Morning mist...

Undoubtably, the best way to assess the weather is to look out of the window. The web based weather forecasts are a rather hit or miss affair, and today was no exception. The cloud cover, admittedly, did appear as predicted for the second half of the day, but the clear start was omitted from the augury.
On arrival at my favourite location, I was greeted with the bonus of morning fog (always photogenic), through which the sun would occasionally burst, creating a continually shifting luminosity to the landscape: ideal for some atmospheric images of the ponies in the New Forest National Park. They didn't disappoint, and again were there in numbers. I shot a number of images using the 300mm f/2.8 lens, but later changed to the 85mm f/1.4 to give a different perspective to the shoot. The image was made with this lens.

© 2007

Cravings...?

I was surprised to learn today that ponies eat gorse: not just the flower, but the spiky leaves as well. Since the mares are now showing visible signs of pregnancy, maybe it's just a craving they get whilst in this condition. Why else would they eat such vegetation that must be hard on the mouth?
The pony in the image, however, showed no signs of this behavior, and only ate grass and heather (at least, whilst I was present).

© 2007

They call it stormy, er... Friday...

The weather this week is about as unpredictable as it gets here in the UK: and that's in spite of the forecasts! Today, heavy rain swept down from the north, accompanied by strong winds. There were the usual mix of afternoon strollers and dog walkers enjoying the winter air on Boscombe beach, but they soon disappeared as the storm front (image) rolled in. I stayed only as long as necessary to record the event, before beating a hasty retreat myself.

© 2007

Feast of Stephen (Boxing day, to you and I)...

The weather forecast was accurate today, so out with the 300mm lens and into the New Forest in search of the ponies. The location I'm now using seems to come up trumps every time, and there must have been at least two dozen just waiting to be photographed. In fact, two ponies obligingly moved into a suitable position shortly after I arrived, and I was able to get numerous shots in good light and pleasing backgrounds in no time at all.

© 2007

Beside the seaside (revisited)...

My original plan for today was scuppered by the weather, and as tomorrow's forecast promises to be better, I decide to stay local. Despite persistent rain, not to mention the fact that it's Christmas morning, there are always those brave souls determined to be in the great outdoors, come what may. So, on with a pair of wellies; out with the umbrella, and off for a relaxing stroll along Boscombe sea front to build up the appetite, no doubt, for the hardy couple in the image. Surprisingly, they were not alone.

© 2007

Boscombe Spa Village (latest)...

Boscombe Spa Village continues to rise above the seafront, and in some cases, the cavity insulation for the apartments is now in place. The image, shot yesterday, is indicative of the progress to date, as construction has come to an end before the holiday period starts.

© 2007