It's a ship...

Temperatures remain low, even for December in many areas of the UK, and although the high pressure that was dominant over the south for the past week has now moved away the conditions remain settled.
The image, shot today, shows an occasional break in the clouds as the sun highlights a passing ship. I decided a mono treatment of the photograph was more appropriate as there is little colour variation in the original image.

85mm f/1.4D Nikkor. 1/1250 second at f/4.5. ISO 200. +0.5 exposure compensation. Converted to monochrome in Photoshop.

© 2008

Boscombe surfers...

Today's plan was to photograph the sunrise with a super-telephoto lens - except that the conditions were not as I was led to believe. At 4:30am the sky was clear, but by the time I was ready to leave the house three hours later, the sky had unexpectedly clouded over.
Sunrise for this time of year at my location (Lat. 50˚ north) is shortly after 8:00am, but cloud on the horizon obscured the event. I did take some token shots once the sun broke over the cloud bank, but by then it was too high for the images I had in mind.
I eventually wandered toward Boscombe pier, where some surfers were active on the west side. This gave me my best photo opportunity of the morning, and although the surf was nothing special I get a number of action shots from my vantage point on the pier head.

300mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor with x1.4 TC. 1/1000 second at f/5.6. ISO 400 (all images).

© 2008

Coastal erosion...

A recent report by the National Trust tells of around 200 miles of south-west England's coast that is crumbling into the sea, but despite this the National Trust is intent on letting nature take its course. This natural action of both wind and waves has had a similar effect on the graded sand that was being used in the construction of Dorset's artificial surf reef. The pile was bulldozed flat during mid-November after work on the site was suspended, and now it is beginning to disappear due to longshore drift. I can only surmise that the sand will have to be re-graded once construction resumes again in April 2009 - adding to the overal costs, no doubt.
The image, shot just after sunrise today, is of frost covered sand at Southbourne, Dorset.

12-24mm f/4 Nikkor. 1/160 second at f/11. ISO 400.

© 2008

Dorset knob...

Having spent the last few days peering through the viewfinder at the grossly distorted images of ultra-wide angle lenses, I make use of the remaining good light of the weekend by photographing with a 50mm lens. This focal length produces a normal perspective very much like the human eye sees, and it's ideal for detail shots as it has the ability to close focus. The use of such prime optics requires forward planning, as well as some contortions on behalf of the photographer, but the results can be worthwhile if you are prepared to get in tight.

I concentrate on the door handles and paintwork of the local beach huts on the Dorset coast, lit by the late afternoon winter sun, as these can make interesting subjects, especially the ones that show the results of weathering such as the image here.

50mm f/1.8 Nikkor. 1/60 second at f/10. ISO 200.

© 2008

Still something fishy...

OK, as I said in yesterday's post, too much fisheye can become overindulgent, but this chunk of glass is a breath of fresh air to my photography; so indulge me. With an angle of view of 180˚ it becomes easy to include various body parts in the image, such as my feet or arms, so it requires careful handling to get good results. But on the plus side, the depth of field is huge, so images from just a few inches from the lens to the end of the universe are sharp!
The photograph was taken on Boscombe pier this morning, looking east.

10.5mm f/2.8 Nikkor fisheye. 1/250 second at f/11. +0.5 exposure compensation.

© 2008

Boscombe Manor update...

After a year's break work has started on the renovation of the exterior of Boscombe manor, Dorset. The image shows the current state of the work where the rendering has been removed, exposing the original brickwork. As well as a medical centre, the site will also contain several residential appartments.
The building, which dates back to 1801, is the former home of the son of poet Percy Bysshe Shelly (hence the building being known locally as Shelly Manor) and his wife, Mary. She is best known as the author of Frankenstein.

18-35mm Nikkor. 1/320 second at f/8. + 0.5 exposure compensation. ISO 200.

© 2008

"Fishing" on Boscombe Pier...

A break in the erratic weather gives me the opportunity to use a new acquisition to my lens collection, so it's off to the local pier in the search of some graphic images. Fisheye optics have limited appeal, and persistant use can quickly diminish the impact of such lenses, but used judicially they have a place in the photographers bag. One virtue of such extreme optics is the fact that I don't have to worry unduly about converging verticals or level horizons as the distortion inherent in the lens banishes the straight line, except for those at the centre of the image. There is software available to correct such aberrations, but that would be boring, would it not?

10.5mm f/2.8 Nikkor fisheye. 1/100 second at f/13. +0.5 exposure compensation. ISO 200.

© 2008

Stormy weather...

Snow is falling across much of the UK this weekend, but so far has not made it to the southern coast. Instead we are being subjected to strong winds and heavy showers, interspersed with periods of blue sky and sunshine. Not being deterred by such conditions (in fact I rather enjoy them) I set off along the seafront at Boscombe in search of images. As is the norm there are the usual individuals who are prepared to brave the conditions, whether it be cyclists or joggers, but Boscombe pier was deserted when I arrived to shoot the above image this morning.

12-24 f/4 Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/8. ISO 400. The image was converted to mono in Photoshop.

© 2008

Home from home...

Overcast weather conditions are forecast to be prevalent over the weekend, so it's time to get in close and shoot detail rather than the bigger picture. It has always fascinated me how some people who own beach huts along the Dorset coast try to make them extensions of their own homes by adding personal touches to the exterior, as well as what goes inside them. As part of an ongoing project I include two examples shot this morning of just such decorations; one simple, one a touch more flamboyant.

Top: 85mm f/1.4 Nikkor. 1/160 second at f/4.5. ISO 400.
Below: 85mmf/1.4 Nikkor. 1/160 second at f/5. ISO 200.

© 2008

Boscombe surf reef delay...

The construction of the Boscombe surf reef will now not be completed until next year. Adverse weather conditions set the project behind schedule from the start, and now with fewer hours of daylight and colder sea temperatures it is being deemed unsafe for divers to continue working at the site. I was advised today that next week will see the final sessions on the reef before work stops for the winter, whilst the remaining sand pile is being levelled by a bulldozer (image).
Work on the surf reef, which covers an area the size of a football pitch, is now expected to be resumed in April 2009, with completion by September.
A plus side to the project is the proliferation of marine life that began to establish itself on the reef after the first few days of the geotextile bags being lowered into place.

Nikon D300. 85mm f/1.4 Nikkor. 1/250 second at f/4.5. ISO 320.

© 2008

The humble 50mm f/1.8 lens...

This autumn seascape was shot today using the humble 50mm 'standard' lens. At one time this much maligned lens usually came as standard (hence the name) with every SLR camera you bought, but in recent years has been superceeded by a short range zoom lens, giving the first-time photographer more flexibility. Zooms were more exciting to use, and as their quality improved the 50mm lens fell out of favour. This, however, is a mistake. Both Nikon and Canon produce these lenses, and the f/1.8 version that I used here is an absolute bargain. Currently costing around £77 the lens is small, lightweight and comes into its own in low light. Stopped down, it produces excellent sharpness from f/5.6, and costs so little (compared to other prime lenses) as they are easy to manufacture. All in all, worth every penny.

Nikkor 50mm lens. 1/1600 second at f/5.6. ISO 200.

© 2008

A flying duck...

I have recently upgraded my camera body, but it was not until today that I had the opportunity (or the light) to see what it could do. So, deftly dodging weather fronts, I head to one of my favourite locations in the New Forest, Hampshire, to photograph everything that is autumn, and hope for good light.
One of the reasons for the upgrade was for the superior focus tracking of moving subjects, and it's the ducks at Eyeworth pond that are the subject of my lens. Of course, ducks merely bobbing around on a lake are no real challenge for any auto focus system, so I needed to get them airborne (and flying towards me) to get the shots I'm after. This usually works with the promise of an easy meal, so I entice them with wild bird food (not bread - it does them no good whatsoever) to my side of the water. It took several attempts to get the birds on the right flight path before I got anything useable (top image), and the AF system coped well, bearing in mind that I also added a x1.4 teleconverter to increase the reach of the lens.

Top image: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR lens with TC-14E converter. 1/1250 second at f/4. ISO 320.
Below: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR lens with TC-14E converter. 1/320 second at f/5. ISO 400.

© 2008

Dyslexic builders..?

Time restrictions prevented me from processing the majority of yesterday's shoot, but as good dawn light was not forthcoming today I decide to spend the time editing the images. The photograph is of the show apartment on-site for Boscombe Spa Village, complete with the legend "Welocme to Honeycomb Beach"[sic]. It would appear that the recent bad weather has dislodged several of the letters of the word 'Welcome' and someone has made an attempt to correct the problem (albeit without total success - the 'O' has come adrift again). Unfortunatey, sometimes you can be too close to the situation and not see the bigger picture! I wonder how long it will be before site management see it and have it corrected.

Nikkor 12-24 f/4 lens. 1/125 second at f/10. ISO 100.

© 2008

Return of the beach huts...

Six colourful beach huts (at least that's what they seem to be) have appeared in front of Boscombe Spa Village during the last week (photo). The original huts were removed during the early stages of construction and relocated east along the seafront near Portman Ravine. Now that the front of the development is finished it remains to be seen if these cabins are a permanant fixture or just a temporary measure.

Nikkor 12-24 f/4 lens. 1/60 second at f/10. ISO 100.

© 2008

Boscombe pier approach sculpture...

Late afternoon, today:
A construction worker brushes sand between the flagstones at the base of the sculpture that has become a feature of a new roundabout on the approach to Boscombe pier, Dorset. Also part of the regeneration scheme, the modern art sculpture, at an all-in cost of £70,000, is made from of a single piece of granite sawn in half and polished, and depicts the rising and setting of the sun and moon. The piece was designed by aclaimed British artist Simon Hitchens.

Nikkor 12-24 f/4 lens. 1/180 second at f/11. ISO 200.

© 2008

Eyeworth pond...

Although unsure of this morning's weather forecast I decide to chance it and drive the twenty-odd miles to Eyeworth pond, in the New Forest. It's still dark when I arrive, but this gives me time to check camera settings, take in the mood of the location and to drink coffee. There's a low mist on the water as the dawn begins to break, creating an ethereal setting, but the wildfowl are absent. I make the usual token shots of some distant ducks, but it's becoming evident that the 300mm lens is not going to be enough on its own, so I attach a x1.4 teleconverter to give myself more reach.
It is past eight in the morning before the sun begins to light the surface of the pond, and by now there is more activity from the local wildlife. Oddly, it's the coots that are to the fore today, whilst the ducks keep out of range for anything like frame filling images. Although the trees lining the pond are yet to produce their full autumn display, there is enough colour in their reflection to make the above image of a coot more than just an average photograph.

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 VR lens with Nikkor x1.4 TC. 1/400 second at f/5.6. ISO 400.

© 2008

The best zoom - your feet..

The colours and smells of autumn are beginning to kick-in, and photographic opportunities abound when the light is good. Today, I take advantage of what threatens to be the best light of the weekend in east Dorset, and decide to travel with minimal equipment. This consists of an SLR body and 50mm standard lens. Being deliberatly restricted by just one focal length compels the photographer to work much harder for images (no zooming with the lens - none of that stuff), but in my opinion produces better results as I am forced to use my feet to find the angles.
This is evident from the image here, where I had to get low with the camera to shoot the grasses against the afternoon sun. Had I had the option of the various focal lengths a zoom lens offers I wouldn't have been working so hard to find pictures, and may well have passed this option by.

Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. 1/2000 second at f/8. -0.33 exposure compensation. ISO 160.

© 2008

Photographing the light...

There were none of life's insignificata to fend off today, and the intended early start was no problem. As predicted by the weather people (makes a change) the day dawned with heavy mist, and by 7:30am I was already walking the New Forest in search of suitable subject matter; and today it didn't disappoint. Having made a number of "warm-up" shots while the rising sun began to burn off the mist, I eventually come across a mare and her foal (image) and begin to shoot in earnest. From my point of view, early starts and light like this make it all worth while. Although to a large degree the subject plays a major role in the image, it's also just as valid to photograph the light, which can make or break a picture. In this case, it works.

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/640 sec at f/2.8. ISO 250.

© 2008

Baby jenny...

I'd originally planned a pre-dawn start today, but what with one thing and another, it all came to naught. So, it was into the New Forest, but much later in the day: late afternoon, to be precise. I was after images of ponies drinking from the local water hole (it always pays to have a predetermined objective when going out shooting - it helps to focus one's energies), and set myself up in a suitable position. I waited over an hour for two ponies to wander over and drink, during which time I managed three shots before the pair left the scene - and that was it...gone!
I was just on the point of packing up and going home when I hear the distant braying of donkeys, so I decide to search them out and make them the subject of my lens (it always pays to be flexible, or have a contingency plan). I find a mother with its "baby jenny" (image), and fit a wide angle zoom to get some up-close and personal photographs. I had no choice really, as she insisted on standing right next to me, and I had to work quickly to make some space between us to get her in the frame. It's the use of such a lens at its widest setting and at close quarters that produce the comical effect. These images turn out to be the best of the day.

Nikkor 12-24 f/4 lens. 1/80 sec at f/9. ISO 125.

© 2008

Spot the pony...

Today, I decide to pay an early morning visit to the New Forest; my first visit for some months, as I tend to give the summer a miss - too may people around. Autumn colours there are now advanced, with the bracken and silver birch trees both beginning to give displays of golds, reds and browns, mixed in amongst the greens.
I made the decision to travel light, and only packed a 70-200 f/2.8 zoom lens for photographic purposes. This proved to be a mistake, though not a disasterous one. It's the first time I've used this lens to shoot images of ponies, and whilst it is capable of good results, and allows greater freedom of movement, it doesn't lend itself to being shot wide open. It needs stopping down to get the best from it. In other words, I prefer the shallow depth of field that my 300mm f/2.8 produces, giving the pictorial effect that I'm after. This, of course, is off-set by the considerable size and weight of the lens, but as we all (should) know: quality comes at a price.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/750 sec at f/4. ISO 200.

© 2008

Railway "staff"...

I've decided to base myself at Corfe Castle, Dorset, for the week, primarily to shoot images of the heritage railway, but also to learn something about the running of a single line system.
Several times over the past two weeks, I've seen a pouch with a hoop passed to the fireman of a steam train by the signalman as it enters a section of line. This is called a 'staff' which contains the 'token', which the driver needs to enter the next section of track. Each token is specific to the section of track to which it belongs, and gives the driver the authority to enter the next section of single track, knowing it is clear of other trains, whichever direction they may be running.
The image shows the signalman holding the staff aloft for collection as 80078 enters Corfe Castle station this morning. The castle is clearly visible in the background.

Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. 1/250 sec at f/8. ISO 200.

© 2008

Autumn equinox and heritage railway branch lines...

Today, it is the first day of autumn in the northern hemisphere, and paradoxically we are experiencing something of an Indian Summer here in Dorset. So, with little hope of photographing anything seasonal I decide to revisit the heritage railway at Swanage.
It runs through the Isle of Purbeck, and in particular, Corfe Castle, where the images were shot. The area was serviced by rail from the 1850's until 1972, when the line was closed and the track lifted. But by 1975 plans were formed to relay the rails and operate the system as a working museum.
The atmosphere of a bygone age created by the volunteers lends itself to a sepia treatment of the images, rather than full colour, and was achieved in Photoshop.

Image 1: Milk churns - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4 lens. 1/80 sec at f/4.5. ISO 400.
Image 2: Corfe Castle station - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4 lens. 1/180 sec at f/9. ISO 125

© 2008

Last of the summer whine...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again; once spring has come and gone, there is little that inspires me from a photographic point of view. Admittedly, there is that special light that can only be found at 5:00am on a summer's morning, but it is only fleeting (assuming that it happens at all). After an hour or so the light just gets too brutal as the sun climbs its near-vertical way up from the horizon. By contrast, once autumn is here the angle is far more genteel, allowing for all day shooting, especially during the winter months. That said, it's just two days away from the autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere (22nd), and at last seasonal differences are becomming evident. Some tree leaves are already turning to golden browns and reds, and dawns are somewhat cooler than of late, with the occasional nip in the air. My time of year is coming round again. Nice.

The image was shot at low tide on Boscombe beach, shortly after sunrise today.

Nikkor 12-24 mm lens. 1/60 sec. at f/8. ISO 320. 0.9 grey grad ND filter.

© 2008

Boscombe Surf Reef construction (latest image)...

The construction of the artifical surf reef off Boscombe beach, Dorset, continues while the fine weather persists. The image, shot today, shows the barge anchored at the end of the pipeline (outlined by the marker buoys) being used to pump sand into the geotextile bags. The reef is esentially a ramp that will affect the way waves will break, doubling the number of good surf days per year.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/200 sec at f/8. ISO 100.

© 2008

Swanage Grand Steam Gala (day 3)...

Although not originally part of this weekend's schedule, I make a last miniute decision to visit the Purbeck based restored steam railway for some more images. This decision was influenced by yet again another poor weather forecast (I really should know better by now), and conditions turned out more favourable than I expected. Today, I shot up-line from yesterday's location, between Corfe Castle and Harmon's Cross, again using a long telephoto, and occasionally a x1.4 teleconverter. The first image, however, was shot with a moderate wide angle lens and shows Eddystone on the first run of the day. The second image is of 30053 - Drummond M7, which spent a number of years in the USA until 1987. I'm reliably corrected by track-side enthusiasts that it's not smoke that exits the chimney of railway engines, but exhaust, and this photograph shows the engine "clagging" (identified by the pillar of smoke...I think).

Top: Nikkor 18-35mm lens. 1/500 sec at f/8. ISO 250.
Below: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/1000sec at f/3.2. ISO 125.


© 2008

Swanage Railway Gala weekend...

This weekend sees the three day Swanage Steam Gala, with four steam engines being run continously. These include fare-paying passenger trains, and one freight train with the engines being rotated for the chore. Two of the images, shot at Norden station, depict two of the numerous volunteers that made proceedings run smoothly: one a driver, the other a guard who is seen here manually changing the points (one of several responsibilities the position encompases). The other image is that of 34028 "Eddystone", the 'West Country' pacific class locomotive, which is currently owned by Southern Locomotives Limited, photographed between Corfe Castle and Norden stations.

Image 1: Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/1250 sec at f/2.8. ISO 160
Image 2: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens with X1.4 TC. 1/750 sec at f/5. ISO 400.
Image 3: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens with x1.4 TC. 1/160 sec at f/5. ISO 400.

© 2008

Bournemouth Air Festival OK'd for 2009...

It's been reported that Bournemouth council are already making plans to stage a second air festival for August 2009, due to the overwhelming success of the inaugural event. It has been estimated that around 750,000 people descended on the town during the four days the event was held. Perhaps next year we will get the Avro Vulcan!

The image is of the Eurofighter Typhoon, shot yesterday afternoon, just as it started to rain.

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/1000 sec at f/2.8. ISO 200.

© 2008

Bournemouth Air Festival (last day)...

Although poor weather restricted the scope of the aerobatic displays; low cloud and occasional rain, there were still substantial crowds occupying every vantage point for several miles to see the likes of The Red Arrows and a solo display from the Eurofighter Typhoon (very impressive performance - and very noisy).

The weather being what it was, I've decided not to post any images shot today, but instead include an image shot yesterday of the last airworthy de Havilland DH 110 Sea Vixen in the world, which is based at De Havilland Aviation, Bournemouth Airport. The photo shows the undercarriage lowered, and the arrester hook in the carrier-deck landing position.

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/1000 sec at f/4. ISO 100.

© 2008

Bournemouth Air Festival...

Day three (of four) of the inaugural Bournemouth Air Festival, and an estimated 300,000 people fill the seven miles of cliff tops and beaches, taking advantage of the summer sunshine. From what I experienced it has so far been a great success, with various aerobatic display teams - notably the RAF's Red Arrows - as well as solo performances from both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The big dissapointment was the cancellation of the appearance of the Avro Vulcan, all down to the repair of a minor technical problem, which was unable to be passed by the relevant inspectors in time for its scheduled slot. There was, however, another Avro-built aircraft present in the shape of a World War II Lancaster "City of Lincoln" bomber (first image), so all was not lost.
The second image shows some of the crowds, plus other attractions organised by the local council.

Both images: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/200 sec at f/11. ISO 100

© 2008

Boscombe Surf Reef construction...

It's difficult to assess the progress being made with the construction of the artifical reef at Boscombe, Dorset, as most of it takes place under water, but as the pile of processed sand is diminishing it would be reasonalble to assume that something is taking place. The image shows the pipeline (not deployed) in the foreground through which the material is being pumped into the geotextile bags, although as it's the weekend (and a bank holiday one at that) there's no "hive of activity" for me to photograph.
The white-painted re-furbished beach chalets can be seen in the middle distance.

Sigma 70-200 lens. 1/320 sec at f/11. ISO 320.

© 2008

A lone dog walker...

On the south coast of the UK we are well into the latter half of summer, and there is even nature's first hints of autumn. Horse-Chesnuts (conkers) have been visible on the trees for several weeks in my locale, and the spiny cupules of Sweet-Chesnuts are already being blown from the branches of trees; something that usually can be expected during October. Even so, it's still a bit early to be getting excited about all that low, raking light that comes with the winter months ( I can hardly wait).
The light is also changing, and early morning mists are more frequent, giving the photographer something to work with other than the brutal light of a summer's day.

The image is of Southbourne beach and Hengistbury Head, Dorset, shot at around 7:00 am today.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/750 sec at f/5.6. +0.6 exposure compensation. ISO 200.

© 2008

Boscombe surf reef...

More evidence of the construction of the artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, was visible today. While the sand that will be pumped into the geotextile bags that give the reef its shape continues to be "harvested", a barge (image) pulls the pipelines, through which the sand will be pumped, into position. There was at least one diver on hand to ensure things went according to plan, whilst an RNLI lifeguard patrols the area on a jet ski.

The Isle of Wight "polar bear" is visible in the upper right third of the image, next to the world-famouse Needles rocks. This is an optical illusion of the cliffs of Scratchell's bay when viewed from this part of the south coast.

Today also saw the opening of the 29th Olympic games in Beijing. I'm not one for opening ceromonies, but do enjoy the games itself. I like the running, jumping and sand-pit events the most (kidding).

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/320 sec at f/5.6. ISO 200.

© 2008

Not in my back yard...

Another image of Boscombe seafront, documenting the construction and redevelopment of the area. Despite the noise and disruption of the beaches in the immediate vicinity of the pier, the building of the artificial surf reef is becoming something of a tourist attraction. However, this is not to everyone's approval, as some people that have recently taken up residence in the partly completed Boscombe Spa Village are complaining about the noise. What do they expect if they move onto a building site? These people are also responsible for the suspension of weekend work on the site for the same reason: noise. I look forward to seeing how they react to the influx of surfers and other toursists once everything is completed.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/320 sec at f/8. +0.67 exposure compensation. ISO 200

© 2008

Six hours apart...

Two images that illustrate the difference between shooting at either end of the day, or around noon. The first image, shot at 6:00 am in the soft light of dawn, shows the more industrial side of the river Stour, with electricity pylons dominating the landscape, and the Muscliff sewage treatment works in the background. The second image, shot under mid-day sun, shows work continuing on the Boscombe artificial surf reef, with sand being moved around the beach in preparation for filling the geo-textile bags, once in place and submerged.


Pylons: Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens. 1/60 sec at f/6.3. 0.9 ND grad filter
Beach scene: Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/200 sec at f/8

© 2008

Boscombe surf reef underway...

Visible signs of the construction of the artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, are now apparent. The making of the geo-textile bags that will give the reef its shape is now underway at a "secret" location in Poole, while the image shows sand that will be used to fill the bags being stockpiled on the beach, just to the east of the pier, after having stones and other debris removed. I placed the word secret in inverted commas, as the location is supposed to be closly guarded, but it seems that everyone I spoke to on the seafront knows where the secret location is!

Nikkor 12-24 lens. 1/100 sec at f/11. ISO 200.
© 2008

The world-famous Throop cows...

Well, not exactly. Throop, on the Dorset Stour, is more renown for its coarse fishing than its bovine counterpart, but I needed a title...
The image was shot at 6:00am today, just as the mist was being burnt-off by the sun; the cows were the icing on the cake. Contre-jour shots like this always pose exposure problems, and I used 0.6 and 0.9 ND graduated filters together to hold back the tree and allow some detail to be retained in the foreground.

Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens. 1/350 sec at f/5.6. ISO 200. +0.67 exposure compensation.

© 2008

What to do next...

This time of year doesn't work for me, from a photographic point of view. After the onset of spring, and the photographing of all that comes with it, I find myself in anticipation of autumn and something more atmospheric. That's not to say that there is nothing to be had during the summer months, but you need to be up early, or stay out late to get light worth using. Today, I try for some inspiration by shooting with a long zoom lens; something I have become less accustomed to over the past few years. Although more flexible than the prime lenses that usually fill my bag, I was surprised at the reduced quality that this lens delivers compared to my normal optics. It's still an OK lump of glass, but can't compare to top-flight lenses in colour and contrast, and needed more work than usual in Photoshop to get acceptable results.
The image, shot at around 7:20 this morning from Southbourne cliffs, shows Boscombe Spa Village beneath its crane, and a cliff lift car in the foreground.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX lens. 1/2000sec at f/4. ISO 400.

© 2008

Learning To Fly...

Although she has the right idea, this mandarin duckling's wings are not yet developed enough to get her airborne. Photographed at Eyeworth pond today, this is one of a family of six young that have survived thus far, unlike the other mandarin family I have taken an interest in (June 28th post) that have no surviving young at all.

Those not interested in the technical aspect of photography can skip this bit, but as of this post I'm going to include brief technical details to accompany each image.

Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens. 1/1500 sec at f/2.2. ISO 200.

© 2008

"Summer" weather...

Because of various distractions, I didn't get around to posting the latest image, yesterday: today will have to do.

The summer weather continues over the southern half of the UK (image) with high winds from the south west, and heavy rain. It was this weather front that arrived at the Silverstone track in time for the British Grand Prix, yesterday afternoon.

The photograph was taken mid-morning looking east, toward Hengistbury Head, Dorset.

© 2008

Surf's (finally) up...

The much awaited artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, is finally to be started at the end of this month, and be completed by the end of the year "at the latest", as stipulated in the Bournemouth council contract. The cost of the reef, said to be Europe's first, is currently £1.4 million.
There are a number of instruction schools set up, waiting to take advantage of the expected influx of surfers once the reef is ready. Once such school is shown here, breaking from theory to get some practical experience amongst the waves. The revamped beach chalets and restaurant (yet to be finished) and Boscombe Spa Village (ditto) are in the background.

© 2008