1st February
The first real rain for quite a while brought snow with it. I was even able to make a few snowballs, however I drew the line at a snowman as it was dark and cold when it fell! I headed into the mountains and the river the next morning to see if there was much difference to the water flow. The water was certainly flowing faster although the amount passing through was still restricted to a narrow stream. It was a lovely day for a walk into the mountains though. A great day all round.
The first real rain for quite a while brought snow with it. I was even able to make a few snowballs, however I drew the line at a snowman as it was dark and cold when it fell! I headed into the mountains and the river the next morning to see if there was much difference to the water flow. The water was certainly flowing faster although the amount passing through was still restricted to a narrow stream. It was a lovely day for a walk into the mountains though. A great day all round.
2nd February
Absolutely fantastic weather; it's impossible to stay indoors. Some long walks coupled with sitting still and enjoying the sunshine and warmth have thrown up some good photo opportunities as well.
I continue to concentrate on focussing even when subjects are flying! Hopefully it will stand me in good stead as I shall be taking photos at a christening before too long and I have no doubt that there'll be lots of movement to cope with during the service.
Absolutely fantastic weather; it's impossible to stay indoors. Some long walks coupled with sitting still and enjoying the sunshine and warmth have thrown up some good photo opportunities as well.
I continue to concentrate on focussing even when subjects are flying! Hopefully it will stand me in good stead as I shall be taking photos at a christening before too long and I have no doubt that there'll be lots of movement to cope with during the service.
3rd - 7th February
Plenty of opportunity for photos involving the elements as the weather alternates between absolutely still days to extremely windy conditions. Stunning sunrises and sunsets are still on daily show as well.
Work on the land has meant my energies have been concentrated more on food rather than image production! There's been a bumper crop of oranges, grapefruit and limes this year. There's nothing quite like being able to pick and eat ones own fruit and veg.
It's the Tibetan New Year on Feb 8th and I captured an image of prayer flags fluttering at a nearby stupa in order to send my Tibetan friends wishes for a wonderful Tibetan Losar which starts on Feb 9th and is celebrated for 15 days.
I've been asked to help with the running of my online photography group together with the tutor and two other former students. We have all learnt a great deal from each other over the last year. The ideas seem to flow between us to the benefit of all. Already there seems to be some exciting proposals in the offing and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in again.
Plenty of opportunity for photos involving the elements as the weather alternates between absolutely still days to extremely windy conditions. Stunning sunrises and sunsets are still on daily show as well.
Work on the land has meant my energies have been concentrated more on food rather than image production! There's been a bumper crop of oranges, grapefruit and limes this year. There's nothing quite like being able to pick and eat ones own fruit and veg.
It's the Tibetan New Year on Feb 8th and I captured an image of prayer flags fluttering at a nearby stupa in order to send my Tibetan friends wishes for a wonderful Tibetan Losar which starts on Feb 9th and is celebrated for 15 days.
I've been asked to help with the running of my online photography group together with the tutor and two other former students. We have all learnt a great deal from each other over the last year. The ideas seem to flow between us to the benefit of all. Already there seems to be some exciting proposals in the offing and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in again.
8th February
I left home when I was just able to see the track on which I was walking. I wanted to be on a nearby ridge as the sun started to rise. The wind meant that there was likely to be some lovely cloud formations as well as colour. I wasn't disappointed.
Although I walk this route frequently, I am always on the lookout for different angles. I took a path beside an empty house and was rewarded with a view of Lucero, my conquered mountain wrapped in a cloak of thick cloud, together with an old ruin in the foreground! It is such a joy to walk as the colours change and the sun then brings more light to the views. I wouldn't like to loose that sense of wonderment as another day begins and with it an anticipation of what it may bring.
On my way back home, the sun was beginning to touch the opposite side of the valley. I spotted the branches of an old tree which I have used before to frame an image. I can really see just how much better my composition has become when I look back to how I used this feature before. My image this time focuses in on the shapes afforded by the banches and the villages; much more pleasing and with a clear idea of what I was trying to achieve.
I left home when I was just able to see the track on which I was walking. I wanted to be on a nearby ridge as the sun started to rise. The wind meant that there was likely to be some lovely cloud formations as well as colour. I wasn't disappointed.
Although I walk this route frequently, I am always on the lookout for different angles. I took a path beside an empty house and was rewarded with a view of Lucero, my conquered mountain wrapped in a cloak of thick cloud, together with an old ruin in the foreground! It is such a joy to walk as the colours change and the sun then brings more light to the views. I wouldn't like to loose that sense of wonderment as another day begins and with it an anticipation of what it may bring.
On my way back home, the sun was beginning to touch the opposite side of the valley. I spotted the branches of an old tree which I have used before to frame an image. I can really see just how much better my composition has become when I look back to how I used this feature before. My image this time focuses in on the shapes afforded by the banches and the villages; much more pleasing and with a clear idea of what I was trying to achieve.
9th - 10th February
It was the call of the wild which woke me. The wind was howling and the clouds were low, scudding across the sky and creating beautiful patterns on the sea. I was off out to immerse myself in the elements as soon as possible.
Heading down to the coast I could see the clouds beginning to disperse. As I came nearer to the sea it was evident that the curve of the coastline was protecting the shore. There's quite a difference sometimes between the weather on the mountain and that on the coast. I decided to trawl along the coast to see if there were some areas more exposed than others. It was a beautiful day to be out and about and Nell and I walked for miles.
Deciding to return home for some lunch I had the idea to get down to the coast later on as the forecast was for it to cloud over. I set off later, thinking I'd be able to capture some long exposures both before and after the sunset. When I reached the coast however, I realised that I hadn't returned the camera to my rucksack and had left it sitting on the table at home - duh! At least it gave me a chance to play with the camera on my phone. As the clouds filled in, so the chance of a spectacular sunset receded so I didn't really miss out. I'd also had a really great day out experiencing the elements, which is always enjoyable. Note to self, check and double check when going out to take photos!
It was the call of the wild which woke me. The wind was howling and the clouds were low, scudding across the sky and creating beautiful patterns on the sea. I was off out to immerse myself in the elements as soon as possible.
Heading down to the coast I could see the clouds beginning to disperse. As I came nearer to the sea it was evident that the curve of the coastline was protecting the shore. There's quite a difference sometimes between the weather on the mountain and that on the coast. I decided to trawl along the coast to see if there were some areas more exposed than others. It was a beautiful day to be out and about and Nell and I walked for miles.
Deciding to return home for some lunch I had the idea to get down to the coast later on as the forecast was for it to cloud over. I set off later, thinking I'd be able to capture some long exposures both before and after the sunset. When I reached the coast however, I realised that I hadn't returned the camera to my rucksack and had left it sitting on the table at home - duh! At least it gave me a chance to play with the camera on my phone. As the clouds filled in, so the chance of a spectacular sunset receded so I didn't really miss out. I'd also had a really great day out experiencing the elements, which is always enjoyable. Note to self, check and double check when going out to take photos!
11th February
I awoke to rain. Yay, a real reason not to feel I should be outside either enjoying the weather or getting on with working on the land or house. I was able to be in touch with my cohort photography colleagues and discuss the way forward with the group. I was nominated as the first to come up with a weekly challenge to encourage the creative ideas for newbies as well as the more seasoned of us.
Later on the sun came out and so out I went too. I could smell the goats some time before I actually saw them; a huge herd and with a shepherd I didn't recognise. Not from around here of that I am sure. Having just posted a challenge to the photography group to frame a subject naturally, I hung around to see what the goats were doing as they were in amongst olive trees. I was chuffed to bits to be able to capture two images of goats pulling off leaves from a branch which provided a perfect frame to the subject.
I awoke to rain. Yay, a real reason not to feel I should be outside either enjoying the weather or getting on with working on the land or house. I was able to be in touch with my cohort photography colleagues and discuss the way forward with the group. I was nominated as the first to come up with a weekly challenge to encourage the creative ideas for newbies as well as the more seasoned of us.
Later on the sun came out and so out I went too. I could smell the goats some time before I actually saw them; a huge herd and with a shepherd I didn't recognise. Not from around here of that I am sure. Having just posted a challenge to the photography group to frame a subject naturally, I hung around to see what the goats were doing as they were in amongst olive trees. I was chuffed to bits to be able to capture two images of goats pulling off leaves from a branch which provided a perfect frame to the subject.
13th February
Wind provides some fantastic cloud shapes and forms over the mountainous areas. On the beach too, there are images to be had, not least because not too many people are about. Colours are enhanced in the windy, dry and clearer conditions. At times too, there's an element which presents itself in a manner which raises curiosity, such as the bike in a field of broad beans! The owner was nowhere to be see and the beans not ready to be picked, so, what was the story?
Wind provides some fantastic cloud shapes and forms over the mountainous areas. On the beach too, there are images to be had, not least because not too many people are about. Colours are enhanced in the windy, dry and clearer conditions. At times too, there's an element which presents itself in a manner which raises curiosity, such as the bike in a field of broad beans! The owner was nowhere to be see and the beans not ready to be picked, so, what was the story?
14th February
Not only learning how to prepare and cook fish, I'm also trying to learn how to take photos of food, not something I've ever done before. I definitely have much to learn in every aspect, however I'm enjoying these new doors which are opening and for sure, my health isn't suffering at all! I'm reminded somewhat of my younger days living in a coastal area and having a local fisherman as a family friend. Then, crab was my favourite sea food and I learnt where best to lay pots, how to keep a catch fresh on board, how to dress and cook them and not least, how to eat and enjoy them.
In the afternoon I was in the village for a double funeral. The brother and sister of a family friend had died on the same day in different locations. They came together in their place of birth to be buried in tombs close together. The church and surrounds were packed, as was the cemetery afterwards for the internment. I was, as is often the case, the only foreigner present. It's a sad fact that I now get to go to more funerals than other church ceremonies. However, at least I have a christening coming up and not only will I be present, I shall be taking the photos; how good will that feel then!
Not only learning how to prepare and cook fish, I'm also trying to learn how to take photos of food, not something I've ever done before. I definitely have much to learn in every aspect, however I'm enjoying these new doors which are opening and for sure, my health isn't suffering at all! I'm reminded somewhat of my younger days living in a coastal area and having a local fisherman as a family friend. Then, crab was my favourite sea food and I learnt where best to lay pots, how to keep a catch fresh on board, how to dress and cook them and not least, how to eat and enjoy them.
In the afternoon I was in the village for a double funeral. The brother and sister of a family friend had died on the same day in different locations. They came together in their place of birth to be buried in tombs close together. The church and surrounds were packed, as was the cemetery afterwards for the internment. I was, as is often the case, the only foreigner present. It's a sad fact that I now get to go to more funerals than other church ceremonies. However, at least I have a christening coming up and not only will I be present, I shall be taking the photos; how good will that feel then!
15th February
A wild and windy day first thing. I set off bundled up and ready to face the elements. Just as well as I was presented with gale force winds, snow flurries, bright sunshine and rainbows as showers scuttled into the valleys. I also caught a glimpse of a double rainbow. A feature of one of the rainbows which had me thinking was the fact that although there appeared to be no cloud in parts of the sky, part of the rainbow was still visible. I guess there were still unseen water particles though, on which the sun was able to reflect.
A wild and windy day first thing. I set off bundled up and ready to face the elements. Just as well as I was presented with gale force winds, snow flurries, bright sunshine and rainbows as showers scuttled into the valleys. I also caught a glimpse of a double rainbow. A feature of one of the rainbows which had me thinking was the fact that although there appeared to be no cloud in parts of the sky, part of the rainbow was still visible. I guess there were still unseen water particles though, on which the sun was able to reflect.
16th February
A fantastic day out snow hunting! A promise a friend and I made last year; another friend was poorly and wasn't able to come. We're on standby to take the next opportunity though. It was an area I'd not visited before so I was delighted to be up so high and with fantastic views from the snow line.
Snow showers were sweeping through nearby valleys as we left home and although the snow wasn't thick on south faces, once we were further inland, so the snow thickened. Visiting a village high in the mountains we weren't surprised not to see too many people about; it was cold! We were able to go inside a local bar with Nell and join a group of blokes ensconced inside. We were given suggestions of routes to travel as well as an updated forecast. I'll see how accurate it turns out to be by the end of the week!.
There was plenty of water about, both running and frozen. I have a feeling I will be back!
A fantastic day out snow hunting! A promise a friend and I made last year; another friend was poorly and wasn't able to come. We're on standby to take the next opportunity though. It was an area I'd not visited before so I was delighted to be up so high and with fantastic views from the snow line.
Snow showers were sweeping through nearby valleys as we left home and although the snow wasn't thick on south faces, once we were further inland, so the snow thickened. Visiting a village high in the mountains we weren't surprised not to see too many people about; it was cold! We were able to go inside a local bar with Nell and join a group of blokes ensconced inside. We were given suggestions of routes to travel as well as an updated forecast. I'll see how accurate it turns out to be by the end of the week!.
There was plenty of water about, both running and frozen. I have a feeling I will be back!
18th February
Well that was a fun exercise! I fully intended to get on with things indoors when I saw it was raining. The radar showed that it should clear mid-afternoon so I anticipated a lovely long walk later. Didn't happen! I became absorbed in a challenge set by one of my photographer friends. The task was to produce a three or four cell comic strip telling a brief story or giving an insight into a topic. After working out the basics of a story I set about capturing images of all the elements.
I found some 'free' comic strip software on which to eventually bring it altogether, however it needed some inginuity to be able to actually save the finished article.
I certainly learnt quite a bit about the type of images which lend themselves to this sort of treatment. I also need to keep a few elements less complicated. For a first go however, I'll take it!
Well that was a fun exercise! I fully intended to get on with things indoors when I saw it was raining. The radar showed that it should clear mid-afternoon so I anticipated a lovely long walk later. Didn't happen! I became absorbed in a challenge set by one of my photographer friends. The task was to produce a three or four cell comic strip telling a brief story or giving an insight into a topic. After working out the basics of a story I set about capturing images of all the elements.
I found some 'free' comic strip software on which to eventually bring it altogether, however it needed some inginuity to be able to actually save the finished article.
I certainly learnt quite a bit about the type of images which lend themselves to this sort of treatment. I also need to keep a few elements less complicated. For a first go however, I'll take it!
20th February
The weather is good throwing up some good photo opportunities one way or another. I'm happy to be able to take advantage whenever I am able either indoors or outside.
The weekend brought another opoortunity to try smoking another variety of fish too. The mackerel was delicious.
I was up in the mountains again having another trawl around. Stopping to have a look at a very old structure by the side of the road, I could see it was an ancient well. It appeared to be locked, however there was an opening on the other side into which a rock had been inserted. I spent some time manoeuvring my camera lens into position and took a couple of none too inspiring photos. Walking around the other side again, I watched as my friend touched the gate which I thought was locked and it opened! I was able to see that the water level was high and the well appears still to be used.
The weather is good throwing up some good photo opportunities one way or another. I'm happy to be able to take advantage whenever I am able either indoors or outside.
The weekend brought another opoortunity to try smoking another variety of fish too. The mackerel was delicious.
I was up in the mountains again having another trawl around. Stopping to have a look at a very old structure by the side of the road, I could see it was an ancient well. It appeared to be locked, however there was an opening on the other side into which a rock had been inserted. I spent some time manoeuvring my camera lens into position and took a couple of none too inspiring photos. Walking around the other side again, I watched as my friend touched the gate which I thought was locked and it opened! I was able to see that the water level was high and the well appears still to be used.
22nd February
The strange weather continues; it was quite eerie walking around the mountain this morning. I was able to capture the sun and the sand laden cloud cover making a perfect round in the sky.
The strange weather continues; it was quite eerie walking around the mountain this morning. I was able to capture the sun and the sand laden cloud cover making a perfect round in the sky.
24th February
I made it to the top of the mountain this morning, the first time for a while. It was good to see that a fresh wind had blown much of the sand laden fug away and the clouds were once again lovely and white. Some of the patterns generated were interesting. Spring definitely seems to be in the air, bees are busy, flowers are blooming etc.
I'm really enjoying the revamped photo group with we senior members bouncing interesting ideas around. One of the ideas I'm working on is turning trash into treasure. For my first effort I found an old float valve which I turned into wheel form using an editing process. I shall next turn my thoughts as to what to do with a squashed bottle I found on my walk! It's certainly a good way to fire the imagination!
I made it to the top of the mountain this morning, the first time for a while. It was good to see that a fresh wind had blown much of the sand laden fug away and the clouds were once again lovely and white. Some of the patterns generated were interesting. Spring definitely seems to be in the air, bees are busy, flowers are blooming etc.
I'm really enjoying the revamped photo group with we senior members bouncing interesting ideas around. One of the ideas I'm working on is turning trash into treasure. For my first effort I found an old float valve which I turned into wheel form using an editing process. I shall next turn my thoughts as to what to do with a squashed bottle I found on my walk! It's certainly a good way to fire the imagination!
25th February
An extremely productive day in many respects. Not least that I was able to finish my challenge, Art from Garbage. Out of the six items I came across, I turned three into art forms. It'll be interesting to see what comments I get from the others in the group. We've had a wide and varied response to this challenge thus far. I think my favourite one is the float valve, not least because I remembered the technique for forming a circle centred on one point, from a previous assignment. I did have great plans for the light bulb until I managed to break it getting out the filament!
An extremely productive day in many respects. Not least that I was able to finish my challenge, Art from Garbage. Out of the six items I came across, I turned three into art forms. It'll be interesting to see what comments I get from the others in the group. We've had a wide and varied response to this challenge thus far. I think my favourite one is the float valve, not least because I remembered the technique for forming a circle centred on one point, from a previous assignment. I did have great plans for the light bulb until I managed to break it getting out the filament!
26th February
I saw on the radar that heavy rain was on the way so set off to my destination slightly earlier than originally anticipated. Nell and I set off on a walk beside the green Atlantic sea and watched as wind surfers created a bright spot on the ocean waves. It was possible to see the rain coming in and sweeping across the bay. A quick turn around and we were able to reach the safety of the car before the heavens opened. A spectacular welcome!
I saw on the radar that heavy rain was on the way so set off to my destination slightly earlier than originally anticipated. Nell and I set off on a walk beside the green Atlantic sea and watched as wind surfers created a bright spot on the ocean waves. It was possible to see the rain coming in and sweeping across the bay. A quick turn around and we were able to reach the safety of the car before the heavens opened. A spectacular welcome!
27th February
Awoke to a much better day today. There was still a very strong wind, however the rain had gone. I have a room with a view and was able to see for miles. Clouds were low and scudding across the sky. It wasn't long before we were off out to explore.
We eventually found a beautiful sandy beach and Nell was raring to try it out. Unfortunately there were 'dog prohibited' signs everywhere so we contented ourselves with a walk on the prom. It probably was enough anyway as Nell's hair was almost leaving her skin with the strength of the wind and the two of us had a sand blasting just from the sand blowing at us from the prom. It was a fun experience though and we raced along laughing our heads off. There was one bloke who had obviously decided it didn't matter what the weather was doing, he was going to go in for a swim.
Nell and I stopped for a while to watch one dog on the beach who had the place to herself. She was having a ball with a piece of net and when Nell poked her head through the ballustrade, she stopped and stared at her with such a comical look. If she could've read the 'no dogs' sign, I have the distinct impression it wouldn't have made a blind bit of difference; she was absolutely enjoying herself. There were a couple of people trying to fly kites for their kids, however the wind was much too strong.
I'm hoping to be able to capture some night images tonight if the wind doesn't put paid to that idea.
Awoke to a much better day today. There was still a very strong wind, however the rain had gone. I have a room with a view and was able to see for miles. Clouds were low and scudding across the sky. It wasn't long before we were off out to explore.
We eventually found a beautiful sandy beach and Nell was raring to try it out. Unfortunately there were 'dog prohibited' signs everywhere so we contented ourselves with a walk on the prom. It probably was enough anyway as Nell's hair was almost leaving her skin with the strength of the wind and the two of us had a sand blasting just from the sand blowing at us from the prom. It was a fun experience though and we raced along laughing our heads off. There was one bloke who had obviously decided it didn't matter what the weather was doing, he was going to go in for a swim.
Nell and I stopped for a while to watch one dog on the beach who had the place to herself. She was having a ball with a piece of net and when Nell poked her head through the ballustrade, she stopped and stared at her with such a comical look. If she could've read the 'no dogs' sign, I have the distinct impression it wouldn't have made a blind bit of difference; she was absolutely enjoying herself. There were a couple of people trying to fly kites for their kids, however the wind was much too strong.
I'm hoping to be able to capture some night images tonight if the wind doesn't put paid to that idea.
28th February
A day of discovery. The bridge at which I had been looking for a few days was much more spectacular than I had imagined close up. It was definitely a "wow, oh wow" moment as it came into view and then opened itself up to me and my camera.
The wind had died down somewhat so walking on the beach was not such a sand blast as previous visits elsewhere. It was nonetheless really enjoyable. It's so great to be able to walk on real sand too and Nell thoroughly enjoyed herself. I love how patterns are created in the sand by the tidal flow of the sea, something which is missing in the Med. I was able to find some lovely leading lines drawing my eye into the rest of the views I had captured.
A day of discovery. The bridge at which I had been looking for a few days was much more spectacular than I had imagined close up. It was definitely a "wow, oh wow" moment as it came into view and then opened itself up to me and my camera.
The wind had died down somewhat so walking on the beach was not such a sand blast as previous visits elsewhere. It was nonetheless really enjoyable. It's so great to be able to walk on real sand too and Nell thoroughly enjoyed herself. I love how patterns are created in the sand by the tidal flow of the sea, something which is missing in the Med. I was able to find some lovely leading lines drawing my eye into the rest of the views I had captured.
29th February
A beautiful day with the right amount of wind for a sail. Down to the port it was then!
A beautiful day with the right amount of wind for a sail. Down to the port it was then!