Don't forget to click on the small images to enlarge
Friday 31st March:
The last day of the month brought torrential rain through the night and gale force winds that persisted all day. After lunch the sun was popping out every now and again and so I made my way up to Bosigran where I thought I might find some shelter in the lee of Commando Ridge. It was really difficult walking across the saturated fields with a sudden squall straight into my face but once I dropped down on the east side of the ridge it was relatively calm. The light in the bay and along the coast towards Pendeen Lighthouse was changing by the minute and a good sea was running into the cliffs. Putting my head above the ridge to shoot towards Pendeen was a real challenge but I wanted to document the scene. The conditions were just as I'd hoped as I started to shoot around and below me.
To my surprise, as I was using the ridge as a leading line a climber in red appeared on the ridge crest. I really hadn't expected to see a climber in this wind and although I thought he was doing a solo climb at first two more appeared a minute or two later. As often happens at Bosigran it was impossible not to be distracted and spend time recording their gale force climb-very exciting to watch. A great achievement by the three of you. I left a note on a van parked in the Climber's Club so I hope the van belonged to one of them and that they might see themselves. Images of climbers on the ridge always look spectacular with the rough sea below.
In the last few images you can see the commemorative plaque that remembers all the commandos that trained on Commando Ridge during the 2nd World War-many of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings.
The second time in the last week climbers have distracted me from my intended subjects. (see March 25th)
The last day of the month brought torrential rain through the night and gale force winds that persisted all day. After lunch the sun was popping out every now and again and so I made my way up to Bosigran where I thought I might find some shelter in the lee of Commando Ridge. It was really difficult walking across the saturated fields with a sudden squall straight into my face but once I dropped down on the east side of the ridge it was relatively calm. The light in the bay and along the coast towards Pendeen Lighthouse was changing by the minute and a good sea was running into the cliffs. Putting my head above the ridge to shoot towards Pendeen was a real challenge but I wanted to document the scene. The conditions were just as I'd hoped as I started to shoot around and below me.
To my surprise, as I was using the ridge as a leading line a climber in red appeared on the ridge crest. I really hadn't expected to see a climber in this wind and although I thought he was doing a solo climb at first two more appeared a minute or two later. As often happens at Bosigran it was impossible not to be distracted and spend time recording their gale force climb-very exciting to watch. A great achievement by the three of you. I left a note on a van parked in the Climber's Club so I hope the van belonged to one of them and that they might see themselves. Images of climbers on the ridge always look spectacular with the rough sea below.
In the last few images you can see the commemorative plaque that remembers all the commandos that trained on Commando Ridge during the 2nd World War-many of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings.
The second time in the last week climbers have distracted me from my intended subjects. (see March 25th)
Climbing through the gale
Thursday 30th March:
An afternoon climbing around the cliffs and grass banks at Botallack. A grey murky but very warm session with a strong south westerly already blowing and heavy rain forecast by teatime. A few visitors around as the Easter holidays begin, I hope they are not expecting to sit on the beach this weekend as gales and big waves are on the way, good for photography but not for sunbathing. The grass bank down to the sea covered in primroses and violets as spring begins to win the weather battle.
An afternoon climbing around the cliffs and grass banks at Botallack. A grey murky but very warm session with a strong south westerly already blowing and heavy rain forecast by teatime. A few visitors around as the Easter holidays begin, I hope they are not expecting to sit on the beach this weekend as gales and big waves are on the way, good for photography but not for sunbathing. The grass bank down to the sea covered in primroses and violets as spring begins to win the weather battle.
..........and a bit of black & white
Wednesday 29th March:
A very wet and windy day but there was a drier spell forecast for mid afternoon and so we went down to Praa Sands for a walk along the sand. When we arrived it was misty but not raining and we walked past the pill box and along to the well known tree that has come down with cliff erosion. As we reached the tree the heavens opened and it poured down with huge raindrops being driven by the wind. Dog walkers were making a hasty retreat, although most of the dogs were perfectly happy to stay out. I continued to take images as we walked back towards the car-largely walking backwards to protect faces and cameras. By the time we got back we were soaked through but still better to be out in the fresh air. A black and white day but I have left one image in colour for comparison-all images taken with a 23mm prime lens and and an old Fuji X-T10.
A very wet and windy day but there was a drier spell forecast for mid afternoon and so we went down to Praa Sands for a walk along the sand. When we arrived it was misty but not raining and we walked past the pill box and along to the well known tree that has come down with cliff erosion. As we reached the tree the heavens opened and it poured down with huge raindrops being driven by the wind. Dog walkers were making a hasty retreat, although most of the dogs were perfectly happy to stay out. I continued to take images as we walked back towards the car-largely walking backwards to protect faces and cameras. By the time we got back we were soaked through but still better to be out in the fresh air. A black and white day but I have left one image in colour for comparison-all images taken with a 23mm prime lens and and an old Fuji X-T10.
Tuesday 27th March:
An enjoyable couple of hours in the mist on a completely windless and warm Praa Sands Beach. Lots of dog walkers around and a lively surf coming in with just a hint of light on the horizon occasionally. I met Bertie the boisterous golden retriever and his owners, who, when I said we used to have golden retrievers, replied "Do you want another one?"
They didn't mean it really- Bertie was a gorgeous boy!
An enjoyable couple of hours in the mist on a completely windless and warm Praa Sands Beach. Lots of dog walkers around and a lively surf coming in with just a hint of light on the horizon occasionally. I met Bertie the boisterous golden retriever and his owners, who, when I said we used to have golden retrievers, replied "Do you want another one?"
They didn't mean it really- Bertie was a gorgeous boy!
Bertie and friends
Monday 27th March:
A trip out to Lands End this afternoon where the bright sun of the morning had been replaced by a hazy light but still warm out of the breeze. A few visitors about, including a family group from Australia who were having their photograph taken by the famous signpost-10,956 miles from home! Various maintenance people around, painting,cleaning and generally sprucing the place up for Easter. We have a local's pass which is just as well because I noticed the parking was £4 for the first hour. Got to be honest the whole place looks totally wrong when you consider the natural beauty of the place. After walking through the complex we made our way out onto the coast path where Alison settled down to paint and I carried on towards Sennen. I didn't go all the way but stopped and slithered and climbed down to the Mulheim wreck-don't tell her! On the way home we stopped at the Fountain Inn in Newbridge for a drink-recently reopened and highly recommended.
A trip out to Lands End this afternoon where the bright sun of the morning had been replaced by a hazy light but still warm out of the breeze. A few visitors about, including a family group from Australia who were having their photograph taken by the famous signpost-10,956 miles from home! Various maintenance people around, painting,cleaning and generally sprucing the place up for Easter. We have a local's pass which is just as well because I noticed the parking was £4 for the first hour. Got to be honest the whole place looks totally wrong when you consider the natural beauty of the place. After walking through the complex we made our way out onto the coast path where Alison settled down to paint and I carried on towards Sennen. I didn't go all the way but stopped and slithered and climbed down to the Mulheim wreck-don't tell her! On the way home we stopped at the Fountain Inn in Newbridge for a drink-recently reopened and highly recommended.
Sunday 26th March:
The wind had swung around to the north today and so a visit to the south coast was the order of the day. We drove down to Treen and then walked across the fields to Logan Rock.Once down the cliffs a short way it was really warm and I climbed down to sea level and spent a while making images looking west towards Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre. It's amazing (and sad) how much detritus has collected in this corner of the bay, nets, ropes, bottles, cans and a large amount of polystyrene. The view from here does not often figure in photographers collections with the iconic images always looking towards Logan Rock from further along the cliffs just as in the first image below. Up at Bosigran the wild ponies were back out and so they were here this afternoon, happily keeping the vegetation under control but surprisingly no nudists down on the beach despite the sunshine.
The wind had swung around to the north today and so a visit to the south coast was the order of the day. We drove down to Treen and then walked across the fields to Logan Rock.Once down the cliffs a short way it was really warm and I climbed down to sea level and spent a while making images looking west towards Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre. It's amazing (and sad) how much detritus has collected in this corner of the bay, nets, ropes, bottles, cans and a large amount of polystyrene. The view from here does not often figure in photographers collections with the iconic images always looking towards Logan Rock from further along the cliffs just as in the first image below. Up at Bosigran the wild ponies were back out and so they were here this afternoon, happily keeping the vegetation under control but surprisingly no nudists down on the beach despite the sunshine.
Saturday 25th March:
Same place but a very different kind of photography this afternoon. We had a photo walk around Bosigran but this time I just took my old Fuji X-T10, no tripod and two prime lenses-23mm and 50mm. The wind had eased a little from yesterday, although it was still blowing hard which meant I was surprised to see a dozen or so climbers out on the cliffs. Looking at the van in the car pak I think they were a climbing group from Essex staying in the climbing club hostel. So much to photograph that it was hard to know what to shoot. As we got to the headland a man and woman had just finished one climb and were probably on their way around to attempt a second route. Meanwhile two pairs of men were on the sheer cliffs facing west and another group down in Castle Bay and you can make them out in the first image of the last gallery, especially the red coats.
Same place but a very different kind of photography this afternoon. We had a photo walk around Bosigran but this time I just took my old Fuji X-T10, no tripod and two prime lenses-23mm and 50mm. The wind had eased a little from yesterday, although it was still blowing hard which meant I was surprised to see a dozen or so climbers out on the cliffs. Looking at the van in the car pak I think they were a climbing group from Essex staying in the climbing club hostel. So much to photograph that it was hard to know what to shoot. As we got to the headland a man and woman had just finished one climb and were probably on their way around to attempt a second route. Meanwhile two pairs of men were on the sheer cliffs facing west and another group down in Castle Bay and you can make them out in the first image of the last gallery, especially the red coats.
Pair one
Pair two
Castle Bay and other scenes
Friday 24th March :
A real gale blowing today and on the north coast, up on top of Bosigran, it was hard to stand up. I found a spot on the east side of the headland that was really sheltered and it felt like a warm spring day. I spent some time capturing the wider scene, east and west and then switched to zooming in on areas of the cliffs below me where the approaching and receding waves were creating intricate patterns. A real bonus was that the wild ponies are back out but this afternoon they were wise enough to stay in the sheltered meadows that you walk through on the way out to the headland. Rain had been forecast but although it clouded over every now and again. the rain passed out to sea.
A real gale blowing today and on the north coast, up on top of Bosigran, it was hard to stand up. I found a spot on the east side of the headland that was really sheltered and it felt like a warm spring day. I spent some time capturing the wider scene, east and west and then switched to zooming in on areas of the cliffs below me where the approaching and receding waves were creating intricate patterns. A real bonus was that the wild ponies are back out but this afternoon they were wise enough to stay in the sheltered meadows that you walk through on the way out to the headland. Rain had been forecast but although it clouded over every now and again. the rain passed out to sea.
Wild Ponies
The wider scene
Where sea meets land
Thursday 23rd March:
The rain started mid morning and although it was due to clear up later, when I was sitting in the car at Godrevy it felt as if it would never stop. After a lot of waiting it did eventually ease so I donned my waterproofs and headed east towards Navax Point. For most of the time I was out it was dull and grey but with the sea really built up as the big spring tide made. I began shooting in black and white but later as I was nearly back at the car, the sun burst through for a few minutes and so I quickly unpacked my gear again and switched to colour.
Along the cliffs at Naxax Point I discovered a blowhole below me. I was too tired to climb down the cliff so just took a colour image from above for my memory bank, I'll revisit on another rough day.
The rain started mid morning and although it was due to clear up later, when I was sitting in the car at Godrevy it felt as if it would never stop. After a lot of waiting it did eventually ease so I donned my waterproofs and headed east towards Navax Point. For most of the time I was out it was dull and grey but with the sea really built up as the big spring tide made. I began shooting in black and white but later as I was nearly back at the car, the sun burst through for a few minutes and so I quickly unpacked my gear again and switched to colour.
Along the cliffs at Naxax Point I discovered a blowhole below me. I was too tired to climb down the cliff so just took a colour image from above for my memory bank, I'll revisit on another rough day.
The sun burst through
Wednesday 22nd March:
Heavy rain was forecast for 3 o'clock but in the end it didn't arrive until much later. We went down to Sennen and had a walk along the beach and then around the harbour. The light kept changing, one minute dark and ominous and then a burst of sunshine for a few minutes. A very large group of walkers (probably thirty or more) on an organised walking holiday of the Cornish Coast Path. Today's leg was from St Just to Lands End, not an easy walk. Members of the group were from all over the UK and one had even travelled from Australia. They seemed to take forever to walk past us as the line had spread out somewhat on the rugged path. A lovely black spaniel, belonging to one of two surfers, was upset about being left alone on the beach- she spent her time asking us for cuddles and digging holes while she waited.
A couple of brave ladies screaming as they entered the cold water of the harbour-they were in for ages-well over a minute!
Heavy rain was forecast for 3 o'clock but in the end it didn't arrive until much later. We went down to Sennen and had a walk along the beach and then around the harbour. The light kept changing, one minute dark and ominous and then a burst of sunshine for a few minutes. A very large group of walkers (probably thirty or more) on an organised walking holiday of the Cornish Coast Path. Today's leg was from St Just to Lands End, not an easy walk. Members of the group were from all over the UK and one had even travelled from Australia. They seemed to take forever to walk past us as the line had spread out somewhat on the rugged path. A lovely black spaniel, belonging to one of two surfers, was upset about being left alone on the beach- she spent her time asking us for cuddles and digging holes while she waited.
A couple of brave ladies screaming as they entered the cold water of the harbour-they were in for ages-well over a minute!
Tuesday 21st March:
Out in the grey and drizzle again, this time for a photowalk around Marazion. Very quiet in the town as the road is closed but it is amazing how many people drive around the road closed signs. One chap drove around them and after 100 metres or so came to the men working in the road with cones blocking the way. He sat and thought about it for a while and then decided he would have to reverse. Unbeknown to him a lady had also driven through the signs and was now behind him! As he reversed she put her hand on the horn but to no avail-BANG! I was tempted to take an image but they didn't seem in the mood. The sea was rough and hundreds of gulls were having a feast on the maggots and sand hoppers
Out in the grey and drizzle again, this time for a photowalk around Marazion. Very quiet in the town as the road is closed but it is amazing how many people drive around the road closed signs. One chap drove around them and after 100 metres or so came to the men working in the road with cones blocking the way. He sat and thought about it for a while and then decided he would have to reverse. Unbeknown to him a lady had also driven through the signs and was now behind him! As he reversed she put her hand on the horn but to no avail-BANG! I was tempted to take an image but they didn't seem in the mood. The sea was rough and hundreds of gulls were having a feast on the maggots and sand hoppers
Monday 20th March:
A very wet day but a brief drier spell forecast in the afternoon so I drove out to Godrevy with the intention of some tripod work and long exposures. It didn't totally work out as planned as first of all it was raining all the time and interesting things caught my attention so most of the images are handheld. I was taking images of the coast path leading to the distant lighthouse when, by luck, a lovely couple came along and even better he was wearing a bright red coat. Also wherever I went a pair of choughs seemed to be following me and so I set myself with the birds in the foreground and the lighthouse behind. I waited quite a while but eventually they took off at the perfect angle for me-I was well choughed!
On the way back I spotted the ponies that have reappeared on the cliffs for the summer and then a bouquet of spring flowers on the cliff edge, presumably in memory of a loved one. A wet afternoon but very enjoyable.
A very wet day but a brief drier spell forecast in the afternoon so I drove out to Godrevy with the intention of some tripod work and long exposures. It didn't totally work out as planned as first of all it was raining all the time and interesting things caught my attention so most of the images are handheld. I was taking images of the coast path leading to the distant lighthouse when, by luck, a lovely couple came along and even better he was wearing a bright red coat. Also wherever I went a pair of choughs seemed to be following me and so I set myself with the birds in the foreground and the lighthouse behind. I waited quite a while but eventually they took off at the perfect angle for me-I was well choughed!
On the way back I spotted the ponies that have reappeared on the cliffs for the summer and then a bouquet of spring flowers on the cliff edge, presumably in memory of a loved one. A wet afternoon but very enjoyable.
Walking the coast path
Cornish choughs
Reef wash
Saturday Afternoon:
With such lovely weather I had to go out again this afternoon and headed for Godrevy beach for a bit of documentary photography. Wandering along the dunes and beach there was plenty happening and dogs galore. I spent a few minutes trying to capture an image or two of a black spaniel catching his frisbee. I was using an old Fuji X-T10 and Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 lens and for an old camera I think it didn't do a bad job of capturing the leaping action. Plenty for you to look at below.
With such lovely weather I had to go out again this afternoon and headed for Godrevy beach for a bit of documentary photography. Wandering along the dunes and beach there was plenty happening and dogs galore. I spent a few minutes trying to capture an image or two of a black spaniel catching his frisbee. I was using an old Fuji X-T10 and Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 lens and for an old camera I think it didn't do a bad job of capturing the leaping action. Plenty for you to look at below.
A little bit of variety
Saturday 18th March:
A short photowalk before lunch to record the local seafront activity on a warm but misty day. It really is starting to feel like Spring now, so lets hope winter doesn't have a sting in its tail.
A short photowalk before lunch to record the local seafront activity on a warm but misty day. It really is starting to feel like Spring now, so lets hope winter doesn't have a sting in its tail.
A little bit of colour
Friday 17th March:
Another dull grey drizzly day with spells of heavier rain now and again. Had to stay near home as there were a pair of carpenters in the house trying to box in the new pipes put in by British Gas, pipes that go up and through walls and generally zig zag around. While they were making a lot of noise I had a wander along the seafront to St Mary's Church with another old camera in my pocket (Fujifilm X-T10). The images below are in the order they were taken, largely b&w outside the church and colour inside. Two of the images show paintings created by Ukrainian children who are staying in the local area.
Another dull grey drizzly day with spells of heavier rain now and again. Had to stay near home as there were a pair of carpenters in the house trying to box in the new pipes put in by British Gas, pipes that go up and through walls and generally zig zag around. While they were making a lot of noise I had a wander along the seafront to St Mary's Church with another old camera in my pocket (Fujifilm X-T10). The images below are in the order they were taken, largely b&w outside the church and colour inside. Two of the images show paintings created by Ukrainian children who are staying in the local area.
Thursday 16th March:
They say keep going back to the same place because it will always be different. Today, over at Marazion, the weather was about the same but the beach had much more going on. A group of kitesurfers were taking advantage of the breeze and skimming up and down in front of us. Talking to one of them later he wished the wind was much stronger to get a longer ride across the beach but to me it looked pretty exhilarating. Plenty of weed has appeared overnight and the rough weather is set to continue for a few days yet.
They say keep going back to the same place because it will always be different. Today, over at Marazion, the weather was about the same but the beach had much more going on. A group of kitesurfers were taking advantage of the breeze and skimming up and down in front of us. Talking to one of them later he wished the wind was much stronger to get a longer ride across the beach but to me it looked pretty exhilarating. Plenty of weed has appeared overnight and the rough weather is set to continue for a few days yet.
Wednesday 15th March:
Apart from an early morning brisk walk before the rain came I was in all day and so by teatime, as the rain eased, we went over to Marazion for a bracing walk on the grey drizzly beach. Only the odd dog walker about and a few visitors on the causeway which wasn't totally dry today with a small tide and onshore wind. Within half an hour the rain returned so we beat a hasty retreat to the car.
Apart from an early morning brisk walk before the rain came I was in all day and so by teatime, as the rain eased, we went over to Marazion for a bracing walk on the grey drizzly beach. Only the odd dog walker about and a few visitors on the causeway which wasn't totally dry today with a small tide and onshore wind. Within half an hour the rain returned so we beat a hasty retreat to the car.
Tuesday 14th March:
No car today but far too nice to stay in. The sky was a vivid blue and once out of the wind it was really warm. I set off east along the seafront with a camera in my pocket and just one 27mm Lens. The camera, my old X-E1, was set to Fuji Velvia Vivid film simulation and all the images below are the Jpegs straight out out of the camera-they are in the order they were taken. I did turn a few b&w as you'll see.
No car today but far too nice to stay in. The sky was a vivid blue and once out of the wind it was really warm. I set off east along the seafront with a camera in my pocket and just one 27mm Lens. The camera, my old X-E1, was set to Fuji Velvia Vivid film simulation and all the images below are the Jpegs straight out out of the camera-they are in the order they were taken. I did turn a few b&w as you'll see.
Monday Afternoon:
With the sun out for a while but rain due by teatime it was a quick trip up to Pendeen and down onto Portheras Beach. At low tide the sea was rough enough but as the tide made some really big sets of waves began to hit the beach. I was lucky enough to meet Fleur, Hugo and baby Elliot who were down on holiday ( I think) and pleasantly surprised by the beautiful spell of sunshine, having been expecting rain all week. They certainly looked really happy with life at the moment.
With the sun out for a while but rain due by teatime it was a quick trip up to Pendeen and down onto Portheras Beach. At low tide the sea was rough enough but as the tide made some really big sets of waves began to hit the beach. I was lucky enough to meet Fleur, Hugo and baby Elliot who were down on holiday ( I think) and pleasantly surprised by the beautiful spell of sunshine, having been expecting rain all week. They certainly looked really happy with life at the moment.
Monday 13th March:
The wind had got up overnight and this morning the sea had been whipped up along the seafront. The wind was parallel to the promenade so the waves weren't enormous but as they hit the granite wall the wind caught them and bent them into ever changing shapes. Lots of people on the promenade enjoying the exhilaration of the gale and taking images on phones and cameras. Gradually the clouds moved in and the waves were no longer backlit.
Might have a trip out onto the cliffs this afternoon.
The wind had got up overnight and this morning the sea had been whipped up along the seafront. The wind was parallel to the promenade so the waves weren't enormous but as they hit the granite wall the wind caught them and bent them into ever changing shapes. Lots of people on the promenade enjoying the exhilaration of the gale and taking images on phones and cameras. Gradually the clouds moved in and the waves were no longer backlit.
Might have a trip out onto the cliffs this afternoon.
Some colour from Pendeen Church on Saturday
Sunday 12th March:
With heavy rain forecast by lunchtime I took the opportunity in the morning to have a little photowalk along the seafront, around the harbour and back via Morrab Gardens. Once again just taking an old small camera in my pocket and I must admit I'm quite enjoying this documentary style of photography, just recording what's going on at any moment in time. All the magnolias and camellias flowering in the gardens but I actually liked the silhouette effect of plants against the brighter sky.
Very grey with on and off drizzle but relatively mild. Plenty of people in the geothermal pool and a fair few cold water swimmers in the harbour and off Battery Rocks. Strong winds and big seas due by tomorrow so the harbour full of boats taking advantage of the shelter.
With heavy rain forecast by lunchtime I took the opportunity in the morning to have a little photowalk along the seafront, around the harbour and back via Morrab Gardens. Once again just taking an old small camera in my pocket and I must admit I'm quite enjoying this documentary style of photography, just recording what's going on at any moment in time. All the magnolias and camellias flowering in the gardens but I actually liked the silhouette effect of plants against the brighter sky.
Very grey with on and off drizzle but relatively mild. Plenty of people in the geothermal pool and a fair few cold water swimmers in the harbour and off Battery Rocks. Strong winds and big seas due by tomorrow so the harbour full of boats taking advantage of the shelter.
Saturday 11th March:
Rain all morning replaced by a thick mist in the afternoon. I drove up to Botallack in the gloom with my old Fuji X-E1 in my pocket and had a wander around looking for something different but a sudden burst of sunshine made me turn my attention to the classic composition of the Crowns Engine Houses. The light lasted for all of five minutes before the gloom descended again.
One girl making a film of a man with a dog, perhaps part of a college assignment. The mist started to get thicker and by the time I had climbed back up the slope to the car it was really dark and positively wet. I also paid a quick visit to Pendeen Church and I'll hopefully find time later to look at those images.
Rain all morning replaced by a thick mist in the afternoon. I drove up to Botallack in the gloom with my old Fuji X-E1 in my pocket and had a wander around looking for something different but a sudden burst of sunshine made me turn my attention to the classic composition of the Crowns Engine Houses. The light lasted for all of five minutes before the gloom descended again.
One girl making a film of a man with a dog, perhaps part of a college assignment. The mist started to get thicker and by the time I had climbed back up the slope to the car it was really dark and positively wet. I also paid a quick visit to Pendeen Church and I'll hopefully find time later to look at those images.
Friday 10th March:
Back to Godrevy for another photowalk and a gallery of "sketchbook images". Even greyer than yesterday with no hint of sun but the wind had dropped away to nothing. Today I didn't go out to the lighthouse but stuck to the beach where there is always plenty of activity as people enjoy the miles of sand at low tide. Surprisingly just one surfer and a paddle boarder but neither caught any waves while I watched. We love the Hungry Horsebox, what a great idea by the young couple that run it, they seem to do a good trade. Mostly black and white today but a few in colour as well.
Back to Godrevy for another photowalk and a gallery of "sketchbook images". Even greyer than yesterday with no hint of sun but the wind had dropped away to nothing. Today I didn't go out to the lighthouse but stuck to the beach where there is always plenty of activity as people enjoy the miles of sand at low tide. Surprisingly just one surfer and a paddle boarder but neither caught any waves while I watched. We love the Hungry Horsebox, what a great idea by the young couple that run it, they seem to do a good trade. Mostly black and white today but a few in colour as well.
Thursday 9th March:
A walk around Godrevy this afternoon in a largely grey and misty light but every now and then, just for a few seconds, the sun would burst through and light up small areas of sea or cliffs. In the first photo a burst of sun lit up the lady in the red coat as if a spotlight was being shone on her.
No tripods or long exposures but all handheld while on the lookout for people to add to the scene, a bit like street photography by the sea. Plenty of seals for people to view and photograph, in fact a lot more seals than people. As I took the last image the heavens opened and it was a walk back to the car into the strong wind and horizontal rain.
A walk around Godrevy this afternoon in a largely grey and misty light but every now and then, just for a few seconds, the sun would burst through and light up small areas of sea or cliffs. In the first photo a burst of sun lit up the lady in the red coat as if a spotlight was being shone on her.
No tripods or long exposures but all handheld while on the lookout for people to add to the scene, a bit like street photography by the sea. Plenty of seals for people to view and photograph, in fact a lot more seals than people. As I took the last image the heavens opened and it was a walk back to the car into the strong wind and horizontal rain.
Wednesday 8th March:
While the rest of the country freezes and gets stuck in the snow down at the south western tip of Cornwall it was positively balmy. When we arrived at Porthcurno the sun was out, it didn't last long, to be replaced by a misty sky with the promise of rain to come by evening. A few people on the beach enjoying the view and yet another transatlantic tree trunk covered in slipper limpets-(see diary entry for March 4th).
For those who don't know, Porthcurno was once the landing spot for all the communication cables connecting Britain with the rest of the world.
While the rest of the country freezes and gets stuck in the snow down at the south western tip of Cornwall it was positively balmy. When we arrived at Porthcurno the sun was out, it didn't last long, to be replaced by a misty sky with the promise of rain to come by evening. A few people on the beach enjoying the view and yet another transatlantic tree trunk covered in slipper limpets-(see diary entry for March 4th).
For those who don't know, Porthcurno was once the landing spot for all the communication cables connecting Britain with the rest of the world.
Tuesday 7th March:
A sunny morning with rain forecast for the afternoon so we decided on a trip down to Porthleven and a coffee in The Twisted Currant. In the sunshine we wandered around the town and down onto the beach where it really was warm, very different to the snow "up north". Clouds building in the distance but beautiful blue skies over us. The air was amazingly clear, the second image shows a sunlit Trewavas Mine -where I was yesterday-in the distance.
I just carried my old Fuji X-E1 camera in one pocket and a second lens in the other. The camera was set to shoot a Fuji Velvia Vivid film simulation. Very quiet at the moment and will probably be like that until Easter.
A sunny morning with rain forecast for the afternoon so we decided on a trip down to Porthleven and a coffee in The Twisted Currant. In the sunshine we wandered around the town and down onto the beach where it really was warm, very different to the snow "up north". Clouds building in the distance but beautiful blue skies over us. The air was amazingly clear, the second image shows a sunlit Trewavas Mine -where I was yesterday-in the distance.
I just carried my old Fuji X-E1 camera in one pocket and a second lens in the other. The camera was set to shoot a Fuji Velvia Vivid film simulation. Very quiet at the moment and will probably be like that until Easter.
Monday 6th March:
Another drab flat light day but as I didn't get out yesterday I was determined to have a trip today. A last minute decision saw me park at Rinsey and then walk east to Trewavas Mine. Another miracle of Victorian engineering and hard labour Trewavas is a less well known cliff edge mine. Trewavas was only in operation from 1834 to 1846 but in that time the 160 people employed brought up nearly 18,000 tons of copper. The mine was eventually abandoned due to flooding.
There are views around past Porthleven and out to The Lizard and really exposed in a south westerly gale. As on Saturday no colour in the scene at all so all images black and white, even they are quite flat really with little contrast to add any drama. I stopped on the way back to take one image of Rinsey Head just as the sun appeared for a few minutes.
Another drab flat light day but as I didn't get out yesterday I was determined to have a trip today. A last minute decision saw me park at Rinsey and then walk east to Trewavas Mine. Another miracle of Victorian engineering and hard labour Trewavas is a less well known cliff edge mine. Trewavas was only in operation from 1834 to 1846 but in that time the 160 people employed brought up nearly 18,000 tons of copper. The mine was eventually abandoned due to flooding.
There are views around past Porthleven and out to The Lizard and really exposed in a south westerly gale. As on Saturday no colour in the scene at all so all images black and white, even they are quite flat really with little contrast to add any drama. I stopped on the way back to take one image of Rinsey Head just as the sun appeared for a few minutes.
Saturday 4th March:
A cloud blanket on a chilly March day meant very little light to make photography easy. We went down to Praa Sands in the late afternoon with the hope of finding water around the old wartime pillbox but in the last few weeks the beach has changed enormously with a large bank of sand in front of the box and the sea now 30 yards away. There was a bit of movement in the sea to provide some interest and up amongst the rocks were two tree trunks covered in dead slipper limpets. I'm assuming they came ashore on February 28th when I photographed the big swell around the headland at Rinsey which is shown on the February page and at the top of this one. The logs have obviously been in the sea a long time so have probably travelled on the Gulf Stream from North America or The Caribbean.
A cloud blanket on a chilly March day meant very little light to make photography easy. We went down to Praa Sands in the late afternoon with the hope of finding water around the old wartime pillbox but in the last few weeks the beach has changed enormously with a large bank of sand in front of the box and the sea now 30 yards away. There was a bit of movement in the sea to provide some interest and up amongst the rocks were two tree trunks covered in dead slipper limpets. I'm assuming they came ashore on February 28th when I photographed the big swell around the headland at Rinsey which is shown on the February page and at the top of this one. The logs have obviously been in the sea a long time so have probably travelled on the Gulf Stream from North America or The Caribbean.
Black & white to match the mood
Subdued colour
American timber?
Friday 3rd March:
Everyone knows about St George's Day, St David's Day, St Patrick's Day and St Andrew's Day but in Cornwall the big day is St Piran's Day. St Piran was thrown into the sea, tied to a millstone, in Ireland but miraculously survived and drifted across the sea to land at Perranporth, where he built a chapel in the sand dunes-still there today. St Piran's flag is a white cross on a black background and is the Cornish national flag. It's said that the white cross is the good coming out of the black evil. The 5th March is officially St Piran's Day but on the Friday before there are parades and events all over Cornwall. Today I went up to watch the school children and local dignitaries parade through Penzance and down into Morrab Gardens where a crowd of several hundred gathered. Beautiful spring weather with the magnolias in full bloom and hardly a cloud in the sky. Lots of music from the children and Galowen Band with the mandatory singing of Trelawney-the Cornish national anthem.
The images are in the order they were taken.
Everyone knows about St George's Day, St David's Day, St Patrick's Day and St Andrew's Day but in Cornwall the big day is St Piran's Day. St Piran was thrown into the sea, tied to a millstone, in Ireland but miraculously survived and drifted across the sea to land at Perranporth, where he built a chapel in the sand dunes-still there today. St Piran's flag is a white cross on a black background and is the Cornish national flag. It's said that the white cross is the good coming out of the black evil. The 5th March is officially St Piran's Day but on the Friday before there are parades and events all over Cornwall. Today I went up to watch the school children and local dignitaries parade through Penzance and down into Morrab Gardens where a crowd of several hundred gathered. Beautiful spring weather with the magnolias in full bloom and hardly a cloud in the sky. Lots of music from the children and Galowen Band with the mandatory singing of Trelawney-the Cornish national anthem.
The images are in the order they were taken.
Thursday 2nd March:
Another photowalk with an old camera in my pocket and one prime lens. This time I headed up through Morrab Gardens, down through town and back home via the harbour. The sun was out so mostly bright and colourful today and as a little challenge I shot everything as squares. One exception is the mystery man in the last image who had laid out lighter pebbles on the beach to form words, he then disappeared only to return 5 minutes later with a jug of water to wet the pebbles so that they stood out. No idea what the message means and a bit worried about looking it up. There were bees out in the gardens with one inside one of the camellias below.
Another photowalk with an old camera in my pocket and one prime lens. This time I headed up through Morrab Gardens, down through town and back home via the harbour. The sun was out so mostly bright and colourful today and as a little challenge I shot everything as squares. One exception is the mystery man in the last image who had laid out lighter pebbles on the beach to form words, he then disappeared only to return 5 minutes later with a jug of water to wet the pebbles so that they stood out. No idea what the message means and a bit worried about looking it up. There were bees out in the gardens with one inside one of the camellias below.
Wednesday 1st March:
A dull grey day with a real chill in the air marked the meteorological start of Spring after the driest February for many years. In the late afternoon I set off for a photowalk to Newlyn, starting at the western end of the promenade, walking across Larigan Beach, up Newlyn Coombe a short way and then around the harbour before heading home. The most surprising image was of the iceberg that had drifted south from the Arctic and ended up in Newlyn Harbour!
All I did for today's walk was take my old Fuji X-E1 in my pocket with a recently purchased secondhand 27mm pancake lens attached. The images are in the order they were taken.
A dull grey day with a real chill in the air marked the meteorological start of Spring after the driest February for many years. In the late afternoon I set off for a photowalk to Newlyn, starting at the western end of the promenade, walking across Larigan Beach, up Newlyn Coombe a short way and then around the harbour before heading home. The most surprising image was of the iceberg that had drifted south from the Arctic and ended up in Newlyn Harbour!
All I did for today's walk was take my old Fuji X-E1 in my pocket with a recently purchased secondhand 27mm pancake lens attached. The images are in the order they were taken.