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.