Image above: Alison took this photograph of me at Rinsey on April 1st (Fool's Day!)
Don't forget to click on the smaller images to enlarge
Sunday Evening:
We left Penzance in sunshine and covered in suncream but at Lands End we were greeted by thick mist. As we started walking you couldn't see the Longships Lighthouse but by the time we got to the headland half a mile to the east the mist had started to clear. The conditions were very atmospheric and gradually the sun tried to break through but just as you thought the evening would be glorious the mist rolled back in and it went really dark as the last image shows. Lots of choughs on the cliffs and a kestrel that sat on a rock very close to us for ages, not bothered at all by our presence.
We left Penzance in sunshine and covered in suncream but at Lands End we were greeted by thick mist. As we started walking you couldn't see the Longships Lighthouse but by the time we got to the headland half a mile to the east the mist had started to clear. The conditions were very atmospheric and gradually the sun tried to break through but just as you thought the evening would be glorious the mist rolled back in and it went really dark as the last image shows. Lots of choughs on the cliffs and a kestrel that sat on a rock very close to us for ages, not bothered at all by our presence.
Sunday 30th April:
An early morning photo walk on a Sunday morning with a grey sky and mist. Very still and peaceful but lots of people out and about either for leisure or because they have to work even on a Bank Holiday Sunday. A Sea Cadets boat in the harbour from Portsmouth and all the youngsters having their breakfast before sailing back home.
An early morning photo walk on a Sunday morning with a grey sky and mist. Very still and peaceful but lots of people out and about either for leisure or because they have to work even on a Bank Holiday Sunday. A Sea Cadets boat in the harbour from Portsmouth and all the youngsters having their breakfast before sailing back home.
Mist, puddles and people
A grey Saturday evening walk around Sancreed Beacon and into the woods before the bracken springs to life. Wood anemones and bluebells starting to bloom but we need another week or more before we'll see a carpet of blue.
Saturday 29th April:
I set off from home at 8.15am to go for a longish walk with my camera but in the end went 200 yards!
After passing the lady emptying the postbox- something you hardly ever witness first hand- I got as far as Pickle.
The ladies that run Pickle open up at 8am and there were already passers-by sitting at the little flower decked tables enjoying a coffee. I couldn't resist ordering an Americano and sitting watching Penzance walk past me.
Not sure how I ended up with so many images - there's plenty for you to look at.
An old Fuji X-T10 and 35mm prime lens this morning.
I set off from home at 8.15am to go for a longish walk with my camera but in the end went 200 yards!
After passing the lady emptying the postbox- something you hardly ever witness first hand- I got as far as Pickle.
The ladies that run Pickle open up at 8am and there were already passers-by sitting at the little flower decked tables enjoying a coffee. I couldn't resist ordering an Americano and sitting watching Penzance walk past me.
Not sure how I ended up with so many images - there's plenty for you to look at.
An old Fuji X-T10 and 35mm prime lens this morning.
Passers-by
..........and there's even more
Friday 28th April:
When we left Penzance there was a warm hazy sunshine and we even put suncream on. By the time we got to Kenidjack on the north coast a high mist had rolled in and the sun had disappeared. Down in the sheltered valley flowers were out in abundance-bluebells, wild onion, sea campion and carpets of blue spring squil but the most interesting ones to me are those little clumps of thrift. They find shelter in rock crevices where there is little soil and they must be covered in salt spray throughout the year on rough days. The little stream coming down the valley is in full spate and would certainly be turning the water wheels when the mines were open.
As one of the information boards says "Water-a friend and an Enemy"
When we left Penzance there was a warm hazy sunshine and we even put suncream on. By the time we got to Kenidjack on the north coast a high mist had rolled in and the sun had disappeared. Down in the sheltered valley flowers were out in abundance-bluebells, wild onion, sea campion and carpets of blue spring squil but the most interesting ones to me are those little clumps of thrift. They find shelter in rock crevices where there is little soil and they must be covered in salt spray throughout the year on rough days. The little stream coming down the valley is in full spate and would certainly be turning the water wheels when the mines were open.
As one of the information boards says "Water-a friend and an Enemy"
Can't resist some black and white on a grey misty evening
Thursday 27th April:
The heavens opened this morning and the roads turned into rivers-there's a hosepipe ban! During the afternoon the rain eased and was replaced by thick autumnal like fog. We went up to Botallack to take advantage of the fog which adds atmosphere to the old mine workings. Although there was no rain it was still really wet as a constant mist was blown onto us and the camera lenses. The cliffs are covered in wild flowers and gorse and the dark foggy conditions saturated the colours and so I've edited a few in colour to show you. Very few people about but really this the best weather to gain a real feel for what these places must have been like a couple of hundred years ago.
The heavens opened this morning and the roads turned into rivers-there's a hosepipe ban! During the afternoon the rain eased and was replaced by thick autumnal like fog. We went up to Botallack to take advantage of the fog which adds atmosphere to the old mine workings. Although there was no rain it was still really wet as a constant mist was blown onto us and the camera lenses. The cliffs are covered in wild flowers and gorse and the dark foggy conditions saturated the colours and so I've edited a few in colour to show you. Very few people about but really this the best weather to gain a real feel for what these places must have been like a couple of hundred years ago.
It may look like Autumn but spring is here
Wednesday 26th April:
No sign of the sun today but at least the wind had dropped, making it a little warmer. In the afternoon, at low tide, I made my way up to St Just and then down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven. The sea was flat compared to a few days ago but there is almost no sand left on the beach- hopefully it will return for summer. Below I've only edited two images in colour with the rest black and white to suit the overhead conditions. I spent the afternoon hopping around the rocks searching out more intimate scenes and experimenting with exposure times up to a minute.
No sign of the sun today but at least the wind had dropped, making it a little warmer. In the afternoon, at low tide, I made my way up to St Just and then down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven. The sea was flat compared to a few days ago but there is almost no sand left on the beach- hopefully it will return for summer. Below I've only edited two images in colour with the rest black and white to suit the overhead conditions. I spent the afternoon hopping around the rocks searching out more intimate scenes and experimenting with exposure times up to a minute.
Tuesday 25th April:
The wind had swung around overnight and this morning it was a chilly fresh south easterly blowing straight into the seafront in Penzance. We drove over to Godrevy Beach on the north coast to seek shelter but up in the car park it was freezing. The sky was grey as we crossed the river and headed down onto the beach. I began shooting in black and white but gradually some gaps appeared in the clouds and every now and again the sun would burst through and it got quite warm. During these sunny periods I switched to colour. As always lots of dog walkers on the beach and when we stopped at the Horsebox for a cup of tea a large group of German walkers joined us. With a gap in the dunes behind us you had to hold onto your tea or risk it being blown away.
The wind had swung around overnight and this morning it was a chilly fresh south easterly blowing straight into the seafront in Penzance. We drove over to Godrevy Beach on the north coast to seek shelter but up in the car park it was freezing. The sky was grey as we crossed the river and headed down onto the beach. I began shooting in black and white but gradually some gaps appeared in the clouds and every now and again the sun would burst through and it got quite warm. During these sunny periods I switched to colour. As always lots of dog walkers on the beach and when we stopped at the Horsebox for a cup of tea a large group of German walkers joined us. With a gap in the dunes behind us you had to hold onto your tea or risk it being blown away.
Hints of colour
Monday 24th April:
Today I just had a evening photo walk around Marazion. I started off on the beach at the mouth of Red River and for a short time had some lovely light. As I moved up into the town centre, where the Marazion Male Voice Choir members were heading into practice, darker clouds began to roll in from the west and gradually the sun was hidden. I had a wander up around the back streets and then back down to the beach. Had a lucky moment when a dolphin jumped right in front of the Mount and there was even a semi tame goose on the beach this evening.
Today I just had a evening photo walk around Marazion. I started off on the beach at the mouth of Red River and for a short time had some lovely light. As I moved up into the town centre, where the Marazion Male Voice Choir members were heading into practice, darker clouds began to roll in from the west and gradually the sun was hidden. I had a wander up around the back streets and then back down to the beach. Had a lucky moment when a dolphin jumped right in front of the Mount and there was even a semi tame goose on the beach this evening.
Sunday 23rd April:
We had a trip down to Rinsey this afternoon to seek shelter from a strong north westerly wind. In a reverse of yesterday the session started with dark grey skies that threatened rain at any moment. I scrambled down onto the beach where much of the sand has disappeared since my last visit a few weeks ago and luckily the rain stayed just north of us and we only had a little light drizzle. After an hour the sun began to break through gaps in the clouds and at this point I switched to colour. The tide was coming in really quickly so I kept an eye on my escape route and rushed around grabbing as many images as possible before I had to beat a hasty retreat.
We had a trip down to Rinsey this afternoon to seek shelter from a strong north westerly wind. In a reverse of yesterday the session started with dark grey skies that threatened rain at any moment. I scrambled down onto the beach where much of the sand has disappeared since my last visit a few weeks ago and luckily the rain stayed just north of us and we only had a little light drizzle. After an hour the sun began to break through gaps in the clouds and at this point I switched to colour. The tide was coming in really quickly so I kept an eye on my escape route and rushed around grabbing as many images as possible before I had to beat a hasty retreat.
And then I had bursts of sunshine between the clouds
Saturday 22nd April:
It poured down all day today, only starting to clear at around 5 o'clock. Having sat around all day we decided on a quick trip down to Lamorna Cove. When we arrived and walked out along the wet and slippery coast path to the left of the cove, there was a little sunshine as shown in the first image looking along the cliffs to Carn Dhu. The cliffs here face the sun all day and the warmth has brought the thrift and other flowers into bloom early. Back in the cove the sun had dipped behind the hill and it became dark and chilly very quickly. At this point I switched to making some grittier black and white images.
Lamorna had a busy granite quarry from 1849 to 1911 with slabs of granite from here being used in famous London landmarks such as the Embankment, the Admiralty Pier in Dover and the Wolf Rock Lighthouse If you want to read more about the history of Lamorna click the link below.
.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamorna
It poured down all day today, only starting to clear at around 5 o'clock. Having sat around all day we decided on a quick trip down to Lamorna Cove. When we arrived and walked out along the wet and slippery coast path to the left of the cove, there was a little sunshine as shown in the first image looking along the cliffs to Carn Dhu. The cliffs here face the sun all day and the warmth has brought the thrift and other flowers into bloom early. Back in the cove the sun had dipped behind the hill and it became dark and chilly very quickly. At this point I switched to making some grittier black and white images.
Lamorna had a busy granite quarry from 1849 to 1911 with slabs of granite from here being used in famous London landmarks such as the Embankment, the Admiralty Pier in Dover and the Wolf Rock Lighthouse If you want to read more about the history of Lamorna click the link below.
.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamorna
Friday 21st April:
Yesterday it was a photo walk around Perranporth and today, on a warm afternoon, it's a photo walk at Sennen.
A bit of experimentation with handheld longer shutter speeds but mostly documenting an April hour. Out on the horizon there was quite thick purple and grey clouds but on the beach it was out of the wind and really warm in the hazy sunshine. After an hour or more of wandering we ended up in the Old Success Inn for a refreshing pint of Anthem-St Austell Brewery's tribute to King Charles.
Yesterday it was a photo walk around Perranporth and today, on a warm afternoon, it's a photo walk at Sennen.
A bit of experimentation with handheld longer shutter speeds but mostly documenting an April hour. Out on the horizon there was quite thick purple and grey clouds but on the beach it was out of the wind and really warm in the hazy sunshine. After an hour or more of wandering we ended up in the Old Success Inn for a refreshing pint of Anthem-St Austell Brewery's tribute to King Charles.
Thursday 20th April:
A morning April trip to Perranporth to document the colour and atmosphere of a Cornish seaside town on a windy spring day. We even met a Leicester City supporter carrying out a survey of the sand dunes which the wind was making a great effort to reduce in size. Using an old Fujifilm X-T10 and 23mm lens today.
A morning April trip to Perranporth to document the colour and atmosphere of a Cornish seaside town on a windy spring day. We even met a Leicester City supporter carrying out a survey of the sand dunes which the wind was making a great effort to reduce in size. Using an old Fujifilm X-T10 and 23mm lens today.
Wednesday Afternoon:
Another trip that didn't quite go to plan. We set off for Sennen beach to get out of the wind but when we arrived the sea was flat and the wind was coming down the valley and across the beach. A quick look over to Gwynver and you could see some big waves with the offshore wind blowing the tops off. Down on the beach here it was lovely and half a dozen skillful surfers in action. I can never resist a few images of them despite saying I won't. There was some good light on them compared to yesterday and I ended up with far too many images. I also spent some time with some handheld long exposures where I move the camera slightly to create abstract sea scenes. Finally the waves were brilliant with the sun shining through them to create stunning turquoise water.
Another trip that didn't quite go to plan. We set off for Sennen beach to get out of the wind but when we arrived the sea was flat and the wind was coming down the valley and across the beach. A quick look over to Gwynver and you could see some big waves with the offshore wind blowing the tops off. Down on the beach here it was lovely and half a dozen skillful surfers in action. I can never resist a few images of them despite saying I won't. There was some good light on them compared to yesterday and I ended up with far too many images. I also spent some time with some handheld long exposures where I move the camera slightly to create abstract sea scenes. Finally the waves were brilliant with the sun shining through them to create stunning turquoise water.
One minute calm and then .........
Being creative!
The surfing scene
Wednesday 19th April:
An early morning trip over to Marazion for sunrise but no light or colour just a grey haze. A change of plan saw me at the mouth of Red River with everything in black and white and with varying shutter speeds. It was really peaceful this morning, the wind hadn't yet got up and the beach was almost empty. Always nice to be out early.
An early morning trip over to Marazion for sunrise but no light or colour just a grey haze. A change of plan saw me at the mouth of Red River with everything in black and white and with varying shutter speeds. It was really peaceful this morning, the wind hadn't yet got up and the beach was almost empty. Always nice to be out early.
Tuesday Afternoon:
Find it hard to stay indoors these days so mid afternoon we went down to Gwynver Beach. Out of the easterly wind down there but the clouds rolled in and left the scene a bit flat to begin with. After an hour or so beams of light started to appear over the sea as the sun found cracks in the cloud. A large swell rolling in and a few expert surfers braving the big breakers. The steps up always good for your legs and lungs-we'll keep doing it as long as we can. The last image only shows about a third of the climb.
Find it hard to stay indoors these days so mid afternoon we went down to Gwynver Beach. Out of the easterly wind down there but the clouds rolled in and left the scene a bit flat to begin with. After an hour or so beams of light started to appear over the sea as the sun found cracks in the cloud. A large swell rolling in and a few expert surfers braving the big breakers. The steps up always good for your legs and lungs-we'll keep doing it as long as we can. The last image only shows about a third of the climb.
Tuesday 18th April:
Up early and out with an even older camera and two prime lenses. A walk down the main street of Penzance where I suspect a burglary was in progress at the Post Office and then returning home via the seafront. One of those strange light mornings as we had a narrow clear strip on the horizon with dark solid clouds above. Overnight the easterly wind has picked up so not as warm as yesterday which meant the early morning swimmers were screaming loudly as they entered the water.
Up early and out with an even older camera and two prime lenses. A walk down the main street of Penzance where I suspect a burglary was in progress at the Post Office and then returning home via the seafront. One of those strange light mornings as we had a narrow clear strip on the horizon with dark solid clouds above. Overnight the easterly wind has picked up so not as warm as yesterday which meant the early morning swimmers were screaming loudly as they entered the water.
Monday 17th April:
Bright and warm today with hardly a cloud in the sky, not great for photography but to be quite honest I was aching so much after yesterday that a rest was needed. I waited until the evening and then just took my old Fuji X-T10 with the 18 to 135mm lens and went over to Marazion to document the evening life on the beach. There was lots going on and I met a lovely young couple all the way from Albania and have a series of images of them below. The causeway was just beginning to reveal itself and was crowded with a photography workshop or camera club meeting, two Japanese girls posing and taking images of each other and a constant stream of visitors trying to get a view for photographs. On the way back along the beach, where Red River meets the sea, I met a couple of other photographers down for the evening from Redruth.
A mixture of colour and black and white this evening as I thought the light suited both.
Bright and warm today with hardly a cloud in the sky, not great for photography but to be quite honest I was aching so much after yesterday that a rest was needed. I waited until the evening and then just took my old Fuji X-T10 with the 18 to 135mm lens and went over to Marazion to document the evening life on the beach. There was lots going on and I met a lovely young couple all the way from Albania and have a series of images of them below. The causeway was just beginning to reveal itself and was crowded with a photography workshop or camera club meeting, two Japanese girls posing and taking images of each other and a constant stream of visitors trying to get a view for photographs. On the way back along the beach, where Red River meets the sea, I met a couple of other photographers down for the evening from Redruth.
A mixture of colour and black and white this evening as I thought the light suited both.
Lots going on
Down from Redruth
Sunday 16th April:
I went fishing today for the first time this year. Not expecting to catch a lot I also put a camera in the car in case I got bored or my joints seized up. As it happened I caught just one mackerel so one of us can eat tomorrow (it won't be me). Once my arms and shoulders had had enough I drove a mile or so to the Lizard and after tea and cake had a wander around the most southerly point to see who was about. The local fishermen have taken over the old lifeboat station to store their gear and one was on the slipway baiting a string of pots. Half an hour later a small fishing boat arrived and collected the pots. Lots of bird watchers on the point with spotting scopes and advice available for visitors to use.
I went fishing today for the first time this year. Not expecting to catch a lot I also put a camera in the car in case I got bored or my joints seized up. As it happened I caught just one mackerel so one of us can eat tomorrow (it won't be me). Once my arms and shoulders had had enough I drove a mile or so to the Lizard and after tea and cake had a wander around the most southerly point to see who was about. The local fishermen have taken over the old lifeboat station to store their gear and one was on the slipway baiting a string of pots. Half an hour later a small fishing boat arrived and collected the pots. Lots of bird watchers on the point with spotting scopes and advice available for visitors to use.
Now which way shall I go? This way!
Saturday Evening:
A quick trip up to Cape Cornwall this evening to see how much swell is still running after Storm Noa. The answer was, quite a lot, especially on the reef to the right of Priests Cove and so I scrambled over the rocks to get as close to the sea as I could. A little bit grey but enough going on to make the images interesting and the trip worthwhile.
A quick trip up to Cape Cornwall this evening to see how much swell is still running after Storm Noa. The answer was, quite a lot, especially on the reef to the right of Priests Cove and so I scrambled over the rocks to get as close to the sea as I could. A little bit grey but enough going on to make the images interesting and the trip worthwhile.
Sunrise Saturday
Rooftops- shadows-a professional photographer-roses around the door and other goings on.
Rooftops- shadows-a professional photographer-roses around the door and other goings on.
Friday 14th April:
Anything happening on the seafront this morning? A bit grey and hazy with a chilly northerly wind.
Anything happening on the seafront this morning? A bit grey and hazy with a chilly northerly wind.
Thursday 13th April:
Storm Noa was vicious but short lived as by this afternoon the wind had eased, the rain had passed and down at Porthchapel in the shelter of the cliffs it was really warm. In comparison to the huge waves of yesterday the sea was blue and benign. The Minack Theatre was full as a performance was in full swing and several families and couples had made the effort to scramble down the rocks to Porthchapel Beach. Even at low tide there was not much dry sand but plenty of rocks as I calculate something like 10 feet of sand has disappeared. In a few days time it may well return as Porthchapel is never the same two weeks running.
With a good forecast for next week surely this really is the end of winter!
Storm Noa was vicious but short lived as by this afternoon the wind had eased, the rain had passed and down at Porthchapel in the shelter of the cliffs it was really warm. In comparison to the huge waves of yesterday the sea was blue and benign. The Minack Theatre was full as a performance was in full swing and several families and couples had made the effort to scramble down the rocks to Porthchapel Beach. Even at low tide there was not much dry sand but plenty of rocks as I calculate something like 10 feet of sand has disappeared. In a few days time it may well return as Porthchapel is never the same two weeks running.
With a good forecast for next week surely this really is the end of winter!
Wednesday 12th April:
Storm Noa hit us today, not the kind of thing you expect in April. We were up at Portreath on the north coast by 9 o'clock to catch the high tide. There was the occasional burst of sun but it literally lasted seconds, darkness descended and the squalls that followed were ferocious. We had to find shelter behind walls and boats pulled up on the quay, or risk being blown over. The conditions had brought lots of people out to experience the conditions, plenty of screaming and getting wet on purpose.
As it started to rain continuously we made our way back down the coast to Godrevy, where you can storm watch from inside the car. As the rain eased people were out of their cars and loving the thrill of being blown about, at times you had to hold onto anything handy to keep yourself upright. You had to lie down to take a photo.
Storm Noa hit us today, not the kind of thing you expect in April. We were up at Portreath on the north coast by 9 o'clock to catch the high tide. There was the occasional burst of sun but it literally lasted seconds, darkness descended and the squalls that followed were ferocious. We had to find shelter behind walls and boats pulled up on the quay, or risk being blown over. The conditions had brought lots of people out to experience the conditions, plenty of screaming and getting wet on purpose.
As it started to rain continuously we made our way back down the coast to Godrevy, where you can storm watch from inside the car. As the rain eased people were out of their cars and loving the thrill of being blown about, at times you had to hold onto anything handy to keep yourself upright. You had to lie down to take a photo.
Going, going, gone.
Must be mad
Tuesday 11th April:
As I write this it's pouring down outside and so I doubt I'll be out today-the first day I've missed for a while. I've just spent an hour going through yesterday's evening trip to pick out some more images to complete the story of an evening on a windswept headland in brilliant but hazy sunshine.
As I write this it's pouring down outside and so I doubt I'll be out today-the first day I've missed for a while. I've just spent an hour going through yesterday's evening trip to pick out some more images to complete the story of an evening on a windswept headland in brilliant but hazy sunshine.
Monday 10th April:
An evening trip up to Bosigran and out onto the headland. There was a gale blowing and standing up was difficult as the wind hit the sheer cliffs and swept up over the brow. A few very hardy climbers were just leaving as I arrived, they must have been a bit battered and cold I think. I found myself a little bit of shelter and took images looking down on the tumult hundreds of feet below. On the way back to the car later, I came across the wild ponies. With the sun shining through his mane, the chestnut stallion I photographed a week or two ago, looked lovely and he seems to enjoy the attention!
An evening trip up to Bosigran and out onto the headland. There was a gale blowing and standing up was difficult as the wind hit the sheer cliffs and swept up over the brow. A few very hardy climbers were just leaving as I arrived, they must have been a bit battered and cold I think. I found myself a little bit of shelter and took images looking down on the tumult hundreds of feet below. On the way back to the car later, I came across the wild ponies. With the sun shining through his mane, the chestnut stallion I photographed a week or two ago, looked lovely and he seems to enjoy the attention!
Easter Sunday 9th April:
Easter Sunday was grey but at least forecast to be dry until teatime. We made a quick sandwich and went down to Gwenver Beach to do a bit of people watching and to document the activities and scene of an Easter Sunday afternoon.
A constant stream of walkers, mostly in pairs, were taking advantage of the low spring tide to walk around the rocks and along the beach to Sennen. Only one surfer at Gwenver and it turned out to be our neighbour with his beautiful young golden retriever Huxley. Looking across to Sennen there were a lot more people and surfers, the car park looked full and the lifeguards were on duty but not yet at Gwenver. A lifeguard did come across on a jet ski to check the beach and looked like he came close to trouble himself as he went out through the surf. The grass banks, down near the beach, were dotted with clumps of primroses-we just needed a bit of sunshine.
Easter Sunday was grey but at least forecast to be dry until teatime. We made a quick sandwich and went down to Gwenver Beach to do a bit of people watching and to document the activities and scene of an Easter Sunday afternoon.
A constant stream of walkers, mostly in pairs, were taking advantage of the low spring tide to walk around the rocks and along the beach to Sennen. Only one surfer at Gwenver and it turned out to be our neighbour with his beautiful young golden retriever Huxley. Looking across to Sennen there were a lot more people and surfers, the car park looked full and the lifeguards were on duty but not yet at Gwenver. A lifeguard did come across on a jet ski to check the beach and looked like he came close to trouble himself as he went out through the surf. The grass banks, down near the beach, were dotted with clumps of primroses-we just needed a bit of sunshine.
Beach people in colour
A surfer and his dog
Saturday 8th April:
A walk down the Kenidjack Valley this afternoon, past the Catalan Donkeys and following the river down to the sea.
Out of the south easterly wind and really quite warm-no coat for the first time this year. When I looked at the Met Office forecast it said cloudy all afternoon but when I looked at the BBC forecast it said bright sunshine. Well, what I actually got was more like moonlight as the sun was visible but covered by a thin layer of cloud just like a studio light diffuser. Every five minutes or so a set of big swells would come into the bay and with an offshore breeze the wave tops were being blown backwards. I have a separate page about Kenidjack where I spent a year visiting regularly and meeting artist Gary Harwood who was painting an image a day from exactly the same spot.
A walk down the Kenidjack Valley this afternoon, past the Catalan Donkeys and following the river down to the sea.
Out of the south easterly wind and really quite warm-no coat for the first time this year. When I looked at the Met Office forecast it said cloudy all afternoon but when I looked at the BBC forecast it said bright sunshine. Well, what I actually got was more like moonlight as the sun was visible but covered by a thin layer of cloud just like a studio light diffuser. Every five minutes or so a set of big swells would come into the bay and with an offshore breeze the wave tops were being blown backwards. I have a separate page about Kenidjack where I spent a year visiting regularly and meeting artist Gary Harwood who was painting an image a day from exactly the same spot.
Good Friday- Early Evening:
A trip up to Levant mine workings on the north coast. An hour of changing light and fast moving clouds. One minute grey and flat then bursts of sunshine moving across the landscape and lighting up the orange and red rocks. It was a case of setting up the composition and then waiting with your hand on the remote until the sun patches or clouds were in the perfect spot. Gradually the clouds disappeared and we were left with clear blue skies, which kind of spoilt it really.
A trip up to Levant mine workings on the north coast. An hour of changing light and fast moving clouds. One minute grey and flat then bursts of sunshine moving across the landscape and lighting up the orange and red rocks. It was a case of setting up the composition and then waiting with your hand on the remote until the sun patches or clouds were in the perfect spot. Gradually the clouds disappeared and we were left with clear blue skies, which kind of spoilt it really.
Cornish Spring Water
Black and white
Good Friday 7th April:
An hour long wander under a bright moon, watching Penzance wake up and for those in the dry dock, the end of a busy night. The Gry Maritha had been in the dry dock overnight with thruster problems (enables it to go sideways!). It was a big rush to get it out of the dry dock, out into the bay for a trial run and then back to load up. Unfortunately I missed the dry dock exit but the third photo of the morning shows the Gry going out and then later images shows her re-entering the floating dock. A brief but colourful sunrise as swimmers by the dozen arrived and departed the Battery Rocks area. Very chilly to start with so the warmth of the sun was really welcome. Mostly colour images but a few b&w dotted about.
An hour long wander under a bright moon, watching Penzance wake up and for those in the dry dock, the end of a busy night. The Gry Maritha had been in the dry dock overnight with thruster problems (enables it to go sideways!). It was a big rush to get it out of the dry dock, out into the bay for a trial run and then back to load up. Unfortunately I missed the dry dock exit but the third photo of the morning shows the Gry going out and then later images shows her re-entering the floating dock. A brief but colourful sunrise as swimmers by the dozen arrived and departed the Battery Rocks area. Very chilly to start with so the warmth of the sun was really welcome. Mostly colour images but a few b&w dotted about.
Thursday 6th April:
A bright and sunny day with a brisk north westerly, too bright and sunny for my liking really. After lunch I took two cameras and headed off to Penberth, always sheltered from a north west wind. To ring the changes I walked down the valley with my infrared camera and then did the reverse journey with a traditional camera. The infrared images have been converted to black and white.
Down in the cove I met a very fit retired couple of teachers. They had cycled from Penzance (not easy) and were now going to leave their bikes at Penberth, walk to Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre (by no means flat) and then back to Penberth and cycle back to Penzance. Very impressive, especially as they were riding older traditional bikes with fewer gears-the lady has had her bike for 35 years.
A bright and sunny day with a brisk north westerly, too bright and sunny for my liking really. After lunch I took two cameras and headed off to Penberth, always sheltered from a north west wind. To ring the changes I walked down the valley with my infrared camera and then did the reverse journey with a traditional camera. The infrared images have been converted to black and white.
Down in the cove I met a very fit retired couple of teachers. They had cycled from Penzance (not easy) and were now going to leave their bikes at Penberth, walk to Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre (by no means flat) and then back to Penberth and cycle back to Penzance. Very impressive, especially as they were riding older traditional bikes with fewer gears-the lady has had her bike for 35 years.
Part 1 -infrared.
Part 2-colour
Wednesday 5th April:
How about a walk around St Agnes this morning-really grey with constant drizzle in the air-but you still might enjoy it.
The scene is very much black and white, until near the end of the walk, when colour seems to break out.
The images are in the order they were taken-all with one 23mm prime lens and an old camera.
St Agnes has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. In the mid 19th century tin and copper mining was at its height with ships taking metals to Swansea and returning with coal. Getting in and out of the harbour must have been a nightmare. Not used after 1917 all that remains is a pile of huge cut granite blocks as you will see in the images. I have put an old harbour image at the bottom.
How about a walk around St Agnes this morning-really grey with constant drizzle in the air-but you still might enjoy it.
The scene is very much black and white, until near the end of the walk, when colour seems to break out.
The images are in the order they were taken-all with one 23mm prime lens and an old camera.
St Agnes has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. In the mid 19th century tin and copper mining was at its height with ships taking metals to Swansea and returning with coal. Getting in and out of the harbour must have been a nightmare. Not used after 1917 all that remains is a pile of huge cut granite blocks as you will see in the images. I have put an old harbour image at the bottom.
Tuesday 4th April:
What a difference 24 hours makes as overnight a big swell had got up so we revisited Gwenver Beach. Down on the beach there was a film crew of a dozen or more filming a couple body surfing with a handboard or handplane -an advert we assume to promote a new product. There were drones flying about taking overhead shots and crew in the water filming as the couple caught waves. Will have to keep an eye on youtube where I notice there are several videos about these boards/planes. No other surfers about today, quite probably because the conditions were pretty extreme. As yesterday, mostly grey but with pockets of light hitting different areas of the bay.
What a difference 24 hours makes as overnight a big swell had got up so we revisited Gwenver Beach. Down on the beach there was a film crew of a dozen or more filming a couple body surfing with a handboard or handplane -an advert we assume to promote a new product. There were drones flying about taking overhead shots and crew in the water filming as the couple caught waves. Will have to keep an eye on youtube where I notice there are several videos about these boards/planes. No other surfers about today, quite probably because the conditions were pretty extreme. As yesterday, mostly grey but with pockets of light hitting different areas of the bay.
Monday 3rd April:
The fresh breeze had moved round to the east today but there was some sunshine coming and going to cheer us up.
Mid afternoon we went down to Gwenver Beach where the scene was spring like and warm once down on the sand. Only a few people about, a couple of dog walkers and ten or so surfers. It was largely thin cloud but the light did come through every now and again. As we were making our way back up the steps a few more surfers were on the way down-after work I assume.
The fresh breeze had moved round to the east today but there was some sunshine coming and going to cheer us up.
Mid afternoon we went down to Gwenver Beach where the scene was spring like and warm once down on the sand. Only a few people about, a couple of dog walkers and ten or so surfers. It was largely thin cloud but the light did come through every now and again. As we were making our way back up the steps a few more surfers were on the way down-after work I assume.
Sea and sand
Surf and surfers in black and white
Sunday 2nd April:
After the last two days capturing climbers in the gale at Bosigran and the big swells at Rinsey, this afternoon was much more peaceful. The wind has swung around to the north east and with a ridge of high pressure over us the sea has begun to settle down. Quite a few Easter visitors up at Cape Cornwall as I wandered around with my old Fuji X-T10 in my hand. Always something of interest here with the Brisons featuring in many of my images. Some bursts of sun out to see and air clear enough to see the Isles of Scilly lit up by the evening light. Back at the car park we had a chat with a couple from Glasgow and their old retriever Fergus. They have been holidaying in Cornwall for twenty years or more and love it here apart from the tat at Lands End. This is quite a coincidence as on March 27th I paid a visit to take photos and, if you look at my diary, said exactly the same thing.
After the last two days capturing climbers in the gale at Bosigran and the big swells at Rinsey, this afternoon was much more peaceful. The wind has swung around to the north east and with a ridge of high pressure over us the sea has begun to settle down. Quite a few Easter visitors up at Cape Cornwall as I wandered around with my old Fuji X-T10 in my hand. Always something of interest here with the Brisons featuring in many of my images. Some bursts of sun out to see and air clear enough to see the Isles of Scilly lit up by the evening light. Back at the car park we had a chat with a couple from Glasgow and their old retriever Fergus. They have been holidaying in Cornwall for twenty years or more and love it here apart from the tat at Lands End. This is quite a coincidence as on March 27th I paid a visit to take photos and, if you look at my diary, said exactly the same thing.
Saturday April 1st:
With a strong north westerly blowing we set off down to Rinsey to seek some shelter. It was a mostly grey afternoon with only an occasional hint of sun peeping through. There was still a big swell running after yesterday's gales and with an offshore wind the waves were holding up with the tops blown backwards. Quite a few cars in the car park but not many people to be seen so I presume the Easter visitors were walking the coastal footpath. I started off on the path that takes you down to the beach and then later moved over to the other side of the bay so that I could include the cliff top house in the images.
With a strong north westerly blowing we set off down to Rinsey to seek some shelter. It was a mostly grey afternoon with only an occasional hint of sun peeping through. There was still a big swell running after yesterday's gales and with an offshore wind the waves were holding up with the tops blown backwards. Quite a few cars in the car park but not many people to be seen so I presume the Easter visitors were walking the coastal footpath. I started off on the path that takes you down to the beach and then later moved over to the other side of the bay so that I could include the cliff top house in the images.