Image above taken from May 1st diary entry
Don't forget to click on the small images to enlarge
Don't forget to click on the small images to enlarge
Tuesday 31st May:
Another walk today from Wicca Farm. Instead of going down the lane to Treveal Mill we took the inland path over the stile by the first derelict farm and past the "Bull in Field" sign. A lovely walk through the fields and over stile after stile. We even met Derek Rogers who was out photographing stiles so that they can be put back in their original state if they get "accidently" taken down.
The first half of the walk was totally new but about halfway round we rejoined the path I walked on Sunday. The images below illustrate the new part of the walk and finish with us at the Ordnance Survey Triangulation Point on the coast path. If you want to see the walk from this point on have a look at Sunday's blog.
Again I just used one lens but this time a Fuji 50mm f/2 prime.
Another walk today from Wicca Farm. Instead of going down the lane to Treveal Mill we took the inland path over the stile by the first derelict farm and past the "Bull in Field" sign. A lovely walk through the fields and over stile after stile. We even met Derek Rogers who was out photographing stiles so that they can be put back in their original state if they get "accidently" taken down.
The first half of the walk was totally new but about halfway round we rejoined the path I walked on Sunday. The images below illustrate the new part of the walk and finish with us at the Ordnance Survey Triangulation Point on the coast path. If you want to see the walk from this point on have a look at Sunday's blog.
Again I just used one lens but this time a Fuji 50mm f/2 prime.
Monday 30th May:
An evening trip up to Bosigran today. After watching last night's commando training documentary, which had large parts of it filmed here and Lands End, it reminded us we hadn't visited for a while. The evening light came and went as clouds of all shapes, shades and patterns drifted across in the gentle breeze. I largely played about with long exposures but as usual got distracted by climbers, including a couple on Commando Ridge itself. The first image below is eight minutes of peace and quiet.
An evening trip up to Bosigran today. After watching last night's commando training documentary, which had large parts of it filmed here and Lands End, it reminded us we hadn't visited for a while. The evening light came and went as clouds of all shapes, shades and patterns drifted across in the gentle breeze. I largely played about with long exposures but as usual got distracted by climbers, including a couple on Commando Ridge itself. The first image below is eight minutes of peace and quiet.
Sunday 29th May:
You can join me on a beautiful walk today starting at Wicca Farm near Zennor. I've been exploring this area for a couple of weeks now and two thirds of this afternoon's walk was new to me. I've posted the images below in the order I took them on the walk. It was a really warm afternoon and despite heavy thundery showers forecast the sun shone non stop and all the threatening clouds remained east of me. Several boats making trips back and forth from St Ives, bringing visitors to see the seals on The Carricks.
On the way back towards the car I was lucky enough to stop and chat with a lovely family from Bristol who were down staying in a superb "chocolate box cottage" that has been in their family for generations. What a lovely place to be able to get away from it all. I was even shown the original well in the garden which even now is used for summertime bucket showers by the braver family members.
The images below are Fuji Jpegs- only very slightly tweaked-using the film simulation Classic Chrome. I do as usual have the raw files as well. Only carried one prime lens today-Fuji 35mm f/2.
You can join me on a beautiful walk today starting at Wicca Farm near Zennor. I've been exploring this area for a couple of weeks now and two thirds of this afternoon's walk was new to me. I've posted the images below in the order I took them on the walk. It was a really warm afternoon and despite heavy thundery showers forecast the sun shone non stop and all the threatening clouds remained east of me. Several boats making trips back and forth from St Ives, bringing visitors to see the seals on The Carricks.
On the way back towards the car I was lucky enough to stop and chat with a lovely family from Bristol who were down staying in a superb "chocolate box cottage" that has been in their family for generations. What a lovely place to be able to get away from it all. I was even shown the original well in the garden which even now is used for summertime bucket showers by the braver family members.
The images below are Fuji Jpegs- only very slightly tweaked-using the film simulation Classic Chrome. I do as usual have the raw files as well. Only carried one prime lens today-Fuji 35mm f/2.
Saturday 28th May:
A beautiful day to start the holiday week and a lot of folks out and about as I walked along Marazion Beach this evening. I tried to be a little more creative on my walk using a 35mm Fuji prime lens and not a tripod in sight. Shooting with the aperture wide open most of the time to allow me to choose the areas I wanted in focus and taking a lot of images with the camera more or less on the ground or surface of the water.
A beautiful day to start the holiday week and a lot of folks out and about as I walked along Marazion Beach this evening. I tried to be a little more creative on my walk using a 35mm Fuji prime lens and not a tripod in sight. Shooting with the aperture wide open most of the time to allow me to choose the areas I wanted in focus and taking a lot of images with the camera more or less on the ground or surface of the water.
Friday 27th May:
Clear blue skies, a gentle breeze and a good swell still running. In the afternoon we drove up to Levant, where despite the clear skies the light was very interesting. Down at the far end of the works I climbed down lower than I have been before just to try and alter the angle out to the lighthouse. I also had a little go at ICM (intentional camera movement) using the minerals coming down the rocks as the subject. As we were packing up a flock of seagulls finished their bathing in a pool to our right and provided a nice flypast for us.
Clear blue skies, a gentle breeze and a good swell still running. In the afternoon we drove up to Levant, where despite the clear skies the light was very interesting. Down at the far end of the works I climbed down lower than I have been before just to try and alter the angle out to the lighthouse. I also had a little go at ICM (intentional camera movement) using the minerals coming down the rocks as the subject. As we were packing up a flock of seagulls finished their bathing in a pool to our right and provided a nice flypast for us.
Thursday 26th May:
The River Cove adventure today- I didn't know where it was either until a few days ago!
The cove is more or less halfway between Zennor and St Ives and I actually discovered it on my long trek last Friday but didn't go down into it on that day. It was mostly cloudy this morning with the odd bit of drizzle but by afternoon it was drier. We drove up to the Zennor area and then along the road to park at Wicca Farm, I'd walked through here the other day and discovered the parking area (£1.50). From the farm you walk up the road you came down and then take a left and follow the lane all the way down to Trevail Mill. From here it's a beautiful walk through a wooded valley to the coast path and sea. River Cove is down to your right-turn left for the long hard path back to Zennor. A lovely flower lined stream comes down to the valley and tumbles over edge into the cove. A great afternoon and a pint of real ale in Zennor on the way home-the perfect life for me.
The River Cove adventure today- I didn't know where it was either until a few days ago!
The cove is more or less halfway between Zennor and St Ives and I actually discovered it on my long trek last Friday but didn't go down into it on that day. It was mostly cloudy this morning with the odd bit of drizzle but by afternoon it was drier. We drove up to the Zennor area and then along the road to park at Wicca Farm, I'd walked through here the other day and discovered the parking area (£1.50). From the farm you walk up the road you came down and then take a left and follow the lane all the way down to Trevail Mill. From here it's a beautiful walk through a wooded valley to the coast path and sea. River Cove is down to your right-turn left for the long hard path back to Zennor. A lovely flower lined stream comes down to the valley and tumbles over edge into the cove. A great afternoon and a pint of real ale in Zennor on the way home-the perfect life for me.
Wednesday 25th May:
Just a short circular walk from Treen to Pedn Vounder and then back through the wheat fields to the car park. We were hoping to meet the wild ponies on the way back, they always make great photos but no sign of them around at the moment. The rain had blown away and we had a few breaks in the cloud to shed some light on the bay. Strong westerly wind blowing but warm at the same time.
Just a short circular walk from Treen to Pedn Vounder and then back through the wheat fields to the car park. We were hoping to meet the wild ponies on the way back, they always make great photos but no sign of them around at the moment. The rain had blown away and we had a few breaks in the cloud to shed some light on the bay. Strong westerly wind blowing but warm at the same time.
Tuesday 24th May:
Today's adventure was to the secret beach of Zennor! Not many people-apart from a few locals- find themselves down here as a bit of a clamber is required and I was certainly the only one down there today. A very bright sunny day but with enough cloud to break up the sky and add interest. The first set of images are Fuji Acros black and white with some colour to come later. On days like this I prefer the black and whites.
Today's adventure was to the secret beach of Zennor! Not many people-apart from a few locals- find themselves down here as a bit of a clamber is required and I was certainly the only one down there today. A very bright sunny day but with enough cloud to break up the sky and add interest. The first set of images are Fuji Acros black and white with some colour to come later. On days like this I prefer the black and whites.
Monday 23rd May:
As the showers began to move away we went up to the north coast this afternoon. We parked opposite the Gurnards Head Hotel and walked down the road next to it. At the dead end we took the lane on the right, marked private, and made our way down until the coast path crosses it and we then took the path to the right for a few hundred metres. There is a lovely white bungalow perched on top of the cliffs that I would love to own and a small sea stack at the base of the headland. As we made our way back a couple of passing showers made us shelter in some trees and as the rain passed we had some superb light looking through and over the trees towards the bungalow and headland. Lots of mining evidence down here and a lovely sheltered spot for a walk and picnic.
As the showers began to move away we went up to the north coast this afternoon. We parked opposite the Gurnards Head Hotel and walked down the road next to it. At the dead end we took the lane on the right, marked private, and made our way down until the coast path crosses it and we then took the path to the right for a few hundred metres. There is a lovely white bungalow perched on top of the cliffs that I would love to own and a small sea stack at the base of the headland. As we made our way back a couple of passing showers made us shelter in some trees and as the rain passed we had some superb light looking through and over the trees towards the bungalow and headland. Lots of mining evidence down here and a lovely sheltered spot for a walk and picnic.
Saturday evening walk in colour:
Saturday 21st May:
Bit of a rest for most of today after yesterday's trek and a half. Stayed home and watched some rugby until teatime and then we drove up to Zennor. Beautiful evening as we walked down the lane to the headland but this time we turned west on the coast path and walked down into the valley and up the other side. Not a long walk but a good bit of exercise. From up on the highest part of the path we had good views back to Zennor Head with some lovely evening light hitting the cliffs. Quite late back so just one b&w for the time being-a 30 second exposure- I love the foam lines around the headland.
Bit of a rest for most of today after yesterday's trek and a half. Stayed home and watched some rugby until teatime and then we drove up to Zennor. Beautiful evening as we walked down the lane to the headland but this time we turned west on the coast path and walked down into the valley and up the other side. Not a long walk but a good bit of exercise. From up on the highest part of the path we had good views back to Zennor Head with some lovely evening light hitting the cliffs. Quite late back so just one b&w for the time being-a 30 second exposure- I love the foam lines around the headland.
Friday 20th May:
I walked miles today, didn't mean to, it just sort of happened. After lunch I drove up to Zennor and set off along what's called the Field Path that starts behind the church. I walked for a couple of miles until I got to Wicca Farm and then, just after that took a path down a beautiful valley, past Trevail Mill, to the coast at Wicca Pool. It really is lovely here with The Carricks just offshore, a group of rocks very popular with the local seals.
From here I made my back to Zennor via the very lovely but tricky and strenuous section of coast path. I met and chatted with a chap from Somerset who was sitting resting his feet, then a mother and daughter who were finding the going really difficult. By the time I got back to Zennor I was hot, tired and thirsty but had really enjoyed walking somewhere different. In the pub( just had to) I had a long chat with a couple on holiday from Devon. They had been using their bus passes to get around as on the first day of the holiday their windscreen had come off worse in a fight with a branch.
The images below are in the order I took them, starting at Wicca Pool.
I walked miles today, didn't mean to, it just sort of happened. After lunch I drove up to Zennor and set off along what's called the Field Path that starts behind the church. I walked for a couple of miles until I got to Wicca Farm and then, just after that took a path down a beautiful valley, past Trevail Mill, to the coast at Wicca Pool. It really is lovely here with The Carricks just offshore, a group of rocks very popular with the local seals.
From here I made my back to Zennor via the very lovely but tricky and strenuous section of coast path. I met and chatted with a chap from Somerset who was sitting resting his feet, then a mother and daughter who were finding the going really difficult. By the time I got back to Zennor I was hot, tired and thirsty but had really enjoyed walking somewhere different. In the pub( just had to) I had a long chat with a couple on holiday from Devon. They had been using their bus passes to get around as on the first day of the holiday their windscreen had come off worse in a fight with a branch.
The images below are in the order I took them, starting at Wicca Pool.
Some colour from Thursday:
Thursday 19th May:
Lovely weather today, south westerly wind but warm and sunny with a swell still running. We drove up to Pendeen after lunch as it was a big spring tide and low water in the middle of the afternoon. A month or so ago I climbed down to some very low rocks with a view looking up to the lighthouse but I only had a few minutes as the coming tide was about to leave me cut off. Today I had plenty of time and as a bonus had some good waves and light. The first set of images below are all b&w and are hardly edited Jpegs from the Fuji camera-the camera was set to shoot in the Fuji Acros film simulation. I would think these compositions are probably unique as it would be difficult to imagine another photographer has found themselves down where I was.
I do have colour images as usual and as a change, having clambered around risking life and limb (slight exaggeration), I then hunted down some butterflies that were quite abundant in the lovely sheltered stream valley next to us. These will follow later.
Lovely weather today, south westerly wind but warm and sunny with a swell still running. We drove up to Pendeen after lunch as it was a big spring tide and low water in the middle of the afternoon. A month or so ago I climbed down to some very low rocks with a view looking up to the lighthouse but I only had a few minutes as the coming tide was about to leave me cut off. Today I had plenty of time and as a bonus had some good waves and light. The first set of images below are all b&w and are hardly edited Jpegs from the Fuji camera-the camera was set to shoot in the Fuji Acros film simulation. I would think these compositions are probably unique as it would be difficult to imagine another photographer has found themselves down where I was.
I do have colour images as usual and as a change, having clambered around risking life and limb (slight exaggeration), I then hunted down some butterflies that were quite abundant in the lovely sheltered stream valley next to us. These will follow later.
Wednesday 18th May:
Rain forecast for the afternoon so we drove out to Godrevy in the morning. Very breezy, bright sunshine and a good surf greeted us and the lifeguards were setting up for the day. The receding tide was just clearing the base of the cliff and so we spent nearly two hours down on the beach. As we strolled along there was plenty to catch your attention and we also discovered an area at the back of the beach that gave some different views to the lighthouse.
Later, after lunch, I explored around the headland where the thrift was at its peak. I started taking images with great enthusiasm but once I got to look at them later I found the colours too much for my old eyes. Below you'll see lots of colour but also plenty of black and white. I actually shot all day with the viewfinder set to b&w and as I keep repeating in this blog I'm getting to prefer monochrome much of the time.
Rain forecast for the afternoon so we drove out to Godrevy in the morning. Very breezy, bright sunshine and a good surf greeted us and the lifeguards were setting up for the day. The receding tide was just clearing the base of the cliff and so we spent nearly two hours down on the beach. As we strolled along there was plenty to catch your attention and we also discovered an area at the back of the beach that gave some different views to the lighthouse.
Later, after lunch, I explored around the headland where the thrift was at its peak. I started taking images with great enthusiasm but once I got to look at them later I found the colours too much for my old eyes. Below you'll see lots of colour but also plenty of black and white. I actually shot all day with the viewfinder set to b&w and as I keep repeating in this blog I'm getting to prefer monochrome much of the time.
Tuesday in colour:
Tuesday 17th May:
Plenty of rain in the morning but by 3 o'clock the sun was appearing and so we made our way up to Botallack. We didn't go to the busier car park area but drove down the rough track to Wheal Edward and Wheal Owles. There was a good swell running and at times some really beautiful light as the clouds moved away north and east. The light only lasted for half an hour and then more clouds came in only allowing brief flashes of sun to creep through. I shot with the Fuji camera set to a black and white film simulation from which I've edited the b&w images below. I do also have the colour raw images on the second SD card so I will play around with those tomorrow.
Plenty of rain in the morning but by 3 o'clock the sun was appearing and so we made our way up to Botallack. We didn't go to the busier car park area but drove down the rough track to Wheal Edward and Wheal Owles. There was a good swell running and at times some really beautiful light as the clouds moved away north and east. The light only lasted for half an hour and then more clouds came in only allowing brief flashes of sun to creep through. I shot with the Fuji camera set to a black and white film simulation from which I've edited the b&w images below. I do also have the colour raw images on the second SD card so I will play around with those tomorrow.
Monday 16th May:
A short trip up to Boat Cove at Pendeen this evening. After travelling around on Saturday and climbing about on rocks taking some action shots of friends in a fishing competition on Sunday today I was too tired to do much at all. My joints were telling me to take it easy. Boat cove is below and to the east of Pendeen Lighthouse and a relatively gentle walk from the car park. A small sandy beach only ten yards across looks across the bay to Portheras Beach. I just had a little play about with different length exposures from 1 second to 4 minutes. It was all quite grey and overcast apart from some hints of sun in the distance at Gurnards Head. All shot in black and white this evening. |
Saturday 14th May:
A very busy day meant taking images at three different places. We went down to the Helford River to help the Helford Conservation Group net a small creek to check primarily on bass breeding success over the last couple of winters but also to measure and record other species. More of that activity tomorrow.
On the way we stopped at Gweek for a short while to take some images around the bridge area. Gweek is a beautiful little village at the head of the river with a shop, pub, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and huge boat storage and repair yard. We've stopped here before for a drink and for the fish and chip van which visits on Wednesday evenings. A place to return to at a later date for a longer wander with camera in hand.
Our third stop after the netting was at a creek we have never been to before. Luckily we met a local chap and he told us where to park and find access. A lovely woodland alongside the river and creek with bluebells and wild garlic. We are a bit late this year for the spring flowers but we will return now we know where it is. We'd first seen it on a youtube video by film photographer Austen Goldsmith- so thanks to Austen. Please have a look at his channel.
This evening it had actually started raining and was very dark but we had an explore and I will post a few images as soon as I've edited them.
A very busy day meant taking images at three different places. We went down to the Helford River to help the Helford Conservation Group net a small creek to check primarily on bass breeding success over the last couple of winters but also to measure and record other species. More of that activity tomorrow.
On the way we stopped at Gweek for a short while to take some images around the bridge area. Gweek is a beautiful little village at the head of the river with a shop, pub, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and huge boat storage and repair yard. We've stopped here before for a drink and for the fish and chip van which visits on Wednesday evenings. A place to return to at a later date for a longer wander with camera in hand.
Our third stop after the netting was at a creek we have never been to before. Luckily we met a local chap and he told us where to park and find access. A lovely woodland alongside the river and creek with bluebells and wild garlic. We are a bit late this year for the spring flowers but we will return now we know where it is. We'd first seen it on a youtube video by film photographer Austen Goldsmith- so thanks to Austen. Please have a look at his channel.
This evening it had actually started raining and was very dark but we had an explore and I will post a few images as soon as I've edited them.
Third Stop Ponsontuel Creek
By the time we reached here the clouds had rolled in and light rain was falling. It was really dark in the woods.
By the time we reached here the clouds had rolled in and light rain was falling. It was really dark in the woods.
Second Stop Polheveral Creek-all these images by Alison
The local male swan took exception to two pairs of geese with their goslings. One of the male geese distracted the swan and led him half a mile down the creek while the others hid amongst fallen trees. We didn't net a single bass-a very bad sign- but we did net over 5,000 mullet-so good news for that species.
The local male swan took exception to two pairs of geese with their goslings. One of the male geese distracted the swan and led him half a mile down the creek while the others hid amongst fallen trees. We didn't net a single bass-a very bad sign- but we did net over 5,000 mullet-so good news for that species.
First stop Gweek:
Friday 13th May:
Strong westerly wind today and by the afternoon very bright light. We went over to Gwithian for a couple of hours and took some images from the sand dunes and then down on the rocks below the lifeguard station. I think today the black and white edits are better as there was little in the sky to add interest and it was really glaring light. I have edited some in colour as well just to show the reality of the afternoon and actually when I look at them they're not so bad.
Have just created a new page on the site for The Nanquidno Valley and Nanjulian.
Strong westerly wind today and by the afternoon very bright light. We went over to Gwithian for a couple of hours and took some images from the sand dunes and then down on the rocks below the lifeguard station. I think today the black and white edits are better as there was little in the sky to add interest and it was really glaring light. I have edited some in colour as well just to show the reality of the afternoon and actually when I look at them they're not so bad.
Have just created a new page on the site for The Nanquidno Valley and Nanjulian.
Below is a ten image handheld panorama taken whilst perched on a small ledge above Portheras Beach. This was stitched together using Affinity Photo. It always amazes me how the computer manages to do this when no tripod was used-would have been impossible-and half the images were not even really level. To add to the difficulty I was also shooting directly into the sun on a really bright afternoon.
Thursday 12th May:
A sunny afternoon saw me back at Pendeen Lighthouse and Portheras Beach to try and build on what I achieved yesterday. This time I bypassed the beach and walked along the cliff edge out to the point on the right. On the map the area is called Chypraze Cliffs and once out there I climbed down as low as I dared to get some images of the beach and lighthouse area from a very different angle. It's a shame the engineers didn't put the lighthouse on the brow of the hill-very inconsiderate! One or two people on the beach and still a swell running but dropping off just a little from yesterday. Plenty of thrift and other wild flowers on the cliffs and every now and again a bigger set of waves crashing up the rocks. I was a good 50 feet above the sea and the resulting splash and spray was well above me.
Had a chat with a couple of friends walking the coast path, the lady was from California. I've met people from all over the world in the last twelve months whilst out with the camera.
A sunny afternoon saw me back at Pendeen Lighthouse and Portheras Beach to try and build on what I achieved yesterday. This time I bypassed the beach and walked along the cliff edge out to the point on the right. On the map the area is called Chypraze Cliffs and once out there I climbed down as low as I dared to get some images of the beach and lighthouse area from a very different angle. It's a shame the engineers didn't put the lighthouse on the brow of the hill-very inconsiderate! One or two people on the beach and still a swell running but dropping off just a little from yesterday. Plenty of thrift and other wild flowers on the cliffs and every now and again a bigger set of waves crashing up the rocks. I was a good 50 feet above the sea and the resulting splash and spray was well above me.
Had a chat with a couple of friends walking the coast path, the lady was from California. I've met people from all over the world in the last twelve months whilst out with the camera.
Wednesday 11th May:
Some much needed rain in the morning but by lunchtime the sun was out, the sky was blue and a brisk north westerly wind had whipped up a good swell. I drove up to Pendeen lighthouse and then made my way across the field and down onto the beach at Portheras. It was truly lovely down there, out of the wind, sun shining, good waves and a beautiful turquoise sea. Sometimes when conditions are this good it's difficult to know which way to point the camera. An angler risking trouble on the rocks provided some extra interest and later, having nearly got soaked, he too came around to the beach. A lovely afternoon and a pint of real ale on the way home, what more could a person want!
Some much needed rain in the morning but by lunchtime the sun was out, the sky was blue and a brisk north westerly wind had whipped up a good swell. I drove up to Pendeen lighthouse and then made my way across the field and down onto the beach at Portheras. It was truly lovely down there, out of the wind, sun shining, good waves and a beautiful turquoise sea. Sometimes when conditions are this good it's difficult to know which way to point the camera. An angler risking trouble on the rocks provided some extra interest and later, having nearly got soaked, he too came around to the beach. A lovely afternoon and a pint of real ale on the way home, what more could a person want!
Tuesday 10th May:
Bet you've heard of a game of two halves, well this afternoon was a shoot of two halves. I set off from home heading towards Zennor but never even got close. About half a mile from Newmill I had a sudden urge to pull in and explore down a footpath along the stream. I know the path would eventually take me into Trevaylor Woods but first it took me over a wooden bridge and into a series of meadows with bluebells around the edges and buttercups amongst the grass. I walked through these and then into the beech wood where there were plenty of bluebells and old gnarly trees.
An hour here then back to the car and off to Zennor again except that as I entered Newmill another urge saw me turn left and drive up the lane, park, then take the footpath up a little road and out onto the moors at Mulfra Quoit. It was mostly grey and chilly up here with views to both coasts and St Michaels Mount just visible in one direction and Ding Dong Mine in the other. Some lovely clouds and just a hint of sun and blue skies every now and again. I shot in black and white here until a girl in a bright red jacket appeared on a white horse- too good to miss-bet it would look in monochrome as well.
Bet you've heard of a game of two halves, well this afternoon was a shoot of two halves. I set off from home heading towards Zennor but never even got close. About half a mile from Newmill I had a sudden urge to pull in and explore down a footpath along the stream. I know the path would eventually take me into Trevaylor Woods but first it took me over a wooden bridge and into a series of meadows with bluebells around the edges and buttercups amongst the grass. I walked through these and then into the beech wood where there were plenty of bluebells and old gnarly trees.
An hour here then back to the car and off to Zennor again except that as I entered Newmill another urge saw me turn left and drive up the lane, park, then take the footpath up a little road and out onto the moors at Mulfra Quoit. It was mostly grey and chilly up here with views to both coasts and St Michaels Mount just visible in one direction and Ding Dong Mine in the other. Some lovely clouds and just a hint of sun and blue skies every now and again. I shot in black and white here until a girl in a bright red jacket appeared on a white horse- too good to miss-bet it would look in monochrome as well.
Monday 9th May:
A chilly start to the day but by lunchtime it was really sunny and warm. Lovely but unfortunately it didn't last and by the time we went up to Kenidjack it was distinctly cool and grey. We followed the river down to the old workings at the mouth of the valley. Just before the river tumbles down the rocks to the sea it opens out into a bit of a pool and is surrounded by flowers in Spring. Some lovely yellow flag irises, bluebells and thrift-they don't last long but beautiful while they are there. I spent some time trying out different compositions and shutter speeds around the river and miniature ravines and then focussed on the old machinery, that's gradually rusting away and being surrounded by nature.
A chilly start to the day but by lunchtime it was really sunny and warm. Lovely but unfortunately it didn't last and by the time we went up to Kenidjack it was distinctly cool and grey. We followed the river down to the old workings at the mouth of the valley. Just before the river tumbles down the rocks to the sea it opens out into a bit of a pool and is surrounded by flowers in Spring. Some lovely yellow flag irises, bluebells and thrift-they don't last long but beautiful while they are there. I spent some time trying out different compositions and shutter speeds around the river and miniature ravines and then focussed on the old machinery, that's gradually rusting away and being surrounded by nature.
Sunday May 8th:
The set of images below goes under the title of "The Gate".
I found this gate a few years ago not long after I had watched a video of photographer Joe Cornish talking about an image he took in Yorkshire featuring a similar gate. I have been back to this gate several times now and it features on my Home Page. Late summer and Autumn brings the most colour and today was hazy bright with little colour so I shot in black and white. When the sun is shining I love the shadows created by the bars. It is a bit rickety so I'm not sure it will be there long and I don't think a modern one will have the same appeal.
I do have coloured raw images which I'll have a look at later but I do like the black and white.
The set of images below goes under the title of "The Gate".
I found this gate a few years ago not long after I had watched a video of photographer Joe Cornish talking about an image he took in Yorkshire featuring a similar gate. I have been back to this gate several times now and it features on my Home Page. Late summer and Autumn brings the most colour and today was hazy bright with little colour so I shot in black and white. When the sun is shining I love the shadows created by the bars. It is a bit rickety so I'm not sure it will be there long and I don't think a modern one will have the same appeal.
I do have coloured raw images which I'll have a look at later but I do like the black and white.
View from Carn Eanes-Pendeen Church left foreground and Gurnards Head in the distance top right.
On Thursday before we met the artists at Botallack we walked up to the top of Carn Eanes. Known locally as "The Carn"
it provides views for miles along the north coast. You can park next to the church and from there it is an easy but uphill walk. The photo below is just a handheld panorama of 10 images.
On Thursday before we met the artists at Botallack we walked up to the top of Carn Eanes. Known locally as "The Carn"
it provides views for miles along the north coast. You can park next to the church and from there it is an easy but uphill walk. The photo below is just a handheld panorama of 10 images.
Saturday 7th May:
A simple handheld photo walk around Tremenheere Gardens just east of Penzance-lovely coffee shop!
A simple handheld photo walk around Tremenheere Gardens just east of Penzance-lovely coffee shop!
Friday 6th May:
A short, late afternoon visit to Cape Cornwall. It was calm and grey with just a hint of light sparkling the surface of the water. Sam, a local commercial fishermen was setting off on his kayak to try and catch a few bass but very few other people about. Below I've edited four images with the same or very similar compositions-one I've done in colour and another in black and white. Although it was quite grey there was some colour in the rocks which are often a golden colour here and some also have a verdant green covering of weed. You can take your choice-not sure which I prefer.
A short, late afternoon visit to Cape Cornwall. It was calm and grey with just a hint of light sparkling the surface of the water. Sam, a local commercial fishermen was setting off on his kayak to try and catch a few bass but very few other people about. Below I've edited four images with the same or very similar compositions-one I've done in colour and another in black and white. Although it was quite grey there was some colour in the rocks which are often a golden colour here and some also have a verdant green covering of weed. You can take your choice-not sure which I prefer.
Some scenes from near sea level from Thursday-mostly black and white but couldn't resist a little bit of colour with the thrift in full bloom.
Thursday May 5th:
Today's adventure is entitled "The Workshop". A complete surprise to me as well!
We went up to Botallack to rendezvous with a cousin of Alison's who was cycling around West Cornwall on a tandem with her husband. While we were at Botallack waiting we came across a group of artists who were on a painting workshop led by Paul Wadsworth who is based at Trewidden Gardens just west of Penzance. www.paulwadsworth.co.uk/
There were six in the group, all doing some lovely work in oils and acrylics but all in differing styles. I spent an hour or so chatting to them all and capturing images of the artists in action.
Dan Jones www.danjonesartist.com Ali Kippax instagram@alikippaxartist
Cetta Di Lieto instagram@cettadilietoartist Sally Coulden sallycoulden.art/.
Hilary Cuthbertson and Rob (not sure of surname)
Please let me know if I've made mistakes here or you have a website etc.
If you would like copies of the images let me know-digital or I can do a print for you (free)
As well as taking images of the artists I then climbed down the cliffs, until my feet were nearly in the sea, trying and find some less photographed angles. Those images will appear later, I've put one above to show what I was after.
Today's adventure is entitled "The Workshop". A complete surprise to me as well!
We went up to Botallack to rendezvous with a cousin of Alison's who was cycling around West Cornwall on a tandem with her husband. While we were at Botallack waiting we came across a group of artists who were on a painting workshop led by Paul Wadsworth who is based at Trewidden Gardens just west of Penzance. www.paulwadsworth.co.uk/
There were six in the group, all doing some lovely work in oils and acrylics but all in differing styles. I spent an hour or so chatting to them all and capturing images of the artists in action.
Dan Jones www.danjonesartist.com Ali Kippax instagram@alikippaxartist
Cetta Di Lieto instagram@cettadilietoartist Sally Coulden sallycoulden.art/.
Hilary Cuthbertson and Rob (not sure of surname)
Please let me know if I've made mistakes here or you have a website etc.
If you would like copies of the images let me know-digital or I can do a print for you (free)
As well as taking images of the artists I then climbed down the cliffs, until my feet were nearly in the sea, trying and find some less photographed angles. Those images will appear later, I've put one above to show what I was after.
Wednesday May 4th
Out on my own today so I was able to scramble around the cliffs at Bosigran. Down in the lee of Commando Ridge the thrift, primroses and other flowers were out in abundance. A bit of a grey day with some fog drifting in and out and just a little hazy light now and again.
I was standing admiring the view on my way back, wild flowers, sea stacks, sheer cliffs, birds flying in all directions and beautiful turquoise sea when a man came down the track. "Anything to see around here?" Wasn't quite sure what to say really!
Out on my own today so I was able to scramble around the cliffs at Bosigran. Down in the lee of Commando Ridge the thrift, primroses and other flowers were out in abundance. A bit of a grey day with some fog drifting in and out and just a little hazy light now and again.
I was standing admiring the view on my way back, wild flowers, sea stacks, sheer cliffs, birds flying in all directions and beautiful turquoise sea when a man came down the track. "Anything to see around here?" Wasn't quite sure what to say really!
Tuesday May 3rd:
Another pleasant day with only a gentle breeze and some hazy sunshine. Mid-afternoon we went up to Sancreed Beacon and walked over the moor to the edge of Tony's Wood. Just outside the wood there are lots of wood anemones and blue bells growing amongst the granite rocks. This was a ravaged mining area and first settled way back in the Bronze Age when the climate was warmer. The trees and flowers destroyed by human activity are gradually taking back the area just as they are at Levant that I photographed yesterday.
Another pleasant day with only a gentle breeze and some hazy sunshine. Mid-afternoon we went up to Sancreed Beacon and walked over the moor to the edge of Tony's Wood. Just outside the wood there are lots of wood anemones and blue bells growing amongst the granite rocks. This was a ravaged mining area and first settled way back in the Bronze Age when the climate was warmer. The trees and flowers destroyed by human activity are gradually taking back the area just as they are at Levant that I photographed yesterday.
Monday 2nd May:
Some warmth today for the first time in a while. I went up to Levant again this afternoon to continue looking for small nature scenes amongst the industrial waste. I couldn't resist pointing my camera at the lighthouse a few times as the colours today were warm and looked more like summer on it's way. I only used two prime lenses today a 50mm and 90mm. I was using a Fujifilm XT-3.
Some warmth today for the first time in a while. I went up to Levant again this afternoon to continue looking for small nature scenes amongst the industrial waste. I couldn't resist pointing my camera at the lighthouse a few times as the colours today were warm and looked more like summer on it's way. I only used two prime lenses today a 50mm and 90mm. I was using a Fujifilm XT-3.
Sunday Evening:
An evening visit to Marazion when the rain stopped. A still grey evening with only a few people about enjoying the dry spell for a walk before dusk.
An evening visit to Marazion when the rain stopped. A still grey evening with only a few people about enjoying the dry spell for a walk before dusk.
Sunday May 1st:
Up very early this morning and out to take some blue hour images around the harbour. Took one of the Jubilee pool in the twilight and then noticed what I assumed was a large group of early morning swimmers by the war memorial. As I got closer I was surprised to see the Pensans Morris Dancers warming up for the sunrise. Unfortunately the sunrise never appeared from behind the thick cloud layer but at least the rain held off. The image at the top and one or two others were taken with a one second exposure to show some movement.
www.pensansmorris.com