Don't forget to click on the gallery images to enlarge
Friday 30th September:
As I write this the rain is pouring down so it looks like today might be a blank photography wise but you never know. Yesterday evening as we were driving back home from Cape Cornwall, the scenic route along the north coast road, some beautiful light suddenly appeared on the cliffs in the distance. A quick dash to park up and another dash down a track to the coast path gave me a view along the cliffs to Bosigran. The image below is a 4 shot panorama.
As I write this the rain is pouring down so it looks like today might be a blank photography wise but you never know. Yesterday evening as we were driving back home from Cape Cornwall, the scenic route along the north coast road, some beautiful light suddenly appeared on the cliffs in the distance. A quick dash to park up and another dash down a track to the coast path gave me a view along the cliffs to Bosigran. The image below is a 4 shot panorama.
Thursday 29th September:
Some real Autumn weather today, rain, dramatic clouds and spells of sunshine. With big seas predicted we should have all the best photography conditions in place by the weekend. This afternoon we drove up to Cape Cornwall and settled down on the south facing slope of the headland. Here we were out of the wind and I could use the chimney as a focal point to capture some moving clouds with exposures of 60 seconds. There is also a good view out to the Brisons and towards Lands End. As the rain came we retreated to the car but still getting wet on the way. We arrived back at the car just as some nice light appeared out to sea and on the side of the Cape-the handheld panorama was 7 images taken from next to the car, as was the one colour image.
Some real Autumn weather today, rain, dramatic clouds and spells of sunshine. With big seas predicted we should have all the best photography conditions in place by the weekend. This afternoon we drove up to Cape Cornwall and settled down on the south facing slope of the headland. Here we were out of the wind and I could use the chimney as a focal point to capture some moving clouds with exposures of 60 seconds. There is also a good view out to the Brisons and towards Lands End. As the rain came we retreated to the car but still getting wet on the way. We arrived back at the car just as some nice light appeared out to sea and on the side of the Cape-the handheld panorama was 7 images taken from next to the car, as was the one colour image.
A look behind the scenes by Alison
Wednesday 28th September:
A second trip of the week down to Porthchapel Beach. Rain clouds were threatening all around but we escaped it all and down below the cliffs it was out of the wind and really warm. The sea had moments of calm followed by sets of swells that ran up the beach. With the wind getting up and swinging to the south it will certainly be a lot rougher over the weekend.
A second trip of the week down to Porthchapel Beach. Rain clouds were threatening all around but we escaped it all and down below the cliffs it was out of the wind and really warm. The sea had moments of calm followed by sets of swells that ran up the beach. With the wind getting up and swinging to the south it will certainly be a lot rougher over the weekend.
Tuesday Afternoon/Evening:
As predicted by lunchtime it was pouring down. I kept looking at the forecast in hope rather than expectation but when I looked for the umpteenth time it said there would be a much drier hour at 4 o'clock. We quickly got ready and drove out to Sennen Harbour as at least there we would be near the car. Just as forecast, as we arrived, the rain stopped and at the same time the coming tide started to send waves over the breakwater. It remained dark, grey and misty but this made for some nice b&w images. As always I searched around for some slightly different compositions.
As predicted by lunchtime it was pouring down. I kept looking at the forecast in hope rather than expectation but when I looked for the umpteenth time it said there would be a much drier hour at 4 o'clock. We quickly got ready and drove out to Sennen Harbour as at least there we would be near the car. Just as forecast, as we arrived, the rain stopped and at the same time the coming tide started to send waves over the breakwater. It remained dark, grey and misty but this made for some nice b&w images. As always I searched around for some slightly different compositions.
Tuesday 27th September:
Rain forecast by lunchtime so I made the effort to get up and out for sunrise. Lots of heavy cloud around which hid the sunrise but for a hour the clouds meant ever changing light as the sun found openings. The Scillonian loading cargo and passengers unloading their cars. High tide but the dock gates closed as the electrical circuitry is being replaced. As an aside-can you identify the flag?
Rain forecast by lunchtime so I made the effort to get up and out for sunrise. Lots of heavy cloud around which hid the sunrise but for a hour the clouds meant ever changing light as the sun found openings. The Scillonian loading cargo and passengers unloading their cars. High tide but the dock gates closed as the electrical circuitry is being replaced. As an aside-can you identify the flag?
Monday 26th September:
An interesting two hours or more down at Porthchapel Beach this afternoon, almost completely out of the strong northerly wind. The beach has changed a lot since my last visit. Where there were rocks over two metres high there is now clean sand as the beach has become much steeper. The light kept changing all the time, one minute harsh sunshine the next dark and grey. Rain squalls passing out to sea but it mostly stayed dry where I was. The sea is building with some really big waves forecast for the next few days. A real selection of images below as I played around with different compositions, shutter speeds, colour and monochrome.
An interesting two hours or more down at Porthchapel Beach this afternoon, almost completely out of the strong northerly wind. The beach has changed a lot since my last visit. Where there were rocks over two metres high there is now clean sand as the beach has become much steeper. The light kept changing all the time, one minute harsh sunshine the next dark and grey. Rain squalls passing out to sea but it mostly stayed dry where I was. The sea is building with some really big waves forecast for the next few days. A real selection of images below as I played around with different compositions, shutter speeds, colour and monochrome.
Sunday 25th September:
Just an evening wander around the broccoli fields near Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. No great light and no dramatic sunset colour but an interesting view of the Mount. Hopefully the trees will take on some Autumn colour although Cornwall tends to be too mild for great Autumn photography.
Just an evening wander around the broccoli fields near Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. No great light and no dramatic sunset colour but an interesting view of the Mount. Hopefully the trees will take on some Autumn colour although Cornwall tends to be too mild for great Autumn photography.
Saturday 24th September:
A morning visit to Penberth Cove (much used in Poldark). Mostly cloudy but patches of blue appearing regularly on the brisk northerly wind. A few visitors just passing through while walking the coastal footpath.
Fujifilm XT-3 18-135mm Lens.
A morning visit to Penberth Cove (much used in Poldark). Mostly cloudy but patches of blue appearing regularly on the brisk northerly wind. A few visitors just passing through while walking the coastal footpath.
Fujifilm XT-3 18-135mm Lens.
Friday Evening:
A black and white photo walk on a bright and breezy evening. No prizes for guessing where!
Fujifilm XE-1 16mm F/1.4 lens
A black and white photo walk on a bright and breezy evening. No prizes for guessing where!
Fujifilm XE-1 16mm F/1.4 lens
Friday 23rd September:
Another dawn trip over to Marazion, still seeking that perfect sunrise. As sunrise time arrived there was no sign of light as grey clouds lined the horizon. It wasn't until 45 minutes later that the sun was high enough to break over the clouds but of course by then the light was quite harsh.
Another dawn trip over to Marazion, still seeking that perfect sunrise. As sunrise time arrived there was no sign of light as grey clouds lined the horizon. It wasn't until 45 minutes later that the sun was high enough to break over the clouds but of course by then the light was quite harsh.
Wednesday Evening:
Just as I did last night I arrived on the north coast an hour or so before sunset. This time I drove down the Nanquidno Valley to Nan Julian. Walking down towards the rocky cove I was happy to see a swell of three to four feet had got up during the day. The tide was going out so I scrambled out onto a reef that gave me views along the cliffs to Cape Cornwall. The sun wasn't as intense as last night as there some hazy cloud about. As I walked back up the cliff I took an image of the setting sun and if you compare it to last night you can see it is much more subdued.
Just as I did last night I arrived on the north coast an hour or so before sunset. This time I drove down the Nanquidno Valley to Nan Julian. Walking down towards the rocky cove I was happy to see a swell of three to four feet had got up during the day. The tide was going out so I scrambled out onto a reef that gave me views along the cliffs to Cape Cornwall. The sun wasn't as intense as last night as there some hazy cloud about. As I walked back up the cliff I took an image of the setting sun and if you compare it to last night you can see it is much more subdued.
Wednesday 21st September:
Down in Marazion well before sunrise this morning. A few clouds to add some interest and catch the pink light and a light offshore breeze giving them a bit of movement. I made my way out to the east of the causeway so that I could use the pools and gullies to find reflections. Several photographers on the causeway getting in each others way but I was on my own out on the rocks. Most of the images I shot are about thirty seconds just to smooth the water and help the reflection. At the end I took the camera off the tripod and searched around for something slightly different as in the last image below.
After I'd finished had a good chat with a photographer from South Africa who is thinking about relocating to the U.K.
The images below are in the order they were taken with the black and white well before the sun appeared above the hills to the east.
Down in Marazion well before sunrise this morning. A few clouds to add some interest and catch the pink light and a light offshore breeze giving them a bit of movement. I made my way out to the east of the causeway so that I could use the pools and gullies to find reflections. Several photographers on the causeway getting in each others way but I was on my own out on the rocks. Most of the images I shot are about thirty seconds just to smooth the water and help the reflection. At the end I took the camera off the tripod and searched around for something slightly different as in the last image below.
After I'd finished had a good chat with a photographer from South Africa who is thinking about relocating to the U.K.
The images below are in the order they were taken with the black and white well before the sun appeared above the hills to the east.
Tuesday 20th September:
Very little wind, very little cloud, lots of sun and a flat calm sea. An hour and a half before sunset I was up on the north coast walking a section of the coast path I've been on many times when going fishing but never to take photographs.The golden light intensified as sunset approached just as it had two nights ago. I ended up a mile or more west of Bosigran looking along the cliffs towards Gurnard's Head. The sunset image was taken from next to the car up on the road. Never saw another soul for the whole evening.
Very little wind, very little cloud, lots of sun and a flat calm sea. An hour and a half before sunset I was up on the north coast walking a section of the coast path I've been on many times when going fishing but never to take photographs.The golden light intensified as sunset approached just as it had two nights ago. I ended up a mile or more west of Bosigran looking along the cliffs towards Gurnard's Head. The sunset image was taken from next to the car up on the road. Never saw another soul for the whole evening.
Monday 19th September:
After admiring the precision and spectacle of the Queen's Funeral we went up to Pendeen Lighthouse for the sunset. When we arrived it looked promising with a large cloud gap along the horizon. where the sun would soon appear and light up the coastline to the west. I went down the cliffs as far as I could and set up a composition, took a couple of images to check exposure and then sat waiting for the light with Alison on the rocks above me. Unfortunately it was one of those occasions where the sun and clouds seem to sink at the same speed and the light just never happened, a pink glow was as good as it got. Below are my two test images, just to show the scene, one in colour the other black and white.
After admiring the precision and spectacle of the Queen's Funeral we went up to Pendeen Lighthouse for the sunset. When we arrived it looked promising with a large cloud gap along the horizon. where the sun would soon appear and light up the coastline to the west. I went down the cliffs as far as I could and set up a composition, took a couple of images to check exposure and then sat waiting for the light with Alison on the rocks above me. Unfortunately it was one of those occasions where the sun and clouds seem to sink at the same speed and the light just never happened, a pink glow was as good as it got. Below are my two test images, just to show the scene, one in colour the other black and white.
Sunday 18th September:
An evening stroll in the sunshine along Marazion Beach. Much quieter now that we're well into September and the sun setting at a much more sociable hour. Always plenty happening here especially when the tide is low and the weather warm. As well as my own images included below is another photograph sent to me by Duncan Steward who I met last week on a dawn shoot just around the corner.
An evening stroll in the sunshine along Marazion Beach. Much quieter now that we're well into September and the sun setting at a much more sociable hour. Always plenty happening here especially when the tide is low and the weather warm. As well as my own images included below is another photograph sent to me by Duncan Steward who I met last week on a dawn shoot just around the corner.
Saturday Evening:
After tea we drove up to Bosigran and wandered across the fields to the top of Commando Ridge. The light on the cliffs was already quite good and at that point I took the panorama below. As the sun got lower the golden light became more and more intense until just before sunset the golden hue was almost too much to be believable.
After tea we drove up to Bosigran and wandered across the fields to the top of Commando Ridge. The light on the cliffs was already quite good and at that point I took the panorama below. As the sun got lower the golden light became more and more intense until just before sunset the golden hue was almost too much to be believable.
Saturday 17th September:
Not a cloud in the sky this morning as I drove over to Marazion well before sunrise. It was really chilly with a slight northerly breeze, had to put my jacket and hat on. On the radio I heard there were the first frosts of the year further upcountry. The tide was just covering the last 50 metres of the causeway when I arrived and just a hint of pink in the cloudless sky. While I was there got chatting to a lovely young couple, she was from Turkey and he was from Poland. Globalisation in action!
Without some clouds the sunrise was short lived, lighting the Mount but then getting far too harsh very quickly. Lovely time of day to be out though. Colour and black and white below.
Not a cloud in the sky this morning as I drove over to Marazion well before sunrise. It was really chilly with a slight northerly breeze, had to put my jacket and hat on. On the radio I heard there were the first frosts of the year further upcountry. The tide was just covering the last 50 metres of the causeway when I arrived and just a hint of pink in the cloudless sky. While I was there got chatting to a lovely young couple, she was from Turkey and he was from Poland. Globalisation in action!
Without some clouds the sunrise was short lived, lighting the Mount but then getting far too harsh very quickly. Lovely time of day to be out though. Colour and black and white below.
Friday 16th September:
A return afternoon visit to Pedn Vounder on another bright and sunny afternoon. A lot more people, with a lot less clothes, on the beach today and even I wore my shorts so I could get into the water.
Certainly a summer look to the scene with vivid blue skies and only a few puffy clouds. Below are three square cropped images edited in colour with the rest in black and white. I'm looking forward to spending some time on this beach during the Autumn and winter when there's drama in the sky and the sea.
A return afternoon visit to Pedn Vounder on another bright and sunny afternoon. A lot more people, with a lot less clothes, on the beach today and even I wore my shorts so I could get into the water.
Certainly a summer look to the scene with vivid blue skies and only a few puffy clouds. Below are three square cropped images edited in colour with the rest in black and white. I'm looking forward to spending some time on this beach during the Autumn and winter when there's drama in the sky and the sea.
Thursday Afternoon:
A climb down the steep path to Pedn Vounder Beach this afternoon-a few naturists about but I tried not to look. The tide was well out with the light coming and going on the sand and cliffs. Lovely sand patterns but also lots of footprints but by keeping the camera almost resting on the sand I was able to hide most of them. Alison stayed at the top sketching and there she met Dave, who I spoke to later. He is a very experienced photographer from California and there he lectures on black and white and infrared photography. He uses Fujifilm cameras including a converted XT-30 for infrared. While I was talking to him he was using a pinhole camera, developing all his own black and white work. Next stop for him on his tour is Snowdonia-he's pictured below.
Below I have again created two galleries and I must say I'm getting more and more pushed towards monochrome. Perhaps Dave will send me some of his lecture notes!
A climb down the steep path to Pedn Vounder Beach this afternoon-a few naturists about but I tried not to look. The tide was well out with the light coming and going on the sand and cliffs. Lovely sand patterns but also lots of footprints but by keeping the camera almost resting on the sand I was able to hide most of them. Alison stayed at the top sketching and there she met Dave, who I spoke to later. He is a very experienced photographer from California and there he lectures on black and white and infrared photography. He uses Fujifilm cameras including a converted XT-30 for infrared. While I was talking to him he was using a pinhole camera, developing all his own black and white work. Next stop for him on his tour is Snowdonia-he's pictured below.
Below I have again created two galleries and I must say I'm getting more and more pushed towards monochrome. Perhaps Dave will send me some of his lecture notes!
.........and now for some colour
Thursday 15th September:
An early morning walk along the seafront to the harbour. Two galleries below-a colour gallery just of things that caught my attention and a black and white gallery of the floating dock and the process of opening the gate to let boats/ships in and out. Can only be opened at high tide of course.
An early morning walk along the seafront to the harbour. Two galleries below-a colour gallery just of things that caught my attention and a black and white gallery of the floating dock and the process of opening the gate to let boats/ships in and out. Can only be opened at high tide of course.
"Open the gate please, I want to get out"
Wednesday 14th September:
Bright and windy after some early rain. Not the best of conditions for middle of the day photography but having driven along the coast from Penzance to past Marazion we settled on a section of the beach between Long Rock and Marazion. Here there were some good waves and with the wind coming off the land the top of the surf was being blown backwards.
The harsh light meant some washed out colour so I've processed most in b&w with just a couple in colour where I feel it helps the composition. All handheld today using the little Fujifilm XT-30.
Bright and windy after some early rain. Not the best of conditions for middle of the day photography but having driven along the coast from Penzance to past Marazion we settled on a section of the beach between Long Rock and Marazion. Here there were some good waves and with the wind coming off the land the top of the surf was being blown backwards.
The harsh light meant some washed out colour so I've processed most in b&w with just a couple in colour where I feel it helps the composition. All handheld today using the little Fujifilm XT-30.
Tuesday Afternoon:
Out in the rain, near home, at low spring tide with that it must be November feeling. Very quiet, just a few people walking dogs, a man digging bait and a few older visitors, who have waited for the children to go back to school before venturing down on holiday. Yet another poor gannet sitting on the rocks waiting to die from Avian Flu. and nothing I or anyone else can do for it.
Out in the rain, near home, at low spring tide with that it must be November feeling. Very quiet, just a few people walking dogs, a man digging bait and a few older visitors, who have waited for the children to go back to school before venturing down on holiday. Yet another poor gannet sitting on the rocks waiting to die from Avian Flu. and nothing I or anyone else can do for it.
Tuesday 13th September:
An early morning walk around Penzance Harbour with an old Fujifilm XE-1 and two prime lenses. It was very grey with spots of rain and the camera was set to black and white. Very sad to see several dead gannets floating around in different areas of the harbour and one poor gannet on the slipway. Every now and again he/she would lift their head but then put it back under their wing. Life going on around it, people swimming, the Scillonian loading, dredger dredging and traffic passing a few feet away.
An early morning walk around Penzance Harbour with an old Fujifilm XE-1 and two prime lenses. It was very grey with spots of rain and the camera was set to black and white. Very sad to see several dead gannets floating around in different areas of the harbour and one poor gannet on the slipway. Every now and again he/she would lift their head but then put it back under their wing. Life going on around it, people swimming, the Scillonian loading, dredger dredging and traffic passing a few feet away.
Monday 12th September:
What an interesting and totally unplanned afternoon today. I left home after lunch heading for Hayle Estuary but as I was leaving Penzance I could see how far out the tide was and how still the bay looked. As it was I only travelled two miles to Long Rock.
As I drove in to the car park I could see two horses about to pass in front of the Mount and quickly jumped out and put a long lens on the camera and managed to grab the two images below-notice on one of them all four legs of one horse are off the ground. Thinking that was it as far as horses were concerned I put my wellies on and went down to the spring tide low water mark and set about playing about with long exposures and black and white. Glancing behind I saw two more horses approaching but not in the right place for images."Any chance you could ride in front of me along this stream?" They were more than happy to. "Can you turn around and do the same route back towards me?" They kindly did that for me as well. Thank you.
Speaking to Anna and Felicia she told me they were part of "Cornwall Swimming Horses", which I've now looked up. Have a look yourself, especially the youtube video-looks brilliant. www.cornwallswimminghorses.co.uk/
If Annah or Felicia reads this please contact me if you would like me to send you the images or do a print for you. Because it was such a grey afternoon my images are mostly black and white but I have included some colour versions of the horses.
What an interesting and totally unplanned afternoon today. I left home after lunch heading for Hayle Estuary but as I was leaving Penzance I could see how far out the tide was and how still the bay looked. As it was I only travelled two miles to Long Rock.
As I drove in to the car park I could see two horses about to pass in front of the Mount and quickly jumped out and put a long lens on the camera and managed to grab the two images below-notice on one of them all four legs of one horse are off the ground. Thinking that was it as far as horses were concerned I put my wellies on and went down to the spring tide low water mark and set about playing about with long exposures and black and white. Glancing behind I saw two more horses approaching but not in the right place for images."Any chance you could ride in front of me along this stream?" They were more than happy to. "Can you turn around and do the same route back towards me?" They kindly did that for me as well. Thank you.
Speaking to Anna and Felicia she told me they were part of "Cornwall Swimming Horses", which I've now looked up. Have a look yourself, especially the youtube video-looks brilliant. www.cornwallswimminghorses.co.uk/
If Annah or Felicia reads this please contact me if you would like me to send you the images or do a print for you. Because it was such a grey afternoon my images are mostly black and white but I have included some colour versions of the horses.
Sunday 11th September:
For the first time in ages I didn't manage to get out today, although I did end up taking a lot of photos at an angling awards night I went to.
On the dawn shoot at Marazion two days ago I mentioned that I'd met and had a chat with Duncan Steward an experienced photographer from Bath. Well I had an email from Duncan today and he kindly sent me two of the excellent images he took. Thank you Duncan , the images are below. I like the way we have a hint of sunrise light from the east with the moody dark clouds above the Mount. For those who may be interested Duncan was using a full frame Nikon mirrored camera-a D780 if I remember correctly.
For the first time in ages I didn't manage to get out today, although I did end up taking a lot of photos at an angling awards night I went to.
On the dawn shoot at Marazion two days ago I mentioned that I'd met and had a chat with Duncan Steward an experienced photographer from Bath. Well I had an email from Duncan today and he kindly sent me two of the excellent images he took. Thank you Duncan , the images are below. I like the way we have a hint of sunrise light from the east with the moody dark clouds above the Mount. For those who may be interested Duncan was using a full frame Nikon mirrored camera-a D780 if I remember correctly.
Saturday Evening:
Sunset was at 7.45pm and moonrise at 8.15pm. As we drove out of Penzance to witness the moonrise at Marazion there was a lot of cloud cover so we weren't hopeful.We actually parked at Long Rock car park watching a clear patch of sky moving towards where the moon was due to appear. Luckily for us the moon appeared and we had a thirty minute window to see the light develop before the clouds slowly hid the scene.
Sunset was at 7.45pm and moonrise at 8.15pm. As we drove out of Penzance to witness the moonrise at Marazion there was a lot of cloud cover so we weren't hopeful.We actually parked at Long Rock car park watching a clear patch of sky moving towards where the moon was due to appear. Luckily for us the moon appeared and we had a thirty minute window to see the light develop before the clouds slowly hid the scene.
Saturday 10th September:
Over in Marazion long before sunrise this morning. High tide, only the gentlest of breezes and the sunrise looked promising. Unfortunately as the sun rose the clouds in the east built and despite there being some gaps they kept moving ahead of the sun and the sun never caught up. Looking west towards Penzance and Newlyn the light was lovely but where I was it remained grey apart from a touch of pink edging the clouds. There was definition in the clouds which still made for some acceptable images-worth getting out of bed for at least.
The other plus point this morning was that I met Duncan down on one of his regular visits from Bath, a much more experienced photographer than me. While waiting for the sun to appear we had a good chat about photography and photography gear that we might like but can't afford and don't really need anyway. Hopefully Duncan will send me one or two images that he captured this morning.
As usual I had my camera set to black and white (Fuji Acros + Red Filter) and the first images below are the Fuji Jpegs. I'll also post a few colour versions later but it was very grey so got a feeling I will prefer the b&w. Actually now I've posted them I quite like both.
This landing stage is fenced off at the moment, we didn't know why to begin with but if you look at the last image you can see the reason. Last week's easterly winds and big seas have damaged the middle of the
walkway- repairs needed quickly before an Autumn storm arrives I think.
Over in Marazion long before sunrise this morning. High tide, only the gentlest of breezes and the sunrise looked promising. Unfortunately as the sun rose the clouds in the east built and despite there being some gaps they kept moving ahead of the sun and the sun never caught up. Looking west towards Penzance and Newlyn the light was lovely but where I was it remained grey apart from a touch of pink edging the clouds. There was definition in the clouds which still made for some acceptable images-worth getting out of bed for at least.
The other plus point this morning was that I met Duncan down on one of his regular visits from Bath, a much more experienced photographer than me. While waiting for the sun to appear we had a good chat about photography and photography gear that we might like but can't afford and don't really need anyway. Hopefully Duncan will send me one or two images that he captured this morning.
As usual I had my camera set to black and white (Fuji Acros + Red Filter) and the first images below are the Fuji Jpegs. I'll also post a few colour versions later but it was very grey so got a feeling I will prefer the b&w. Actually now I've posted them I quite like both.
This landing stage is fenced off at the moment, we didn't know why to begin with but if you look at the last image you can see the reason. Last week's easterly winds and big seas have damaged the middle of the
walkway- repairs needed quickly before an Autumn storm arrives I think.
Friday 9th September:
A much brighter day with the odd downpour making everyone run for cover. Very windy from the north west so this afternoon we just popped over to the rocks between Newlyn and Mousehole. The sun was shining and here it was largely sheltered making it feel quite warm, the light was too bright really but just wanted to be out.
A couple of people swimming and a couple fishing. I actually went with the plan to shoot the sea movement on the rocks and in the gulleys but it was just too calm. I ended up mostly focussing my attention across the bay with a long lens to St Michael's Mount and the passing boat traffic.
A much brighter day with the odd downpour making everyone run for cover. Very windy from the north west so this afternoon we just popped over to the rocks between Newlyn and Mousehole. The sun was shining and here it was largely sheltered making it feel quite warm, the light was too bright really but just wanted to be out.
A couple of people swimming and a couple fishing. I actually went with the plan to shoot the sea movement on the rocks and in the gulleys but it was just too calm. I ended up mostly focussing my attention across the bay with a long lens to St Michael's Mount and the passing boat traffic.
Thursday Evening:
We had some real downpours through the day but it was predicted to dry up for a couple of hours during the early evening so we drove down to Porthcurno. Another half hour waiting for the rain to stop and then we made our way down to the beach. A few waves, some sun on Logan Rock and quite a few visitors including a lovely young couple we spoke to who are pictured below. Images of them taken by both Alison and myself.
Just looking forward to a real storm now-have a peek at the Porthcurno page for some past storm images.
We had some real downpours through the day but it was predicted to dry up for a couple of hours during the early evening so we drove down to Porthcurno. Another half hour waiting for the rain to stop and then we made our way down to the beach. A few waves, some sun on Logan Rock and quite a few visitors including a lovely young couple we spoke to who are pictured below. Images of them taken by both Alison and myself.
Just looking forward to a real storm now-have a peek at the Porthcurno page for some past storm images.
Thursday 8th September:
Just as yesterday I found myself, before sunrise, sitting in the car waiting for the latest heavy shower to pass. This time I was in the car park at Long Rock Beach, about half a mile further to the west from yesterday. Plenty of weed on the beach from the rough seas and some dramatic clouds flying past, no real sunrise but still some interesting light coming through the gaps.
Just as yesterday I found myself, before sunrise, sitting in the car waiting for the latest heavy shower to pass. This time I was in the car park at Long Rock Beach, about half a mile further to the west from yesterday. Plenty of weed on the beach from the rough seas and some dramatic clouds flying past, no real sunrise but still some interesting light coming through the gaps.
Wednesday 7th September:
With the wind blowing from the south there are some rough conditions in Mounts Bay at the moment and to take advantage I went over to Marazion this morning just before sunrise. After waiting in the car for a heavy shower to pass I went down onto the beach below the Station Car Park. There were clouds to the east that hid the actual sunrise and it was quite dark for a while with just the edge of a large cloud catching the light. Later a few cracks enabled some light to hit the waves for a couple of short periods. The sun never managed to hit St Michaels Mount but the waves had some lovely light on them. I spent an hour standing in the water dodging the bigger waves and getting most of my images from low to the water surface. After this the clouds to the east thickened and the light disappeared so off home for my porridge. The images below are in the order they were taken.
With the wind blowing from the south there are some rough conditions in Mounts Bay at the moment and to take advantage I went over to Marazion this morning just before sunrise. After waiting in the car for a heavy shower to pass I went down onto the beach below the Station Car Park. There were clouds to the east that hid the actual sunrise and it was quite dark for a while with just the edge of a large cloud catching the light. Later a few cracks enabled some light to hit the waves for a couple of short periods. The sun never managed to hit St Michaels Mount but the waves had some lovely light on them. I spent an hour standing in the water dodging the bigger waves and getting most of my images from low to the water surface. After this the clouds to the east thickened and the light disappeared so off home for my porridge. The images below are in the order they were taken.
Tuesday 6th September:
Rain all day and it wasn't until evening that I went out, hoping the rain would hold off for an hour. I set off towards Marazion but only got part the way there as I suddenly had an urge to stop at the three tunnels on the outskirts of Penzance. The tide was just out far enough to go through the tunnels and onto the sand although the waves did wash over it every now and again. It was actually quite dark by the time I set up, except for one moment of sun on the Scillonian. I wasn't keen on changing lenses standing in water and with a fine mist around so stuck with the very wide angle zoom. In retrospect a more telephoto lens may have been better as the background view along the beach becomes very small and distant.
Rain all day and it wasn't until evening that I went out, hoping the rain would hold off for an hour. I set off towards Marazion but only got part the way there as I suddenly had an urge to stop at the three tunnels on the outskirts of Penzance. The tide was just out far enough to go through the tunnels and onto the sand although the waves did wash over it every now and again. It was actually quite dark by the time I set up, except for one moment of sun on the Scillonian. I wasn't keen on changing lenses standing in water and with a fine mist around so stuck with the very wide angle zoom. In retrospect a more telephoto lens may have been better as the background view along the beach becomes very small and distant.
Monday 5th September:
Welcome rain after lunch but forecast to clear some time after six o'clock and with this in mind we drove down to Godrevy. For the first half hour we sat in the car as the rain poured down. Looking to the west we could see the line of clear weather on it's way and it wasn't long before we were down on the beach. Straight out to sea the the sun lit up the clouds, the dunes lit up behind me but behind the lighthouse it remained grey and uninteresting. Not quite the spectacular end to the day we were hoping for but very nice nonetheless.
Welcome rain after lunch but forecast to clear some time after six o'clock and with this in mind we drove down to Godrevy. For the first half hour we sat in the car as the rain poured down. Looking to the west we could see the line of clear weather on it's way and it wasn't long before we were down on the beach. Straight out to sea the the sun lit up the clouds, the dunes lit up behind me but behind the lighthouse it remained grey and uninteresting. Not quite the spectacular end to the day we were hoping for but very nice nonetheless.
Monday 5th September:
Seafront sunrise after a rough and windy night. Autumn is here!
Seafront sunrise after a rough and windy night. Autumn is here!
Sunday Late Afternoon:
Some sunshine up at Pendeen but clouds building all the time. The sky looked like a cloud text book with every type scudding along all at the same time. I ended up down at sea level half a mile or so west of the lighthouse where there was just enough swell to give a bit of movement over the reefs. The images below have shutter speeds varying between 1/500th second and 30 seconds. I looked at the colour versions but they seemed a bit washed out to me and I much prefer the black & white.
Have a look for the faces or creatures in the sky of the last image.
Some sunshine up at Pendeen but clouds building all the time. The sky looked like a cloud text book with every type scudding along all at the same time. I ended up down at sea level half a mile or so west of the lighthouse where there was just enough swell to give a bit of movement over the reefs. The images below have shutter speeds varying between 1/500th second and 30 seconds. I looked at the colour versions but they seemed a bit washed out to me and I much prefer the black & white.
Have a look for the faces or creatures in the sky of the last image.
Sunday 4th September:
The promenade is back to normal, no chip boxes and a covering of seaweed as the waves have picked up overnight. Really heavy rain through the night, the seafront has had a good wash and it certainly needed it. Only glimpses of the sun at dawn but some good clouds speeding across the bay on a brisk southerly wind. I might have a look at the coloured versions later.
The promenade is back to normal, no chip boxes and a covering of seaweed as the waves have picked up overnight. Really heavy rain through the night, the seafront has had a good wash and it certainly needed it. Only glimpses of the sun at dawn but some good clouds speeding across the bay on a brisk southerly wind. I might have a look at the coloured versions later.
Saturday 3rd September:
It poured with rain all day (lovely) but by late afternoon. although it stayed dark and grey, the rain stopped. We drove up to Cape Cornwall to find an empty car park and I must admit it felt more like November. It was really nice to wander around on our own, with clouds above and not be seeking the shade from 30+ degrees. I think now until January is the best time of year.
It poured with rain all day (lovely) but by late afternoon. although it stayed dark and grey, the rain stopped. We drove up to Cape Cornwall to find an empty car park and I must admit it felt more like November. It was really nice to wander around on our own, with clouds above and not be seeking the shade from 30+ degrees. I think now until January is the best time of year.
Friday 2nd September:
I went for a walk this morning, as I usually do, taking my camera with me just in case. Down on the beach a few yards from my house I took a couple of quite ordinary images just because I was there really. Sunrise came and went with just a bit of pink in the sky as a band of hazy grey cloud blocked the sun. Twenty minutes after the official sunrise the sun suddenly appeared through and above the haze but it didn't look like the sun. If you didn't know you could easily have thought it was a full moon rising. The light for the next half hour was really strange but gorgeous at the same time. lots of joggers and people on the way to work stopping to take images on their phones.
I went for a walk this morning, as I usually do, taking my camera with me just in case. Down on the beach a few yards from my house I took a couple of quite ordinary images just because I was there really. Sunrise came and went with just a bit of pink in the sky as a band of hazy grey cloud blocked the sun. Twenty minutes after the official sunrise the sun suddenly appeared through and above the haze but it didn't look like the sun. If you didn't know you could easily have thought it was a full moon rising. The light for the next half hour was really strange but gorgeous at the same time. lots of joggers and people on the way to work stopping to take images on their phones.
Thursday September 1st:
Postcards from Porthleven on a sunny morning with that feeling of the last few days of holiday and one last crabbing session and a pasty before the long journey home. School uniforms to get ready, haircuts to have and a brand new Cornwall pencil case for the new school term.
Postcards from Porthleven on a sunny morning with that feeling of the last few days of holiday and one last crabbing session and a pasty before the long journey home. School uniforms to get ready, haircuts to have and a brand new Cornwall pencil case for the new school term.