Where Does the Time Go?

Can you believe it's nearly Xmas? I can't, it seems like only five minutes ago I was stood on Mevagissey harbour wall and that was back at the beginning of August! Much has happened since then, the fantastic Olympics and Paralympics, three fantastic workshops and rain and more rain.....hopefully 2013 will be kinder weather wise and allow a few more photo opportunities than don't involve getting drenched.

Whilst the photo opps have been a bit limited we have still managed to capture a few images over the last few months. London at night is always a great place for me and this time I wandered away from the Thames and tried around Covent garden, with some success.

In September Chesterfield Photographic Society had an invite to shoot the "Vegas Rat Pack" at the Winding Wheel Theatre. A great opportunity to cover a brilliant show, but quite a challenge photographically (especially as we weren't allowed flash). So I was lucky enough to borrow a Nikon D3 and a pro f2.8 wide aperture lens to ensure I could use a high ISO and have a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. The mixed lighting also add to the complication of getting the white balance right. We all had a fantastic night and the photos weren't too bad either.



Autumn colours were very late this year and the wet weather didn't help make them particuarly vibrant but it's always a pleasure to be out and about with a camera in October and November. Our October workshop in Chatsworth saw us out on a lovely bright day and whilst the colours were a bit muted and still quite green, we had quite a bit of fun capturing the scenery.

We got a further invite via the Photo Society to shoot the switch on of the Christmas lights in Chesterfield - back to my normal kit which isn't great when using high ISOs as it gives quite a bit of "noise" above 800. Thousands of people out around the market area and as the light faded the stage acts begun. Then the Mayor and Charlie Dimmock (the TV gardner with no bra!) push the plunger to turn the lights on. I had to dig out my really old manual flash and set it all up manually and it worked .... for a bit until the batteries started to give out and then I may as well have had a candle! Still it was interesting to try to work with a combination of manual setting, hand holding (no tripod allowed) and a dodgy flash. (Note to Santa - I think I might like to try a new flash please).

Andy and I did attempt a night shoot in Sheffield last week but after 40 minutes of icy cold and a very poor level of inspiration (Sheffield Xmas light leave much to be desired) we decided to pack it in and head for the hot chocolate to undertake some planning for the workshops in 2013. We have the first three sorted, now we need to finalise the venues for the second half of the year, if you have any suggestions get in touch.

Just waiting for Santa to arrive with my new Nikon D4 and prime 300m.... well I can wish can't I?

Have a very snappy Christmas and if Santa should deliver a new camera we'd be delighted to help you understand all the bells and whistles.