Dorset Coast Protection Works 2009/10...

The coastal protection work enters its next phase on Southbourne Beach, Dorset, with the replacement of the damaged wooden groynes ( #51 and 52), that were built 35 years ago to reduce longshore drift. The material used is locally sourced Portland Stone rock armour, and the work is expected to be complete by February next year (weather permitting) at a cost of £800,000.

As well as slowing the erosion of the coastline, the groynes will, over time, become colonised by a range of sealife that is adapted to 'rock pool' conditions.

18-35 mm f/3.5/4.5 AF-D Nikkor. 1/200 second at f/11. +0.33EV. ISO 400.

© 2009

Hole in the sky...

There's something about seascapes when shot, or in this case, converted, to monochrome, especially when the light is dramatic. Although not a repeat of last weekend, the weather remains unsettled - and often stormy.
Arriving just after sunrise I only get a few minutes of light at Hengistbury Head, Dorset, before the next front comes in from the southwest, bringing with it strong winds and rain. I continue shooting for an hour or so, but it's the early shots that are the best of the day.

70-200 f/2.8 Apo Sigma lens. 1/3200 second at f/5.6. -0.33 EV. ISO 400. Converted to mono in Photoshop.

© 2009

All clear...

The colours and arrangement of the child's abandoned beach bucket in the early morning light catch my eye (image), as I ride along the sea front at Bournemouth today.
Yesterday's storm has passed, and there are light winds and blue skies: but it's not over yet. The Met Office predicts more unsettled weather in the coming week, although not as severe as the past day or so.

50 mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor. 1/320 second at f/10. -0.33 EV. ISO 400.

© 2009

Autumn storm...

The southern half of the UK has been battered by the first storm of the winter months this weekend, with heavy rain, flooding and winds gusting up to 100 mph (161 km/h) in the English Channel, causing disruptions to travel and structural damage to buildings. This has made bike riding too hazardous, so suitably attired I set out on foot for some images of people struggling against the elements.

I choose the approach to Bournemouth Pier for my location and try to find a sheltered position to watch and wait, out of the gusting wind, which is strong enough to put walkers off balance. The rain, plus sand whipped up from the beach stings any exposed skin every time I change position to get a better angle. Not the most comfortable of conditions for photography: being battered by the squalls makes holding the lens steady almost impossible, and I have to rely on fast shutter speeds to get sharp images. Keeping the front element of the lens clear of airborne salt spray is a constant vexation, but in these circumstances I use a protective filter in front of the lens, which makes cleaning easier. Challenging as all this is, I enjoy shooting under such adverse conditions, getting pictures that add another dimension to my photography.


Top: 70-200 f/2.8 Sigma Apo lens. 1/1600 second at f/2.8. ISO 800.
Bottom: 50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/5.6. +0.33 EV. ISO 320

© 2009

Autumn has arrived (in the UK)...

The mild conditions that have been prevalent across the UK for the past month came to an abrupt end today, with strong winds and dropping temperatures, and in many places, heavy rain. Dorset, at least where I am, was spared the precipitation for the time being.
Not one to be daunted by a light breeze (30mph/48kmh winds) I set out on my bike for some seasonal images.

My first call was the Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour. The tide is out when I arrive, and gulls and oyster catchers are probing the exposed sands for food. Watching the behaviour of these birds reveals a clear hierarchy when it comes to feeding. The larger gulls tend to ward off the smaller birds from potential feeding sites. While this may be expected in the grand scheme of things it's more disconcerting to see larger gulls harass and chase another (smaller/younger) bird that has made a catch, often forcing it to drop its meal. This is then snapped up by the pursuing bird. Fascinating to watch, but too far away to photograph with any degree of success.

Although I ride over twenty miles looking for suitable subjects the overcast conditions remain uninspiring, and it's not until I'm on my way home that I make any exposures at all, capturing the last rays of daylight as the sun sets behind the Isle of Purbeck hills (image) at 4.35pm.

300 mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor (VR off). 1/6400 second at f/4. -0.33 EV. ISO 200.

© 2009