Know your rights by Ted

Posted on 2024-10-24

Armed with tripod & camera, the plan was to capture the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United' Old Trafford at night.
After setting up, and firing off this first shot, plans then got interrupted.
Tip 1 - expect the unexpected
Tip 2 - make every shot count, you may not get a second.
Tip 3 - have your kit & settings ready to go. Shoot quickly
A security guard walked up and would not let me shoot any more pictures. He argued I was a professional photographer (because of my kit). Flattered by his error, I was unable to overcome his argument that this area was private property and therefore off limits.
Tip 4 - stay calm with security, they are trying to do their job
Tip 5 - know your rights when shooting in a public space (each country and territory may differ and local police forces publish guidelines)
Tip 6 - Be prepared and google your location to see if it is private or has restrictions.
So a little unprepared, I didn't get a second shot off but was happy with the one that I

Calanais Standing Stones by Harry

Posted on 2022-11-17

Arranged in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle, the Callanish Stones are on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides Islands of Scotland. Believed to be built in the late Neolithic era, they were used for Bronze Age ritual activity.

We visited twice at sunset. I took this the first night. The second night looked even bleaker, so I was wandering around taking other compositions when the sky magically turned pink, and the more patient photographers in the group got a better shot than this!

Thoughts by Dave Armstrong.

Posted on 2022-08-13

Taken round the fire after a full days martial arts training. The days are long and the training can be intensive, a time to sit and recharge for the next day and the mugs contain something a little stronger than tea or coffee !

Loch Kathrine from Ben A'an Summit by Devendra

Posted on 2021-06-26

As the lockdown restrictions are slowly being lifted and we are allowed to venture out and explore outdoors; this is the first thing we did. We ventured out to explore Ben A'an which is located among Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. This beautiful view is captured from the summit of overlooking Loch Kathrine. What a beautiful day and outing it was on a nice summer morning...

socially diSTanced by grouser

Posted on 2021-01-12

Back in time to a few days before Christmas and sweet rather than silly, this small brass band plays carols on the village green in Penally.

Abutilon by grouser

Posted on 2020-12-21

This Abutilon is a summer flowering plant, yet here this flower is blooming in December, making it a beautiful but disturbing reminder of how human activity is changing the climate and upsetting the natural world in dangerous and unpredictable ways.

Mobile Month - Urbis by digitalCG

Posted on 2020-12-04

Mid-October 2020 and much of the north of England is under Tier 3 restrictions due to Coronavirus, the highest level of mandatory closures. This was my first trip into the heart of Manchester city centre in seven months and it was very sobering to find the city looking dirty, tired and almost completely devoid of life. Sadly, many of the closed businesses may never reopen.

It affirmed my belief that such places aren't defined by shops, bars, attractions and architecture, but by the people that populate them bringing life, sound and colour.

Cities *with* people are bad enough, but cities without people are nothing.

Eilean Donan Castle by Darkelf Photography

Posted on 2020-07-27

One of the best known Scottish castles can be found on the way to the Isle of Skye and it is of course the Eileen Donan Castle. It is located on a small island where three lochs meet - Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. It is a very picturesque location and it has been a photographer's favourite for a long time. It has also been utilised in various movies and television. I remember it vividly from the film Highlander where it featured prominently.

It was early autumn and you can just see some of the fall colours starting to show in the surrounding hills. It was not autumn in full swing but the moment definitely had an autumnal feel to it, especially with the cool, crisp highland air. If we were not in a hurry to a planned distillery tour that was quite a long way away, I would have definitely loved to stay there a little longer on that morning.

Lizard Orchid by Richard Irwin

Posted on 2020-06-17

This Lizard Orchid is the loneliest and rarest flower in my region, The East Midlands. How it got here, nobody knows. Probably blown north on the wind I guess. There is now a protection order for it by the local government.

Goodnight, good nights. by digitalCG

Posted on 2020-03-22

As I get older I’ve grown increasingly fond of a good pub. To a young me they were just places to ‘get drunk & pull birds’. I was pretty hopeless at both. This means I didn’t really take to pubs til University, where many friendships were forged over unpleasantly warm pints that our skint selves had nursed just a bit too long

I’ve travelled the country using pubs as accommodation of choice. Not only is it efficient having one place to eat, drink & sleep, they’re generally more homely & welcoming than hotels & getting involved with the locals is often interesting, hilarious & rewarding

I’ve mourned the decline & closure of many traditional boozers, including my own local. There’s an argument that the remaining pubs have risen to the challenges of a changing market, moved with the times & upped their offer. Certainly it appears modern publicans invest time, love & effort & in some of the smaller communities, pubs are the beating heart of all that goes on.

A walk among woodland by Devendra

Posted on 2020-01-21

All in all it's a simple walk among woodland but when elements in nature flourish, then paint a beautiful multi-dimensional image in front of you.

Here's presenting you an image I manage to capture just at the right moment. When Sun finally decides to show up momentarily on a chilly morning in the forest, the dull, frosty scene suddenly transforms into this beautiful landscape. I hardly had couple of minutes before this would all change and in that rush I focussed on capturing the moment instead of scene.

I tried to walk around and capture the so called photogenic locations along the trail but the moment had already passed. This remains my favourite moment from today...

Scenes From Bourton 4 by Daryl Johnson

Posted on 2019-09-03

We visited this bakery in Bourton as it was recommended in a Japanese guide book my wife had - it was a very good choice for lunch!

Panoramic Autumn by Devendra

Posted on 2023-11-21

A snapshot in time freezing Autumn Colours around a Boat house by the Lake. On my first ever visit to The Lake District, I stumbled upon this boat house across the road. To my surprise I had the whole space to myself to capture the scene. The daylight was quite flat however in retrospect that made the Autumn Colours in the background very prominent.

Enchanting III by Ted

Posted on 2023-02-05

Instead of promised blue skies, we were met with poor light, fog and low clouds along the way that moved in and out as we circled the mountain and until we reached the sunshine and promised blue skies.
This was a favourite image from the day. "Favourite" is defined differently by us all and for different values. So here's why...
It was a tough climb to get to the top of the mountain and tougher for my 12 year old nephew but along the way I believe he learned a lesson about effort, reward and achievement and their relationship. His adventurers pose is therefore well earned and a fine memory of a great day.
The image is also a lesson in technique and chance, not necessarily in equal parts:
- getting your subject to stand as you want them to (if you can persuade them long enough);
- using light for silhouette
- and here's the chance - when the light is so varied that you can't clearly see the camera settings - set up and take a chance...it could end up being a favourite image.

Autumn is here in Scotland fella's... by Devendra

Posted on 2021-10-23

Autumn is here in Scotland fella's...

Testing For Gas by Nigel

Posted on 2021-03-13

The sculpture by artist Antony Dufort is called Testing for Gas. It was made as a "tribute to the Miners of the Nottinghamshire coalfields". The sculpture is located at a former coal mine at Silverhill.

Last look back. by Dave Armstrong.

Posted on 2021-01-11

All photos tell a story and this one is what can't be seen. It's getting late and the light is almost gone. It's cold, into the minus. The ground is frozen, the water trough is frozen, the horses are eating the hay we have put out for them. What you can't see is the man next to me. It's not unusual to meet people in the field, this man was mid 30's, presentable, clean, spoke with an educated accent. Talking to him, it seemed he was a bit eccentric but that is just my opinion. As we left the field, I realised that this man was homeless he had a wheelbarrow full of his possession. Off he trundled down the bridle path heading into the frozen landscape. Whether through choice or circumstance homelessness is terrible but this man seemed quite happy. He asked for nothing maybe all he wanted was conversation. He probably wont remember me but the image of him walking away into the dark and mist I found quite haunting and from the association with this photo I wont forget him any time soon.

Bow 2 by grouser

Posted on 2020-12-04

One of the downsides of getting old is the gradual erosion of physical strength and having to resign myself to the idea that with each passing year my stamina wains, yet I would be lost without walking and the stimulus of being in nature. Sadly the mountain I could climb ten years ago is unreachable now, but on the plus side I can still be grateful to get these glimpses of our magical world.
This picture was taken from the top of Flounders Folly on my birthday walk in November

Bottoms UP by grouser

Posted on 2020-10-13

I was walking across the causeway of one of the Bosherston ponds, a series of artificial lakes created by a dam at a narrow outlet leading to the sea. The narrow dam flooded flooded three small valleys. I noticed the family of swans and all were head down feeding. By the time I had the camera up and ready a couple had their heads out of the water. As they went down other heads came up. I had to wait a while before all four cooperated again and I got my ST shot

My two rides today.. by Mike

Posted on 2020-09-28

My two rides today..

My bike and my ambulance..
Both fun to drive.!
But with very different uses..

Cagiva Navigator 1000.
Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance..

Fairy Pools (Isle of Skye) by Devendra

Posted on 2020-06-22

Saw this image during my last visit to Isle of Skye back in February.

Stonehenge by Bob

Posted on 2020-02-25

Not far away from where I live on the Columbia River, there's a Stonehenge replica. I always thought I would go there and find some unsuspecting tourist. The one time I went looking, I was the only one there for hours. No picture that day! When Debbie and I went to the "real" Stonehenge, we were among about 100 tourists. I stalked these guys for while and don't think they didn't notice, so I finally took this shot out of fear they would soon wallop me with motorcycle chains. I wish it were better composed but fear does that to you, doesn't it? Makes you act irrationally. They were probably nice guys just like the rest of us, seeing the world and enjoying their later years.

Photo from Norwich United Kingdom by Amelia Martin

Posted on 2020-02-23

An evening out with my fellow photographer friend to see a a Thin Lizzy tribute...

Mary's Shell, Cleveleys by Ian Bramham

Posted on 2019-11-05

A wonderful work of art on the beach at Cleveleys in Lancashire by artist Stephen Broadbent.

The sculpture is made of twisted metal and is big enough to walk inside.

Red Kites. by Dave Armstrong.

Posted on 2019-09-07

Red Kite feeding station, Gigrin Farm, Wales.

A bord d'un cargo by Mhelene

Posted on 2019-08-05

Nights and days on board a container ship with loading and unloading of containers in the ports and as here the Scottish coasts in the rising sun see the earth moving closer from the freighter

Green lights of dawn by Ted

Posted on 2023-05-10

My father was an avid golfer from childhood into his 80's.
When he passed, I scattered his ashes on his golf course: overlooking where he had been born & the view from one of his favourite golf holes, a scenic par 3.
I chose to do it on his birthday.
There had been a heavy snowfall and so by getting on plot before dawn, it was mighty cold. Aided and warmed by a flask of hot coffee and a life of his love, wisdom and guidance, it was a special moment that I captured on camera.
The dawn light was pretty special.
As was my Dad.

For images such as this preparation is essential: use of apps to get timing of dawn; advance selection of location; suitable clothing and hot coffee; getting set up early. For once dawn starts rolling,it moves very quickly and second chances will only be found on another day.

On our approach by Doug

Posted on 2023-01-20

On our approach to land at Dunkerswell airfield in Devon, we had flown down from a grass airstrip in Somerset to refuel. I had become friendly with a former Royal Air Force pilot who owned this historic Auster. It was built in the late 1930's and saw service during the 2nd World War. I was only visiting to look at the Auster and a few other aircraft kept at the airfield but as it needed fuel Mike asked me if I would like to accompany him, and I jumped at the opportunity. This was doubly a pleasure as not only had I never had the experience of flying in a light aircraft, but also it was multiplied with the fact that my dear departed Father had flown in an Auster while he was in the RAF during the 2nd World War. Even more amazing during the flight back to Somerset Mike gave me the opportunity to fly the aircraft for a while, something I was absolutely blown away by.

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury by Daryl Johnson

Posted on 2021-11-24

Gold Hill is a famous street in the town of Shaftesbury, Dorset. Many people in the UK still remember Gold Hill as the setting for a 1973 TV commercial for a bread company, directed by Ridley Scott.

Kew Gardens, Spring 2021 by Daryl Johnson

Posted on 2021-05-22

Another trip to Kew Gardens, when the weather got a bit better for a short window last month.

Hotrod by digitalCG

Posted on 2021-03-03

Gravel hillclimb at the Hotrod Hayride. Looking forward to events such as this opening up again.

Glasgow Riverside Museum by Devendra

Posted on 2021-01-01

While most of 2020 has zoomed past our timeline and we saw seasons change from across our the window... this has completely changed my perspective of exploring local woodland. Always knew about this beautiful piece of architecture that is Riverside Museum in Glasgow and wondered path and explore this place; and boy that paid dividends.

How many times we run around chasing light, typical hotspots and landscapes in different directions. However, often we miss and ignore the beauty that lays in front of us... locally... Here's one among those beautiful captures from Riverside Museum @ Glasgow.

Fishing by grouser

Posted on 2020-10-25

I was sitting on this concrete jetty (a disused sewage outlet and drain) playing with my new (to me) Olympus whilst Mrs G was taking a bracing swim. I had taken several pictures of the fisherman when this lad came along. I snapped him leaping in to the water and serendipity took over, as I suspect it often does in photography. It wasn't until I had uploaded the pictures to a computer that I realised I had captured the exact moment that his hand aligned with the boat on the horizon making it appear he was launching a toy into the sea as he jumped.

So tired.. by Mike

Posted on 2020-09-27

I am a Paramedic working in Sheffield in the UK.
The Pandemic is causing many challanges to our NHS, shortage of equipment, staff, ppe the list can go on..
Also there is the toll on the humans who work with Covid-19 victims/patients at this time. I normally work part-time but was asked to go back full-time to help with the amount of calls and patients who need transportation to hospital.
Some days were very busy, sometimes with very sick people, who needed 100% attention and treatment.
The picture is as it was that day. I was very tired, it was near the end of the shift, we had been very busy and I just needed five minutes before clearing up and cleaning up my equipment again and so just sat down. I then asked my colleague to take a picture so in one sense the shot is not candid but posed a bit. But the ambulance, the stretcher and the equipment were as they were. We had to then get on and clean everything and put it all away before heading off for next call.!!

Echoes in Eternity by Darkelf Photography

Posted on 2020-07-06

The little basalt islands sticking out over the water caught my attention and I was hoping that a long exposure would create an effect where they looked like there were almost floating in the clouds. Another aspect of the composition that I liked was how there seemed to be multiple layers of rocks, almost like terraces, and the water worked its way around them beautifully to enhance the floating feeling.

I went for a 6 min exposure to maximise the smoothness of the water and also to ensure I had enough movement in the clouds. The clouds were moving away steadily and enough remained over the horizon to allow me to catch them before they were all gone. They also seemed to move and radiate from the brightest part of the scene and it was exactly what I was looking for in this image.

One day I would love to see what this location looks like on a stormy day with bigger waves but I love the tranquil atmosphere of that evening that we were able to witness and photograph.

Are you the lighthouse of someone's Storm??? by Devendra

Posted on 2020-04-18

I am fascinated by Lighthouses. Might sounds odd but yet true. Man made objects / machines to withstand all the fury of nature spreading light across the ocean, leading / guiding sailing lives through the darkness; yet humble enough to stand without much glitter throughout the day. Some of the best views over the Ocean from my memory are either lighthouses or from multiple Sea Forts in India.

This image is captured at Isle of Skye on my last trip there in March. Although this is not the typical bucket list shot people tend to capture at this location; I still love the nice natural contrast and the leading lines drawing us towards the lighthouse. Simple yet effective!!!

Cwm Idwal - Snowdonia II by Jules

Posted on 2020-02-01

The last time I walked this path with my wife she was pregnant with our daughter - Ten Years later and we walked the same path with Tegan, now 9 years old and Gethin, our 7 year old son.

Higger Tor. by Dave Armstrong.

Posted on 2019-09-18

Higger Tor is a dominant landmark of the Dark Peak, in the north of the Peak District National Park. It is a gritstone tor overlooking the Burbage Valley and the iron age hill fort of Carl Wark to the southeast.

misty mornings by Devendra

Posted on 2019-09-06

This was captured near Kilchurn castle in Scotland. I was hoping some sunlight would show up and will get to capture some strides of light across or around the tree in center. But weather turned even more gray and then started raining. So this is the best I could captured that day...

Bow Fiddle Rock by Devendra

Posted on 2019-07-11

The Bow Fiddle Rock is so called because it resembles the very tip of a bow. It was formed by erosion of a rock called Cullen Quartzite. This is one of many different quartzites found in Scotland.