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The early morning light of the 13th March was just great (wished I'd got up and out earlier) and bode well for the workshop later on. Having finally left the house - a few hours after the golden dawn - I was overlooking a stunning Derbyshire scene enhanced even further with the faintest flickers of overnight snow.

A few shots later and I was inside the wonderful Endsor Tea Rooms enjoying a coffee and freshly baked scones, whilst trying to explain the relationships between ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed - hopefully successfully. Whilst the cloud covered the sky as we emerged ready to capture new and exciting images, it did decide to clear later allowing us to get some fine images of Chatsworth park, some men cutting up some large tree trunks and a large military helicopter dropping in and flying off for good measure. Plenty of subject matter. Talking of which what is it about young ladies clad in tight fitting lycra (or was it leather) that attracts a crowd of photographers?

I am of course talking about Focus on Imaging at the NEC and the young lady in question was quite happy for the visitors to snap away whilst the resident Professional played with various lighting set ups. I'm afraid I only got a snap as I couldn't get anywhere near.....Of course there was much more to entertain and inform with Nikon's stand being constantly overwhelmed as the delegates were shown demonstrations of the latest offerings.

We can thoroughly recommend Focus, just take lots of cash and a comfy pair of shoes!

March 2 2013

Well at last the sun has come out for at least three days in one week !

So that means not only the gardening jobs are beckoning but more importantly doing a blog on my photographic ventures over the last few months with the theme of red, white and blue.

Last November provided some excellent autumnal foliage which when back lit really made a good image with colour and detail - and this last poppy of the year against a rare clear blue sky was quite dramatic.

Next came Xmas, and although the Xmas lights in Sheffield were a tad unphotogenic, Andrew and I scoured around and this image was the most inspirational !  Though what with the impending budget cuts, this may well be the last time Santa in seen in the city !

And so the snow came and with in the challenge of taking a moody snow scene.  So here is a 19th C mile stone up on the moors to the west of Sheffield with snow blown in to the hand carved text.  And if you look closely the individual stones in the dry stone wall behinds were edged in snow - a neat natural effect !

London then beckoned to visit family / some shopping which involved visiting a well known museum with an amazing entrance, but which one ??

And so to Weymouth on family business, but naturally the camera went as well just in case.  And while wandering by the harbour side, this image presented itself which I thought was quite a clever composition.   And finally, just the best ice cream on the south coast can be found on the sea front at Rossi's - long may it continue as it is truly amazing......bring on summer !

And I make a public promise to be a better regular blogger in 2013

Andy

Exposure to the Sun!

Finally the sun shines and the warmth returns. I like getting out in the cold and provided the sun is out all feels good - dull, overcast and cold keeps me firmly indoors and forces me to be creative:

A couple of images being worked on prior to hanging in NOSH in Sheffield.

So the warm sunshine finally temps me out and a contact at Chesterfield Photographic Society informed me about the 4shires hunt meeting at Chatsworth this morning - and that provided ample temptation to get out and add to the portfolio:

Lots of inspiration for wide angle, portraits and close up detail. So that was the great outdoors and tomorrow (3rd March) Andy and I are off to Focus on Imaging and the NEC to battle it out with the rest of the photography world to get around all the wonderful photo equipment stands and demonstration areas. We are hoping to get some business development inspiration, test out the latest gear and learn some more (you can never know enough) from the truly excellent guest presenters. Now where is that Lottery ticket?