66/365: Любитель

Intended going over to the west coast today but the forecast was poor so decided against it . It's felt like spring over here so I think the right decision was made.

Finally got the 1985 Lubitel cleaned up, a film loaded and headed off to Saltaire to try it out... it was great fun. There is something very satisfying about shooting on film with a completely manual and mechanical camera. And with 120 film you really have to think about what you are doing; composition, settings, everything. It's a great way to really learn photography.

This was taken on my compact, looking down into the Lubi viewfinder at the shot I was about to take of one of the Saltaire Lions. 

The 4 lions represent Vigilance and Determination and (on the opposite side of the road) Peace and War. Some believe they were intended for Trafalgar Square but at the last minute the commission was taken from Thomas Milnes and given to Sir Edwin Landseer. But I'm not sure whether there is any proper evidence to support this. 

Victorian parents told their children that every night the four lions came to life, got down from their pedestals and went down to the River Aire for a drink. They would return later in the night, refreshed, and turn back to stone for the morning. 

This lion represents "Peace" and I always think it looks like he's sucking his thumb :)