Missing out

Frequent bouts of heavy rain - followed by patches of clear skies, is what inspires me the most to get outside with a camera, and this morning has it in spades. The sheer drama of it all is worth the 4am alarm when conditions are this good, and trudging through the torrential downpours to reach a chosen location is all part of the fun. However, there are those I know that disagree with me. 

But then again, they don't get the shots that I get. 

© 2024

Making my own luck

At this time of year the sun has moved round far enough to start rising over the sea, heralding the start of my winter photographic season. A stiff breeze is blowing today, but sky isn't likely to provide anything memorable. There's also several other photographers dotted around the beach in a bid to catch some drama, and all of them are working on tripods with long lenses. In that case, I want something different.

The local pier has a colony of pigeons that roosts on its framework during the night, but descends to the beach in search of breakfast at first light. Positioning myself upwind, it's just a matter of waiting for a dawn dog-walker's dog to espy the flock, and gamely get them airborne. I get off three frames and select the second one for this post. The near-circular lens flare is the (accidental) icing on the cake.

 © 2024

Animal, vegetable, mineral

I've borrowed the title of this post from a 1950s British TV panel show, as it's not immediately obvious as to what the subject of the photograph is. This, or course, this was my intention when I fired the shutter. What initially caught my eye were the patterns caused by the ripples of light, but having uploaded the file for processing, I noticed aspects of the image that suggest that it's a living organism.

It isn't. It's just water draining onto a local beach from a pipe in the sea wall, viewed directly from above in the early morning light..
 

 2024

The Purbeck chalk ridges

 

Walking the chalk ridges of the Isle of Purbeck makes for some good exercise, with stunning views thrown in as a bonus. It's early autumn, and the light during the day is beginning to exhibit promise, as shown in the photographs of Nine Barrow Down.

The top image shows the path that leads to the top of the eastern end, with the Dorset village of Ulwell and Ballard Down in the middle distance. Beneath that, the picture taken at the western extremity reveals the path that descends to the village of Corfe Castle, picked out in the early afternoon light.

© 2024

Frightfulness on the North Lawn

Seaview - the wooden sculpture by Salford-based artist Hilary Jack is situated on the North Lawn of Salisbury Cathedral, and is (predictably) causing a stir from the local community.  Described by some as 'a pile of stacked up wood' or 'unlit bonfire', the temporary artwork is drawing criticism from residents of The Close as well as one or two visitors. 

Jack has described the work as a "dramatic visual representation of the sea reclaiming homes from the coastline in Norfolk", and is intended to highlight coastal erosion due to climate change.

Of the few that I spoke to at the time of taking the photos the general consensus was positive, but try telling that to the locals that have to endure this 'eyesore' until October.

© 2024

Blue Caddy

No doubt at one time someone's pride a joy, an ageing blue Cadillac parked on a side road awaits restoration. Exposed to the elements, nature has chosen its own colour scheme.

© 2024

Ephemeral pareidolia

Walking the surf line on the beach has always fascinated me as a photographer, as you never know what you may find. On this bright morning I'm prowling the area with a macro lens, looking for interesting shapes washed up after some rough weather, but I have to work quickly as the tide is beginning to turn.

Here - and using a bit of imagination - I see a green-winged bird (top), and a horseman galloping across the sands. In both instances, and almost immediately after I fire the shutter, the seaweed images were washed away forever by the incoming waves.

© 2024.