More New Forest ponies...

The storms that were forecast to sweep the UK during the night didn't happen, and the wettest summer since records began is given a glimmer of hope for the coming week. Whilst this good weather window continues, I'm planning to take advantage of whatever early morning light is available with further visits to the New Forest, primarily to photograph the variety of ponies that seem to have appeared this year. The early evening shoot didn't go as I'd hoped today: the ponies were "thin on the ground" at my chosen location, but I'll try again at dawn tomorrow. Can't waste all this light.

© 2007

Hey...over here...

With further threats of torrential rain and flooding across the UK this weekend, the southern half of Britain promises to have good weather. For the second consecutive day, the dawn breaks with clear skies in the New Forest, so again I take advantage of the light to get shots of the wild ponies.
Having sought, and taken, advice on how to get the attention of these animals, I stand up to my knees in the heather as the sun rises, making all sorts of clicking, whistling and rustling sounds to make them look at me before I shoot. Nothing works. They only look in my direction when I move to get a better angle, or they just raise their heads anyway. Patience is obviously the answer ( I knew that, but short cuts are always welcome). I think they ignore me deliberately.

A break in the weather...

It's been a while since I've been able to get out with a camera. The weather in the UK has been unsettled for weeks, with many parts of the country suffering flooding. However, today's dawn was clear, so it was a trip back into the New Forest to get some pony images under early morning light. The problem with photographing these animals, is getting their attention. It's easy to shoot away as they graze for food, but this is not particularly desirable for producing good portraits. They only look up occasionally (usually when I'm maneouvreing into position, thus missing the shot). I need to find a suitable way of getting their scrutiny when I'm ready to shoot, other than clearing my throat (which doesn't work, anyway) or by any other means at my disposal.

© 2007

New Forest family...

The sky was clear at sunrise, and there was a low-lying mist covering the heather: conditions were ideal for some moody shots of the New Forest ponies feeding at dawn, but they're not to be seen anywhere. For nearly an hour I wait for them to make an appearance from the cover of the trees where they'd spent the night, and eventually the family in the image wander into view. I manage to get three or four shots before they head off in a different direction that I'd hoped for. Oh, well. Maybe another day.

© 2007

7/7/7...

This date only occurs once a century, and some consider it to to be lucky because of its number content.

The image of Canada geese was shot at Cadman's Pool, in the New Forest at 7:00 am today in an attempt to increase the chances of a good result.

© 2007

It was 50 years ago today...

To paraphrase The Beatles' Sgt.Pepper album, it was 50 years ago today that Lennon met McCartney at the Woolton Parish Church Garden Fête on Saturday 6th July, 1957...the rest we know.

Boscombe pier develpoment seems to have to slowed to a snail's pace, as there is little visible progress, although I'm sure something is going on. I was informed by the local surf shop that despite the objections lodged by local fishermen, the town council is behind the construction of the artificial surf reef. As one surfer said "Let's wait and see".
Ditto.

© 2007

The Baddest Blues Band Ever...

Today was the last day of the Bournemouth Music Festival, and it featured a performance from The Baddest Blues Band Ever. The line up: Rob Koral-guitar, Zoë Schwarz-vocals, Si Genaro-harmonica, Malcolm Creese-double bass, Steve Darrell Smith-Hammond organ and Dave Wallace-drums, played a fine set as the sun came out for the afternoon crowd in the town square.

All images © Richard Brewer 2007