Boscombe surf reef, early June...

The building of Europe's first artificial surf reef is slowly taking shape beneath the waves of Boscombe beach, Dorset, but it's the large pile of sand being used to create it - now known locally as the "Boscombe Pyramid" - that is getting the attention (image).
The reef construction is at the stage where the second layer is being added, and near-perfect conditions are required for this operation to be a success.

24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Sigma lens. 1/500 second at f/8. CPL.

© 2009

Cormorants and self propelled spud leg barges...

Returning before dawn to Christchurch Harbour, Dorset, I hope to get a second chance at photographing the Canada geese; but this time they don't show up. Whilst keeping a watchful eye on the water in case they did, I get the chance to shoot images of a Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) - first flying, then fishing - albeit at some distance.
Tracking this bird once it dives in search of a meal is tricky, but in this instance (top image) I capture the moment it positions its catch for swallowing.

The second image, also shot early this morning, shows the Doreen Dorward in position ready to deploy the geotextile bags, folded on the foredeck, used in the construction of the artificial surf reef off Boscombe beach.

Top: 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor (VR off) with x1.4 TC-14EII teleconverter. 1/4000 second at f/5. -0.33 EV. ISO 640.
Bottom: 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor. 1/8000 second at f/2.8. -0.33 EV. ISO 280.

© 2009

Evening ride...

Early evening, and a trip to the Sandbanks chain ferry to photograph what ever takes my interest as it passes by.
I shoot the usual images of water craft coming and going but it's the five horse riders on Studland beach that catches my eye, just over a mile (1.6 km) distant (image), with Old Harry Rocks visible top left, 2.5 miles (4km) away. It is a charactistic of long telephoto lenses to compress planes in an image, giving the appearance of objects being closer together than they actually are.

300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor. x1.4 TC-14EII teleconverter. VR off. 1/2000 second at f/5. -0.33 EV. ISO 400. Monopod.

© 2009

On the run...

Another pre-dawn start in an attempt to photograph flying birds on Christchurch Harbour, Dorset: This time with the big stuff.
A 300mm lens is the absolute minimum requirement for wildlife, and for birds longer lenses are preferred - you can never have too much focal length with those subjects. Fortunately there are dedicated add-on optics available to increase the pulling power of fast telephotos, so I'm also using a x1.4 teleconverter to increase my chances.
Taking the decision to hand hold I set the camera to keep the shutter speed from falling below 1/1000 second, and stop the lens down a stop - always a good idea when using converters...and wait.
My only opportunity came at 5:45am as five Canada geese (Branta canadensis) flew in formation low over the Mudeford Run on their way out to sea. I fire off a sequence of frames but it's impossible to include all the birds in the frame until they are past me and flying into the light.

300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with x1.4 TC-14EII teleconverter. VR off. 1/1000 second at f/5. ISO 1000.

© 2009

Start here...

Crossing the Sandbanks ferry to Studland, Dorset, gives you the opportunity to take the South West Coast Path - should you have the time and inclination. Being Britain's longest waymarked footpath it runs through Dorset and Devon, taking in UNESCO's World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast, Cornwall - around Land's End - back into Devon again along its north side and finally ending at Minehead, Somerset - a distance of 630 miles (1,014 km).
The trail heads are marked by sculptures, and although open all year round the path crosses the Lullworth army ranges, Dorset, which are open to the public only on certain days of the year.

12-24 f/4 Nikkor. 1/160 second at f/8. +0.33 EV. ISO 200.

© 2009

Last shot of the day...

After my afternoon siesta - photographers who have early starts usually practice this technique - I get back on my bike in search of something to photograph.
I return to this morning's location, but by late afternoon it's just too busy with tourists, plus the fact a cloud bank rolled in from the south, taking any chance of good light with it.
Oddly, I then choose to ride from Mudeford Quay to Sandbanks, Poole, hopefully to find the vestidges of the late evening sun. The cloud bank had not entirely covered the sky and it looked hopeful that the sun would make a final appearance before setting.
I make numerous images of boats bobbing about on the water, but nothing seems to be coming together - at least not inspiring stuff - so I decide to call it a day and head home.
It's on my way along the shore that I spot a fisherman in the harbour, silhouetted against the light. I use a telephoto lens to isolate the figure, and it's the last photograph I make in the sequence that works the best.

300mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor. 1/8000 second at f/4.5. +0.33 EV. ISO 800.

© 2009

No flying swans...

With the warmest weather of the year forecast for the UK this weekend it's up at 3am again, in preparation for the early light; the skies are meant to be clear at dawn. The prediction is spot-on, and the sun breaks the horizon roughly east northeast at 5:11am, over Christchurch harbour, Dorset.
My primary aim was to photograph swans as they fly off to their feeding grounds for the day, but they are not co-operating. It's as if they know I'm well equiped, lens wise. For nearly two hours I watch and photograph gulls squabbling over catches, and fishermen leaving for a days fishing...but no flying swans.


300mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor. 1/800 second at f/5.6. +0.67 EV. ISO 400.

© 2009

Colour for the sake of it...

It's late in the day when I return to this morning's location, this time with the sole intention of photographing colour.
Now, despite my rant last month about polarising filters (CPL's) they seem to be enjoying a resurgence in my photography - maybe I was just too hasty.
The photograph is a detail of a beach hut on the Mudeford sandbank, Dorset, shot an hour before sunset. The effect of the polariser in this instance is to saturate colours - especially the sky and paintwork of the building - and I chose to use Nikon's ludicrously sharp 85mm f/1.4 lens for the task. Although originally designed as a portrait lens for film cameras it's useful for a variety of applications, especially when shallow depth of field is required: Shooting the lens wide open allows powerful selective focus for creative effect.

85mm f/1.4 Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/5.6. +0.67 EV. ISO 200. CPL.

© 2009

Priory dawn...

The skies over southern England were predicted to remain clear overnight, so it was out of bed at 4:00am in preparation for a dawn start at Christchurch harbour, Dorset (image): but the light was short lived. Arriving just as the sun rose over the horizon I immediately started making images. I opted for a telephoto zoon lens for flexibility, but needed to boost ISO settings to get useable shutter speeds for hand-holding the camera.
After half a hours shooting fog rolled in from the southeast, reducing visibility to a hundred metres or so.

70-200 f/2.8 APO Sigma lens. 1/400 second at f/5. +0.33 EV. ISO 640.

© 2009

Go fly a kite...

Spring Bank Holiday is with us in the UK and the weather, at least for the weekend, promises to be spectacular: Monday - the holiday itself - threatens electrical storms in the southeast.
The image of a kite flyer on what seems to be a deserted stretch of Bournemouth coast this afternoon belies the current trend. I took the photograph during late afternoon, once the crowds had thinned out.
It seems to me that the local beaches are getting more use than in recent years, with tourists eschewing foreign holidays in preference to staying at home. This could well be the result of the "credit crunch". Another possible explanation is that the area is just a good place to spend some time: The range of water sports on offer around Bournemouth and Poole are unrivalled in Europe.
The beaches have numerous Blue Flag awards - it shares 8 with Poole (4 each) - which guarantee the quality of both sand and water. Blue Flag awards are recognised internationally, so visitors know that the beach they're on is one of the best in the world.

24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Sigma lens. 1/500 second at f/8. ISO 400. CPL.

© 2009

Brenscombe Wood...

The weather forecast was wrong again (when will I ever learn? - it predicted light rain - I got hazy sunshine and 18˚) so by mid afternoon I was on my bike and heading for Purbeck.
The Rempstone Trail is becoming familiar to me by now, but there are tracks and paths that branch off in various directions along its route, so there's still plenty of scope to wander.
I bypass Rempstone Hall and this time cross the B3351 to Brenscombe Hill, and it's there that I come across a wood of the same name (image). Although the tree canopy is still in its spring green the light levels are low, so I brace the camera and lens against a convienient trunk to get the shot of the bluebells that carpet the floor.
Continuing up the hill I find myself on Nine Barrow Down - a chalk ridge that runs east-southeast from Corfe Castle to Godlingston Hill, overlooking Swanage, Dorset. Had I started earlier in the day I would have descended the hill into the town...but, oh - those weather forecasts!

24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Sigma lens. 1/15 second at f/8. -0.33 EV. ISO 400. Nearby tree trunk.

© 2009

Surf and oil...

Work continues on the artifical surf reef at Boscombe, on Dorset's coast, while budding surfers receive tuition on the art in dedicated schools (top image) that have been set up by enterprising individuals, giving practical advice to those intending to take advantage of the facilities once up and running.
Then it was further on west to Poole harbour and Sandbanks. I hadn't intended to cross on the ferry to Studland, but once there I was spurred on by the good weather - plus the knowledge that the forecast for tomorrow is less than favourable.
Again taking the Rempstone Trail, this time I pay a visit to Wytch Farm oil field with its "nodding donkey" beam pumps (bottom image). The installation, operated by BP, is the largest onshore oil field in western Europe, and is discretely hidden in forest on Wytch Heath on the southern side of Poole harbour.

24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Sigma lens.
Top: 1/320 second at f/8. CPL.
Bottom: 1/400 second at f/8. -0.33 EV.
ISO 400.

© 2009

Windsurfer...

Whilst ordinary surfers (is there such a thing?) have to be patient for the completion of the artificial surf reef off Boscombe beach, Dorset, there are other water sports practiced in the area that don't need large waves.
Wind and Kitesurfers were taking full advantage of ideal conditions: a 20 knot westerly wind and clear skies at Branksome Chine, Poole bay, this afternoon.
Although not a participant in these activities myself, I understand that this location is particularly suitable because of the greater SW angle of the beach.

24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Sigma lens. 1/250 second at f/8. CPL. ISO 320.

© 2009

Off the beaten track...

I've had a mountain bike for a week: now it's time to get it dirty. Having crossed the Sandbanks ferry I ride along Ferry Road towards Studland village, but turn right on Studland heath and take the Rempstone Trail across Rempstone estate, towards Hartland Moor.
The one single advantage of cycling these lanes and tracks is the fact that I can stop where I like, as and when the mood takes me: no need to worry about parking a car or obstructing a road - just drop the bike in a hedgerow and get shooting. The image shows a typical country lane in spring foliage near Bushey, Dorset. Off the beaten track, quiet locations like this are seldom seen by tourists, but it's well worth the effort to seek out areas of the county that still remain unspoilt.

Nikkor 12-24 f/4 lens. 1/125 second at f/11. 0.9 grey grad filter. ISO 320.

© 2009

The swift, the sedate and the optomistic...

Spring has truly sprung, and May Day bank holiday weekend is upon us in the UK. The May Day celebration traditionally marks the end of the winter months in the Northern hemisphere, and dates back to pagan rituals.
The weather is good so I get on my bike, and armed with a long telephoto lens ride the seven miles or so to the entrance of Poole harbour, Dorset, to photograph the various ways people enjoy all that water and sun.
There are numerous craft - powered or sail - of all shapes and sizes, prepared to dodge the Sandbanks chain-link ferry that connects the peninsula with Studland and the Isle of Purbeck; plus the occasional car ferry passing on its way to or from continental Europe.
Jet skis (top) are a popular choice but are outweighed in number by yachts taking advantage of what would appear to be ideal conditions (middle) as they sail out to sea, passing Brownsea island in the background.
But it's the optomitism of the ice cream sellers (bottom) that intrigues me: they won't sell many going at that speed. To be fair they were on their way to their pitch, anchoring off Sandbanks beach, where supposedly people could swim(?) out and buy refreshments: it remains a mystery as to how customers were to get their goods back to the shore once the transaction had taken place.

All images: 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14E II teleconverter - VR off. Monopod.

Top: 1/4000 second at f/5.
Middle: 1/1600 second at f/5.
Bottom: 1/2000 second at f/5.
ISO 320.

© 2009

Bike (part II)...

During the past week I've pondered the question of a second bike that would cover rougher terrain with greater ease. By Friday I was done with pondering and paid a visit to my local bicycle emporium for a hands-on approach. I'd researched the subject on the internet, and spoken to a number of knowledgeable people as to what would be suitable, so I already had a good idea of what I was after - which turned out to be a cross-country model (big tyres; disc brakes - all that stuff).
Although my fitness level has increased somewhat since the beginning of the year it is something of a setback having to adjust to a new riding position, and in particular the item that passes as a seat - laughingly called the saddle. This lethal-looking sliver of metal and plastic turned out to be something of a wonder as it is far more comfortable than it looks, borne out by the 30-odd miles I've ridden on it since I took delivery, yesterday afternoon.
Eager to get the bike settled in as quickly as possible I'm up before dawn and riding to Christchurch harbour where I photograph the boats at 6:25 am on a falling tide. Christchurch Priory is in the distance.

70-200 f/2.8 Sigma lens. 1/400 second at f/8. ISO 640.

© 2009

Far Corfe view...

With the promise of good spring weather in conjunction with feeling somewhat adventureous I try for my first goal since buying a bike, and cycle deep into the Dorset countryside to Corfe Castle. It's a 32 mile (51.5 km) round trip via the Sandbanks-Studland ferry, some of which is cross country.
Now, it's rarely the case that I can drive to a location, get out of the car and start shooting: the best images are always some distance off the beaten track. Buying a hybrid bike was intended to give me the flexibility which other forms of transport lack, but I'm beginning to realise its limitations. The paths that I'm now encountering are demanding a full-blown mountain bike - the tyres are much wider, and more suited to off-road conditions that I never though I would encounter. The best laid schemes o' mice an' men... Oh, well - time to spend some more money (woo-hoo!).

24-70 f/2.8 Sigma EX DG lens. 1/50 second at f/11. -0.33 EV. ISO 400.

© 2009

Preening gulls...

It is reported that work on the Boscombe surf reef is due to restart next week. A visit to the area this afternoon reveals that all the extra sand is ready, and equipment is on site - now it's up to the weather.
Since there was nothing new to photograph I continue on to Poole harbour despite the threat of rain (it doesn't). It's there that I make a series of casual shots of Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) busy preening themselves, almost oblivious to my presence just a few feet away. This noisy and familiar bird can become quite bold in human presence, especially when fed regularly. This is not a practice that I endorse as there is enough food in the environment to support these animals, and the feeding of these birds by hand can make them become a nusisance to others.

70-200mm f/2.8 Sigma lens. 1/1250 second at f/4. ISO 200.

© 2009

Agglestone rock...

The Easter weather forecasts have - as per - been somewhat hit or miss. Consequently I ignored the forecast for Easter Monday and got caught out; the dawn broke clear. But I was none the wiser as I was still asleep. Nevertheless my camera bag was packed ready to go at a moments notice, and it was on my bike at the earliest opportunity, travelling west for the Sandbanks ferry.
Once across to the Studland peninsula I head for Godlingston heath to photograph the Agglestone - also known as the Devil's Nightcap. Listed as one of 25 things to see in Dorset before you die the Tertiary sandstone rock, once anvil shaped, perches on a conical hill on the heath, but in September 1970 erosion made the block topple to the southeast. Legend has it that the 17 foot high, 400 tonne rock was thrown there from the Isle of Wight by the Devil. The story goes that his target was Studland church, Corfe Castle or Old Harry Rock. However, it's clear he missed.

First image: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. 1/320 second at f/5.6. CPL. ISO 400.
Second image: 12-24mm f/4 Nikkor. 1/160 second at f/8. CPL. 0.6 grey grad filter. ISO 400.

© 2009

Boscombe surf reef - Easter update...

Photographed from the pier yesterday afternoon the image shows the current state of affairs with the Boscombe surf reef and allied projects. Sand from the eastern end of the beach continues to be graded and stockpiled, but as yet there is no sign of the barge used in conjunction with the filling of geo-textile bags anchored on the sea floor.
The structure beginning to take shape in the foreground is one of two RNLI lifeguard lookout stations (there's one already on the west side of the pier). The RNLI are on duty along the eight miles or so of beach, keeping a watchful eye on bathers and surfers alike.
The Overstrand area (left) is nearing completion, and will contain a restaurant and café (Urban Reef) as well as shops (including Sorted Surf Shop), although Boscombe Spa Village still show signs of major work to the north of the site.

Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG lens. 1/640 second at f/8. ISO 200. Polarising filter.

© 2009

Filters - who needs 'em?

After a number of years the photographer tends to amass an array of contrivances and gadgets; some useful - some not so, in the pursuance of the ideal image. The useless ones that inevitably crept into the inventory have long been eliminated, but there are those that while still useful have fallen out of favour.
One such item is the polariser. At one time this versatile filter had a permanent residency on the end of all my lenses, irrespective of whether the scene would benefit or not. But this light-sucking device, along with tobacco grads and starburst filters eventually fell by the wayside as technology - and good taste - prevailed.
So today I decide to shoot with one, just to see if they really are as indispensable as I once thought, and attach it to a 24-70 zoom lens and head for Poole harbour. Although useful for reducing unwanted reflections and increasing white cloud/blue sky contrast I now find the filter a fiddle to use with a lens hood in place (I never shoot without one) and the constant need for it to be reoriented every time I change from landscape to portrait format, otherwise the effect is lost. That, plus the fact it guzzles around two stops of light, will make me think twice before attaching one to the front of my lenses in future. That's not to say that this accessory has no place in my bag: it does - Photoshop still can't simulate the effect these filters have on a scene - it's just that I'm used to working without one, and for low-light photography they are a non starter. How the mighty have fallen.

Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX-DG lens. 1/160 second at f/11. + 0.3 EV. ISO 500. Polarising filter.

© 2009

Dawn grasses...

Viewing the online weather forecast at 5 am gave an inkling of hope for good early light, although the cloud bank moving in overnight from the west was always going to be a risk to proceedings. Nonetheless I'm on my bike and heading for Christchurch harbour, Dorset, and Mudeford sandspit in particular to photograph the boats, an hour later.
As so often happens with passing fronts the conditions are unpredictable, and today was no different: the light I sought never happened. Still, all was not lost - it rarely is - and I come across grasses growing on the sand dunes, backlit by the sun.

300mm AF-S f/4 Nikkor. 1/1600 second at f/6.3. 1.4 TC -14E II. + 0.67 EV. ISO 500.

© 2009

Impressionable Herons...

Early morning light - in my opinion the best of the day - now starts at 6:30 am, and rather than shoot the predictable sunrise etc. I opt for something more creative. Once the sun broke the horizon I began to scan the sky for flying birds with the intention of capturing movement rather than detail. A pair of grey herons obligingly fly low over Christchurch harbour, and I pan the camera to keep them in frame, firing off several shots using a slow shutter speed. The result is more impressionistic, but by allowing all movement to blur it produces a pleasing variation from the norm. This technique can be hit or miss, and you never know what you have until the files are uploaded to a computer, but it can be worth the effort whilst waiting for suitable conditions for more conventional photography.

300mm AF-S f/4 Nikkor. 1/10 second at f/11. +0.67 EV. ISO 200.

© 2009

Sun arise...

Although the UK changed its clocks to British Summertime yesterday it's a phrase that belies the current climate. Early morning, especially pre-dawn, is still winter-like with the temperature hovering around the 0˚Celsius mark: but let's not let that get in the way of being out early for some first light photography.
Today's image shows the sunrise over Mudeford sandspit, which forms part of the entrance to Christchurch harbour, Dorset, at 6:49 am. I used a x1.4 teleconverter on a 300mm lens and cropped the image for more impact, but it must be said here that it is never safe to view the sun through optical instruments, no matter how weak the orb appears to be.

300mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor +x1.4 TC. 1/250 second at f/8. +0.67 EV. ISO 200.

© 2009

Old Harry (and his wife)...

The numerous workings at Hengistbury Head, Boscombe beach and Durley Chine were showing no signs of activity today (small wonder, as it's a Sunday), so I decide to use the continuing fine weather to cycle the seven miles of beach front promenade purely for the exercise.
My first stop was Alum Chine, Poole bay, and it was there that I shoot today's image of Old Harry Rock (far left of image), just over 4 miles distant. These chalk sea stacks form the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and is the Purbeck equivalent of The Needles at the western end of the Isle of Wight, which is part of the same chalk ridge where the sea broke through to form the bay, some 10,000 years ago.
The word 'chine' is peculiar to Dorset and the Isle of Wight, and means "deep, narrow ravine cut through soft rocks by a water course descending steeply to the sea". A rather long winded meaning for such a short word.

300mm f/4D AF-S Nikkor. 1/640 second at f/5.6. ISO 200.

© 2009

Weekend working...

I pay an early morning visit to the site of the Boscombe surf reef, this time to photograph progress with the sand being stockpiled to the east of the pier. The loads from the dump trucks are being consolidated into several large piles by excavators (photo) for grading. The refinement is achieved by sifting the material on an industrial scale to remove sharp objects that may damage the geo-textile bags that give the reef its shape.
Whilst the large scale workings were all too obvious there were a number of lesser projects that largely went ignored, but are essential nonetheless. One such undertaking was maintenance of the local beach huts (bottom image) for the forthcoming summer season. These seaside cabins need to be kept in good condition by their owners, as prices are soaring. Nine of these 8ft by 11ft huts, that have no electricity or running water, have recently been snapped up by buyers, paying £40,000 for a 25 year lease. The huts do, however, command an uninterupted view of Poole bay.

Lens: Both images - 85mm f/1.4 Nikkor.
Top image: 1/640 second at f/6.3. +0.33EV. ISO 320. +0.9 ND Grey graduated filter.
Bottom image: 1/2000 second at f/4.5. ISO 200.

© 2009

Boscombe artificial reef - update...

For the past two weeks or so there have been signs of the resumption of activity on the Boscombe surf reef, Dorset. Work was suspended last November; colder sea temperatures encountered by divers, and dwindling hours of daylight were the reasons given at the time.
Initially the beach was fenced off from public use, but this week the heavy plant has again taken up residence adjacent to Boscombe pier.
Today I photographed excavators filling dump trucks with sand at Portman ravine, which is then transported nearly three quarters of a mile along the beach to where it is being stockpiled. This material has to be graded before it is fit to be pumped into the geo-textile bags which give the reef its shape, anchored to the sea bed. The remnants of the original pile were bulldozed flat shortly after work ceased during the autumn, and winter seas washed it away.
Costs of the artificial reef have more than doubled since construction began, largely due to the late start and bad weather last year, and there is still no guarantee the final outcome will be as expected.

85mm f/1.4 Nikkor. 1/500 second at f/8. ISO 200.

© 2009

Beach replenishment update...

The beach replenishment at Southbourne, Dorset, is now well under way, and the operation draws its usual crowds to watch the process. Both images, made this afternoon, show the dredger Crestway in action, pumping material ashore through flexible pipes to be distributed by the bulldozers and excavators featured in recent posts.
The Crestway, a trailing suction dredger, is delivering mostly shingle that has been removed from licensed sites off the Isle of Wight, which can be seen in the background of the top image, along with The Needles rocks and their lighthouse on the horizon. The second photograph illustrates how the floating pipeline is attached to the ship, which is initially hauled into place at the bow with a crane before pumping starts.

Both images: 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with x1.4 TC.
Top image: 1/2500 second at f/5. ISO 320
Below: 1/2000 second at f/5. ISO 250

© 2009

Master of flight...

The Wessex Hang-gliding and Paragliding club were out in force over the cliffs of Poole bay, Dorset, this afternoon. At one point there were six aloft simultaneously, each displaying their prowess as masters of the air, but they were eclipsed by the arrival of a Kestral (Falco tinnunculus) in search of a late afternoon meal (bottom image).
I have been keen to photograph this falcon for some time, but as is often the case it makes an appearance when I am ill equipped, lens wise. Today was no exception: My longest lens was at home. Despite this, an image is better than no image, so I shoot with what I have on the camera. I'm constantly amazed at this birds ability to hover motionless while scanning the ground below for a potential meal. True masters of flight.

Both images: 70-200 f/2.8 EX Sigma lens.
Top: 1/1000 second at f/5. ISO 200. +0.3 exposure compensation.
Bottom: 1/1600 second at f/5.6. ISO 200. +0.3 exposure compensation.

© 2009

Beach replenishment - latest...

Although the equipment has been in place for at least the last 16 days there is little, if any, evidence of the DEFRA-funded beach replenishment at the Southbourne-Hengistbury Head site in east Dorset. I've visited the area for the past three days and as yet have to witness any activity, although the support vessel MCA Ailsa was in attendance yesterday (top image). Once work began the team was scheduled for round-the-clock duties, though none of this has been evident and plant remains idle (bottom image). Admittedly, the weather was unpredictable today and may be a plausible reason for the delay, or maybe I've just turned up at quiet moments, such as tea and fag breaks, and missed the main event.

Top image: 70-200 f/2.8 EX Sigma lens. 1/1000 second at f/11. ISO 200.
Bottom image: 12-24 f/4 Nikkor. 1/400 second at f/8. ISO 200.

© 2009

The Bramble Bush Bay...

The Sandbanks peninsula and Studland, on opposing sides of the entrance to Poole harbour, Dorset, have been serviced by a chain link ferry that has been run by the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company since July 1926. Although restrictions were imposed on the service during World War II (at one stage being taken over by the military) the ferry has remained in operation ever since.
The image shows the ferry landing on the Sandbanks shore this afternoon - the third such vessel to be commissioned for the job - and the first to be given a name. The predecessors were simply called Ferry No. 1 and Ferry No. 2, both of which were steam driven. The one in operation at present is diesel-electric powered and has been crossing the mouth of the harbour since 1994.

12-24 f/4 Nikkor. 1/320 second at f/8. ISO 200. +.33 exposure compensation. 0.6 neutral density grey grad filter.

© 2009

Neptune gets a refit...

Work continues during the spring-like weather on the regeneration of Boscombe seafront, Dorset. Today's image shows builders active with the renovation of the Neptune bar with Boscombe Overstrand and Boscombe Spa Village - still under its crane - in the background.
Work on the artificial surf reef is due to start again next month, with construction costs beginning to spiral up (and up, I shouldn't wonder).

Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX-DG lens. 1/180 second at f/8. ISO 100.

© 2009

Memorable gates at AFC Bournemouth...

The chance passing of the Fitness First Stadium (formerly known as Dean Court), the home to my local football team, revealed an unexpected surprise. The gates (image) were once at the entrance to the South End and Main Stand, at the south west corner of the ground, before the venue was completely renovated in 2001. They are now set into a wall and lead nowhere, and commemorate the forming of the supporters club in 1957 (left portal) and the club's Diamond Jubilee in 1960.
As far as I was aware there was nothing remaining of the old ground - save the odd steel post that once supported the Brighton Beach terrace at the eastern end - so it was welcome to see that someone had the foresight to keep something that linked the past to the present.

Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG lens. 1/125 second at f/5.6. ISO 400.

© 2009

Poole parasurfer...

Riding a bike is one thing, but transporting photographic gear as well is something else. Although I have a number of bags and cases to move equipment around (currently 9) none are really suitable for transporting large lenses on a bicycle...until now. I recently invested in the Think Tank Glass Taxi back pack, which will hold a 300mm f/2.8 lens (hood reversed) with a pro DSLR attached. There is also room for a small lens or two, but that's about it.
Having secured a monopod to the side I set off, primarily to test its practicality whilst riding. Although my initial intention was cross on the Sandbanks ferry to Studland, Dorset, I'm instantly captivated by the parasurfers in Poole harbour once I arrive, and stop to photograph them instead. Although I don't possess the focal lengths needed to pull in all the action, fitting a x1.4 tele-converter allows me to get some useable images when the subject passes close enough (photo).

Oh, yes, the bag is fine.

300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with x1.4 TC-14E tele-converter (VR off). 1/1600 second at f/4.5. ISO 400. +0.3 exposure compensation.

© 2009

The best time of day...

With a better than good chance of useable light, it's on the bike and along the coast to the southern tip of the entrance to Christchurch harbour, Dorset. The sky looks promising before I leave the house, but cloud from the east threatens to scupper my plans as I cycle along in the pre-dawn.
I arrive at the eastern tip of Mudeford sandspit at around 7:00 am, which gives me time to get into position and wait for the sun to break the horizon. I decide on a wide angle shot and select a neutral density grey graduated filter to hold back the sky. Although not as spectacular as I would have wished, the sun breaks through the cloud bank at 7:23 am (top image) and I only manage four shots during the minute or so the sun is visible before it is again obscured by the cloud. When it re-appears it is too high in the sky - and too strong - for the effect I am after.

The second photograph, shot shortly after 8:00 am, shows heavy plant moving sections of pipe into position at Hengistbury Head in preparation for beach replinishment, last done at this location during the winter of 2005/6. Whilst the beaches to the west are replinished with sand, shingle is used here as it is less prone to longshore drift.

Top image: 12-24mm f/4 Nikkor. 1/100 second at f/8. ISO 400. 0.6 Neutral density grey grad filter.
Bottom image: 12-24mm f/4 Nikkor. 1/160 second at f/8. ISO 200. +0.67 exposure compensation.

© 2009

End to end...

Poole bay, Dorset, and its seven miles of sand beaches is book-ended by two natural harbours: Christchurch to the east, and Poole harbour to the west. Last week I featured the entrance to the former, and today made a visit to the latter. Poole harbour, created at the end of the last ice age, is a flooded valley and lays claim to being the largest (or second largest, depending on your location - there are others) natural harbour in the world.
Despite its size it is very shallow, with an average depth of 48 cm (19 inches), and it was necessary to dredge a deeper main channel for larger vessels to use the harbour.
One such ship is seen in the image as it approaches the 365 metre wide harbour entrance at Bramblebush bay, presumably on its way to France.

12-24mm Nikkor. 1/80 second at f/10. ISO 250. +0.67 exposure compensation. 0.6 neutral density grey grad filter.

© 2009

The Mudeford Run...

The cold spell continues across Dorset, and with high atmospheric pressure and low tides predicted, conditions were conducive for an early start. Leaving the house before dawn, I cycle along the coast to Mudeford Sandspit at the entrance to Christchurch harbour. Photographed from the southern shore shortly after sunrise today, the image shows the Mudeford Run - the narrow entrance to the harbour - that can produce currents up to 9 knots on a spring tide ebb. Had the tide been in, I would not have been able to shoot from where I did.
Yet again, the bike proves its worth by allowing me to get into position with the minimum of fuss. It is fast becoming my favourite photographic gadget.

12-24mm f/4 Nikkor. 1/160 second at f/8. ISO 250. 0.9 neutral density grey grad filter.

© 2009

Still cold...

With daylight hours increasing noticeably it won't be too long before the sun begins to rise inland along the south coast of the UK. Taking advantage of what good light is available, between rain - and in some places, snow - I again return to the seafront to photograph the dawn. The Met Office predicted clear skies, and I decided on the location the night before, as I did the lens that I used. This is one of two third party zoom lenses I own (these are a throwback to the days of film), mainly to give it some exercise (yes, they do need it).
So it was on the bike before sunrise, and braving a temperature of -3˚C, I cycle to Hengistbury Head, Dorset, to see what nature had to offer. The image shows the sun rising over The Needles, Isle of Wight.

Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX-DG lens. 1/200 second at F/7.1. ISO 400. +1.0 exposure compensation. 0.9 grey grad ND filter.

© 2009

The big freeze...

Much of the UK has been subjected to heavy snow, and naturally it has caused disruptions on roads and airports. Even so, it is something of a rare occurence for it to snow in my neck of the woods due to the Hampshire basin, which tends to produce different weather patterns from those generally forecast for the south.
So it's off to the park and my local bandstand to photograph this atypical phenomenon. Although nowhere near as bad as some parts of the country, a light dusting of snow is, indeed, big news for us.

12-24 f/4 Nikkor. !/50 second at f/10. ISO 400. +0.33 exposure compensation.

© 2009

Cold spell (slight return)...

The UK braces itself again for another cold spell, with snow expected along the east coast tonight. Temperatures in Dorset are expected to drop to -3˚C, and with winds gusting up to 30mph, it will feel colder still. However, enough of the weather forecast: it's back to the beach for some imposing images as the sun breaks through the cloud. Again, the conversion to mono suits the subject better than full colour, lending further drama to the scene.

85mm f/1.4 Nikkor. 1/200 second at f/8. ISO 200. +0.3 exposure compensation. Conversion in Photoshop.

© 2009