The May Bank Holiday was not going to be like last year. The temperature was predicted to go down to around 2 degrees centigrade. I had in my mind that I wanted to photograph Chesterton Windmill on the Saturday evening. Was I mad? Looking at the weather forecast there was a good chance of a mix of sun and clouds. These were the ingredients for a possible sunset. Therefore I had an early supper and packed all the kit. I included hot drinks as well. Lots of clothing layers and also a pair of gloves. Goodness is this May!!!

You see the windmill from the road and already your excitement levels rise as it is very prominent and command lovely views. There are never that man people there in the evening so I parked the car and I could not wait to get the camera out and start taking pictures. My problem is that I get too excited about getting that picture. I looked to bracket some of my pictures for later HDR treatment and some of them came out very well.

Sunset using a graduated filter
A bracketed exposure and the clouds are a little blurry due to their movement between shots
I like this one and it has caught the grass giving a layering to the picture

At the windmill, I also looked for different pictures of the structure. This can be difficult for me as I tend to always see the larger details. However the golden light opened some interesting pictures.

A sail and part of the structure makes for a nice picture. The stone wheel adds interest.

This is framing the sunset with one of the sails pointing to the setting sun.
The stone work absorbs the warm colours of the sunset
An attempt to highlight the grass around the windmill.
Another bracketed shot of the sunset

Then after a couple of hours the sun has gone and there is just a warm glow over the area. The hot coffee back at the car was lovely and then it was back home to look at the pictures. I will also be back to take some more pictures in the future. Hopefully I will not leave it too long this time.

One of the most photographic structures near me is the Windmill at Chesterton. Β I had visited it for the first time earlier in the year and I wished to plan another trip where I could have my tripod with me. Β I contacted a good friend of mine, John Bray, and we planned the visit between Christmas and the New Year. Β To really appreciate the Windmill you need to have good weather especially if you are looking for a memorable sunset. Β As luck would have it not only did we pick a good afternoon, it had snowed the night before which gave an added plus factor to the photographic outing. Β John and I spent an hour and half at the windmill taking photographs as the sun slowly left the sky.

Many people gathered for the sunset

A lone sail against the sunset

Starburst against the Windmill

The sunset was a good one and there were lots of opportunities for pictures. Β Even the moon got into the act. Β The temperature dropped and whilst it was cold there was little wind. Β We took lots of pictures and soon it was time to leave as the sunset was nearly finished. Β Just as we were walking away John turned around and said look at that view. Β It is the old saying always look behind you when you are walking away from the picture. Β John is really quick on getting his pictures out on social media and they were excellent producing much reaction. Β Here are my views of Chesterton windmill on a cold yet ultimately rewarding photographic session.

A high key view

Afternoon light on the snow

Light through the centre

Shadows of the sails on the Windmill

Looking towards the Sun

Moonshot

The sentinel looks towards the sun

Another moon shot

The end of the day

Two figures walking towards the Windmill

 

John’s Photographs are on his Flickr account.

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