This is one of my recent experiments with ‘negative space’ – that is, allowing a small but important detail in a photo to be set against a large plain (or consistent) background, so as to make a statement. Here, the statement is about late summer; just a handful of poppies in a wheat field about to be harvested. One without the other would not have conveyed the message.
I love the challenge: How do you make a photo say ‘rain’ in an inspiring way? It isn’t easy. This shot was taken as evening was drawing in, and the rain had not long started. The old buildings (once stables, with accommodation for grooms and other staff) seemed to combine with the weather and time of day to give a moody, but intriguing effect.
I found this scene when I was looking at my father’s front hedge, yesterday. The amazing thing – to me – was how so many caterpillars had confined themselves to to few leaves!
One wet evening, when noboby else was around in this part of the park, I just stopped to capture this arrargement of shape and line.
Thousands of people walk through here, on a pleasant Saturday or Sunday. How many notice, I wonder?
Yesterday (Saturday) gave me the chance to escape into the countryside, where the warm weather had brought these little creatures out in force!
High light levels make it easier to photograph them, as it is then possible to use a fast shutter setting and a small aperture; depth of field – the distance zone which will be in focus – is mush shallower at these close focusing settings.
You’ll notice these two bees were happy to share one flower; maybe humans have a bit to learn!
Once again, this shot is from a visit to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Wirkworth, Derbyshire. The unusual perspective here was only possible to obtain because a) the loco was coupled to the coach by its front (smoke-box) end, and b) the coach in use had a glazed door at the end. you’ll notice there is very little smoke; this is because this shot was taken while travelling down a steep incline, so very little power is required. Just an hour earlier, I had the experience of riding on the footplate of this same loco!
On one evening last week, I caught sight of this tree. I’ve seen it many times before, but not lit like this. The endless changes in natural light can cause many fascinating effects that are just waiting to be noticed; it doesn’t happen to order – we just have to keep our eyes open!
Yesterday, I succumbed once again to my addiction to the aroma of coal smoke and hot lubricating oil. Here, at Wirksworth, Derbyshire, the Henry Ellison takes the last trip of the day to Ravenstor. In the last few seconds of waiting to depart, her boiler pressure hit the maximum, so she was blowing off steam from the safety valve as she pulled away!
Saying “I like roses” is a bit like saying “I live in England.” Just as there are so many places in England, there are so many types of roses! This one is native to the Far East, but grows well in Britain. Known as Rosa Rugosa, it is easy to recognise by its thin, paper-like petals and sweetish scent. It also comes in white and pale pink varieties.
This week, I’m posting this picture to celebrate my visit to London for the first time in, erm, let’s just say, several years…! The City of London itself, of course, is just one square mile, in the middle of what we country folk think of as ‘London’ – with its own police force!
As for Britmums Live, we’ll come to that, later!
