Focus Stacking - Extreme Macro

Monday was a cold wet morning so these dragonflies were unable to fly - ideal subjects for focus stacking using a Focus Rail and 50mm lens (f2.8). 

Sixty Southern Hawkers and Still Counting....

This year has seen mass emergence of Southern Hawker Dragonflies in our garden pond. Things were getting  crowded with the exuviae doubled stacked in places so I decided to collect up what I could reach and hadn't already fallen into the pond. I retrieved over 60 exuviae so, with those still on the reeds and in the water, we have probably had getting on for 100 Southern Hawkers out of one pond (plus the earlier crop of four-Spots). what did they all eat - certainly we don't seem to have so many Newts as previously. Already this morning four more have hatched!

Movement in Monochrome

A few images from yesterday's horse trials converted to monochrome through LR just to get some ideas of what might work when done in Silver Efex. Lots of different possibilities just with the colour filter used before any selective adjustments!

Holkham Country Fair

We visited Holkham Country Fair yesterday before returning to Toft. A very expensive outing if you have children with fair rides, donkeys, face painting all to be paid for (£2.50 a go in the fair) in addition to entry. However, it does offer great entertainment from Dhzigitovka! The Way of The Cossack Warrior  with their amazing horsemanship to Dog Agility and Carriage Racing. Great to see other breeds than Collies doing well in the Agility including my favourite breed (Red Setters of course) and a Golden Retriever for Matt.

After the Rain at Pensthorpe

 Unfortunately it rained at Pensthorpe until the last hour but then all the birds were keen to have a wash and brush up to get the waterproofing back on their feathers. There were young Bearded tits in the aviary with their black eye markings. Last image to remind me not to use the electronic shutter!

Thompson Common Norfolk - Dragons and Damsels

Thanks to John and Christine for introducing us to one of their local reserves. Great variety of Dragon and Damselflies - Emperor, Common Darters newly emerged, ?Ruddy Darters males (haven't checked the face but have the bulge on abdomen tail), Emerald Damselflies, Blue-Tail Damselflies and Red-Eyed Damselflies. Also Brown Hawkers but I was not fast enough to photograph them.