Some images from a day spent shooting new spring growth on the Beech trees in local woodland (there’s also a shot of a Hornbeam that slipped its way into the mix…)
Bluebells, Foxley wood, Norfolk.
I came here a few weeks ago after a google search for bluebell woodland in Norfolk. The skies were black, thunder clapped around shaking the ground as the rain hammered down heavy and hard. With the raincoat on, hood up, and water dripping from the tip of my nose, I set of into the woodland to find a few suitable compositions.
During that rather wet location recce, it was obvious that a large carpet of bluebells were due to develop over the coming weeks. Yesterday, with the spring foliage forming the perfect acid green canopy, I knew the bluebells would be at their best. I wasn’t to be disappointed.
Rapeseed and Rainbows, Norfolk
I shot the Rapeseed field near St Andrews Church, West Bradenham a while ago. It was was raining throughout, but provided a good heavy sky to the scene, contrasting nicely against the strong yellow of the Rapeseed.
I finally got round to processing the images last night, just as the heavens opened outside. The sun shone its warm glow and produced a complete rainbow right outside the window. Hammering down with rain, I grabbed the camera and leant out of the window to photograph the Oak tree at one end and the Cherry tree at the other. Both from the comfort of my own home; who said nature doesn’t come to you…
Abseiling, Stanage Edge, Peak District.
It was a rather bleak day, cold and with a bitter wind that battered us up on Stanage Edge. Layered up and bracing myself against the buffeting, the ability to get a steady shot was then met with rain and hail, both of which soaking the camera as I continued to shoot, only stoping to wipe the lens in between shots… fortunately the camera still works!
Spring has sprung
I love this time of year when all of the new growth springs into life (no pun intended). The buds are breaking into blossom on the Plum and Pear trees in the garden, and the local woodlands grow greener by the day. In particular the Hornbeam was laden with new leaves. I’ve found a great spot for Bluebells, although they’re not quite out yet, so I’ll pop back in a week or so. Nearby there was a good covering of white Wood Anenome though.
Outdoor Gear
Thought I’d spend the afternoon working on some fabric shots of waterproof outdoor gear. Fortunately it rained quite hard the last time I wore the waterproof jacket, so it was in a fairly clean and photographically friendly condition. All taken in natural light and with the help of a Lastolite TriGrip Difflector. The water droplets were applied using a small plant sprayer.
Peak District, February 2012.
A selection of images from last weeks trip to the Peak District. I came away with a good selection of images and even found some new locations to go back to later in the year when there’s a splash of autumnal colour.
All in all the weather was dry, and despite the cloud, there were good sunny spells. There was even one blue sky day with high altitude clouds adding some interest to the sky. The combination of blue skies and white clouds inevitably meant that I wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to shoot black and white, adding red and yellow filters in post production for a stark result.
The Quay and Great River Ouse, Kings Lynn, Norfolk.
Perfect late afternoon light saw me walking through from the town to the Quay at Kings Lynn for shots along the Great River Ouse. The distant view up the Lynn Channel was shroud in fog, but the otherwise calm water added some nice reflection to the blue sky. Back towards the Saturday Market place, it was a challenge to avoid the parked cars, yet still achieve a fairly wide composition of the Church and old Gaol House.
Off road in the forest. Thetford Forest, Norfolk.
After an overnight wintery shower, this morning saw a healthy amount of snow all around. Journey by car was not an option, but thankfully, with the help of my brother; I had a 4×4 and chauffeur for the day. We set off and photographed many of my favourite spots around the Thetford area, all of which would have been difficult or impossible to reach by car. It never fails to amaze me how a heavy layer of snow can render a familiar scene unrecognisable.