian Photography Laws
So, after proclaiming the delights of photography in Budapest, here is the caveat mentioned in my introduction. In March 2014, the Hungarian government enacted a new ‘civil code’. The code makes it illegal to include a person in a photograph without their prior explicit permission.
If ‘Street Photography’, the capturing of candid day to day scenes, is your thing, then Hungary is not a country that should be high on your list of places to visit.
I have tried to find evidence of actual prosecutions under the modified ‘civil code’. To date, I can’t find any hard evidence of a prosecution for including a person in their photograph. Even so, I wouldn’t want to be the first and neither would you, so exercise caution when taking photographs in crowded areas.
I mentioned earlier how busy Budapest was. In reality, it is almost impossible to take general photographs without people appearing in the shot.
From a professional photographers standpoint, commercial photography in Hungary is fraught with potential problems. I have been reviewing the online collections of the major stock agencies. It seems there is a small number of images available with people in that obviously haven’t given permission. What I do see is a lot of ‘sterile’ photos without people.
What I take from this is that a small number of stock photographers are unaware of the ‘civil code’ changes. A larger number are aware and supplying ‘sterile’ people-less pictures.
That is a real shame as such a vibrant place deserves recording in its true beauty – of which people are a key ingredient.
The EU are studying the wider implications of Hungary’s civil code and is due to report in late June. Let’s hope the report clears up the situation for public photography in Hungary.
So, in summary, be careful if considering using your photography for commercial purposes.
Fortunately, an unintended consequence of the new code means there are plenty of reasons to experiment in close-ups, abstracts and long exposures!
If you are sensible with your people photography then I am sure there will be no problems. Nothing in my caveat detracts from the fact that Budapest is a stunning city, full of friendly people and I heartily recommend you to visit.
Thanks for reading, in part 2 I will focus on the trip from Budapest to Prague.
Please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments
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