Heartbreaking! Street photography in Cardiff during the lockdown. Finding the beauty in the sadness

[@tazchars8857]

amazing pictures as always.never been to Cardiff it looks really lovely compare it to sheffield.

[@jbairdexp]

I really appreciate the shots you are capturing in these videos. The lack of people and shops being opened is producing some unique shots for sure. I haven't been into my local town for over a year now!

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

You get very into your photos mate. Great walk around I wanted to do this last year but never did. Your photos will be used in history in times to come.

[@antonoat]

You have a real skill for pulling the detail out of the chaos, great work Gareth.

[@TheIppoippo]

Lived in Cardiff from 2006 to 2013 (original from West Wales, currently living in Tokyo).... This is the first bit of footage of lockdown Cardiff I've seen... it's so bizarre to see it compared to "lockdown lite" that we have here in Tokyo.

[@dtay345]

Great video. Like the POV followed by a critique of your best shots 👍

[@johna6968]

Always enjoy the uploads and some great shots to boot.

[@ianford9661]

Great work Gareth! I agree with Gary Gough, it’s so important to document these uncharted times we’re in. It’s a sure thing, in years to come, there’ll be photo exhibitions to highlight the dramatic affect COVID had on our towns and cities. Keep it up mate!

[@davidellinsworth22]

Bloody hell. Never seen Cardiff so empty. You're right, it's heartbreaking. Great documentary shots

[@GarethDanks]

Horrendous mate. I left twice. Couldn’t face it lol.

[@jamesamoh7340]

Wow, still in lockdown. I’m happy you’re documenting and witnessing the Covid the events that happening and you showing us something that even the best-written article or book cannot convey. Stay safe! 🙏

[@JohnChubbSr]

Excellent video! The photos are going to be historical when people look back at what happened. I love the photo with the lady walking in the photo with the railing, lots of geometry there! For myself, I am frustrated how all this happened, and infuriated with politicians. But, I will leave it there and give you a big thumbs up for this Documentary.

[@jimjanus3710]

I think the photo of the Millennium center, (time stamp 19:08) with no inside or outside is brilliant. You are the only person we can see. You sad that you didn't like the photo , but I think it looks like a well done double exposure. I have been to Cardiff Bay and must agree with you how upsetting what has happened because of this pandemic. Well done Gareth.

[@acmdv]

0:52 that bike you passed looked like a perfect shot for a series about the emptiness of the shopping/city centre.

[@richardmoult9781]

Nice video , we live in very strange times! Roll on Easter when I fell / hope! we may get a little bit of freedom back ?

[@geoffmphotography9444]

A good lockdown story with excellent images and yes, I would put the 'red chair' on the wall. Great image.

[@ianhamer4294]

Sad to see but it needs to be documented. You did a good job and got some nice shots too.

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks mate. Non for the portfolio but it’s documentation

[@thefirstman2007]

That shot of the red chair! 👍🏻👏

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Great shots Gareth, I've been thinking about purchasing a 50mm prime for my X-S10, you have some great examples that are steering me into that direction.

[@SimonWestPhotography]

Wow not seen Cardiff like that. Can’t wait to get back to busy summer evenings down by the Bay.

[@GarethDanks]

Me too mate. So bad it’s upsetting

[@diannerobbins3498]

I’m from Merthyr and now live in Oz and seeing this was quite upsetting. I’m desperate to go back to see family, but obviously can’t. The images are fab. I think the guy in the mask looking into the empty rundown pub says it all really.

[@paulf1767]

Was that the subway under Boulevard de Nantes? I read somewhere there are plans to close it so get your photos while you can. A great video and I guess challenging to tell the human story with so few around.

[@GarethDanks]

Yes mate. I didn’t know that. Very sad. I think I need to try Again

[@rillaman1]

Given inspiration to document my city in Hereford. Also had my copy of F8 through the post last week. Love it. Respect Brother 👍

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

love how you find compositions from nothing, a technique that people should use in other areas of photography. Such a shame to see city's like Cardiff like that. I am originally from Glasgow and I can't imagine being empty.Thanks for sharing top class as always.

[@malcolmgibbs5826]

Hi Gareth. Enjoyed this vlog immensely and it inspired me to head into Dundee city centre where I took zero shots! It was really sad to see it and it was freezing! By the way, appreciate your advice re X-H1 a while back. I bought a nearly new new one from a dealer and I flippin love it. It just feels so solid and well put together. Cheers for that! 👍🏻

[@GarethDanks]

Hey Malcolm! Thanks for that. Yeah I loved that camera. Glad you enjoyed mate. 😊

[@tonydesarzec907]

An important documentary video Gareth. To see Cardiff like this is very sad indeed. I wonder what will happen next to many of these businesses. Anyway, a really great piece of work. Well done.

[@atroche1978]

That first shot was a good one. I started shooting street with a 35mm on apsc. Then I tried shooting with a 50mm on apsc. It was definitely a challenge getting used to it, but once you do, it definitely has it's place.

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks mate. I am used to it but normally shooting wide open. Hard for dof tho.

[@atroche1978]

@@GarethDanks yeah even at f16 you're really not getting a huge DOF. I guess that's where the luxury of modern AF comes into play. Helps a ton.

[@GarethDanks]

Yeah I just accept it for what it is at5.6 and work with it haha

[@atroche1978]

@@GarethDanks true!

[@lindonfc]

Just curious are you talking of Full Frame Eq of 52mm & 75mm. If so 75mm would be a challenge. I was using 28mm = 42mm which seemed to be my sweet spot.

[@WelshPhotographer]

Great vid! Damn lockdown, we could of met up, snapped away and had a natter along the way. Love that red chair image. I'm going to have to stop by on the weekend and take that shot also 👍

[@aghahanta108]

Great images as always Gareth. You said in the video you would post a link to one of the photographers in your F8 mag who has a wide varied style, can you share?

[@GarethDanks]

Sorry yes I forgot to add that. His Instagram is don_stevie

[@nancymontforts3792]

Hi, what a sad situation, but great documented. I see that u use Bridge for showing your photo’s. Do you also use Camera Raw for processing, or do you use a different program for your workflow?

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks Nancy. Yeah love bridge but annoys me it doesn’t have a histogram!!! And mainly then over to lightroom to edit. 😊

[@CraigPitts]

Never seen Cardiff so empty that's crazy!

[@GarethDanks]

Horrible mate. Very upsetting

[@keyoguitar]

So strange to see you in my city. It's been difficult here for a while now, with mainly homeless people on the streets, and I never take photos of the homeless for personal ethical reasons. You ended up doing what I do, just looking for interesting images of reflections etc..You've done a fine job though: I also like the chair, in particular the 2nd chair pic. Great vid as always. Hopefully Covid will all be over soon and the city will return to its usual bustling self.

[@GrandslamTim1]

I'm from Cardiff, thankfully things are getting busier, great shots mate

[@GarethDanks]

do you think those shops will re open?? soooo many have been emptied!! horrendous

[@GrandslamTim1]

@@GarethDanks unfortunately probably not by original vendors, hope they don't get turned into fast food outlets or mini supermarkets as they ruin the character of city centres, we need independent shops in my opinion

[@Bonsees]

The guy on the scaffolding was just taking social distancing seriously 😂 You still got some lovely photos, though, very evocative

[@PeterArnold1969]

Beautiful representation of a city in full lockdown 🔒. I think that the broken window - which you thought was a gunshot - was probably caused by a hammer blow. If international travel into Australia was allowed, you would love Sydney at the moment. Hardly anyone in the state of New South Wales is wearing a mask, and they're not compulsory. The cafes, restaurants, and pubs are also back in business. I feel so sorry that Wales is in lockdown. Hopefully things will change for you very soon, mate. Chin up.

[@supermario1982171]

Who was the other photographer you where talking about

[@StewartChambers]

15:35 - would google streetview show you what the old shop was?

[@GarethDanks]

Yes it would. I did think of that lol. Honest haha

[@CarolyneMacMillan]

I'm really interested in your magazine but being in New Zealand and freight delivery being random at the moment I'm not sure when they would arrive. If you ever decide to offer a digital subscription I'm in. I get most magazines digitally nowadays :)

[@GarethDanks]

We send lots to NZ.. seems to take about a week :-)

[@CarolyneMacMillan]

@@GarethDanks Sounds like you have a strong fanbase down here :)

[@markjagger7139]

The smaller towns seem to be busier the the larger cities, maybe they just seem it with them been smaller. Great shots and vlog Gareth, keep safe

[@davidpearce2981]

Keeping a record is important, nice one

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks mate. Gutted I didn’t get any keepers tho. Would have been nice. Might try again soon.

[@healthilysceptical4501]

I agree with your point about using a variety of styles/approaches as with the guy in F8, too often photographers impose their style rather monotonously, lonely person with angular architecture/shadows is becoming such a cliche. But I know there is a commercial reason for having a distinctive style as with painting. I think it's good when people respond to the variety of reality in a variety of ways. Glad to hear the guy in F8 inspired you to do non-Danksian photos :-)

[@normanpritchard1377]

I was in Durham a few days ago, loads of people sitting or walking around drinking takeaway coffees.

[@martinroberts7337]

Bizarre seeing Cardiff and the Bay like that, not been in shooting for months. Very sad. Nice video though, 'Red Chair' 👌 👌👌

[@stevesvids]

The guy on the scaffold is most likely Urbex Explorer. They will climb up scaffolds etc to find access to all types of buildings to explore, film and photograph. Its Trespass but Trespass is not a criminal offence unless you are causing damage, stealing or have been asked to leave by the property owner. A whole new world of photography has just opened up to you there Gareth 😄🤔🤔🤔👍

[@marksnellingphotography]

Google Assistant.. Remember where I've parked 😉 nice one Gareth 👍

[@GarethDanks]

Haha. I took a photo of the road sign haha

[@chriseustace5832]

I like the 2nd pic of the red chair 👍

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks mate. 😊

[@andrewlunn]

Sure is sad to see places like this these days

[@geoffhoward2171]

You say how sad it is, which I agree, however there are many shops in Queen Street that died with the arrival of John Lewis, that store has done an immense amount of damage to the city.

[@GarethDanks]

Very true mate. I guess it’s more obvious now they’re all closed and without people.

[@geoffhoward2171]

@@GarethDanks You could see it happening within six months of the store opening, and it is not as if it is a cheap store, I find prices there on the high side. Did you get to the forest above Talbot Green after?

[@GarethDanks]

Ah yes you suggested that place thank you. No not yet. Needs leaves haha.

[@richarddutchholland4780]

Great video of my home city.... don’t think it was a gun shot, just some moron throwing something at the glass. I’ve walked these streets over the last couple of months with the X100v and it’s been my favourite time. Something we’ll hopefully never experience again

[@TonySmith-cd7jo]

Saturday afternoons in Bristol are manic, You would think there was no lock-down. No shortage of subjects there.

[@ianscott947]

It wasn't much better between the lockdowns, even leading up to Christmas. The city centre hasn't been "normal" for almost a year. I have to pop in tomorrow and I doubt I'll take a camera.

[@GarethDanks]

I can’t see how it’ll recover mate

[@ianscott947]

@@GarethDanks It'll recover as the economy recovers. Not sure about the big Top Shop or the huge Debenhams as there's not many companies willing to take on such big spaces.

[@JVSwailesBoudicca]

Sadness everywhere, in all shapes and forms. You are a bit brave to tackle this. Your photos will come into their own years down the line when life regains (hopefully) normality .

[@GarethDanks]

Very sad indeed. I walked out twice lol.

[@keithsandercock1412]

My favourite among this collection? The first red chair photo without the reflections. If Cardiff is in lock down, how is it that you are out and about?

[@GarethDanks]

Because it’s my job mate.

[@Viator19]

I documented the NHS 100K protest in London and it was the most powerful thing Ive ever been to.,

[@nanseysinclaire1716]

I thought it was ironic the sign said cruelty free with an image of a rabbit beside what looked like a gun shot to the glass in the door.

[@RM831BC4E4]

Will watch after the football.

[@ianscott947]

By the way the empty shop has been empty for at a couple of years,so those people are very late or really confused and the falling apart pub isn't falling apart , thats just the way The Queens Vaults is.

[@alberttrouble272]

Assume this was a weekday?

[@GarethDanks]

Yeah last Wednesday I think lol why?

[@alberttrouble272]

@@GarethDanks I would think it may have more people at the weekend? I live near to Bridgend, but not been to Cardiff for ages due to covid. 😣

[@johngrant5448]

Britain is finished and I think it's time to be thinking about leaving for somewhere warmer and cleaner and normal.

[@GarethDanks]

I said the same mate. And would if I could

[@johngrant5448]

@@GarethDanks I know what you mean, I'm old enough to remember what Britain used to be like in its hayday, covering weddings all over the country. It isn't even a parody of its former self and I think we'll be forced to leave in the end. The whole place is in a terrible mess already and there won't be anything to sustain life soon.

[@acmdv]

Has anyone told you that you sound a little bit like Ricky Gervais?

[@GarethDanks]

Haha no mate. Actually Carl pilkington once tho 🤣

[@acmdv]

@@GarethDanks I noticed it on a few videos but wasn't sure how you'd take the comment.

[@GarethDanks]

Haha. Why? It’s funny 😂

[@acmdv]

@@GarethDanks Well you never know if someone else will see the funny side like you ( I ) do. I had it happen to me on Instagram last week, I told someone they should be angry with the photographer that took the photos they put up on their feed (they were really bad, made her forehead look massive). But instead of admitting that the photos were bad I got criticised for being "negative and mean". What was worse was that they weren't just promoting the model (they were the one that posted the photos in their feed) but also the makeup & outfit as well and to cap it off it was the salons in-house photographer that took the photos!

[@healthilysceptical4501]

​@@GarethDanks You remind me of one of my former students, Zed Nelson, who's also a pretty good photographer :-) - and now film-maker: "The Street". Verbal tics are funny too, you use "So, yeah" and "really, really..." a LOT :-) How about using more of the riches of English: very, extremely, wonderfully, exceptionally, etc but not awesomely - leave that for the Yanks :-)

[@duaneshort186]

I wanna let you know, sadly, I will not continue watching this video. Mid-roll ads are too annoying. Please let KZbin know that they are ruining their own platform.

[@GarethDanks]

You are 100% right. It’s ridiculous!! I keep forgetting to go in and amend the settings. I’ll do that now. I’m so fed up with youtube.

[@duaneshort186]

@@GarethDanks Thanks for understanding. I wouldn't blame you or other creators for trying to use any means to get revenue, but KZbin is off the deep end. Hope things work out for you.

[@GarethDanks]

I’ve just amended it. Thanks for letting me know. Hope you can enjoy the rest of the video now.

[@GarethDanks]

It’s in the last few weeks I think. I didn’t realise mine were doing it too. I used to hate just one in the middle. I noticed one had 4 in it!!! 😖

[@Joe-Bazuka]

You've probably been asked before but have police stopped you yet while doing street photography? obviously its your job so your entitled to do it.

[@GarethDanks]

Nope. Non. And as you say they couldn’t t anyway. Well I guess they can ask.