Local walks

Sometimes, your local walks can turn up a surprising number of views. Here are just a few taken whilst out on a long walk passing through Dalton and Orrell. You just have to be there at the right time.

Karen and Andrew's wedding

Just thought I'd share a few images from the latest wedding. It was a documentary style with very few formal shots but that is the way to capture natural moments.

A visit to Another Place and Formby

Last weekend I thought it was about time to take the camera out and photograph some of the nearby coastline, so I decided to visit Crosby and Formby. Here are a few images shot early afternoon, which is not the best time of day for the light conditions but you can't always be there at the right time.

UK camera retailers

I don't know if anyone else has noticed that within the last few weeks, some UK camera equipment retailers have hiked up their prices by considerable amounts. In certain cases by as much as 45%. I fail to see how they can justify such massive increases. If you check sites in the USA and factor in the exchange rate, import duty etc, it still comes in well under the UK prices. I realise the UK pound is weak, making imports more expensive, the economy is not at its best and retail sales are depressed but 45%, they are having a laugh.
For instance. A few weeks ago a Canon 85mm f1.2L USM II was £1248 at one online store. The same item is now £1792, which is unbelievable!
You don't need to be a genius to predict what the impact would be if I suddenly increased my prices significantly.

Landscape photography sites

I came across a landscape photographer's site that is well worth a visit. Marc Adamus has some great images of North American locations.

Photography supplier exhibition

I have just received this years pass for the NEC focus-on-imaging exhibition that will be held on 22nd to 25 Feb in halls 9-10. Last year I attended on Sunday but I might consider a week day this time. However, one advantage of going on Sunday is the parking is free and likely the morning traffic is reduced. It's the nearest large photography event without having to travel to London.

Pennington Flash wildlife

I visited Pennington flash today, just off the East Lancs road near Leigh, to continue with the theme of wildlife photography. It was bitterly cold and virtually all the open water was frozen, so there was a distinct lack of water birds. The only location that provided any action was the bunting hide, which is also a feeder station. Although there were quite a few species feeding, it was late afternoon and the light was dismal.

Blue tit: 1/80s, f4.0, ISO 1250, 280mm (EF 70-200mm +1.4x) heavily cropped as it was too far away to fill the frame.

Robin: 1/125s, f4.0, ISO 1250, 280mm (EF 70-200mm +1.4x) heavily cropped.

The flashes will be worth re-visiting, especially in about 2 months time when spring has arrived and when the light is much better. If I continue to photograph small things from a distance, I will have to fork out for some new fixed focal length lenses. A 300mm f2.8L IS and a 600mm f4L IS would be nice. I'll just check under the mattress to see if I have a spare £8000!