Signs of Ageing

My last day off of work and not spent the way I intended, dropped the car off at the garage to have some brake pads fitted (hadn't planned on that for a start but a nasty noise yesterday prompted me to do so). An hour, a phone call accompanied by a sharp intake of breath later and the price trebled!! Why am I still surprised? It happens every time and not just to me. Ho hum, such is life, could be worse for sure.

Spent yesterday at Hatfield House which I had not visited before. It was great and besides the house and gardens there are some fantastic metal sculptures along the woodland walk which is where I found this fellow looking out from the trunk of a tree. Kinda groovy and spooky at the same time. Might post another of him tomorrow. Might drop him some Nivea off next time I go, looks like the wrinkles are getting to be a problem!

Oh and the new Paul Weller album 22 Dreams dropped through my letter box this morning (it's grooving away in the background as I write). Fantastic, the man is still progressing, still relevant, always seeking out new sounds and creating them. You can keep your ageing rock stars, peddling out the same old stuff year after year, playing the same gigs over and and over again. Go buy it, get the Deluxe Edition, it's worth it just for "Rip The Pages Up" IMHO of course, your mileage may vary.

CM2008

Lady of Lee Valley

A walk around the woods this morning, a pub lunch, a spot of shopping (ok that's not so great but we all have to do it sometime) bumped into an old pal and a walk around the golf course this evening. I could get used to retirement already! Donations to Random Retirements, PO Box.......

This image was taken on Wednesday whilst I was enjoying a cream tea (I put the scone down first). Not much else to say about it really.

CM2008

You Talking To Me?

I spent a pleasant afternoon yesterday on an old canal boat having a cream tea and watching life pass by.


It just goes on its merry old way, nothing is rushed, everybody waves & greets you on your way and you wait whilst the lock fills or empties according to your direction of travel. There it struck me, this was the pace of life I'd been harping on about the day before, you can't rush it, it just is and will never change. Not so sure I could live my life on the water but it's food for thought. Got a few frames too that I might use.


This fellow gives me grief every day as I walk by with Tez, goes absolutely mad at us then dashes to the other end of his garden to give us some more. I was determined to capture a frame of him one day, as I lifted the camera he just stopped like he couldn't believe I was actually contemplating taking his picture. After the shutter closed he just jumped down and toddled off as if the game was up!


Anyhow this was really an exercise in processing, all done from raw using HSL/Grayscale and just a blur added afterwards. I'm quite pleased with the result and absolutely no clipping in the shadows or highlights!

As always let me know your thoughts good or bad.


CM2008

Rolling on Relentless

Life just keeps on rolling on, no matter what troubles people have it still zips on relentless.

It all seems too fast these days, having some time off to think (not always a good thing) I find myself longing for the pace of life to slow down, half day closing, quiet Sundays, bank holidays where people actually get a day off and everything is closed, long summer holidays when the sun did actually shine and people had time for each other! There I go again with one foot in the past!

Off on a canal boat trip tomorrow with the WI of all things, still they're quite an entertaining bunch, might get a few shots too ;O)

CM2008

Away From The Grindstone

Why is it that every time I have some time off from work the weather is always abysmal? Never ceases to amaze me especially after the glorious weather we have had over the last few weeks.

Still I guess that in the grand scheme of things some people are having a real rough time and I really shouldn't be complaining.

To escape the rain today we took a trip out to a local restored mill and seeing as it's 5 minutes from my house I really should have gone before now. It was really interesting to see a water mill in action, lots of other stuff to look at too. There was demo being given, by a retired scientist of all things, on making wooden toys and jigsaws on an old treadle operated scroll saw, it was amazing to watch him work and chat to him, fascinating chap!

CM2008

Retro Fever

Had a fantastic evening on Thursday, went to see Paul Weller at the Hammersmith Apollo. The man was on top form with a great mix of old and new material. He just keeps getting better and his music keep progressing.

I had a grin so big it made my face ache! Went with my eldest son too, not too often you get to share that sort of thing with your kids but as it happens I've taught him well and his musical taste is impeccable ;O) My voice was a little croaky Friday morning too!

So retro fever is everywhere, 60's, 70's, 80's people are going mad for it. Those that know me and my penchant for the past and my many related obsessions will not be surprised by this image. For those that are around my age I'd just like to confirm that this IS an Araya 7x and a Comp III, those of you that haven't got a clue-well you had to be there I guess?

I thought I'd post this today to hopefully give my old mate Craig over at id7 a smile, hope things work out OK on all fronts after reading your blog and speaking last night pal.

CM2008

They're Here

Only two more days until I get to see Paul Weller Live, can hardly contain my excitement, I just wish it was possible to take the camera along then I'd be in heaven! Only three more days of work too and I've a week off, Yipeeeee!

A simple frame today, I just liked the rust appearing and the missing rivet, everyone else thought it looked like a creepy alien, does it? Can't see it myself, as ever let me know what you think. Funny thing about this is that it's quite a substantial bar and lock-there's a two foot gap either side of it though, not quite sure who it's keeping out!

CM2008

Insomnia

One of those nights, dog tired and can't sleep!


So here I am at almost three in the morning, eating toast and drinking tea (helped by my ever faithful-read hungry-friend) processing raw files trying to find something that appeals to me.


I woke rather early one day last week, saw the sun was just coming up and knew I had to get out and try and capture it, did I?


CM2008

Penny Black

Why is it that kids are so pushy?

I've a deal running with my youngest that if his school report is good this year, building on what has to said was excellent progress he had made at the last consultation, I agreed to meet him halfway on the cost of a new games console. We agreed the deal and shook hands, now I'm being questioned on the finer points of the deal and just how "good" does this report have to be? How about if science isn't quite so good? I think I may have to have a contract drawn up! ;O)


Shot this a few days ago along one of the lanes around here. Just how many coats of paint are on there is anyone's guess, if you tried to clean them off I reckon it'd fall apart but imagine the stories it could tell, the letters that have been posted through here since Victorian times!

CM2008

Lean & Keen

Why is it that every time I have a holiday approaching work gets busier and busier? I'm sure someone somewhere is conspiring against me. Ho hum, never mind!

Had a great day on Sunday, was invited along to meet up with my old pal Craig from id7 and a couple of photographer friends of his. It was fantastic to look at all their work and talk about imaging in general, a real fun and relaxing way to spend a sunny Sunday alongside the Thames.

Today's image was shot on Friday and one that I took along with me. Once I get my head around it I think it may be a prime subject for a HDR image. As it stands this was desaturated a little, some curves adjustments and a little dodging the highlights on the stone.

Let me know what you think, remember there's no need to log in anymore, just leave your comments and I'll add them as soon as I get a chance.

CM2008

Hill Climb

Well that was a day and a half!

A phone call this afternoon to say my wife was being taken to hospital with anaphylactic shock after eating something probably containing nuts, which turned out not to have the ingredients stated on the packet (this is in a school!!).

Then the hospital staff didn't have a clue where she was and sent me wandering off round A&E to find her myself, I kid you not, the mind boggles it really does. We're now keeping a watchful eye just in case it flares up again. Fingers crossed it doesn't.

Today's image is from a few days back. It's nothing special in photography terms but it's a nice palette of colours, it reminds me that I live in a beautiful place and I'm lucky to do so. Also it reminds me I live on a great big hill and I've got to climb it again to get home!

CM2008

Hot Dogs On A Tin Roof?

What a gorgeous bank holiday Monday, weather men were wrong but what's new there? I love it, sunshine always makes me smile.


I just had to post this. Walking up the lanes this morning I can hear dogs barking at Tez & I, nothing unusual there but when I looked to see where it was coming from this is what I saw! I can only assume the ground is higher at the back or they can climb ladders. They're beautiful anyway.


I've a soft spot for Greyhounds (though not sure these two are pure). I get fed up with Annette Crosbie banging on about how cruel Greyhound owners are. For sure some have an awful life but not every owner is the same, most are not in my experience. I lost my greyhound Bess last year, I raced her together with my brother and when she retired she came to live with me. She was well loved and cared for all her life to the grand old age of 13.


My brother breeds and races Greyhounds, each dog is well cared for and homed if possible when no longer racing. If not they stay with him no question.


Sorry on my soap box today, just fed up being tarred with the same brush!

CM2008

Cheeky Chappie

Cor bank holiday weekend, despite still working Saturday it's nice to have two straight days off at least. Time for gardening etc etc but some nice walks with my little fat friend too (Tez) and a chance to take the camera out and "see".

Having said that I took this shot at work, nothing remarkable, just a snap really but he's one of the regular visitors to my office window sill and I managed to catch him there. I pushed up the saturation a little because I read somewhere that birds see colours brighter and more vibrant than we perceive them. Now if I could just catch the Jay up there........

CM2008

Topsy Turvey

Just a short one today, not much time before work.

After a topsy turvey week and another trip to the vets last night my little friend is finally on the mend, yippee!

CM2008

Blot on The Landscape?

Another busy day, despite talk of "The Credit Crunch" & "Downturns" I seem to be busier than ever which is a good thing!

Tez seems to be on the mend, not 100% but his tail is wagging again and he's got his woof back, never thought I'd be so glad to hear him barking, funny little chap.

Today's image is another looking across our local golf course and another experiment in my steep editing learning curve. Blot? Well in the distance you can just see the piles of minerals extracted from a local quarry, some call it a blot and want it to be closed but it provides many jobs. I wonder if those wishing for closure think of that? One day there will be no more to extract and the land will be restored, I see no need to hurry that along at the expense of working people and their families. Your mileage may vary as they say!

A quick edit, I've now posted the uncropped version too. Which is better? You decide!

CM2008

Coned Off

Blimey what a weekend!

My little walking friend and general photography hindrance Terry has been ill this weekend. Ending in a rather expensive trip to the veterinary college this afternoon where they told me he was sick and all for the bargain price of £130! He seems to have turned a corner this evening and whilst still very poorly and feeling very sorry for himself I think (hope) he's on the mend.

So whilst he's Zzz across my side of the bed I'm here looking at images. Getting to know the 40D a little better and I shot this frame out on our local golf course which, unlucky for them and great for us, has two public footpaths running through it. It's a beautiful place, I can understand the attraction-it's just a pity you have to knock that little ball round with you!

Oh yes anonymous comments are now allowed so no need to log in to comment, so let me know what you think!

Update, edited this again, decided I didn't like the first one!

CM2008

To Edit or Not to Edit?

I've been working on my editing the last few days, I really have a lot to learn and the possibilities are seemingly endless.

It brought to the forefront of my mind the old editing vs pure photography argument. I've no wish to start a row here or anywhere else (although a good debate is always welcome). I was thinking back to school days ( a long time ago) in the darkroom, we'd play with exposures etc. So what's the difference, sure we have mighty tools at our disposal these days but manipulation is manipulation. For instance what's the difference whether I put a filter on the lens or adjust during processing?

So that brings me to this, an old shot that I was playing around with. The original was nothing, I've look at it a thousand times, it was boring. It still may be a mediocre shot but it's far more interesting for the editing and now I like to look at it.

Let me hear your thoughts on this and the whole editing debate too if you wish.

Oh yeah the 40D arrived today, can't wait to get out with it :O)

CM2008

Reflective Again?

Not much to say today, another boring Monday!

Tomorrow however should be a much better day because the new camera is on it's way, I've been tracking the parcel with more fascination than a small boy staring through a toy shop window, just hope the CF card arrives at the same time so I can try it out! ;O)

Another from Duxford today, just liked the way it flipped everything, simple things amuse simple minds as they say!

CM2008

Reflective thinking............

Well it's happening, placed my order for a new body (camera body that is) and already suffering the guilt of spending the money! Still I made it myself, selling stuff off and a bit I had put by etc, a conscience is a terrible thing sometimes.

I'd like to say a Happy Birthday for tomorrow to CJ over at id7, hope you have a great day mate. Don't forget to pop over (link at the foot of the page) and see some great imaging, buy some even-get some prints on yer wall-at least leave a comment or two, they mean a lot.

Another shot from Duxford today, taken in the American Air Museum building, a fantastic looking place and full of reminders that we should be thankful.

CM2008

One Foot In The Past

Well I find myself in a frustrating situation, I have the money together, more or less, for the new camera but the shops with the best deals don't have any stock and will not take an order until they have some and I refuse to pay over the odds! I feel I may be impatient.

ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH rant over ;O)

Went to Duxford this weekend, one of my favourite places to be where I can mix two passions, aircraft and photography. This was shot there in the land warfare hall, I wish I'd been a foot (scuse the pun) to the right, would have been better. Next time perhaps, I was laying on the floor in a museum, the looks I was getting were a bit odd!

CM2008

Fields of Gold

I'm nearly there! The new camera body is in sight, now if I could just find somewhere with a good price AND stock!!

Managed to get out over the weekend, there was even some sunshine around, the fields are turning golden and reminded me of the countryside of my youth, across the bridge, beyond the stream towards the chalk pits, many happy times were spent thereabouts.

One foot in the past as always!

CM2008

Water Under The Bridge

Well it's been a while since my last post!

I'm suffering from camera envy so much so that picking up the old Fuji seems like a chore. I know my feelings are shared over on id7 and glad to hear he's a step closer :0) I'm hoping that I shall have saved enough before the summer to get the new body and then suffer the guilt knowing I could have spent the money more wisely! ARGH

Anyway a few words of encouragement this evening (thanks old thing) regarding my images prompted me to post this evening. Another from Verulamium, I like water shots and there was plenty of ice too towards the bridge. Shame really that it was such a bright day, it left the sky looking burnt out but hey ho can't have everything.

Hopefully I'll get out with the camera this weekend and get some new material.

Until next time

CM2008

Surfs Up.......In Norfolk??

Phew a crazy, busy week. Sofa delivery, night class, parent teacher consultation etc etc I've been promising myself the weekend off but I fear I may be becoming a bit of a workaholic!? We'll see in the morning :0)

Thanks to those of you that expressed an interest in my images, printing is ongoing.

Had this shot for a long time and I really like the shot but couldn't get the editing right. After a squiffy conversation with a friend (sorry about that mate :) and seeing how he would do it I think I've arrived at something I like. You decide if I got it right. Oh and I had no idea there was big enough waves in Norfolk to surf!

CM2008

A Step In The Right Direction!

TFI Friday, even if I do have to work tomorrow too :(

It's been a good week, had my Thorny Subject image from my first posting here put onto canvas and it looks great, even if I do say so myself. So my thanks to Robert at RLG Visual Communications http://www.rlg.co.uk/ a shameless plug I know, the guy does great work and can create a great piece of art for your home or office etc from your own images, check his website out and get in touch!

That brings me to another point, if you're interested in one of my images get in touch. They are available in many different sizes and prices will be reasonable :0) Please do not save them yourself, my images are copyrighted and my permission is needed to use them.

Today's image is a new bridge finally put up on the Hertfordshire way after the old one collapsed a long while ago, not quite the shot I wanted of this but it's close!

Until next time

CM2008

Fun In The Sun!

Not feeling too well today, Man flu which, as all us fellas know, is a lot worse than any type of flu that our female counterparts may contract! LoL :0)

Another shot from Verulamium, just walking back to the car and there was a couple of young lads with Dad and their boats. Dad was of course in charge showing the boys how it's done (it's our job, a tiresome one I admit but we try!) They were lucky as most of the lake was still frozen over! It reminded me that this is one toy, cough, model that I haven't tried Hmmmmmmmmm

Dear Santa.................I've been a very good boy all year......................................

CM2008

In For The Kill?

Well the sunshine came back for the weekend, mixed with some fog and ice!

Managed to get out with the camera this weekend and took a walk around Verulamium in the pleasant sunshine. Took a few shots, a couple of which I like. This being one, I was just amazed at how many gulls were around the lake and the moment they think one of them has something tasty a battle ensues, it was really quite crazy!

CM2008

Shocking

Blimey that's the sunshine gone then! Just when I was enthusing about the warmer weather it's gone again, why am I surprised this is England after all! Plus I was being over optimistic for Feb eh?

Another busy day and another late night, work would be great without customers :0)

This image was taken a couple of weeks ago, I love the nest that's been made in the bottom, don't know who was living there, but they've moved out and I don't blame them!

CM2008

The Intrepid Tezzer

Wow what great weather we've been having for Feb eh? I love the sunshine and the older I get the more I love it.

Terry (Tezzer as he's affectionately known, when he's good) my walking buddy whilst out taking photos. Actually he's more of a hindrance than a help but never mind. It struck me that I'm always talking about him so here he is, looking deep in thought (about his next meal no doubt). He's a real character and never listens to a word I say unless it's in his favour but I love him to bits and I wouldn't be without him :0) Never be without a dog I say!

I love this shot just because it's him, very minor tweaks to the curves is all I've done here.

Oh and don't forget to pop over to id7 for some more great images, link at the bottom of the page.

CM2007

The Nights are Getting Shorter

Won't be long till summer comes as the song says (well it says warmer really but hey ho). Let's hope it's A Long Hot Summer as my favourite TSC song says.

Had enough of these dark winter days and it's nice to leave work in the (almost) daylight!

Well huge congratulations to Matt & Sarah, baby Jack was born at 10.45am yesterday (the 6th) and the little fella is all good :) I'm a great uncle again!

The image is another from the same series as the last post and reminds me that warmer weather is on it's way-sometime!

CM2008

Say A Little Prayer

Well another boring Tuesday and another dull evening class............Yawn! Never mind.

The title tonight is for my Nephew Matt and his partner Sarah, they've a little one due that is breach and must be born by C Section tomorrow, so I'm thinking of you guys and you little one hope all is well x

The image is one I've held onto for a while and played around with, still not sure I'm over keen but it's as good as I can get it at the moment!

CM2008