Southbourne Beach

We have moved from Petersfield in Hampshire to Christchurch in Dorset for our last 4 days. This was a visit to Southbourne beach yesterday by Sue and I at the time the supermoon would rise but unfortunately there was a large bank of cloud in the way. 

Annual Visit to Sandy

We visited Sandy yesterday on a very hot day so the Beewolf Wasps were very active. I mainly shot video and you will be 'treated' to my compilation when complete but I also took some stills of the wasps with their prey, the male resting in the shade (very sensible), the Pantaloon Bees (good number of these this year). The Red-banded Sandwasp had caught a very large caterpillar and struggled to get it back to its burrow. We lost sight of it heading through the undergrowth.

I have just uploaded a page to my website of all the complex interactions that I have recorded on the heath - link here for some fascinating stories!

Rockscape Portfolio

I always enjoy taking and preparing images for the CCC Print portfolio competition where we have to present 5 images arranged in a panel. This year, as almost always, I struggled to get the fifth image. On the night, I am told the judge actually thought a different one didn't fit too well. One and two are my favourites  and set me on the quest for another three!

Sand Racing at Mablethorpe 13th November

Six CCC Members decided to go to the Sand Racing on Mablethorpe Beach on Sunday. It was a bright sunny day so plenty of light to play with. The challenge was to get good combinations of bikes, light in the eyes and a sense of movement. Individually achievable but getting all three eluded me in most shots. Here a few 'classic' shots that I liked (more 'pictorial' shots to follow)

Blackpool 5. Afternoon Light: Textures and Colours

The afternoon light was as good as it gets and I enjoyed the colours and textures of Blackpool renovated promenade and sands. The reflections on the steps alternated between deep blue and golden depending whether they were in sun or shade. The two boys were enjoying the experience of standing on slightly sinking sand!!

Blackpool 2. North Pier

After overnight rain, the air was crystal clear on Saturday for our day exploring Blackpool. The first image is an in-camera composite that I like with sand and steps added to classic scene. It was very windy so lots of moving sand. Final two are daytime underexposed scenes!