Spring at its best...

Two years ago, I stumbled upon Brenscombe wood, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, when it was at its finest: light green foliage, and carpeted with bluebells. Last year I returned to the same spot for more images, but was a week or so too early for the full display. I made the mental note to return during the following weeks, but for some reason or other, I never made it.

This year I had the timing; the weather; the full display...only to find the area has now been fenced-off from the public! The well-worn footpath that still crosses the wood is now out of bounds, and a barbed wire fence makes sure of it.

Not to be deterred (I had, after all, cycled thirteen miles to get there) I soon found that suitable angles were still available for some photography. In fact, those responsible for erecting the wire fence provided some convenient supports (fence posts) to steady the camera - an absolute boon in the low light levels - as shutter speeds were slow and apertures were small.


24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/30 second at f/11. - 0.33 V compensation. ISO 500

© 2011

Rather them than me...

I've not take a single photograph that I've been pleased with for a fortnight. It's not for the want of trying, it's just that nothing has inspired me. The creative person goes through these droughts from time to time, and I usually just ride them out...something will always come along (eventually).

I started the day with my first trip this year to Purbeck, Dorset, with the intention of photographing the bluebells in Brenscombe wood, but a rear tyre puncture put the dampers on the shoot before I got there.
Yes, I do carry spare inner tubes, patches, tyre levers and all that is necessary to effect a repair, but when the bike pump fails it can render it all useless, as it did today. Fortunately, a passing cyclist lent me her pump to inflate the patched-up leak, but after this setback I decided on damage limitation, and return home (and to buy a replacement pump). The bluebells will have to wait.

It's not until shortly after sunset that I come across a reverse (or catapult) bungee jump attraction in the lower pleasure gardens, near Bournemouth pier. The passenger cage is suspended with elastic ropes between two telescopic towers, and is held down by an electro-magnet. Once released, the sphere (containing two passengers) rises vertically with a g-force between 3-5, and can reach heights of between 50 to 80 metres (165-262 feet).

Not for the feint-hearted.

70-200mm f/2.8D Apo Sigma lens. 1/400 second at f/4. -0.33 EV compensation. ISO 1000

© 2011

The Lady Wimborne Bridge...

More good weather, plus the spirit of adventure, and I find myself riding the Castleman Trailway in Dorset.  This 16½ mile route follows the old Southampton to Dorchester railway (closed by Dr. Beeching in 1964) and is named after Charles Castleman, a Wimborne solicitor who is largely responsible for the railway. The first trains ran on 1st June 1847.

The most impressive feature along the route - so far as I saw on today's 50 mile ride - is the Lady Wimborne Bridge (photo) that spans the Canford House main drive. One of the most ornately carved bridges in the country, this Grade II listed building was opened on 14th February 1876, and the last train across it before the line closed, was on 3rd May 1976 - almost a hundred years to the day of its building.


24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/320 second at f/11. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 320

© 2011

Too hot to handle...

With temperatures expected to reach 18˚C, I opt to spend the day at the Stour Valley Nature Reserve, Dorset, with a super-telephoto lens, photographing nature. There have been numerous reports of otter activity along the river banks, and I continually keep a watchful eye for such an appearance, but it's a Grey Heron that give me the best shot of the week.

This resident adult bird was moving from rock to rock in mid-river, searching for its next meal. I watched for around half an hour while it made several attempts at a catch, when it suddenly bit off more that it could chew and pulled a perch from the water (photograph). Although it had a secure grip (and very possibly punctured the fish with its bill), it soon became obvious that it was too large and heavy to handle, let alone swallow, and allowed the fortunate fish to fall back into the river.


300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14EII converter. 1/2000 second at f/6.3. - 1 stop EV compensation. Monopod. ISO 400

© 2011

Rear derailleurs and fertility rites...

Whoever promotes cycling as a cheap mode of transport has got it all wrong. Since buying a mountain bike almost two years ago, it has cost over half as much again of the initial cost with upgrades and parts replacement. Only yesterday the rear derailleur failed on a ride, leaving me with only one gear to limp home on.

Today, I fit a replacement and set off to the local river for a test ride and some spring shooting. Glorious spring weather continues and the trees are beginning to acquire pale green foliage. The hawthorne  (Crataegus oxyacantha) is in flower (photograph).

At one time thought to have magical properties, hawthorne flowers were once used to decorate May poles, the centrepiece of ritualistic fertility dances.


24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S Nikkor. 1/640 second at f/11. - 0.67 EV compensation. ISO200

© 2011