A symbol of hope and peace

With the temporary break in the summer weather over (torrential rain and strong winds), I take the opportunity to spend the day location searching in Salisbury. Although this is (probably) the best British summer since 1976, I already have my mind on autumn shoots and all the colours that come with it.

Unfortunately, the area I wish to explore has been closed to the public and is being patrolled by police. It's a substantial area to the northwest of the city that has been cordoned-off to everybody, and it's the suspected presence of the nerve agent Novichok that is again causing disruption.

Instead, I find plenty to photograph in the town itself, as with 90 colourful umbrellas suspended over the pedestrian section of the High Street. They - and the illuminated doves - will remain there until the autumn, and are there as a symbol of hope and peace.



24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/8. Matrix metering. ISO 100



© 2018

Mad dogs and Englishmen

It has been warm, bordering on hot in most places in the UK for the past couple of months, so any activity with a camera is restricted to either end of the day. In fact any real activity is restricted to the ends of the day. Not that it's a problem as once the sun gets up at this time of year the light is, in my view, un-useable.

So, it's down to the lake shortly after sunrise, to see if I can photograph a pair of grebes that have nested there. Conditions are ideal, and an early morning mist all but blocks the rising sun, creating beautiful, diffused light.

The grebes put in an appearance and I get something in the can, but once the sun has burnt-off the mist it's time to retreat for breakfast.



300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14EII converter. Matrix metering. Tripod and gimballed head

Top: 1/640 second at f/4. ISO 250
Below: 1/250 second at f/4. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 320



© 2018