Most images shot using Panasonic Lumix G9 or GX9 . These are micro four thirds cameras which I think are brilliant and highly recommended as is the micro four thirds system in general.
There is a huge selection of lenses for the micro 4/3 system made by Panasonic (often in conjunction with Leica), Olympus, Sigma and other third party manufacturers.
I also now have an old Panasonic G3 converted to 720nm for infrared photography.
Editing in DXO Photolab, Nik Collection & Affinity Photo
If you see an image here you particularly like I'm quite happy to do prints up to A3+ for people just for the cost of paper, ink, postage etc.
Contact me at [email protected]
Have started a new page for the rest of 2021 as this one was getting rather full and becoming slow to load.
Friday Afternoon:
A walk around Kenidjack Castle for some unique images. I say unique because I'm confident that few, if any, photographers have taken photographs from the rocks I climbed down to this afternoon. The conditions were still grey and breezy as it had been this morning. Rain was on its way, with building clouds and moisture blowing in the wind. Just handheld today, nowhere really to set up a tripod. Cape Cornwall to my left and Botallack to my right.
A walk around Kenidjack Castle for some unique images. I say unique because I'm confident that few, if any, photographers have taken photographs from the rocks I climbed down to this afternoon. The conditions were still grey and breezy as it had been this morning. Rain was on its way, with building clouds and moisture blowing in the wind. Just handheld today, nowhere really to set up a tripod. Cape Cornwall to my left and Botallack to my right.
Friday 20th August:
Yet another grey dawn with a moderate southerly wind but at least there was some definition in the clouds. I went around to the far side of the harbour to start with, where the angling charter boats were preparing for a days fishing and dreaming of big catches. After a while I wandered back towards the dock just as the sunburst through the cloud for a moment and that gave an interesting view through the harbour entrance. By now the cars were arriving and families again spilling out on to the pavement and standing surrounded by most of their worldly possessions. We're promised a return of summer next week so let's hope they all have a lovely holiday on the Islands and the campers already here can dry out a bit.
Yet another grey dawn with a moderate southerly wind but at least there was some definition in the clouds. I went around to the far side of the harbour to start with, where the angling charter boats were preparing for a days fishing and dreaming of big catches. After a while I wandered back towards the dock just as the sunburst through the cloud for a moment and that gave an interesting view through the harbour entrance. By now the cars were arriving and families again spilling out on to the pavement and standing surrounded by most of their worldly possessions. We're promised a return of summer next week so let's hope they all have a lovely holiday on the Islands and the campers already here can dry out a bit.
Thursday Evening:
Just a wander for exercise along to the harbour with my camera on my back just in case. One image from the top of Abbey Slip as the Scillonian arrived home.
Just a wander for exercise along to the harbour with my camera on my back just in case. One image from the top of Abbey Slip as the Scillonian arrived home.
Thursday 19th August:
A very grey, misty and overcast morning as I went for a walk along Penzance seafront. Along by the harbour lots of cars pulling in and families piling out ready for their holiday on the Isles of Scilly. Some had obviously driven down overnight as they got out and yawned and stretched. I am amazed by the amount of "stuff" people take on holiday, at times it looks more like they're moving house. Getting the load off and out of the car and down to the Scillonian is a major logistics exercise. The children carry their small rucksacks while mum and dad carry six bags each and drag a couple of paddle boards behind them.
A very grey, misty and overcast morning as I went for a walk along Penzance seafront. Along by the harbour lots of cars pulling in and families piling out ready for their holiday on the Isles of Scilly. Some had obviously driven down overnight as they got out and yawned and stretched. I am amazed by the amount of "stuff" people take on holiday, at times it looks more like they're moving house. Getting the load off and out of the car and down to the Scillonian is a major logistics exercise. The children carry their small rucksacks while mum and dad carry six bags each and drag a couple of paddle boards behind them.
Tuesday 17th August:
This evening I went off down to Logan Rock to have my first fishing session for quite a while. As it turned out there were very few fish around-just enough for lunch today but there were plenty of photographic opportunities. The rock I clambered down to was completely out of the wind and the sea dead calm. For the first hour it was bright sunshine and then the clouds rolled in. I spent some time capturing images of the fascinating shapes Logan Rock shows when you see it in profile-there seem to be face shapes and monster shapes everywhere.
As I was fishing the Sennen lifeboat came past towing a yacht into Newlyn, quite a common site. An hour later she was back at full speed accompanied by an inshore lifeboat as an emergency developed down at Pedn Vounder Beach. Every year, it seems, someone gets seriously injured slipping down the black rocks that form the final descent to the beach. A second inshore lifeboat arrived, carrying a doctor probably, by now the blue uniforms of the local coastguard team could be seen all over the beach. It was starting to get dark by now and the tide was on it's way in so speed was crucial. I didn't hang around as darkness fell but I assume the casualty was transferred to the Sennen Lifeboat. There was an ambulance at the top of the cliff waiting but that would have meant a difficult stretcher carry up the cliff path.
Pedn is a beautiful beach but access is difficult and families in flip flops can be seen struggling down from the campsite at the top. If you could get planning permission for a chair lift you could make a fortune.
This evening I went off down to Logan Rock to have my first fishing session for quite a while. As it turned out there were very few fish around-just enough for lunch today but there were plenty of photographic opportunities. The rock I clambered down to was completely out of the wind and the sea dead calm. For the first hour it was bright sunshine and then the clouds rolled in. I spent some time capturing images of the fascinating shapes Logan Rock shows when you see it in profile-there seem to be face shapes and monster shapes everywhere.
As I was fishing the Sennen lifeboat came past towing a yacht into Newlyn, quite a common site. An hour later she was back at full speed accompanied by an inshore lifeboat as an emergency developed down at Pedn Vounder Beach. Every year, it seems, someone gets seriously injured slipping down the black rocks that form the final descent to the beach. A second inshore lifeboat arrived, carrying a doctor probably, by now the blue uniforms of the local coastguard team could be seen all over the beach. It was starting to get dark by now and the tide was on it's way in so speed was crucial. I didn't hang around as darkness fell but I assume the casualty was transferred to the Sennen Lifeboat. There was an ambulance at the top of the cliff waiting but that would have meant a difficult stretcher carry up the cliff path.
Pedn is a beautiful beach but access is difficult and families in flip flops can be seen struggling down from the campsite at the top. If you could get planning permission for a chair lift you could make a fortune.
Monday Evening:
An evening stroll, in a chilly wind, around Bosigran. A grey evening but some sunbeams out to sea casting patches of light on the water. Plenty of climbers out and about and all the ponies gathered together in the meadows.
An evening stroll, in a chilly wind, around Bosigran. A grey evening but some sunbeams out to sea casting patches of light on the water. Plenty of climbers out and about and all the ponies gathered together in the meadows.
Monday 16th August:
Up early once again but this time, for a change, I jumped in the car and went over to Mousehole. Conditions weren't great being neither one thing or the other. I was actually hoping for some dramatic clouds so that I could shoot some predawn black and white. The sky was nearly cloudless with the only thin layer of cloud along the horizon so I didn't get much of a sunrise either. It was low tide and a burst of sun did come through the harbour entrance for a few minutes and that gave me a few images and of course plenty of boats in the harbour.
Up early once again but this time, for a change, I jumped in the car and went over to Mousehole. Conditions weren't great being neither one thing or the other. I was actually hoping for some dramatic clouds so that I could shoot some predawn black and white. The sky was nearly cloudless with the only thin layer of cloud along the horizon so I didn't get much of a sunrise either. It was low tide and a burst of sun did come through the harbour entrance for a few minutes and that gave me a few images and of course plenty of boats in the harbour.
Sunday 15th August:
An early morning walk along Penzance seafront and harbour. A grey day with drizzle in the air and a fresh westerly wind.
An early morning walk along Penzance seafront and harbour. A grey day with drizzle in the air and a fresh westerly wind.
Friday 13th August:
I returned to Bosigran on my own tonight with the intention of finding some more images of the heather with big seas crashing in the background. However things didn't really turn out like that. First of all I left Penzance in sunshine but arrived on the north coast to find it cloudy. Secondly the swell was different tonight, much smaller and messier with no clean surf. Thirdly the cliff area, where we were yesterday, was being grazed by the herd of wild ponies and of course that diverted my attention. I just wish they would stop eating and pose for me!
There were some dramatic clouds that came out really well in black and white, so not the evening I planned but interesting nonetheless.
I returned to Bosigran on my own tonight with the intention of finding some more images of the heather with big seas crashing in the background. However things didn't really turn out like that. First of all I left Penzance in sunshine but arrived on the north coast to find it cloudy. Secondly the swell was different tonight, much smaller and messier with no clean surf. Thirdly the cliff area, where we were yesterday, was being grazed by the herd of wild ponies and of course that diverted my attention. I just wish they would stop eating and pose for me!
There were some dramatic clouds that came out really well in black and white, so not the evening I planned but interesting nonetheless.
Thursday 12th August:
An evening trip up to Bosigran where the light was good and the heather on the cliff was in bloom. A windy evening but we found some shelter behind the rocks at the top of Commando Ridge and with a good swell running there was plenty to hold our attention.
An evening trip up to Bosigran where the light was good and the heather on the cliff was in bloom. A windy evening but we found some shelter behind the rocks at the top of Commando Ridge and with a good swell running there was plenty to hold our attention.
Tuesday 10th August:
An infrared walk down Kenidjack Valley and returning via steep and high paths to Kenidjack Castle. A warm and sunny afternoon with just a few clouds to add interest. Lots of people in the rock swimming pool on the east side of the valley mouth. It was low tide and the fascinating boulders, of all sizes, colours and shapes, gave excellent foregrounds for images of Cape Cornwall. The green growth of the valley takes on a whole new look in infrared which is then converted to black and white.
An infrared walk down Kenidjack Valley and returning via steep and high paths to Kenidjack Castle. A warm and sunny afternoon with just a few clouds to add interest. Lots of people in the rock swimming pool on the east side of the valley mouth. It was low tide and the fascinating boulders, of all sizes, colours and shapes, gave excellent foregrounds for images of Cape Cornwall. The green growth of the valley takes on a whole new look in infrared which is then converted to black and white.
Monday 9th August:
A very different bit of photography today. I was invited down to the Helford River by the Helford Marine Conservation Group-http://helfordmarineconservation.co.uk to document one of their creek netting sessions. Led by Robin Bradley and ably assisted by Frank(professor no less), Amanda, Craig and Dick, with a bit of extra help from myself and Alison. Many thanks to these dedicated people who really care about our marine environment.
The main purpose is to take a sample of the juvenile bass in the river and judge the success of the different breeding years. Today about 140 bass were netted from 5cm to 15cm which represents two different year groups. Also netted were a number of juvenile mullet and thousands of young smelt. A very interesting afternoon in beautiful surroundings. The group also carry out surveys in the Fal River and soon the Camel Estuary.
A very different bit of photography today. I was invited down to the Helford River by the Helford Marine Conservation Group-http://helfordmarineconservation.co.uk to document one of their creek netting sessions. Led by Robin Bradley and ably assisted by Frank(professor no less), Amanda, Craig and Dick, with a bit of extra help from myself and Alison. Many thanks to these dedicated people who really care about our marine environment.
The main purpose is to take a sample of the juvenile bass in the river and judge the success of the different breeding years. Today about 140 bass were netted from 5cm to 15cm which represents two different year groups. Also netted were a number of juvenile mullet and thousands of young smelt. A very interesting afternoon in beautiful surroundings. The group also carry out surveys in the Fal River and soon the Camel Estuary.
Sunday Evening:
I looked at the met office weather forecast at teatime and it said it would be dry until 9o'clock. I then looked at the rainfall radar map and heavy rain had already reached the Isles of Scilly so I guessed it would raining here quite soon. We drove up to Pendeen with the intention of having a Sunday evening pint before a quick photo walk- as we were drinking the rain started. When we came out we drove to Botallack and onto the rough bridleway that links to Kenidjack. Halfway along we stopped to admire the view and I took just four images from next to the car with my old infrared camera. It was dark and pouring by now but my images make it look like snow.
I looked at the met office weather forecast at teatime and it said it would be dry until 9o'clock. I then looked at the rainfall radar map and heavy rain had already reached the Isles of Scilly so I guessed it would raining here quite soon. We drove up to Pendeen with the intention of having a Sunday evening pint before a quick photo walk- as we were drinking the rain started. When we came out we drove to Botallack and onto the rough bridleway that links to Kenidjack. Halfway along we stopped to admire the view and I took just four images from next to the car with my old infrared camera. It was dark and pouring by now but my images make it look like snow.
Sunday 8th August:
Looked out of the window at 5a.m. and it looked like the cloud was breaking and so it was yet another photo walk along the seafront and around the harbour. Some dramatic clouds hiding the official sunrise but looked good in black and white. Four people fishing on the pier already and with high tide coinciding with dawn the Scillonian was riding high, making it much better for photography. An hour after sunrise the light broke through giving some lovely sunbeams and a more colourful scene.
Looked out of the window at 5a.m. and it looked like the cloud was breaking and so it was yet another photo walk along the seafront and around the harbour. Some dramatic clouds hiding the official sunrise but looked good in black and white. Four people fishing on the pier already and with high tide coinciding with dawn the Scillonian was riding high, making it much better for photography. An hour after sunrise the light broke through giving some lovely sunbeams and a more colourful scene.
Friday August 6th:
Today it started to feel like Autumn was making its first appearance. A strong west south westerly blowing, heavy showers in the morning and a good size swell running. During the afternoon the showers disappeared, we drove up to Kenidjack and then walked out to Kenidjack Castle. Down on the east side of the headland we were completely out of the wind and it was really warm on the grass bank looking across the bay to the Crown's Engine Houses.
Today it started to feel like Autumn was making its first appearance. A strong west south westerly blowing, heavy showers in the morning and a good size swell running. During the afternoon the showers disappeared, we drove up to Kenidjack and then walked out to Kenidjack Castle. Down on the east side of the headland we were completely out of the wind and it was really warm on the grass bank looking across the bay to the Crown's Engine Houses.
Wednesday 4th August:
A sunny afternoon turned grey and breezy as tomorrow's bad weather moved closer. We went out onto the headland at Bosigran where the heather is in bloom but the grey conditions didn't really do it justice. Not sure whether I prefer black and white or colour. There was some texture in the sky which helps the b&w but then again the heather and rocks look good in colour.
A sunny afternoon turned grey and breezy as tomorrow's bad weather moved closer. We went out onto the headland at Bosigran where the heather is in bloom but the grey conditions didn't really do it justice. Not sure whether I prefer black and white or colour. There was some texture in the sky which helps the b&w but then again the heather and rocks look good in colour.
Tuesday 3rd August:
A grey evening at the harbour and series of black and white images called Scillonian Docking
A grey evening at the harbour and series of black and white images called Scillonian Docking
...and a couple of colourful experiments
Monday Evening:
An early trip back to Levant. When we left Penzance the sky was grey as forecast but just as we arrived on the north coast the sun came out. It was a hazy light but it got very warm. Alison was photographing birds today, so I set off on my own, taking the same route as yesterday but this time going further along the coast path and then down on to the reef where the miner's swimming pool is located. From here you have compositions on one side back to Levant and on the other eastwards towards Pendeen Lighthouse. Would prefer it a bit rougher but an interesting session nonetheless followed by a pint of Bath Ales Prophecy and chips at the Trewellard Inn. The perfect life!
An early trip back to Levant. When we left Penzance the sky was grey as forecast but just as we arrived on the north coast the sun came out. It was a hazy light but it got very warm. Alison was photographing birds today, so I set off on my own, taking the same route as yesterday but this time going further along the coast path and then down on to the reef where the miner's swimming pool is located. From here you have compositions on one side back to Levant and on the other eastwards towards Pendeen Lighthouse. Would prefer it a bit rougher but an interesting session nonetheless followed by a pint of Bath Ales Prophecy and chips at the Trewellard Inn. The perfect life!
Monday 2nd August:
A blue hour/sunrise walk along the seafront. Little ,or no wind made for some lovely reflections but the sun was hidden until well after the official sunrise time of 5.54a.m.
A blue hour/sunrise walk along the seafront. Little ,or no wind made for some lovely reflections but the sun was hidden until well after the official sunrise time of 5.54a.m.
Sunday 1st August:
Late afternoon we went up to Levant. A bit of a grey afternoon with a northerly breeze with the slightest swell. We walked down all the way through the mine workings and out along the coastpath for a short way until we could take images of the workings from the other side of the little bay. The rocks facing us are covered in lines of mineral stains where underground water still runs out through audits and in to the sea. When this mine was in full production the area must have been a dirty noisy place and it is well known that many workers died from contact with arsenic and other pollutants. Even the local crops were dangerous to eat as wind blown arsenic dust reached the fields.
Late afternoon we went up to Levant. A bit of a grey afternoon with a northerly breeze with the slightest swell. We walked down all the way through the mine workings and out along the coastpath for a short way until we could take images of the workings from the other side of the little bay. The rocks facing us are covered in lines of mineral stains where underground water still runs out through audits and in to the sea. When this mine was in full production the area must have been a dirty noisy place and it is well known that many workers died from contact with arsenic and other pollutants. Even the local crops were dangerous to eat as wind blown arsenic dust reached the fields.
Saturday 31st July:
An evening trip up to Bosigran. It was in August last year that I took images with some lovely tall purple flowers in the foreground. I was hoping that they would be out by now with the warm weather but no sign of them yet. At first the light was quite flat but then the sun came out for a while and gave some lovely golden light on the cliffs. I got myself onto a ledge above Commando Ridge and stayed in that area for the whole evening. Unfortunately just when a spectacular sunset was on the cards a bank of clouds appeared to spoil the last half hour. Two climbers coming up the ridge to add a bit of interest.
An evening trip up to Bosigran. It was in August last year that I took images with some lovely tall purple flowers in the foreground. I was hoping that they would be out by now with the warm weather but no sign of them yet. At first the light was quite flat but then the sun came out for a while and gave some lovely golden light on the cliffs. I got myself onto a ledge above Commando Ridge and stayed in that area for the whole evening. Unfortunately just when a spectacular sunset was on the cards a bank of clouds appeared to spoil the last half hour. Two climbers coming up the ridge to add a bit of interest.
Friday July 30th:
After the passing of Storm Evert we were back out this evening for an evening trip down to Lamorna. The sea was actually quite calm with the wind over the top and some nice evening light on the Carn Du -also known in the past as Black Headland. Not that many people about, three divers in the water and some families staying in the holiday lets. It's a lovely spot but does need a bit of work as it has a kind of run down feeling. Historically an interesting place that was once a granite quarry, supplying stone for building such landmarks as the Thames Embankment and the quays at Portland Bill. Steamers used to come into the cove to load stone from an iron pier but later the stone, with difficulty, was transported by road to Penzance. Huge mounds of granite blocks tower above some of the houses, looks dangerous but they haven't moved in many years.
After the passing of Storm Evert we were back out this evening for an evening trip down to Lamorna. The sea was actually quite calm with the wind over the top and some nice evening light on the Carn Du -also known in the past as Black Headland. Not that many people about, three divers in the water and some families staying in the holiday lets. It's a lovely spot but does need a bit of work as it has a kind of run down feeling. Historically an interesting place that was once a granite quarry, supplying stone for building such landmarks as the Thames Embankment and the quays at Portland Bill. Steamers used to come into the cove to load stone from an iron pier but later the stone, with difficulty, was transported by road to Penzance. Huge mounds of granite blocks tower above some of the houses, looks dangerous but they haven't moved in many years.
Wednesday Evening:
After a Wedding Anniversary meal at Cape Cornwall Golf Club (recommended) we had a quick walk down and around Kenidjack Valley. Photographically conditions were bright and harsh but it was interesting to see the valley at peak summer green growth. It really is like a jungle in places.
After a Wedding Anniversary meal at Cape Cornwall Golf Club (recommended) we had a quick walk down and around Kenidjack Valley. Photographically conditions were bright and harsh but it was interesting to see the valley at peak summer green growth. It really is like a jungle in places.
Wednesday 28th July:
Up and out early on a day of sunshine and squally heavy showers.
Up and out early on a day of sunshine and squally heavy showers.
Tuesday July 27th:
Just a quick evening walk in pleasant evening sunshine, along to Morrab Gardens and back. One lens, a 42.5mm prime (85mm portrait lens in full frame terms). A good lens for blurring backgrounds. A few families in the gardens and people sitting around chatting quietly, not a can of strong lager in site for a change.
Just a quick evening walk in pleasant evening sunshine, along to Morrab Gardens and back. One lens, a 42.5mm prime (85mm portrait lens in full frame terms). A good lens for blurring backgrounds. A few families in the gardens and people sitting around chatting quietly, not a can of strong lager in site for a change.
Monday 26th July:
A late evening trip up to a grey and deserted Cape Cornwall with only two other cars in the car park. No prospect of a sunset had presumably kept everyone away. I went down into Priests Cove and just thought about black and white and concentrating on the cove area and not the Cape headland. It actually felt like a winter evening apart from the temperature.
A late evening trip up to a grey and deserted Cape Cornwall with only two other cars in the car park. No prospect of a sunset had presumably kept everyone away. I went down into Priests Cove and just thought about black and white and concentrating on the cove area and not the Cape headland. It actually felt like a winter evening apart from the temperature.
Sunday 25th July:
A little cooler now but still pleasantly warm. We had an early evening trip up to Bosigran before a quick pint of real ale in the Trewellard Inn on the way home. Lots of climbers on the cliffs, flowers lining the paths, shapes in the rocks and to top it off, as we got back to the car, the wild ponies arrived again. Two of them standing, almost asleep, in the middle of the road seemingly basking in the warmth coming off the tarmac while the foal was feeding off mother before having a lie down.
Just handheld today with my Panasonic GX9 and 50-200mm lens.
A little cooler now but still pleasantly warm. We had an early evening trip up to Bosigran before a quick pint of real ale in the Trewellard Inn on the way home. Lots of climbers on the cliffs, flowers lining the paths, shapes in the rocks and to top it off, as we got back to the car, the wild ponies arrived again. Two of them standing, almost asleep, in the middle of the road seemingly basking in the warmth coming off the tarmac while the foal was feeding off mother before having a lie down.
Just handheld today with my Panasonic GX9 and 50-200mm lens.
Saturday 24th July:
An evening trip to Bosigran that started with a herd of about 15 wild ponies on the road and in the car park. One of the mares had not long given birth and the foal was totally fearless of humans as are all of them really. If you crouch down to take photos others will come up and nuzzle the back of your neck.
A few images of them and then down to the cliffs. A free climber on Commando Ridge gave some interesting silhouettes to start me off and then I moved on to the grasses and heather that are flowering. Some hazy warm sun when I arrived but as golden hour arrived the sun became hidden and a cooler atmosphere took over.
An evening trip to Bosigran that started with a herd of about 15 wild ponies on the road and in the car park. One of the mares had not long given birth and the foal was totally fearless of humans as are all of them really. If you crouch down to take photos others will come up and nuzzle the back of your neck.
A few images of them and then down to the cliffs. A free climber on Commando Ridge gave some interesting silhouettes to start me off and then I moved on to the grasses and heather that are flowering. Some hazy warm sun when I arrived but as golden hour arrived the sun became hidden and a cooler atmosphere took over.
Thursday 22nd July:
Another day in to avoid the heat before an evening trip up to Carn Gloose, high up above Cape Cornwall. Quite breezy this evening, even had to wear a fleece. The sea was still flat calm and there were a few clouds beginning to move in. Not quite the spectacular sunset that the conditions promised but still a lovely scene in front of us. Just concentrated on one composition, changing the exposure time and focal length as the light changed.
Another day in to avoid the heat before an evening trip up to Carn Gloose, high up above Cape Cornwall. Quite breezy this evening, even had to wear a fleece. The sea was still flat calm and there were a few clouds beginning to move in. Not quite the spectacular sunset that the conditions promised but still a lovely scene in front of us. Just concentrated on one composition, changing the exposure time and focal length as the light changed.
Wednesday 21st July:
Far too hot to do much today. We waited until late evening and then drove up to Cape Cornwall to catch the sunset. Instead of going going down to the slipway or onto the Cape headland we stayed above the car park on the coastal path towards Kenidjack and also on the road itself. The top of Cape was quite busy with visitors waiting for a spectacular sunset but it didn't really happen. Some interesting cloud shapes and sunbeams for a while, a very blue colour to everything but just when it should have kicked off it all fizzled out somewhat. A really beautiful still evening and the clouds made it pleasantly cool. Because the sea was so unusually calm it made the Brisons look much bigger than normal.
Far too hot to do much today. We waited until late evening and then drove up to Cape Cornwall to catch the sunset. Instead of going going down to the slipway or onto the Cape headland we stayed above the car park on the coastal path towards Kenidjack and also on the road itself. The top of Cape was quite busy with visitors waiting for a spectacular sunset but it didn't really happen. Some interesting cloud shapes and sunbeams for a while, a very blue colour to everything but just when it should have kicked off it all fizzled out somewhat. A really beautiful still evening and the clouds made it pleasantly cool. Because the sea was so unusually calm it made the Brisons look much bigger than normal.
Tuesday 20th July:
Too hot for me today so I stayed in all through the heat and at 11am my new toy arrived-Logan 350 Mountcutter. The rest of the day was spent watching instructional videos and having a go. I'm hopeless at DIY but this turned out to be excellent. Within a short time I was cutting perfect mounts out of some old card a local art shop let me have. Sure it will go wrong at some point.
Early evening I drove up to Pendeen, had a pint and then had a brief walk around Higher Bal Mine and the compressor house at Levant. Just took the infrared as it was so bright.
Too hot for me today so I stayed in all through the heat and at 11am my new toy arrived-Logan 350 Mountcutter. The rest of the day was spent watching instructional videos and having a go. I'm hopeless at DIY but this turned out to be excellent. Within a short time I was cutting perfect mounts out of some old card a local art shop let me have. Sure it will go wrong at some point.
Early evening I drove up to Pendeen, had a pint and then had a brief walk around Higher Bal Mine and the compressor house at Levant. Just took the infrared as it was so bright.
Monday Evening:
Spent the day indoors sorting out printing, image ratios, creating photo mounts and other new (to me) and interesting photography conundrums. Late in the evening decided to go out for sunset and headed off to one of my favourite spots high above Nanjulian.
Nanjulian is at the mouth of the Nanquidno Valley below St Just Airport. The top photo on the Home Page was taken from here and I thought it was time I went back. I'd forgotten how long the footpath up to the gate is and I was a bit hot by the time I reached the top. The views from here are spectacular to your left and right. With the weather the way it is people were taking advantage and staying on Gwynver and Sennen beaches right up to sunset. A beautiful evening.
Spent the day indoors sorting out printing, image ratios, creating photo mounts and other new (to me) and interesting photography conundrums. Late in the evening decided to go out for sunset and headed off to one of my favourite spots high above Nanjulian.
Nanjulian is at the mouth of the Nanquidno Valley below St Just Airport. The top photo on the Home Page was taken from here and I thought it was time I went back. I'd forgotten how long the footpath up to the gate is and I was a bit hot by the time I reached the top. The views from here are spectacular to your left and right. With the weather the way it is people were taking advantage and staying on Gwynver and Sennen beaches right up to sunset. A beautiful evening.
Monday 19th July:
Woke up before 4a.m. and was up and out before five. Such a beautiful still morning and nice and cool with the sky pink and red well before the sun rose. Two young men on the promenade so drunk and using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) they could hardly stand up and three police on the pier attending theft or similar from boats I presume. The usual layer of fish and chip wrappers, cans and plastic bottles scattered around with the seagulls searching the rubbish for breakfast.
Woke up before 4a.m. and was up and out before five. Such a beautiful still morning and nice and cool with the sky pink and red well before the sun rose. Two young men on the promenade so drunk and using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) they could hardly stand up and three police on the pier attending theft or similar from boats I presume. The usual layer of fish and chip wrappers, cans and plastic bottles scattered around with the seagulls searching the rubbish for breakfast.
Saturday 17th July:
The hottest day of the year, so apart from an early stroll along the seafront, I stayed in until the evening and then we took a trip up to the old mine workings at Levant. Very few people around and some gorgeous golden light as the sun got lower in the sky. Began with some multiple image photography, then a bit of ICM and as sunset approached, set up the tripod for some traditional images of the calm summer evening.
The hottest day of the year, so apart from an early stroll along the seafront, I stayed in until the evening and then we took a trip up to the old mine workings at Levant. Very few people around and some gorgeous golden light as the sun got lower in the sky. Began with some multiple image photography, then a bit of ICM and as sunset approached, set up the tripod for some traditional images of the calm summer evening.
Friday 16th July:
Carrying on with my experimental photography here is a completely different take on the engine houses up at Botallack. Taken late afternoon in bright sunshine when I wouldn't normally be out.
Carrying on with my experimental photography here is a completely different take on the engine houses up at Botallack. Taken late afternoon in bright sunshine when I wouldn't normally be out.
An experiment with ICM (Intentional Camera Movement)
Thursday 15th July:
A beautiful sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky, lovely but not a great time to go out with the camera. I waited until 7p.m. and then drove up to Kenidjack Valley, which I haven't visited for a while. I walked out along the high path towards the quarry and then scrambled down the rocky slope towards the sea stopping halfway down to take a few images looking back up the valley. I eventually made my way down to the rocks at the mouth of the valley and spent more than an hour taking regulation images and again, experimenting with multiple exposures. As the sun set I retraced my steps taking photographs of the Cape as the sun was disappearing.
A beautiful sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky, lovely but not a great time to go out with the camera. I waited until 7p.m. and then drove up to Kenidjack Valley, which I haven't visited for a while. I walked out along the high path towards the quarry and then scrambled down the rocky slope towards the sea stopping halfway down to take a few images looking back up the valley. I eventually made my way down to the rocks at the mouth of the valley and spent more than an hour taking regulation images and again, experimenting with multiple exposures. As the sun set I retraced my steps taking photographs of the Cape as the sun was disappearing.
Wednesday Evening:
Some beautiful golden evening light prompted a visit up to the cliffs at Levant. The cliffs already have an orange lichen induced glow to them and the sun accentuated this. Took a few traditional images plus a little experiment with multiple exposures and ICM (intentional camera movement).
Some beautiful golden evening light prompted a visit up to the cliffs at Levant. The cliffs already have an orange lichen induced glow to them and the sun accentuated this. Took a few traditional images plus a little experiment with multiple exposures and ICM (intentional camera movement).
Wednesday 14th July:
My phone said sunshine but in reality it was grey at 5a.m. this morning. There was just the slightest hint of orange at sunrise but it remained still and overcast. A lovely time to be out though.
Panasonic gx9 with 12-60mm and 50-200mm lenses this morning.
My phone said sunshine but in reality it was grey at 5a.m. this morning. There was just the slightest hint of orange at sunrise but it remained still and overcast. A lovely time to be out though.
Panasonic gx9 with 12-60mm and 50-200mm lenses this morning.
Tuesday 13th July:
Couldn't go far this evening as I had to go to a meeting but took my camera with me and captured some images on the way. It was very grey so I used my old converted infrared camera. The Scillonian was approaching the harbour and although I have photographed it quite a lot lately there always seems to be something different going on or a new angle to explore. On my way back along the seafront there were several families jumping off the promenade, the mums and dads seemed braver than the children.
Couldn't go far this evening as I had to go to a meeting but took my camera with me and captured some images on the way. It was very grey so I used my old converted infrared camera. The Scillonian was approaching the harbour and although I have photographed it quite a lot lately there always seems to be something different going on or a new angle to explore. On my way back along the seafront there were several families jumping off the promenade, the mums and dads seemed braver than the children.
Monday 12th July:
Well what an evening!
I set off at 7.30pm, planning to stay out late and get the sunset and a bit of blue hour but what I wasn't expecting was the Martian light show that happened.
I drove up to Bosigran, parking the car a few hundred yards west and walked down through the lovely little fields to the coast path. The first bit of good luck was that the wild ponies were on the coast path so I couldn't resist stopping for a few images. They are not the easiest to get good images of as they tend to be head down in deep undergrowth but the white one was a little more obliging this evening.
I then made my way along the coast path until I was facing the climbing cliffs. At this point the sun was out albeit very hazy but behind me Carn Galver and the other hills were lost from site in the fog. Before I could get my tripod set up the sun went behind a line of clouds and the fog began to slide down the hill to the cliffs. I thought it was going to be a black and white session but as sunset approached a combination of fog, sun and a gap in the clouds made for an eerie 10 minutes of science fiction type light. Below is a sequence of images documenting the evening. From a photography point of view I would have been better off focusing on the cliffs being lit up red by the sun but the whole thing was so weird you just had to try and capture the atmosphere.
Well what an evening!
I set off at 7.30pm, planning to stay out late and get the sunset and a bit of blue hour but what I wasn't expecting was the Martian light show that happened.
I drove up to Bosigran, parking the car a few hundred yards west and walked down through the lovely little fields to the coast path. The first bit of good luck was that the wild ponies were on the coast path so I couldn't resist stopping for a few images. They are not the easiest to get good images of as they tend to be head down in deep undergrowth but the white one was a little more obliging this evening.
I then made my way along the coast path until I was facing the climbing cliffs. At this point the sun was out albeit very hazy but behind me Carn Galver and the other hills were lost from site in the fog. Before I could get my tripod set up the sun went behind a line of clouds and the fog began to slide down the hill to the cliffs. I thought it was going to be a black and white session but as sunset approached a combination of fog, sun and a gap in the clouds made for an eerie 10 minutes of science fiction type light. Below is a sequence of images documenting the evening. From a photography point of view I would have been better off focusing on the cliffs being lit up red by the sun but the whole thing was so weird you just had to try and capture the atmosphere.
Sunday 11th July:
Pouring with rain all day but by early evening it had stopped although the sky was still a sheet of grey. We drove up to Cot Valley and surprise, surprise ours was the only car there-must have been something on the tele.
The tide was high so most of the boulders were covered but there was a bit of sea running to provide some movement. I clambered around to the right of the beach and started off in black and white as there was no colour but later the sky on the horizon cleared and the sun tried to make an appearance, giving a bit of orange light.
Pouring with rain all day but by early evening it had stopped although the sky was still a sheet of grey. We drove up to Cot Valley and surprise, surprise ours was the only car there-must have been something on the tele.
The tide was high so most of the boulders were covered but there was a bit of sea running to provide some movement. I clambered around to the right of the beach and started off in black and white as there was no colour but later the sky on the horizon cleared and the sun tried to make an appearance, giving a bit of orange light.
Some black and white images from Saturday:
Saturday 10th July:
Another trip up to Cape Cornwall. Drove myself today so things are getting better but getting out and upright on arrival took a while. Once I was moving it wasn't bad. Mostly cloudy with a little sun now and then. I went out onto the rocks to the left again to work the gullies and to get away from the people. Gentle swell rolling in with hardly a breath of wind. Some underwater filming going on off the slipway as a girl in a flowing dress was accompanied by another girl in a wetsuit carrying a large camera. Every now and again they would both disappear underwater. Very strong swimmers they were out there for nearly an hour.
Plenty of fish and chips being consumed up by the Fishermans sheds and the usual BBQ or two.
Another trip up to Cape Cornwall. Drove myself today so things are getting better but getting out and upright on arrival took a while. Once I was moving it wasn't bad. Mostly cloudy with a little sun now and then. I went out onto the rocks to the left again to work the gullies and to get away from the people. Gentle swell rolling in with hardly a breath of wind. Some underwater filming going on off the slipway as a girl in a flowing dress was accompanied by another girl in a wetsuit carrying a large camera. Every now and again they would both disappear underwater. Very strong swimmers they were out there for nearly an hour.
Plenty of fish and chips being consumed up by the Fishermans sheds and the usual BBQ or two.
Thursday 8th July:
Managed to get out of Penzance for the first time today. We drove up to Cape Cornwall, or at least Alison did, while I put the seat flat and lay down.
It was a bit of a grey evening with drizzle in the air but still quite warm. I went out on the rocks to the left to capture a bit of wave movement before coming back to the sheds and firing up the Jetboil. Not spectacular but very pleasant nonetheless. A couple of local swimmers, another photographer and Sam the kayak man to chat to. The photographer was Thomas Baker- a professional photographer from London specialising in still life, interiors and advertising. Have a look at his website-very interesting, would love to see his interpretation of our local seascapes. www.thomasbakerphotography.com/
Managed to get out of Penzance for the first time today. We drove up to Cape Cornwall, or at least Alison did, while I put the seat flat and lay down.
It was a bit of a grey evening with drizzle in the air but still quite warm. I went out on the rocks to the left to capture a bit of wave movement before coming back to the sheds and firing up the Jetboil. Not spectacular but very pleasant nonetheless. A couple of local swimmers, another photographer and Sam the kayak man to chat to. The photographer was Thomas Baker- a professional photographer from London specialising in still life, interiors and advertising. Have a look at his website-very interesting, would love to see his interpretation of our local seascapes. www.thomasbakerphotography.com/
Wednesday 7th July:
Still not able to sit in the car at the moment and no early morning trip as it was pouring down. In the afternoon the sun came out so after tea I made my way down to the harbour to coincide with the Scillonian docking. Took the infrared camera as there were some lovely clouds and I like the effect the infrared has on them.
Still not able to sit in the car at the moment and no early morning trip as it was pouring down. In the afternoon the sun came out so after tea I made my way down to the harbour to coincide with the Scillonian docking. Took the infrared camera as there were some lovely clouds and I like the effect the infrared has on them.
Tuesday 6th July: It's becoming the usual routine at the moment, up at 4a.m. and walking along the seafront well before dawn. Things are a little easier as I managed to put my own socks on this morning! You could have been fooled into thinking it was January not July. The sea had been over the promenade in the night and even now, with the tide receding the waves were still quite high. Dramatic clouds speeding across the sky as I took several of the same images as Friday 2nd July but the conditions could hardly have been more different. Just got home as the heavens opened yet again. |
Monday 5th July:
Couldn't lie in bed, back in spasm, yet again, had to get up and exercise, so a very early morning walk along the seafront towards Newlyn. A beautiful still start to the day as blue hour very gradually changed as it took on the pink and oranges appearing on the horizon. Took my first image at 04.51 with the sun peeping above the horizon at 05.25.-such a lovely time to be out.
Couldn't lie in bed, back in spasm, yet again, had to get up and exercise, so a very early morning walk along the seafront towards Newlyn. A beautiful still start to the day as blue hour very gradually changed as it took on the pink and oranges appearing on the horizon. Took my first image at 04.51 with the sun peeping above the horizon at 05.25.-such a lovely time to be out.
Sunday 4th July:
Just a very quick walk on a grey afternoon, mostly to keep my back moving but took a camera with me to take a few black and white images.
Just a very quick walk on a grey afternoon, mostly to keep my back moving but took a camera with me to take a few black and white images.
Saturday 3rd July:
Still struggling with injury, so just a quick evening trip to the park up the road. Penlee Park is a great open space in Penzance with very mature trees, cafe, museum and an abundance of plants all of which provide photographic opportunities. I was even accompanied by Cornish folk music as a group warmed up in the open air theatre ready for a 7.30pm performance. Heavy rain on the way unfortunately.
One 42.5mm prime lens this evening.
Still struggling with injury, so just a quick evening trip to the park up the road. Penlee Park is a great open space in Penzance with very mature trees, cafe, museum and an abundance of plants all of which provide photographic opportunities. I was even accompanied by Cornish folk music as a group warmed up in the open air theatre ready for a 7.30pm performance. Heavy rain on the way unfortunately.
One 42.5mm prime lens this evening.
The great wild strawberry hunt
Friday 2nd July:
Down on the seafront an hour before dawn today and went out onto Penzance lighthouse Pier. The tide was low and the Scillonian moored alongside, the sky was lightening and a pink hue was spreading along the horizon. Also enjoying the stillness and the promising sunrise was the nightwatchman on the Scillonian and we had quite a chat while I was snapping away. The good weather had brought the early morning swimmers out in force with several swimming way out into the bay as the sun began to appear.
Down on the seafront an hour before dawn today and went out onto Penzance lighthouse Pier. The tide was low and the Scillonian moored alongside, the sky was lightening and a pink hue was spreading along the horizon. Also enjoying the stillness and the promising sunrise was the nightwatchman on the Scillonian and we had quite a chat while I was snapping away. The good weather had brought the early morning swimmers out in force with several swimming way out into the bay as the sun began to appear.
Thursday 1st July:
We went off to the Lizard today-to be exact to Roskilly's Ice Cream where a friend was holding a photographic exhibition. Lucie Averill's work is brilliant, have a look at her website. www.lucieaverillphotography.co.uk/ Roskilly's has expanded over the years and is a great place for families with lots of walks with picnic tables, animals and galleries to see and a it's a good place to eat. I took my camera and we walked around the ponds after coffee and took a few handheld photos of the flora and fauna as a record of the visit. |
Wednesday 30th June:
A very early morning walkabout today. Out at 4.30am with everything so still and quiet. Just a few early morning swimmers around and the odd car as people set off for work. Some pink showing in the east and lovely reflections in the water. I walked around the harbour as the sun began to show through a band of cloud on the horizon and then moved around to Battery Rocks to take images of the yachts moored outside the harbour entrance. To round off the morning a pod of dolphins appeared in the bay and cruised around near the mackerel boats, seemingly enjoying the weather as much as me.
The only other cloud on the horizon is my back which is still really sore and stopped me going out at all yesterday! At the moment I can't sit down so it's either stand up and walk about or lie flat on the floor.
A very early morning walkabout today. Out at 4.30am with everything so still and quiet. Just a few early morning swimmers around and the odd car as people set off for work. Some pink showing in the east and lovely reflections in the water. I walked around the harbour as the sun began to show through a band of cloud on the horizon and then moved around to Battery Rocks to take images of the yachts moored outside the harbour entrance. To round off the morning a pod of dolphins appeared in the bay and cruised around near the mackerel boats, seemingly enjoying the weather as much as me.
The only other cloud on the horizon is my back which is still really sore and stopped me going out at all yesterday! At the moment I can't sit down so it's either stand up and walk about or lie flat on the floor.
Monday 26th June:
After a weekend lying flat with a bad back it was good-but painful-to be out again. Drove down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven and then later up to Carn Gloose to catch some misty atmosphere over Cape Cornwall.
One artist painting above the car park and three silhouetted up on Carn Gloose. When I went up there later I met them and they are just friends, just visiting the area I think, with a common interest in oil painting.
I spent most of the time I was down at Porth Nanven looking for interesting rock shapes and water movement.
After a weekend lying flat with a bad back it was good-but painful-to be out again. Drove down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven and then later up to Carn Gloose to catch some misty atmosphere over Cape Cornwall.
One artist painting above the car park and three silhouetted up on Carn Gloose. When I went up there later I met them and they are just friends, just visiting the area I think, with a common interest in oil painting.
I spent most of the time I was down at Porth Nanven looking for interesting rock shapes and water movement.
Friday 25th June:
Left it quite late today, eventually driving down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven at about 7.30pm. It looked a bit grey but glad to report the light improved as the evening wore on.
Up to my left an artist was perched on the cliff edge braving it in the strong north west wind. I made my way up the path towards him and found him wishing he had dressed more appropriately for the chilly weather. We had a chat and he is Michael Fenner, loved the oil painting he was near completing. Michael has works on display and for sale at Wild West Works in St Just.
As the evening wore on there was some light rain blowing in the wind, this was followed by a huge purple cloud that appeared around the headland. Sunrays flooded down under the clouds but eventually the light show was snuffed out before sunset. Quite dramatic really, if allowed to develop fully right up to sunset it could have been amazing. Despite the chill a surprisingly large number of people out watching the weather develop and chatting to friends with a beer or two.
Left it quite late today, eventually driving down Cot Valley to Porth Nanven at about 7.30pm. It looked a bit grey but glad to report the light improved as the evening wore on.
Up to my left an artist was perched on the cliff edge braving it in the strong north west wind. I made my way up the path towards him and found him wishing he had dressed more appropriately for the chilly weather. We had a chat and he is Michael Fenner, loved the oil painting he was near completing. Michael has works on display and for sale at Wild West Works in St Just.
As the evening wore on there was some light rain blowing in the wind, this was followed by a huge purple cloud that appeared around the headland. Sunrays flooded down under the clouds but eventually the light show was snuffed out before sunset. Quite dramatic really, if allowed to develop fully right up to sunset it could have been amazing. Despite the chill a surprisingly large number of people out watching the weather develop and chatting to friends with a beer or two.
Thursday 24th June:
I noticed online today that this evening there would be a big full moon rising in the south east at 21:51.
Now, that would mean, it would rise over St Michaels Mount and on checking photography apps, the beach at Long Rock would be the ideal place. When I got there two hours before the moonrise there were already clouds making their way north west to south east and things were looking very doubtful. Two other photographers were already there and ready to go with cameras on tripods, one with two all focussed in and in the perfect position.
I wandered along the beach towards Marazion and with lots of time to wait for the moonrise, set about creating a little collection of images around one of the old iron pipes that are spaced regularly along the beach from Penzance to Marazion. They used to pump raw sewage onto the beach when I was a child but thankfully now it's just a bit of drainage water.
As darkness approached I went back to Long Rock but by now the cloud was quite thick over the Mount and a moonrise seemed very unlikely. However suddenly a blood red moon peeped out through a small gap, unfortunately further south than predicted which meant a dash along the beach for the two camera man to get the moon and Mount in his image. I just stayed by the car and took a quick couple of images before it was lost from site again in a minute or two -shame it could have been good.
A lone angler on the beach provided one final subject.
I noticed online today that this evening there would be a big full moon rising in the south east at 21:51.
Now, that would mean, it would rise over St Michaels Mount and on checking photography apps, the beach at Long Rock would be the ideal place. When I got there two hours before the moonrise there were already clouds making their way north west to south east and things were looking very doubtful. Two other photographers were already there and ready to go with cameras on tripods, one with two all focussed in and in the perfect position.
I wandered along the beach towards Marazion and with lots of time to wait for the moonrise, set about creating a little collection of images around one of the old iron pipes that are spaced regularly along the beach from Penzance to Marazion. They used to pump raw sewage onto the beach when I was a child but thankfully now it's just a bit of drainage water.
As darkness approached I went back to Long Rock but by now the cloud was quite thick over the Mount and a moonrise seemed very unlikely. However suddenly a blood red moon peeped out through a small gap, unfortunately further south than predicted which meant a dash along the beach for the two camera man to get the moon and Mount in his image. I just stayed by the car and took a quick couple of images before it was lost from site again in a minute or two -shame it could have been good.
A lone angler on the beach provided one final subject.
Wednesday 23rd June:
A little walkabout experimentation photography today. It turned out to be a bit of a grey afternoon up at Kenidjack where, as I arrived, Gary Harwood the artist was just packing away his easel. I started my walk using the infrared camera and Lensbaby lens to try to create some atmosphere in the images and then at the end switched over to a more traditional format as the cliffs at the moment are covered in flowers and new growth. The views across to Cape Cornwall from here are stunning and you can never tire of capturing it in different conditions.
Have also added a small group of infrared images I captured yesterday at Cot valley.
A little walkabout experimentation photography today. It turned out to be a bit of a grey afternoon up at Kenidjack where, as I arrived, Gary Harwood the artist was just packing away his easel. I started my walk using the infrared camera and Lensbaby lens to try to create some atmosphere in the images and then at the end switched over to a more traditional format as the cliffs at the moment are covered in flowers and new growth. The views across to Cape Cornwall from here are stunning and you can never tire of capturing it in different conditions.
Have also added a small group of infrared images I captured yesterday at Cot valley.
From Tuesday at Cot Valley
Tuesday 22nd June:
Another very interesting afternoon, again at Cot Valley. Got there just as the tide was starting to ebb and went down to try to capture some images of speeded up river canyon creation. The little river that flows down Cot Valley reaches the beach by going under and around some of the rounded boulders. As the sand is revealed the water flows over it but within minutes starts to cut a ravine. As you stand and watch, constant splashing is all around, as the walls of the miniature ravine are cut and then topple. Don't go too close to the river as what looks like solid sand is just a layer of sand covering the boulders and suddenly a hole will appear and bridges of sand across the now appearing boulder tops.The bridges hold for a while and then cracks appear and the bridge crashes. This would make for an interesting time lapse-must try that. Fascinating geology in miniature, within an hour the scene is unrecognisable.
After that excitement I went down to capture some wave movements around the rocks but that was interrupted when Michael appeared, coming over the boulders carrying a kayak. He was followed a little later by Sam, in a wetsuit with a spear gun. I know both of them and they were happy for me to take images.
Finally there was an early sunset scene as the sun approached the bank of cloud lying above the horizon and a line of light came across the sea and beach.
Another very interesting afternoon, again at Cot Valley. Got there just as the tide was starting to ebb and went down to try to capture some images of speeded up river canyon creation. The little river that flows down Cot Valley reaches the beach by going under and around some of the rounded boulders. As the sand is revealed the water flows over it but within minutes starts to cut a ravine. As you stand and watch, constant splashing is all around, as the walls of the miniature ravine are cut and then topple. Don't go too close to the river as what looks like solid sand is just a layer of sand covering the boulders and suddenly a hole will appear and bridges of sand across the now appearing boulder tops.The bridges hold for a while and then cracks appear and the bridge crashes. This would make for an interesting time lapse-must try that. Fascinating geology in miniature, within an hour the scene is unrecognisable.
After that excitement I went down to capture some wave movements around the rocks but that was interrupted when Michael appeared, coming over the boulders carrying a kayak. He was followed a little later by Sam, in a wetsuit with a spear gun. I know both of them and they were happy for me to take images.
Finally there was an early sunset scene as the sun approached the bank of cloud lying above the horizon and a line of light came across the sea and beach.
A little experiment from yesterday. While waiting for the water to boil for my tea I had a go with the infrared camera using my bendy Lensbaby lens. This enables you to move the focus of the image around and have as little or as much of the image in focus as you want. I quite like the results just for a few minutes work. Will put some time in to this, can see some real potential.
Monday June 21st:
Back up to St Just at teatime but this time I drove down the lovely National Trust owned Cot Valley to Porth Nanven, famous for it's geology and gorgeous little low tide beach. Several camper vans parked up enjoying the views with photographers and other visitors scrambling over the white boulders. There are warning signs up about recent rockfalls and the piles of earth and rock at the base of the cliffs are there as evidence.
The raised beach is very clearly visible in the exposed cliff face.
I spent half an hour taking photos in the car park area and at the base of the cliffs, met four visitors and their two lovely dogs before a cup of tea and then a long session down on the beach capturing the wider scene and close ups of the water rushing around the boulders. Also managed to get an image of Mark, a local St Just man, leaping the river after changing on the rocks following a lengthy swim.
By now the sun had made an unpredicted appearance, transformed the colours and stayed out and until just before sunset when a bank of cloud spoiled the final half hour.
Back up to St Just at teatime but this time I drove down the lovely National Trust owned Cot Valley to Porth Nanven, famous for it's geology and gorgeous little low tide beach. Several camper vans parked up enjoying the views with photographers and other visitors scrambling over the white boulders. There are warning signs up about recent rockfalls and the piles of earth and rock at the base of the cliffs are there as evidence.
The raised beach is very clearly visible in the exposed cliff face.
I spent half an hour taking photos in the car park area and at the base of the cliffs, met four visitors and their two lovely dogs before a cup of tea and then a long session down on the beach capturing the wider scene and close ups of the water rushing around the boulders. Also managed to get an image of Mark, a local St Just man, leaping the river after changing on the rocks following a lengthy swim.
By now the sun had made an unpredicted appearance, transformed the colours and stayed out and until just before sunset when a bank of cloud spoiled the final half hour.
The Famous four on holiday
Sunday June 20th:
A grey day but warm and only a gentle breeze. Late afternoon we went down to Sennen Cove and parked at the harbour car park. Not too busy but enough going on for a bit of wander around photography before going down on to the rocks again. The tide was falling but still much higher that a few days ago so different gullies and pools to use in the images. Could have done with some light hitting various areas but it is good to go to these places and then return in the future when conditions are better.
A grey day but warm and only a gentle breeze. Late afternoon we went down to Sennen Cove and parked at the harbour car park. Not too busy but enough going on for a bit of wander around photography before going down on to the rocks again. The tide was falling but still much higher that a few days ago so different gullies and pools to use in the images. Could have done with some light hitting various areas but it is good to go to these places and then return in the future when conditions are better.
Friday 18th June:
If you had to choose a bad day for photography, today would be it. Strong northerly wind, clear hazy sky, bright harsh sunlight with dark sharp shadows but at the same time too nice to stay indoors, especially with wall to wall soccer at the moment.
It was a big spring tide with low water at teatime. We went up to Cape Cornwall where I knew the Cape itself would mean protection from the wind in Priest's Cove. I set off out to the right to explore the low tide rocks that stretch for a hundred metres or more out until you are level with the end of the Cape. I have never been out to this side before, as from the slipway it looks very barren, with acres of barnacle covered rocks. Once out there however the rocks are cut by deep gullies and it also gives you a very different view back towards the boats and sheds that suddenly look very small. Certainly an area to return to when the conditions are right with some dramatic clouds, big seas or golden light.
If you had to choose a bad day for photography, today would be it. Strong northerly wind, clear hazy sky, bright harsh sunlight with dark sharp shadows but at the same time too nice to stay indoors, especially with wall to wall soccer at the moment.
It was a big spring tide with low water at teatime. We went up to Cape Cornwall where I knew the Cape itself would mean protection from the wind in Priest's Cove. I set off out to the right to explore the low tide rocks that stretch for a hundred metres or more out until you are level with the end of the Cape. I have never been out to this side before, as from the slipway it looks very barren, with acres of barnacle covered rocks. Once out there however the rocks are cut by deep gullies and it also gives you a very different view back towards the boats and sheds that suddenly look very small. Certainly an area to return to when the conditions are right with some dramatic clouds, big seas or golden light.
Thursday 17th June: Today we went down to Sennen Cove and parked at the Harbour Car Park. One reason for going there was to deliver some photo prints to Vicki Norman, who was at Sennen with her painting group today. It was a bright blue sky day with just a few wispy clouds. The harbour area is a great place for photography as you take images literally from your car. Boats pulled up on the harbour slipway, the beach, lifeboat station, rocks and pools and waves hitting the side of the breakwater. When a swell is running you can get spectacular shots of the sea going over the breakwater. (see the Sennen Cove page for some of these) This afternoon I spent some time around the harbour with the infrared camera and then changed cameras and went down onto the low tide rocks to capture some images of the flooding tide and waves. |
Wednesday 16th June:
Well, what an interesting afternoon.
I set off for Cape Cornwall with a plan in mind. I had no intention of taking images of the Cape area itself but to take intimate longer exposures of the foam patterns amongst the rocks.As it turned out I was there for 5 hours, took over 100 images and not 1 single image of foam patterns!
It all began when I was walking down the slipway towards the rocks when I got talking to an oil painting artist, Melanie from Chesterfield. It turns out she was part of an art group led by Vicky Norman from Shropshire. Anyway I took a couple of images of Melanie, gave her my website address and off I went to the rocks.
It was obvious that the big spring tide was still too low for my purposes so while I waited I spent an hour making a bit of a detailed study of the old raised shed above the beach.Having enjoyed that I went back to the slipway, at the top of which had appeared the rest of Melanie's art group who were watching Vicki Norman begin her own evening painting. Leaving them to guard all my camera gear I went up to the car to get my Jetboil and then sat by the fishermen's sheds watching a huge swell build up as the tide made. I took a few images of Vicki and then went down to the sea pool and set up ready for the swirls of foam.
While I was standing there 3 people arrived next to me, they were Amy, Julie and Bill, all members of a climbing club from Stockport. Today they were having a rest day from climbing and were exploring sea pools in the area. So once more I was distracted as Amy was straight into the water while husband and wife Bill and Julie watched the huge waves build as the tide flooded at the same time acting as models for my images!
Back up for another brew up and some more images of Vicki and her finished painting and then some wave photography as the sea pool flooded.
Vicki leads painting workshops in different parts of Europe and even North America but at the moment, in covid times, just concentrating on the UK and online teaching. This was her second week in west Cornwall. Some lovely artwork on her website and all the details of her teaching. www.vickinormanstudio.com
Well, what an interesting afternoon.
I set off for Cape Cornwall with a plan in mind. I had no intention of taking images of the Cape area itself but to take intimate longer exposures of the foam patterns amongst the rocks.As it turned out I was there for 5 hours, took over 100 images and not 1 single image of foam patterns!
It all began when I was walking down the slipway towards the rocks when I got talking to an oil painting artist, Melanie from Chesterfield. It turns out she was part of an art group led by Vicky Norman from Shropshire. Anyway I took a couple of images of Melanie, gave her my website address and off I went to the rocks.
It was obvious that the big spring tide was still too low for my purposes so while I waited I spent an hour making a bit of a detailed study of the old raised shed above the beach.Having enjoyed that I went back to the slipway, at the top of which had appeared the rest of Melanie's art group who were watching Vicki Norman begin her own evening painting. Leaving them to guard all my camera gear I went up to the car to get my Jetboil and then sat by the fishermen's sheds watching a huge swell build up as the tide made. I took a few images of Vicki and then went down to the sea pool and set up ready for the swirls of foam.
While I was standing there 3 people arrived next to me, they were Amy, Julie and Bill, all members of a climbing club from Stockport. Today they were having a rest day from climbing and were exploring sea pools in the area. So once more I was distracted as Amy was straight into the water while husband and wife Bill and Julie watched the huge waves build as the tide flooded at the same time acting as models for my images!
Back up for another brew up and some more images of Vicki and her finished painting and then some wave photography as the sea pool flooded.
Vicki leads painting workshops in different parts of Europe and even North America but at the moment, in covid times, just concentrating on the UK and online teaching. This was her second week in west Cornwall. Some lovely artwork on her website and all the details of her teaching. www.vickinormanstudio.com
Tuesday 15th June:
A quick infrared trip up to Cape Cornwall at teatime today. I planned the visit to coincide with low tide so that I could climb and scramble over the rocks to the left of the slipway until you can no longer see the cove. Eventually I couldn't go any further as the rocks were getting very slippery and the tide was making. At the furthest point I met Tom, a young doctor from Bristol, who was on his own and bouldering. For those of you that don't know, this is low level, no rope, climbing where you use chalked up fingers to hold on to small cracks and ridges in the rock. Very painful on the fingertips. When you lose your grip or finish your route it's a matter of bailing out onto crash mats waiting below.
Really warm today and lots of families back in Priest's Cove splashing away in the surf at the end of the slipway.
A quick infrared trip up to Cape Cornwall at teatime today. I planned the visit to coincide with low tide so that I could climb and scramble over the rocks to the left of the slipway until you can no longer see the cove. Eventually I couldn't go any further as the rocks were getting very slippery and the tide was making. At the furthest point I met Tom, a young doctor from Bristol, who was on his own and bouldering. For those of you that don't know, this is low level, no rope, climbing where you use chalked up fingers to hold on to small cracks and ridges in the rock. Very painful on the fingertips. When you lose your grip or finish your route it's a matter of bailing out onto crash mats waiting below.
Really warm today and lots of families back in Priest's Cove splashing away in the surf at the end of the slipway.
Monday 14th June:
We set off this evening to go to Porthcurno or Porthchapel before they get really busy in the school holidays. Well the plan was a bad one as the area was jam packed already, the car park was full, so we did a u-turn and went back up to Cape Cornwall which was almost empty, three cars in the car park and one of them was ours.
A lovely swell rolling in and we settled down by the fishermen's huts, got the Jetboil going and had a picnic. While we eating Shoris (Gaelic name) appeared and said he was going in the sea pool for a swim.
"Can I take some photos of you in there?" I asked.
"No problem." he replied
So here is Shoris in action!
You even get a bonus video below.
We set off this evening to go to Porthcurno or Porthchapel before they get really busy in the school holidays. Well the plan was a bad one as the area was jam packed already, the car park was full, so we did a u-turn and went back up to Cape Cornwall which was almost empty, three cars in the car park and one of them was ours.
A lovely swell rolling in and we settled down by the fishermen's huts, got the Jetboil going and had a picnic. While we eating Shoris (Gaelic name) appeared and said he was going in the sea pool for a swim.
"Can I take some photos of you in there?" I asked.
"No problem." he replied
So here is Shoris in action!
You even get a bonus video below.
Click the black rectangles for video action and even me shouting!
Sunday Evening:
Another walk but this time in colour around Kenidjack and Botallack on a beautiful June evening with not a cloud in the sky. Not ideal for photography but still very pleasant. Probably the warmest day of the year with all the walkers, and me, in shorts and t-shirts.
One camera, one lens, Panasonic GX9 and 14-140mm.
Another walk but this time in colour around Kenidjack and Botallack on a beautiful June evening with not a cloud in the sky. Not ideal for photography but still very pleasant. Probably the warmest day of the year with all the walkers, and me, in shorts and t-shirts.
One camera, one lens, Panasonic GX9 and 14-140mm.
Sunday 13th June:
An early morning infrared walk around Penzance Harbour and Seafront on a glorious June day with the sun shining and only a gentle breeze. Sunday mornings always have a tranquil air about them with just a few swimmers, joggers, cyclists and early morning walkers around plus, of course, the council men emptying the bins and picking up the usual takeaway discards.
An early morning infrared walk around Penzance Harbour and Seafront on a glorious June day with the sun shining and only a gentle breeze. Sunday mornings always have a tranquil air about them with just a few swimmers, joggers, cyclists and early morning walkers around plus, of course, the council men emptying the bins and picking up the usual takeaway discards.
The photos below are in the order of the walk.
Friday 11th June:
The mist was still with us today and getting thicker. Before the sunshine arrives tomorrow I decided to pay a return visit to Cape Cornwall but this time concentrate on black and white. Looking at yesterday's photographs again I prefer the mood and atmosphere conveyed by the monochrome images. When we arrived you could still see the Brisons but half an hour later they had disappeared and a few minutes after that the Cape chimney was lost from view as well.
The mist was still with us today and getting thicker. Before the sunshine arrives tomorrow I decided to pay a return visit to Cape Cornwall but this time concentrate on black and white. Looking at yesterday's photographs again I prefer the mood and atmosphere conveyed by the monochrome images. When we arrived you could still see the Brisons but half an hour later they had disappeared and a few minutes after that the Cape chimney was lost from view as well.
Below an image edited in b&w and colour-I like the orange boulder-not sure which I prefer overall
Thursday 10th June:
I thought about doing some people watching today at Carbis Bay but in the end took advantage of the thick mist to take some atmospheric images up at Cape Cornwall. Drove there via the rough bridleway along the clifftop at Botallack and stopped above the Crowns Engine houses and Kenidjack for a couple of handheld shots as a record of the conditions.
I thought it was going to be a black and white day and set the camera to monochrome but while editing the raw files it was amazing to see how much the colours popped in the misty conditions. Below you can see a selection of each, some of the colours almost look unnatural but no saturation has been added, it's the way they were.
I thought about doing some people watching today at Carbis Bay but in the end took advantage of the thick mist to take some atmospheric images up at Cape Cornwall. Drove there via the rough bridleway along the clifftop at Botallack and stopped above the Crowns Engine houses and Kenidjack for a couple of handheld shots as a record of the conditions.
I thought it was going to be a black and white day and set the camera to monochrome but while editing the raw files it was amazing to see how much the colours popped in the misty conditions. Below you can see a selection of each, some of the colours almost look unnatural but no saturation has been added, it's the way they were.
.......and now the colour
Taken en-route
Wednesday 9th June:
A grey drizzly evening saw me down at the harbour as the Scillonian started to unload it's cargo. Yellow forklifts flying about carrying blue containers and a stream of people carrying, suitcases, dogs, babies and agapanthus plants. I must try to get a close up image of an agapanthus carrier. I'm not sure the people taking them home realise that within a few years they will take over their whole garden or burst the pots they put them in. For an hour coaches, taxis and cars are all around and then suddenly they've all disappeared and normal life resumes.
A grey drizzly evening saw me down at the harbour as the Scillonian started to unload it's cargo. Yellow forklifts flying about carrying blue containers and a stream of people carrying, suitcases, dogs, babies and agapanthus plants. I must try to get a close up image of an agapanthus carrier. I'm not sure the people taking them home realise that within a few years they will take over their whole garden or burst the pots they put them in. For an hour coaches, taxis and cars are all around and then suddenly they've all disappeared and normal life resumes.
Tuesday 8th June:
Out on my own today, so free to pretend I'm young and agile! I went up to Bosigran but this time out on the headland, separated from the sea by hundreds of feet of sheer cliffs. The front of the headland is not so sheer but is a frightening looking slope down to sea level, The slope is mainly rock but has patches of heather, grass and flowers in between. I set off to get to a grass plateau that I know from past years has a lot of oxeye daisies on it but today they were not fully blooming and a bit spaced out to make a good image, so I carried on down. The rocks below I've fished before but today I was following a circuitous route across the face of the headland. The sea below was a dark blue, a good swell running and blue skies and puffy white clouds above.
Now I think it's safe to say I ended up with some unique images today as I would be amazed to learn that any other photographer ended up where I eventually found myself. I spent an hour at the foot of the cliffs and then very slowly made my way up by a different route photographing as I went. Once at the top I met some climbers who had just reached the top of their climb and then managed to get myself into a position to take some images of climbers in action to round off the afternoon.
I was knackered!
Out on my own today, so free to pretend I'm young and agile! I went up to Bosigran but this time out on the headland, separated from the sea by hundreds of feet of sheer cliffs. The front of the headland is not so sheer but is a frightening looking slope down to sea level, The slope is mainly rock but has patches of heather, grass and flowers in between. I set off to get to a grass plateau that I know from past years has a lot of oxeye daisies on it but today they were not fully blooming and a bit spaced out to make a good image, so I carried on down. The rocks below I've fished before but today I was following a circuitous route across the face of the headland. The sea below was a dark blue, a good swell running and blue skies and puffy white clouds above.
Now I think it's safe to say I ended up with some unique images today as I would be amazed to learn that any other photographer ended up where I eventually found myself. I spent an hour at the foot of the cliffs and then very slowly made my way up by a different route photographing as I went. Once at the top I met some climbers who had just reached the top of their climb and then managed to get myself into a position to take some images of climbers in action to round off the afternoon.
I was knackered!
Monday 7th June:
General photographic advice at this time of year is not to shoot in the middle of the day but to go out at sunset or sunrise. Well today we went up to Bosigran in the middle of the afternoon and the light was bright but gorgeous. The sea was blue, a few wispy clouds in a blue sky and the cliffs covered in wild flowers. I didn't move more than a few metres for the afternoon, you could spend days here.
The sheer cliffs of the headland were well sprinkled with climbers, hanging by ropes or sitting on ledges with their legs dangling, waiting for the leader to finish his/her pitch.
To make the afternoon really exciting we even took our new Jetboil with us and made a fresh cup of tea to go with heavy cake and a jam sandwich. We know how to live-even a pint of real ale on the way home!
General photographic advice at this time of year is not to shoot in the middle of the day but to go out at sunset or sunrise. Well today we went up to Bosigran in the middle of the afternoon and the light was bright but gorgeous. The sea was blue, a few wispy clouds in a blue sky and the cliffs covered in wild flowers. I didn't move more than a few metres for the afternoon, you could spend days here.
The sheer cliffs of the headland were well sprinkled with climbers, hanging by ropes or sitting on ledges with their legs dangling, waiting for the leader to finish his/her pitch.
To make the afternoon really exciting we even took our new Jetboil with us and made a fresh cup of tea to go with heavy cake and a jam sandwich. We know how to live-even a pint of real ale on the way home!
s No end of talent- take photographs and makes the tea (photos by Alison, infrared)
Sunday 6th June:
Up early for a quick walk down to the harbour to document a little of the activity around the Isles of Scilly ferry. When I arrived all was peace and quiet with the Scillonian moored on the pier on a still, grey Sunday morning. Then, as if someone turned on a tap, the coaches and taxis started arriving and for the next hour it was all action as suitcases were unloaded and pockets searched for tickets. Stay 2 meters apart the signs said, but no chance of that.
Just a small camera and 42.5mm prime lens today. On the way back I stopped to take some images of the new flags on the promenade. They are really colourful and celebrate the work of the NHS, teachers and emergency services during the pandemic.
Up early for a quick walk down to the harbour to document a little of the activity around the Isles of Scilly ferry. When I arrived all was peace and quiet with the Scillonian moored on the pier on a still, grey Sunday morning. Then, as if someone turned on a tap, the coaches and taxis started arriving and for the next hour it was all action as suitcases were unloaded and pockets searched for tickets. Stay 2 meters apart the signs said, but no chance of that.
Just a small camera and 42.5mm prime lens today. On the way back I stopped to take some images of the new flags on the promenade. They are really colourful and celebrate the work of the NHS, teachers and emergency services during the pandemic.
Friday 4th June:
A different day today as it was Alisons 70th Birthday!
In the evening we went for a meal at Cape Cornwall Golf Club and very nice it was too. After eating we did a circuit of the Cape where I took photos of Alison in the surroundings to remember the day. A breezy but beautiful sunny evening with lovely colours lit beautifully by the sun as it got lower in the sky.
As we came down from the top we saw Sam, a local commercial fisherman, coming in on his kayak. No engine here, pedal power only, no nets, just a fishing rod, sustainable fishing at its best.
We went down to the slipway and watched him sorting his catch of bass and lobsters. Then he had to sort his gear out and empty the water from his kayak before safely stowing it high up the slipway.
Down on the pebble beach in Priests Cove were a group of 4 friends enjoying food and the last of the sunshine. The group included Sasha Williams and partner that I know. Sasha owns a lovely shop in Penzance that I visit several times a week. The Granary specialises in vegetarian food, much of it organic and is highly recommended. www.thegranarypenzance.co.uk/
A different day today as it was Alisons 70th Birthday!
In the evening we went for a meal at Cape Cornwall Golf Club and very nice it was too. After eating we did a circuit of the Cape where I took photos of Alison in the surroundings to remember the day. A breezy but beautiful sunny evening with lovely colours lit beautifully by the sun as it got lower in the sky.
As we came down from the top we saw Sam, a local commercial fisherman, coming in on his kayak. No engine here, pedal power only, no nets, just a fishing rod, sustainable fishing at its best.
We went down to the slipway and watched him sorting his catch of bass and lobsters. Then he had to sort his gear out and empty the water from his kayak before safely stowing it high up the slipway.
Down on the pebble beach in Priests Cove were a group of 4 friends enjoying food and the last of the sunshine. The group included Sasha Williams and partner that I know. Sasha owns a lovely shop in Penzance that I visit several times a week. The Granary specialises in vegetarian food, much of it organic and is highly recommended. www.thegranarypenzance.co.uk/
Thursday 3rd June:
Today I went back to an infrared photography walkabout people watching session, something I've really come to enjoy. Late afternoon I drove up to Botallack and walked a loop around the mine workings where there are always people viewing and photographing the famous Crowns Engine Houses. In normal times there are visitors from all over the world, today was quiet by usual standards as I think the sunshine has kept them on the beaches, or covid has kept them at home..
I met a couple of ladies with two rescue dogs, one of whom was paralysed and they carried her in a baby's backpack. The dog was really worried by any nearby strangers-like me for instance-as it thought it was going to be hurt. I also watched a young couple make 5 attempts at balancing a phone on a rock to get a selfie with the engine houses in the background. It's a shame that in these strange times you cannot offer to help.
Of course it's not possible to walk around here and not take a few photos of your surroundings as the views in all directions are superb.
Today I went back to an infrared photography walkabout people watching session, something I've really come to enjoy. Late afternoon I drove up to Botallack and walked a loop around the mine workings where there are always people viewing and photographing the famous Crowns Engine Houses. In normal times there are visitors from all over the world, today was quiet by usual standards as I think the sunshine has kept them on the beaches, or covid has kept them at home..
I met a couple of ladies with two rescue dogs, one of whom was paralysed and they carried her in a baby's backpack. The dog was really worried by any nearby strangers-like me for instance-as it thought it was going to be hurt. I also watched a young couple make 5 attempts at balancing a phone on a rock to get a selfie with the engine houses in the background. It's a shame that in these strange times you cannot offer to help.
Of course it's not possible to walk around here and not take a few photos of your surroundings as the views in all directions are superb.
Doggy Piggyback
Set the timer and run
Wednesday 2nd June:
An early evening, low tide trip to the rocky bay between Cape Cornwall and Kenidjack-the sun hidden behind a thick layer of haze but still warm out of the breeze. This is a fascinating area both geologically and historically. A half broken slipway takes you down to the bay with hundreds of rock pools and rock ledges in front of you and sheer black rock cliffs behind you. The cliffs show much evidence of past mining activity but below the pools and surrounds are teaming with life and patterned rock ledges.
To my left Cape Cornwall towers above and to my right a flat boulder strewn landscape leads to the mouth of the Kenidjack Valley. The path down is a sheltered haven for wild flowers with the a variety of species defying gravity and lining your route. Everything today from traditional seascapes to abstract patterns.
An early evening, low tide trip to the rocky bay between Cape Cornwall and Kenidjack-the sun hidden behind a thick layer of haze but still warm out of the breeze. This is a fascinating area both geologically and historically. A half broken slipway takes you down to the bay with hundreds of rock pools and rock ledges in front of you and sheer black rock cliffs behind you. The cliffs show much evidence of past mining activity but below the pools and surrounds are teaming with life and patterned rock ledges.
To my left Cape Cornwall towers above and to my right a flat boulder strewn landscape leads to the mouth of the Kenidjack Valley. The path down is a sheltered haven for wild flowers with the a variety of species defying gravity and lining your route. Everything today from traditional seascapes to abstract patterns.
Tuesday 1st June:
A morning walk around Mousehole. Not something I would normally do during busy weeks and I must admit I was surprised how busy a busy week is. The Harbour Beach was a hive of activity with wet suit clad youngsters on paddle boards, tombstoning from the piers and building sandcastles. The adults meanwhile determined to stock up on Vitamin D, were toasting on the golden sand or more upright in beach chairs.
Really warm today and the first shorts day of 2021 for me. I went intending to convert images to black and white but the colours were so intense that I've left most in full colour.
A morning walk around Mousehole. Not something I would normally do during busy weeks and I must admit I was surprised how busy a busy week is. The Harbour Beach was a hive of activity with wet suit clad youngsters on paddle boards, tombstoning from the piers and building sandcastles. The adults meanwhile determined to stock up on Vitamin D, were toasting on the golden sand or more upright in beach chairs.
Really warm today and the first shorts day of 2021 for me. I went intending to convert images to black and white but the colours were so intense that I've left most in full colour.
Monday 31st May:
Cape Cornwall yet again but this time quite early in the morning and trying to document the human activity, the scene and the buildings with the infrared camera. When we first arrived it was relatively quiet with some beautiful sunlight coming from the left of Priest's Cove. A few of the locals had slept there overnight and were already sunning themselves at the top of the slipway.
As the morning wore on families began arriving and swimming lessons were on the go in the rock pool supervised by mums, plus some more adventurous experts on the slipway and well out into open sea and surf. Not a grain of sand in sight but still a brilliant place for the whole family. It was interesting to see one grandad with his grandson complete with bucket and net. The grandson soon got bored and went back to mum but grandad happily carried on for ages searching the pools for crabs and other creatures.
When you sit and people watch you can't help but guess and put your own stories to their lives- most are probably completely wrong.
Click on pics for slideshow view
Sunday 30th May:
Another beautiful day for everyone to enjoy. Cape Cornwall was quite busy with a lot of the people being local families having BBQs and the children dodging waves and jumping in and out of the rock swimming pool. My third day running here but no lack of interesting possibilities to document the area and it's comings and goings.
Still quite a swell running with a stronger cross shore wind blowing the tops off the waves. I was there from 6.30pm onwards and the light became more and more golden as the sun got lower in the sky. It makes a change for the Bank Holiday to coincide with good weather and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves.
Another beautiful day for everyone to enjoy. Cape Cornwall was quite busy with a lot of the people being local families having BBQs and the children dodging waves and jumping in and out of the rock swimming pool. My third day running here but no lack of interesting possibilities to document the area and it's comings and goings.
Still quite a swell running with a stronger cross shore wind blowing the tops off the waves. I was there from 6.30pm onwards and the light became more and more golden as the sun got lower in the sky. It makes a change for the Bank Holiday to coincide with good weather and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves.
Saturday 29th May: Summer has arrived, no jumper or coat needed for the first time this year. We went back up to Cape Cornwall because of the interesting afternoon we had yesterday, there are so many images to be had here. The swell was still running and at low tide the fishermen were digging out rocks from the bottom of the slipway. We were earlier today so I was able to clamber for a hundred metres or more over the lowlife rocks and find some gullies where the sea was crashing over the rocks and into the pools. No "Fair Maids" today, only one young girl braved a brief dip on the slipway but quite a few youngsters in the rock swimming pool until the tide reached it and it became too dangerous. Look up November 8th on the 2020 diary page to see what happened to Sam last year. |
Friday 28th May: An exciting early evening at Cape Cornwall watching "The Three Fair Maids" risking life, limb and mobile phone for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean. The Maids then retreated to the rock cut pool around the corner from where lots of screams were echoing. It was a warm but grey day with a fair swell building up. None of the fishermen out so their boats were all pulled high up the slipway because of the swell and spring tides. Have turned a lot of the images to black and white but in some cases have left the main subject of the photo in colour. Am quite liking this look at the moment. Have also let the people blur on purpose, in some images, with longer shutter speeds. |
Thursday May 27th:
One camera (Panasonic GX9), one prime lens (Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.7) for an afternoon walk around the old Levant Mine workings. The prime lens allows separation and blurring of backgrounds and foregrounds as I ignored the big vistas and looked for more intimate scenes.
Once my creative juices dried up I went to the pub for a pint of Tintagel Brewery Castle Gold!
One camera (Panasonic GX9), one prime lens (Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.7) for an afternoon walk around the old Levant Mine workings. The prime lens allows separation and blurring of backgrounds and foregrounds as I ignored the big vistas and looked for more intimate scenes.
Once my creative juices dried up I went to the pub for a pint of Tintagel Brewery Castle Gold!
Wednesday 26th May:
The warmest day for a long time, surely this must be the start of summer. With bright harsh light I went on an infrared walk around Cape Cornwall and very interesting it was and even had an ice cream.
Back to meeting people today including a whole bunch of geology students from Falmouth University, Hugh the National Coastwatch officer on duty and Nigel a Devon based artist perched on a chair at the top of the Cape.
(follow Nigel on Instagram and Twitter @nigelwatersart)
See Cape Cornwall page for some colour images from the same walk about.
The warmest day for a long time, surely this must be the start of summer. With bright harsh light I went on an infrared walk around Cape Cornwall and very interesting it was and even had an ice cream.
Back to meeting people today including a whole bunch of geology students from Falmouth University, Hugh the National Coastwatch officer on duty and Nigel a Devon based artist perched on a chair at the top of the Cape.
(follow Nigel on Instagram and Twitter @nigelwatersart)
See Cape Cornwall page for some colour images from the same walk about.
Tuesday 25th May:
Back to the rain again, non stop all day. They forecast an easing late evening so I went up to Levant to try to capture the atmosphere amongst the old mine buildings. I sat in the car for an hour and although the rain eased it didn't stop but I braved it anyway, keeping the rain off the lens was the most difficult problem. It was dark and grey but with a line of clear sky along the horizon there was enough light to make the red soil and brickwork shine out. The images without the soil and bricks in the composition look dark and moody but those with the colours really pop out. I stayed until nearly dark but never saw the sun as the clear line was just too far east. The clouds above were too solid to give any movement but it was a really enjoyable evening with not another person in site. My only company was a blackbird who sang beautifully non stop for an hour.
Back to the rain again, non stop all day. They forecast an easing late evening so I went up to Levant to try to capture the atmosphere amongst the old mine buildings. I sat in the car for an hour and although the rain eased it didn't stop but I braved it anyway, keeping the rain off the lens was the most difficult problem. It was dark and grey but with a line of clear sky along the horizon there was enough light to make the red soil and brickwork shine out. The images without the soil and bricks in the composition look dark and moody but those with the colours really pop out. I stayed until nearly dark but never saw the sun as the clear line was just too far east. The clouds above were too solid to give any movement but it was a really enjoyable evening with not another person in site. My only company was a blackbird who sang beautifully non stop for an hour.
Monday 24th May:
Very strong north westerly wind blowing today, sunny but feeling freezing. I knew the north coast was out so went down, in the evening, to Pedn Vounder just east of Porthcurno. I parked in Treen car park and walked down the lane, past the campsite, to the cliffs with fantastic views both sides of you. On top of the cliff it was still windy but as you descended the difficult beach path it became really warm. I spend some time down at sea level capturing waves and views towards Logan Rock and then went back up the path looking for flowers on the cliff edges. These was a vivid blue with not a cloud in the sky above, looked quite tropical.
I returned to the car via the field path that leads up from the back of Logan Rock..
Very strong north westerly wind blowing today, sunny but feeling freezing. I knew the north coast was out so went down, in the evening, to Pedn Vounder just east of Porthcurno. I parked in Treen car park and walked down the lane, past the campsite, to the cliffs with fantastic views both sides of you. On top of the cliff it was still windy but as you descended the difficult beach path it became really warm. I spend some time down at sea level capturing waves and views towards Logan Rock and then went back up the path looking for flowers on the cliff edges. These was a vivid blue with not a cloud in the sky above, looked quite tropical.
I returned to the car via the field path that leads up from the back of Logan Rock..
Sunday 23rd May:
Rain, rain, rain, what a month May has been especially after the near drought in April.The forecast predicted the rain to stop by early evening so we went up to Levant and as we were travelling you could see the clearer weather on the horizon. Unfortunately as the rain stopped the wind picked up and it really was quite cold. We wrapped up in our waterproofs and walked a few hundred yards through the old mine workings until we had clear views to Pendeen Lighthouse and were out of the wind below the old arsenic works. The sea had built up and we had some great bursts of light that sped along the cliffs in the strong wind. The clouds were flying across the sky, one minute dark and ominous the next white and fluffy. After an hour the good light disappeared and it became quite dull and lifeless by which time we were cold so made for home.
Rain, rain, rain, what a month May has been especially after the near drought in April.The forecast predicted the rain to stop by early evening so we went up to Levant and as we were travelling you could see the clearer weather on the horizon. Unfortunately as the rain stopped the wind picked up and it really was quite cold. We wrapped up in our waterproofs and walked a few hundred yards through the old mine workings until we had clear views to Pendeen Lighthouse and were out of the wind below the old arsenic works. The sea had built up and we had some great bursts of light that sped along the cliffs in the strong wind. The clouds were flying across the sky, one minute dark and ominous the next white and fluffy. After an hour the good light disappeared and it became quite dull and lifeless by which time we were cold so made for home.
Saturday 22nd May:
Another amazing change in the weather, after early rain, it was wall to wall sunshine with a moderate north westerly. We went up to Pendeen Lighthouse again but this time only armed with my Panasonic GX9 walkabout street camera and one 42.5mm prime lens. Instead of looking for big vistas I was concentrating on the shapes in the lighthouse buildings and any other fleeting moments of interest. The sky and sea were shades of bright blue and lots of people were out enjoying the sunshine. One more bad day tomorrow before we are promised a spell of good weather at last. Because of the conditions mostly B&W today but a couple in colour to give you an idea of the conditions.
Another amazing change in the weather, after early rain, it was wall to wall sunshine with a moderate north westerly. We went up to Pendeen Lighthouse again but this time only armed with my Panasonic GX9 walkabout street camera and one 42.5mm prime lens. Instead of looking for big vistas I was concentrating on the shapes in the lighthouse buildings and any other fleeting moments of interest. The sky and sea were shades of bright blue and lots of people were out enjoying the sunshine. One more bad day tomorrow before we are promised a spell of good weather at last. Because of the conditions mostly B&W today but a couple in colour to give you an idea of the conditions.
Friday 21st May:
Yesterday it was Simon the mapman from Southampton today it was Dave the artist from Merseyside. I went up to Pendeen Lighthouse where I knew I would be able to shelter behind the walls. There was rain in the air and even more salt spray than Thursday, the lens was constantly covered. I was playing around taking some long exposure images of the lighthouse, it's foghorn and the reef just offshore when I noticed a lady in a yellow coat taking photos on her phone to my right. I took a few images of her in the landscape to give some scale and then a man in red appeared from rocks below her. Later I was to find out that they were Dave and Joan down on holiday for a week from merseyside and staying in Trewellard. No beach weather for them but they were enjoying witnessing the stormy conditions. Dave told me he had packed up work largely to give himself some more time to pick up his paintbrushes. Dave showed me, on his phone, some lovely portraits he had painted of his family members and a man with a beard asleep on a train.
Being out on the coast, nearly everyday, means I'm meeting some really nice people.
Yesterday it was Simon the mapman from Southampton today it was Dave the artist from Merseyside. I went up to Pendeen Lighthouse where I knew I would be able to shelter behind the walls. There was rain in the air and even more salt spray than Thursday, the lens was constantly covered. I was playing around taking some long exposure images of the lighthouse, it's foghorn and the reef just offshore when I noticed a lady in a yellow coat taking photos on her phone to my right. I took a few images of her in the landscape to give some scale and then a man in red appeared from rocks below her. Later I was to find out that they were Dave and Joan down on holiday for a week from merseyside and staying in Trewellard. No beach weather for them but they were enjoying witnessing the stormy conditions. Dave told me he had packed up work largely to give himself some more time to pick up his paintbrushes. Dave showed me, on his phone, some lovely portraits he had painted of his family members and a man with a beard asleep on a train.
Being out on the coast, nearly everyday, means I'm meeting some really nice people.
Thursday 20th May:
What a difference 24 hours can make. Yesterday, at Kenidjack, I was down on the low tide rocks taking images in rock pools, today I got blown over several times. Sixty miles per hour winds in late May, strange things are happening to our weather.
It was all I could do to make my way out to the quarry high up on the righthand side of the valley and it wasn't until I got down on the grass bank facing Botallack that I found some shelter. No chance of using a tripod so I just lay against the bank capturing the waves and hoping for a little bit of light. Plenty of waves but no sun until I went back up to the top an hour later, where for a short while bursts of light hit Cape, The Brisons and Crowns Engine Houses.
At this point I noticed another man in a red coat being blown onto the grass. I beckoned him over to the shelter behind some rocks. Simon told me he was walking the coastal path in sections and tonight was staying in a pub in St Just, so not far to go. Simon is from Southampton and used to work for Ordnance Survey. I love chatting and finding out about people I meet on the cliffs- just nosey I suppose.
I've even added a short video for you-just click on the black button below.
What a difference 24 hours can make. Yesterday, at Kenidjack, I was down on the low tide rocks taking images in rock pools, today I got blown over several times. Sixty miles per hour winds in late May, strange things are happening to our weather.
It was all I could do to make my way out to the quarry high up on the righthand side of the valley and it wasn't until I got down on the grass bank facing Botallack that I found some shelter. No chance of using a tripod so I just lay against the bank capturing the waves and hoping for a little bit of light. Plenty of waves but no sun until I went back up to the top an hour later, where for a short while bursts of light hit Cape, The Brisons and Crowns Engine Houses.
At this point I noticed another man in a red coat being blown onto the grass. I beckoned him over to the shelter behind some rocks. Simon told me he was walking the coastal path in sections and tonight was staying in a pub in St Just, so not far to go. Simon is from Southampton and used to work for Ordnance Survey. I love chatting and finding out about people I meet on the cliffs- just nosey I suppose.
I've even added a short video for you-just click on the black button below.
Wednesday 19th May:
Same place but very different images today. I planned my visit to Kenidjack to coincide with low tide. The expanse of rocks and pools revealed at the mouth of Kenidjack Valley is fascinating. The area from here to Cape Cornwall is covered in huge boulders that have come down out of the cliffs and these are interspersed with rock pools teaming with life. The Tregeseal River makes it's way down the rocks in a series of small cascades and splits into several channels making miniature canyons in the rocks. Today I spent my time looking for patterns as foam was pushed in and out of the pools and gullies.
Bright but hazy sunshine and actually feeling quite warm today but gales and rain again tomorrow.
Same place but very different images today. I planned my visit to Kenidjack to coincide with low tide. The expanse of rocks and pools revealed at the mouth of Kenidjack Valley is fascinating. The area from here to Cape Cornwall is covered in huge boulders that have come down out of the cliffs and these are interspersed with rock pools teaming with life. The Tregeseal River makes it's way down the rocks in a series of small cascades and splits into several channels making miniature canyons in the rocks. Today I spent my time looking for patterns as foam was pushed in and out of the pools and gullies.
Bright but hazy sunshine and actually feeling quite warm today but gales and rain again tomorrow.
Tuesday 18th May:
With heavy rain forecast for the evening I decided to go out earlier than usual and set off from a dry Penzance to Kenidjack. By the time I got to the parking spot the rain had started and for an hour I sat in the car thinking I'd made a mistake. Gradually you could see the end of the rain approaching from out to sea and eventually it stopped. No sun but the great thing is that after rain at this time of year the greens and other colours really pop. On the way down in to the valley I stopped and found my way into an overgrown meadow where a number of foxgloves and a little straggly hawthorn tree were in full bloom.
After some time here I made way down to the sea to try and find the sea pool that I've seen on videos but never found. The black rocks at the bottom were slippery but I'd put my spiked boots on and that made it a bit less dangerous. With a bit of scrambling around the low tide rocks I eventually found the deep pool and I already know I'll be returning here again. It was very grey now and rain was on it's way again so I knew I couldn't stay long as to get back up, now the tide was partly in, I had to negotiate a slippery black rock slope and so as soon as it started spitting I was off.
(More images on Kenidjack page.)
With heavy rain forecast for the evening I decided to go out earlier than usual and set off from a dry Penzance to Kenidjack. By the time I got to the parking spot the rain had started and for an hour I sat in the car thinking I'd made a mistake. Gradually you could see the end of the rain approaching from out to sea and eventually it stopped. No sun but the great thing is that after rain at this time of year the greens and other colours really pop. On the way down in to the valley I stopped and found my way into an overgrown meadow where a number of foxgloves and a little straggly hawthorn tree were in full bloom.
After some time here I made way down to the sea to try and find the sea pool that I've seen on videos but never found. The black rocks at the bottom were slippery but I'd put my spiked boots on and that made it a bit less dangerous. With a bit of scrambling around the low tide rocks I eventually found the deep pool and I already know I'll be returning here again. It was very grey now and rain was on it's way again so I knew I couldn't stay long as to get back up, now the tide was partly in, I had to negotiate a slippery black rock slope and so as soon as it started spitting I was off.
(More images on Kenidjack page.)
Monday 17th May:
Once again up to Kenidjack this evening and in particular to look for one foxglove plant that I'd seen a week or so ago and by now might be flowering. The clouds were breaking up and it was one of those times where you could wait and watch the patches of sunlight move around the cliffs and valley. The westerly wind was still quite strong but there is a warmth in it now, at last, and it was actually quite refreshing. As the evening wore on the clouds were rapidly dispersing and as sunset approached the sky was almost clear. As I was on my own I was free to scramble around the valley slopes without being told off for doing dangerous things at my age.
Met two people this evening-one lady with her dog looking for her glasses that had blown off her hat a couple of days ago and the friendly man from the Co-op in Penzance that serves me when I go down early in the mornings as they open-such an exciting life I lead!
Once again up to Kenidjack this evening and in particular to look for one foxglove plant that I'd seen a week or so ago and by now might be flowering. The clouds were breaking up and it was one of those times where you could wait and watch the patches of sunlight move around the cliffs and valley. The westerly wind was still quite strong but there is a warmth in it now, at last, and it was actually quite refreshing. As the evening wore on the clouds were rapidly dispersing and as sunset approached the sky was almost clear. As I was on my own I was free to scramble around the valley slopes without being told off for doing dangerous things at my age.
Met two people this evening-one lady with her dog looking for her glasses that had blown off her hat a couple of days ago and the friendly man from the Co-op in Penzance that serves me when I go down early in the mornings as they open-such an exciting life I lead!
Sunday 16th May:
After a wet and windy weekend this evening conditions looked promising with some dramatic clouds, rough seas and fleeting light. Trying to find somewhere out of the worst of the wind we went up to Kenidjack Castle and sought some shelter on the eastern slopes of the headland. I made my way down almost to sea level using flowers and spoil rocks as foreground. The light kept coming and going as gaps appeared in the clouds and it was a matter of waiting for it to light up different areas of the sea and cliffs. From this side you get good views across the bay to the Crowns Engine Houses, giving you a different perspective to the more commonly seen images. This whole area is a strange mixture of industrial waste and natural beauty.
Back up at the top I couldn't resist just a couple of images looking west to Cape Cornwall.
After a wet and windy weekend this evening conditions looked promising with some dramatic clouds, rough seas and fleeting light. Trying to find somewhere out of the worst of the wind we went up to Kenidjack Castle and sought some shelter on the eastern slopes of the headland. I made my way down almost to sea level using flowers and spoil rocks as foreground. The light kept coming and going as gaps appeared in the clouds and it was a matter of waiting for it to light up different areas of the sea and cliffs. From this side you get good views across the bay to the Crowns Engine Houses, giving you a different perspective to the more commonly seen images. This whole area is a strange mixture of industrial waste and natural beauty.
Back up at the top I couldn't resist just a couple of images looking west to Cape Cornwall.
Friday Evening:
With rain on it's way I rushed up to Kenidjack this evening to catch the valley in a different mood. A south westerly was rapidly increasing in strength and ominous clouds building. Spots of rain began to fall and soon developed into steady rain. It was a quick but worthwhile trip.
With rain on it's way I rushed up to Kenidjack this evening to catch the valley in a different mood. A south westerly was rapidly increasing in strength and ominous clouds building. Spots of rain began to fall and soon developed into steady rain. It was a quick but worthwhile trip.
Friday 14th May:
Spent a very pleasant hour or so this morning wandering from Penzance seafront along to Newlyn Pier, starting before the sun was up and the world was blue, still and quiet. Plenty of activity out along the pier with a big catamaran off to Liverpool to service wind farms and several fishing boats leaving harbour. Out at the end of the pier local character "Leaky Boots" was catching mackerel for his breakfast and men were starting work sprucing up an old trawler.
By the time I left the light was blindingly bright and a northerly breeze had picked up killing off all the reflections in the harbour.
Spent a very pleasant hour or so this morning wandering from Penzance seafront along to Newlyn Pier, starting before the sun was up and the world was blue, still and quiet. Plenty of activity out along the pier with a big catamaran off to Liverpool to service wind farms and several fishing boats leaving harbour. Out at the end of the pier local character "Leaky Boots" was catching mackerel for his breakfast and men were starting work sprucing up an old trawler.
By the time I left the light was blindingly bright and a northerly breeze had picked up killing off all the reflections in the harbour.
Wednesday Evening:
It maybe another false alarm but this afternoon summer may have started. The wind dropped away and there was just a hint of warmth in the air. After tea we found ourselves high up on the east side of Kenidjack Valley starting at the "artists spot" and then spending an hour out at Kenidjack Quarry from where you get superb views of Cape Cornwall and down into Kenidjack Valley and if you walk 100 metres to the east around the headland you get more great views across to Botallack.
The evening golden light was gorgeous and with the sea still moderately rough the calm surface water had lines of foam forming shapes across the bay. Bluebells covered the cliffs, especially in sheltered hollows and the foxgloves are on the verge of flowering-last weeks rain has made such a difference.
It maybe another false alarm but this afternoon summer may have started. The wind dropped away and there was just a hint of warmth in the air. After tea we found ourselves high up on the east side of Kenidjack Valley starting at the "artists spot" and then spending an hour out at Kenidjack Quarry from where you get superb views of Cape Cornwall and down into Kenidjack Valley and if you walk 100 metres to the east around the headland you get more great views across to Botallack.
The evening golden light was gorgeous and with the sea still moderately rough the calm surface water had lines of foam forming shapes across the bay. Bluebells covered the cliffs, especially in sheltered hollows and the foxgloves are on the verge of flowering-last weeks rain has made such a difference.
Wednesday 12th May:
Still on the chilly side for May but I was still up for an early morning walk to the harbour and around the St Mary's Church area of Chapel Street.
Still on the chilly side for May but I was still up for an early morning walk to the harbour and around the St Mary's Church area of Chapel Street.
Monday 10th May:
I thought it was about time I paid another visit to Kenidjack Valley to continue my project. We have had a lot of rain and the sea was quite rough so hopefully I would be able to document some different conditions. I made my way down to the valley mouth and picked my way up over the spoil heaps and past the danger signs on the west side-not recommended. The sun was harsh and bright to my right and the tide was high and breaking against the base of the cliffs.
This area is a perfect example of nature taking back a beautiful area where man made a bit of a mess. I think by now nature would have gone a lot further if management of the area didn't mean keeping buildings partly clear of vegetation to preserve history. (Look on the Kenidjack page for lots more images from today)
I thought it was about time I paid another visit to Kenidjack Valley to continue my project. We have had a lot of rain and the sea was quite rough so hopefully I would be able to document some different conditions. I made my way down to the valley mouth and picked my way up over the spoil heaps and past the danger signs on the west side-not recommended. The sun was harsh and bright to my right and the tide was high and breaking against the base of the cliffs.
This area is a perfect example of nature taking back a beautiful area where man made a bit of a mess. I think by now nature would have gone a lot further if management of the area didn't mean keeping buildings partly clear of vegetation to preserve history. (Look on the Kenidjack page for lots more images from today)
Sunday Evening:
Back up to Bosigran this evening in the hope that two days of rain, to bring life back to the cliffs, a southwesterly wind, to whip up the sea and some evening sunshine, to light up the colours, would make for a fruitful trip. Down in the lee of Commando Ridge it was warm and completely out of the wind. There was lots of bird activity with wheatears, swallows, choughs, stonechats, a cuckoo and lots of seabirds nesting below.
As rain suddenly threatened we made our way back to the car but the sunset with haze, rain and clouds along the horizon was weird as the sun turned into a swollen orange ball.
While down at the cliff edge I found a set of keys that were obviously freshly lost. No name or phone number so all I could do was to hang them in full view on a gate halfway back to the car park. Hopefully anyone still down there or coming back searching will find them.
Finally on the way home we were treated to close up views of a beautiful barn owl perched ready to go off for a twilight hunt.
Back up to Bosigran this evening in the hope that two days of rain, to bring life back to the cliffs, a southwesterly wind, to whip up the sea and some evening sunshine, to light up the colours, would make for a fruitful trip. Down in the lee of Commando Ridge it was warm and completely out of the wind. There was lots of bird activity with wheatears, swallows, choughs, stonechats, a cuckoo and lots of seabirds nesting below.
As rain suddenly threatened we made our way back to the car but the sunset with haze, rain and clouds along the horizon was weird as the sun turned into a swollen orange ball.
While down at the cliff edge I found a set of keys that were obviously freshly lost. No name or phone number so all I could do was to hang them in full view on a gate halfway back to the car park. Hopefully anyone still down there or coming back searching will find them.
Finally on the way home we were treated to close up views of a beautiful barn owl perched ready to go off for a twilight hunt.
Sunday 9th May:
Up at 5am for a photo walk on a grey, misty Sunday morning. All action at Penzance Inner Harbour. The Scillonian had been put on the Albert pier overnight to shelter from the bad weather and now it was time to get it out for it's daily sailing. Makes parking the car seem easy.
For those interested I bought another second hand camera this week. A Panasonic GX9-a smaller, lighter version of my G9, perfect for photo walks!
Up at 5am for a photo walk on a grey, misty Sunday morning. All action at Penzance Inner Harbour. The Scillonian had been put on the Albert pier overnight to shelter from the bad weather and now it was time to get it out for it's daily sailing. Makes parking the car seem easy.
For those interested I bought another second hand camera this week. A Panasonic GX9-a smaller, lighter version of my G9, perfect for photo walks!
With the Scillonian safely positioned it was time for a stroll through the near empty town............
Thursday 6th May:
A day of two halves, as they say, rain all morning and bright blue cloudless skies all afternoon. A strong, cold northerly wind still blowing so in the evening I decided to stay reasonably local and went to Marazion for a photo walk with the infrared camera. First photo 6.39pm last photo 8.09pm.
Parking on the road next to the railway line I walked along the beach as far as the Mount causeway and then up around the backstreets of Marazion. It is very difficult to not spend the whole time looking for different compositions involving St Michael's Mount especially when there is a lot of activity revolving around the filming of Game of Thrones at the moment.
I even got to witness one of the ferries get stuck while trying to drop people off on Chapel Rock as the tide receded. This resulted in some less than glamorous disembarking. Once the causeway was dry hundreds of film crew and cast streamed back to the mainland and lots of very expensive cars sped off to local up market hotels. More dragon slaying and never ending king and queen fallouts tomorrow. Bit like Eastenders in costume really.
A day of two halves, as they say, rain all morning and bright blue cloudless skies all afternoon. A strong, cold northerly wind still blowing so in the evening I decided to stay reasonably local and went to Marazion for a photo walk with the infrared camera. First photo 6.39pm last photo 8.09pm.
Parking on the road next to the railway line I walked along the beach as far as the Mount causeway and then up around the backstreets of Marazion. It is very difficult to not spend the whole time looking for different compositions involving St Michael's Mount especially when there is a lot of activity revolving around the filming of Game of Thrones at the moment.
I even got to witness one of the ferries get stuck while trying to drop people off on Chapel Rock as the tide receded. This resulted in some less than glamorous disembarking. Once the causeway was dry hundreds of film crew and cast streamed back to the mainland and lots of very expensive cars sped off to local up market hotels. More dragon slaying and never ending king and queen fallouts tomorrow. Bit like Eastenders in costume really.
Wednesday 5th May:
Still quite breezy today but I really wanted to go up to the north coast again and use a wide angle lens to give an impression of flowers clinging to the cliff sides. I have a superb 8-18mm Panasonic Leica lens and really need to use it more and learn to get the best out of it. The light kept coming and going this evening and it was interesting to see that the best of the early flowers were on the shady side of Commando Ridge were they won't have dried out during this almost drought like Spring. The cliff here is normally quite boggy, at the moment it's dry as a bone. As sunset approached the blue skies disappeared as the sun went behind the clouds and the sky took on a purple hue, at the same time the temperature fell rapidly. It really is a dry and cold start to the year.
Going back to the car on a different path I was amazed to find that the streamI normally have to jump across had dried up completely. It will be interesting to see if the rain forecast for the next few days is enough to bring it back to life.
Still quite breezy today but I really wanted to go up to the north coast again and use a wide angle lens to give an impression of flowers clinging to the cliff sides. I have a superb 8-18mm Panasonic Leica lens and really need to use it more and learn to get the best out of it. The light kept coming and going this evening and it was interesting to see that the best of the early flowers were on the shady side of Commando Ridge were they won't have dried out during this almost drought like Spring. The cliff here is normally quite boggy, at the moment it's dry as a bone. As sunset approached the blue skies disappeared as the sun went behind the clouds and the sky took on a purple hue, at the same time the temperature fell rapidly. It really is a dry and cold start to the year.
Going back to the car on a different path I was amazed to find that the streamI normally have to jump across had dried up completely. It will be interesting to see if the rain forecast for the next few days is enough to bring it back to life.
Tuesday 4th May:
A stormy bank holiday meant some different conditions to venture out for a short photo walk on the seafront this morning. A strong north westerly breeze and some dramatic clouds rushing across the sky with enough cracks to produce some interesting sunbeams. Within an hour it was blue skies and sunshine.
A stormy bank holiday meant some different conditions to venture out for a short photo walk on the seafront this morning. A strong north westerly breeze and some dramatic clouds rushing across the sky with enough cracks to produce some interesting sunbeams. Within an hour it was blue skies and sunshine.
Sunday Evening:
This evening I made my way up to Bosigran to see if the Spring flowers were showing well yet. The sea was flat calm before tomorrow's strong winds and rain. I clambered down the grass and rocks alongside Commando Ridge trying to find some different compositions.
As sunset approached the golden light on the sheer climbing cliffs was lovely. The flowers are starting to show with pink thrift and primroses the first. Just as it looked like there was going to be a great sunset the usual bank of cloud appeared along the horizon to spoil the show. Once the sun disappeared the temperature plummeted so it was time for this old photographer to go home for his cocoa.
This evening I made my way up to Bosigran to see if the Spring flowers were showing well yet. The sea was flat calm before tomorrow's strong winds and rain. I clambered down the grass and rocks alongside Commando Ridge trying to find some different compositions.
As sunset approached the golden light on the sheer climbing cliffs was lovely. The flowers are starting to show with pink thrift and primroses the first. Just as it looked like there was going to be a great sunset the usual bank of cloud appeared along the horizon to spoil the show. Once the sun disappeared the temperature plummeted so it was time for this old photographer to go home for his cocoa.
Sunday 2nd May:
A peaceful early Sunday morning walk around Penzance seafront and the harbour area. Bright blue skies and a chill in the air but very little wind this early so some excellent reflections in the harbour. I took the infrared camera today as the conditions were so bright and I am experimenting more with this camera for all kinds of images.
Down at the harbour I met well published professional photographer Lucie Averill, complete with tripod and filters lining up some gorgeous reflection images but having trouble with her highlights blowing out- and that's nothing to do with lockdown hair problems!
Have a look at Lucie's website and instagram. lucieaverillphotography.co.uk
A peaceful early Sunday morning walk around Penzance seafront and the harbour area. Bright blue skies and a chill in the air but very little wind this early so some excellent reflections in the harbour. I took the infrared camera today as the conditions were so bright and I am experimenting more with this camera for all kinds of images.
Down at the harbour I met well published professional photographer Lucie Averill, complete with tripod and filters lining up some gorgeous reflection images but having trouble with her highlights blowing out- and that's nothing to do with lockdown hair problems!
Have a look at Lucie's website and instagram. lucieaverillphotography.co.uk
Friday 30th April:
This evening I spent the last two hours of daylight walking along the bridleway from Kenidjack to Wheal Owls (Ross Poldark's Mine) from where you get a view down to the Crowns Engine Houses. A few fluffy clouds on the horizon but some more dramatic clouds looking more inland. I started at the "Artists Spot" as some lovely light lit up the side of Kenidjack Valley and then moved up the track to capture some sunbursts as the sun was setting. A chilly but fun evening, lots of people up by the National Trust Botallack car park watching the sun go down.
This evening I spent the last two hours of daylight walking along the bridleway from Kenidjack to Wheal Owls (Ross Poldark's Mine) from where you get a view down to the Crowns Engine Houses. A few fluffy clouds on the horizon but some more dramatic clouds looking more inland. I started at the "Artists Spot" as some lovely light lit up the side of Kenidjack Valley and then moved up the track to capture some sunbursts as the sun was setting. A chilly but fun evening, lots of people up by the National Trust Botallack car park watching the sun go down.
Thursday 29th April:
A warmer afternoon prompted another trip up to Kenidjack. Plenty of birdwatchers still searching for the rare pippit as we walked past them down to the sea. We spent a lovely hour in the warm sunshine by the river, where there was some slightly diffused warm light to work with. As this was the first warm evening for a while we made our way back up the hill to the car and then stopped at the Trewellard Inn for a pint of real ale-first one for months and months. Things gradually returning to normal.
More images on the Kenidjack page.
A warmer afternoon prompted another trip up to Kenidjack. Plenty of birdwatchers still searching for the rare pippit as we walked past them down to the sea. We spent a lovely hour in the warm sunshine by the river, where there was some slightly diffused warm light to work with. As this was the first warm evening for a while we made our way back up the hill to the car and then stopped at the Trewellard Inn for a pint of real ale-first one for months and months. Things gradually returning to normal.
More images on the Kenidjack page.
Wednesday Evening:
With weather conditions gradually changing, this evening I went back up to Kenidjack Valley. Garry the artist was in his spot and there were crowds of birdwatchers come to get a look at an olive backed pippit, certainly a bird I'd never heard of. I headed for the mouth of the valley where the river enters the sea. As I walked down alongside the river the sun was still out but by the time I reached the sea the clouds were rolling across the bay.
With weather conditions gradually changing, this evening I went back up to Kenidjack Valley. Garry the artist was in his spot and there were crowds of birdwatchers come to get a look at an olive backed pippit, certainly a bird I'd never heard of. I headed for the mouth of the valley where the river enters the sea. As I walked down alongside the river the sun was still out but by the time I reached the sea the clouds were rolling across the bay.
Wednesday 28th April:
The super moon was due to set over Newlyn at about 6am, so as I was awake, off I went to capture the perfect image. For weeks there has not been a cloud in the sky but as soon as I walked out of the back door the clouds rolled in and the rain came. By the time I got to the seafront the rain had stopped but the moon remained covered and only showed itself for a few seconds as I reached the Jubilee Pool.
I must admit it's good to have some clouds and a bit of rain for the gardens and fields so no complaints. The sunrise was largely hidden but it did create some interesting images when I zoomed into 400mm in full frame terms and picked out the tree line above Marazion.
The super moon was due to set over Newlyn at about 6am, so as I was awake, off I went to capture the perfect image. For weeks there has not been a cloud in the sky but as soon as I walked out of the back door the clouds rolled in and the rain came. By the time I got to the seafront the rain had stopped but the moon remained covered and only showed itself for a few seconds as I reached the Jubilee Pool.
I must admit it's good to have some clouds and a bit of rain for the gardens and fields so no complaints. The sunrise was largely hidden but it did create some interesting images when I zoomed into 400mm in full frame terms and picked out the tree line above Marazion.
Tuesday 27th April:
A stroll in the Nanquidno Valley this morning while Alison sought out rare migrating birds. Lots of other birdwatchers about most of them looking for the woodchat shrike seen the day before but this morning he/she was nowhere to be seen. I just took a few images with the infrared camera in the bright sunny conditions but at least there are a few clouds appearing and some rain in the forecast over the next week.
A stroll in the Nanquidno Valley this morning while Alison sought out rare migrating birds. Lots of other birdwatchers about most of them looking for the woodchat shrike seen the day before but this morning he/she was nowhere to be seen. I just took a few images with the infrared camera in the bright sunny conditions but at least there are a few clouds appearing and some rain in the forecast over the next week.
Monday Evening:
The wind started to ease as evening approached which encouraged me to whip up to Kenidjackfor the "golden hour". As I arrived it was good to see Garry Harwood setting up his easel on the "artists spot". This spot has been in the freezing wind for the last few days so, like me, he was taking advantage of the slightly warmer conditions . After a quick chat and photo of him putting his first brush stroke on the empty board I left him in peace to find something for myself.
Not a cloud in the sky unfortunately and the light was harsh to begin with but as the evening wore on the sunlight became warmer in tone and lit up the valley sides where the fresh green bracken has yet to emerge. I found myself perched on a rocky outcrop near the sea end of the valley giving good views up and down the Tregeseal River. There's even a lovely apple tree in full blossom up on this side of the valley.
The other images from last night will be on the Kenidjack page.
The wind started to ease as evening approached which encouraged me to whip up to Kenidjackfor the "golden hour". As I arrived it was good to see Garry Harwood setting up his easel on the "artists spot". This spot has been in the freezing wind for the last few days so, like me, he was taking advantage of the slightly warmer conditions . After a quick chat and photo of him putting his first brush stroke on the empty board I left him in peace to find something for myself.
Not a cloud in the sky unfortunately and the light was harsh to begin with but as the evening wore on the sunlight became warmer in tone and lit up the valley sides where the fresh green bracken has yet to emerge. I found myself perched on a rocky outcrop near the sea end of the valley giving good views up and down the Tregeseal River. There's even a lovely apple tree in full blossom up on this side of the valley.
The other images from last night will be on the Kenidjack page.
Monday 26th April:
Awake very early this morning so set off for a walk towards Penzance Harbour at about 5am. The cold easterly wind was already picking up so no mirror reflections today but some some nice lights across the water surface .Just shooting handheld with the little Olympus camera. Outside the shelter of the dock walls the sea was quite rough and the early morning swimmers were sensibly taking the safe option to swim in the harbour. My hands were freezing so how they can cope with the cold I just don't know. On the way back, as the sun was rising, I stopped to get some images of backlit waves along the Promenade.
Awake very early this morning so set off for a walk towards Penzance Harbour at about 5am. The cold easterly wind was already picking up so no mirror reflections today but some some nice lights across the water surface .Just shooting handheld with the little Olympus camera. Outside the shelter of the dock walls the sea was quite rough and the early morning swimmers were sensibly taking the safe option to swim in the harbour. My hands were freezing so how they can cope with the cold I just don't know. On the way back, as the sun was rising, I stopped to get some images of backlit waves along the Promenade.
Saturday 24th April:
A flying late evening visit to Kenidjack today. Gale force easterly, freezing as the sun went down. One of those grey skies with the occassional crack that sunbeams stream through. Sometimes the beams can be spectacular but this evening they were more subdued and as sunset got closer the clouds became more solid and the early promise faded. The valley itself was largely in shadow and felt cold but the slopes facing the sun had some warmth in the colour.
A flying late evening visit to Kenidjack today. Gale force easterly, freezing as the sun went down. One of those grey skies with the occassional crack that sunbeams stream through. Sometimes the beams can be spectacular but this evening they were more subdued and as sunset got closer the clouds became more solid and the early promise faded. The valley itself was largely in shadow and felt cold but the slopes facing the sun had some warmth in the colour.
Friday 23rd April:
Windy, cloudless, bright harsh sun-perfect for infrared.
After tea I made a quick trip up to Kenidjack and walked down the main path on the North side of the stream and then crossed the bridge and climbed up the hill towards Cape Cornwall until I turned left and followed the high path on the South side of the stream. Absolutely loved the images I got. Once edited I'll put lots more on the Kenidjack and Infrared pages.
Windy, cloudless, bright harsh sun-perfect for infrared.
After tea I made a quick trip up to Kenidjack and walked down the main path on the North side of the stream and then crossed the bridge and climbed up the hill towards Cape Cornwall until I turned left and followed the high path on the South side of the stream. Absolutely loved the images I got. Once edited I'll put lots more on the Kenidjack and Infrared pages.
Thursday 22nd April:
The dreaded easterly wind has set in and not just a breeze but near gale force at times! If you can get out of the wind it was warm but in the wind it was freezing. Alison and I went up to Kenidjack but this time stayed down in the valley itself. Although it was somewhat sheltered, as you neared the sea, where the valley narrows it was difficult to walk against the wind and photography was challenging. The sky was cloudless and the sun bright and harsh so all in all not great conditions but still an interesting place to be.
Fast shutter speeds were the order of the day, for example in the gunners photo the leaves were actually blowing all over the place yet it seems to show a warm peaceful day. There are more images on the Kenidjack page, including an 8 shot near sunset panorama from the evening before.
The dreaded easterly wind has set in and not just a breeze but near gale force at times! If you can get out of the wind it was warm but in the wind it was freezing. Alison and I went up to Kenidjack but this time stayed down in the valley itself. Although it was somewhat sheltered, as you neared the sea, where the valley narrows it was difficult to walk against the wind and photography was challenging. The sky was cloudless and the sun bright and harsh so all in all not great conditions but still an interesting place to be.
Fast shutter speeds were the order of the day, for example in the gunners photo the leaves were actually blowing all over the place yet it seems to show a warm peaceful day. There are more images on the Kenidjack page, including an 8 shot near sunset panorama from the evening before.
Wednesday 21st April:
With conditions brighter than yesterday, I made my second visit to Kenidjack Valley. The sun was hazy but casting some lovely light down in to the valley bottom. Below is an image from the "Artists Spot" and I have now started a new Kenidjack Valley page to document the changes through the year and to illustrate its history, its flora and fauna and it's relationship with the little river and sea.
See the new page for more images.
With conditions brighter than yesterday, I made my second visit to Kenidjack Valley. The sun was hazy but casting some lovely light down in to the valley bottom. Below is an image from the "Artists Spot" and I have now started a new Kenidjack Valley page to document the changes through the year and to illustrate its history, its flora and fauna and it's relationship with the little river and sea.
See the new page for more images.
Tuesday 20th April:
Spent a very interesting hour this evening up at Kenidjack Valley, just south of St Just. This is a fascinating valley with endless photographic opportunities whatever genre of photography you are in to. Interesting views of Cape Cornwall, bird watchers paradise, flowers, insects, geology, big waves, history, , this valley has it all. When I arrived at a little spot that I like, looking down into the valley I met an artist and we had a good chat about his work.He lives just a short walk away and is spending a year painting pictures from this spot every day to capture the changing seasons and light.
I found his website when I got home and although by his own admission he needs to update some of it, I found it fascinating. If you read his 2020 Blog Page you can see examples of his work from this spot and other areas very close by. My photo below is exactly the view he is painting everyday that in the future will become a book.
I was so inspired by his work and what he was telling me about light at different times that I'm going to start a similar project myself-it won't be everyday though!
http://www.garryharwood.co.uk/
Spent a very interesting hour this evening up at Kenidjack Valley, just south of St Just. This is a fascinating valley with endless photographic opportunities whatever genre of photography you are in to. Interesting views of Cape Cornwall, bird watchers paradise, flowers, insects, geology, big waves, history, , this valley has it all. When I arrived at a little spot that I like, looking down into the valley I met an artist and we had a good chat about his work.He lives just a short walk away and is spending a year painting pictures from this spot every day to capture the changing seasons and light.
I found his website when I got home and although by his own admission he needs to update some of it, I found it fascinating. If you read his 2020 Blog Page you can see examples of his work from this spot and other areas very close by. My photo below is exactly the view he is painting everyday that in the future will become a book.
I was so inspired by his work and what he was telling me about light at different times that I'm going to start a similar project myself-it won't be everyday though!
http://www.garryharwood.co.uk/
Monday Evening:
An infrared walk along the field path at Zennor. Have a look at the Zennor & Infrared pages for a series of photos taken on the walk. I still love the effect infrared gives on a seemingly uninteresting image in poor lighting conditions.
An infrared walk along the field path at Zennor. Have a look at the Zennor & Infrared pages for a series of photos taken on the walk. I still love the effect infrared gives on a seemingly uninteresting image in poor lighting conditions.
Monday 19th April:
I went along to the harbour yet again this morning, this time with a mini project in mind. While chasing reflections recently I was taken by the activity happening around me as the dock workers loaded up the Scillonian for it's daily run to the Isles. Can't help but get a vision of starving Islanders lining the quay for for first site of the ship bringing day trippers and food to save them. Just like the first American settlers waiting for the Mayflower to return in Spring full of more settlers and supplies to rescue them from their winter of starvation.
I went along to the harbour yet again this morning, this time with a mini project in mind. While chasing reflections recently I was taken by the activity happening around me as the dock workers loaded up the Scillonian for it's daily run to the Isles. Can't help but get a vision of starving Islanders lining the quay for for first site of the ship bringing day trippers and food to save them. Just like the first American settlers waiting for the Mayflower to return in Spring full of more settlers and supplies to rescue them from their winter of starvation.
Saturday 17th April: Penzance wakes up:
A very early black and white visit to the town centre, still in semi darkness and then, as the sun came up, returning home via the busy harbour and seafront.
One mildly amusing episode- I was crouched down with my eye glued to the viewfinder waiting for the
Co-op lorry to go past to capture the movement. I waited but he didn't come into view. I glanced to my left and he had stopped next to me and was looking out of his open window. "Didn't want to spoil your image."
Very considerate-so I thanked him and then recomposed as he drove off.
The weather continues to be settled and it is so still in the early mornings that the floating dock water surface has been like a mirror everyday. I've taken so many images of the reflections but it's so hard to walk past them. Time we had a good storm instead!
A very early black and white visit to the town centre, still in semi darkness and then, as the sun came up, returning home via the busy harbour and seafront.
One mildly amusing episode- I was crouched down with my eye glued to the viewfinder waiting for the
Co-op lorry to go past to capture the movement. I waited but he didn't come into view. I glanced to my left and he had stopped next to me and was looking out of his open window. "Didn't want to spoil your image."
Very considerate-so I thanked him and then recomposed as he drove off.
The weather continues to be settled and it is so still in the early mornings that the floating dock water surface has been like a mirror everyday. I've taken so many images of the reflections but it's so hard to walk past them. Time we had a good storm instead!
....and then the sun came up
Click the button to see a short clip of the early morning harbour scene
Friday 16th April:
An hour earlier today, 5am, still but freezing. In the blue light, reflections were everywhere from silver railings to dark calm water to glass in windows and all were near perfect. Already a pink line along the horizon and in the harbour another yacht making ready to head east towards the Lizard. The Gry Maritha is about to go into the dry dock after it's winter battering off Lands End and so the Scillonian was already being loaded with supplies for the Co-op on St Marys.
An hour earlier today, 5am, still but freezing. In the blue light, reflections were everywhere from silver railings to dark calm water to glass in windows and all were near perfect. Already a pink line along the horizon and in the harbour another yacht making ready to head east towards the Lizard. The Gry Maritha is about to go into the dry dock after it's winter battering off Lands End and so the Scillonian was already being loaded with supplies for the Co-op on St Marys.
Thursday 15th April:
Up again and following the same path as yesterday. Walked along chatting to one of the early morning swimmers, he works with special needs teenagers at the local college-no wonder he needs a swim in the cold sea before work and probably one after as well!
It's very interesting to see the activity around the harbour before and after dawn. Sometimes it's the same people turning up to get the Scillonian ready to sail, the dockworkers manning the harbour gate, the crew of a yacht off to somewhere or a granny taking her granddaughter to the end of the pier to watch the sun come up. Yet another beautiful morning and getting a little warmer each day this week.
Up again and following the same path as yesterday. Walked along chatting to one of the early morning swimmers, he works with special needs teenagers at the local college-no wonder he needs a swim in the cold sea before work and probably one after as well!
It's very interesting to see the activity around the harbour before and after dawn. Sometimes it's the same people turning up to get the Scillonian ready to sail, the dockworkers manning the harbour gate, the crew of a yacht off to somewhere or a granny taking her granddaughter to the end of the pier to watch the sun come up. Yet another beautiful morning and getting a little warmer each day this week.
Wednesday 14th April:
Awake early as usual and lay in bed with no intention of getting up but as always happens I couldn't relax and up I got. Another still, cold, blue morning as I walked along the seafront to Penzance Harbour.
The inner harbour is now full of small craft ready for the summer season and I started off taking the regular, but still interesting, blue hour images with lights reflecting in the water and the sky beginning to glow red and orange.
A bit later, just after sunrise I walked around to the floating dock. It was high tide and the gates were open with a catamaran in the gap refuelling, two of the crew were up on the Harbourside drinking tea. The water surface in the floating dock was mirror like but with the gates open there was movement coming from the open sea that made the mirrored surfaced bend and warp. It made for some mesmerising bending reflections.
Awake early as usual and lay in bed with no intention of getting up but as always happens I couldn't relax and up I got. Another still, cold, blue morning as I walked along the seafront to Penzance Harbour.
The inner harbour is now full of small craft ready for the summer season and I started off taking the regular, but still interesting, blue hour images with lights reflecting in the water and the sky beginning to glow red and orange.
A bit later, just after sunrise I walked around to the floating dock. It was high tide and the gates were open with a catamaran in the gap refuelling, two of the crew were up on the Harbourside drinking tea. The water surface in the floating dock was mirror like but with the gates open there was movement coming from the open sea that made the mirrored surfaced bend and warp. It made for some mesmerising bending reflections.
Click the black buttons to see my You Tube masterpieces! I even worked out how to put music on one-genius.
Tuesday 14th April:
A blue hour/golden hour walk to Newlyn and back. Chilly but not a breath of wind.
A blue hour/golden hour walk to Newlyn and back. Chilly but not a breath of wind.
Sunday 12th April:
A very chilly Spring day, much colder than we would expect in West Cornwall at this time of year. Determined to do something I drove over to Marazion and went down onto the rocks below Marazion Cemetery. The sun was very harsh with not a cloud in the sky. As I was facing into the sun it was almost impossible to take an image until the sun approached the horizon, by which time it was freezing.
It was one of those sunsets where the sky lit up in red and orange but it lasted for just a few minutes as there were no clouds to hold the colour. These sunsets tend to look better to the eye than in a photograph.
A very chilly Spring day, much colder than we would expect in West Cornwall at this time of year. Determined to do something I drove over to Marazion and went down onto the rocks below Marazion Cemetery. The sun was very harsh with not a cloud in the sky. As I was facing into the sun it was almost impossible to take an image until the sun approached the horizon, by which time it was freezing.
It was one of those sunsets where the sky lit up in red and orange but it lasted for just a few minutes as there were no clouds to hold the colour. These sunsets tend to look better to the eye than in a photograph.
Friday Evening:
The wind had dropped away by teatime so I drove up to St Just Airfield and took the road down the Nanquidno Valley to Nanjulian. The sea was calm but the gorse is in full bloom so I made my way up the coastal footpath towards Cape Cornwall. At the top of the hill I know there are good views along the cliffs with plenty of gorse in the foreground. At this point the sun was being covered by a bank of cloud but the visibility was perfect towards the Isles of Scilly
The ship in the image is from The Neptune Line that specialises in transporting new cars, trucks, tractors and all other kinds of new vehicles-this one is probably on the way to Rosslare in Ireland.
The wind had dropped away by teatime so I drove up to St Just Airfield and took the road down the Nanquidno Valley to Nanjulian. The sea was calm but the gorse is in full bloom so I made my way up the coastal footpath towards Cape Cornwall. At the top of the hill I know there are good views along the cliffs with plenty of gorse in the foreground. At this point the sun was being covered by a bank of cloud but the visibility was perfect towards the Isles of Scilly
The ship in the image is from The Neptune Line that specialises in transporting new cars, trucks, tractors and all other kinds of new vehicles-this one is probably on the way to Rosslare in Ireland.
Friday 9th April: Blue Hour to Sunrise-A Walk to Penzance Harbour
Thursday 8th April:
Something a bit different this morning-I went Hoopoe hunting up at Kenidjack Valley-and I was successful! Hoopoes winter in Africa and breed in warmer Southern European countries like Portugal, Spain and Italy. Most years a few overshoot and end up in England. Very unusually in the last week or so three have been seen in Cornwall and for me today the one that's been hanging around in Kenidjack Valley was very obliging. Spent an hour searching with Gill from Truro, who I'd never met before, she was as delighted as me when we at last spotted him and after a few long distance shots we were able to spend some time very close as the images below show.
Something a bit different this morning-I went Hoopoe hunting up at Kenidjack Valley-and I was successful! Hoopoes winter in Africa and breed in warmer Southern European countries like Portugal, Spain and Italy. Most years a few overshoot and end up in England. Very unusually in the last week or so three have been seen in Cornwall and for me today the one that's been hanging around in Kenidjack Valley was very obliging. Spent an hour searching with Gill from Truro, who I'd never met before, she was as delighted as me when we at last spotted him and after a few long distance shots we were able to spend some time very close as the images below show.
Click on links below to see slow motion video of the hoopoe feeding and preening
Wednesday 7th April:
The wind was forecast to become lighter during the day so it seemed like a good idea to have a trip to the North coast to use the lovely sunsets we have been having. I arrived up at Boscaswell and walked down across the fields towards the sea and Levant. On the way down I glanced over to my right and saw the small, dumpy chimney of Trease Mine. Although I've walked this area many times I have never made the detour up the hill to Trease so tonight, for a change, I did. A small mine by comparison to Levant but interesting nonetheless. I've decided to add Trease to the Levant page so have a look there later.
As well as being interesting itself Trease also gives great views down to Pendeen Lighthouse and the sea.
As the sun began to set I made a quick dash down to the Levant workings below Geevor to capture silhouettes of the building and structures against the setting sun.
The wind was forecast to become lighter during the day so it seemed like a good idea to have a trip to the North coast to use the lovely sunsets we have been having. I arrived up at Boscaswell and walked down across the fields towards the sea and Levant. On the way down I glanced over to my right and saw the small, dumpy chimney of Trease Mine. Although I've walked this area many times I have never made the detour up the hill to Trease so tonight, for a change, I did. A small mine by comparison to Levant but interesting nonetheless. I've decided to add Trease to the Levant page so have a look there later.
As well as being interesting itself Trease also gives great views down to Pendeen Lighthouse and the sea.
As the sun began to set I made a quick dash down to the Levant workings below Geevor to capture silhouettes of the building and structures against the setting sun.
Tuesday 6th April:
An hour before sunrise I was eating porridge before a walk around the harbour area yet again. I always think I'll never find anything different but something usually happens that proves me wrong. This morning after a few images in blue hour and a short but beautiful sunrise my attention was taken by the hive of activity in the open air lido which was due to open today for the summer season. I think they were filming a promotional video with a man actually in the water with an underwater film camera. There were already lifeguards in their red uniforms and a general air of excitement as the lovely old pool was readied for the rush. The promenade these days looks like a scenes you might see from warmer seafronts in California or Australia with swimmers, joggers and even roller skaters around in growing numbers. The new surface was long overdue.
An hour before sunrise I was eating porridge before a walk around the harbour area yet again. I always think I'll never find anything different but something usually happens that proves me wrong. This morning after a few images in blue hour and a short but beautiful sunrise my attention was taken by the hive of activity in the open air lido which was due to open today for the summer season. I think they were filming a promotional video with a man actually in the water with an underwater film camera. There were already lifeguards in their red uniforms and a general air of excitement as the lovely old pool was readied for the rush. The promenade these days looks like a scenes you might see from warmer seafronts in California or Australia with swimmers, joggers and even roller skaters around in growing numbers. The new surface was long overdue.
Easter Monday:
A bitterly cold northerly wind blowing today so a real chill in the air despite the sunshine. In the evening I set off for Marazion to try and catch the sunset behind St Michael's Mount but halfway changed my mind and ended up in the fields beside Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens to try and catch the golden hour light lighting up the Mount instead. Not sure if I made the right decision as I did get some good light but later the sunset was quite spectacular.
A bitterly cold northerly wind blowing today so a real chill in the air despite the sunshine. In the evening I set off for Marazion to try and catch the sunset behind St Michael's Mount but halfway changed my mind and ended up in the fields beside Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens to try and catch the golden hour light lighting up the Mount instead. Not sure if I made the right decision as I did get some good light but later the sunset was quite spectacular.
Easter Sunday 2021: An Early Morning Walk Around Penzance Seafront and Harbour
Good Friday 2021:
Yesterday while I was waiting for the light to improve I spent some time with the infrared camera, which really adds to what can be done on days when the light is not so great. I can remember seeing infrared images in the past and not thinking much of them but I love them now. I took a distant shot of Zennor Village from the road above and then some images out on the headland.
Today I went up to Zennor again but just to look around the churchyard as the sun went down. A lovely graveyard full of wild flowers in the grass.
Yesterday while I was waiting for the light to improve I spent some time with the infrared camera, which really adds to what can be done on days when the light is not so great. I can remember seeing infrared images in the past and not thinking much of them but I love them now. I took a distant shot of Zennor Village from the road above and then some images out on the headland.
Today I went up to Zennor again but just to look around the churchyard as the sun went down. A lovely graveyard full of wild flowers in the grass.
Thursday 1st April:
Back to Zennor for a sunset today. Strong easterly wind blowing but at the end we found a sheltered spot behind some rocks. It was very hazy this evening so we didn't get any golden light but the sun was interesting, looking more like a planet as it hovered above the horizon. There is a plaque on the rocks at the end with an inscription informing visitors that Zennor Head was given to the National trust in 1955 by A.B.
I must do a bit of research to find out some more.
Back to Zennor for a sunset today. Strong easterly wind blowing but at the end we found a sheltered spot behind some rocks. It was very hazy this evening so we didn't get any golden light but the sun was interesting, looking more like a planet as it hovered above the horizon. There is a plaque on the rocks at the end with an inscription informing visitors that Zennor Head was given to the National trust in 1955 by A.B.
I must do a bit of research to find out some more.
Wednesday 31st March:
This afternoon I went off on my own to explore around Zennor Head. I have fished here many times but never seriously taken photographs. Having looked at the local webcams I knew there was fog around and I struck lucky as for the first 10 minutes out on the headland the fog was moving in and out, giving glimpses of the beach below and the headlands disappearing in to the distance.
The fog closed in so I went around to the east side of the headland and scrambled down to a little sandy cove I know. With thick fog over the water I spent an enjoyable hour trying different length exposures as the tide came in. Lots of early summer flowers on the pathways and bluebells on their way. Nearly stepped on my first adder of the year yesterday, always wary where I put my feet when using secluded paths in sunny weather.
It was really warm climbing back up and by the time I got back to the car park I was knackered-old age I'm afraid.
This afternoon I went off on my own to explore around Zennor Head. I have fished here many times but never seriously taken photographs. Having looked at the local webcams I knew there was fog around and I struck lucky as for the first 10 minutes out on the headland the fog was moving in and out, giving glimpses of the beach below and the headlands disappearing in to the distance.
The fog closed in so I went around to the east side of the headland and scrambled down to a little sandy cove I know. With thick fog over the water I spent an enjoyable hour trying different length exposures as the tide came in. Lots of early summer flowers on the pathways and bluebells on their way. Nearly stepped on my first adder of the year yesterday, always wary where I put my feet when using secluded paths in sunny weather.
It was really warm climbing back up and by the time I got back to the car park I was knackered-old age I'm afraid.
Tuesday 30th March:
Determined to find something different around Pendeen Lighthouse I went back in the late afternoon with my converted infrared camera. Not quite as rough as yesterday but still enough swell to bring a bit of drama.
Parked near the lighthouse and walked along the coastal footpath towards Levant. The first thing that caught my eye was a gate above the path and this luckily gave a good view down to the lighthouse and provided that little extra interest. I like gateways as the Home Page shows.
It was a lovely evening but only hazy sunshine as we wandered around the coast path and then down to sea level for some more wave chasing.
Determined to find something different around Pendeen Lighthouse I went back in the late afternoon with my converted infrared camera. Not quite as rough as yesterday but still enough swell to bring a bit of drama.
Parked near the lighthouse and walked along the coastal footpath towards Levant. The first thing that caught my eye was a gate above the path and this luckily gave a good view down to the lighthouse and provided that little extra interest. I like gateways as the Home Page shows.
It was a lovely evening but only hazy sunshine as we wandered around the coast path and then down to sea level for some more wave chasing.
Monday 29th March:
A bright blue sky afternoon, not great for photography they say, too nice to stay in though. We parked at Levant but we walked a kilometre to the east until directly above the reef where the "miner's swimming pool" is located. Some decent size swells were breaking over the reef as a big spring tide and south westerly wind whipped up the sea. I climbed down onto the leeward side of the reef and spent an hour taking too many images of waves crashing. Towards the end of the afternoon I moved even closer to Pendeen Lighthouse but it is not the easiest to photograph as it's high up and set well back from the sea. The people who built it were obviously not interested in photography.
A bright blue sky afternoon, not great for photography they say, too nice to stay in though. We parked at Levant but we walked a kilometre to the east until directly above the reef where the "miner's swimming pool" is located. Some decent size swells were breaking over the reef as a big spring tide and south westerly wind whipped up the sea. I climbed down onto the leeward side of the reef and spent an hour taking too many images of waves crashing. Towards the end of the afternoon I moved even closer to Pendeen Lighthouse but it is not the easiest to photograph as it's high up and set well back from the sea. The people who built it were obviously not interested in photography.
Saturday 27th March: Having been sitting around all day we made the decision in the late afternoon to drive up to Levant again. When we arrived there was a real chill in the air as a brisk westerly wind came along the cliffs. I made the effort to get out of the car and went west this time, just for 100 metres or so, then proceeded to make my down the cliff to as near sea level as I dared. Luckily for me I found a flattish grass ledge almost completely out of the wind and to cap it all the sun suddenly burst through. It was out for just a few minutes but lit up the orange cliffs and distant lighthouse. |
Thursday 25th March:
24 hours later and the conditions were changing, so following my own advice, it was a return visit to Levant. The grey overcast skies forecast were coming in as I arrived with the sun popping in and out and then disappearing for good. Today I started off with some more rough sea images but then switched to looking for compositions amongst the Martian like landscape. For anyone who has not been to levant and the coastline for a kilometre to the east, the scene could easily be a test ground for the Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance. The area is so interesting and out of place in Cornwall's tourist brochure image. The scene here in the 19th century must have been one of devastation and the ground is so scarred that still almost nothing grows. They call this length of cliffs the Tin Coast and is very well worth a day exploring, with Levant having a working engine which is fired up for visitors to see.
I am going to create a new page all about Levant and Geevor.
24 hours later and the conditions were changing, so following my own advice, it was a return visit to Levant. The grey overcast skies forecast were coming in as I arrived with the sun popping in and out and then disappearing for good. Today I started off with some more rough sea images but then switched to looking for compositions amongst the Martian like landscape. For anyone who has not been to levant and the coastline for a kilometre to the east, the scene could easily be a test ground for the Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance. The area is so interesting and out of place in Cornwall's tourist brochure image. The scene here in the 19th century must have been one of devastation and the ground is so scarred that still almost nothing grows. They call this length of cliffs the Tin Coast and is very well worth a day exploring, with Levant having a working engine which is fired up for visitors to see.
I am going to create a new page all about Levant and Geevor.
Wednesday 24th March:
A lovely sunny afternoon, with not too much wind, saw us drive up to Pendeen and then take the road down to Levant Mine. Haven't been down here for quite a while but ought really to spend a lot more time here as there are endless compositions around the mine and for a mile either side. First of all I walked along east for a few hundred yards to below Geevor Mine. Today there was a reasonable swell running which gave me the opportunity to scramble down near sea level by the miners swimming pool to get some white water images. Back at Levant, as the evening came on, the light turned a superb golden yellow and lit up the granite walls of the mine buildings.
A lovely sunny afternoon, with not too much wind, saw us drive up to Pendeen and then take the road down to Levant Mine. Haven't been down here for quite a while but ought really to spend a lot more time here as there are endless compositions around the mine and for a mile either side. First of all I walked along east for a few hundred yards to below Geevor Mine. Today there was a reasonable swell running which gave me the opportunity to scramble down near sea level by the miners swimming pool to get some white water images. Back at Levant, as the evening came on, the light turned a superb golden yellow and lit up the granite walls of the mine buildings.
Tuesday 23rd March: A chilly dawn in Mounts Bay
Monday 22nd March:
We set off from home at 3 o'clock in the afternoon not knowing where we would end up. After heading out along the Lands End road we turned off at Sennen Churchtown and cut across to Polgigga where we parked and set off down the lane to Nanjizal. The sun was supposed to come out but after trying hard it seemed to give up and we had to settle for very still, calm and grey conditions. The sea was remarkably flat for March and the hedges and cliffs were beginning to turn yellow as the gorse started to bloom.
I used the little Olympus em10 Mark 4 today-the Live Time function is brilliant for long exposures as you watch the image developing on the back of the screen and close the shutter when the image looks done.
We set off from home at 3 o'clock in the afternoon not knowing where we would end up. After heading out along the Lands End road we turned off at Sennen Churchtown and cut across to Polgigga where we parked and set off down the lane to Nanjizal. The sun was supposed to come out but after trying hard it seemed to give up and we had to settle for very still, calm and grey conditions. The sea was remarkably flat for March and the hedges and cliffs were beginning to turn yellow as the gorse started to bloom.
I used the little Olympus em10 Mark 4 today-the Live Time function is brilliant for long exposures as you watch the image developing on the back of the screen and close the shutter when the image looks done.
Saturday 20th March:
A grey morning to be up early but very still with a sheen on the water at the seafront. I had a little play with some handheld 1 second exposures as the odd vehicle went past. Good image stabilisation in Panasonic and Olympus cameras means you can hand hold successfully down to about 2 seconds in still conditions and still get sharp images.
As it got light I tried a slightly different minimalist composition using the early morning swimmers again. There were some swimmers out long before daylight with little red lights to mark their progress through the water but with a dark grey sky it wasn't possible to get any images until after the official sunrise time. Not sure where all the men swimmers were today. Better not be seen with a long lens on the promenade too often!
As it was so grey I processed the images as black and whites.
A grey morning to be up early but very still with a sheen on the water at the seafront. I had a little play with some handheld 1 second exposures as the odd vehicle went past. Good image stabilisation in Panasonic and Olympus cameras means you can hand hold successfully down to about 2 seconds in still conditions and still get sharp images.
As it got light I tried a slightly different minimalist composition using the early morning swimmers again. There were some swimmers out long before daylight with little red lights to mark their progress through the water but with a dark grey sky it wasn't possible to get any images until after the official sunrise time. Not sure where all the men swimmers were today. Better not be seen with a long lens on the promenade too often!
As it was so grey I processed the images as black and whites.
A few more silhouettes from Thursday morning reminds me of a shadow puppet show.
Thursday 18th March:
Had no plans at all to get up early today. The weather forecast had said much cloudier for the next few days and I was tired anyway. However, as usual, I was awake well before daylight and when I glanced at the Met Office on my phone it now said bright sun all day. Perhaps I could go over to Newlyn for a change but then I remembered a photo I'd taken yesterday with silhouetted early morning swimmers down on Battery Rocks. I decided if I took a longer lens, and there was a good sunrise, I might get some more unusual images.
It's great when a plan seems to work- you can judge for yourself with the photos below.
Had no plans at all to get up early today. The weather forecast had said much cloudier for the next few days and I was tired anyway. However, as usual, I was awake well before daylight and when I glanced at the Met Office on my phone it now said bright sun all day. Perhaps I could go over to Newlyn for a change but then I remembered a photo I'd taken yesterday with silhouetted early morning swimmers down on Battery Rocks. I decided if I took a longer lens, and there was a good sunrise, I might get some more unusual images.
It's great when a plan seems to work- you can judge for yourself with the photos below.
Wednesday Afternoon:
The sun was due to come out fully at 3 o'clock so we set off on our longest trip out for months-all of 10 miles to Lands End. We walked to the east from the near empty car park for less than a mile. Just past where most photographers perch themselves for images of lands End itself you will find the views open up towards Gwennap Head. Personally I would much rather explore the possibilities along the cliffs here than concentrate on the usual images you are obliged to take as a first time visitor.
We were lucky, as we arrived the light was very grey and flat, then all of a sudden the cliffs were bathed in beautiful light for long enough to warm us up and turn the cliffs golden.
Things are just beginning to feel normal again.
The sun was due to come out fully at 3 o'clock so we set off on our longest trip out for months-all of 10 miles to Lands End. We walked to the east from the near empty car park for less than a mile. Just past where most photographers perch themselves for images of lands End itself you will find the views open up towards Gwennap Head. Personally I would much rather explore the possibilities along the cliffs here than concentrate on the usual images you are obliged to take as a first time visitor.
We were lucky, as we arrived the light was very grey and flat, then all of a sudden the cliffs were bathed in beautiful light for long enough to warm us up and turn the cliffs golden.
Things are just beginning to feel normal again.
Wednesday 17th March:
A dawn walk around the harbour and promenade in Penzance. Not a breath of wind and a short lived but beautiful sunrise.
A dawn walk around the harbour and promenade in Penzance. Not a breath of wind and a short lived but beautiful sunrise.
Sunday 14th March:
An infrared tour of Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. What a beautiful place on a Sunday morning in Spring.
Lots of families enjoying the shelter and the takeaway Kiosk set up next to the cafe doing a very brisk trade.
Plenty of room to stay covid safe and the sun popping in and out as the clouds rolled over.
An infrared tour of Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. What a beautiful place on a Sunday morning in Spring.
Lots of families enjoying the shelter and the takeaway Kiosk set up next to the cafe doing a very brisk trade.
Plenty of room to stay covid safe and the sun popping in and out as the clouds rolled over.
Friday March 12th:
A last minute decision saw us make a quick trip up to the daffodil fields again late this afternoon. It was very damp and misty with a very strong westerly wind. There were a lot of pickers in the fields today, you have got to give them credit for how hard they work. We followed the footpath across the field they were in but we didn't hear any British voices when we said hello to the ones we passed close to. Both men and women seem to pick non stop, I'd be on my knees in no time! I didn't really feel comfortable taking images of them, just one quick snap as we walked through the field.
We only stayed a short time as the rain was starting again but the flower picking went on.
A last minute decision saw us make a quick trip up to the daffodil fields again late this afternoon. It was very damp and misty with a very strong westerly wind. There were a lot of pickers in the fields today, you have got to give them credit for how hard they work. We followed the footpath across the field they were in but we didn't hear any British voices when we said hello to the ones we passed close to. Both men and women seem to pick non stop, I'd be on my knees in no time! I didn't really feel comfortable taking images of them, just one quick snap as we walked through the field.
We only stayed a short time as the rain was starting again but the flower picking went on.
Thursday 11th March;
Gale force winds on the coast today and with the wind being due west it was very difficult to find any shelter and still get some big wave images. In the late afternoon I went up to Botallack again and what a difference a few days makes. Last Wednesday I was down under the mines at sea level, today I was covered in salt spray 100 feet above the sea.
Some big seas coming into the bay and although I had my tripod with it was impossible to use. Several other local photographers as daft as me but attracted by the possibility of a few dramatic images. It was just a matter of cranking up the ISO and using the fastest shutter speed possible and even then I spent much of the time actually lying down on the grass banks to steady myself. I moved around the area trying to capture some different angles to the usual.
Back at the car park you couldn't see through the windscreen because of salt deposits.
Gale force winds on the coast today and with the wind being due west it was very difficult to find any shelter and still get some big wave images. In the late afternoon I went up to Botallack again and what a difference a few days makes. Last Wednesday I was down under the mines at sea level, today I was covered in salt spray 100 feet above the sea.
Some big seas coming into the bay and although I had my tripod with it was impossible to use. Several other local photographers as daft as me but attracted by the possibility of a few dramatic images. It was just a matter of cranking up the ISO and using the fastest shutter speed possible and even then I spent much of the time actually lying down on the grass banks to steady myself. I moved around the area trying to capture some different angles to the usual.
Back at the car park you couldn't see through the windscreen because of salt deposits.
Tuesday 9th March:
With the weather forecast to break in the afternoon I took the opportunity to go out after breakfast to the same area that we went yesterday. The sun was bright, if a little hazy and I was shooting straight in to it. I took my Panasonic G9 and the infrared camera. I wanted to explore up the higher ground above where we were on Monday evening and I'm glad I did. I found several new footpaths and fields full of unpicked daffodils.
It's a shame there was no one in the fields picking to add some more interest but the local farms are having real difficulty with labour since Brexit. I basically used the infrared camera on the way up and the ordinary camera on the way down.
With the weather forecast to break in the afternoon I took the opportunity to go out after breakfast to the same area that we went yesterday. The sun was bright, if a little hazy and I was shooting straight in to it. I took my Panasonic G9 and the infrared camera. I wanted to explore up the higher ground above where we were on Monday evening and I'm glad I did. I found several new footpaths and fields full of unpicked daffodils.
It's a shame there was no one in the fields picking to add some more interest but the local farms are having real difficulty with labour since Brexit. I basically used the infrared camera on the way up and the ordinary camera on the way down.
Monday 8th March:
Somewhere new this afternoon. We drove out to the minor road that runs from Gulval to Ludgvan to look for a view down to St Michael's Mount. We drove around for a while and then parked by the entrance to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and followed the public footpath up to the woods. Just before entering the woods a little wooden bridge takes you over the stream and onto another footpath through the fields. From here we found some views between the trees. Spoilt a little by the plastic covered potato fields but part of the local scenery at the moment. Some lovely golden/red sidelight as the sun began to set behind the hills to the west and some clumps of daffodils in the hedges to add a bit of colour and foreground interest.
Somewhere new this afternoon. We drove out to the minor road that runs from Gulval to Ludgvan to look for a view down to St Michael's Mount. We drove around for a while and then parked by the entrance to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and followed the public footpath up to the woods. Just before entering the woods a little wooden bridge takes you over the stream and onto another footpath through the fields. From here we found some views between the trees. Spoilt a little by the plastic covered potato fields but part of the local scenery at the moment. Some lovely golden/red sidelight as the sun began to set behind the hills to the west and some clumps of daffodils in the hedges to add a bit of colour and foreground interest.
Saturday 6th March:
A chilly early morning stroll:
A chilly early morning stroll:
Thursday 4th March:
A very, very grey day today with a bit of drizzle in the air. Late afternoon we drove up to St Just and took the road down to Cape Cornwall turning left by the cricket club signposted Carn Gloose. This is a lovely area with views right along the coast to Lands End one way and to Cape Cornwall the other. To the west you are looking down on Porth Nanven beach, an area of fascinating geology. The tide was out and even someone having a swim.
At Carn Gloose there are great images to be had very close to the car, the images below were taken within 20 metres. The sea was very calm today which meant that the 6 minute exposure I tried looks very similar to the 1/100 sec but I did use a polariser as well so you can see the rocks below the water.
A very, very grey day today with a bit of drizzle in the air. Late afternoon we drove up to St Just and took the road down to Cape Cornwall turning left by the cricket club signposted Carn Gloose. This is a lovely area with views right along the coast to Lands End one way and to Cape Cornwall the other. To the west you are looking down on Porth Nanven beach, an area of fascinating geology. The tide was out and even someone having a swim.
At Carn Gloose there are great images to be had very close to the car, the images below were taken within 20 metres. The sea was very calm today which meant that the 6 minute exposure I tried looks very similar to the 1/100 sec but I did use a polariser as well so you can see the rocks below the water.
Wednesday 3rd March:
Following my own advice I again drove up to Botallack this afternoon to try and find some different compositions of the engine houses, I think I succeeded. The weather today was a mixture of mist and short periods of sunshine. Instead of going down the grass bank west of the mines I walked right down to the engine houses and then carried on going down the cliff to sea level. Now I've done this climb to go fishing many times and would not recommend it unless you are very fit and don't mind a climb. Some metal rings have been fixed in to the rock for handholds but it is a bit hairy.
Once down I spent two hours trying lots of different compositions. I'll edit some more tomorrow as I've ended up with over 100 - I might never get down there again at my age!
As evening came the fog rolled in and I was also treated to a large pod of dolphins coming into the bay and then heading towards St Ives.
Following my own advice I again drove up to Botallack this afternoon to try and find some different compositions of the engine houses, I think I succeeded. The weather today was a mixture of mist and short periods of sunshine. Instead of going down the grass bank west of the mines I walked right down to the engine houses and then carried on going down the cliff to sea level. Now I've done this climb to go fishing many times and would not recommend it unless you are very fit and don't mind a climb. Some metal rings have been fixed in to the rock for handholds but it is a bit hairy.
Once down I spent two hours trying lots of different compositions. I'll edit some more tomorrow as I've ended up with over 100 - I might never get down there again at my age!
As evening came the fog rolled in and I was also treated to a large pod of dolphins coming into the bay and then heading towards St Ives.
The three images below show what feat it was to build these engine houses on the edge of the sea
Monday 1st March:
The first official day of Spring and some settled weather to greet the new season. I went up to Botallack again this afternoon to try and find some different compositions. When Alison and I arrived it was blowing a gale on top of the cliff but once we descended the grass bank it was much better. Alison stayed where I had been the day before but I carried on down the cliff to the rocks nearly at sea level. These are rocks I have fished many times and what a colour they are especially with the sun on them. In my images it looks like I have overdone the saturation slider but they really were that colour!
Although I'm sure there are, I've never seen any other images from this low down with these lichen coloured rocks in the foreground. I think these would have been better images if taken in the light I had the day before. Also against us today was that the sea had settled since Sunday and this venue is always more exciting with some big waves.
The actual sunset tonight got lost in a band of haze but back at the top the sun became visible for a while through the haze, with a final image from next to the car park.
The first official day of Spring and some settled weather to greet the new season. I went up to Botallack again this afternoon to try and find some different compositions. When Alison and I arrived it was blowing a gale on top of the cliff but once we descended the grass bank it was much better. Alison stayed where I had been the day before but I carried on down the cliff to the rocks nearly at sea level. These are rocks I have fished many times and what a colour they are especially with the sun on them. In my images it looks like I have overdone the saturation slider but they really were that colour!
Although I'm sure there are, I've never seen any other images from this low down with these lichen coloured rocks in the foreground. I think these would have been better images if taken in the light I had the day before. Also against us today was that the sea had settled since Sunday and this venue is always more exciting with some big waves.
The actual sunset tonight got lost in a band of haze but back at the top the sun became visible for a while through the haze, with a final image from next to the car park.
Sunday 28th February:
A lovely evening saw me drive up to the Crowns Engine Houses at Botallack. Completely out of the easterly wind and as the sun set there was some superb golden/red light on the mines. Enough swell to give some movement in the sea and only a few other people around as travelling into Cornwall for visitors remains restricted. As I was packing up one man went down the rocks with a sleeping bag under his arm, rather him than me as it's still a bit chilly after sunset.
A lovely evening saw me drive up to the Crowns Engine Houses at Botallack. Completely out of the easterly wind and as the sun set there was some superb golden/red light on the mines. Enough swell to give some movement in the sea and only a few other people around as travelling into Cornwall for visitors remains restricted. As I was packing up one man went down the rocks with a sleeping bag under his arm, rather him than me as it's still a bit chilly after sunset.
Saturday 27th February:
A lovely warm and sunny morning so I had another quick walk around my local area with my new (old) infrared converted camera. I love the way it transforms a boring blue sky bright image into something quite exotic. Just good fun producing something very different from the norm.
Almost no editing required as all you need to do is convert to black and white to get rid of any strange hues that might have crept into the sky especially.
A lovely warm and sunny morning so I had another quick walk around my local area with my new (old) infrared converted camera. I love the way it transforms a boring blue sky bright image into something quite exotic. Just good fun producing something very different from the norm.
Almost no editing required as all you need to do is convert to black and white to get rid of any strange hues that might have crept into the sky especially.
Friday Part 2:
Now here is something a bit different!
After watching several videos about infrared photography on sunny summer days, I couldn't resist having a go. I found a man in Inverness who does camera conversions. Rather than the several hundred pounds some firms quoted I was able to buy an oldish Panasonic G3 and have it converted to 720nm by him for a fraction of the price. With the G3 I can use all my existing lenses.
A filter is put in front of your sensor that blocks out most normal light and gives a glowing black and white effect .Green foliage, with the sun shining, appears white and blue skies can go black. For bright days when the light is not great for photography this really fills a gap. Must admit I love the look. It will be interesting to experiment with summer seascapes as well as gardens and foliage.
I will start a new page just dedicated to infrared photography.
Now here is something a bit different!
After watching several videos about infrared photography on sunny summer days, I couldn't resist having a go. I found a man in Inverness who does camera conversions. Rather than the several hundred pounds some firms quoted I was able to buy an oldish Panasonic G3 and have it converted to 720nm by him for a fraction of the price. With the G3 I can use all my existing lenses.
A filter is put in front of your sensor that blocks out most normal light and gives a glowing black and white effect .Green foliage, with the sun shining, appears white and blue skies can go black. For bright days when the light is not great for photography this really fills a gap. Must admit I love the look. It will be interesting to experiment with summer seascapes as well as gardens and foliage.
I will start a new page just dedicated to infrared photography.
Click to enlarge
Friday 26th February:
Another dawn visit to the beach between Penzance and Newlyn. Not a breath of wind but much colder than yesterday. All the birds have settled after their feeding bonanza, they'll soon be fighting for their rooftop nest sites. Not a cloud in the sky so the sunrise was very quick and the golden light only lasted for a few minutes.
Another dawn visit to the beach between Penzance and Newlyn. Not a breath of wind but much colder than yesterday. All the birds have settled after their feeding bonanza, they'll soon be fighting for their rooftop nest sites. Not a cloud in the sky so the sunrise was very quick and the golden light only lasted for a few minutes.
Thursday 25th February:
Went down to the seafront this morning to witness the pilchard feeding frenzy. Yesterday the beach at the Newlyn end was covered in dead pilchards, obviously discarded by one of the Newlyn ring netters. There were many thousands of gulls filling the sky over the beach but by this morning many of them were sitting on the water, probably too heavy to take off. Some lovely golden light for a short time, warm and not a breath of wind.
Went down to the seafront this morning to witness the pilchard feeding frenzy. Yesterday the beach at the Newlyn end was covered in dead pilchards, obviously discarded by one of the Newlyn ring netters. There were many thousands of gulls filling the sky over the beach but by this morning many of them were sitting on the water, probably too heavy to take off. Some lovely golden light for a short time, warm and not a breath of wind.
No trip out today but a couple more from yesterday
Tuesday 23rd February:
Gale force southerly wind today so I walked along to the east end of Penzance to seek a bit of shelter.
Behind the railway station is what's known as Station Rocks where large granite boulders were put years ago to protect the railway line. Very grey but the rain held off. Much harder walking back into the wind.
Gale force southerly wind today so I walked along to the east end of Penzance to seek a bit of shelter.
Behind the railway station is what's known as Station Rocks where large granite boulders were put years ago to protect the railway line. Very grey but the rain held off. Much harder walking back into the wind.
Monday Part 2:
In the afternoon I made the short journey North of Penzance to Bosigran. I looked for a path down the cliffs I used to go down to an isolated fishing spot. It had become impassable as us older ones stopped using it but has been partly cleared recently by ponies that roam the cliffs. I was able to find my way down to a grassy ledge facing the sheer cliffs of Bosigran. A good swell coming in but only hazy sunshine. For the first time in months I took a tripod and filters with me to get some longer exposures.
Very peaceful and I only saw two other people during my visit, a mother and daughter walking the coastal footpath.
In the afternoon I made the short journey North of Penzance to Bosigran. I looked for a path down the cliffs I used to go down to an isolated fishing spot. It had become impassable as us older ones stopped using it but has been partly cleared recently by ponies that roam the cliffs. I was able to find my way down to a grassy ledge facing the sheer cliffs of Bosigran. A good swell coming in but only hazy sunshine. For the first time in months I took a tripod and filters with me to get some longer exposures.
Very peaceful and I only saw two other people during my visit, a mother and daughter walking the coastal footpath.
Monday 22nd February:
With a sunrise forecast for the first time in ages I made the quick two minute trip down to the seafront before breakfast. Can't resist the silhouettes of all the joggers and dog walkers. Always think there must be a story to go along with each stranger that passes.
With a sunrise forecast for the first time in ages I made the quick two minute trip down to the seafront before breakfast. Can't resist the silhouettes of all the joggers and dog walkers. Always think there must be a story to go along with each stranger that passes.
Sunday 21st February:
A very grey drizzly day but not pouring so this time I went over to Newlyn Harbour for an hour in the morning. As it was quiet I went out onto the Mary Williams Pier-opened by the queen in 1980. Slightly worrying was that one fishing boat was sealed off because of suspected covid! Not a lot of the bigger boats in port so obviously out at sea following the storms.
A very grey drizzly day but not pouring so this time I went over to Newlyn Harbour for an hour in the morning. As it was quiet I went out onto the Mary Williams Pier-opened by the queen in 1980. Slightly worrying was that one fishing boat was sealed off because of suspected covid! Not a lot of the bigger boats in port so obviously out at sea following the storms.
Saturday 20th February:
Rain, rain and more rain. For a short while in mid afternoon there was a dryish spell and so I made a dash for Penzance Harbour to see if the waves were big enough for some drama-and they were. It was very windy and I had to keep a fast shutter speed to minimise movement blur. At times, where the wind was funnelling between buildings you could easily have been blown over. A drier mild spell to come they say so let's hope they're right.
Rain, rain and more rain. For a short while in mid afternoon there was a dryish spell and so I made a dash for Penzance Harbour to see if the waves were big enough for some drama-and they were. It was very windy and I had to keep a fast shutter speed to minimise movement blur. At times, where the wind was funnelling between buildings you could easily have been blown over. A drier mild spell to come they say so let's hope they're right.
Thursday Afternoon:
With the showers passing we made a quick trip up to Bosigran this afternoon and for an hour or so the sun was gorgeous even with a strong westerly wind. We found a bit of shelter on the east side of the headland looking along the cliffs to Gurnard's Head Several choughs swirling around enjoying themselves in the wind.
With the showers passing we made a quick trip up to Bosigran this afternoon and for an hour or so the sun was gorgeous even with a strong westerly wind. We found a bit of shelter on the east side of the headland looking along the cliffs to Gurnard's Head Several choughs swirling around enjoying themselves in the wind.
Thursday 18th February:
Went out first thing to do a bit of shopping and, hoping there might be a sunrise, took my camera with me. Still some waves coming over the seafront but very mild and no wind to speak of. No sky colour as is often the case a huge bank of cloud exactly where the sun was about to rise. The usual groups of early morning swimmers, dog walkers, joggers plus two other photographers to keep me company.
Went out first thing to do a bit of shopping and, hoping there might be a sunrise, took my camera with me. Still some waves coming over the seafront but very mild and no wind to speak of. No sky colour as is often the case a huge bank of cloud exactly where the sun was about to rise. The usual groups of early morning swimmers, dog walkers, joggers plus two other photographers to keep me company.
Tuesday 16th February:
Just a quick afternoon stroll to Penzance Harbour this afternoon. A sunny end to the day but a strong westerly wind whipping along the seafront. The Gry Maritha, which is the Isles of Scilly cargo ship, was unloading alongside the Lighthouse Pier.
As I walked around I was being followed by dozens of turnstones asking to be fed and in fact one lady did come along and put down some seed which, of course, soon attracted the attention of the gulls as well. One of the local bird watching sites reported the first swallow of the year in Cornwall today, seems very early, sure there will be a sting in the tail of winter yet .The blackcap at the front of my house hasn't set off for his Central European home yet.
Just a quick afternoon stroll to Penzance Harbour this afternoon. A sunny end to the day but a strong westerly wind whipping along the seafront. The Gry Maritha, which is the Isles of Scilly cargo ship, was unloading alongside the Lighthouse Pier.
As I walked around I was being followed by dozens of turnstones asking to be fed and in fact one lady did come along and put down some seed which, of course, soon attracted the attention of the gulls as well. One of the local bird watching sites reported the first swallow of the year in Cornwall today, seems very early, sure there will be a sting in the tail of winter yet .The blackcap at the front of my house hasn't set off for his Central European home yet.
Click to enlarge
Monday 15th February:
Compared to the last week today was balmy. For a change of scenery we popped out in the car for a quick trip up to the North Coast just west of Bosigran. No sun but the wind was over the top and it was a very pleasant afternoon after the freezing gales we have been suffering. The jackdaws and gulls on the cliffs were very active and just out to sea there were a lot of gannets diving. The local birds bagging their breeding ledges and the gannets already making their way north probably to Scotland-Spring is in the air.
Compared to the last week today was balmy. For a change of scenery we popped out in the car for a quick trip up to the North Coast just west of Bosigran. No sun but the wind was over the top and it was a very pleasant afternoon after the freezing gales we have been suffering. The jackdaws and gulls on the cliffs were very active and just out to sea there were a lot of gannets diving. The local birds bagging their breeding ledges and the gannets already making their way north probably to Scotland-Spring is in the air.
Sunday 14th February:
Gale force southerly winds today whipped up the sea in the bay and so before lunch I made a quick trip over to Newlyn to catch the waves crashing against the lighthouse wall. Luckily there was a break in the rain for an hour and I was able to catch some dramatic images. The classic shot is to get a trawler coming in during the storm but nothing was moving out at sea or in the harbour.
Gale force southerly winds today whipped up the sea in the bay and so before lunch I made a quick trip over to Newlyn to catch the waves crashing against the lighthouse wall. Luckily there was a break in the rain for an hour and I was able to catch some dramatic images. The classic shot is to get a trawler coming in during the storm but nothing was moving out at sea or in the harbour.
Thursday 11th February:
Didn't take the camera out today as the wind was so strong that on the seafront it was raining saltwater-not great for cameras-and the parks were closed in case of falling trees.
The photo I took below of a male blackcap was through the window glass. Two months ago I thought I would put a couple of bird feeders out the front of my house even though the road is quite busy and the garden tiny. For three weeks not a bird to be seen but gradually a few sparrows, blue tits and starlings started to arrive.
One morning a couple of weeks ago the little fellow in the photo turned up and has been here all day everyday since. Apparently all the British and most European blackcaps migrate to Southern Spain and North Africa for the winter but a few from Central Europe spend the worst months of winter in England. Many die apparently but more are now surviving because of garden feeders. I've read that they are very territorial over a winter food source and the little fellow in the photo spends all day trying to keep the other birds away from his food. There's a little bird world drama going on inside my buddlea bush. I've tried to explain to him that there's plenty of food for everyone but he just doesn't get it.
Today it was so windy he couldn't really fly. He crash landed into the garden this morning and then spent the rest of the day picking bits from the ground underneath the bush the feeders are in. Hardly saw another bird.
First vaccine day today-hooray! Thank you NHS.
Didn't take the camera out today as the wind was so strong that on the seafront it was raining saltwater-not great for cameras-and the parks were closed in case of falling trees.
The photo I took below of a male blackcap was through the window glass. Two months ago I thought I would put a couple of bird feeders out the front of my house even though the road is quite busy and the garden tiny. For three weeks not a bird to be seen but gradually a few sparrows, blue tits and starlings started to arrive.
One morning a couple of weeks ago the little fellow in the photo turned up and has been here all day everyday since. Apparently all the British and most European blackcaps migrate to Southern Spain and North Africa for the winter but a few from Central Europe spend the worst months of winter in England. Many die apparently but more are now surviving because of garden feeders. I've read that they are very territorial over a winter food source and the little fellow in the photo spends all day trying to keep the other birds away from his food. There's a little bird world drama going on inside my buddlea bush. I've tried to explain to him that there's plenty of food for everyone but he just doesn't get it.
Today it was so windy he couldn't really fly. He crash landed into the garden this morning and then spent the rest of the day picking bits from the ground underneath the bush the feeders are in. Hardly saw another bird.
First vaccine day today-hooray! Thank you NHS.
Wednesday 10th February:
Absolutely freezing on the seafront today with the wind going straight through you. Not as much sun as they forecast on the TV first thing in the morning. I went along to the harbour where there was a little bit of shelter and quite a lot of fishing boat activity going on. More and more boats landing their catches straight onto refrigerated lorries in Penzance these days, the fish then going to Plymouth market, where they fetch higher prices than at Newlyn. Set the camera to black and white and tried out yet another new (secondhand) lens-Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro.
Absolutely freezing on the seafront today with the wind going straight through you. Not as much sun as they forecast on the TV first thing in the morning. I went along to the harbour where there was a little bit of shelter and quite a lot of fishing boat activity going on. More and more boats landing their catches straight onto refrigerated lorries in Penzance these days, the fish then going to Plymouth market, where they fetch higher prices than at Newlyn. Set the camera to black and white and tried out yet another new (secondhand) lens-Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro.
Tuesday 9th February:
Storm Darcy didn't bring snow this far west-well just a flurry- but it did bring the easterly wind howling down the English Channel. Not a going out day really but had to have a quick trip down the promenade to capture an image or two of the waves. The coastguard were out keeping the wave dodgers well back and their fluorescent uniforms added a bit of colour.
Storm Darcy didn't bring snow this far west-well just a flurry- but it did bring the easterly wind howling down the English Channel. Not a going out day really but had to have a quick trip down the promenade to capture an image or two of the waves. The coastguard were out keeping the wave dodgers well back and their fluorescent uniforms added a bit of colour.
Monday 8th February:
Boy was that easterly wind cold today. No snow in Cornwall and bright blue skies but the temperature outside didn't reflect the bright conditions. As I hadn't been out with the camera over the weekend I decided to go for a quick walk this afternoon. Around Penlee Park, into town past the town clock, down Chapel Street, around St Mary's Church graveyard and home along the seafront. Just used the Lensbaby 35mm optic again. Had planned to use more than one lens but didn't want to take my gloves off to change.
Boy was that easterly wind cold today. No snow in Cornwall and bright blue skies but the temperature outside didn't reflect the bright conditions. As I hadn't been out with the camera over the weekend I decided to go for a quick walk this afternoon. Around Penlee Park, into town past the town clock, down Chapel Street, around St Mary's Church graveyard and home along the seafront. Just used the Lensbaby 35mm optic again. Had planned to use more than one lens but didn't want to take my gloves off to change.
Friday 5th February:
A lovely day with a light north westerly, sunshine and broken clouds. I set off well overdressed at 2.30pm, not knowing for sure where I would end up. In the end it became a walk incorporating Morrab Gardens, Penzance Harbour and Eastern Green Beach, by the time I reached the beach I'd had to remove several layers.
I decided to ring the changes a bit and have another afternoon with the Lensbaby Composer Pro and Sweet 35 Optic, it really does add another dimension to photography and a bit of a challenge to get the focus in just the right place. Taking plenty of images is the key to getting that good one.
Think I'll start a new page specifically for images taken on this set up. It's so very different from the norm for me and lots of different optics to buy and try in the future- this photography lark can get very expensive if you let it get to you.
A lovely day with a light north westerly, sunshine and broken clouds. I set off well overdressed at 2.30pm, not knowing for sure where I would end up. In the end it became a walk incorporating Morrab Gardens, Penzance Harbour and Eastern Green Beach, by the time I reached the beach I'd had to remove several layers.
I decided to ring the changes a bit and have another afternoon with the Lensbaby Composer Pro and Sweet 35 Optic, it really does add another dimension to photography and a bit of a challenge to get the focus in just the right place. Taking plenty of images is the key to getting that good one.
Think I'll start a new page specifically for images taken on this set up. It's so very different from the norm for me and lots of different optics to buy and try in the future- this photography lark can get very expensive if you let it get to you.
Wednesday Afternoon:
Couldn't resist going for a walk in the late afternoon sunshine and with the tide low I went down onto the mud in the harbour for a while. When I came up onto the Albert Pier and looked over the back I was surprised to see about forty surfers. I went around the back of the pier by the railway station and was lucky that the sun broke fully through for a while to give me a few nice shots with the Mount in the background.
Couldn't resist going for a walk in the late afternoon sunshine and with the tide low I went down onto the mud in the harbour for a while. When I came up onto the Albert Pier and looked over the back I was surprised to see about forty surfers. I went around the back of the pier by the railway station and was lucky that the sun broke fully through for a while to give me a few nice shots with the Mount in the background.
Wednesday Early Morning:
While the north of the UK freezes it feels like spring in Cornwall, very mild, with the daffodils and Camellias blooming. Damp surfaces meant the lights gave some lovely reflections on the seafront. Unfortunately a very thick bank of cloud to the south east meant that the sunrise colours were snuffed out yet again. With the cloud and rain of late it seems an age since we saw a proper sunrise or sunset.
While the north of the UK freezes it feels like spring in Cornwall, very mild, with the daffodils and Camellias blooming. Damp surfaces meant the lights gave some lovely reflections on the seafront. Unfortunately a very thick bank of cloud to the south east meant that the sunrise colours were snuffed out yet again. With the cloud and rain of late it seems an age since we saw a proper sunrise or sunset.
Tuesday 2nd February:
Just for a change today I went out at 7 0'clock in the morning, sunrise was due at 8.05am. My plan was to go along to the harbour and see if I could use some of the harbour lights to make some interesting compositions. No sign of the sunrise as the sky was a thick layer of grey cloud. Quite a few early morning swimmers and joggers around but relatively quiet really. I like being up early before the world gets going.
With stabilisation in today's cameras and lenses I was able to handhold shots at 1/2 second easily.
Just for a change today I went out at 7 0'clock in the morning, sunrise was due at 8.05am. My plan was to go along to the harbour and see if I could use some of the harbour lights to make some interesting compositions. No sign of the sunrise as the sky was a thick layer of grey cloud. Quite a few early morning swimmers and joggers around but relatively quiet really. I like being up early before the world gets going.
With stabilisation in today's cameras and lenses I was able to handhold shots at 1/2 second easily.
Monday February 1st:
Grey Cornish mizzle all day but as the tide made in the afternoon the bigger swells hit the promenade wall and created a lovely white contrast against the generally damp dark atmosphere. The waves always bring out the families who hang over the railings and stay for as long as they dare as the waves break.
Grey Cornish mizzle all day but as the tide made in the afternoon the bigger swells hit the promenade wall and created a lovely white contrast against the generally damp dark atmosphere. The waves always bring out the families who hang over the railings and stay for as long as they dare as the waves break.
Sunday 31st January:
Well, what a day, rain,rain and more rain. The forecast said dry from 3o'clock but it was past four when at last there were signs of a break. Rather than miss out completely I went down to the seafront and spent the first half hour taking photos from inside one of the shelters. As the rain started to ease and the sun was threatening to appear there was some lovely light. The new surface and giant pebble seats were glowing. I think everyone was waiting for the break as gradually the promenade came to life with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. There was even a hint of pink in the sky as I made my way along the promenade. The incoming tide meant waves started to come over the wall and threaten the walkers with a soaking. As evening approached the clouds again began to close in.
Well, what a day, rain,rain and more rain. The forecast said dry from 3o'clock but it was past four when at last there were signs of a break. Rather than miss out completely I went down to the seafront and spent the first half hour taking photos from inside one of the shelters. As the rain started to ease and the sun was threatening to appear there was some lovely light. The new surface and giant pebble seats were glowing. I think everyone was waiting for the break as gradually the promenade came to life with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. There was even a hint of pink in the sky as I made my way along the promenade. The incoming tide meant waves started to come over the wall and threaten the walkers with a soaking. As evening approached the clouds again began to close in.
Friday 29th January:
A completely different day with very bright wall to wall sunshine. Out of the brisk north west wind it was really warm. I went over to the Old Quay in Newlyn Harbour with my new Lensbaby still attached-they recommend using it for 2 weeks to get used to it. Not sure about that but I am enjoying the challenge. Already learning that with a bigger scene you probably need to use a smaller aperture so that you have a bigger sweet spot with perhaps a slightly less blurred background. Probably change my mind tomorrow.
It was difficult in the very bright light to see when the focus was correct so a lot of images had to be ditched as the sweet spot was slightly off. Think you need to take multiple images to nail one exactly.
A completely different day with very bright wall to wall sunshine. Out of the brisk north west wind it was really warm. I went over to the Old Quay in Newlyn Harbour with my new Lensbaby still attached-they recommend using it for 2 weeks to get used to it. Not sure about that but I am enjoying the challenge. Already learning that with a bigger scene you probably need to use a smaller aperture so that you have a bigger sweet spot with perhaps a slightly less blurred background. Probably change my mind tomorrow.
It was difficult in the very bright light to see when the focus was correct so a lot of images had to be ditched as the sweet spot was slightly off. Think you need to take multiple images to nail one exactly.
Thursday 28th January:
Well, I spent a really interesting hour or so on the seafront today practising with my new lens. It really takes a while get the hang of but by the end of the morning I felt I was having some success. Using the electronic viewfinder with focus peaking helps a lot. (peaking puts a red highlight around areas the camera thinks are in focus) This lens and the other lenses made by Lensbaby in America are not for people who like their images tack sharp all over. All a bit different for me but I like my first results with this lens.
Because the lens is manual the electronic data does not record the aperture which on this lens goes from f/2.5 to f/22. Most of my images today are between f/2.8 and f/5.6. which give a small circle of focus.
Well, I spent a really interesting hour or so on the seafront today practising with my new lens. It really takes a while get the hang of but by the end of the morning I felt I was having some success. Using the electronic viewfinder with focus peaking helps a lot. (peaking puts a red highlight around areas the camera thinks are in focus) This lens and the other lenses made by Lensbaby in America are not for people who like their images tack sharp all over. All a bit different for me but I like my first results with this lens.
Because the lens is manual the electronic data does not record the aperture which on this lens goes from f/2.5 to f/22. Most of my images today are between f/2.8 and f/5.6. which give a small circle of focus.
Wednesday 27th January:
It was my birthday today and I got a new fun lens. It is a Lensbaby Composer Pro 2 with Sweet 35 Optic- strange it sounds and looks. Lensbaby make lenses to give your photography a bit of creativity. The Sweet Lenses have a sweet spot of focus that you can move around the frame by bending the Composer Pro that it attaches to. You can change the size of the sweet spot by closing the aperture, it's all manual. You can buy additional optics that fit into the Composer Pro.
Would have loved a nice dry day to get out and play but it drizzled all day. Just before dark I nipped up the park in the drizzle to take a couple of quick shots. I didn't quite nail the focus on the white daisy flower & daffodil budget you can see the principle. In the squirrel photo you can clearly see the focus on his body and the grass in front of him with all the surrounding grass and his tail slightly out of focus. It was far too dark really but had to have a quick go. Such fun!
It was my birthday today and I got a new fun lens. It is a Lensbaby Composer Pro 2 with Sweet 35 Optic- strange it sounds and looks. Lensbaby make lenses to give your photography a bit of creativity. The Sweet Lenses have a sweet spot of focus that you can move around the frame by bending the Composer Pro that it attaches to. You can change the size of the sweet spot by closing the aperture, it's all manual. You can buy additional optics that fit into the Composer Pro.
Would have loved a nice dry day to get out and play but it drizzled all day. Just before dark I nipped up the park in the drizzle to take a couple of quick shots. I didn't quite nail the focus on the white daisy flower & daffodil budget you can see the principle. In the squirrel photo you can clearly see the focus on his body and the grass in front of him with all the surrounding grass and his tail slightly out of focus. It was far too dark really but had to have a quick go. Such fun!
Tuesday 26th January:
Miserable old day today. Mist and drizzle all day with a bit of heavy rain thrown in for good measure. Stayed in until late afternoon and then made another dash to the seafront for a quick 10 minute shoot.
Sea was moderately rough and it was high tide so that gave some waves to add interest. Just edited the same photo twice, once in colour and once in black and white. Not sure which I prefer. 1/100. f/5.6. 22mm
Miserable old day today. Mist and drizzle all day with a bit of heavy rain thrown in for good measure. Stayed in until late afternoon and then made another dash to the seafront for a quick 10 minute shoot.
Sea was moderately rough and it was high tide so that gave some waves to add interest. Just edited the same photo twice, once in colour and once in black and white. Not sure which I prefer. 1/100. f/5.6. 22mm
Monday 25th -Part 2
A 999 call and Alison and I ended up surrounded by three policemen this afternoon but more of that later.
After lunch we made the 6 mile drive up to Bosigran again. A few walkers out but generally very quiet. This time we did not go out to the headland but instead went inland, up to Carn Galver. From the top there are superb panoramic views to Pendeen in the west and Zennor in the east. The field patterns from here look beautiful and with the sun giving some lovely shadows and contrast, it made for some rewarding afternoon photography.
After spending an hour at the top we started to make our way down. From below an alarm started sounding which we took to be a car but as we got back down near the road we found it was coming from the Climbers Association Hostel(see photo below). I went through the gate and down to the hostel to see if there was a contact number on the door but as I approached the door was open. Thinking better of it I stood back a few yards and dialled 999.
The signal cut out a couple of times but eventually the constabulary were on their way.
First to arrive was a dog team-in they went.
"If you're in the building show yourself now, I'm releasing the dog!"
Another police car arrived lights flashing. A third police car arrived, more flashing lights.
After searching the building and surrounding area it was obvious the intruder(s) had fled the scene. Not sure how or when as Alison and I could see the building from the moment the alarm went off.
Too much excitement-had to go home for a lie down.
Shame was that we missed a superb sunset although we did stop on the way home at Lanyon Quoit for 5 minutes.
A 999 call and Alison and I ended up surrounded by three policemen this afternoon but more of that later.
After lunch we made the 6 mile drive up to Bosigran again. A few walkers out but generally very quiet. This time we did not go out to the headland but instead went inland, up to Carn Galver. From the top there are superb panoramic views to Pendeen in the west and Zennor in the east. The field patterns from here look beautiful and with the sun giving some lovely shadows and contrast, it made for some rewarding afternoon photography.
After spending an hour at the top we started to make our way down. From below an alarm started sounding which we took to be a car but as we got back down near the road we found it was coming from the Climbers Association Hostel(see photo below). I went through the gate and down to the hostel to see if there was a contact number on the door but as I approached the door was open. Thinking better of it I stood back a few yards and dialled 999.
The signal cut out a couple of times but eventually the constabulary were on their way.
First to arrive was a dog team-in they went.
"If you're in the building show yourself now, I'm releasing the dog!"
Another police car arrived lights flashing. A third police car arrived, more flashing lights.
After searching the building and surrounding area it was obvious the intruder(s) had fled the scene. Not sure how or when as Alison and I could see the building from the moment the alarm went off.
Too much excitement-had to go home for a lie down.
Shame was that we missed a superb sunset although we did stop on the way home at Lanyon Quoit for 5 minutes.
Click to enlarge
A couple of quick handheld panoramas to give you an idea of the views from Carn Galver
(to the east above and to the west below)
Monday 25th January:
Took the long one minute walk to the seafront this morning to catch the sunrise.It had been very cold (for Cornwall) overnight and the promenade was actually very slippery. It has been resurfaced with some parts black and others a light colour-black not slippery, white very slippery! Few clouds but some lovely red and orange colour as the sun rose. Back home within 20 minutes for breakfast.
Took the long one minute walk to the seafront this morning to catch the sunrise.It had been very cold (for Cornwall) overnight and the promenade was actually very slippery. It has been resurfaced with some parts black and others a light colour-black not slippery, white very slippery! Few clouds but some lovely red and orange colour as the sun rose. Back home within 20 minutes for breakfast.
Click to enlarge
Sunday 24th January:
Completely different day today, rain in the morning with a brisk, cold northerly wind. I very nearly didn't go out at all but in the middle of the afternoon the heavy clouds broke a bit and we had some flashes of sun. Thought I'd better stretch my legs so just had a quick walk to the harbour and back. All the rain was heading for Marazion but for the hour I was out it stayed dry.
There was a colourful sunset going on in the west, as I walked back, with the gaps in the clouds casting streaks in the sea along the Promenade.
Completely different day today, rain in the morning with a brisk, cold northerly wind. I very nearly didn't go out at all but in the middle of the afternoon the heavy clouds broke a bit and we had some flashes of sun. Thought I'd better stretch my legs so just had a quick walk to the harbour and back. All the rain was heading for Marazion but for the hour I was out it stayed dry.
There was a colourful sunset going on in the west, as I walked back, with the gaps in the clouds casting streaks in the sea along the Promenade.
Saturday 23rd January:
Sunshine all day today and although it was cold, it was the sort of winter day you want to cheer you up. We decided that rather than join the crowds around town we would drive the six miles up to Bosigran on the North Coast and find some space.(see sep. page about Bosigran)
There were actually quite a few people about with families enjoying the sunshine down on the cliffs and climbers taking advantage of the dry weather to scale the cliffs. Some lovely light on the landscape for a while and then as sunset approached the light became more hazy but there was a pink tint in the sky.
On the way back we kept our eyes peeled for an owl that we often see and suddenly there it was. We pulled over and watched it hunt. Not a sound as it patrolled the field in front of us. Every now and again it would drop down without warning into the rough grass. Capped a lovely afternoon.
Sunshine all day today and although it was cold, it was the sort of winter day you want to cheer you up. We decided that rather than join the crowds around town we would drive the six miles up to Bosigran on the North Coast and find some space.(see sep. page about Bosigran)
There were actually quite a few people about with families enjoying the sunshine down on the cliffs and climbers taking advantage of the dry weather to scale the cliffs. Some lovely light on the landscape for a while and then as sunset approached the light became more hazy but there was a pink tint in the sky.
On the way back we kept our eyes peeled for an owl that we often see and suddenly there it was. We pulled over and watched it hunt. Not a sound as it patrolled the field in front of us. Every now and again it would drop down without warning into the rough grass. Capped a lovely afternoon.
Click to enlarge
A few black & whites
Friday 22nd January:
On the seafront today I met another photographer and we had a conversation about spending day after day shooting the same local street scenes. I find it fascinating that as I gain experience as an amateur photographer I am able to find interesting and different compositions where before I would have walked right past. Since taking up photography a couple of years ago I have just chased the grand coastal vista but now I am becoming much more aware of the more intimate scene (almost sounds like I know what I'm talking about).
Anyway today was another very pleasant winter day, at least it was if you avoided the showers and Penzance seems to have been lucky in that respect.
All images but one, shot with Panasonic Leica 50-200mm lens.
On the seafront today I met another photographer and we had a conversation about spending day after day shooting the same local street scenes. I find it fascinating that as I gain experience as an amateur photographer I am able to find interesting and different compositions where before I would have walked right past. Since taking up photography a couple of years ago I have just chased the grand coastal vista but now I am becoming much more aware of the more intimate scene (almost sounds like I know what I'm talking about).
Anyway today was another very pleasant winter day, at least it was if you avoided the showers and Penzance seems to have been lucky in that respect.
All images but one, shot with Panasonic Leica 50-200mm lens.
Thursday 21st January:
I watched the news at lunchtime and in the UK it was all bad. Pandemic, floods and snow.
After lunch I went for a walk with my camera and it was all good. Flowers blooming in the parks and just after I arrived at the seafront the sun came out and all was right with the world or at least my little bit of it. I feel so sorry for people in the areas where Storm Christoph has brought a month of rain in a day and all that on top of covid making people's lives a misery.
The Promenade in Penzance was very busy with families and their children flying around on bikes and scooters. It was closed for a year for resurfacing and locals are making the most of it now it's open.
With the sun out for a few hours it was a very pleasant and made for some good photography. Spent much of my time using an Olympus 60mm prime lens but at the end switched to a 14-140mm Panasonic lens.
I watched the news at lunchtime and in the UK it was all bad. Pandemic, floods and snow.
After lunch I went for a walk with my camera and it was all good. Flowers blooming in the parks and just after I arrived at the seafront the sun came out and all was right with the world or at least my little bit of it. I feel so sorry for people in the areas where Storm Christoph has brought a month of rain in a day and all that on top of covid making people's lives a misery.
The Promenade in Penzance was very busy with families and their children flying around on bikes and scooters. It was closed for a year for resurfacing and locals are making the most of it now it's open.
With the sun out for a few hours it was a very pleasant and made for some good photography. Spent much of my time using an Olympus 60mm prime lens but at the end switched to a 14-140mm Panasonic lens.
Because of the shape of the promenade wall the waves slide off back out to sea and meet the next wave coming in. It can become engrossing trying to catch the shapes that form. The waves were not particularly big today but still made for some interesting images.
Tuesday 19th January:
Rained most of the day on Monday and lots more on the way today so I thought I would nip out in the morning before the deluge arrived. First stop was Morrab Gardens where some early signs of Spring are showing. Mostly just camellias in flower at the moment but daffodils on the way and magnolias not far behind.
All photos today taken using an Olympus 60mm prime lens. Depth of field with this lens is very shallow but lovely for capturing single flowers with a blurred background (known as bokeh if you're interested). Just before the rain arrived I walked the short distance to the seafront where the sea was beginning to roughen up as Storm Christoph approaches.
Very mild at the moment, no sign of snow for us or any world leaders yet.
Spent much of my time using an Olympus 60mm prime lens but at the end switched to a 14-140mm Panasonic lens.
Rained most of the day on Monday and lots more on the way today so I thought I would nip out in the morning before the deluge arrived. First stop was Morrab Gardens where some early signs of Spring are showing. Mostly just camellias in flower at the moment but daffodils on the way and magnolias not far behind.
All photos today taken using an Olympus 60mm prime lens. Depth of field with this lens is very shallow but lovely for capturing single flowers with a blurred background (known as bokeh if you're interested). Just before the rain arrived I walked the short distance to the seafront where the sea was beginning to roughen up as Storm Christoph approaches.
Very mild at the moment, no sign of snow for us or any world leaders yet.
Spent much of my time using an Olympus 60mm prime lens but at the end switched to a 14-140mm Panasonic lens.
Sunday 17th January
Just another quick trip down the road today. It is always advised that you visit the same locations again and again to find different compositions and experience different conditions. Today was mild and with occassional breaks in the clouds allowing the sun to light up the scene. Surprisingly despite it being Sunday it felt less crowded than the day before. I took images similar to the day before but also tried to find the unusual.
Just another quick trip down the road today. It is always advised that you visit the same locations again and again to find different compositions and experience different conditions. Today was mild and with occassional breaks in the clouds allowing the sun to light up the scene. Surprisingly despite it being Sunday it felt less crowded than the day before. I took images similar to the day before but also tried to find the unusual.
Saturday 16th January:
Walked less than 200 metres today! Down onto the crowded seafront. Looked just like a summer's day for a while as the sun made an appearance. People sitting on the new seats drinking coffee and eating cake-what virus?
I just crossed the promenade, avoiding people, and went down onto the beach where I was more or less on my own. It's got to be time to jump in the car, I think, for some local open spaces.
Walked less than 200 metres today! Down onto the crowded seafront. Looked just like a summer's day for a while as the sun made an appearance. People sitting on the new seats drinking coffee and eating cake-what virus?
I just crossed the promenade, avoiding people, and went down onto the beach where I was more or less on my own. It's got to be time to jump in the car, I think, for some local open spaces.
Friday 15th January:
For a change today, instead of turning left out my back gate and heading for the sea, I turned right and headed up to a small local woodland and then through a farmyard. Lovely little river in the woods and I used a circular Kase polariser and managed half a second handheld. Panasonic and Olympus cameras have superb stabilisation and with a steady hand you can take images of a second or more. Early signs of spring with some very early primroses and also camellias in full bloom.
For a change today, instead of turning left out my back gate and heading for the sea, I turned right and headed up to a small local woodland and then through a farmyard. Lovely little river in the woods and I used a circular Kase polariser and managed half a second handheld. Panasonic and Olympus cameras have superb stabilisation and with a steady hand you can take images of a second or more. Early signs of spring with some very early primroses and also camellias in full bloom.
Thursday 14th January:
I was tempted to drive out of town today after hearing a Conservative spokesman say that driving 5 or 6 miles to an open space was not a problem as long as it doesn't affect others. Think I might just do it soon as within 6 miles I would be on my own and actually making other people safer, as I'm not adding to the crowds on the seafront, just a minute from my house.
Anyway today I walked to Penzance Harbour but the wind had a lot of north in it and it was freezing so I walked along to the other end of the seafront and went down on to Larigan Beach. The sun was out, it was sheltered and generally very pleasant. Took my tripod with me and spent half an hour looking back towards Penzance and using the granite slabs as foreground. These slabs are the remnants of areas where fishing boats were pulled in the days before Newlyn Harbour was built.
I was tempted to drive out of town today after hearing a Conservative spokesman say that driving 5 or 6 miles to an open space was not a problem as long as it doesn't affect others. Think I might just do it soon as within 6 miles I would be on my own and actually making other people safer, as I'm not adding to the crowds on the seafront, just a minute from my house.
Anyway today I walked to Penzance Harbour but the wind had a lot of north in it and it was freezing so I walked along to the other end of the seafront and went down on to Larigan Beach. The sun was out, it was sheltered and generally very pleasant. Took my tripod with me and spent half an hour looking back towards Penzance and using the granite slabs as foreground. These slabs are the remnants of areas where fishing boats were pulled in the days before Newlyn Harbour was built.
Wednesday 13th January:
The weather was quite good in the middle of the day with even some sunshine but of course as soon as I went out at 3o'clock the drizzle started. Walked over to Newlyn again but this time went further and ended up on Newlyn Beach just behind the South Pier (the one with the lighthouse).
As yesterday the drizzly grey weather made the fishing boat colours stand out and so on my way back I spent some time doing a couple of handheld harbour panoramas from different angles. They were stitched together in Affinity Photo. Could have done with a slower shutter speed really as it was very dark.
The weather was quite good in the middle of the day with even some sunshine but of course as soon as I went out at 3o'clock the drizzle started. Walked over to Newlyn again but this time went further and ended up on Newlyn Beach just behind the South Pier (the one with the lighthouse).
As yesterday the drizzly grey weather made the fishing boat colours stand out and so on my way back I spent some time doing a couple of handheld harbour panoramas from different angles. They were stitched together in Affinity Photo. Could have done with a slower shutter speed really as it was very dark.
Tuesday 12th January:
A full day of Cornish Mizzle. About 3o'clock I donned my waterproofs and walked over to Newlyn, around to the far side of the harbour this time. Set the camera to black and white for most of the time I was out but the colours did also show up well against the grey mist filled skies.
Much warmer now and back to normal West Cornwall winter weather.
A full day of Cornish Mizzle. About 3o'clock I donned my waterproofs and walked over to Newlyn, around to the far side of the harbour this time. Set the camera to black and white for most of the time I was out but the colours did also show up well against the grey mist filled skies.
Much warmer now and back to normal West Cornwall winter weather.
Monday 11th January:
Drizzly old day today so didn't venture out until late afternoon. Didn't want to miss a day during lockdown so just went down on to the seafront to see if I can find something slightly different. Lots of workmen putting the finishing touches to the new promenade surface but lovely to have it all open. Hope we don't get a massive storm in February. Even spotted a blooming rose on the way home. Spring on the way or winter about to start?
Drizzly old day today so didn't venture out until late afternoon. Didn't want to miss a day during lockdown so just went down on to the seafront to see if I can find something slightly different. Lots of workmen putting the finishing touches to the new promenade surface but lovely to have it all open. Hope we don't get a massive storm in February. Even spotted a blooming rose on the way home. Spring on the way or winter about to start?
Sunday 10th January:
Quick bowl of porridge and a pre-dawn, pre-virus awakening trip out this morning. The only other people about were the many cold water swimmers on the seafront and in the harbour. Must be the fastest growing activity in the country. Very cold, little wind and the world waking up dressed in pink.
It is refreshing to be out before sunrise, the whole world has a new untroubled feel to it.
Home for toast, coffee and another day of lockdown but at least I feel lucky to be living where I do.
Quick bowl of porridge and a pre-dawn, pre-virus awakening trip out this morning. The only other people about were the many cold water swimmers on the seafront and in the harbour. Must be the fastest growing activity in the country. Very cold, little wind and the world waking up dressed in pink.
It is refreshing to be out before sunrise, the whole world has a new untroubled feel to it.
Home for toast, coffee and another day of lockdown but at least I feel lucky to be living where I do.
Saturday 9th January:
With the ongoing debate about driving for exercise I decided we had better stick to home, so set off this morning for a walk to Newlyn Harbour and back. Lovely sunny morning but enough breeze to prevent any perfect reflections. I walked out to the end of the North Pier followed by a small flock of turnstones who hoped I'd come to feed them. Everything handheld during lockdown.
With the ongoing debate about driving for exercise I decided we had better stick to home, so set off this morning for a walk to Newlyn Harbour and back. Lovely sunny morning but enough breeze to prevent any perfect reflections. I walked out to the end of the North Pier followed by a small flock of turnstones who hoped I'd come to feed them. Everything handheld during lockdown.
Friday 8th January:
With the wintery showers forecast to pass we set off after lunch to find somewhere quiet for a walk. We ended up down at a nearly empty Porthcurno. We hiked up the path to the east of the beach and not long after we got to the top the sun broke through to give us a little warmth and a view of the golden cliffs along to Logan Rock. Not a breath of wind. A few people down on the beach below us but so peaceful, who would believe the problems facing the world.
With the wintery showers forecast to pass we set off after lunch to find somewhere quiet for a walk. We ended up down at a nearly empty Porthcurno. We hiked up the path to the east of the beach and not long after we got to the top the sun broke through to give us a little warmth and a view of the golden cliffs along to Logan Rock. Not a breath of wind. A few people down on the beach below us but so peaceful, who would believe the problems facing the world.
Thursday 7th January:
Another lockdown walk after lunch. There are more and more people walking now the wind has dropped and the sun is out. Time, I think, to have some short trips out to the coast where there will be much less chance of getting or giving the virus. The harbour today had some lovely reflections as the water was calm and the sun stayed out for longer than yesterday.
Another lockdown walk after lunch. There are more and more people walking now the wind has dropped and the sun is out. Time, I think, to have some short trips out to the coast where there will be much less chance of getting or giving the virus. The harbour today had some lovely reflections as the water was calm and the sun stayed out for longer than yesterday.
Wednesday 6th January:
Lockdown and still suffering with a trapped nerve in my neck but I couldn't stay in any longer so I walked along the promenade to the harbour. A very cold north easterly wind blowing and ominous looking cloud on the way. I was lucky because just as I reached the harbour the edge of the cloud produced a rainbow while there was still a burst of light from the west. It was good while it lasted but was only there for a few minutes and then the dark clouds rolled in and the drizzle started.
The promenade was full of families walking and young children on their scooters, very different from the first lockdown when everyone was afraid to go out.
Lockdown and still suffering with a trapped nerve in my neck but I couldn't stay in any longer so I walked along the promenade to the harbour. A very cold north easterly wind blowing and ominous looking cloud on the way. I was lucky because just as I reached the harbour the edge of the cloud produced a rainbow while there was still a burst of light from the west. It was good while it lasted but was only there for a few minutes and then the dark clouds rolled in and the drizzle started.
The promenade was full of families walking and young children on their scooters, very different from the first lockdown when everyone was afraid to go out.