Lent Bumps

Saturday 15th of March was the final day of the Lent Bumps. It was a very sunny (but surprising cold) day, so it seemed rude not to go and watch. Watching the Bumps involves a lot of waiting between races, interspersed with brief periods of manic activity. I managed to catch a couple of bumps (don't ask me who bumped who). In between, I tried to grab some portraits. I always enjoy the little ritual of the successful crews adorning themselves with greenery. As it was the final day, a couple of the very successful crews were also able to parade their comically over-sized college flags.

Leaves and Light

I know that not everyone likes green. But whenever I visit the glasshouses at the Botanic gardens, I am drawn to the variety of shapes and textures found in the leaves. This was a very sunny day, so I chose to concentrate on the light and shadows showing through the bigger leaves. A handy hole in one leaf, allowed me to focus on a leaf behind.

 

Anglesey Abbey Interiors

I had a rare day off yesterday. I decided to visit Anglesey Abbey, in the mistaken belief that on a Friday, at the end of the snowdrop season, it wouldn't be that busy. It was heaving. Most people were in the gardens, so I took shelter in the house. The formal rooms on the ground floor weren't that interesting to me, but I did like the basement kitchens. I love a detail and there were lots to focus on.

 

Brick Lane

It has been some time since I last did any street photography. So, last Saturday, with the weather forecast promising a sunny afternoon, I headed to Brick Lane. I was limited to a fixed 50mm equivalent lens.This forced me to get closer than I typically shoot. But Brick Lane on a Saturday afternoon is rife with photographers and posers, so it's an easier location than many. The promised sun took a while to develop, but the afternoon finished with some lovely light. One spot in particular caught the low afternoon sun and drew people to it.

 

Hoare Frost At Wicken Fen

I took these pictures on visit to Wicken Fen, on a frosty morning in January.

 

Dorset Selection

It's rather late, but here is a selection of images from other places that I visited during my week in Dorset. 

Man O' War Beach

 

Durdle Door

Swanage, old and new piers

 

 

 

St Aldhelm’s Chapel

Lulworth Cove

I spent Christmas in a cottage in West Lulworth, Dorset.  This was about a 15 minute walk from Lulworth cove, and I was easily able to visit the cove each day.  Sadly, the grey dull misty weather, that dominated December, continued, with only a couple of decent days. At least it made slow shutter pans easy. Dawn was at a civilised time, but that meant I didn't get the beach to myself. There were a lot of swimmers braving the water each day, mostly women.  I wasn't comfortable photographing them, but a paddle boarder and a local fisherman were fair game.