1st March
I'd seen reports of significant snowfall throughout Spain whilst I'd been away. I hoped I'd be able to glimpse some snow clad mountains as I left the coast and headed inland. The first hour of my trip was magical. The area comprised hills and valleys filled with water and mist. As sunrise began, so a world of ballet dancing-like creations appeared on the water. I'd not seen anything like it before and wasn't able to pull over to take photos. I have the images in my head though.
Meeting with a friend we headed into the mountains. The snow was disappearing fast. It was a good end to my memorable adventure though.
I'd seen reports of significant snowfall throughout Spain whilst I'd been away. I hoped I'd be able to glimpse some snow clad mountains as I left the coast and headed inland. The first hour of my trip was magical. The area comprised hills and valleys filled with water and mist. As sunrise began, so a world of ballet dancing-like creations appeared on the water. I'd not seen anything like it before and wasn't able to pull over to take photos. I have the images in my head though.
Meeting with a friend we headed into the mountains. The snow was disappearing fast. It was a good end to my memorable adventure though.
2nd - 3rd March
This week's challenge was in and as I walked around the mountain, I was able to have a go at putting it into practice. We've been asked to look into geometry in design and specifically to the Golden Ratio. We've been given a spiral into which an object or scene should be set.
A bulldozer was working on a part of a hillside moving the mountain! I asked if I could get down to the site and take some photos. No health and safety worries out here of course and I was told to 'help myself'! I asked what would be planted on the newly created terraces. The owner of the land said he hadn't yet made up his mind, however it could possibly be mangos. Although I like wild areas, I am also enjoying seeing land brought back into cultivation.
This week's challenge was in and as I walked around the mountain, I was able to have a go at putting it into practice. We've been asked to look into geometry in design and specifically to the Golden Ratio. We've been given a spiral into which an object or scene should be set.
A bulldozer was working on a part of a hillside moving the mountain! I asked if I could get down to the site and take some photos. No health and safety worries out here of course and I was told to 'help myself'! I asked what would be planted on the newly created terraces. The owner of the land said he hadn't yet made up his mind, however it could possibly be mangos. Although I like wild areas, I am also enjoying seeing land brought back into cultivation.
4th - 7th March
A lovely weekend. A wee bit cold, however great photography weather. It was also great for getting the smoker out and preparing some meat and fish.
A lovely weekend. A wee bit cold, however great photography weather. It was also great for getting the smoker out and preparing some meat and fish.
8th March
Annual check up for Nell, passed with flying colours; all set for a trip back to the UK later on in the year now. After the vet it was a trip to the beach for a long walk. I could see some deep ruts in the sand and my thought was that some people had been pushing heavy bikes along. After walking for a good half an hour or so and following the ruts, I could see what was creating them. It was three bullocks pulling a cart! They had come to a standstill and seemingly no-one around claiming ownership. I kept creeping closer and taking photos, then spotted a couple of guys on a bank sitting chatting. I wandered over to ask them if they knew what was going on with the bullocks. One of the guys turned out to be their owner and he told me that as there wasn't much work for them nowadays, he brought them on to the beach for exercise. He was quite happy for me to take whatever photos I wanted and assured me I could get close to them without any problem. I was a little wary in case they reacted to Nell, so although I went close, it wasn't a 'personal' type of closeness!
Lovely encounter and memorable moments.
It was also my turn to challenge cohort members this week. The task I set was to show unusual angles. I'd taken a photo of a cheese grater a while back and the result produced an almost 3D effect. Be interesting to see what the others come up with.
Annual check up for Nell, passed with flying colours; all set for a trip back to the UK later on in the year now. After the vet it was a trip to the beach for a long walk. I could see some deep ruts in the sand and my thought was that some people had been pushing heavy bikes along. After walking for a good half an hour or so and following the ruts, I could see what was creating them. It was three bullocks pulling a cart! They had come to a standstill and seemingly no-one around claiming ownership. I kept creeping closer and taking photos, then spotted a couple of guys on a bank sitting chatting. I wandered over to ask them if they knew what was going on with the bullocks. One of the guys turned out to be their owner and he told me that as there wasn't much work for them nowadays, he brought them on to the beach for exercise. He was quite happy for me to take whatever photos I wanted and assured me I could get close to them without any problem. I was a little wary in case they reacted to Nell, so although I went close, it wasn't a 'personal' type of closeness!
Lovely encounter and memorable moments.
It was also my turn to challenge cohort members this week. The task I set was to show unusual angles. I'd taken a photo of a cheese grater a while back and the result produced an almost 3D effect. Be interesting to see what the others come up with.
9th March
I was fascinated by the sculptures formed with new terracing on the mountainside. It was really a work of art and skill on the part of the bulldozer driver. The owner of the land also said that he wanted the area to look more beautiful. I wonder what it will look like once it's planted up and trees growing.
I had in my mind to see what I might be able to capture depicting an 'old and new' theme. I saw an old cortijo and the modern version side by side; one dwarfing the other. It didn't work though as I couldn't achieve a good enough angle for the theme to be obvious. I shall nonetheless continue to look to see what I can find.
I was fascinated by the sculptures formed with new terracing on the mountainside. It was really a work of art and skill on the part of the bulldozer driver. The owner of the land also said that he wanted the area to look more beautiful. I wonder what it will look like once it's planted up and trees growing.
I had in my mind to see what I might be able to capture depicting an 'old and new' theme. I saw an old cortijo and the modern version side by side; one dwarfing the other. It didn't work though as I couldn't achieve a good enough angle for the theme to be obvious. I shall nonetheless continue to look to see what I can find.
11th March
An early start as it was an adventure to unknown territory. It was worth the effort though and the weather was simply perfect. There were a few hairy moments negotiating a cliff face to get down to the water's edge, however otherwise everything worked like clockwork.
There was just enough wind to entice wind and kie surfers out and their kit made colourful spots on the wide empty beaches. Nell was in her element as she ran backwards and forward across the vast expanse of sand.
An early start as it was an adventure to unknown territory. It was worth the effort though and the weather was simply perfect. There were a few hairy moments negotiating a cliff face to get down to the water's edge, however otherwise everything worked like clockwork.
There was just enough wind to entice wind and kie surfers out and their kit made colourful spots on the wide empty beaches. Nell was in her element as she ran backwards and forward across the vast expanse of sand.
12th March
A trip to Seville before temperatures rose to an uncomfortable level. Although it was the weekend and there were plenty of people around, the city still had a nice atmosphere. It was pleasant to wander around and take in the sights and sounds.
A trip to Seville before temperatures rose to an uncomfortable level. Although it was the weekend and there were plenty of people around, the city still had a nice atmosphere. It was pleasant to wander around and take in the sights and sounds.
13th March
Crab hunting was a whole new ball game today! The crabs kept on disappearing down holes or hiding in the undergrowth. On the shoreline there were people fishing as well as seeking clams. It was an absolutely glorious day and a superb evening and stunning sunset.
Crab hunting was a whole new ball game today! The crabs kept on disappearing down holes or hiding in the undergrowth. On the shoreline there were people fishing as well as seeking clams. It was an absolutely glorious day and a superb evening and stunning sunset.
14th March
An early morning drive and mist in the hollows. What a magical way to start off a day.
An early morning drive and mist in the hollows. What a magical way to start off a day.
15th-18th March
The light has been varied of late and creating different opportunities both for landscapes and people photos.
The light has been varied of late and creating different opportunities both for landscapes and people photos.
19th-21st March
An animal and water theme to my photos from the past few days. Some of it due to location and some of it because of the photography challenge for this week. The challenge theme was larger than life. It certainly was a challenge in many respects, however it was an enjoyable experience!
An animal and water theme to my photos from the past few days. Some of it due to location and some of it because of the photography challenge for this week. The challenge theme was larger than life. It certainly was a challenge in many respects, however it was an enjoyable experience!
22nd - 28th March
Easter weekend and the place not to be was in built up areas with all the pomp and ceremony associated with this ritual. It was off into the wilds therefore and a chance to be up close to nature.
I also completed a mountain trip in conditions which could not have been better. Such an amazing experience.
Easter weekend and the place not to be was in built up areas with all the pomp and ceremony associated with this ritual. It was off into the wilds therefore and a chance to be up close to nature.
I also completed a mountain trip in conditions which could not have been better. Such an amazing experience.