Swanage Railway Gala weekend...

This weekend sees the three day Swanage Steam Gala, with four steam engines being run continously. These include fare-paying passenger trains, and one freight train with the engines being rotated for the chore. Two of the images, shot at Norden station, depict two of the numerous volunteers that made proceedings run smoothly: one a driver, the other a guard who is seen here manually changing the points (one of several responsibilities the position encompases). The other image is that of 34028 "Eddystone", the 'West Country' pacific class locomotive, which is currently owned by Southern Locomotives Limited, photographed between Corfe Castle and Norden stations.

Image 1: Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/1250 sec at f/2.8. ISO 160
Image 2: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens with X1.4 TC. 1/750 sec at f/5. ISO 400.
Image 3: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens with x1.4 TC. 1/160 sec at f/5. ISO 400.

© 2008

Bournemouth Air Festival OK'd for 2009...

It's been reported that Bournemouth council are already making plans to stage a second air festival for August 2009, due to the overwhelming success of the inaugural event. It has been estimated that around 750,000 people descended on the town during the four days the event was held. Perhaps next year we will get the Avro Vulcan!

The image is of the Eurofighter Typhoon, shot yesterday afternoon, just as it started to rain.

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/1000 sec at f/2.8. ISO 200.

© 2008

Bournemouth Air Festival (last day)...

Although poor weather restricted the scope of the aerobatic displays; low cloud and occasional rain, there were still substantial crowds occupying every vantage point for several miles to see the likes of The Red Arrows and a solo display from the Eurofighter Typhoon (very impressive performance - and very noisy).

The weather being what it was, I've decided not to post any images shot today, but instead include an image shot yesterday of the last airworthy de Havilland DH 110 Sea Vixen in the world, which is based at De Havilland Aviation, Bournemouth Airport. The photo shows the undercarriage lowered, and the arrester hook in the carrier-deck landing position.

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/1000 sec at f/4. ISO 100.

© 2008

Bournemouth Air Festival...

Day three (of four) of the inaugural Bournemouth Air Festival, and an estimated 300,000 people fill the seven miles of cliff tops and beaches, taking advantage of the summer sunshine. From what I experienced it has so far been a great success, with various aerobatic display teams - notably the RAF's Red Arrows - as well as solo performances from both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The big dissapointment was the cancellation of the appearance of the Avro Vulcan, all down to the repair of a minor technical problem, which was unable to be passed by the relevant inspectors in time for its scheduled slot. There was, however, another Avro-built aircraft present in the shape of a World War II Lancaster "City of Lincoln" bomber (first image), so all was not lost.
The second image shows some of the crowds, plus other attractions organised by the local council.

Both images: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 lens. 1/200 sec at f/11. ISO 100

© 2008

Boscombe Surf Reef construction...

It's difficult to assess the progress being made with the construction of the artifical reef at Boscombe, Dorset, as most of it takes place under water, but as the pile of processed sand is diminishing it would be reasonalble to assume that something is taking place. The image shows the pipeline (not deployed) in the foreground through which the material is being pumped into the geotextile bags, although as it's the weekend (and a bank holiday one at that) there's no "hive of activity" for me to photograph.
The white-painted re-furbished beach chalets can be seen in the middle distance.

Sigma 70-200 lens. 1/320 sec at f/11. ISO 320.

© 2008

A lone dog walker...

On the south coast of the UK we are well into the latter half of summer, and there is even nature's first hints of autumn. Horse-Chesnuts (conkers) have been visible on the trees for several weeks in my locale, and the spiny cupules of Sweet-Chesnuts are already being blown from the branches of trees; something that usually can be expected during October. Even so, it's still a bit early to be getting excited about all that low, raking light that comes with the winter months ( I can hardly wait).
The light is also changing, and early morning mists are more frequent, giving the photographer something to work with other than the brutal light of a summer's day.

The image is of Southbourne beach and Hengistbury Head, Dorset, shot at around 7:00 am today.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/750 sec at f/5.6. +0.6 exposure compensation. ISO 200.

© 2008

Boscombe surf reef...

More evidence of the construction of the artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, was visible today. While the sand that will be pumped into the geotextile bags that give the reef its shape continues to be "harvested", a barge (image) pulls the pipelines, through which the sand will be pumped, into position. There was at least one diver on hand to ensure things went according to plan, whilst an RNLI lifeguard patrols the area on a jet ski.

The Isle of Wight "polar bear" is visible in the upper right third of the image, next to the world-famouse Needles rocks. This is an optical illusion of the cliffs of Scratchell's bay when viewed from this part of the south coast.

Today also saw the opening of the 29th Olympic games in Beijing. I'm not one for opening ceromonies, but do enjoy the games itself. I like the running, jumping and sand-pit events the most (kidding).

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/320 sec at f/5.6. ISO 200.

© 2008

Not in my back yard...

Another image of Boscombe seafront, documenting the construction and redevelopment of the area. Despite the noise and disruption of the beaches in the immediate vicinity of the pier, the building of the artificial surf reef is becoming something of a tourist attraction. However, this is not to everyone's approval, as some people that have recently taken up residence in the partly completed Boscombe Spa Village are complaining about the noise. What do they expect if they move onto a building site? These people are also responsible for the suspension of weekend work on the site for the same reason: noise. I look forward to seeing how they react to the influx of surfers and other toursists once everything is completed.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/320 sec at f/8. +0.67 exposure compensation. ISO 200

© 2008

Six hours apart...

Two images that illustrate the difference between shooting at either end of the day, or around noon. The first image, shot at 6:00 am in the soft light of dawn, shows the more industrial side of the river Stour, with electricity pylons dominating the landscape, and the Muscliff sewage treatment works in the background. The second image, shot under mid-day sun, shows work continuing on the Boscombe artificial surf reef, with sand being moved around the beach in preparation for filling the geo-textile bags, once in place and submerged.


Pylons: Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens. 1/60 sec at f/6.3. 0.9 ND grad filter
Beach scene: Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens. 1/200 sec at f/8

© 2008

Boscombe surf reef underway...

Visible signs of the construction of the artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, are now apparent. The making of the geo-textile bags that will give the reef its shape is now underway at a "secret" location in Poole, while the image shows sand that will be used to fill the bags being stockpiled on the beach, just to the east of the pier, after having stones and other debris removed. I placed the word secret in inverted commas, as the location is supposed to be closly guarded, but it seems that everyone I spoke to on the seafront knows where the secret location is!

Nikkor 12-24 lens. 1/100 sec at f/11. ISO 200.
© 2008

The world-famous Throop cows...

Well, not exactly. Throop, on the Dorset Stour, is more renown for its coarse fishing than its bovine counterpart, but I needed a title...
The image was shot at 6:00am today, just as the mist was being burnt-off by the sun; the cows were the icing on the cake. Contre-jour shots like this always pose exposure problems, and I used 0.6 and 0.9 ND graduated filters together to hold back the tree and allow some detail to be retained in the foreground.

Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens. 1/350 sec at f/5.6. ISO 200. +0.67 exposure compensation.

© 2008

What to do next...

This time of year doesn't work for me, from a photographic point of view. After the onset of spring, and the photographing of all that comes with it, I find myself in anticipation of autumn and something more atmospheric. That's not to say that there is nothing to be had during the summer months, but you need to be up early, or stay out late to get light worth using. Today, I try for some inspiration by shooting with a long zoom lens; something I have become less accustomed to over the past few years. Although more flexible than the prime lenses that usually fill my bag, I was surprised at the reduced quality that this lens delivers compared to my normal optics. It's still an OK lump of glass, but can't compare to top-flight lenses in colour and contrast, and needed more work than usual in Photoshop to get acceptable results.
The image, shot at around 7:20 this morning from Southbourne cliffs, shows Boscombe Spa Village beneath its crane, and a cliff lift car in the foreground.

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX lens. 1/2000sec at f/4. ISO 400.

© 2008

Learning To Fly...

Although she has the right idea, this mandarin duckling's wings are not yet developed enough to get her airborne. Photographed at Eyeworth pond today, this is one of a family of six young that have survived thus far, unlike the other mandarin family I have taken an interest in (June 28th post) that have no surviving young at all.

Those not interested in the technical aspect of photography can skip this bit, but as of this post I'm going to include brief technical details to accompany each image.

Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens. 1/1500 sec at f/2.2. ISO 200.

© 2008

"Summer" weather...

Because of various distractions, I didn't get around to posting the latest image, yesterday: today will have to do.

The summer weather continues over the southern half of the UK (image) with high winds from the south west, and heavy rain. It was this weather front that arrived at the Silverstone track in time for the British Grand Prix, yesterday afternoon.

The photograph was taken mid-morning looking east, toward Hengistbury Head, Dorset.

© 2008

Surf's (finally) up...

The much awaited artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, is finally to be started at the end of this month, and be completed by the end of the year "at the latest", as stipulated in the Bournemouth council contract. The cost of the reef, said to be Europe's first, is currently £1.4 million.
There are a number of instruction schools set up, waiting to take advantage of the expected influx of surfers once the reef is ready. Once such school is shown here, breaking from theory to get some practical experience amongst the waves. The revamped beach chalets and restaurant (yet to be finished) and Boscombe Spa Village (ditto) are in the background.

© 2008

More ducks...

...and why not? Nobody reads this stuff, anyway: I'll write whatever I like. The mandarin family (previous post) is now down to just two; three ducklings have gone since Monday. Sadly, nature is harsh. The concept of all the animals gathering together at the end of the day in a woodland clearing, seated on treestumps drinking tea from china cups - all accompanied by a rabbit on a banjo - are entirely false.
So, I decide to photograph the mallards instead.

© 2008

The perils of the natural world...

Apart from shooting images of the pied wagtail (previous post), I also made a number of photographs of a young family of mandarin ducks. There were, at the time, four ducklings, but on my return today there were just two remaining. I can only assume that two have become the victims of natural predators, so much of my attention was directed at recording this small family. Curiously, the drake has not been in evidence to offer any sort of protection; this is the case for both mandarin families on Eyeworth pond, and is possibly a charactistic of the species.

© 2008

Hunting wagtail...

I spent most of the afternoon at Eyeworth pond, in the New Forest, photographing anything that came by; notably a mandarin duck and her four ducklings, who made several close passes (on foot!). But my attention was caught by a pied wagtail (Motacilla alba), that would periodically hover over the lilly pads in search of a meal. Capturing this erratic behaviour with a telephoto lens is no easy task, and out of all the frames I shot this image was the best. It shows the result of a successful swoop, and an unfortunate damselfly becomes part of the food chain.

© 2008

Jolly Roger...

Is the crane operator on the site of Boscombe Spa Village trying to tell us something? The flag being flown from the top is known in pirate circles as the Jolly Roger, or Skull and Crossbones. It was historically flown to identify pirate activity, and this design, used by Edward England, dates back to around 1720.
I'm sure the driver has a valid reason for adorning his crane the way he has (although it beats me!).

© 2008

Summer solstice, 2008...

So, it's the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere...hang-on, these are the same words I used to start the post on the summer solstice last year; but then again, it's the same weather. The image shows deck-chairs set out for the summer visitors, and an RNLI Lifeguard setting up windbreaks in the background on Southbourne beach, Dorset, this morning, in prepatation to keep a close eye on swimmers, or anyone else using the local beaches. The main problem is that few people actually do, these days. Although the seven miles of sand beaches are kept to a high standard by the local council, they mostly get used by the odd dog-walker, or early morning jogger/fitness enthusiast. Maybe the current "credit crunch" will entice holidaymakers back to seaside resorts next year.
There was no visible sunrise to mark the start of the celebrations of Pagan rituals this year, and I left the beach just as the persistant drizzle closed in from the west.

© 2008

Now, there's a surprise...

It has recently been reported that the much talked-about artificial surf reef at Boscombe, Dorset, will eventually cost double the original estimate. The original figure of £1.3 million is likely to double before completion, and as I write, construction has still not started: let's hope it's a success (if it ever gets built).
Oh, yes, the image: I shot it this morning.

© 2008

Web address...

It was an early start today, on banks of the Dorset Stour. There was still overnight mist at 5:00am, which is always photogenic, especially when back-lit by the sun. Spider webs, heavily laden with dew, continue to fascinate, and it is remarkable that these little guys manage to spin the webs they do without the aid of a diagram.
The teasel image shows how effective dawn light can be for the photographer, although it means getting out of bed at 3:30 am at this time of year to be there as it happens.

© 2008

Boscombe Spa Village: different perspective...

Taking advantage of the now-open Boscombe pier, I get my first shots of the Boscombe Spa Village development from a seaward viewpoint, as the pier had long been closed to the public before any visible signs of construction were apparent.
The construction of the much publicised artificial surf reef to the east of the pier has still not started, although latest news hints that this will commence this month.

© 2008

Boscombe pier

Shot early today, the image shows off the new planking of Boscombe pier. Despite the free admission, there was very little human traffic on the pier, making photography easier from my point of view.
Ever since the demolition of the Mermaid theatre at the pier end, the structure has taken on a more stark appearance, loosing most of its character, and to me seems little more than a glorified jetty (albeit without the landing stage).

© 2008

Boscombe Spa Village...latest image

The image, photographed from the beach at low tide, shows how Boscombe Spa Village continues to grow in an easterly direction along the Dorset seafront.

The recently renovated pier was reopened to the public on 24th May.

© 2008

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

Boscombe Spa Village (and a new lens)...

Having taken delivery of a Nikkor 12-24 mm lens, yesterday, I give the lens its first outing by photographing the progress of the Boscombe Spa Village project. It has been roughly 18 months since the site was just a car park, and the image shows the progress to date.

© 2008

Swanage railway branch line weekend...

With a back that's beginning to suffer from lugging heavy camera gear about, I aim at something more genteel today, and stumble upon the last knockings of the Swanage railway branch line weekend. Quite by chance I stopped at Corfe Castle to see what the railway was running, and despite the unpredictable weather trying to put a stop to my shooting, I wait with a handful of other railway enthusiasts who were equally determined to shoot whatever came by. The image, shot during an impromptu hail storm, shows a Standard Class 4 tank engine pulling the train, with an LSWR M7 tank engine at the rear, ready to pull the train in the opposite direction for the return journey.

© 2008

Cervus nippon...

In much need of a change of pace, I travel west to the RSPB reserve, Arne, on the shore of Poole harbour. Although well known for its open heathland, oak woodland and bird populations, it was photographing the sika deer that was the primary purpose of my visit. Although they tolerate human presence more readily than other species, it's still no easy task to get good images of these wild animals, and you still need to employ all the necessary precautions to get within range with a telephoto lens.
The deer were originally introduced into UK parks during the 1860's, but escapees established themselves into the countryside.

© 2008

Blue Tit...

The image, made at Eyeworth pond in the New Forest, is my first serious attempt at photographing the smaller species of British birds. Up until now, I've tended to concentrate my energies on the larger specimens of the indigenous wildlife to be found on these islands. For one, they are easier to shoot: the bigger they are, the slower they tend to move, but taking the easy option doesn't improve my photography. So, attaching the x1.4 tele-converter to my 300mm ƒ/2.8 lens, I set to work. Not the best of images ever made, but a fair attempt at what is, after all, a faster moving subject. The biggest problem, as ever, is selecting suitable backgrounds that compliment the subject, so that's going to need some work. I think I'm gonna need a longer lens...

One foal a-leaping...

Today, there was snow in my garden from an overnight fall. It's the first time I've seen snow in this area for nearly nine years, so it was something of a rarity. Of course, once the sun started shining, it all disappeared quickly.

Despite the unseasonable temperatures, I head for the New Forest, hoping that some foals have been dropped during the past week, and this time I strike lucky at my first stop. It took all of five minutes before I stumbled upon a mare and its recently born foal. I get a few insurance shots before the pair move off into deeper forest. I decide against following so as not to cause undue stress, but later the pair re-appear and seem relaxed enough to allow me to spend an hour or so photographing them.

© 2008

Ducks Deluxe...

For the first time in several weeks, I venture back into the New Forest to seek out the new-born foals, but again I draw a blank. I'm told (again) that it's still too early for the mares to have given birth, although opinions seem to vary. So, off to the secondary target in the hope that I will catch a glimpse of the Mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata) that live on Eyeworth pond, near Fritham, Hampshire. Having made several visits since last October that proved fruitless, today I was treated to the unexpected bonanza of several pairs that not only came into range to be photographed, but decided this was the time to mate. The waterfowl is not high on the birdwatchers conservation list because of its alien origins, and many regard it as "plastic", but few can deny the stunning plumage that the male of the species possesses.

© 2008

Boscombe seafront...

After several months of being plagued with a "gammy foot", last week's operation seems to have solved the problem, and now allows me unrestricted movement. Today, I decide to test my new found mobility with a 5 mile walk along the seafront, and suffered no adverse reactions. Of course, I had a camera with me, and took the opportunity to record the current progress of Boscombe Spa Village and the re-development of the Boscombe Overstrand, which is now in an advanced state (foreground).
The artificial surf reef construction, which has experienced several delays, is scheduled to begin in May, and will be completed by October.

© 2008

Groynes 27-33

The latest phase of replenishment was completed this morning between groynes 27-33 (Portman to Fisherman's Walk), Bournemouth, and is part of an annual top up to keep the beach volume high. Since the replenishment schemes began in 1970, the beach has now essentially become an artificial feature; the natural supply of sand and gravel being prevented since the construction of seawalls and groynes, designed to stop erosion so that houses could be built on the cliff tops. The work is funded 100% by Grant Aid from The Environment Agency, and two more top ups are planned over the next two years.

© 2008

Call that a storm?

The worst storm of the winter (words of the weather forecasters) came in during the early hours, today. With heavy rain, and wind gusts up to 80 mph predicted, I prepared my cameras for shooting in such conditions. However, by first light, the Dorset coast was bathed in sunshine with blue skies, and the gale force winds had dropped to breeze level. But all was not over, as a second front began to batter the coast by mid-morning. I decided that the exposed areas would give the best images, and headed for Hengistbury head, on the far eastern coast of the county. It was there that the wind off the heavy seas made the act of just standing upright a challenge. I shot a mere 8 frames before the weather got the better of me and my equipment, and I retreated to the shelter of the car. By early afternoon the skies had, once again, cleared.
Shooting under such conditions is at best, difficult. Keeping the front element of the lens dry, and the camera steady is a major effort, but you do get images that most people wouldn't bother attempting.

© 2008

Not exactly a host ...

...but a lone golden daffodil. It took some searching to find an individual bloom amongst the display at Fisherman's Walk, Southbourne, today, but find it I did, doing its fluttering and dancing as a soloist.

© 2008

Telephoto compression...

The fine, spring weather continues over the south coast, so I elect to concentrate my energies photographing local architecture. Rather than adopt the usual approach and use a wide angle lens, I opt for a telephoto and dig out my 300mm f/4 lens. Long lenses have the ability of being able to appear to compress perspective, making things seem closer to each other than they actually are. The image of the late Victorian house terrace that overlooks Boscombe pier demonstrates this perfectly.

© 2008

From mate to chief...

At some point during the past seven days, the support platform and crane have been removed from Boscombe pier, which suggests that work on the refurbishment is near completion (photo). I asked the lone construction worker on the site when the pier would be re-opened to the public. "No idea, chief", was his reply. This differs to my perceived status from last November (18th), when I was referred to as "mate" after asking the same question at the same location. I'm still unsure if that's a promotion, or not.

Spring continues to display its colours here in Dorset, with the tree in my garden beginning to blossom three weeks earlier than usual, due to the unseasonably warm weather.

© 2008

By way of a change...

Things got off to a poor start today, with a trip to the West Country being re-scheduled at short notice. I should have spent the day at Slapton Sands with two fellow photographers, but due to illness this has been put back to a later date. Consequently, it was back into the New Forest, in a rather half-hearted expectation of finding newly arrived foals. Although still a few weeks early, I figured that the early onset of spring may have had an effect on the ponies, but if it had, there was no evidence of it; in fact, again, there were very few ponies to be seen anywhere. There were, however, a number of cattle grazing the hills, so by way of a change I decide to photograph those instead.

© 2008

Signs of an early spring...

Another crisp, clear morning on the south coast, and it's down to the beach front with an 85mm f/1.4 lens. Rather than just record the progress of the building developments, I decide to shoot on a theme: that being shadows (image).

There is also evidence of an early spring this year, as there are trees in blossom and daffodils in bloom, as well as insect activity. This is three to four weeks ahead of last year, and it is nature displaying the fact that the planet is warming up.

© 2008

Come fly with him...

The spring-like weather continues along the UK's south coast, and today members of the Wessex Paragliders club were taking advantage of the favourable conditions at Southbourne, near Bournemouth. The image shows once such flier, with the promontory of Hengistbury Head in the background.

© 2008

Pier pressure...

Ignoring the wild guess of the on-line weather forecast, I ventured out before sunrise today to benefit from the good light, and photograph the progress of the renovation of Boscombe pier. Although mechanical sounds emanated from the structure, it's difficult to see what is actually being achieved from the restricted vantage point of the beach. From what I can observe, the final shape of the pier is now pretty much evident: not that it was worth the wait. It looked better with a derelict structure languishing on the end. The "improved" version has a rather sad 'T' shape added to the end, almost as an after thought. I suppose, ultimately, it came down to how much money was made available for the project.
Still, things could be worse: it might have been demolished altogether.

The image was shot shortly after dawn, today.

© 2008