Monthly Archives: January 2013

Fairy Falls

What a miserable day it is, grey skies, wind blowing and rain battering my studio window……perfect for a walkies in the woods then, thats where we’re heading in a little while, some shots of fauna dripping with fresh rain is the order of the day.

Just booked Jo’s birthday surprise, Zip World – Bethesda, its 1 Mile long, 500′ up and 85mph, what a rush can’t wait, she’ll love it I’m sure.

Today’s shot is from Fairy Falls The Fairy Falls (Rhaeadr y Tylwyth Teg) is a waterfall in the village of Trefriw, north Wales. The falls are on the river Crafnant which has its source at Llyn Crafnant, being joined upstream by a tributary, the river Geirionydd. Below the falls the river Crafnant flows on to itself become a tributary of the river Conwy. Great little place and a must for waterfall lovers

Walkies Stormy

Adrian

Stormy Sunburst

Morning all

after my shocking weekend failing my exam and feeling very low I was uplifted by the support of friends and fellow team members words of encouragement, it’s so easy to make someone feel better with just a few words, we should all try it, and as  the saying goes “A man is not finished when he is defeated, he’s finished when he quits” Mr Richard Nixon hhmmm, still it does apply to how I now feel, build a bridge and get over it comes to mind. I now have 3 months more cramming to the re sit and this time I will do it.

Today’s shot from Rhosneigr again, I know but it’s where I’m meant to be, can”t help myself and we have so many friends there. This is probably one of the best storms I have seen there, I got absolutely soaked but I’m sure you’ll agree it was well worth it. I have managed quite a few saleable images out of this shoot and still have a few more to process and upload to the web.

Off on a commission shoot later in the week, weather permitting as its a shoot for the local authority to highlight a walking route so I have to make it look inviting and family friendly, no pressure then!

Stormy had her 1ts scan yesterday and it was -tive for puppies  but we have a second scan next week and they could be hiding up under her ribs, so you never know, she’s certainly acting strange but it could be a phantom pregnancy so she’ll need to be kept a close eye on.

Adrian

Scafell Reflections

Morning all

certainly a little bit different from today’s image outdoors isn’t it?

Image taken half way up Scafell Pike when we stopped for a well earned rest and a cuppa. Note to self never ever try carrying your big tripod up Scafell again, you may think you’re big and strong but not for 9 miles, cream crackered is putting it mildly! one of the reasons for me buying the Gitzo 1581OT, so so light and strong.

Back out in the wilds again tomorrow, having a snow day reading today as well as a nice Dearne river walk at lunchtime with her majesty Stormy.

 

Adrian

 

Peace II

Peace II

Wow a cold and snowy morning here in Yorkshire, stark contrast to the image Peace II name after , well Peace I……well I never professed to be good with titles did I?..lol

Had a busy weekend digging out the drive for the arrival of the new caravan, thanks to Mark Wayne and Dave for your help, much appreciated, no doubt I’ll pay back sooner or later, then yesterday I did a few hours marshaling the Trigger 2013 with teh team and did some shots of the very fit competitors, 20 miles over the Peaks fastest 3hrs 9mins , slowest 6hrs 35mins, with a whole range of ages and abilities but I think we could all agree they are superhuman, the shear guts and determination to overcome the pain that must be involved is incredible. Well done everyone of you. The monies raised goes to WMRT to help us continue our work in helping others in trouble.

Just listening to Genesis “Snowbound” on the radio as I watch the snow gently fall outside my office window, big chucks of white fluff too settling on my garden, Stormy is asleep on the settee, she’ll get a winter walk at lunchtime, the car is staying put today, not worth the hassle, still can’t believe the numpties we saw this morning driving with a 6 inch circle cleared on their windscreen in near darkness too, if the y kill someone, its dangerous driving and thats prison! spend 5 mins and clear all windows properly, how stupid do you have to be!….rant over but its a bug bear of mine.

stay safe and warm

Adrian

Cool Sunset

Cool Sunset

Hi all

 

it may not look it but it was a freezing night when I took this sunset, a very icy breeze washing cold sea spray onto my face and hands, can’t beat it!

So so busy today lots to get through and a busy weekend getting the drive ready for the new caravan then Sunday morning doing the shots for our Woodhead MRT Trigger race in The Peaks followed by some more ground works on the drive. Love being busy it makes you appreciate your quiet time more.

hope you all have a great weekend, wrap up warm its going to be a cold one

Adrian

 

Rhosneigr – Over Dramatic Skies

Rhosneigr – Over Dramatic Skies

One from late summer at Rhosneigr, a super storm hit the coast and minutes later me the camera and Stormy were soaking, but as I’m sure you’ll agree it was well worth it. pre and after storms always give some great light and if you’re prepared to venture out in it you stand a good chance of capturing nature at its most ferocious and beautiful.

Again, I’m asked how I do this sort of shot, so I’ll list what and how

Canon 1DS MKII, Lee .9 hard grad, Singh Ray reverse grad .9, f/11, 3s

Photoshop, clean dust and spray off with healing tool, adjust levels, dodge a little of the waves to highlight them and add a tracker watermark……thats it, nothing fancy no smoke and mirrors, if you cant do this without a computer you’re not a photographer.

If you’d like to see it done and more importantly learn how to make it happen why not join one of my courses in 2013, just send me an email with your preferred location, coast or land.

 

Adrian

Ladybower reflecticloud

Hi all

another form this weekends walk at Ladybower and Howden Moors, if it wasn’t for my mate Mark I wouldn’t have got much further than this, never expect to go very fast walking with a photographer, its almost a form of ADHD, I scamper off in all directions not listening to anything or anyone, Still we had a great walk out for the morning.

Also attached a bit of music for your listening delight, easy to turn off if you don’t like it, just getting back into Dream Theater and this is off their “Scenes From  A Memory” CD, really mellowing stuff.

Back out again later…..more to follow

Adrian

Ladybower Reflective Trees

Morning all

Had a wonderful walk with Stormy and my mate Mark yesterday 16km Howden Moor circular, a must for some spectacular views and apart from a steepish descent its a nice steady walk and can be enjoyed by most.

Starting at Fairholmes car park which although is expensive at £4.7 for the day worth it for the facilities, extremely clean and there is a cafe and picnic area. alternative parking on the road leading up to it is available but you have to be early.

Image above is the reflective trees on the reservoir, as you can see it was very calm and such a mild day, I walked most of the way in my T shirt, very spring like.

Shot below is of the dam itself with the overflow shimmering down the old stone. You can’t believe the size of this until you stand at its base, enormous!

Out again tomorrow down to Edale area with Stormy for a shoot, will post more later

have a great week

Adrian

Loch Leven

Loch Leven

Happy New Year to all

been so busy lately so apologies I have still to catch up with my mail to some of you, rest assured I’ll be caught up by next week.

Great news is that I passed my assessment to become a full team member of Woodhead Mountain Rescue, its been an arduous task but one I have loved doing, great guys and team spirit. Managed several call outs already and was first on scene to an incident involving a woman with a head injury, took great care with her before handing over the ambulance service.

I’m back on track now with my work too, a few commissions have  come in and December was a fantastic month for print sales, I’d like to thank all my customers for their continued support and appreciation of my work. The exhibition at the Civic in Barnsley managed a sale and a commission so I’d like to thank David and his staff for their help and support too.

This weekend will see me in The Peaks, Howden Moor Sunday for a 14k circular photo shoot, hope this weather plays fair, we need some nice early spring sunshine to help us through these couple of dark months ahead.

Other news, Stormy has been mated with a lovely boy called Echo from Birmingham, he is a dead ringer for her but his eyes are the opposite way round blue left brown right. hoping we get long haired puppies with blue/brown eyes, I’ll update as time progresses

 

Have a great weekend

Adrian.