Bridge on the River Stour...

Mad dogs and photographers go out in the mid-day sun... Not quite as Mr. Coward intended, but at this time of year, and at that time of day, I can expect little to photograph.

It's funny, but during the morning, an image I had shot some years ago of two men cleaning the build-up of weed on the concrete slopes of Throop Weir - up to their waists in their waterproof bib and braces; wielding scrapers on long poles - came to mind. For some bizarre reason (maybe it's the heat) I leave home just before noon and cycle back to the location, as if I expect them to be there once again, doing the same job.

Of course, they're not; the weir does not need cleaning at all, but I am surprised to find some sort of maintenance activity going on. Work has just started on the building of a temporary footbridge to divert walkers whilst the current bridge, which has stood on the site since 1972 when the river was diverted, is replaced. Work on this permanent structure, as well as the removal of the environmental control mechanism at the weir's middle, is scheduled to start next summer at a projected cost of £300,000.


24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/1600 second at f/5.6. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 320


© 2012

Just not trying...

They were right (the weather people): the summer has come, and it is taking no prisoners. Today reached 26º C on the South coast (tomorrow is forecast to be hotter still), and that is more than enough for this particular outdoor photographer. I fear the worst as the humidity is set to rise later in the week. Oh dear!

It is gone 6pm before I venture out with my camera, and even then - stood in the sunshine on the cliff tops of Southbourne, Dorset - it is bordering on oppressive to me. I'm in search of the kestrel.

I get everything but: gulls aplenty, sparrows and crows -   I even watch swifts catching insects in the still air of the early evening - knowing I have no chance of photographing them without a huge slice of good fortune. I elect not to try on this occasion. Yes, fortune favours the brave, they say, but I'm not really in the mood. Kestrel or nothing!

I get nothing.

I struggle, photographically, at this time of year, and unless there is a particular event to shoot I'd sooner not bother, but with a bit of perseverance I do come up with something. The yacht, becalmed, it seems, is some distance from the shore, but it's the subtle hues of the sea and atmospheric haze on the horizon that catches my eye: the boat itself relegated to a small (but significant) focal point.  


300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14EII converter. 1/1250 second at f/5.6. + 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 320


© 2012

Summer...

Summer has arrived in the UK! Great rejoicing, you would think - and I am sure there are many that are - but for me, not so. Sure, I like it warm (not hot) but the light during the middle of the day when there are clear blue skies is all but unusable; brutal, in fact. I go for an afternoon beach ramble with my camera, but come home empty handed, image wise.

It's on days like this that the early morning/early evening sessions pay dividends, so I set of again (this time on my bike) to a specific location with my biggest lens, in the vague hope of  photographing the local kestrel that hunts along the cliff tops of Poole Bay, and specifically, Southbourne.

Of course, it doesn't show up. I shoot endless images of various types of gulls sailing past on the summer breeze, but my intended target makes no appearance. In between bouts of scouring the skies for the bird I occasionally point my lens elsewhere, and capture this couple strolling in the distance, enjoying the evening air on Boscombe beach.


300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14EII converter. 1/2500 second at f/5.6. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 400


© 2012

Wide eyed...

Next week not only sees the start of the London 2012 Olympics, but by all accounts, the start of summer. It's about time! Everywhere I look - be it on the internet; local or national television -  it promises rising temperatures and dry conditions, and I am beginning to believe it. Thinking about it, all the forecasters can't be wrong, can they? The fact is, I will miss the unsettled conditions, if only from a photographic standpoint.

For today's photo adventure I'm using a wide angle zoom lens, but after being used to the properties of telephoto and standard lenses it takes a bit of time to get my "wide eye" seeing again. It's true: your eye gets used to certain focal lengths if used continuously, and it takes a bit of time to allow for the brain to adjust to all that information coming in.

It didn't take very long, though, as today's image taken on Southbourne Cliffs, Bournemouth, shows. It's a showery afternoon, but there is a lot that can be said for heavy clouds and broken sunshine, as it produces the most wonderful light and gives the sea a green hue where it breaks through.

I chose my location carefully to allow the various tonal planes and textures to evenly contribute to the composition, or echo other elements, such as the white surf and the light sky on the horizon; or the sea and sky. I was also lucky that two figures wandered into shot at the right moment, which help to give the scene a sense of scale. All I had to do was to keep a watch and keep awaiting for the light to arrive.


12-24mm f/4G Nikkor. 1/1250 second at f/8. - 0.67 EV compensation. ISO 200


© 2012

Wall boxes and regnal numbers...

Today, I thought I would simply post a colourful photograph, but needed to shoot one first. Ooo, I love a challenge and I've had enough of all this grey and mono conversion treatment to my photography. Time to splash out a bit. Weather conditions were ideal: bright but overcast, since the imminent summer - at least that was the way it seemed to be suggested by the forecasters - was taking its own sweet time coming.

It comes to me during my search that street signs, and in particular, traffic signs, might make an interesting photo essay of an afternoon's ramble, but quickly forget all about that when I happen upon the scene here.

I've photographed this wall box before; given it the digital treatment and posted the result here on the blog. However, today there will be no such jiggery-pokery. The GR cipher on the front of the post box (presumable standing for George Rex) in script - with a small VI (the regnal number) - between the initials on the front dates it to the reign of King George VI (1936-52), but the traffic cone (much later), used by nearby workmen resurfacing a road - contrasts in both shape and hue and it clinches the deal.

Oh yes, the design on the cone designates a temporary restricted parking zone, but I have no idea as to the significance of the OXO graffiti.




24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/200 second at f/5.5. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 400


© 2012

It's going nowhere...

The summer is threatening to get started in the UK - well, so the weathermen say - as the jet stream that has caused so much record rainfall over the past few weeks moves further north to where it should be at this time of year.

This is possibly born out by the fact that today the sun shines; the stiff winds have dropped and people are out making the most of it. In fact, I go out twice to shoot: morning, and then again during mid afternoon. I snap a few frames of nothingness on the first outing, but more or less draw a creative blank on the second. It had clouded over somewhat by then; still bright, but no interesting light. I spend a while chatting to a fellow photographer that I run into about this and that - shooting the breeze, so to speak (if you live in America), but decide to call it a day and make my way home. The last thing I expected to come across was the Olympic Torch.

Well, not the Olympic Torch (if indeed there is such a thing), but an Olympic Torch all the same, carried by one of the 8,000 runners along the 8,000 mile course to London itself. The owner was stood in his garden with it, proudly showing it off to a young lady, who, herself, seemed suitably impressed. At first I thought it might be simply a replica, but once I saw the London 2012 running gear I knew it was the real deal. I asked if I might take a few shots of him with the torch, and he readily agreed.

We discussed the notion that the Games were not that popular in the UK, and both concurred that this was incorrect, purely due to the large numbers of people that had turned out to welcome the runners - all selected because of their significant contribution to the community. He went on to tell me how the kids he works with have all embraced the Olympic Spirit, supported by the fact that they had all made their own model of the torch.

I won't mention the man's name, but I'm told he works tirelessly for charities (himself a veteran of 10 marathons over the past 6 years), raising thousands of pounds for such worthy causes as Julia's House; Help and Care and Positive Action (himself having lived with HIV for half his life). He also patiently explained to me how the 1kg torch was deactivated after his run in Bridport, Dorset, so as it could never be used again for its designed purpose. I jokingly asked him if he intended to put it on eBay: "It's going nowhere near eBay" he assured me, with a knowing smile. Good man.

Oh yes, he let me hold it for a few moments. Thank you, sir.


300mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor. 1/400 second at f/5.6. + 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 400


© 2012

The surfer remains...

I have the feeling that, come two weeks or so from now - just when it is needed the most - all this wind that seems to be relentless at the moment, will die away and leave the Olympic sailing events just along the coast with a flat calm. In fact, catching the end of the early evening television weather forecast for the coming week, I heard the chap mention that summer (if it ever materialises) - although not quite here yet - may be just around the corner.

Hope springs eternal.

In the meantime I make do with strong winds and the occasional shower. I spend part of the afternoon on Boscombe Pier, shooting anything that attracts my attention. I had made a number of photographs of a talented kitesurfer further along the beach earlier, but once again curse my lens choice. It always seems that when suitably equipped with telephoto lenses I don't get the subject content, and vice versa. Never mind.

There are the usual handful of surfers by the pier, but it is this shot of the running couple on the beach that I decide is the best frame of the session. Out of interest, I removed the surfer stood on the waterline in the middle distance, just to see the effect it would have during post processing, but the shot didn't work without the third figure. The fact that my main subjects are leaving the frame creates a tension in the image.


50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/8. ISO 400


© 2012

The Olympic Torch comes to town (reprise)...

I am lucky enough to live in an area where the London 2012 Olympic Flame makes an overnight stay, so I am able to have a second bite of the cherry from a photographic perspective. This time the location is Boscombe.

Once again, the streets* are lined with thousands of people, cheering on each member of the relay - each running a mile with a torch - dispelling the myth that the British people are somewhat blasé about the Games of the XXX Olympiad. It is just not the case from what I have witnessed, with people of all ages - including parents carrying babies - taking the time and trouble to witness this once-in-a-lifetime-event. Although London is the only city to have hosted the modern Games three times, it is unlikely that those present this morning will ever see its like again.


Unlike yesterday, I have to be up and out relatively early for the shoot, but this time have no hesitation as to what lens I am going to use. Not only that but I won't have to contend with the large crowds to make my escape once it is all over.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I briefly contemplate a 300mm f/2.8 lens for the job, but quickly decide that it will be too unwieldy in a crowd situation and opt for its smaller, slower counterpart. The busses carrying the Olympics promotion machine appear and roll by - music blasting - preceded by police on motorcycles who are also in the spirit of celebration - some even blowing on whistles, which adds to the carnival atmosphere. Funky, or what?

At 8.56am the runner appears: I take three considered photos before letting loose a burst of 15 frames (just to make sure), allowing my subject to run into the shot... and it is all over. Just a few seconds, but worth it all the same.


300mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor.

Top: 1/1600 second at f/4
Left: 1/640 second at f/4
ISO 400


* I use the word loosley: there is only one street in Bournemouth (Orchard Street - and it is tiny). Everything else bears the name; road, avenue, close, crescent etc..

© 2012

The Olympic Torch comes to town...

The 8 o'clock news on the radio this morning appeared to give the impression that a significant percentage of the UK - polled by someone or other - is less than interested in the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics. From what I witnessed tonight this is simply not true.

Day 56 of the torch relay, and the Olympic Flame travels through Dorset - the county that will host the sailing events in Weymouth and Portland - witnessed by tens of thousands of spectators that lined Bournemouth's roads this evening - and that is not including those attending the free concert held on the beach once the torch had arrived.

I had agonised for most of the afternoon over what choice of lens(es) to use for the shoot. I knew I wouldn't have much time as the torch bearer passed, and I felt two camera bodies with suitably different lenses would not be practical, so I pack my bag with the Holy Trinity (12-24mm;  24-70mm and a 70-200mm zooms to cover all bases) and elect to decide on which one once I get into position. I arrive about an hour early and immediately opt for a standard zoom. I then spend around 50 minutes checking and rechecking my settings and waiting for this once in a lifetime event... before checking it all over again as the crowds began to build; and then checking it again...

I finally convince myself that everything is as it should be, and to leave things alone; but moments before the torch procession arrives I change my mind (and lenses) and fit a telephoto zoom. A wise move, as it turns out, as no sooner does the runner appear than the crowds surge across the road to get closer. Had I used my original choice of lens I would have got very little (apart from enthusiastic bystanders), but my second guess optic saved the day as I was able to isolate my subject and get the shot.


70-200mm f/2.8D Apo Sigma lens. 1/640 second at f/4. + 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 500


© 2012

The job's a good'un...

It must surely be one of the easiest jobs going at the moment: weather forecaster in the UK. Just wave a hand arbitrarily at a map of the British Isles; say "rain here" and the job's a good'un. Okay, it's not their fault we are having the conditions we have, but I reckon they are not losing any sleep over the accuracy of their predictions at the moment.

Of course, this is all tongue-in-cheek, and the precipitation we are all becoming oh-so-used-to isn't going to stop me taking photographs. I do, on the rare occasion, contemplate shooting some still life images indoors, but that notion gets quickly dismissed as I would rather be outside. Someday, perhaps.

As it happens, I'm struggling to find anything remotely interesting to take pictures of. There is a limit to how many grey skies and deserted beaches I can photograph before it becomes monotonous to do, let alone look at, but that changes when I take shelter from the persistent rain on Boscombe Pier, Dorset. As I sit and peer into the gloom (I have the structure to myself), I espy the safety railings reflected in the wet decking and see light and shapes. Out comes my camera.


70-200mm f/2.8D Apo Sigma lens. 1/160 second at f/8. ISO 640


© 2012

Peak season...

Four days ago it was announced that the RNLI were braced as their peak season got underway. This is, of course, wonderful news for the "thousands of people" who are expected to use the beach over the coming season - except there are very few. At least for the moment. I walked for over a mile and counted three bathers actually in the water (all in the same spot), and around ten others cowering here and there from the windblown sand: the unpredictable summer continues.

It isn't until I arrive at Boscombe seafront that there is any sign of people enjoying the Blue Flag beaches; most notably school kids playing beach volleyball. Whether this is inspired by the looming Olympic Games - the sailing events are held in the county - or not is open to conjecture, and only the threat of a thunderstorm (photo), it seems, might possibly quell that ethos. We will never know: the kids pack up and leave and it doesn't rain.

The spirit of the games is beginning to make its presence felt locally, however, as the Olympic Torch itself is scheduled to pass through the area this coming Friday (the 13th) and Saturday, on day 57 of the 70 day journey around the UK - a once-in-a-lifetime event that I hope to photograph and include in these pages.


24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/11. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 200


© 2012

Redcoat...

I've given up with weather forecasts: I will go out and shoot and adapt to whatever nature throws at me. It is a challenge, not knowing what I can expect, and it does produce images that are a bit more interesting. Besides, there is no end in sight of it all, so I might just as well get used to it.

This afternoon is shower-dodging time; something I do very successfully as they roll in from the West, and either pass just out to sea or slightly inland. Either way I get great light and stay dry - what more could I ask for?

I'm carrying a super-telephoto lens; an optic I particularly like using as it appears to compress perspective and make objects seem closer to each other than they actually are (the distance between the camera and the dark headland near the top left of the frame being 2.7 miles (4.3km), as with this seascape photograph, taken during one such shower at Southbourne, Bournemouth. A shadowy Isle of Wight lies in the distance, some 12 miles (19km) away.

There is but one man and his dog using the beach, highlighted against the sand by his red coat. Although an old photo tinting trick, I retain the colour of the coat having converted the scene to monochrome in Photoshop. Understated, but very effective if the subject allows.


300mm f/4D AF-S Nikkor. 1/2000 second at f/5.6. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 400

© 2012

Sunshine...

After the drabness of the past five days or so, and the resulting series of monochrome images, it is good to have a splash of colour back on these pages. Not only has it stopped raining but the sun has made a tentative appearance during the afternoon; but only for a short while.

I am lucky enough to be out with my camera during that period, and once again heading for the cliffs and beaches of Poole Bay, Dorset. I recently  resolved to make this location the subject of my lens for the rest of the year, although when called to shoot other occasions and events then that is what I shall do. But for general photography I feel the seafront; cliffs and all - and its ever changing scenery, light and inhabitants - is enough to keep me interested for the time being.

Take this Black-headed Gull, for example, hovering on the wind blowing across the cliff tops of Southbourne, eyeing up something on the ground that might prove to be a tasty snack; or at the very least worth investigating. A relatively easy shot, granted (these gulls are everywhere), but set against a backdrop of grass and summer flowers it makes a welcome change to all that grey.


70-200mm f/2.8D Apo Sigma lens. 1/3200 second at f/5.6. ISO 400

© 2012

Rain...

The Environment Agency estimate that parts of Dorset experienced a month's rain fall in the past 24 hours: easy to believe as it has not stopped raining since Thursday night - but that just won't stop me getting out for some moody rain photography - or surfers, er... surfing.

The beach I visit is entirely deserted as far as the eye can see (through the gloom) in either direction at Southbourne, Bournemouth, and the seven people that are visible are in the water, catching waves. No beginners here, it seems, and each man (I see no women) is quite a capable performer. Unfortunately, I am woefully inadequate, lens wise, to make a good job of the action. I know some aggressive cropping will be needed to produce anything useful, but the resulting graininess will add to the overall effect. I smile knowingly and start shooting.

The rain is also a constant problem in spite of the fact that my lens has a deep hood fitted: after every time I raise the camera to photograph I have to clean the lens of water droplets. I'm using a paper kitchen towel to do this as it is quick and effective - not a method I recommend for general lens cleaning, but since I have a Skylight 1A filter protecting the front element it concerns me not. This is the only time I use such protection on any of my lenses, but I would rather scratch a (comparatively) cheap filter than rub off the multi-coating on the lens itself, hence the coarse treatment.


24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/8. + 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 640


© 2012
 

Memorable day...

Yesterday's blip in the summer weather: warm and sunny, soon passed by, and the rain was again steady for most of the day. Harking back to the beginning of the week, and stating that less-than-perfect beach weather wasn't going to stop me (or the angler) from enjoying ourselves, I was rather pleased to come across the scene pictured here.

Despite the rain (it was quite mild, temperature wise), there was this family finding a way for their small daughter - and themselves, most likely - to have a good time on the beach. It is good to see people not be deterred by unwanted weather conditions and find a way to make it fun, digging holes on the shoreline and making sandcastles. In fact, I would wager that today will be one of the more memorable days out, and will get talked about for some time to come. One thing was for certain, they had several miles of beach to themselves, as there was not even a dog walker present this afternoon. Just the occasional photographer.


24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/1600 second at f/2.8. + 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 400


© 2012

He who has a golden armament...

It couldn't be much different, weather-wise, today: clear blue skies and light winds grace the southern counties of the UK - that, coupled with low afternoon tides - and I'm out scouring the surf line with a camera.

I find this leisurely approach very therapeutic as well as productive, as I have yet to fail in finding something of interest, exposed by the retreating waves. I get the usual stock images of seaweed and stones, but am surprised to find a jellyfish washed up on the shore.

I have never seen such a sight on the beaches of Poole Bay, Dorset, let alone be able to name the species, but a swift bit of research on the internet once at home identifies it as a Compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysocella) - common, it seems, in British waters, and named after Chrysaor in Greek mythology. I didn't disturb it at all, let alone touch it (something you never do when photographing wildlife) which is just as well, I suppose, as the venom contained in its stinging cells can produce painful, long-lasting weals on humans. There, you have been advised. The animal is not dead; merely waiting for the tide to come back in so it can float off and do jellyfish-type things once again in the open sea.


24-70mm f/2.8D AF-S Nikkor. 1/640 second at f/8. + 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 400


© 2012

Time...

Tired of lying in the sunshine, staying home to watch the rain, goes the Pink Floyd song, which comes to mind as precipitation starts once again during this (so far) miserable summer in the UK. Although there is little chance of sunshine I can take advantage of the rain, and I get kitted-out with waterproof this and that and head out into it with a camera. There are photo opportunities to be had, unless I'm very much mistaken.

Seascapes are my favourite subjects for such conditions: dark, brooding skies, reflected in tone by the sea. I usually can't fail, but as I trudge into the wind and rain I see little to point my lens at until I come level with a man waving a metal detector (modern-day beach comber?) to-and-fro in front of himself at low tide, and I take several token shots, move on and think no more of it.

But then the steady rain stops and the sky brightens. I stop and look back in the direction I came and see the break in the threatening cloud has allowed the light to illuminate Hengistbury Head on the Dorset coast. Not direct sunlight, but enough to contrast the headland against the grey.


70-200mm f/2.8D Apo Sigma lens. 1/1600 second at f/5.6. ISO 500


© 2012

Gone fishin'...

According to the Met Office, it's the jet stream that crosses the Atlantic that is causing all the poor weather most of Europe is enduring at the moment. It should be much further north, they tell us. Well, it isn't, so we will have to grin and bear it: at least for the next week.

It doesn't bother me at all, nor this keen sea angler I stopped to have a chat to this afternoon, fishing off the beach at Southbourne, Bournemouth. Between casts we exchanged views on the environment, ecology and the fact that the wind and rain gave us both an essentially empty beach to enjoy our respective practices. I particularly liked the fact that anything he caught (he had a sea bass just before I arrived) was put back into the water to live another day. My kind of fisherman.


12-24mm f/4G AF Nikkor. 1/1000 second at f/5.6. ISO 400.


© 2012

The Christchurch Festival...

And now for something completely different. It's not often that I turn my lens in the direction of fellow musicians - just why that is, I'm not too sure - but today I visited the music area at the Christchurch Festival, Dorset, to photograph the Riverside Blues Band in action.

I had not given too much thought to the occasion, thinking that it would be a straightforward shoot in front of an open-air stage. I couldn't have been more wrong: it was inside a marquee. Now, this is a sensible move on behalf of the organisers, due to the vagaries of the British summer and outdoor events, but it wasn't helping me. From the outside it looked awful dark in there, and although I was equipped with several fast aperture lenses I had strong doubts about my success rate, frame wise. To aggravate matters, the stage end of the tent was covered in dark material, so as to give the stage lighting some effect during the daylight hours. I was going to need to use a higher ISO setting than I would like to - given the age of my camera - but I went into the dimness and took a number of test shots of the preceding band.

I needn't have worried. Yes, I was shooting almost wide open, but getting acceptable exposure readings. I began to feel a tad more confident from this point on. The band took the stage at 4pm for their 50 minute set and I started shooting from the off, checking and modifying camera settings depending on the lighting as I went. The band played a cracking set, and was joined onstage midway through their set by Callum; slated by Stan as the future of the local blues scene in the area (I hope that tattoo washes-off!).

He is only ten years old and is already gigging on a regular basis, and shows much promise. Although playing a supporting role today, he has no qualms about taking a lead vocal during his set at the local blues jams, organised so well by Stan and Helen (husband and wife team). Certainly a name to look out for in the future.

No doubt the fact that I had fast glass saved the day (I don't have a speedlight), and it did give me the opportunity to wheel-out my underused 85mm Nikkor - ideal under low light situations - but I was pushing the capabilities of the camera sensor. As I have mentioned elsewhere on this blog, it is an ancient model in digital terms (five years old), and newer models will leave it standing in that department, but once I get into the swing of things I find that I can drop those settings and reduce the digital noise levels to something manageable. Even so, I don't think the images used here would take any more enlargement comfortably.







Top: Stan - Guitar and vocals
Second row: (left) Syd - Drums (right) Helen - Bass guitar
Paul - Harmonica

Bottom right: Callum



Photos:

Top - 85mm f/1.4 Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/2. - 0.67 EV compensation. ISO 800

Second row - 85mm f/1.4 Nikkor. (left) 1/100 second at f/4. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 2000 (right) 1/320 second at f/2. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 800

Bottom - 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/200 second at f/4. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 2000


© 2012