Flowers

Cool light on the poppies
Travel

Cool light on the poppies

Little did I realise that a picture from a field in Kinver, Staffordshire, taken on a warm day in June 2024, would be displayed at Kew Gardens on a cold day in February. My photograph, Cool Light on the Poppies, was awarded second…

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Top 4 in 2024
Observation

Top 4 in 2024

Time to review my best pictures of 2024. The latter part of my photographic year was devoted to the Stirchley Observation Project. This course, organised by the PRISM Photographic Network, ran over 12 weekends from September to November. A final exhibition featuring many…

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Eerie tree landscapes created by the fog
Canals

Eerie tree landscapes created by the fog

The dull and gloomy weather over Christmas has led to several fog-drenched mornings, which have lingered throughout the day. For photographers, such conditions are ideal for adding atmosphere to compositions. I set off towards Baddesley Clinton, where the presence of the canal…

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Poppies on the morning edge
Canals

Poppies on the morning edge

The appearances of poppies near to where I live is becoming unpredictable.  Typically, poppies flower around the beginning of June.  However, poppy fields are more difficult to find as farmers are changing their farming practices to be more competitive.  The once large poppy fields around…

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Aurora Borealis as seen from my back garden
Birmingham

Aurora Borealis as seen from my back garden

So I have been to Iceland but did not see the Aurora Borealis as it was too cloudy.  I did fly from Portland, Oregon to Reykjavík and saw the lights somewhere over the Northern Territories and Greenland.  My next Aurora Borealis experience was a…

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Blue heaven with the bluebells of Hay Wood
Warwickshire

Blue heaven with the bluebells of Hay Wood

The bluebell season is here and is earlier than normal.  Usually the flowers are in full bloom around the May Bank holiday weekend.  This year their arrival appears to be 1 to 2 weeks early.  A blue carpet of bluebells is always stunning especially when…

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Early blossom brings colour to Oozells Square
Canals

Early blossom brings colour to Oozells Square

Oozells Square has featured on my blog over the years.  The appearance of the pink blossom on the trees heralds the start of spring in Birmingham. The square becomes a riot of pink colour and is a magnet for photographers.  This year, the blossom…

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My poppy photograph in IGPOTY 2024
Warwickshire

My poppy photograph in IGPOTY 2024

The Leamington Spa poppy field sprung up in June 2021.  At the time I was just so happy that the field was near to home.  I remember going to the field one barmy summer’s evening to take photographs.  The light was beautiful and the field…

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A spectacular poppy field in Bewdley
Nature

A spectacular poppy field in Bewdley

The alarm went at 3.30am and it was time to haul myself out of bed.  I was going on a journey of 50 minutes to a field in Bewdley, Worcestershire.  There were reports of poppies in the field near to Blackstone nature…

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Winterbourne House and Gardens IgersbirminghamUK Instameet
Birmingham

Winterbourne House and Gardens IgersbirminghamUK Instameet

As the weather improves and spring is well established, there are lots more opportunities to photograph gardens. One of the best gardens to visit in Birmingham is Winterbourne House. This Edwardian house and garden have a captivating charm. The House was originally…

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Bluebells in the Heart of England Forest
Nature

Bluebells in the Heart of England Forest

Who doesn’t love the sight of bluebells gently swaying in the breeze.  Many of our ancient woodlands are at risk by the creeping threat of development and that is why I support the annual Bluebell Wood Fundraising Open Day in the Heart of…

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