Ballet Photography Assignment

One of my tasks since returning from Devon includes photographing a local ballet school for their website  - Bourn School of  Ballet. The lighting in the Hall was beautiful with snow on the ground outside reflecting inwards plus tungsten lighting - difficult for white balance. 

Exeter Cathedral

On Thursday morning, before storm Emma was due, we went into Exeter on the Park and Ride to visit the Cathedral. Exeter Cathedral dates back 900 years and is one of England's most beautiful medieval cathedrals and one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in this country. It is most famous for its two Norman towers, impressive west front carvings and the longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting in the world. Parts were rennovated by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1869-70 including the Pilgrim's Pulpitt, and the Choir Stall carvings and canopies.

Arctic Temperatures on the Somerset Levels

As I was booked to give four lectures in Somerset and Devon almost directly after getting back from Norway, we drove to Taunton on the Sunday and spent some time on Monday exploring the Somerset Levels. When booking the trip 2 years ago, I envisaged warm West country days with lots of signs of spring bird activity! We only managed an hour or so walk round Shapwick Heath but here are  a Grumpy Heron, Widgeon kleptoparasitizing diving coots (i.e. waiting to pinch what they bring up from the bottom), a Marsh Harrier, Great Crested Grebe and Long-Tailed Tit.

Norway - Goodbye to the Lofotens

I flew back on Saturday and I am now in Exeter doing some club talks. My case has just been  reunited with me having taken its time on the journey!! 

Norway - Rest of Thursday and Friday

I was in danger of breaking my record of seeing the northern Lights on every trip I have taken north of the UK but, on Thursday evening . they appeared over our hotel while we were waiting for supper. So a hurried first course and off the Haukland Bay for a bit of aurora photography.

We returned to this same location on Friday afternoon an lovely soft balanced light and I enjoyed the grasses and sedges. 

I had to miss Friday morning trip to Flaksted as still suffering from chest infection - final images are from a quick visit on our way back from Reine on Thursday.

Norway - Further from Reine and Hamnoy

The weather changed constantly during the rest of our time in the Reine/Hamnoy area. Here a selection to show this and the stunning scenery - bit chocolate-boxy perhaps except the fish heads drying everywhere!!

Norway - Hamnoy Sunrise (Just about!) and Reine Harbour

We left the hotel early and set up on the bridge overlooking Hamnoy. The sky was clear enough where the sun rose to give great colour to the peak and village. We then went on to Reine Bridge and watched as a snowstorm rolled in. Usually I arrange the images so they look good together but here in chronological order to show progression of the morning (very quick edits on most as only have Lightroom with me. There is no colour corrections applied). (The long exposure are 60 - 140 seconds). There were lots of Cormorants, Ravens, Divers, Eiders around and also a patrolling White-Tailed Eagle.