Although nothing more than an optical illusion produced by the chalk cliffs of Alum and Scratchell's bay when viewed from the right angle, the Isle of Wight polar bear is known to most of, but surprisingly not all, the local inhabitants of Poole bay, Dorset. The effect is only apparent from a specific stretch of coast, whilst residents of the island are generally blissfully unaware of the effect.
I photographed the trompe l'oeil from Southbourne beach this afternoon, with the Needles rocks and lighthouse, some nine miles distant, to the right.
300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14EII converter. 1/1250 second at f/5. -0.33 EV compensation. ISO 400. Monopod
© 2010
2 comments:
As you so rightly say many of the residents of the Isle of Wight are blissfully unaware. I have lived on the Island for 19 years and found out about the Polar Bear today from another resident who only just found out about it. Funnily enough, my sister lives in Southbourne and although I have been there many times have never been aware of this beautiful sight. Thanks for capturing it.
I first became aware of it in the mid '80s, but never did it justice in a photograph until today.
Post a Comment