Dragonfly...

I thought it would be a good idea to return to Corfe Castle and photograph the steam trains, but not so. After shooting a number of pointless images (there was no steam running, and diesel engines just don't hold the same fascination), I opt for damage limitation and head for RSPB Arne, and photographing the Sika deer. This also proved less than fruitful, as the only deer visible were in herds in fields: also pretty boring. However, there were dragonfly present at the nearby pools of standing water, so I concentrate on those. It soon became evident that I was not equipped with the right lens for the job (a 300mm f/2.8 just won't focus that close), but I persevered and got some acceptable images, such as the Four-spot Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata). This dragonfly gets its name from the dark spot on the nodus, half way along the leading edge of its wing.

© 2008

Old trick...

...but still effective. Back in the olden days of film and wet prints, hand colouring mono images was a time consuming technique, and mistakes could be costly in both man-hours and materials. Image manipulation using Photoshop allows the same results in a fraction of the time, and also greater control over the entire process.

The image, shot early today, took around twenty minutes to produce, from RAW file to web-ready finished article.

© 2008

Afterthought...

As an afterthought for today's posting, I include an image of the construction of Boscombe Spa Village, photographed from the beach during mid afternoon, today.

© 2008

Ice cream weather...

Having made the decision to start the May day bank holiday weekend early, I venture out along the Dorset coast in search of something interesting to point my lens at. A beach promenade kiosk display (image), offers a selection of refreshments for passing trade. Unfortunately, it was not open for business: a missed opportunity for sales, as the pedestrian traffic was swollen by the fine spring weather during late afternoon.

© 2008