Reflections

Reflections on my last day, Driffield Canal

Thursday 31st December 2015

My last post for the 'Image a day' project today had to feature 'reflections'. Is that me being sad or glad? A bit of both. I achieved what I set out to do, which was to take an image every day for a year, so box ticked. Did I enjoy it? Yes and no: there have been some challenging times, like five minutes to midnight and no image! There have also been quite a few 'wow' moments, when everything has come together to create a stunning image. To be honest, there have been quite a few days when I was going to throw the towel in, as it seemed more like a chore. Perhaps my photography has reflected that on those days? I thank my eldest son for suggesting writing a blog and using Twitter. I'm sure that for those who follow my ramblings, you will know when I was enjoying the experience and when I definitely wasn't!  What now? I will continue taking images. Driffield Photographic Society have a couple of Exhibitions at Sledmere House in 2016, I might print one or two and sell them. One day, I might get around to resuming the photography/art business I had when we lived in Northumberland. Can I just thank all who have followed me on Twitter and indeed those who have found the blog and enjoyed it. Thanks to all those who have left comments either on the blog or Twitter. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Storm Frank

On the edge of the storm

Wednesday 30th December 2015

Thinking today about all the poor people who have been affected by the recent flooding. Is it worth bothering to clear up, knowing that with 'Storm Frank' approaching, it could all happen again? We are lucky this time, living in the east of the country, just a bit of rain, strong winds and the advantage of not living near a river. We have some large beech trees at the bottom of our garden and as I looked out of the window at them swaying, I was drawn into thoughts of 'Mother Nature' and the elements. It doesn't matter what we do, the forces of nature will always win. So my picture shows the force of the wind at work.

Avenue of Trees

Avenue of trees at Bracey Bridge

Tuesday 29th December 2015

Went to Bridlington this morning and there was a deep blue sky, which makes a change. On the way, we passed a small woodland opposite the Bracey Bridge picnic spot. I liked the look of the sunlight on the trees and made a mental note that I would stop there on my return. Fortunately, the weather held and it was still sunny on our way home. I set off on foot along the footpath towards Kilham and came across this avenue of poplar trees, neatly planted, the branches creating something of an arch.

Can of worms?

Box of assorted nails actually 

Monday 28th December 2015

Went into the garage this evening and saw one of my plastic boxes of assorted one inch nails on the shelf. I went to put them away and noticed there were rusted nails, grey zinc nails, brass nails, some with flat heads and some round heads, a complete jumble. They reminded me of maggots or worms. I decided I would photograph them, but manipulate the image to resemble writhing maggots or worms. I then converted the image to black and white. If you look very carefully, you can see the heads of some of the nails.

Garton Church

St. Michael and All Angels Parish Church, Garton-on-the-Wolds

Sunday 27th December 2015

Still suffering with a bad cold, rightly or wrongly I decided to go out with my camera. I made for the magnificent Parish Church at Garton-on-the-Wolds to take some interior shots of the painted walls and ceiling. As I arrived at the Church the sun was beginning to set across the west door, which has an original Norman arch. In pots outside, blooming in the December weather, were geraniums. I liked this scene and photographed it before venturing inside. 

Nut Cracker

Cracking a nut or two

Saturday 26th December 2015

From out of the blue I've got a very heavy cold. I didn't feel like doing anything today, let alone take a photograph. I saw the bowl of nuts this evening and decided that if I could manage to get myself into the studio (garage), I could take a photograph of a cracked nut! Not very inspirational, but it was probably the best I could do in the circumstances. Cold remedy and bed for me.

Christmas Day

The meaning of Christmas

Friday 25th December 2015

Family Christmas at Scarborough today. Pouring with rain, so no outside photography. Returning home, I wanted to take a picture that reflected Christmas. I thought about an image of the whole of our Christmas tree, then I noticed this crib scene wooden ornament with yellow light above. It told the Christmas story with the star above the stable. I had to include an unopened (must have missed it) chocolate Santa, the ornaments and the rest of the tree and coloured lights. Happy Christmas!

Beverley Market Cross

Beverley Market Cross

Thursday 24th December 2015

In Beverley this evening for the Carol Service at Beverley Minster. The Minster was packed, almost standing room only. Whilst walking through the Market Place I decided to take a picture of the Market Cross which dates back to 1714. It looks splendid with Christmas decorations and Christmas tree, plus the revellers and the supermarket trolley!

Ploughing

Turning the soil

Wednesday 23rd December 2015

It was such a pleasant sunny afternoon, apart from the wind, that I went for a walk in Brubber Dale west of Fridaythorpe. Brubber Dale is a dry valley and is also Open Access land, meaning you can walk anywhere within the confines. I walked along the valley bottom, then returned along the top. I then drove through Thixendale and encountered a farmer ploughing his field. Unusual, in as much as at this time of year the ground could be frozen solid and unable to be ploughed. Not so this year, as the plough turned the soil, it was almost crumbling. Whatever happened to winter weather?

Celtic Patterns

Pattern rings or Celtic art

Tuesday 22nd December 2015

Had to go through to Scarborough today. Spent the latter part of the morning wandering around the harbour. I saw these different sized rings all linked together in a framework. They were rusty and had obviously been in the water - they were attached to a fishing boat! Looking at the rings reminded me of Celtic artwork and the never ending patterns. I photographed them, knowing that I wanted to manipulate the image to convey the Celtic patterns as seen in the colourful illuminated scripts. 

The Shortest Day

Fox Hill burial mound at sunset on the shortest day

Monday 21st December 2015

Today is the shortest day. From tomorrow the daylight hours start to get longer again. Ever since I visited the Orkney Islands in 1994 and specifically the Neolithic burial chamber of Maeshowe, this day always leaves me wanting to be there. I look forward and wish that I could witness the setting sun, on this the winter solstice, shine down the entrance passage onto the back wall of the chamber (it was raining there today). The alignment of this huge mound, constructed 5000 years ago, so that light only shines directly along the passage on the shortest day, to me is amazing. Now to my image. I woke up, remembering it was the shortest day and thinking of Maeshowe, as I do on every 21st December. What were the things going through my mind for an image today? A sense of place, it had to be special. The contrast of darkness and light; from the long dark nights, we can look ahead to shorter nights. The setting sun had to feature against a dark object. I jumped in my car and headed for Fox Hill bowl barrow burial mound. I have had this particular view in mind for a few years now. I have taken it looking south west, aligned directly with the setting sun on a NE/SW axis. It can never be Maeshowe, but it is my substitute, for this year.

Robin Hoods Bay

Late afternoon Robin Hoods Bay

Sunday 20th December 2015

Today I was out with the North York Moors National Park Voluntary Rangers on a work task at Robin Hoods Bay. We replaced five worn out steps leading down to the 'Quarter Deck' from the Cleveland Way in the morning. A festive lunch was taken on the 'Quarter Deck' before we cut back vegetation on the Cleveland Way between Robin Hoods Bay and Boggle Hole. As we were returning to Bay, the sun was going down on the village, I couldn't resist a photograph. The 'Quarter Deck' is the short promenade in the right foreground.

Green Lacewing

Green Lacewing on the window

Saturday 19th December 2015

Sitting at my desk this morning, the window was open as it was so mild. I noticed a green fly on the inside of the window; it had a green body, green wings, long antennae and two bulging eyes. I have seen these flies in the garden before, but not paid too much attention to them. This one was about one centimetre long and kept crawling up the window, stopping then moving on again. I had my camera nearby so took a photograph. Problem was I was unable to get my tripod high enough and it wouldn't stay still long enough. In the end it was a high ISO setting and hand held. Reading up on these insects, I found out that they hibernate in the adult form until spring. With the very mild weather we are having, this one decided spring was here already!

Christmas candle

Christmas candle holder

Friday 18th December 2015

We have a Christmas candle holder that I like, we have had it for years. It is glass with snow flakes and Christmas tree motifs. The pattern repeats around the glass. I placed a tea light candle in the bottom and photographed it in a dark room to emphasize the colours and pattern.

Waterfall

Waterfall in Hayburn Wyke woods

Thursday 17th December 2015

Today I was doing my Cleveland Way volunteers bit at Hayburn Wyke (again). This time we cleared drains, cleaned pitching and cut back vegetation, before the team retired to the Hayburn Wyke Hotel for a well earned Christmas lunch. After lunch we all said our farewells, then I ventured back down through the woods to the Hayburn beck. Where the Cleveland Way crosses the beck, there is a fantastic waterfall on the seaward side, where it disgorges onto the beach. On the other side of the bridge, you can hear a waterfall, but can't always see it, due to the vegetation. Today, I was able to see the waterfall in all its glory and as I had my tripod with me, was able to take a long exposure shot.

St. Gregory's Minster

St. Gregory's Minster, Kirkdale

Wednesday 16th December 2015

Had to make a trip to Scarborough, then onto Thirsk today. The weather was overcast with rain, then the sun shone as we approached Kirkbymoorside. We decided we would go and have a look at St. Gregory's Minster in Kirkdale just west of Kirkbymoorside. By the time we got there, the sun had gone. St. Gregory's Minster dates back to the Saxon period and is thought to be from about 750 AD or earlier. There is a Saxon sundial with an inscription stating that Orm Gamal's son bought the Minster when it was in ruin between1055 and 1065AD. The Minster is in a very tranquil location.

Poinsettia

My take on our Christmas Poinsettia

Tuesday 15th December 2015

My wife bought a small Poinsettia plant today in a pot. They are tender house plants which do not like low temperatures, draughts or direct sunlight. They have mainly red and some green leaves and flower from December into January, hence they are widely available as a Christmas plant. We tend to view these plants from above as the smooth foliage spreads and they look good as a table decoration. I decided to look under the leaves and into the plant and was surprised at the different appearance. The underside of the leaves are ribbed, so with side lighting it enhances their texture. The top part of our plant was red and the bottom leaves were green, so I concentrated on the top half and lit the plant from the right hand side. It's a very different view.

Returning to harbour

Scallop fishing boat 'Clasina' entering Scarborough harbour

Monday 14th December 2015

Today I was doing my Cleveland Way bit at Hayburn Wyke. We were putting non slip pads onto the large flight of wooden steps (loud cheers from some walkers) north of the Hayburn beck and the waterfall. Important but tedious work, ten screws in each pad and nearly 100 steps! The weather was fine, fairly warm (the midges were about), but gloomy and overcast. By the time I finished there, it was gone three o'clock and nearly dark. I drove into Scarborough and was just going around the Marine Drive, when I caught sight of a large fishing boat, lit up and about to come into the harbour. I parked and ran along the lighthouse pier, just in time to photograph the boat entering the harbour.

Hot Chestnuts

Hot Chestnuts Beverley Festival of Christmas

Sunday 13th December 2015

About 1pm we decided (late) that we would go through to Beverley for the Christmas Festival. As we approached the town from Molescroft, it was quite clear the town was heaving. We eventually got parked near the canal and walked back into town. It was a cold afternoon with lots of people enjoying all the festivities. As we walked through the market, a lovely smell wafted in my direction - roast chestnuts! I couldn't resist a bag and once purchased, the proprietor posed for a photograph. I used fill flash to cast a bit of light towards the chestnuts and the black of the ovens. The chestnuts were excellent.

Christmas Cheer

Christmas cheer in Driffield

Saturday 12th December 2015

This has to be the best Christmas dressed house in Driffield (unless you know otherwise). It really makes people smile when they walk past - or stop in their cars. The children love it and why not, there is something in the display for all of them to enjoy. The house is on Skerne Road, you can't miss it, just follow the glow! There is a collection tin for charity, so please give generously. It is going to be a cold and frosty night tonight, perhaps not on Skerne Road with the heat from the lights! Well done to the householder for bringing Christmas cheer to the town.

Red Hot Pepper

That Pepper sure is hot

Friday 11th December 2015

Took the photograph yesterday, but too tired to post it last night. I found some small red peppers in the fridge and decided to photograph them. It was a pleasant enough image of a red pepper, sharp focus and well lit, but boring. I thought if it was that small, it would have a kick to it. So I exploded the flavour! How hot is that?

Shetland Pony

Shetland Pony Sewerby Hall

Thursday 10th December 2015

Visited Sewerby Hall near Bridlington this afternoon for a walk around the area. The Hall was closed, the zoo was open, but we chose to wander around the grounds. It was very cold with what felt like an icy wind. Part of the grounds near the Hall are given over to a few sheep. deer and Shetland ponies. As soon as we walked towards the enclosure with the Shetland ponies, this one came bounding across to meet us. With a warm coat and bred for harsh climates, today's weather was not a problem for them. I did get the impression that for some reason it was miserable (maybe just having a bad day). I therefore took my photograph with the pony looking down and not at me, with almost a vacant expression, to show what I thought were its inner feelings.

White and Black

Leatherman

Wednesday 9th December 2015

Sorting through my rucksack and came across my old Leatherman multi purpose tool. I have had this for years and it does come in very handy. I opened up the pliars and photographed them against a black background with minimal side lighting.

York floods

Flooding at King's Staithe, York

Tuesday 8th December 2015

I had to go to York this evening to deliver the images in one of the Driffield Photographic Society competitions to the judge's house. I decided to take advantage of the trip and ventured into York to witness the flooding on the river Ouse. The Kings Arms pub on the left of the image is regularly flooded when the waters rise. If you look very carefully you will notice water pouring out of the letterbox of the Kings Arms. It was quite windy when I took this shot, on tripod with a 53 second exposure.

Humber Bridge

Two sides of the Humber Bridge

Monday 7th December 2015

Had to go to Hull today, so whilst my wife was Christmas shopping, I took an hour out to visit the Humber Bridge. I have not walked over the bridge yet and it is something I keep meaning to do. With just a small amount of time available, I walked part of the way across. We had driven down from Driffield in murk and into sunshine at the bridge. As I climbed the steps onto the bridge, the sun was almost blinding, and yet on the south bank it was murky and foggy. As I neared the first tower, I saw my opportunity for an image. The sun was casting a shadow from the central point of the cable span, dividing my picture in two (the south bank and the north bank) one in sun, the other in mist. It gave me the extra lead-in line that I need for the composition. I just needed a point when there was no vehicle on the bridge and it happened. Click! Within five minutes, the sun had gone completely.

Starting them young

Juvenile Herring gull practising shaking its catch

Sunday 6th December 2015

Once the high winds died down, we had a day trip to Whitby. Ages since I have just wandered around the town and I enjoyed it. It was busy, good to see that the Council run car park at the Abbey was free until March. People at Scarborough complain about the seagulls, but the adult herring gulls I witnessed at Whitby were probably more ferocious and determined. I saw at first hand one dive down and scoop fish from the fish and chip paper of one unhappy woman. Once this one succeeded, it was quickly followed by another, only to be shooed away and then another. It was whilst walking around the marina area later on that I saw this juvenile herring gull, practising its final approach with a piece of fish and chip paper. It would walk towards it, pounce, then shake the item violently, before putting it down, backing off and having another go. It wasn't bothered about me watching it at close range. I  got the impression that somewhere close-by was an adult 'Fagin' Herring Gull watching to see if this one had honed his skills to perfection and had passed the test. Now go and pick a packet (of fish and chips) or two!

Carnaby Temple

Carnaby Temple - a folly

Saturday 5th December 2015

A very windy day today and I wanted to capture something of the changing sky as the wind moved the clouds, but I needed something in the foreground. I jumped in my car and headed for Carnaby Temple high on Woldgate, the Roman road linking York with Bridlington. Carnaby Temple is a folly built in the eighteenth century by Sir George Strickland owner of nearby Boynton Hall. With my camera mounted on a tripod, I managed to get a steady image!

Carrmire Gate Tower

Tower at the Carrmire Gate, Castle Howard

Friday 4th December 2015

Not until mid afternoon did we get out today and it was across to Malton and towards Castle Howard. As we reached the Carrmire Gate on the approach to Castle Howard the sun was shining on the tower on the east side of the gate. I managed to park the car and walk down the verge to take a photograph. The castellated walls and towers were never built as defensive structures, they were to make an impressive approach to the great Castle Howard. The tower is probably only about thirty metres high. I decided on black and white to give it a more timeless feel.

Driffield Christmas Tree

Driffield Christmas Tree

Thursday 3rd December 2015

Today was the 'switch-on' of Driffield's Christmas lights. I was busy at tea-time when they were turned on, so had to go out in the wind and rain after tea. By the time we walked into town and probably due to the weather, a lot of the stalls were packing up. Most people had either gone home or were seeking refuge in the local pubs. It did mean that it was quiet when I decided to take a shot of the Christmas tree at 8.05pm on hand held night scene mode.

Freddie Gilroy

Freddie Gilroy a study

Wednesday 2nd December 2015

As it was a lovely morning, we decided to go through to Scarborough and have a walk around the Marine Drive, south to north. As we approached the North Bay, we came upon the metal sculpture of a very large man with walking stick sitting on a seat. This sculpture is entitled; 'Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers' and is by the artist Ray Lonsdale. It relates to Freddie, who was an ordinary soldier caught up in the war, who was present as part of the 11th Armoured Division at Bergen Belsen concentration camp in 1945 when they took the surrender. Thousands of rotting bodies were discovered and the stench, plus the emaciated bodies of 50,000 inmates had a massive effect on his life there-after. His birthday was spent in the concentration camp and he confessed to having cried on every birthday since then. He died in 2008. I find the sculpture moving and whilst most people want to photograph the complete sculpture, I decided on a portrait. The reason was that the strong side lighting made all the sculptured lines stand out. The background sky was blue, I wanted the image black and white so I converted it, chose a red filter to darken the blue sky and then on a separate layer, brought back in the red of the poppy, showing him in reflective mood.

Colours

Just after sunset

Tuesday 1st December 2015

I was sitting at the computer (now running okay), when I was aware of a warm glow within the room. Looking up, I saw these fantastic colours in the sky. I knew there would be no time to go out and photograph the sky, so I chose just part of the trees at the bottom of our garden to silhouette against the dramatic sky.

Tomato

Half a tomato

Monday 30th November 2015

Whilst eating lunch, which was a salad, I cut through a tomato. That is what I will photograph later I thought. A lot of people photographing half a fruit/vegetable, scan the image to get the overall lighting effect. I decided to photograph it using two lamps and reflectors. I am not sure if mine was over ripe or perfect, colour wise. It tasted okay once I had finished. Why the indoor photography? I am still trying to put my files back onto the hard drive!

Brigham

Driffield Canal at Brigham

Sunday 29th November 2015

I went out mid-morning to Brigham, a hamlet located on the Driffield Canal south east of Driffield. It was a very overcast day, but the sun was trying to put in an appearance. Having walked a few hundred metres in thick mud and deep puddles, I came to this point where there were some trees on the canal bank. I liked the way the canal curved to a point where the sun's rays were beginning to shine through. I wanted some reflections in the canal, but the only way I could get them was to slightly under expose the image, which created mood. This helped the tree branches to silhouette, the water to stand out and to lead the eye into the distance.

Gas Ring

Illuminated Gas Ring

Saturday 28th November 2015

I was out early today and up to Robin Hoods Bay doing my Voluntary Ranger duties with North York Moors National Park. Four of us were cutting back vegetation in very cold and windy conditions on one of the promoted footpaths around the village. By the time we finished, it was raining heavily. I returned home at tea-time and after tea, resumed loading programmes onto my computer. Just about to go to bed, when again, at a late hour I realized I had not taken a photograph. I saw the gas ring, lit it and photographed it.

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights Driffield

Friday 27th November 2015

I'm back! Not with a very inspiring photograph I hasten to add. I have just had my computer re-built from bottom up, so I have been off line for a few days until I got things sorted out. I have still been taking one image a day. This one was desperate. With my attention turned to the computer, cameras took a back seat. Busy all day, I went to Kingswood mid evening to see the new James Bond film and returning to Driffield about 2310, my wife suddenly reminded me about a photograph. It was raining, I was tired, my camera was in the back of the car, I saw the Christmas lights attached to a lamp post on the main street and took a shot. At least it is an image!

Model aircraft engine

Diesel engine

Thursday 26th November 2015

My neighbour came round a few weeks ago and handed me a box containing two small engines and said,"I thought you might like these, in case you get stuck for something to photograph". Thanks Francis. They were a bit dusty and greasy, so I cleaned them up. Today I decided to photograph one of them, but I didn't know much about them, what they were used for etc. I Googled the name P.A.W. 249 diesel engine (name on the box). The result was model aircraft engines, built at Progress Engineering Works (PAW) in Macclesfield, the firm was founded by Gig Eifflaender in the 1950's and are still being made by the family firm today. Yes, the engine probably has seen a few crash landings, but I still liked the look of it. Lit with one light and a reflector.

Partial Decay

Rust and flaking paint - or is it?

Wednesday 25th November 2015

Today, I was out in the Harwood Dale area of the North York Moors doing footpath surveys for the National Park. It was a beautiful day, sunny but a little chilly first thing. I covered about twelve miles in total and took photographs of some great views, but this was what really caught my eye. It was an old oil (or chemical) tank barrel at the side of a bridleway on Lownorth Moor. The farmer had used it in the past, but now it was just decaying, the paint had blistered in the sun, then it had fallen off in random pieces to reveal the metal. Once the rain got to the metal, it would begin to rust. There were slight traces of white paint on the left and a type of malachite green substance bottom right. Was this a chemical from a previous life? The words on the tank were unreadable. There was strong sidelight from the right, which caused the shadows, but the rust colour just jumped out and was stunning. I isolated this small part as I could see shapes appearing; can you see the head and shoulders of a lady or the figure top right with the pointed hat or the map of the Welsh coast? It is what you make it, or is it those mushrooms again?

Squirrel sunbathing

Squirrel on nest box

Tuesday 24th November 2015

Confined to the house most of today, well it was raining. I was looking out of our back bedroom window, mid afternoon, when I spotted one of our friendly grey squirrels sitting on top of the bird nesting box at the bottom of the garden. I grabbed my camera and being about thirty metres from the tree, it was long lens on maximum magnification. I also needed a fast shutter speed and high iso as he kept moving about. The sun had just managed to poke through the cloud for a short time. It was quite clear that he was enjoying the first bit of sun for a few days. Within minutes, the sun had gone (so too, the squirrel) and cloud descended again. The big rusty washer is to prevent the woodpecker breaking into the box.

Sacred Place

Bowl Barrow Garrowby Hill

Monday 23rd November 2015

Lunch time, I was on my way to Thixendale to walk one of the Open Access dry valleys. I turned right at the top of Garrowby heading for Thixendale, when I suddenly encountered one of my 'wow factor' moments. Looking at the burial mound as I always do, I noticed the watery sun above the centre of the mound, with a cloud formation radiating out from it. I stopped on the road and grabbed my camera. I had to under expose the image to maintain the sun and the silhouette of the trees on the mound. I always feel a warm glow when the elements come together naturally on a special place. This has been a special place for over 4000 years from the late neolithic period, when people were buried here. After this, my walk in Court Dale was an anti climax.

Power Shower Head

Look up

Sunday 22nd November 2015

We have a shower and wash our hair, now and again we forget to keep our eyes closed and look up. What do we see? A fleeting glimpse of the shower head pouring water on us at a fast rate (ours is a power shower), before we manage to close our eyes again. My image today is an attempt to re-create that millisecond between opening and closing our eyes and seeing the shower head. I photographed the shower head, gave the image a frosted glass appearance, then some motion and radial blur. To me, that is what I see - Anyone got a cloth to dry my lens!

Rough Sea

Rough sea at Scarborough

Saturday 21st November 2015

Ventured across to Scarborough this morning and as we approached the town, I could see that the sea was rough. There was snow in the air and a northerly wind blowing which was whipping up the waves. We parked at the Spa and walked along towards the old South Bay Pool. My image shows in the centre of the picture, waves about to crash over the railings around the now filled-in pool and the waves breaking over the promenade in the foreground.

Lone Tree

Winter draws on

Friday 20th November 2015

Today was really cold, but for the most part sunny. We had a run out to Fridaythorpe, then onto Huggate and home in the afternoon. The outside temperature in Driffield was seven degrees but by the time we got to Huggate, it had dropped to five and add the wind chill - yes it was cold. Approaching Huggate, the sky darkened for a light shower. Huggate is one of the highest spots on the Wolds and this sentinel of a tree on top of a ridge has stood the test of time with no shelter and open to the four winds. Quite a lot of trees have still got some leaves, but this one is bare. Snow forecast for tomorrow - not surprised!

View from Urra Moor

The Cleveland Way

Thursday 19th November 2015

Doing my bit with the Cleveland Way Volunteers today. This morning we were up on Urra Moor, the highest point on the North York Moors, cleaning drains and making sure that water could drain off the path. It was a sunny morning, with cloud descending towards lunch time. The sun appeared again in the afternoon as we moved onto Hasty Bank for more drainage work. What we did notice, was that the sun shone all day on Middlesbrough! My image, taken from Urra Moor, shows from left to right: Cringle Moor, Cold Moor and Hasty Bank.

Gansey Girl

'The Gansey Girl'  Bridlington Harbour

Wednesday 18th November 2015

Away to Bridlington for a nice refreshing walk on the beach this morning. It was cold with drizzle in the air, very bracing. Onto the harbour and we came to this new statue (part of the Bridlington Maritime Trail) called; 'The Gansey Girl'. It is made of bronze, was created by the artist Steve Carvill and depicts a woman knitting a traditional fisherman's wool jumper. Each family had a different style of cabling on their 'Gansey', which had a purpose of identifying the wearer, if he was lost at sea. The lady faces the harbour mouth to bid farewell and to greet the homecomers. The fishes on the plinth bear the names of local fisher families.

Wiring diagram?

Part of a processor?

Tuesday 17th November 2015

Confined to the house today. In the evening I had my friendly computer man have a look at my ageing system and decided it was time for an upgrade (again). The innards of the computer have always left me in awe of the people that understand them. I wish I had their knowledge. I found a 'bit' - if that's the right word, that was handed back to me when my computer took a dive three years ago. I don't know what it does, but it looks complicated and somehow resembles 'Clapham Junction'. The piece I photographed measured only about 15mm long, so it was a job for my Tamron macro lens. What I did notice, once photographed, that despite giving it a clean (with a blower brush), there were lots of minute dust particles adhering to the surfaces.

Fish Boxes

Colours and patterns in fish boxes?

Monday 16th November 2015

Had to go through to Scarborough today, so took advantage of a walk around the harbour area. Sadly, Alonzi's Harbour Bar was closed, so no ice cream for me today! Walking onto the west pier, or fish pier, I noticed a very neat stack of fish boxes. There were just two odd ones that I wanted to take out and move - but nothing is perfect!

Road Works Ahead

Red glass lens

Sunday 15th November 2015

I have an old North Riding County Council red road works paraffin lamp. Looking at it, set me thinking that people were employed to fill and trim the wicks every day, so that motorists would not run into the road works at night. I decided to photograph the red lens against a black background to mimic the red light shining at night. I cleaned the lens inside and out, removed the paraffin container and shone light on the inside of the lamp to isolate the red lens. I then focused on the lens and noticed lots of bits, closer inspection revealed they were actually air bubbles in the glass. I don't know anything about Kenyons Serilight Lens and Google did not help! No doubt they were mass produced.

Press Studs

Press Studs minus one!

Saturday 14th November 2015

Saw a card of press studs in my wife's sewing box, they were on a card with a plastic bubble over each one. They had been there quite some time as they had the 'Woolworth's' name on the card. As I lit them with side light, the metal studs and the holes for stitching them to garments contrasted, but the effects of the surrounding plastic caused the light to bounce around, producing a weird pattern. Converting the image into different colours gave me an interesting effect. The bottom row of studs were a different size to the others. One of the pack was missing, can you guess which one?

Durham Lumiere

'The World Machine' son et lumiere Durham Cathedral

Friday 13th November 2015

Visited Durham and stayed overnight with relations, hence no post yesterday. The reason was the UK's largest light festival, the 'Durham Lumiere'. Twenty eight light-art installations around the city from using pedal power to light up a Reliant Robin (yes, I did manage it), through to light figures scaling the iconic Durham railway viaduct. They were all fantastic in their own way. But for me, the highlight was 'The World Machine', the story of cosmology from the 12th century to the present day told in a son et lumiere on the side of Durham Cathedral, with great music composed by Isobel Waller-Bridge. A cold, but wonderful evening. My image was taken part way through the performance. As well as taking some video, I used the 'Handheld night scene' mode on my camera (still on tripod), which fires off four shots continuously, at various ISO settings for one image. It works (above)!

Autumn Path

The last of the autumn colours?

Thursday 12th November 2015

I went to Millington Woods this morning with the intention of photographing the colours of the beech trees. When I got there, the path was closed for tree felling - was there a plan 'B'? The other location I like for the beech trees is at Sledmere, so with the sun shining and light wind I made my way there just after lunch. The leaves were falling all the time, but I managed a photograph of the path through the wood, which was very colourful. I was aware that by late afternoon, the wind would get stronger on the edge of storm 'Abigail' and the leaves would soon disappear.