The "Rich Gift Of Lins"

In A Field To The South Of Great Glen

2012-02-01T23:20:00.000Z

In a field, just to the south of Great Glen, a lone, hollow, rather forlorn looking ash stands behind a patch of grass, ignored by the sheep that have left a myriad of criss-crossing tracks elsewhere.

On the 14th of June 1645, the decisive Battle of Naseby, between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I was fought some miles to the south in Northamptonshire. Charles was defeated and fled north to Wistow Hall, not far from here, changed horses and galloped off to Leicester. The remains of his army, were not so fortunate; the fleeing Royalists were mown down by the chasing Parliamentarian cavalry of Cromwell's forces and according to Michael Wood's The Story Of England, "the land within sight of Leicester itself was said to be littered with hundreds of Cavalier dead, scythed down from behind as they fled, pursued by a body of 'the enemyes horse and loose scowters to Great Glyn'. It had been, as one survivor noted, 'a dismall Satturday'".

The ash tree is surrounded by many myths, many of which would have been brought to these lands by Viking settlers and also left by the Celts and Druids that were subsequently displaced. Some of those beliefs would still have been subscribed to in Cromwell's days. In English folklore, the ash was believed to be able to provide both healing and protective powers; an ash staff, a scattering of ash leaves or a garter of bark could all fight off evil spirits and act as charms or cures for illnesses. Today, it's importance in culture seems to have been lost; it's often viewed as a weed, a source of second rate timber, except for sporting goods and walking sticks where it's elasticity is a welcome property.

I wondered why the sheep (of which there were quite a few in the vicinity) had chosen to leave this patch of grass, when all around the field was a closely cropped turf. Perhaps some unfortunate Cavalier had lain on this ground suffering an agonizing death, perhaps this is a sad place where the spirit of what had long since passed is mirrored by the ash. We'll never know, but in today's world, as aircraft constantly pass overhead, and cars full of people race along the nearby lanes, it's worth a thought for all the "past goings on" that have occurred though out these parts.

Public Byway To Sproxton, Open To All Traffic

2012-01-25T22:03:00.000Z

On a cold winter morning I went for a walk to the North East of Melton Mowbray. It is an area with tangle of footpaths, bridle paths, byways, field roads and green lanes; call them what you will. A look at a map reveals that our modern network of tarmac roads do not follow logical lines between villages, but are often merely the routes specified by commisioners responsible for enclosing the old field systems in the 17th and 18th centuries. The direct lines between settlements are those that the old green lanes take and because they are ancient rights of way they still exist.

Despite the crisp winter air and frozen puddles, traversing this byway was somewhat hazardous. The thick and heavy Leicestershire clay stuck to my boots and my boots stuck to the ground. Each step was accompanied with a sucking sound as my boot threatened to pull off my foot, or alternatively I gingerly slipped and slid along the deep ruts. I was glad to reach the woods where I could remove the weight of clay that had increased the size of my foot ware by at least a factor of two.

In 1555, The Highways Act was passed and the responsibility for the upkeep of the the roads placed with individual parishes. Within each village, a "Surveyor Of Highways" was elected to office and he had responsibility for ensuring that road maintenance took place. The peasants in turn were required to provide unpaid labour and their own equipment for four eight hour days every year. The effectiveness of this action was somewhat variable and dependent on the individual parish. The bottom line was that roads had sufficed for foot travelers and movement of goods on the backs of ponies, but as carts got bigger the road infrastructure was found wanting.

I was reminded of the words of one early traveller "the roads grew bad, beyond all badness". In the 17th century, many roads were simply impassible in winter for any wheeled traffic; "this road was most execrably vile with ruts" said another traveller. I had some sympathy for those folk as I precariously negotiated this particular byway, both marked on the Ordnance Survey map and local road signs as being "Open To All Traffic".

Wistow, Ridge and Furrow Medieval Field System

2012-01-20T20:23:00.000Z

Throughout much of Leicestershire, fossilized in the landscape lies the evidence of the Medieval open field systems. The non-reversible ploughs, drawn by oxen, turned over the soil in one direction (towards the middle of the ridge), year after year, along the same layout of strips within the fields. Ploughing was done clockwise around the long strips (traditionally a furlong in length) and when the plough reached the "headland" it was picked up, turned round and made ready to return along the other side of the strip. The same families would have often farmed the same strips for many generations. When the landowners enclosed their land and converted the arable land to pasture for sheep, the ridge and furrow patterns were preserved for us to see.

These particular ridges can be seen to have a slight curve to the left at the end of each strip, making each strip into a slight reverse "S" shape. This was caused by using large teams of small oxen many yards long, some of which would already be lined up to make the return trip down the strip as the plough was just reaching the strip's end.

It was late on a winter's day when I wandered over these pastures and the light from the setting sun served to clearly delineate the field patterns. A few sheep grazed in the distance, just as they would have done for the last 300 years or more since the ploughs turned over their last sods of Leicestershire clay. Along with the sheep: grass, trees and hedgerows have transformed these post enclosure areas. The open fields would have stretched for miles, from village to village, with views punctuated not with woods and spinneys, but by church steeples.

Back in the 17th century, the landowners expelled the peasants from these fields in order that farming profits could be maximized through grazing. Today and somewhat ironically, by the kind permission of the landowner, the public have been granted access to these fields for the purpose of enjoying the countryside for the purposes of leisure.

Thornton Station, Leicester And Swannington Railway

2012-01-14T13:00:00.000Z

Most Leicestershire folk are aware of the county’s preserved steam railway and tourist attraction, the Great Central Railway, but not so many realise that the third oldest railway in the world was built to carry coal from Leicester to Swannington. It opened in 1832 when the first train, hauled by the locomotive “Comet”, ran to Bagworth. At Bagworth there was an incline where the coal wagons had to be hauled up by ropes, but in 1848 this was taken out of service after an embankment was built in order to smooth out the gradient.

Near to the place where this image was made, stands a building at Thornton Hollow, it was originally the Stag and Castle Inn and served as Thornton Station. The little lane on which I was standing was the bed of the original 1832 railway. When the new embanked line was brought into service, the railway company decided not to provide a station, but after pressure from local people on the 30th July 1850 it announced “that a cheap platform on old sleepers, with steps up the embankment be made at Thornton Station”. In 1865, traffic at the makeshift station was reported as being “very trifling” and it was subsequently closed.

So far, I’ve been unable to ascertain whether these sandstone steps were the ones mentioned above, but they are clearly of some antiquity and many feet must have tramped up and down them. Even the modern day sign "Stop, look, listen, beware of the trains" at the embankment's top, just a few feet from the railway line itself, is a reminder of an incident in 1833 which occurred a very short distance from this spot. The level crossing gates at the original station had been left open and a train ran into a horse and cart. At that time, the engine driver only had a posthorn and when blown it had not been heard. No one was injured, but the Railway Company had to pay for a new horse and cart, fifty pounds of butter and eighty dozen eggs.

As a consequence of the accident, “a steam trumpet, blown by the full force of the locomotive’s boiler” was designed and then made by a Leicester instrument manufacturer; the first steam locomotive whistle being thus created.

The making of this image has been a very satisfying experience. I wandered out of the house one day at Xmas, just for a couple of hours potter along the footpaths between Bagworth and Thornton when I came across these steps. Thinking nothing of them, except that they were mildly interesting, I made the best of a very dull winter's day, a back lit scene and a fence that was directly in my way before wandering on again. I couldn't even use my tripod as I needed too high a vantage point because of the fence and the nearness of the first step. My 17-40mm lens was the only option.

I've previously photographed another relic of the railway so I had a little knowledge about it's history. However, when I began to research some more, specifically with respect to the above image, the two aspects of the above story came to light. It's quite amazing what can be found out about something as "uninteresting" as a flight of steps. There is more that I discovered as well, but it's the idea of "layered history" that appeals to me so much; so for example, here there is not only the story of the accident, the train horn, but today we also have a warning sign. The steps themselves, maybe once led to an underused station, but today, they are used by folk who are out for a stroll and leads across young woodland that is planted on land reclaimed from what was Desford Colliery, the industry that this railway was built to expand and exploit.

Burbage Woods And The Medieval Deer Parks Of Leicestershire

2012-01-07T21:28:00.000Z

Muntjac Head, Burbage Woods

I'd wandered down to Burbage Common and Woods in order to get a "feel" for what some of the oldest woods in Leicestershire (and England too) were like, when I chanced upon this muntjac deer's head somehow caught between a forked sycamore branch. The sight set me in mind of the proliferation of deer parks that had existed in the county back in early medieval times. These were not parks as we know today, but areas of infertile land, set aside to contain deer (in these areas normally fallow deer) merely for the Lord Of The Manor to hunt.

The parks would be surrounded by an internal ditch, an external bank topped with a wooden pail and provided with deer leaps so that animals could get in but not out. Hunting would be carried out with the use of dogs and the final kill being made by pursuing horseman either with the use of the sword or the arrow.

A park is known to have existed at Burbage in 1289 and although it is not known how or when it disappeared, the arrival of the Black Death in 1348 saw the demise of many parks. Deer parks were expensive to keep. There not only had to be the maintenance of boundaries, but an environment suitable for healthy deer to graze. Subsequently, many parks were abandoned, or money was made out of charging peasants for grazing pigs and collecting wood.

I couldn't say what precipitated this deer's death, maybe it was flushed out the undergrowth by a dog that then killed it. However. they are known to be quite aggressive and have on occasions been known to injure and send domestic dogs scurrying for cover. Muntjac, native to SE China, originally escaped from Woburn Safari Park in 1925 and have subsequently spread across the country. I've had a number of sightings of them over recent years but they are disliked by many because of the damage they do in managed woodlands, eating fresh buds and wild flowers. In addition, they will breed in any month of the year and are not subject to the same rutting seasons as our native deer. It is ironic that where deer were once nurtured and protected, they are now not wanted. I have a suspicion therefore, that this poor animal may have been killed because of just that, the head severed and left as a message to other muntjacs and the body taken away. Apparently, the flesh is delicious when roasted and is just like prime lamb without the fat!

Grace Dieu Priory Ruins From The Chapter House

2012-01-02T15:11:00.000Z

Grace Dieu Priory is probably one of Leicestershire's more forgotten treasures. Established around 1240 by Rohese de Verdon it housed nuns and poor people but fell victim to Henry VIII in 1538 when it was dissolved. The building was subsequently rebuilt by one of Henry's commissioners, John Beaumont into a grand tudor house. Today, there seems to be no clear view as to which parts of the ruins belong to the original priory.

William Wordsworth enjoyed the hidden woodland glen in Grace Dieu Woods when he stayed with his friend and patron Sir George Beaumont at nearby Coleorton House. He wrote:

“Beneath yon eastern ridge, the craggy bound,
Rugged and high, of Charnwood’s forest ground,
Stand yet, but, Stranger, hidden from thy view
The ivied ruins of forlorn Grace Dieu,
Erst a religious House, which day and night
With hymns resounded and the chanted rite.”

Rohese's body, after the dissolution of the priory, was moved to a nearby village of Belton and there are subsequently many stories of ghostly sightings, of a woman dressed in white which was the habit of the interned nuns. However, romantic as these tales are, I prefer the records left following the Bishop of Lincoln's inspection in 1440. He reported unlawful entertainment, lewd gossip, a lack of sexual restraint, social drinking, incompetent senior nuns who failed to attend to priory business, preferring rather to frequent buildings where there were men and antics that including riding behind the chaplain on his horse!

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I am presently highly motivated to pursue my "Leicestershire Legacies" project and the Xmas break has provided an opportunity for me do some more research. This has been facilitated by an enforced "stay at home" with a virus and Shirley frogmarching me into the local computer store in order to buy an IPad to match the IPod Touch that I have found so valuable for "on the hoof note making". The IPad is a revelation, not as a photographer's tool, but as a device for finding, reading and compiling project information. I like using Evernote because it helps me to develop my project ideas and future plans as well as being a place to sort out my thoughts. Yes, my PC will do all these things too and much more beside. However, sitting at a desk isn't what I always want to do and with the IPad I am much more about studying rather than using my PC.

Whilst photography is central to my "Leicestershire Legacies" project, an account of the local history is necessary to give it context and meaning. This has been a developing interest for me over the last couple of years. There is a lot of literature in existence about Leicestershire history, both textual and photographic, but most of what I have found so far tends to be of a factual nature or presents a dry record in time. The more I delve into the local history around where I live, the more intrigued I get to develop another view.

Layers of history fascinate me; only meters away from the above ruins are the remains of a disused railway and those of an even older industrial canal, whilst on the other side runs a present day main road. Because of the internet, a plethora of historical documents are readily accessible and downloadable. There are many accounts of traveler's anecdotes and observations of people and places within Leicester over the centuries. A knowledge of these makes a seemingly dull environment suddenly feel alive with opportunity to tell another tale. What was common place 200 years ago is remarkable now, what was modern and necessary in medieval times may only exist in shadows on the landscape today, yet most of us don't know what there is on our doorsteps.

Photographically, all of this becomes very motivating. A big part of my photographic development over the last number of years has been to move away from making images of the beauty of Britain and of the romance that goes with it (there's so many photographers doing it too, many so much better than I want to be as well). Local photographs, of more seemingly mundane subject, seem to me to become alive when there is a tale to tell about them. I accept that my choice of toned images probably injects a different type of romantic overlay, but I want to create a "history feel" and a link with past guides such as Hoskins' works; it also fits the subject matter well too.

What really does intrigue and suit me is the modus operandi that I have developed. Rather than planning to make a specific image, I visit a location armed with the knowledge of what I've read and then seek to respond by making images. The unexpected often happens and it can work out well when serendipity rewards my effort. I feel that the images are better for it as they are less contrived and have a meaning beyond which I could have ever planned. Such was the above image; on a dull day, just as we arrived at the scene, the light brightened and I had less than 5 minutes before it started to drizzle with rain for the rest of the outing.

They'll probably move at dawn

2011-12-27T18:00:00.000Z

"......They'll probably move at dawn"

- War Of The Worlds

... with a nod to Martina's blog that's provided me with many a smile this last year.

Farmstead, Cefn-Cam, Ganllwyd, Mid Wales

2011-12-21T20:23:00.000Z

From geograph:

"This is Cefn-Cam. Currently shown on the OS map as Cefn-Carn. This was a very remote upland sheep farm, high on the hills above Ganllwyd. My Grandfather was born here in 1908. One of 4 children born here between 1903-1908. The children went to school in Ganllwyd and stayed there Monday to Friday as it was too far to walk. If you visit here nowadays beware the ground around is very boggy!"

Today, Cefn-Cam is a bleak place and nature has reclaimed the land around it, though greener patches still betray past attempts to claim some areas for cultivation, perhaps for vegetables and some cereals.

I was really pleased with this image, to me it's evocative of so many places in Wales, an empty shell of a ghost where folk lived their lives once upon a time. They carved out their existence, suffering the elements that would have been no kinder than they are now. Wet, mist, wind and cold, hungry bellies, threadbare clothing and manual labour would have made for long days. Yet, as I wandered around the ruin I also felt people dressed in their Sunday best, laughter, games and happiness that comes with a simple existence. Neither could I imagine any shortage of respect for family and belief systems that were in tune with the natural world.

On the spring day that I passed through, a few sheep grazed, glad of the lusher grass within the farmstead's walls whilst a buzzard circled above watching for rabbits. The ground, wet and boggy, squelched under my feet and meadow pipits called to one another, busy preparing their nests amongst the grasses and bracken. I walked on by, down to cross a river and climb the slopes on the valley's other side. And as the mist once more encapsulated me from the view, I looked back to see Cefn-Cam, a lonely place on a lonely hillside.

Croft Hill Revisited

2011-12-17T16:04:00.000Z

Photos courtesy of Shirley

It's a couple of years since I completed my Croft Hill project, a photographic exercise in exploring how an industrial quarry and the natural world could co-exist though out a twelve month period. The exercise proved to be more than that though, as out of it emerged an interest in local history, something that I have turned into another photography project in my Leicestershire's Legacies series. In this series I am researching Leicestershire's local history, devising walks and making photographs en route, not necessarily of obvious historical artifacts, but photographs that are created in response to a union of my research, thoughts and emotions whilst out on my walks. I don't want to repeat views and scenes that so many guide books tend to contain, but rather to attempt to capture the spirit of a place with some reference to it's history.

Last year, Michael Wood released his TV series and book "The Story Of England" both of which I enjoyed immensely as they were so applicable to what I was trying to explore myself. Michael's story of how history shaped England tells how events shaped everyday people's lives, folk who never saw or met the nobility and as such is extremely readable and refreshing from the dry history I disliked at school. Today, Michael Wood is in the process of producing a new 8 part series of films called "Great British Story: A People's Story" for the BBC.

A few weeks ago I had an email from a film production company requesting that I contact them regarding my Croft Hill project, but what with the stress of changing jobs I didn't follow it up. This week, via a very resourceful and circuitous route, they managed to contact my wife Shirley, the result of which it was arranged that we meet them at Croft Hill last Sunday. Imagine my delight when I found out that I was to meet Michael, his producer, camera and sound men for a film shoot on Croft. I thought it would be a swift half an hour where I took them to the best spot on the hill and imparted a bit of advice; not so! I was asked to participate in the filming and to explain my interest in the hill, on which some significant historical events have taken place. These have included dreadful atrocities carried out by Norman lords, and meetings held by Mercian kings, queens and an Archbishop of Canterbury.

After several "takes", all blessed with sunshine on a bitterly cold winter's afternoon, a reading from an ancient chronicle made by Shirley, Rachael (our oldest daughter) and myself which was also filmed, all of us retired to our house for tea and cake. An interesting discussion about our interests ensued and Michael was extremely complementary about my own history project. He likened my pictures to Fay Godwin's work as well as to the images presented in Hoskins' guide books. Both were very insightful observations. I have most of Fay Godwin's books and have studied them closely, wanting my history images to have a similar feel to them. Hoskins was a pioneer and the first professor in the subject of local history. He was based at The University of Leicester and I have devoured copies of a number of his books in my research. I am embarrassed, but flattered in accepting Michael's comments!

I suspect that none us quite expected to find such common ground (no pun intended) on a cold windy hillside in Leicestershire, but I was glad we did. I met some extremely nice and intelligent people, had a very relaxed, informative and motivating time that boosted my confidence. After the stress of changing jobs during the last few months, I feel so enthused to pick my project back up again and to get in with the task of making pictures once more.

Loch Creran From Beinn Sgulaird

2011-12-13T14:44:00.000Z

What can one say about a scene like this, you either get it or you don't. Looking at this image in years to come will elicit memories in Shirley's and my own mind of another great day out in the hills. We battled against wind, a hail storm and sweated uphill in thick cloud to the Munro's summit cairn. We felt those feelings that such an effort brings: elation, wonder, being at peace with oneself, a little bit of relief at having done it and the empathy of being in tune with the natural world.

We'd promised ourselves that after we'd dropped down off the summit and found some shelter, we would share the flask of hot coffee that I'd got in my rucksack; a simple pleasure, but an important milestone of the day. We found a rock bluff out of the wind, donned our duvet jackets to keep out the chill, poured the coffee and ate wholesome homemade flapjack stuffed full with cherries, candied ginger and sultanas. Then, as if on cue, the clouds parted and a rainbow formed to out right. We watched in awe as the view cleared, the sun broke through and we witnessed this amazing sight west from the mountain's slopes.

Carl Weese has asked me about my Munro adventures: "In conditions like these what do you carry for picture-making, and how do you carry it?" That's a good question, the answer to which I am constantly glad about each time I now shoulder my rucksack and go out in the hills. At one time, it would have been a Mamiya 645, 3 lenses, tripod and all the other stuff one needs to use such kit. After that I swapped to a Mamiya 7 and occasionally also used an Ebony 6x9, both outfitted with 3 lenses. I took the decision some time ago to totally commit to digital capture and today have a 5D MkII, 24 and 45mm TS-e lenses and 3 L series zooms, 1.4 converter and 500D close up lens but I'm almost embarrassed to admit that today I rarely use any of it!

The truth is, my little GF1, 14, 20mm and 14-45mm lenses transformed my life photographically speaking. I've come to realise that whilst it suits some photographers to pursue the capture of technically perfect images capable of being large format printed, it doesn't currently suit me. For one thing, such images often leave me cold as I can't see the artist's passion in them; I just see a mechanistically produced image that has fitted the criteria for some other purpose. For another thing, there's so much of that sort of photography out there and it often appears to me to be a combination of a cliché and a "me too" effort.

I am passionate about my days out in the British hills and they've been a continual thread in my life since I was 4 years old. The GF1 made me aware that a rucksack full of gear was getting in the way of my adventures. Conversely, my days out in the hills were getting in the way of my photography. I can't remember how many times I've got back to the car with aching shoulders and no photographs made after a long day out. Today, with my little camera, zoom lens fitted and kept handy in a weatherproof pouch fitted to the waist belt of my rucksack, a home made and more suitable (for me) version of one of these, a spare battery and a lens cloth, I can respond very quickly to photographically realise the sub-conscious emotions that I am experiencing. I've stopped planning this sort of photography and what I do is pure serendipity. I often don't really know what I've captured until I see it on my monitor .... and that's become my "modus operandi".

I'm not completely ready to divest myself of the Canon equipment as yet, but I think that the day will come at some time. It's not just about the relative size and weights of the camera systems, but also about how the technology within them can make my picture making activities as easy as possible. The design of the GF1 has unshackled me from routines and processes of having to control the camera; it is merely a conduit to my mind's eye and because of that a relief .... and I'm not a person who ever shies from understanding and using technology in my everyday life.

I have a new photography project in mind for next year (well to be truthful, I've already started it). It's currently my intention to use my 5D for it, though if I'm honest that might be just because I think I should. Perhaps it'll convince me one way or another which way to go gear wise. I know one thing though, my experiences during the last 18 months have truly liberated me from "gear lust" syndrome. I've written about this before, but for most of us, there really is no longer any need to be constantly upgrading gear with every new release from the manufacturers. My motto today is to "just get out there and use the camera I've got".

The Window, Creag Meagaidh

2011-12-09T21:53:00.000Z

An October's day, a walk along the glen and then up a snow filled gully called "The Window" followed by a high level tramp over the three Munro summits of the Creag Meagaidh massif.

There was plenty of snow in the gully with long icicles and rime frost having formed on the rocks. Not wanting to have a repeat of the fear I felt last year on Mullach Fraoch-choire, I had furnished myself with some Kahtoola Microspikes and very glad of them I was too. In October, it's not yet full blown winter conditions, but in plain boots the going can be treacherous. The plateau of Craig Meagaidh was covered in snow that had part melted and then refrozen solid like a continuous sheet of ice. My Microspikes proved ideal, easier and more convenient than my "full on" crampons and provided adequate traction for confident walking. They also have the advantage of weighing much less too.

This view of the cliffs of Choire Ardair, looking across the gap that forms The Window, was made just after the mist cleared slightly (I'd had to find the main summit in thick cloud) and I was presented with a cold almost monochromatic mountain scene. I was fortunate to have the rest of walk over the two remaining Munro summits just below the cloud base.

Bank Of Scotland, Newtonmore

2011-12-05T21:47:00.000Z

Bank, cash point with free cash withdrawals and contentment.

Faith Mission Centre and Venus Beauty Salon, Fort William

2011-12-01T18:21:00.000Z

The question I couldn't answer was, "which is the best way to go?"

Be Inspired

2011-11-26T21:06:00.001Z

Victoria Park, Leicester

For the last 27 years I've worked at the same engineering company. I've seen massive changes and have played a pivotal role as an engineer and manager in the design, development and introduction of new products. I've specified and purchased new machines, designed and implemented new systems and processes and for the last 10 years have had overall responsibility for managing production, purchasing, quality, design and all other engineering activities. I've traveled and dealt with blue chip customers and seen both good and bad economic times. I've met and worked with some very intelligent, highly revered experts and entrepreneurs in their fields. I've seen the people I reported to and deeply respected retire and/or pass away and be replaced by new faces.

Nothing stays the same though, and during the past couple of years I've become very unhappy in my work. The cultures and modus operandi of organisations change as a result of new owners, customers and economic environments. One day, late this summer, after having soldiered on for some considerable time, I decided that I just didn't fit any longer. I had found it impossible to realise and implement the changes that I strongly believe were necessary for the company. It was time for a change and despite feelings of fear I set about doing something about it. Things happened fast and within 3 weeks I'd got myself another job in a different area of engineering, different industry but still using many of the same skill sets that I possess. Friday was my last day at a place of work that I have invested so much in over the years. It was sad.

So, a new chapter in my life starts tomorrow and to paraphrase Tom Stoppard, I am "looking on the exit as being an entrance somewhere else". I have a very positive feeling about this and I am excited about embracing a fresh challenge in an environment with new employees who have expressed a commitment to developing their investments. Here's to the future......

Golden Eagle, Buachaille Etive Beag

2011-11-24T19:14:00.000Z

They say that there is no such thing as bad weather in the Scottish Highlands, only bad clothing! With that in mind, Buachaille Etive Beag and it's two Munro summits made for an easy morning out: a straight forward ascent from the car park, up onto the ridge, left to the first summit, then right for the second before returning. Despite wind and rain it didn't take very long and I was back home for lunch; only 6 miles and not much over 3000 feet of ascent, a bit of a blitzkrieg and an opportunity to relax for the rest of the day complete with a smug feeling.

However, all that paled into insignificance compared to the feelings of wonder that I had when I "popped" up onto the summit ridge and saw this golden eagle floating effortlessly around, hardly moving a wing and showing total disregard to a very strong wind. It swirled around a few times and then allowed itself to shoot off across the glen at a rate that really showed how fast the air was moving. I've seen eagles many times over the years, but on every occasion that I see another one, I feel undiminished excitement and wonder at what an amazingly majestic and powerful creature they really are.

Snow Cornice, Creag Meagaidh

2011-11-23T10:14:00.000Z

It always strikes me how water, or ice, or cloud, when it is shaped by wind or other forces of nature, retains similar shapes, patterns and forms. I almost walked off the end of this 1.5m deep snow cornice that had drifted on the mountain's plateau. The light was very flat with virtually no shadows, just an off-white whiteness where the undulations and ups and downs on the ground were virtually indistinguishable. The blueness underneath the lip of the cornice was just breathtaking.

Glen Banchor, Edge Of The Forest

2011-11-20T17:06:00.001Z

Just sharing what was no more than a casual glance to the left at the end of a good walk. Not far from the car, with my mind full of thoughts and mental pictures of what I'd experienced through out the day. The afternoon light starting to fade and here in the glen, unlike the wild conditions on the mountain, there was no wind and the colours had taken the richness and depth that they seem to do as evening takes over. Then it was back along the track, round the corner to the car and a flask of hot steaming tea.

Carn Dearg (Monadhliath) and Allt Ballach

2011-11-14T21:38:00.001Z

The day after I visited the two eastern Monadhliath Munros, the weather deteriorated dramatically and an enforced rest took place. The following day was at least a dry start albeit with a poor weather forecast. I set off along Glen Banchor on my bike to the very end of the track, from whence I crossed a boggy stretch of terrain on foot to this point under highest summit in the area. Snow squalls came and went with the wind being at times quite viscous and requiring my hood to be tightly fastened around my face. For a brief spell the sun broke through, just at what was probably the best view of the day. Yesterday's snow adorned the mountain top and I could see spin drift swirling around the summit ridge like a whirling dervish in full throw. After a brief stop, a lull in the weather and some lunch, I set off along the banks of the Allt Ballach, up moderate slopes covered with quite deeply drifted snow. As I began to reach the ridge, the full force of the wind began to make itself known. 70mph gale force winds and a -14 degrees Centigrade wind chill factor make for challenging walking, especially in snowy conditions. The cloud had returned and feeling rather vulnerable with the cliff edge too close to my left, I made my way further round the back of the mountain and gingerly up to the summit cairn. The wind was SO strong that it was a case of touching the cairn, turning and retreating whilst bent double and leaning well into the relentless howl. After that, descending off the ridge through the snow drifts was a "walk in the park" in comparison. Lower down, it had turned to sleat and rain but the wind was behind me and once on my bike I got blown back without having to hardy press on the pedals.

On this day I took my Panasonic G1 out on a mountain adventure for the first time, simply because I really do prefere the viewfinder to the "clip on" affair that I use on the GF1. On these sorts of outings, I always favour the 14-45mm zoom which I find to be perfect for the sort of "reactive" picture making that I enjoy. In doing so, I discovered that the G1 control wheel is all to easily moved and is not something that I am in the habit of of checking every time I use my camera, or in fact something that I easily see without reading glasses; the wheel on the GF1 simply doesn't move unless I move it. For me, when I'm out on the hill, on a mission to reach the next mountain's summit, with gale force gusts of wind, frequent mountain squalls of hail and snow, sweating and not wanting to feel the effects of that sub-zero wind chill facter, being able to easily extract the camera from my bag and make some exposures, all with thick insulated gloves on is very important. I thought back to my old Minolta SLR bodies that used to have an interlocking button to prevent the ISO setting being accidentally changed. As a result, the G1 only made one mountain trip and it was back to my old friend, the GF1 once again! I found myself wandering along in the mist dreaming about my ideal camera: an image stabilised 24-105mm equivalent lens would be my preference, where size takes precedence to larger apertures. The camera body needs an improved grip to the GF1, but this could easily be achieved by having rougher surface finish (I keep thinking about fixing a couple of strips of skate boarder's grip tape to my GF1). A built-in viewfinder is essential with an eye sensor that automatically switches to the LCD. No bigger than the GF1 of course. Exposure/aperture thumb wheel as per the GF1 as it works so well. Flip out LCD not important as its simply something else to get wet from your gloves. faster card writing times would be nice but not essential. Oh, and more megapixels, dynamic range and all that sort of thing are just extra bonuses, it's ergonomics, practicality and ease of use that would do more to impress me.

Carn Sgulain (Monadhliath) and the Ptarmigan

2011-11-10T22:15:00.001Z

It had always been my intention to climb all three of the Monadhliath Munros (mountains) in the single outing but a couple of weeks ago the weather had other ideas. The mountain weather forecast provided by the excellent MWIS wasn't good: heavy snow, high winds and poor visibility. So I had to settle for two summits on one day and the last one on another. The Monadhliath get bad press for not being particularly inspiring, there's no knife edge ridges or other such adrenaline releasing experiences to be had, but once again I had my belief reinforced that there is no such thing as a boring Scottish mountain. I had a great day out and whilst the wind was rising, it wasn't all that bad and the steadily falling snow was just a soft and powdery covering.

After descending A'Chailleach and as I was reaching the summit of Carn Sgulain, described on one walking website as follows......

"Carn Sgulain is one of the least interesting Munros, a featureless pudding in the Monadhliath and much inferior to neighbouring A' Chailleach. The intervening ground is riven by a steep little grassy gully so even the short walk across to Carn Sgulain is a little irritating!"

...... and exactly at the spot where it is reportedly "a little irritating" and despite the misty gloom I came across this scene of three ptarmigan and three fence posts, their distribution almost a reflection of one another. I always get a kick out of seeing ptarmigan, a throwback to Britain's distant ice ages and true mountain birds. These had winter plumage that was quite well advanced which can make them vulnerable to predators at times. Just five days later, the temperature had risen 14 degrees Centigrade and steady rain had washed all of the snow away. Then, and on a grey day, high above Glen Coe, I saw more ptarmigan fly off, their newly gained white plumage starkly contrasting against the dark shadows of the mountainsides whilst a golden eagle floated around nearby crags.

This is an image of scene that many mountain walkers will relate to. Ptarmigan are often not seen until you are within a few feet of them and they look just like small boulders covered in lichens. They are generally unperturbed by your presence and will either just potter away or fly off a short distance whilst scolding you. I love to see them, and along with the mountain hare (also sporting new white coats), the roaring stags and the wonderful lichens and mosses underfoot it was certainly not an irritating and uninteresting outing.

AN ASIDE: images like this, made possible by having had my camera in a pouch on the waist belt of my rucksack, make me realise just how many photographic opportunities I must have missed when I used to carry tripod and medium format camera and primes INSIDE my rucksack. But there again, I wasn't visually mature enough to notice such scenes then either.

Autumn - Steall and Nevis Gorge

2011-11-05T17:51:00.001Z

We've returned from another couple of weeks vacation in Scotland, one of which was spent in the beautiful location of Glen Nevis. One day I took the walk through the narrow gorge at the end of glen and up into Steall Meadows; it was a great feeling to be able to look around and know that I'd been to the top of every Munro summit that I could see. It was dull October day and the mid afternoon light was very flat, the effect of which was to draw my eyes to the many silver birch trees that had colonised the lower, very steep and rocky sides of the mountains. It was beautifull and breathtaking in a very quiet sort of way; no vivid lighting, but a pallet of subtle shades and hues of autumn vegetation and rock all harmoniously distributed on the hillside. Nature's poetry that just needed to be absorbed.

During our week in Glen Nevis it was views like this that I seemed to be noticing most. The weather was quite wet and the atmosphere meant that the scenery had low contrast and muted colours, quite different to anything that I would have sought to photograph and show anyone 15 years ago. I do believe though, that many people pass by this sort of view without appreciating what beauty is before their eyes and that is a shame as they miss out on so much. I am filled with wonder at how nature produces such harmony: the white of the birch trees is followed through by the striations of the cliff and the shapes and colours of the trees that even mirrored on the rock faces. It's wonderful.

Additionally, I also saw the opportunity to post an image of an unsaturated (photographically speaking) leaf on a rock. Well, many leaves on many rocks in fact and that made me chuckle in the friendliest way of course!

Please Ring This Bell

2011-10-25T09:57:00.000+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm les

"So yesterday I am walking down this hallway in a building that houses different professional services and I notice a sign on the wall outside of the door. The sign said “Please Ring Bell”. It was a simple request so I did and I kept walking. A woman comes out the door and comes chasing after me. She was clearly disturbed by my ringing the bell and she loudly informed me that she is running a daycare there and I had disrupted the class by ringing the bell and walking off. Puzzled, I asked her if I would have caused her any less of a disruption if I had rung the bell and not walked off. Unamused by my questioning she demanded to know why I would pull off such a childish stunt. I politely explained my reasoning and how her sign more or less requested that I must ring the bell. She then explained to me for the third time that the bell was for entrance to the daycare and was not to be pulled as a prank. I told her that if she wanted the bell to be rung only by people gaining entry to her daycare then her sign should be written in a way that will prevent any future confusion from people like me. Wouldn’t you know that I walked through there this morning and the sign now reads “To Enter The Daycare Please Ring The Bell”"

- from Idle Ramblings Of A Slightly Mad Man

Gretna Green Service Station, M72

2011-10-22T20:10:00.000+01:00

Panasonic GF1, Pinwide Pinhole Adapter

On our trips to Scotland, we normally stop at Gretna Green motorway services for a rest, coffee, to buy a Coke (virtually the only time I ever drink the stuff), some photography magazines and to feel like we really are on the beginning of our Scottish holiday and it works every time!

For a bit of a giggle: Gretna Services

Veriwide, Enderby Mill Hill Trading Estate, Leicester

2011-10-19T19:49:00.000+01:00

Panasonic G1 on 4" high tripod, Pinwide Pinhole Adapter

"The VeriVide solution is a range of systems that mimic daylight (to agreed international standard known as D65), and different artificial light to retailers’, national and international standards. It then doesn’t matter where, when or how often colour needs to be checked: with VeriVide, colour can be viewed accurately and consistently at every stage."

Fitting!

Killer Hens, Sedbergh

2011-10-16T21:27:00.000+01:00

It's not good for me if photography is all about being serious and one of things I like about using my pinhole adapter is that it makes me smile. I had a rummage through a big box of photographic bits and pieces that I've got where there are 1/4" Whitworth screws, dies and taps, through to camera straps, old filters, bags, tripod quick releases and many other things. Eventually I found a very small flexible table top tripod that I'd bought at a car boot sale for 50p and never used. With my recently purchased G1 with it's LCD screen flipped out and at only about 4" above the ground I've had a bit of fun. These hens were actually very close to the camera but because of the unusual viewpoint suddenly seem quite intimidating. It became an "Alice" moment! Now somewhere I've got a cable release for the G1/GF1 that I need to find.

Weighbridge Gauge, Snibston Colliery, Coalville

2011-10-13T21:57:00.000+01:00

Panasonic G1, 20mm lens

This is the final image from my hour of photography at the Snibston Miner's Gala. The old colliery buildings and railway sidings have less of a museum and more of a "it's how they were left" feel to them. There's bits of old mining paraphernalia (pumps, pit roof supports, conveyors etc) lying about and the buildings have not been renovated. It's all a bit dilapidated but all the more interesting to me because of it. When the railway wagons used to be loaded with coal for transport to the power stations, each one was weighed for safety and value reasons using the railway weighbridge just outside this building. A demonstration was taking place and the guy in the picture was a retired colliery worker who was explaining "the ins and outs". There were a few people in the room and they kept looking to see what on earth I taking photographs of. I suspect no-one else really noticed the reflection, but it took a while before I got the guy on his own looking as if he was going about his normal work!

Ye Busted Kettle

2011-10-09T21:14:00.000+01:00

Panasonic G1, 20mm lens

Presumably a mess room, Snibston Colliery, Leicestershire

I drove over to Coalville and spent an enjoyable couple of hours at the Miners Gala, Snibston Discovery Park. There were lots of fund raising stalls and the whole event included free entry to the museum as well. I had a very interesting chat with some knowledgeable local historians from the Leicestershire Industrial History Society, a group that it might be worth joining in order to further my Leicestershire Legacies series. The best bit of the outing though, was the chance to wander around the old colliery buildings where I found a number of pleasing compositions, three of which fitted nicely into ongoing projects

Stevenson Shaft Winding Gear, Snibston Colliery, Leicestershire

2011-10-05T19:31:00.000+01:00

Snibston Colliery was first opened by George Stevenson in 1932, and coupled with only the third railway that the world had ever seen, allowed coal to be transported economically to Leicester. Hitherto, in medieval times, coal had been taken to Leicester by pack horse, or later on by barges from the Derbyshire coal fields that were further away. The "Stevenson Shaft" was sunk in 1915 and Snibston remained a productive pit until it's closure in 1983.

Panasonic GF1, 14mm lens

Engine Shed, Snibston Colliery, Coalville

2011-10-01T17:45:00.000+01:00

Panasonic G1, 20mm lens

As I peered through a dirty glass window, I spotted this matching window and the fire exit sign on the opposite wall of the building and realised a little joke of a composition. The fire exit was actually the main entrance to the shed, a pair of rather large open wooden doors large enough to drive a train through; a kind of obvious fire exit if ever there was one!

Main Street, Bowness On WIndermere

2011-09-27T10:48:00.000+01:00

Panasonic G1, 20mm lens

"This footpath is not dedicated to the public". An unusual sign that means that the public have no right of way but can use the pavement by permission of the landowner.

The G1 proved a real advantage in the making of this image. I nonchalantly leant against a wall looking down at the flip out LCD screen waiting for pedestrians to move through my chosen composition. It was a matter of selecting the best exposure, watching and waiting for a suitable arrangement of shapes to occur. There was a lot of variation across the frames I made, light changed, shadows were cast, cars drove past and peoples limbs and foot ware varied enormously. I liked this image though because of the triangular composition within it and the bright highlights on the sign itself.

Swan, Windermere Lakeside

2011-09-23T10:28:00.000+01:00

Panasonic G1, 20mm lens

During the August bank holiday I took a wander through the streets of Windermere and down to the lake. There were a lot of tourist folk, buying boat trip tickets, feeding the ducks, eating fish and chips at the water's edge and you could almost have been forgiven for thinking that it was a seaside location! This seated swan caught my eye, taking a rest despite the milling crowd and looking quite surreal.

For followers of this blog, no I've not made a typing error! This image WAS made with a G1 camera. Some time ago I did look at a new G3 and decided that it wasn't the camera for me, I didn't like the small grip an couldn't rationalize the expense against the small gains that the sensor would provide for the photography that I do. However, I have wanted a flip out screen for some time and G1 cameras now being extremely inexpensive, using the same batteries and sensor as my beloved GF1 made for an easy purchase. At £150 for a brand new camera and with a guarantee I got a bargain! Now I can carry and use both cameras with 14 and 20mm primes plus my pinhole adapter in a small "this doesn't look like a camera bag" shoulder satchel with great ease.

The Lune Valley Near Sedbergh At Dawn

2011-09-19T14:23:00.000+01:00

Canon 5D Mk2, 70-200mm f4 IS lens

At the end of August we had a mini-break at a converted barn on the hillside above the Lune Valley overlooking Sedbergh. It was a lovely spot, rural and with good views over to the hills. One morning I couldn't sleep and got up to make myself a mug of tea. The sun hadn't risen, but dawn was already on it's way and mist lay in the valley. I watched the sun begin to rise above the distant moorland of the Yorkshire Dales, mesmerized by the beauty before my eyes and then I suddenly realised I should be outside with my camera. I spent the next half an hour with making images of the valley as the sun rose and immediately started to burn away the mist, the scene changing continuously until virtually all the mist had disappeared by 6:00am. It was stunning to behold. Knowing that a transient experience had come and gone, I went back inside and finally got to make that mug of tea!

Beggars Lane Tree

2011-09-15T21:57:00.000+01:00

Before and after harvesting, then ploughed stubble in the evening and the following morning

Panasonic LX5

Absolutely No Religion!

2011-09-12T22:42:00.000+01:00

Definitely no canvassing angels either then!
(no "flyers")

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Don't Spit Paan, Morley Road, Leicester

2011-09-09T20:32:00.076+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

A walk around Leicester provides a cultural education in many ways. I for one, am frequently appreciative of the diversity of cultures that are represented, especially when it comes to being able to obtain ingredients and advice for my weekend cookery adventures. I can purchase many items in bulk, at much lower cost and in greater variety than if I was to use the mainstream supermarkets, from commodities such as Basmati rice to much more exotic provisions. I didn't know about paan though, a mixture of tobacco, nuts and spices wrapped in a leaf, dating back hundreds of years and considered by some to be a palate cleanser as well as a breath freshener. When discarded it leaves difficult to remove red stains on pavements and walls that rivals the white splodges of chewing gum that litter the city centers streets. Anyway, regardless, I thought that these two signs, displayed in a community building's window in Morley Road and in two languages said quite a lot about the integration of British inner city ethnic communities.

"Frog Island Mills" Textile Factory, Frog Island, Leicester

2011-09-05T21:54:00.000+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Leicester's industrial history is steeped in hosiery and in the Frog Island area of the city there are several examples of factories that would have hummed in their heyday. Through the security grill of a rather derelict looking garage, Frog Island Mills Factory can be seen beyond North Bridge which crosses the Grand Union Canal. At one time, prior to the industrial revolution, two small natural waterways met and produced a rather wet tongue of land where frogs were to be seen in abundance.

New Industrial Development (site of Desford Tubes), Kirby Muxloe

2011-09-01T21:38:00.001+01:00

Panasonic LX5

Near the end of one of my "I've left work now and gone for an hour's vigorous exercise" cycling sessions I was warming down past the site that I knew as the Desford Tubes Factory (Timken Alloy Steel), when I was surprised to see this newly erected structure blocking my view. Desford Tubes was a large engineering plant built on an extensive site and after being closed for some time, any building that could not be used for other purposes was demolished and cleared. A lot of open space was thus created, and so it had been for quite a while and produced a sight that I had got used to. Now however, the view was changed once again and I found myself making this image of a new industrial structure, a view that would dramatically change yet again once the cladding was added. At first it was geometry and symmetry that appealed to me, but on reflection I'm thinking about the sky that is being blotted out in order create another universe where nothing else matters, where for periods in peoples lives, anything else in the universe ceases to exist as they go about their work in search of efficiency and profit.

Shop Window, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester

2011-08-29T21:59:00.004+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Beggars Lane Tree

2011-08-25T21:15:00.005+01:00

To see higher resolution images on Flickr click here

It wasn't until I'd made quite a few images on different occasions that I realised how important it was to stand in EXACTLY the same place. Despite having used only a 35mm equivalent lens length of the LX5, a slightly different composition can be seen in the top left image. Since I spotted it, I now stop my bike at the same weed on the the verge and stand on the same spot every time. Before this my position had varied by plus and minus 15 foot.

Panasonic LX5

Beggars Lane Tree

2011-08-21T21:41:00.002+01:00

To see higher resolution images on Flickr click here

One of this year's projects is to photograph this ash tree that stands in a field, little more than a mile from where I live and that I cycle past a few times each week. It first caught my eye about three years ago on a winter's day when I made a photograph using an inexpensive Canon compact that I carried around in the pocket of my cycling jersey. It wasn't until I got home that I realised that I rather liked the overall composition with the overhead electrical power cables that crossed behind the tree. One of the intended purposes for my LX5 which I purchased last autumn, given it's suitability for carrying whilst cycling, was to produce a series of images of the tree throughout the seasons. It's taken me a while to post any of the images, but now that I have the advantage of seeing them together with the effects of the different nuances of the light and time of day I'm rather pleased that I started the project as it's providing a lot of satisfaction.

Access to Lubbesthorpe Bridle Road, the subject of my first real photography project, is gained from Beggars Lane. In medieval times, there was an abbey at Lubbesthorpe and it is said that the monks helped the poor and needy folk who visited them. It's not difficult to realise how Beggars Lane got it's name though it's current neatly trimmed hedgerows and tarmac surface are somewhat different to how it would have looked before field enclosures took place. We think of leafy lanes as being quintessentially English, but it's somewhat of a myth and is only a creation of the last couple of hundred years or so ~ the tree/hedgerow free open fields would have looked so different then when the beggars made their way to the abbey.

Boating Lake, Abbey Park, Leicester

2011-08-17T20:36:00.002+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Sometimes there are occasions that you make an image because it is a celebration of an occasion rather than an attempt to make art, but when you still feel the need to share the experience. I spotted Mrs Mallard on the path that runs around the perimeter of Abbey Park's boating lake, but if it hadn't have been for their movement I don't think that I would have noticed these chicks enjoying the last of the day's sunshine. Despite the ground being covered in duck poo, I shuffled forwards on my knees at a very, very slow pace until I was close enough to use my 20mm lens (40mm equivalent) to some effect. The whole operation took me 15mins and I'm sure that passing folk must have thought "there's another crackpot on the loose!". Despite that however, I had an amazing interlude filled with wonder at the beauty of nature and a reminder to live in the now and enjoy those moments!

Fun Fair Entrance, Abbey Park, Leicester

2011-08-13T18:15:00.014+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

I always struggle in the summer with my photography: it's a seasonal thing! The countryside looks tired and VERY green; the freshness of spring has passed and the light is generally just so uninspiring. However, I was feeling a little remiss and I wanted to get some cooking ingredients from the local ethnic shops with which we are blessed in Leicester for our Saturday night meal, so I MADE myself stop off at Leicester's Abbey Park, a traditional inner city park with formal gardens, a boating lake, trees and grass and yes, it was VERY green! I wandered around, with my GF1 in my hand, making a few exposures of this and that and as the sun was starting to get lower in the sky, I walked acrossr to the perimeter of a noisy fun fair that was the centre of attraction for the visiting Leicester folk. The fair was surrounded by 7 foot security fencing and near to the entrance, additional screening was added in the form of a green fabric mesh. I can't really admit to having carefully composed a number of considered exposures, but something inspired me to respond to the view though the fencing that was illuminated by a low sun. I made a number of images, packed away my camera and made my way back to my car. When I got home, I was extremely pleased to see this image "pop" up in Lightroom and felt very pleased with having made the effort to take my camera out despite my fear of failing to find any inspiration. Oh. and salmon steaks from Loch Linnhe, marinaded in lime, garlic, ginger and star anise were very tasty!

On The Phone, Alone, Inverness Railway Station

2011-08-09T22:15:00.036+01:00

Panasonic GF1, Wanderlust Pinwide pinhole adapter

I'm definitely not a "street photographer" in the sense that it's normally meant. My attempts to make images in the city are really urban landscapes, so this picture is unusual for me insofar that I actually intended to photograph a person. Not only were they unaware of me, but the wide angle nature of the Pinwide (22mm equivalent) meant that I could appear to be pointing the camera at something completely different other than the person. That's good for me as I'm too self conscious/insecure to actually point my camera at strangers and at close range! The slow shutter speeds associated with the Pinwide, even after racking up the camera to 400 ISO, added another dimension as the ghost of someone else can be seen emerging from the station entrance.

Escalator, Inverness

2011-08-05T21:45:00.031+01:00

Panasonic GF1, Wanderlust Pinwide pinhole adapter

There's a very naughty feeling attached to using this rather inexpensive gadget, well inexpensive compared to a Panasonic lens, but expensive if you think about having bought just a tiny hole to mount on the front of a digital camera! But it's fun, not least because the results are somewhat unexpected, because it's huge depth of field and demands on slower shutter speeds (somewhat compensated by it's wide angle lens length) add the possibilities for creativity that I haven't experienced in quite the same way before. It's an adventure of creating images by means of happy accidents!

Caledonion Hotel, Ullapool.

2011-08-01T22:25:00.061+01:00

Panasonic GF1, Wanderlust Pinwide pinhole adapter

For some time I've had a yearning to produce a series of images that are different to "normal photographs", i.e. not necessarily sharp, probably vignetted and a little different to my normal fare. My "Leicestershire Legacies" series has been as far as I've allowed (or felt comfortable) myself to manipulate RAW files which isn't very far! I just have difficulty imagining what I might want a digital file to become in Photoshop, if indeed anything other than a relatively normal rendition, In other words, whilst I do admire and enjoy a lot of creative Photoshop work, I don't feel "the want" to do it myself.

This little pinhole adapter for my GF1 though is a different matter! Producing an image on a sensor that by nature of the laws of physics rather than by my post processing manipulations already has natural softness, colour and tone distortions is a very organic process. I love it and find it appealing that a modern day digital camera can utilise one of the earliest known methods of projecting an image.

Bert Harris, World Famous Cycling Champion

2011-07-29T22:02:00.046+01:00

I spent an hour late one Saturday afternoon wandering around the Belgrave road district of Leicester and on the way back to the car I spotted this sign. The cyclist in me was intrigued as I'd read about Bert Harris in passing before. Almost unknown today, in 1896, Harris was the most highly paid sportsman in existence. He was the British Professional Champion, held multiple fastest distance records and had raced as far abroad as Australia. He died at the age of 23 during a race with suspicious overtones and thousands of people lined the road to Southfields Cemetery where his grave can still be visited. For a while, he lived in Portsmouth Road (where this image was made) and where it is said that his family still do. I have no details of the origin of this sign though it appeared to be the work of an amateur rather than that of the Leicester City Council. Either way, it made an interesting punctuation on a walk about Leicester and one pertinent to my own particular interests.

Panasonic GF1, 14mm lens

Rainbow's End, Loch Ericht

2011-07-25T20:37:00.005+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

The Storm, Rhue, Loch Broom

2011-07-21T17:31:00.000+01:00

For two days a storm raged, the wind howled, rain battered the windows with spells of brilliant sunshine. We were cottage bound with nothing to do other than read and watch the view change, it was such a trial! :) An Teallach, an iconic Scottish mountain disapeared and reappeared as the clouds and mist whipped by, "white horses" rode along Loch Broom and the small fishing vessels ceased to venture to the lobster pots. Only the ferry to Stornaway in the outer Hebrides sailed past. The electric power went off just as night time came as trees and pylons across the whole of Scotland were reported to be uprooted. 100mph gusts ravaged the mountain tops and even here at sea level the wind blasted by at up to 70mph. The window panes flexed and drafts came in around the edges of the double glazing. This might of nature was something special to witness........

24 hours of stills taken from the dry side of the window, looking south across Loch Broom towards An Teallach. Canon 5DMkII, 24mm TS-e lens

Am Faochagach And The Dotterel

2011-07-17T22:04:00.000+01:00

I'd long looked at Am Faochagach on the map, a Scottish Munro of a rather indistinct retiring character to the North of a line between Inverness and Ullapool; there would be no narrow ridges or precipitous cliffs on this outing. It was one to be saved for a reasonable but not brilliant day and on my last holiday, because of very severe storms, and in order to make good use of time I was forced to make forays into the mountains on three consecutive days, this being the third day. I fancied an unconventional longer approach to the mountain by bike that would get me to within a mile of the summit, a round trip of around 17 miles. The Ordnance Survey map shows a vehicle track running up and along the whale back ridge that leads to the mountain's summit, or so I thought! The first few miles along Strath Vaich were easy, but when I left the Lodge the track became indistinct and little more than an occasional wet rut through deep heather and peat bog. it was impossible to stay on two wheels and I could only sweat and push my bike up a 1.6 mile 1200ft slope! At times I was tempted to dump the bike but I hoped that once on the top, the remaining 3 miles would be ride-able; fortunately I was right. I left my bike at a convenient col, walked to the summit, had the best views of the week where I saw some of the summits I'd visited in the mist over the past couple of days and enjoyed my lunch.

It didn't take long to get back to my bike where I was reminded that sometimes my camera is there for making a record and this was one such occasion. Only a few feet away I spied a pair of dotterel, a mountain bird that I've never seen before and with between only 500-700 breeding pairs in the UK I felt both excited and privileged to have the sighting. Not only that, but they seemed quite unperturbed by my presence and knowing that their nest, being just a scrape in the grass, moss and lichens of the montane type vegetation I was reminded of how fragile these environments really are. I was glad that I had been able to follow a definite track once onto the ridge.

Feeling rather elated, and having my theory that there is no such thing as "a boring Munro" reinforced, I set off on the return journey. I managed to ride the boggy rut on most of the descent at some speed and on the steeper section to the lodge only got catapulted over the handlebars on two occasions! I'll be remembering those dotterel for a long time to come.

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

Fledgling Barn Owl

2011-07-13T22:01:00.000+01:00

The second week of our May Scottish holiday was spent at Tulloch Farm, near Roy Bridge and what with friendly hens (and wonderful fresh eggs), ducks, a cockerel, wild red deer grazing on nearby pastures and swallows nesting a couple of feet above the back door it was a wonderful place. One evening I stood outside in the gloaming and watched a pair of barn owls fetching food for their noisy squawking young, the adults floating silently through the late evening air seemingly unable to satisfy the eating needs of their offspring. The following day I went back again and was delighted to find this fledgling sitting on some farm machinery, somewhat larger than I would have thought, but a ball of soft feathers all the same. It stared at me, quite unperturbed by my presence, as I marveled and felt rather privileged to experience such a thing.

Canon 5D MkII, 70-200 IS USM f4 lens

Rudha Cadail Minor Light, Loch Broom

2011-07-09T22:10:00.057+01:00

Notice To Mariners (No. 16 of 1952)
West Coast Of Scotland
LOCH BROOM
RUDHA CADAIL MINOR LIGHT

Latitude 57° 55' 32" North Longitude 5° 13' 19" West

-----------------------------------------

NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSE BOARD EDINBURGH 19th November 1952

The Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses hereby give notice that on or about 29th November, 1952, a FLASHING LIGHT will be established on Rudha Cadail Point at the entrance to Loch Broom.

The character of the light will be FLASHING EVERY SIX SECONDS the duration of the flash being 1.0 second. The light will show White, Red and Green over the following sectors (bearings from seawards)

GREEN from 311° to 320° GREEN from 111° to 118°
WHITE from 320° to 325° WHITE from 118° to 127°
RED from 325° to 103° RED from 127° to 157°
WHITE from 103° to 111° WHITE from 157° to 199°
obscured elswhere

The light, which will be elevated 35 feet above H.W.O.S.T., will be exhibited from a white tower 29 feet in height and will have a power of about 1000 candles over the white sectors and about 200 candles over the red and green sectors. The light will be unwatched.

By Order,
J GLENCORSE WAKELIN,
Secretary
________________________________________________________________

Canon 5D MkII, 17-40mm lens
(One cottage that we stopped in during our May holiday was lived in by the last lighthouse keeper at Rudha Cadail Point prior to it being automated. A copy of a notice with these details was hanging on the living room wall)

Canisp From Gleann Dubh (Ben More Assynt and Conival)

2011-07-06T20:05:00.064+01:00

On a day after I'd climbed Ben Klibreck and Ben Hope, in order to make best use of some drier weather I made my way the the summits of Conival and Ben More Assynt. Despite the threat of rain, I never actually got wet, though the once onto the upper reaches of the mountains there was cloud and I never got to see any views, just narrowing ridges, rocks and some long drops below.

The return though Gleann Dubh brought the realization that I'd been lucky once again, rain clouds were clearing from the Assynt and as I came across this old sheep fold I marveled at the rich harmony of colours and tones in the landscape. Dependent on the conditions, the light can reveal the subject in many different moods. On this occasion, moist air and generally overcast conditions brought a blueish veil but enriched the greens and browns, all of which melded together without any discord to produce a strong feeling of peace and quiet.

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

Loch Ericht From Beinn Bheoil

2011-07-03T22:10:00.063+01:00

Sometimes I get asked what my obsession about climbing Scottish Munros is all about and it's always difficult to explain why I do it; it would take a long time too because there are so many good reasons. To get to this point on a trek over Ben Alder and it's satellite Munro Beinn Bheoil had involved an 11 mile (17km) cycle ride along a rough track and an 8 mile (13km) walk and then there was also the prospect of getting back too. It had been necessary to take off my boots to cross an incredibly icy cold stream that was in spate and to weather the late May hail, rain and sleat showers. Views came and went as the storms passed by but later on the sun made better progress and my reward was rainbows such as this one. Ephemeral, yet almost tangible, this arc seemed captured by the gap in the land, it's gift a mantle of golden light whilst beyond lay a wilderness of bog, 2000 feet (600m) below, dark, dank and definitely not a place to go. The day had been an adventure of physical and visual delights, providing memories that I know from experience are not forgotten.

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

Loch Broom & Beinn Ghobhlack From Rhue Point

2011-06-29T22:35:00.022+01:00

It's just over a month since our last Scottish holiday, the first week of which we stayed in a cottage overlooking Loch Broom at Rhue near Ullapool. On the first evening after we arrived following a 530 mile drive from Leicester, I wandered down to Rhue Point to make this image. It was the calm before the storm, for during the following three days from the safety of our cottage we were to watch rain lashing land and sea, gale force winds bending the trees and black clouds scudding across the sky. It worked out well though, for instead of dashing into the hills, I was forced to read Michael Wood's book "The History Of England", something I've been meaning to do for a while!

Canon 5D MkII and 17-40mm lens at 17mm

Way To The Beech, Talybont, Mid-Wales

2011-06-26T18:51:00.008+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 14mm lens

"Threads Clothing" Factory, Tudor Road, Leicester.

2011-06-23T16:03:00.025+01:00

Leicester city has what could be a very interesting selection of old factories, some have been restored, but others are in a sad state of disrepair and lie empty, their condition continually worsening; many others have been demolished, a sad fact as this destroys the traces that once made Leicester an important industrial city around the world.

This factory, originally John Cooper & Son's, and latterly Threads Clothing on Tudor Road is in a very dilapidated state, supposedly under renovation but not much seems to be, or seems to have happened as yet.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Spring Time, Cefn Cam, Mid Wales

2011-06-20T22:26:00.050+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

Days out in the countryside are made up of lots of little things happening around you, it's just about whether you care to notice them or not and it's so easy to just wade through and past them. Life is so much richer when you can be relaxed enough to SEE and are not engrossed with some mental turmoil or other. Such was the moment when I rounded a bend in a narrow track on this day, I'd heard the bleating of a new born lamb and found myself with my camera in my hand. Taking the picture wasn't a pre-considered action as such, nor was it an attempt to create an "ahh picture" either. I was just enraptured by this tiny newborn lamb that wondered whether I was safe or not and where it's mother was. I was aware that it was looking at me, and me at it, but the moment was over as quick as I noticed it as the lamb on hearing it's mother, stumbled off through the grasses to safety. I carried on feeling greatly enriched by the occasion and this photograph will be a great reminder of a fleeting moment in time.

This Is The Only Entrance, Dolgellau, Mid Wales

2011-06-17T19:17:00.016+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 14mm lens

I'm repetitive I know, but I love this camera and it's been a delight to rediscover prime lenses too. The 20mm and the 14mm lens make for a great combination. Unlike in the past though and rather than carrying around a brace of lenses, now I commit to just one lens and "go with it". It's relaxing, the equipment doesn't get in the way of the photography and I just respond to what ever catches my eye. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but it matters not because I'm lost in the activity and enjoyment of the occasion.

Box Room, Duxbury Road, Leicester

2011-06-14T22:19:00.003+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

RIP Tony C, Braunstone Park, Leicester

2011-06-11T22:00:00.034+01:00

One Sunday morning in April, I wandered off on my mountain bike to explore both Braunstone and Western Parks. They are local suburban parks within the boundary of Leicester City, neither of which I'd ever explored before. When I arrived at Braunstone Park I realised that I'd left my EVF on my LX5 so I had to cycle back home again to fetch it. There's no way that I can use an LCD on a camera for composing; I need glasses to be able to see it and even worse, I hate holding a camera out at arms length in order to compose. The Panasonic EVF comes in for a lot of criticism, but in daylight and when using autofocus it does it's job sufficiently. This graffiti was part of a much larger and very impressive mural adorning a wall to a children's play area. When I distilled this composition, along with the words "RIP Tony C", to my mind the spirit like clouds just completed the image.

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens at 14mm (28mm equiv)

Shredded Mail, East Park Road, Leicester

2011-06-08T22:15:00.005+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Premier Inn, St George's Way, Leicester

2011-06-05T12:17:00.000+01:00

A contentious paint job on a building in Leicester that many believe should have been demolished! After being abandoned by British Telecom in 2000, the building was finally bought for £22m by property developers, who spent in excess of another £18m on refurbishment. The drab and dirty 82m high concrete surfaces of the tower were rather poorly painted with a deep blue and then multi-coloured cladding was also added. On a dull day, the paintwork looks awful, just as if it was undercoated and they couldn't be bothered to add the top coat of paint! There's a lot of regeneration taking place in Leicester, but this "sore thumb" seems to stand out almost where ever you go in the city.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

This particular view, with sunny conditions doesn't look too bad, but's that the power of photographic abstraction. On it's other sides, there are no windows, just a huge wall of patchy blue.

"Spread The Word", Braunstone Gate, Leicester

2011-06-02T22:08:00.021+01:00

One Sunday afternoon, I went into the city centre to buy a pair of cross-trainer style shoes. It was an unsuccessful outing, as most of my shopping trips are as I get bored, bothered and bewildered after the first couple of shops! Anyway, I'd parked a good way out of the centre and on the way back I noticed this litter and its rather concerning message on the pavement; fortunately I was carrying my compact camera.

Panasonic LX5 (24mm equivalent lens length)

"High Quality Shoe Repairs", Aylestone Road, Leicester

2011-05-30T20:42:00.047+01:00

Along the Aylestone Road, near to Leicester's gas works I spotted a dowdy shop front window and above it was the business's sign "High Quality Shoe Repairs". I wandered over to take a closer look and was immediately taken with all of the early 1960 promotional signs that filled the display. The faded cards, layers of dust and water stains made it seem as if I was looking into some sort of time warp. I peered into the doorway and the interior looked equally "stuck in time". As I turned away, a lady with a carrier bag of shoes walked past and went into the building and I realised that it there must still be a cobbler inside!

I'd left work one Friday feeling very jaded, it was blowing a gale and very dull too. As I was on foot, I debated whether to take the direct 5 mile route home, or to go for a wander. The later option won, mainly because that was what I'd told myself I would do. In the end I was pleased I did because I discovered this place which I must have cycled and driven past so many, many times and never noticed before!

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Highcross Reflection, Causeway Lane, Leicester

2011-05-27T08:21:00.018+01:00

New buildings, a part of Leicester's city centre regeneration projects are reflected in the glass facade of the Highcross shopping and leisure complex. The filigree pattern on the glass is meant to represent Leicester's long history in the hosiery industry.

When I captured this image, I'd just spent a couple of hours after work on a Friday afternoon wandering around the edges of the city centre with my camera. I decided to take the bus home and it was rush hour. Whilst stopped at traffic lights, I looked out of the bus window, saw this image, raised my camera to my eye and made the exposure just before the bus set off again. It was a lesson in always having my camera in my hand.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Ferrets Gone Walkabout, Leicester Forest East

2011-05-24T22:03:00.023+01:00

Until I saw this flyer posted in a number of places in the same neighborhood, I never knew how prone ferrets are to escaping. A quick search revealed many a webpage devoted to the topic of what to do if your ferrets go missing. Apparently they are lovable and playful creatures with a penchant to take to the outdoors when spring arrives so I guess this image is at least topical. My first reaction was to wonder what I'd do if I actually saw one, but now I know that they tend to respond to squeaky toys and uttering the words "treat, treat".

Panasonic LX5

"Strickly", Green Lane Road, Leicester

2011-05-22T07:17:00.000+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Primesight 173202, Leicester

2011-05-20T21:13:00.000+01:00

Mounted on the walls of the derelict and formerly impressive Wildt Mellor Bromley factory, an incongruous advertisement proclaims the attractions of Leicester's Highcross shopping centre. A prime site for a primesight.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Well, Panasonic have announced the G3, the next in the line of M43 cameras, and I'm not sure what I think about it. The GF1 has taught me many lessons: that it allows me to express myself without needing to think about the technicalities of picture making, that I don't need loads of mega pixels to produce deeply satisfying photographic results and that having a camera that allows you to capture every nuance of detail and tone is no substitute for photographic vision (after all I've also got a Canon 5D MkII, a brace of L lenses and have owned plenty of superb pro quality cameras in the past too and the GF1 gets used more). In other words, a good composition of an interesting subject makes the picture, not the camera itself. The GF1 was clearly a camera marketed at the enthusiast and Panasonic could easily produce another that features all the best of today's technology. But I believe that they have chosen not to do so, simply because in their eyes it doesn't constitute good marketing. They know that GF1 owners wish that they had a better electronic viewfinder and that the G3 offers this, but the G3 doesn't really offer too much more for the likes of myself. But I find myself still tempted! It's small, discrete, got a better view finder, some more mega pixels and a flip out LCD that I'd find useful for some of the stuff I'm planning to do; however I feel that they are just repackaging what has been around for while in their other cameras with a few sweeteners thrown in. I just feel a bit peeved because I feel that Panasonic are playing the game, I could buy this "upgrade" and then they will just bring out another model that really does have the latest technology and I'll want that too. Then I think to myself, I'm not really finding that my GF1 with it's less than perfect view finder but great metal body restricts me in expressing myself in any way that's important. On the other hand, the G3, whilst offering some sort of "upgrade", also seems like some sort of "downgrade" too. I guess we are just too driven by the consumerist society we live in, but don't hold me to this argument, I might still capitulate!

Bargain Cars, St Saviours Road, Leicester

2011-05-18T22:20:00.000+01:00

This is an area of inner Leicester has a varied collection of buildings, from late Victorian terraces to their modern day counterparts. The area was home to many of the companies that made Leicester industrial prowess known around the world. Wildt Mellor Bromley, manufacturers of knitting machines, with the impressive Art Deco style factory seen here with it's grand front piece is just one of many companies that has long gone. Many of the factories are now used for hosiery manufacture and there is an overall feel of degradation about the area.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

A few weeks ago in Trafalgar Square an artist was told by a health and safety official that his easel constituted a hazard to the public. The artist responded by saying that he had been using the same equipment in the same manner around London for many years with no unfortunate consequences. The answer was "there's always a first time sir!"

Here in the St Saviours Road area of Leicester an advertising easel stands in the middle of the pavement, on a corner already made hazardous by a lorry parked on "double yellows" right on the junction and no one bats an eye!

River Soar, Croft, Leicestershire

2011-05-16T22:22:00.098+01:00

Since I completed my year long project on Croft Hill And Quarry Nature Reserve, I've still made very regular visits and have grown extremely fond of the place. The project provided a huge lesson to me as a photographer, insomuch that it taught me that there is so much beauty to be seen right here on my doorstep. I learnt to make photographs that included the context of the place and others that showed snippets of nature colonising what is basically an industrial area. The project also served as an important spring board for my current urban picture series.

A couple of Sundays ago, we took a wander to the end of the 1 mile long 100ft high man made embankment (designed to hide the quarry cement works from the village of Huncote) and down to the River Soar. Here, the river exits the cement works through a short avenue of crack willow trees. The trees hide a stockpile of cast cement products: kerbs, pipes, slabs etc. But despite that, twice I've had good sightings of kingfisher at this spot and there's plenty of other bird life too. And so, this image is an unashamed attempt to portray one of those little pockets of beauty that one can find on the doorstep; its just that you'd never have known about the dust, noise and quarry litter that was within shouting distance if I hadn't have told you first.

Panasonic LX5

I was lucky to find a dark cloud behind the trees and a bright late morning sun illuminating the river. Normally at this place on the river it's either too dull or too bright. Fortunately the LX5 sensor managed to capture a full tonal range of the scene. In order to retain the glow of the light that existed in the scene, using Lightroom, I added some negative clarity, boosted vibrance and reduced overall contrast. To further amplify the effect, I sharpened quite differently to normal, with "amount" at 141, "radius" at 2, and "detail" at 7 thus increasing the mid-tone contrasts of the gnarly tree bark. Then, in order to remove the artifacts created by the heavy sharpening I then used a fairly strong level of masking and some noise reduction. A subtle vignette then served to lead the eye to the sunlit river dissapearing out of view.

Raz 4 Naz, Green Lane Road, Leicester

2011-05-12T22:30:00.002+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Spinney Hill Wind Farm, Gilmorton, Leicestershire

2011-05-10T08:32:00.005+01:00

The area around Gilmorton isn't national park material, but it's typically south Leicestershire countryside, rural, quiet and green. There's a lot of history in these parts if you choose to seek it out, from Viking origins to roundhead skirmishes during the English civil war and Gilmorton itself had a Norman castle, the earthworks of which can still be seen in a field in the village.

For a number of years, two to three times a week, January to December, I cycle through Gilmorton on a 2 hour bike ride which forms part of my "keep fit" regime. I never tire of these lanes, how they change through the seasons, how they look under a cold moonlit winter's night or even when it's wet and miserable and I'm thinking of a hot mug of tea and a shower when I get home!

This spring though, almost overnight, these 450ft high wind turbines were erected and subsequently transformed the landscape. Beneath them, the field has had service roads and ancillary buildings constructed such that Gilmorton can never be the same again. From the other side of the village, the spire of the village church is dwarfed by the huge windmills and it seems that wherever I cycle in South Leicestershire I can see them lurking on the horizon.

There was very strong local opposition to the erection of this wind farm, with villagers reported to be in tears when they eventually saw the towering edifices. Strong arguments abound as to why wind farms are one of the biggest cons of our time and many of these have been tabled by the local MEP Roger Helmer in his blog Straight Talking. Only this month reports like this surface where someone (you and I), is funding a payment of £900,000 to wind farm owners to turn their turbines off. Whichever way you look at it, the landowners and operators of these wind farms will become very rich whether the turbines work or not, either because there's no wind or because they are turned off.

When I started this project about Leicestershire's past, I knew that I didn't want to photograph just the obvious bits of history, but rather to seek out the footprints of the past. History has been been kind to much of what I've found and has added further charm and interest. One wonders whether this wind farm though, with it's many tonnes of environmentally unfriendly concrete will be viewed by future generations in the same way.

Panasonic LX5

Processing the raw file was a bit of a challenge and in the end I had to produce another two virtual copies in Lightroom, one under and the other over exposed, then combine all three files in Photoshop using contrast masking in order to achieve the range of tones that I wanted. The photograph was taken on a spring evening as the skies were clearing after a rather dull day.

Nineteenth Century Graffiti, St Peter's Church, Claybrook Parva, Leicestershire

2011-05-08T13:48:00.034+01:00

The fourteenth century Church of St Peter's of Claybrook Parva has a collection of early graffiti on it's east wall. With a somewhat more formal style of graffiti text than one would find today, complete with serifs, "J Heap" is engraved in stone and dated "1809". What is even more curious is that the "1809" was inscribed over the top of even older marks that appear to have a date from the eighteenth century.

Canon 5D MkII, 45mm TSe lens

The Gartree Road (Via Devanna), Leicestershire

2011-05-05T21:00:00.038+01:00

It is said that the Gartree Road, which runs in a straight line across south-east Leicestershire, was originally the Roman military road "Via Devana" that linked Colchester to Chester. It is also claimed that the road existed before Roman times and was used as a trade route. Today, the Leicestershire sections are mostly open either as a public bridleway, or as a tarmac surfaced road. Here, nearby to Stonton Wyville and in a curious fashion, this road sign stands in the middle of a field and marks the crossing of the Gartree Road with another old bridleway to Noseley.

Canon 5D MkII, 24-105mm lens

On a March day, I fulfilled one of my "mini-adventure" targets. After parking at Evington, on the outskirts of Leicester, I walked across fields through ancient villages of Stoughton, Gaulby, Frisby, Rolleston and Noseley to meet the far end of the Gartree Road at Glooston. I then walked back in a straight line along the Roman route back to Leicester to complete a pleasant total round of 20 miles.

Lee Street, Leicester

2011-05-03T07:22:00.000+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

A Round Of The Derbyshire Dark Peak

2011-05-01T22:25:00.002+01:00

Evening, Lady Bower Reservoir From Derwent Edge
Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

In a successful attempt to avoid the Royal Wedding and all it's hyperbole, I set off for a long walk around the familiar territory of the Derbyshire Dark Peak. This time though, I decided to link together sections of many other walks that I'd completed in the past and rather than following natural contour lines along ridges and edges, to cross as many hills as I could sensibly manage in a day.

I set off from Bamford, ascended Win Hill, dropped into Hope, climbed Lose Hill and made my way to Mam Tor, descended to Edale, climbed Kinder Scout, walked straight over it's peaty plateau and dropped down the other side along Blackden Brook, made my way way up to Alport Castles and over to Derwent Reservoir Dam where I enjoyed not one, but two ice cold drinks from the cafe, then after climbing Derwent Edge I made my way over to Stanage Edge and from thence back to Bamford. 11 hours 30 mins, 29 miles and 8200ft covered in total.

It was a truly fantastic spring day and I saw so many things too innumerable to mention then all. The air was alive with the song of skylarks, the haunting weep of the curlew, the "pee-wit" of lapwing and of course the twitter of the meadow pippet. Spring flowers were in abundance along the hedgerows and made for an idyllic scene with the red and white campions, bluebells and dandelions and buttercups. A hazy sun sketched the moors in subtle hues of browns and blues, with the young heather and bilberry shoots bursting though at near quarters in a shock of vivid greens. I watched a lizard scuttle off a rock as I disturbed it's siesta at the top of Kinder and found two ringed feet and pile of feathers that must surely have belonged to a racing pigeon, caught and devoured by a peregrine falcon. I frightened a female mallard and a school of ducklings in a dyke, where in a flash, the tiny balls of fluffy feathers had swam around a bend and out of sight, but the female shot out of the ditch and led me away for some distance, feigning a broken wing, a damaged foot and making sounds of distress. When she deemed it safe, she took off and flew back to the dyke via a circuitous route. From wonderful vistas, to leafy tracks, ancient packhorse tracks and even older standing stones, grit stone tors, bronze age forts and redeveloped woolen mills from the industrial revolution I enjoyed every single step. Life should be about living "the now" and not overly concerning oneself about tomorrow, difficult to do, but when you can it makes for one memorable and immensely rewarding occasion.

Industrial Unit, Freeman's Common, Leicester

2011-04-29T13:54:00.006+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

The Rhinog Ridge, Y Garn, Diffwys, Y Llethr, Rhinog Fach and Rhinog Fawr

2011-04-27T15:56:00.046+01:00

It's a long time since I've walked in Wales, never mind the Rhinog mountains of mid Wales. The worrying thing is that I remember having climbed Rhinog Fawr with the lilting melodies of Pat Metheny/Charlie Haden melodies from their colaborative album "Beyond The Missouri Sky" in my mind, and that had been 1997.

After some long Leicestershire walks in my legs, including a 27 mile loop of Leicestershire's hillier Charnwood region, on a dull cloudy morning I set off from the forest to the east of the Rhinog mountains. This area of Wales is as wild as Wales gets, you are alone and there are none of the heaving masses of people that congregate around the popular northern quarters.

I've climbed almost all of the Welsh tops over 2000ft during the last 40 years and this was a to be walk to explore them from a different perspective. Bleak moorland and acres of tussock grass made for a trackless route across what must be some of the most remote feeling areas of Wales. The forest had reverberated with the song of the willow warblers and even as I crossed the moorland, the sound the of cuckoos was constant in my ears.

Brilliant sunshine the day before and an evening of heavy thunderstorms had laden the ground with wetness. My boots and the bottom of my trousers were sodden within a few miles. I crossed a few tracks, though not many of them took my route and I was left to deal with deep tussock grass and just making my own way across the moor. I love this sort of walking, being alone and able to deal with ones thoughts, it's an opportunity to allow peace to work it's way into the inner recesses of the mind, to work out all the anger that life brings along and refill it it with an inner calm. I saw so many things, meadow pippets, with their simple song resounding across the moor, I disturbed a buzzard breakfasting on a sheep's carcass and watched whilst it circled around and waited for me to move on.

It was a desolate landscape yet one so rich and I was left wondering how anyone could possible be bored in such a place. Occasionally, I came across a small group of sheep, though no one could say that this was today an area of intensive sheep farming as it was once was. Eventually, after a few miles of tramping over boggy grass, I reached a water shed and was able to see the slopes of my first destination, the slopes of Y Garn, one of the a few 2000ft summits in Wales that I had never been to the top of. There was a subtle change in the vegetation, tussock grass began to give way to heather and the path I had been lucky to follow for the last mile had begun to get rougher underfoot.

Yet there is always a surprise in these places and as I descended into the next valley, it became clear that families had once made a living in this area, there was a ruined farm house, a few barns and sheep folds. At one time beech trees had been grown and walls had encompassed someone's garden. It was a remarkable setting, well away from the nearest town or village, but a place that must have been capable of providing a living. There was no obvious path or track leading to the farm house and on this day it was merely a lonely mark on the landscape, punctuated by hawthorn and ash that spoke of some previously enriched soil in it's immediate vicinity.

The route onwards to the summit of Y Garn was tough, the grasses gave way to knee high heather and hidden boulders. Where there wasn't heather there was bilberry and large but soft pillows of moss that hid holes and cavities between the boulders. It was all so typical of Rhinog country.

Hard work eventually brought me the top of the mountain where I stopped to have a bite to eat, a couple of Shirley's cheese sandwiches and a piece of cake. There were no views and the mist enshrouded the summit. I didn't stop too long as it had taken me four hours to reach this point, but set off into towards another forest and the subsequent climb out of it to the next summit. It was hard going, as even downhill the sweat dripped off me as I made slow progress over deep heather that hid gaps between the underlying rocks. There was no path and in the mist no distinguishing features in the landscape, just hillocks, rocky bluffs, crags and more heather.

Eventually, after an hour's descent I reached the edge of the forest and followed a trail through it to the start of an old miner's track leading up onto the steep slopes of Diffwys.

Here, at least there was a semblance of a path, improved in places by the remnants of a causeways built by the miners. Today it must be little used, as are most of the areas of the Rhinogs, but despite the lack of distant views, the undergrowth provided much to see. The season's fresh bilberry shoots bore ripening berries, and all around there was the blue of the common dog violet and the tiny yellow star like tormentil flower. Colorful hairy caterpillars climbed the succulent stalks of new spring growth, tiny moths fluttered between the plants and large black slugs slithered across wet grass. Despite sweating profusely, having already drunk a couple of litres of fluid and covered 11.5m miles I reached the summit of Diffwys feeling very good. At the cairn, now six hours into my trip I met the first fellow walker of the day. Over another bite to eat, we shared a few experiences as it turned out that we lived within 25 miles of each other.

Now on the Rhinog ridge proper, I made my way northwards and at the over 2500 ft, the heather gave way to easier walking over grass and a feint path. Another hour or so with some descent and re-ascent took me to the summit slopes of Rhinog Fach. It was late afternoon and the mist started to break up as I looked back towards Llyn Hywel, where it is fabled that one eyed fish live. I was starting to feel the exertion of the day as I reached the summit but was determined to make it to the next top as well, that of Rhinog Fawr. After a short stop to eat a bit more food, I made off once again. The slopes down to the pass between the two Rhinogs was extremely steep and fraught with opportunity to sustain an injury. This is rough country, notably the roughest in Britain outside of Scotland and I would have to agree. It's also a long way down and back up again between these two hills.

What the Rhinogs lack in height at around 2500 ft, they more than make up for with their ankle breaking, knee twisting boulders and vegetation. A day out in these hills is one to be remembered!

Rhinog Fawr was a hard gained summit. I was tired, it was 6pm and still misty on the tops. The last time I'd been here, it had been evening and I had watched a magical sunset over the Irish Sea before descending again. This time the descent felt very hard, a sprained ankle would not have been a good thing, I would have been difficult to find in the half light amidst the wilderness of rock and heather and there was no obvious route down either. Eventually I reached the base of the mountain pass and then made my way back down through the forest to my car. Night was setting in, though thrushes were still singing in the tops of the fir trees.

I stole a few glances back towards the grey bulks of the mountains, my mind full of all the things I'd seen despite the mist and I drank the last of the four litres of fluid that I'd taken with me, it had been a day to remember.

It was almost 8:30 when I reached my car, 21 miles (34km) walked over rough territory, 7000 ft (2130m) ascended through deep heather and much of it pathless. Needless to say, I slept well that night!

All photographs, Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

Cherry Blossom, Western Park, Leicester

2011-04-25T21:31:00.043+01:00

After a long winter, warm spring sunshine on a Sunday morning is great medicine for the soul. The feel of heat coming through, the sight of new life bursting forth as everything competes for space and light, the unbelievable greens of the undergrowth and the impossible pink of the cherry blossom.......

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

After months of using only the 20mm lens I challenged myself to take the zoom for a morning's photography. It felt strange! Interestingly, of the 7 images that I have kept from the session, 3 were at 14mm, 2 at around 20mm and 2 at 45mm. I've debated about getting the 14mm pancake lens and I've still not made my mind up about it. The zoom gives plenty good enough results for my needs and the only advantage of the 14mm pancake would be it's small size; for some things I have in mind for the future though that would be very useful. As an aside, I had to reduce the saturation of the colours in this image to make it approach anything like real.

Withcote Hall, Leicestershire

2011-04-23T21:05:00.032+01:00

Withcote Hall nestles in the valley just to the east of Leicestershire's border with Rutland and can just be seen on the right hand side of this image. The hill in the distant was once a part of Leicestershire when Rutland was incorporated in 1972. But in 1997, after much campaigning by local people, Rutland once again became a county in it's own right and Leicestershire's borders were changed.

Canon 5D MkII, 17-40mm lens

I made this image in December, on a winter's afternoon when the sun finally showed a little strength late in the day. It was one of those moments when you are walking along and you just choose to look behind to see where you've come from. The light didn't last very long and dusk soon overtook the daylight. it's taken me quite a while to realise how I should interpret the RAW file as well, but by balancing up the contrast between the fore and back ground I think a pleasing image has emerged.

Saltby Airfield, Leicestershire

2011-04-20T06:42:00.054+01:00

Saltby Airfield played important roles in WW2. First, being a base for bombers, but later on used to store gliders employed in transporting paratroopers under the command of the USAAF. On D-day, 950 men were dropped around the Cherbourg Peninsula, and later on in 1944, a simlilar sized operation was made when 604 men of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade were dropped near Arnhem. The airfield was derequisitioned in 1955, but taken over by the Buckminster Gliding Club in 1971.

Canon 5D MkII, 17-40mm L lens

On the day I walked the length of "The Drift", an Anglo/Roman track on the Leicestershire-Lincolnshire border, I passed this airfield and stopped to savour the feel of the place. On a cold, dull February morning it was not hard to imagine wartime airmen waiting impatiently for favourable weather reports before being able to fly off on the next mission; Saltby was frequently foggy. All I saw was a lone horse rider, oh and after a few moments of hearing a distant growl of a very powerful diesel engine, a military tank appeared at the exit of some nearby woods; it all added to the ambience of the place!

Old Chester Road, Claybrooke Parva, Leicestershire

2011-04-17T19:48:00.044+01:00

The main road through Claybrooke Parva winds its way past various 19th century buildings, but at one time the village was en-route for the London to Chester royal mail horse and coaches. This green lane, which runs past the church, was a part of the original road and not the route that the modern road takes.

Canon 5D MkII, 24mm TSe lens,

Whilst I was composing this image, a local couple filled me in on the details of the track which was restored in 2001 with funds as a millennium project. They said that a rather "well-to-do" lady of the village had insisted that the road be moved so that it was closer to her stables and so this section fell into disrepair. Claybrooke Parva is not far from the busy A5, the Roman road known as Watling Street which until even the early 20th century was just a mud track, which is why post coaches used the route through Claybrooke.

Manorial Earthworks, Ullesthorpe, Leicestershire

2011-04-14T21:49:00.038+01:00

The village of Ullesthorpe in south Leicestershire is built on a hill, but older 13th century remains lie in the valley towards Claybrooke. The earthworks are described as fishponds, house platforms and moats belonging to a substantial manor. They are scheduled monument and public access is provided.

Canon 5D MkII, 24mm TSe lens.

I walked to Ullesthorpe from Sharnford, specifically to explore this site, though I had no idea that one could walk through the field ~ that was a nice surprise. The earthworks are extensive and well defined, more than just a few humps amidst some pasture land. I was fortunate that the February sun decided to make an appearance after a dreary week, and that this wonderful cloud made the composition for a difficult to photograph south facing scene. It was a case of making your own luck by being there!

G_affiti, Railway Bridge, Leicester

2011-04-11T14:15:00.011+01:00

One evening in March I cycled over this old railway bridge and contractors working for Leicester City Council had given it a fresh coat of paint. The following morning this graffiti, complete with poor spelling had appeared.

On another of the bridge's panels there was more of the same, "All that hard work 4 nothing!"

Perhaps someone should be spayed!

Panasonic LX5

Bus Stop, London Road, Leicester

2011-04-08T20:58:00.008+01:00

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

The Topple Test, Southfields Cemetery, Leicester

2011-04-05T19:23:00.005+01:00

Without due regard for the need to have any action authorised, Leicester City Council "topple tested" many gravestones and then had to retrospectively apply for permission to do so. They were opposed and now have a restoration programme in place. One would question how much force was involved in the toppling of the gravestones and at least the vandals would not have been injured in doing so themselves.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Cycle Path, Southfields, Leicester

2011-04-02T18:54:00.014+01:00

Cycle path at the back of the Morrison's supermarket, originally the site of Leicester's cattle market.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Gateway, Midland Railway Station, Leicester

2011-03-30T18:13:00.008+01:00

The initials "MR" embellish this original gate of Leicester's railway station built in 1894

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Here's an example of something that you can walk past so many times, then one day, just as a winter's sun was setting, the colours came alive from being illuminated by a warm light

Cardinal Telephone Exchange, Humberstone Road, Leicester

2011-03-27T15:26:00.042+01:00

The highest building in Leicester at 84m (1103ft) and a pigeon.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

This camera continues to impress me, especially with the 20mm lens. More and more, I'm realizing that I go out to make images and am not thinking about equipment AT ALL. I just see, focus, expose and capture. I've written about this before, but on my shelf I've an Olympus 35RD range-finder camera with a 40mm f1.7mm lens and my first serious camera from about 35 years ago! The GF1, at long last, is a camera that can take the Olympus' place, but that produces better images and one I've got quite fond of (and I don't usually get attached to gear). I just wish that there was a similar camera with a built in EVF viewfinder and capable of using interchangeable lenses. An A4 print of the above image is so pleasing; in good light condition such as this the GF1 really excels.

Castle Rock, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire

2011-03-24T19:49:00.000Z

The graffiti on the rock reads "Vote No!! Please" and "Vote No".....

In 1080, a castle was built on this granite crag, overlooking the Soar Valley and the village of Mountsorrel. Today's somewhat quieter village, belies the fact that the castle played an important role in early medieval history and a struggle against King Stephen. Not only that, but the garrisoned soldiers caused great hardship to the local people and frequently raided the surrounding countryside. Eventually, in 1217, King Louis of France aided an army of 20,000 men to destroy the castle which was described as a "nest of the Devil, and a den of thieves and robbers". Today, all that remains are some earthworks and this rocky outcrop. Now of course, it's hard to imagine such an armed force encamping here in central Leicestershire.

Canon 5D MkII, 24mm T-SE lens.

Early one morning I wandered up to this point not long after sunrise. Historical records describe access to the castle as being up a winding path under the crags, and today such a path (original or otherwise) still exists. When I saw the graffiti on the rocks, I was reminded of how history records how the local people hated the inhabitants of the castle because of the poor treatment they received at their hands.

Television Mast, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire

2011-03-21T21:55:00.021Z

With a height of 1033ft (315m), this television mast is a landmark for much of north eastern Leicestershire and dominates the view in it's immediate neighbourhood. It was built in 1966, collapsed shortly afterwards, and didn't actually become operational until 1971.

Canon 5D MkII, 17-40mm lens

Gopsall Lane, nr Congerstone, Leicestershire

2011-03-18T21:28:00.034Z

Hardly anything remains of the opulent Gopsall Estate, the large hall, gardens, a 724 acre deer park and lakes that existed here. Just a few small ruins here and there, a fallen down temple associated with Handel and some names on the map. This dirt lane was probably one of the service roads into the estate and is now a permissive path leading to the temple ruins. It seems like a poor investment for a house that cost £8.5 million in today's money.

Canon 5D MkII, 17-40mm lens at 17mm, late on a winter's afternoon

I recently invested in a new 23" NEC SpectraView monitor and it's fantastic. My 4 year old 20" Viewsonic has become the second half of my new dual monitor set-up and the extra screen space is tremendous. Having Lightroom's loupe view on a superbly calibrated screen (my X-Rite DTP94 is compatible with the NEC software), or alternatively Photoshop's menus on the Viewsonic and the NEC just for image viewing is a revelation. I'm getting very good print matching too, especially under my Solux lamp that is situated just to the left of my work station. The computer I use for photo-editing is Windows 7, but I also keep an XP computer for occasional use of some older software. The NEC monitor incorporates a KVM switch that allows me to switch between both computers whilst using the same monitor, keyboard, mouse and graphics tablet. Isn't technology great!

Pigeons ~ Midland Railway Station

2011-03-15T21:09:00.001Z

Conduit Street corner of Leicester's Midland Railway Station illuminated by a late afternoon's winter sun.

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens

Over the last couple of weeks, GF1 cameras have been reduced down to £199 in the UK. In my view that is a real bargain and a lot less than I paid for mine. Sometimes I wish that I had bought a GH1 for it's better built-in electronic viewfinder. However, when you see what money can be saved, the fact that after only 15 months camera models are subject to such big reductions and that newer models don't really offer much of an improvement image wise (at least to me), it makes me realise that in future I'm better waiting for new cameras to be released and the subsequent price cuts of older models before spending any of my hard earned cash.

Dawn, Aylestone Meadows From Middleton Street

2011-03-12T21:14:00.000Z

One cold January morning, just before the sun had properly risen I stopped to make this image from the bridge on Middleton Street. This leat, a part of the Grand Union and River Soar's water system across Aylestone's meadows looked so calm. Come spring though, after heavy rain, the river frequently rises several feet, floods the road with a strong current and on more than one occasion I've seen foolhardy motorists stranded half away across.

Panasonic LX5, 24mm equivalent lens length

Hoarfrost On Blue Painted Iron

2011-03-09T22:23:00.017Z

A very cold morning and a part of the painted surface of Desford Colliery winding wheel which now stands as a monument near Thornton Reservoir, Leicestershire.

Panasonic LX5

Scratches, imperfections, dirt and undulations have all affected the way that the water has frozen and how the dendritic crystals have nucleated.

Pine Cones ~ Lin of Dee, Near Braemar

2011-03-06T12:45:00.017Z

Still, dry, overcast conditions made for ideal light for this image of fallen Scots Pine cones under the tree canopy. The lack of really deep shadows, the subtle tones and hues made a pleasing pattern picture.

Canon 5D Mk1, 24-105mm lens

Friar's Terrace, York

2011-03-03T11:41:00.002Z

"Great view of The Tower Customer Toilets"

Canon G7

Bridge No.53, Ashby Canal, Shackerstone, Leicestershire

2011-02-27T15:15:00.029Z

The Ashby Canal, opened in 1804 to convey coal and limestone from the Ashby area but was poorly maintained after it's owners, the Midland Railway Company, preferred to see traffic being carried on the adjacent railway line. Bridge number 53, at the village of Shackerstone, was also known as "Town Bridge".

Canon 5D MkII, 17-40mm lens

Until Shirley pointed it out, I hadn't realised that a crescent moon was just visible through the clouds above the bridge and that the name of the barge under the arch was in fact "Blue Moon".

Butter Market, Mountsorrel

2011-02-24T21:56:00.028Z

Mountsorrel's Butter Market was built in 1793 by Sir John Danvers, presumably to appease his conscience after he took the existing 15th century market cross for use as an ornament on his personal estate! The structure's cupola is supported on eight pillars and crowned with an urn.

Canon 5D MkII, 45mm TS-e lens
It's quite difficult to photograph this structure as it's surrounded by buildings that throw shadows onto it. To make matters worse there are often a few parked vehicles around too. I got there before dawn one Sunday morning and made this image just before the sun had properly risen. As a result the lighting was still quite soft and some reflected light illuminated the darker parts. Within another half an hour there was just too much harsh light around.

Nissen Hut, Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome

2011-02-21T21:03:00.007Z

With a USAF call sign of "Big Thunder", Bruntingthorpe was used between 1954 and 1962 as a B-47 strato-jet strategic heavy bomber base (originally built as a WWII airbase built in 1942). This Nissen hut is outside the current perimeter fence and is today used as an industrial unit.

Panasonic GF1, 14-45mm lens

Old Wall, Granby Street, Leicester

2011-02-18T20:32:00.003Z

Panasonic GF1, 20mm lens