At the NEC

Pontoon bridge!

Sunday 22nd March 2015

It was an early start and off with friends to the NEC at Birmingham for The Photography Show. An uneventful drive down, found the usual car park and walked towards the Exhibition Centre. Work was being carried out on the hotel to the right of picture, so the walkway was closed. Instead we trekked across a huge floating pontoon bridge over Pendigo Lake. I dread to think what the cost of the construction was, but it had all the safety barriers, green 'carpet' decking, hundreds of huge plastic floats and complete with lights. The sun was not quite right in the morning and I figured tea-time would be okay. As we were returning to the car, I took the image. It is quite often said in photographic circles that if you take a shot like this, you need someone 'in red' at the far end to lead the eye. I disagree!

Twisted Mind

Drill bit

Saturday 21st March 2015

Sorting through some tools and came across a new masonry drill bit. I instantly thought about a photograph as there was no brick dust etc on the bit. I decided to photograph it 'full on' and light it from both sides against a black background. This helped to show the twist and marks on the steel drill by contrast and exposed the brazing of the Tungsten Carbide tip to the shaft. 

Obscured by clouds

My Pink Floyd moment!

Friday 20th March 2015

It had to be an eclipse photograph today, but the forecast for Driffield was iffy. Would we see it or not? I made my way onto the Wolds towards Langtoft in the hopes that I would eliminate any mist. Arriving just before the maximum eclipse, I set up with my tripod, pointed the camera in the direction of the sun - what sun? Then it appeared, 'obscured by clouds', and that was my Pink Floyd moment! I took a series of images, but the disc of the moon was never going to show. As I stood there taking my photographs, I found myself humming 'Mudmen' a track on the Pink Floyd album - 'Obscured by Clouds' and I can't get it out of my head. The eclipse was a great spectacle, but for me it was a reminder of my favourite group, as if I needed one!  

Shampoo set

Did it clean the car?

Thursday 19th March 2015

I picked up the can of foam upholstery cleaner, it has a matt black plastic top with red brush head attached. Pressing the aerosol release (underneath) it releases foam onto the brush and you scrub the car seats. Did I clean the car? No, not today, but when I get round to cleaning the seats, I will see my simple object in a new light. Had to have a squirt and photograph the result!

Spring decay

Decaying globe artichoke

Wednesday 18th March 2015

Had to go to Bridlington today, so took advantage and had a walk around Sewerby Hall grounds. The hall was closed, but the gardens were open and I have to say, they are very good. Whilst walking around the walled garden, I happened to spot three globe artichokes, which perhaps had been left to decay to provide seed for the birds? The moment I saw them, I knew I would have to photograph one. I just liked the shape of the plant and the withered leaves. Taken against other green foliage, colour did not work as the background tended to compete with the flower head. I turned it sepia, which kept the colours of the plant about right and subdued the background.

Crocuses

Crocuses

Tuesday 17th March 2015

Three weeks ago we visited the Stray in Harrogate to have a look at the wonderful, annual display of crocuses. Yes, there was a reasonable display, but we came to the conclusion that it needed another couple of weeks for the Stray to be carpeted with them. The image I had in mind for Harrogate was a wide angle showing the thousands of yellow, white and purple flowers. It looks like we will not get back to Harrogate again this spring, so I decided to photograph our only clump of crocuses in the garden and they are all purple and blue! I couldn't use a wide angle as our garden is fairly bare at the moment, so I had to make do with a close up of the clump. Perhaps next year for Harrogate? 

Anybody got a light

Lamp shade

Monday 16th March 2015

An early post today and an altered image. I photographed a gold coloured lamp shade, then in Photoshop, I twisted the pattern, altered the colours to give it a more psychedlic look. Reminds me of the 70's music scene. I quite like it, but then again I was more into 'Pink Floyd' than 'The Carpenters'! 

Sunday at Church

St. Michael's Church, Coxwold

Sunday 15th March 2015

A visit to Thirsk today. I quite often travel via Sutton Bank on the way there and Coxwold on the way back. I have lost count of the number of times I have driven through Coxwold with the dark north side of the Church running parallel to the main road and wondered what the sunny south side of the Church looked like. With time to spare today, I decided to take a look. I knew the church had an unusual octagonal west tower. What I hadn't realised was, what a fantastic view of the surrounding country there was from the church and the view of the church in the sun was beautiful.
Shandy Hall, across the road from the church was home (now museum) to the famous eighteenth century novelist and curate of Coxwold, Laurence Sterne, author of Tristram Shandy.    

Lonely Horse

Tethered Horse

Saturday 14th March 2015

Returning home via Rudston and Kilham I came across this horse, all alone and tethered by a chain at the side of the road. It looked healthy enough to me and was munching grass, keeping the roadside verges short. Was it happy, or did it want to be in the field beyond the hedge running free?

Daffy Friday

Daffodil a study

Friday 13th March 2015

We are nearly half way through March and I realised I had not photographed a daffodil. Perhaps because ours in the garden were flowering late or I had just not noticed them? How do you photograph a daffodil? Perhaps in huge swathes -  'a host of golden daffodils', as a bunch in a vase or just a single flower? I chose the latter. I back-lit the flower against a white background, then fired flash from the left. I wanted something that resembled a daffodil at the same time having a bit of a surreal look, the main overlapping petals on the right have created 'new smaller petals' as a result of the strong back lighting.   

Memories

Looking back!

Thursday 12th March 2015

It must be nearly fifty years since I was last on the beach at Cayton Bay. I remember being eight or nine, it was summer and the beach was packed with holidaymakers. I still have vivid recollections of this view. What was it, I asked. A pill box that had guns, to stop the Germans landing in the bay was the reply. I was still not a lot wiser. Today I was standing on an empty beach looking at the pill box, a very simple concrete construction from the Second World War. I thought about how it would have looked when new, its function then and the possible threat to this country from war. I looked again and saw the big cracks in the concrete, how it was leaning towards the sea and the huge landslides behind from the boulder clay and thought of the precarious nature of our environment. Nothing is forever! I felt black and white conveyed more of a timeless feel to the scene.

Late night light

Tungsten light bulb

Wednesday 11th March 2015

A very busy day one way and another and very late in posting a picture, it was one minute to midnight when I hit the button. A rather tame shot of a tungsten light bulb, well at least I made the one a day. Must do better and be more organised!

Under the Boardwalk

..... well Cleethorpes Pier to be exact

Tuesday 10th March 2015

A good sunny day and we were off to the coast. Still exploring our surroundings we headed over the Humber Bridge and to Cleethorpes and Grimsby. Parked on the sea front at Cleethorpes, went to the pier and it was closed (the pier not Cleethorpes), for refurbishment. The tide was going out and I spotted the reflections under the pier. Not having my wellies with me, I decided I would return after lunch when the tide was out. As the workmen were busy overhead, I wandered about under the pier. Colour would never work as it would be too distracting, it had to be almost pure black and white. I think it was worth getting my feet wet?

Secret world of Freesias

The secret world of the Freesia

Monday 9th March 2015

The smell in our room was beautiful. My wife had bought a bunch of Freesias and they were in a vase on the window sill. Freesias are a South African plant, the colours ranged from very deep reds, through orange and yellows. I borrowed the vase and wondered how best to photograph them. Should I include the whole bunch and the vase or a single flower? In the end, I got in close and found a different world of shapes and colours and had to back-light the flower to bring out those elements.

Map or Leaf?

Leaf detail

Sunday 8th March 2015

Found in our front garden, a very decayed leaf from a tree. It was a whole skeleton and was probably from a cherry tree. The more I looked at it, the more fascinating it became. The 'skin' of the leaf was still visible in places and what about the veins, were they complete? A closer inspection and it took on an appearance of a city street map taken from space. Parts of the leaf were broken at the edges, so I picked out a piece and photographed it against a black background.

Steam at Scunthorpe

Peckett 0-4-0 saddle tank and brake vans at Frodingham station

Saturday 7th March 2015

Today, a friend and I visited the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society at Scunthorpe. We were booked onto a four hour brake van ride (yes, four hours) around the TATA Steelworks complex hauled by the above steam locomotive. In the four hours we must have covered about fifteen miles of the 100 mile internal railway system and in the process saw the various stages in the production of iron, steel and the finished products. The brake vans were full and all three were heated (coal fired), we did have a break for lunch and a chance to visit the AFRPS shop and shed. A great day, many thanks to the AFRPS staff and TATA Steel for making it possible.

The King is dead

St. Peter's Church Scrayingham, final resting place of "The Railway King"

Friday 6th March 2015

A trip to York today, but not the usual direct route. I have a number of railway books on the bookshelves, the title of one of them caught my eye this morning, "The Railway King", this reminded me, I had still not been to Scrayingham Church to visit the grave of George Hudson who was "The Railway King". George was born at nearby Howsham which lies mid-way between York and Malton and a couple of miles from Scrayingham. Briefly, he inherited a fortune and invested it in the early railways. Soon he was controlling railway companies all over the north of the country. During the mid 1840's he was probably the best known businessman in the country. He fell from grace on account of his dubious financial practices and he was declared bankrupt. In fifteen years he laid the foundations for our current railway system. But for his downfall, he may have been laid to rest in Westminster Abbey and not St. Peter's Church, Scrayingham. Scrayingham Church has to be more peaceful, the gravestone is to the left of the porch.

Home at last?

Returning to port?

Thursday 5th March 2015

Had to nip through to Scarborough late morning, the weather was very overcast. I had a wander around the sea front and saw a fishing boat approaching the lighthouse pier heading for the harbour. I went onto the fish pier, in time to see the Newhaven (NN) registered boat 'Hahnenkamm' - (yes, that's what I thought) in the inner harbour. I looked it up on the internet, Hahnenkamm is a mountain in Austria near Kitzbuhel famous for skiing and the home port of the boat is Scarborough! What made the picture for me was one of the crew in the bow anticipating a return to dry land? The inner harbour at Scarborough has been brought to life since the marina (in the background) was constructed. 

Wrong track mate!

On the wrong lines

Wednesday 4th March 2015

Had to go to Hull today, so parked near 'The Deep' and wandered around the City centre. It was cold and windy, but sunny. On walking back to our car along the back streets, came across this beautiful cobbled street with the remains of a dock railway running across it. When I saw the car parked on top of the lines, I knew there was a photograph. The afternoon sun was above the car, so I was shooting directly into the sun. I got down to a low level to emphasize the cobbles and the railway lines. It was always going to be high contrast, so I chose black and white. This helped make the cobbles and lines stand out. It also helped me to lose the ugly brick wall behind the car and the continuation of the line. The catch-lights on the car from the sun add to the picture.

Whisk it!

Drinks whisk

Tuesday 3rd March 2015

Opened a drawer in the kitchen and spotted our drinks whisk, Checking that it had been washed thoroughly and no bits were clinging to it. I thought it would make a good subject, I liked the coiled wire and decided to light it from bottom right, so that the coils would have rim lighting. This gave them a flower petal effect with the stem of the whisk taking strong light to provide the contrast. It's different!

Hutton Windmill

Hutton Windmill

Monday 2nd March 2015

Poring over the Ordnance Survey map of the Driffield area, I spotted a windmill symbol at Hutton village, Hutton Cranswick. I just had to go along and have a look. The windmill is located at Pit Top Farm, Hutton Cranswick and is a Grade 2 listed building and according to English Heritage it was probably built late 18th, early 19th century. The photo was never going to work in colour, with blue steel doors and a blue plastic water butt! I liked the old derelict buildings on the left, which somehow gave it a sense of place and time. Straight black and white would have been too clinical but a sepia toned vintage look works well.

Swans at The Mere

Mute Swans on The Mere

Sunday 1st March 2015

A trip to the Mere at Scarborough for a Sunday morning stroll and to feed the ducks! The Mere is a hidden gem, it has a large population of geese, swans and ducks and plenty of black headed gulls. A cafe at one end means you can get a drink and something to eat. A good path extends all the way around (about 1 mile) with many fishermen (and women) enjoying the lake. There were lots of opportunities to take photographs of various things, but I chose these two mute swans, with their pristine white feathers about to be fed. Why? It summed up a pleasant, cold, sunny morning at the Mere.

Saturday's Temperature

Rise and fall

Saturday 28th February 2015

Not a good day for being out and about photographing, the light was overcast and gloomy most of the day. I had enough of gloomy yesterday! We have a Galileo thermometer (the sort that has colourd liquid in glass bulbs inside a glass cylinder filled with another liquid), the bulbs rise and fall depending on the temperature. I decided to photograph the bulbs in close up. To bring out the colour and contrast, I backlit the thermometer, exposing for the light (contre Jour again) this enabled the light to shine through the coloured liquids, whilst leaving the outer liquid and cylinder in deep shadow. The black discs are the weights on the bulbs. I quite like it.

Fountains Friday

Fountains Abbey

Friday 27th February 2015

A trip to Fountains Abbey today. Arriving at lunch time, the weather had changed from lots of sun to just glimpses of sun and plenty of cloud. We decided to walk from Fountains Abbey following the river Skell on the south side to the lake and return along the north side. I was surprised just how many people were visiting on a Friday in February. Then again, there were snowdrops everywhere, so this may have accounted for the numbers. This view, which is classic, was taken from the east and is usually a 'morning shot' with the sun shinning onto the east window. On previous visits I have found that the Abbey has great atmosphere. I have marvelled at the workmanship of the masons, the peace, spirit and seclusion of the place, the River Skell that provided life for the monks of the Cistercian order and I have been taken back in time. With so many people about today, my feelings were far from serene, I was in the 21st Century looking at a ruin, not getting the vibes and so a gloomy picture against the light, in black and white probably summed up my vision of Fountains Abbey today!

Bait digging

Digging for bait

Thursday 26th February 2015

Today, putting in a new fence on the cliff edge just north of Robin Hoods Bay on the Cleveland Way.
Once we had finished I had a walk down onto the beach, the tide was on its way out. I saw this gentleman arrive, go down to the waters edge and begin digging for lugworms to use as bait for fishing. It was simple, a fork and a bucket to put the worms in. I then began to wonder how old was this pastime/occupation and how little the equipment had changed over the years. Okay, he had a plastic bucket just out of frame, and probably a Spear & Jackson fork, but to me the image was almost timeless. I knew when I got home that I would give it a sepia toned antique look.

Take a seat

Green pattern

Wednesday 25th February 2015

Today, I was in Scarborough on a very pleasant morning walk around the north bay.
Whilst walking through Northstead Manor Gardens (The Open Air Theatre), I looked up at the row upon row of empty seats and pondered how they would be filled this summer with acts such as Blue, Atomic Kitten, Elaine Page and Alfie Boe or so the poster predicted. It also told me that Scarborough's Open Air Theatre was Europe's largest open air theatre, something I did not realise. My mother performed in amateur musicals there in the late 50's as part of the chorus. Back to reality, I couldn't help but notice the striking diagonal pattern of the green plastic seats. Click!

Harpers - a Great Oasis

Harpers Fish & Chip Shop Wetwang

Tuesday 24th February 2015

A day confined to the house through circumstances. I read that my favourite fish and chip shop at Wetwang won first prize in the "Best chippy chips in the North East", I had voted for them, so had an interest. Since arriving in Driffield two years ago, we have made a weekly pilgrimage to Wetwang for their superb fish and chips. Brought up in Scarborough, I have tasted good fish and chips, but these are the best. I decided that I would photograph the shop in honour of their success. It is so popular with visitors to the coast, bikers, shooting parties, lorry drivers and anyone else passing on the A166, that during opening times, it would be almost impossible to get a clear shot of the shop without a vehicle in the frame. So, I chose a night shot just after they had closed. Wetwang was put on the map by Richard Whiteley becoming honorary Mayor and I think Paul Hudson the BBC weather man now has that title. But Wetwang is now Harpers Fish & Chips, my oasis, well done to all the staff.

Home comforts!

Harry

Monday 23rd February 2015

The weather is freezing today, but extremely sunny and our cat has found himself a nice warm spot. He can seek out a patch of sunlight at 100 paces. We got 'Harry' (inherited name) a black & white cat from a rescue centre near Berwick-Upon-Tweed in 2004 and he was supposed to be about four then. He was a very scared cat when we got him, obviously mistreated - then abandoned. We took pity on him and as they say with cats, he has ruled our lives ever since. He is only active when a squirrel comes into the garden or another cat he takes a dislike to.  So when it came to posing for a photograph, it had to be him asleep in a patch of sunlight on his very expensive National Trust blanket - sheer heaven!

Art of a pen nib

Pen nib

Sunday 22nd February 2015

Sorting through some boxes of bits I came across a few unused ink pen nibs. I noticed that they were marked with 'Post Office Pen' made in England. These are the sort of pen nibs attached to a wooden stick you dipped in ink ages ago. I photographed one with lighting just hitting the top of the pen to create a white line running the length of the nib, picking out the writing. I think it was the influence of some Viking metal ware I saw at York yesterday (see yesterdays post), that made me twist the image in Photoshop to create a serpent like shape whilst retaining the actual point of the pen top, left. I quite like it as a piece of art.

Viking Jorvik

A friendly Viking

Saturday 21st February 2015

A visit to York (Jorvik) for the 2015 Viking Festival, the largest Viking Festival in Europe. The first time I have visited this event and it was absolutely fantastic. There were Viking warriors and their females all over the City in full costume. What amazed me was, despite people pushing cameras into their faces they were very approachable, explained their roles and dress and were quite keen to pose for photographs. I like this image as it sums up my childhood vision of a Viking, but alas, does not have the horns on the helmet! Full marks to the Viking re-enactment society and this gentleman who let me photograph him.

Crocodile or not

Crocodile or not

Friday 20th February 2015

I happened to be in the garage looking for something when I spotted an ordinary crocodile clip. I picked it up, saw the beautiful striation marks along the side and likened them to the scaly skin of a real croc. I decided to photograph it with side lighting to bring out the marks. The more I looked at this inanimate object in the viewfinder, the more it started to come to life! I had managed to show the scaly skin, the hinged jaw, the teeth, the tip of the nose and with a bit of imagination, the eyes at the back of the head. Knowing how these things nip (the clip) if you get your fingers caught, my imagination was running wild. In my black and white macro world I was beginning to get scared. Croc or not, it got me worried!

Reflections

Reflections Bridlington

Thursday 19th February 2015

The morning was exceptionally rainy, but as the afternoon progressed it got brighter, which coincided with a trip to Bridlington. Decided to have a walk on the fish pier, the low sun was causing great reflections from some of the fishing boats. Not sure if it was diesel or some other oil on top of the water, but it certainly made for a nice abstract design. This was the best I could do without either falling in the water or getting my own shadow in the frame.

Sewerby Hall Zoo

Eckie the Eclectus Parrot

Wednesday 18th February 2015

Took two of our grandchildren to Sewerby Hall zoo today near Bridlington. I am in the middle when it comes to zoos. I hate to see lions confined to a small cage and left to pace up and down and go mad. On the other hand, if space is given to the animals and they are well looked after, I don't have a great problem. I found this small zoo about right, no really big animals, no reptile house, just basic animals that children can see at close quarters and appreciate. A very sensible admission price helps for repeat visits. 'Eckie' the parrot is one of the first things visitors encounter and has a cheery "Hello". Fellow photographers would have a field day criticizing my photograph, the bird is really sharp, but no, the wires and the twig have not been 'Photoshopped in'!

Shrove Tuesday skipping at Scarborough

Shrove Tuesday 'skipping' at Scarborough

Tuesday 17th February 2015

My home town is Scarborough, so for me, Shrove Tuesday is pancakes, the pancake bell, pancake races and skipping on the sea front. The origins of Shrove Tuesday are Christian. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, when Christians fasted for Easter. Shrove Tuesday was the last day for good food and fun before the long fast. In Scarborough, the festivities begin in the morning, with the ringing of the pancake bell, then there are pancake races and in the afternoon the towns folk descend onto the Foreshore for 'skipping'. Everyone takes part from young to old. I did not do the skipping this year, but I did finish with pancakes coated with golden syrup and lemon for tea. I am proud of our tradition, long may it continue.

Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus second flowering

Monday 16th February 2015

Rain this morning. Sitting looking out of the window wondering what I would be photographing today when I noticed our Christmas cactus sitting on the window sill with just two flower heads. The pink really brightens the house up through the winter months. Yes, it did flower at Christmas, but this was a second flowering. I saw that one of the flower heads was almost perfect. Before the flower decided to fall, I trundled off with the plant to photograph it! 

Tartan Fields

Tartan Field?

Sunday 15th February 2015

Whilst returning home via Kilham on a dreary afternoon, I caught sight of this field on the north side of Kilham village. My first thought, why would the farmer want to make diagonal stripes in his field, on a steep slope with a manure spreader? There must be a logical explanation. The more I thought about it, the more I was confused. Was it a joke? Looking closer, I could see the conventional lines where the corn had been cut and to me it looked like tartan stripes. In colour on an overcast day and taken from a long distance, the image was drab. Turning it black & white and split toning, it still looks drab, but it helps to get across my point that the field has a tartan cover, or am I seeing things? Opticians tomorrow!

Snowdrops & Aconites Thorpe Hall

Snowdrops and Aconites at Thorpe Hall

Saturday 14th February 2015

Visited Thorpe Hall near Rudston in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It was the first time I had been there and what a fantastic surprise. The grounds are full of Snowdrops and yellow Aconites, which are stunning. The Snowdrop and Aconite walk was helping to raise money for All Saints Church at Rudston and was by permission of the Hall owners, the MacDonald family. The walk was well signed and well attended, refreshments were available and there was opportunity to buy some plants. There is still time to see them, the grounds are open tomorrow Sunday 15th February from 10am to 3.30pm and the cost is £3.50. A hidden gem, brilliant.

Fishing Fleet Scarborough

Scallop fishing fleet

Friday 13th February 2015

A walk on the sea front at Scarborough today in a cold wind. A warming hot chocolate in Alonzi's 'Harbour Bar' and a walk on the pier. I couldn't believe my eyes just how many fishing boats were in the harbour. I thought the fishing industry had died in Scarborough long ago, but there were all these boats tied up and I thought how good it was. Then I looked closer, they were not Scarborough registered boats but boats from Kings Lynn, Ayr, Whitstable, Looe. I then noticed the fishing gear was the type used for scallop fishing and photographed one of the boats testing the 'nets'. Apparently, word got out that the waters around Scarborough were good for scallops and now everyone wants some, but the local boats are not geared up for it.

Boat Staithes Beck

Fishing coble on Staithes beck

Thursday 12th February 2015

As a volunteer helping to maintain 'The Cleveland Way' long distance footpath, our task today was to clear gorse which had overgrown the path between Staithes and Skinningrove, pick-up was at Staithes car park. Arriving early I ventured down to the Staithes beck and found the fishing coble 'Grace' on the calm and mirror like water.

Lock & Key

Lock & key

Wednesday 11th February 2015

Other things to attend to today so very little time for photography. Stumbled across a fairly new suitcase lock, the sort that any piece of metal resembling a key will open! I wanted to show the key and keyhole, not so much of the full padlock, but enough to recognize it. I therefore directed side lighting onto the key to pick out detail and decided on black and white for contrast.

Pick & Mix

Too good to eat?

Tuesday 10th February 2015

Didn't really get out and about today. Ventured into town and we picked up a tube of Rowntrees (not any more) Pick & Mix, comprising Fruit Gums, Fruit Pastilles and Tooty Frooties, a bargain at 50p. I decided to photograph them before they were all too quickly consumed!

Pheasant surprise!

A Pheasant surprise

Monday 9th February 2015

I'm beginning to think that the way to do this one image a day is to just go with the flow, taking into account weather, subject matter and my feelings, but have a back up plan if by 23:59 I have forgotten to take one! Although I 'tweet' the images each day, it is sometimes late evening before I get around to updating the blog and 'tweeting'. This sometimes defeats the object of an image a day, perhaps it should be yesterday's image? For a change, I have managed a morning image that can be sent out almost immediately. I was surprised to see four female pheasants in our back garden, roaming around looking for food. We do have the odd one, but four is a record. Now that the pheasant shooting season has finished (1st October to 1st February), these lucky birds are just glad to be alive! It was a frosty morning and this bird stood in the only patch of sunlight and I like to think 'called to me' to say thank you for the welcome feast. I just love the colours on the bird against the dark background and the fantastic contrast with frost, sunlight and shadow.

Sunrise at Hornsea

Sunrise Hornsea

Sunday 8th February 2015

A friend and I decided to go to Hornsea for the sunrise. You can never predict how good it will be, could be foggy! It turned out to be quite a nice sunrise, problem was the tide was high and finding a good vantage point to include the groynes (the boards that slow shifting of the beach) was difficult. I settled for this shot on top of a slight rise so that the sun would shine onto the shingle above the groynes and contrast with the blues of the sea in the shadows. I quite like it.

Putting the glider away

Putting the glider away

Saturday 7th February 2015

I had to go to Northallerton today. Returning up Sutton Bank, I noticed the sun was beginning to go down and saw the aeroplane (Tug) that tows the gliders up to altitude returning to the airfield. I decided to go to the Gliding Club to see if there was any glider activity. It looked like flying had finished for the day as a glider was being towed by ATV across the airfield back to the hanger. I waited for it to arrive near the hanger and photographed the activity into the sun to create a semi silhouette. 

Great Givendale Church

Church of St. Ethelburga, Great Givendale

Friday 6th February 2015

Great Givendale Church is dedicated to St. Ethelburga. She was married to Edwin King of Northumbria. Part of the church is 12th Century, but it was re-built in 1849 and is now a grade 2 listed building and still used for services. 
There is a nice display of snowdrops and yellow aconites around the church.
The church is on the 50 mile route of The Minster Way, which links the Minster at Beverley with York Minster. A beautiful blue sky and afternoon sunshine.

Red Rose

Red Rose

Thursday 5th February 2015

A cold very wet day today and the light was very flat, not good for outdoor photography. On a cheery note, it was our Wedding Anniversary. Having been out to lunch, my attention was turned to looking around for something to photograph, yes, it had to be, one of the red roses I had given my wife. The roses at this time of year are not perfect, even though they probably come from sunny climes. I decided to photograph it with side lighting against a black background and leave the rose just as it was - no Photoshop for the brown bits!

All Saints Church Skipsea

All Saints Church, Skipsea

Wednesday 4th February 2015

Popped to the coast this morning near Skipsea. The village of Skipsea is not actually on the coast as you would think but lies about three quarters of a mile inland from the eroding sea cliffs. On my return I saw a snow storm approaching from the north and at the same time saw that the Grade 1 listed church was bathed in glorious sunshine and was about to be engulfed in the storm. The horse had a blanket on and was braced for the bad weather, but it would not turn for the camera!

Wolds Way Holm Dale

The Wolds Way at the top of Holm Dale

Tuesday 3rd February 2015

A good covering of snow in places today. I decided to venture out after lunch along the main York road to Fridaythorpe, park in the village and walk on part of the Wolds Way into Holm Dale and Horse Dale. It was very sunny and the snow was beginning to thaw. What surprised me as I approached the top of Holm Dale, was that other than rabbits, only two people had been along the path. The blue sky, bit of snow on the north side of the trees, long shadows and the light on the Wolds Way sign made for a pleasant picture.

King's Mill Driffield

King's Mill Driffield

Monday 2nd February 2015

This is King's Mill Driffield to the west of the town, now a private house. I have often looked at this view and thought it would make a great photograph, but nothing is ever in the right place at the right time. The leaves are on the trees obscuring the building, it is too sunny, too much movement on the water and no reflections. I couldn't believe it today when I visited, it looked perfect. Even the duck swimming towards me kept to the line of the building! Being winter, black and white gives more mood than colour, well I think so.

Oil on water

Oil on water

Sunday 1st February 2015

Confined to the house today, so decided to have a go at creating patterns with oil dropped onto water. Used coloured card placed under a sheet of glass to create the colours, then dropped 'Yorkshire Rapeseed oil' (any oil will do) into a dish of water. A single light was used to one side and bounced off the card, then photographed with a macro lens.