The image above was taken on August 20th- glorious summer sunrise!
Instagram: #petermaddernphotos
Instagram: #petermaddernphotos
Thursday 31st August:
A grey and drizzly day so not really beach weather for the last week of the holidays. I had a feeling Lands End would be busy so I took a little Fuji X30 down there for a wander. The car park was near full and the there was a long queue at the signpost for photos. If you don't want prints now they will take photos of you on your own phone but charge you for the privilege.
A grey and drizzly day so not really beach weather for the last week of the holidays. I had a feeling Lands End would be busy so I took a little Fuji X30 down there for a wander. The car park was near full and the there was a long queue at the signpost for photos. If you don't want prints now they will take photos of you on your own phone but charge you for the privilege.
Wednesday 30th August:
An afternoon trip up to the north coast near Gurnard's Head. a lot of clambering up and down cliffs to get some unique angles. A very grey afternoon so mostly black and white but I have posted a couple of colour images to show the cliff edge flowers.
An afternoon trip up to the north coast near Gurnard's Head. a lot of clambering up and down cliffs to get some unique angles. A very grey afternoon so mostly black and white but I have posted a couple of colour images to show the cliff edge flowers.
A little bit of colour
Tuesday 29th August:
We left Penzance in thick mist and drizzle and on the way up to St Just thought we were wasting our time. By the time we got to the car park at Cape Cornwall the skies had cleared and within a few minutes it was positively warm. Several people went in off the slipway for a swim and others soon fell asleep on the grass. It was high tide and i was only just able to get around the rocks to the west of the slip.
We left Penzance in thick mist and drizzle and on the way up to St Just thought we were wasting our time. By the time we got to the car park at Cape Cornwall the skies had cleared and within a few minutes it was positively warm. Several people went in off the slipway for a swim and others soon fell asleep on the grass. It was high tide and i was only just able to get around the rocks to the west of the slip.
Monday 28th August:
A very dark, grey and chilly evening saw us down on the cliffs at Lands End. The car park was remarkably empty when we got there, perhaps the visitors realised there wasn't going to be a sunset to see. I concentrated on the Armed Knight rock island and composed these images in black and white. It was then time to put on a long lens and concentrate on the sea movement over the rocks.
A very dark, grey and chilly evening saw us down on the cliffs at Lands End. The car park was remarkably empty when we got there, perhaps the visitors realised there wasn't going to be a sunset to see. I concentrated on the Armed Knight rock island and composed these images in black and white. It was then time to put on a long lens and concentrate on the sea movement over the rocks.
Sunday 27th August:
A day of rain and drizzle ended with a dry evening and some nice light. We drove out to Godrevy and arrived just as the drizzle cleared away. For the first hour I went down onto the rocks by the lighthouse and then, when the tide had dropped away, I put my wellies on and went for a wander along the beach. Lots of families out enjoying the fine end to the day probably having been stuck inside or wandering around the shops.
A day of rain and drizzle ended with a dry evening and some nice light. We drove out to Godrevy and arrived just as the drizzle cleared away. For the first hour I went down onto the rocks by the lighthouse and then, when the tide had dropped away, I put my wellies on and went for a wander along the beach. Lots of families out enjoying the fine end to the day probably having been stuck inside or wandering around the shops.
Saturday 26th August:
An evening visit to Porth Nanven on the north coast. It was low tide which meant I would be able to get down past the boulders onto the sand. There was also the prospect of a good sunset although this didn't quite materealise into the spectacular light I was hoping for. Still one family on the beach and a few others taking images from the top but for most of the evening I had the beach to myself.
An evening visit to Porth Nanven on the north coast. It was low tide which meant I would be able to get down past the boulders onto the sand. There was also the prospect of a good sunset although this didn't quite materealise into the spectacular light I was hoping for. Still one family on the beach and a few others taking images from the top but for most of the evening I had the beach to myself.
Rushing water
Friday 25th August:
When I looked at my phone at 5am this morning the Met Office said a short spell of clear skies at sunrise and after that an unsettled day with rain. I quickly got my camera gear together and drove over to Marazion. The tide was low and there wasn't a breath of wind. So peaceful and hardly a soul on the beach, just a few early morning swimmers. As I was leaving later I met an Australian couple who asked about tides and ferries for visiting the Mount today, they are in the middle of a thirty day tour of the UK. When I reached the town I looked over the wall and saw that the man was wading out along the causeway as the tide came in. He made it to the Mount gates and then turned and posed for his wife to take photos from furhter back. Luckily I had a long lens in the bag to capture the moment.
When I looked at my phone at 5am this morning the Met Office said a short spell of clear skies at sunrise and after that an unsettled day with rain. I quickly got my camera gear together and drove over to Marazion. The tide was low and there wasn't a breath of wind. So peaceful and hardly a soul on the beach, just a few early morning swimmers. As I was leaving later I met an Australian couple who asked about tides and ferries for visiting the Mount today, they are in the middle of a thirty day tour of the UK. When I reached the town I looked over the wall and saw that the man was wading out along the causeway as the tide came in. He made it to the Mount gates and then turned and posed for his wife to take photos from furhter back. Luckily I had a long lens in the bag to capture the moment.
Australians at St. Michael's Mount
Thursday 24th August:
An evening trip down to Sennen Harbour for a bit of people watching but also a few long exposure images. The sky was blue and the sea very calm and just a chill in the air as the breeze was coming down from the north.
An evening trip down to Sennen Harbour for a bit of people watching but also a few long exposure images. The sky was blue and the sea very calm and just a chill in the air as the breeze was coming down from the north.
Wednesday Evening:
A photowalk around Pendeen Lighthouse. Several groups of people having picnics and waiting for the spectacular sunset that in the end never quite happened. Why is there always a dark band of cloud along the horizon?
A photowalk around Pendeen Lighthouse. Several groups of people having picnics and waiting for the spectacular sunset that in the end never quite happened. Why is there always a dark band of cloud along the horizon?
Wednesday 23rd August:
Out just after sunrise walking along the promenade. Lots of action out at the end of Battery Rocks as the early morning swimmers appeared on the point. There was even a faithful dog just standing looking out to sea waiting for his owner. Halfway along the seafront there was a man on a fold up seat. He's often there just staring out to sea-I wonder what he's thinking about?
Out just after sunrise walking along the promenade. Lots of action out at the end of Battery Rocks as the early morning swimmers appeared on the point. There was even a faithful dog just standing looking out to sea waiting for his owner. Halfway along the seafront there was a man on a fold up seat. He's often there just staring out to sea-I wonder what he's thinking about?
Tuesday Evening:
A late trip out to Sennen to photograph the sunset. Hazy cloud gave the sun a very orange glow and it snuffed earlier than official sunset by a bank of cloud along the horizon. The beach was still busy late into the evening as people enjoyed a BBQ and the last glimpse of the sun.
A late trip out to Sennen to photograph the sunset. Hazy cloud gave the sun a very orange glow and it snuffed earlier than official sunset by a bank of cloud along the horizon. The beach was still busy late into the evening as people enjoyed a BBQ and the last glimpse of the sun.
Tuesday 22nd August:
Down on the seafront half an hour before sunrise. It was still and quiet with plenty of cloud but signs that it beginning to break up. I went along to the pebbles and rocks of Larigan Beach and began taking images still almost in the dark. The actual sight of the sun breaking the horizon was hidden by clouds and wasn't until half an hour after sunrise that the sun began showing itself.
Down on the seafront half an hour before sunrise. It was still and quiet with plenty of cloud but signs that it beginning to break up. I went along to the pebbles and rocks of Larigan Beach and began taking images still almost in the dark. The actual sight of the sun breaking the horizon was hidden by clouds and wasn't until half an hour after sunrise that the sun began showing itself.
Monday Late Afternoon:
A walk around the desolate moorland up at Ding Dong Mine. No sign of much sunshine today so a move away from the sea for a change. All in black and white using a converted Fuji infrared camera.
A walk around the desolate moorland up at Ding Dong Mine. No sign of much sunshine today so a move away from the sea for a change. All in black and white using a converted Fuji infrared camera.
Monday 21st August:
Up and out half an hour before sunrise but on the drive over to Marazion I could already see the cloud was too thick to expect any spectacular colour. A while after official sunrise there was a red tinge to the clouds but that's as good as it got. There was enough movement in the sea to provide some interest as the waves came over the rocks just the east of the causeway to the Mount.
Up and out half an hour before sunrise but on the drive over to Marazion I could already see the cloud was too thick to expect any spectacular colour. A while after official sunrise there was a red tinge to the clouds but that's as good as it got. There was enough movement in the sea to provide some interest as the waves came over the rocks just the east of the causeway to the Mount.
Sunday Early Evening:
A trip up to Porthmeor Cove which is about a mile west of Gurnard's Head. I walked out along the coast path to the right and then down the cliffs but was surprised to come across two of the wild ponies down near the sea. Most of the herd were up at the top but these two were happy down here on their own. Of course I couldn't just walk past but spent half and hour with them before continuing down. Must admit by the time I got back to the car I was hot and totally shattered!
A trip up to Porthmeor Cove which is about a mile west of Gurnard's Head. I walked out along the coast path to the right and then down the cliffs but was surprised to come across two of the wild ponies down near the sea. Most of the herd were up at the top but these two were happy down here on their own. Of course I couldn't just walk past but spent half and hour with them before continuing down. Must admit by the time I got back to the car I was hot and totally shattered!
Sunday 20th August:
I was up and out before 6am but sunrise came and went with darkness remaining. Mounts Bay was blanketed in a dark fog that made it feel and look like night. I could easily have packed up and gone back to bed but I had a feeling something might happen and at &am the change began. The fog started to move away eastwards and some small gaps appeared in the thick cloud. Shafts of light managed to find their way through and although it remained very dark the scene was a bit special.
I was up and out before 6am but sunrise came and went with darkness remaining. Mounts Bay was blanketed in a dark fog that made it feel and look like night. I could easily have packed up and gone back to bed but I had a feeling something might happen and at &am the change began. The fog started to move away eastwards and some small gaps appeared in the thick cloud. Shafts of light managed to find their way through and although it remained very dark the scene was a bit special.
Early morning people
Saturday Afternoon:
The deepest of blue skies, such delicate floating wispy clouds, sea waterfalls and comfortably warm-what more could I ask for?
The deepest of blue skies, such delicate floating wispy clouds, sea waterfalls and comfortably warm-what more could I ask for?
Saturday 19th August:
Overnight Storm Betty had given the promenade a good wash but left much of it with a layer of weed and pebbles. Still rough enough this morning and no sunrise but just a blanket of grey.
Overnight Storm Betty had given the promenade a good wash but left much of it with a layer of weed and pebbles. Still rough enough this morning and no sunrise but just a blanket of grey.
Friday 18th August:
Another summer storm racing towards us with heavy rain by lunchtime. At sunrise, down by the harbour, there was just enough gaps in the cloud layer to give me some nice light for a short while. The sky was really interesting and with the tide high it was a good session overall. On the way back there was a bonus appearance of a group of men who proceeded to dive off the promenade slipway and one who climbed on top of the railings and jumped from there.
Another summer storm racing towards us with heavy rain by lunchtime. At sunrise, down by the harbour, there was just enough gaps in the cloud layer to give me some nice light for a short while. The sky was really interesting and with the tide high it was a good session overall. On the way back there was a bonus appearance of a group of men who proceeded to dive off the promenade slipway and one who climbed on top of the railings and jumped from there.
Early morning jumpers
Thursday 17th August:
Three sessions in one day! It began with a brief but lovely pastel sunrise over at Marazion, was followed by a coffee session at Pickle On The Prom and finished off with a grey evening return to the same spot looking out to St Michael's Mount.
Three sessions in one day! It began with a brief but lovely pastel sunrise over at Marazion, was followed by a coffee session at Pickle On The Prom and finished off with a grey evening return to the same spot looking out to St Michael's Mount.
A grey evening
Wednesday 16th August:
With really bright light and a calm sea I decided on a change of tack today. In the afternoon I drove up to Zennor with my infrared camera. I spent an hour so walking the path across the fields that takes you through several farms and then when I came back went down to the Wayside Cafe for a Moomaid of Zennor ice cream. A bit of people watching there gave me another set of pleasing images. The cafe, house and a holiday let are for sale if you've got a spare £1.25 million.
With really bright light and a calm sea I decided on a change of tack today. In the afternoon I drove up to Zennor with my infrared camera. I spent an hour so walking the path across the fields that takes you through several farms and then when I came back went down to the Wayside Cafe for a Moomaid of Zennor ice cream. A bit of people watching there gave me another set of pleasing images. The cafe, house and a holiday let are for sale if you've got a spare £1.25 million.
The Field Path-used to carry coffins to the church many years ago
Tuesday 15th August:
Up well before sunrise and wandering along the seafront towards the harbour by 5.30am Sunrise was due at 6.11am but I could see that the sky was clear and that usually means sunrise is a two minute wonder. I was right and within a few minutes of seeing the sun it was very harsh but this did allow me to capture images of people being backlit and it did create some lovely shadows. Not what I'd planned but I like the results.
Up well before sunrise and wandering along the seafront towards the harbour by 5.30am Sunrise was due at 6.11am but I could see that the sky was clear and that usually means sunrise is a two minute wonder. I was right and within a few minutes of seeing the sun it was very harsh but this did allow me to capture images of people being backlit and it did create some lovely shadows. Not what I'd planned but I like the results.
Monday 14th August:
A trip out to Nanjizal this afternoon, not down to the beach but east along the cliffs. The heather and other flowering plants are looking good and the sea and sky were shades of intense blues. A swell rolling in and hitting the cliffs added that extra touch. Really warm which was lovely for a change.
A trip out to Nanjizal this afternoon, not down to the beach but east along the cliffs. The heather and other flowering plants are looking good and the sea and sky were shades of intense blues. A swell rolling in and hitting the cliffs added that extra touch. Really warm which was lovely for a change.
Sunday 13th August:
With a bit of early sun promised I was up and out early with a plan to walk to Newlyn. It was cloudy when I left the house but by the time I'd walked the 100 metres to the seafront a gap had appeared in the cloud layer and I had just a couple of minutes of glorious light. Continuing my way towards Newlyn I could see the lifeboat heading back into Newlyn after a call out overnight I assume. Around at the lifeboats berth the water was still and gave some lovely reflections which got even better a little later as the sun popped back out for a while.
One fishing boat landing it's catch with the foreign crew really working hard. by the time I was walking back home all sight of the sun had gone and we were back to a grey world.
With a bit of early sun promised I was up and out early with a plan to walk to Newlyn. It was cloudy when I left the house but by the time I'd walked the 100 metres to the seafront a gap had appeared in the cloud layer and I had just a couple of minutes of glorious light. Continuing my way towards Newlyn I could see the lifeboat heading back into Newlyn after a call out overnight I assume. Around at the lifeboats berth the water was still and gave some lovely reflections which got even better a little later as the sun popped back out for a while.
One fishing boat landing it's catch with the foreign crew really working hard. by the time I was walking back home all sight of the sun had gone and we were back to a grey world.
Saturday 12th August:
Up to Veor this lunchtime hoping to catch a bit of the sunshine before it clouded over. Veor is halfway between Zennor and Gurnard's Head on the north coast. Overnight the wind had brought up quite a big swell and so for a while I focussed on one large rock and the movement of the sea around it. Each image is so very different-even the colour changes as the sun comes and goes or the waves meet the rock at different angles and stages of breaking.
Up to Veor this lunchtime hoping to catch a bit of the sunshine before it clouded over. Veor is halfway between Zennor and Gurnard's Head on the north coast. Overnight the wind had brought up quite a big swell and so for a while I focussed on one large rock and the movement of the sea around it. Each image is so very different-even the colour changes as the sun comes and goes or the waves meet the rock at different angles and stages of breaking.
Friday 11th August:
Up to Gurnard's head this afternoon on the lookout for some more heather before it goes over, which it's just starting to do. No heather of any use facing the headland itself but I did find some down the cliffs a bit facing to the west. A bit of swell running to provide some interest and I did take one image on the way down across the fields which was a little different.
Up to Gurnard's head this afternoon on the lookout for some more heather before it goes over, which it's just starting to do. No heather of any use facing the headland itself but I did find some down the cliffs a bit facing to the west. A bit of swell running to provide some interest and I did take one image on the way down across the fields which was a little different.
Thursday 10th August:
A strange bit of weather in the last 24 hours. Yesterday evening Penzance was swallowed up in the thickest sea fret I've seen in a long while, we couldn't see the end of our street. This morning it had mostly cleared but then mid-morning a fog rolled in. I went down to the seafront with my camera to document the scene. People were trying to carry on with there summer activities as if the sun was shinning. As I heard one local say to a visitor who was looking out to sea
" You can't see anything but I can tell you what's out there."
A strange bit of weather in the last 24 hours. Yesterday evening Penzance was swallowed up in the thickest sea fret I've seen in a long while, we couldn't see the end of our street. This morning it had mostly cleared but then mid-morning a fog rolled in. I went down to the seafront with my camera to document the scene. People were trying to carry on with there summer activities as if the sun was shinning. As I heard one local say to a visitor who was looking out to sea
" You can't see anything but I can tell you what's out there."
Wednesday August 9th:
Up on the north coast this afternoon at Nanjulian. We went there especially for the heather and my favourite old gate. The heather was perfect and in prime condition and with some glorious sunshine, a deep blue sky and lovely clouds conditions were as good as could be expected. All around us was thick fog but our little patch was clear and really hot. Later we had the bonus of first a chough and then a kestrel come to feed and perch very close to us.
Up on the north coast this afternoon at Nanjulian. We went there especially for the heather and my favourite old gate. The heather was perfect and in prime condition and with some glorious sunshine, a deep blue sky and lovely clouds conditions were as good as could be expected. All around us was thick fog but our little patch was clear and really hot. Later we had the bonus of first a chough and then a kestrel come to feed and perch very close to us.
Our feathered friends
Tuesday 8th August:
A drive in the drizzle up to Bassett's Cove, which is near Portreath. A bit of a scouting mission today to try and find a way down to sea level near the sea stacks. I managed, after a lot of investigating various paths-most of which just disappeared off the edge of the cliff- to find my way down to a pebbly cove which holds real promise for future visits. Today I took images on the way down but could only spend a few minutes on the beach as heavy drizzle was heading my way and the rocky way up would have been too slippery. Just a couple of images from the beach before a hasty retreat.
A drive in the drizzle up to Bassett's Cove, which is near Portreath. A bit of a scouting mission today to try and find a way down to sea level near the sea stacks. I managed, after a lot of investigating various paths-most of which just disappeared off the edge of the cliff- to find my way down to a pebbly cove which holds real promise for future visits. Today I took images on the way down but could only spend a few minutes on the beach as heavy drizzle was heading my way and the rocky way up would have been too slippery. Just a couple of images from the beach before a hasty retreat.
On the way down
From the beach
Monday 7th August:
Two sessions today, one at sunrise and then down to Rinsey in the afternoon. The sunrise was pretty good, although more cloud in the sky would have been better. Not a breath of wind and such a peaceful feeling.
In the afternoon, down at Rinsey, all sign of the sun had gone and in fact, by the time I packed up it was raining. It was a low spring tide and I was able, with a bit of scrambling, to get down onto rocks at sea level that are not normally accessible.
Two sessions today, one at sunrise and then down to Rinsey in the afternoon. The sunrise was pretty good, although more cloud in the sky would have been better. Not a breath of wind and such a peaceful feeling.
In the afternoon, down at Rinsey, all sign of the sun had gone and in fact, by the time I packed up it was raining. It was a low spring tide and I was able, with a bit of scrambling, to get down onto rocks at sea level that are not normally accessible.
Sunday Early Evening:
Another photowalk but this time with a normal camera-all black and white apart from just one. We parked at Botallack and did a circular walk through the mine buildings along to Kenidjack and then around the headland with views to Cape Cornwall and the distant Lands End.
Another photowalk but this time with a normal camera-all black and white apart from just one. We parked at Botallack and did a circular walk through the mine buildings along to Kenidjack and then around the headland with views to Cape Cornwall and the distant Lands End.
Sunday 6th August:
An early morning photowalk around Penlee Park, Morrab Gardens and finishing up with coffee at Pickle on the Prom.
Using a Fujifilm X-T10 converted to 720nm Infrared
An early morning photowalk around Penlee Park, Morrab Gardens and finishing up with coffee at Pickle on the Prom.
Using a Fujifilm X-T10 converted to 720nm Infrared
Saturday 5th August:
Rain through the night gave way to a grey morning and then lovely sunshine in the afternoon. All the while a really strong wind was blowing and up at Gurnard's head the sea was being whipped up by the near gale. Today the sea and sky were blue and conditions were much better for photography. The sun also brought out the colours in the rocks and cliffs. One minute I was wearing a coat and wooly hat the next I was in a t-shirt, it just depended if you were in the wind.
Rain through the night gave way to a grey morning and then lovely sunshine in the afternoon. All the while a really strong wind was blowing and up at Gurnard's head the sea was being whipped up by the near gale. Today the sea and sky were blue and conditions were much better for photography. The sun also brought out the colours in the rocks and cliffs. One minute I was wearing a coat and wooly hat the next I was in a t-shirt, it just depended if you were in the wind.
Friday 4th August:
We made a return trip to Gurnard's Head but this time I scrambled down onto the little beach just to the east of the head. No sun to give more colour but at least the rain has gone. Will certainly return here when conditions are better- I'd really like some sunshine and dramatic clouds at the same time!
We made a return trip to Gurnard's Head but this time I scrambled down onto the little beach just to the east of the head. No sun to give more colour but at least the rain has gone. Will certainly return here when conditions are better- I'd really like some sunshine and dramatic clouds at the same time!
Friday 4th August:
An early wander along the seafront to the harbour and back. It was high tide and the dock gates were open to let the Terramere bring in it's cargo of scrap from the Isles of Scilly. It was also towing a rescue capsule which I assume had been washed up on the islands having been lost from a ship. On the way back I stopped for a chat with Mike who was fishing off the promenade. I often see Mike there but this is the first time I've chatted. Mike was brought up in Scotland, lived in London for years and then moved down to west Cornwall having fallen in love with the area while on holiday here.
An early wander along the seafront to the harbour and back. It was high tide and the dock gates were open to let the Terramere bring in it's cargo of scrap from the Isles of Scilly. It was also towing a rescue capsule which I assume had been washed up on the islands having been lost from a ship. On the way back I stopped for a chat with Mike who was fishing off the promenade. I often see Mike there but this is the first time I've chatted. Mike was brought up in Scotland, lived in London for years and then moved down to west Cornwall having fallen in love with the area while on holiday here.
Thursday Afternoon:
Mid afternoon we set off for Gwynver where we found the beach largely empty surprisingly, although a few more came down later on as we had a short spell of sunshine. Alison stayed on the beach but I went out along the coast path to Aire Point. Here there were some big waves hitting the point and surrounding rocks and I spent a couple of hours capturing the drama.
Mid afternoon we set off for Gwynver where we found the beach largely empty surprisingly, although a few more came down later on as we had a short spell of sunshine. Alison stayed on the beach but I went out along the coast path to Aire Point. Here there were some big waves hitting the point and surrounding rocks and I spent a couple of hours capturing the drama.
Thursday August 3rd:
The Phoenix and The Mount -Wandering along the seafront this morning on the way back from the dentist I realised the Phoenix had come out of dry dock and was anchored in just the right place. There was some good light so it was a quick dash home for a camera and long lens.
The Phoenix and The Mount -Wandering along the seafront this morning on the way back from the dentist I realised the Phoenix had come out of dry dock and was anchored in just the right place. There was some good light so it was a quick dash home for a camera and long lens.
Wednesday August 2nd:
What a night and day for mid summer. Heavy rain, strong winds and feeling like autumn has arrived early. After lunch there was a dry spell and so we made our way up to Gurnards Head on the north coast. On the east side of the headland it was really sheltered and quite warm The only time we got wet was on the way back to the car. We had to go into the pub to dry off.
What a night and day for mid summer. Heavy rain, strong winds and feeling like autumn has arrived early. After lunch there was a dry spell and so we made our way up to Gurnards Head on the north coast. On the east side of the headland it was really sheltered and quite warm The only time we got wet was on the way back to the car. We had to go into the pub to dry off.
Tuesday August 1st:
A grey morning but with heavy rain on it's way later we decided to make an early trip up to Cape Cornwall. It was really warm, with no wind and the low spring tide enabled me to get out as close to the Brisons as its possible to reach. A bit of sea running added interest but as it was so grey I reverted to black and white and tried lots of different shutter speeds.
A grey morning but with heavy rain on it's way later we decided to make an early trip up to Cape Cornwall. It was really warm, with no wind and the low spring tide enabled me to get out as close to the Brisons as its possible to reach. A bit of sea running added interest but as it was so grey I reverted to black and white and tried lots of different shutter speeds.