December 17th – At Telford after a flying visit, overlooking the station towards the town centre, a remarkable sunset to close the bracket of the wonderful dawn.
It had been a long day. Inbetween the two, I’d spent a morning in Darlaston.
Every Christmas I swear I’ll take it easy in the run-up. Every year I fail to do so and end up in a mad rush. Will I ever learn?
Mind you, I’d have missed this wonderful sight…
December 14th – There’s a small stub of driveway or track off Old Park Road in Kings Hill called Kings Hill Field. I think once, it went right across the park to the Darlaston Road, and I suspect it’s the remnant of an old right of way, now curtailed by the lovely Kings Hill Park. There’s a small row of terraces, and the gates to the park; and in the right light, by chance, it looks beautiful.
This is why I love this place.
December 14th – I went back to Kings Hill, to have another shot at that night view of Wednesbury, this time with the FZ72. It’s still not quite what I’d like, so will try on a clear, crisp night with the Nikon (tonight was quite murky and damp, so wasn’t ideal). Still, the camera made a decent fist of it considering the operator hasn’t a clue what he’s actually doing.
I know what I want here, and I’m not sure if it’s even possible with the kit I have. I think the Nikon may be the job though, it can do the harsh light thing I like.
Closer than yesterday. It still looks gorgeous.
December 13th – I briefly caught the lantern parade at Chasewater, which was OK but didn’t seem to have the atmosphere or hubbub of the year before – perhaps it was the weather. Perhaps it was me.
On the way back though, the riding was fast and muddy, and Anglesey Wharf in the darkness was oddly ethereal.
Here’s to a better week, eh?
December 12th – Heading out late, I wanted to catch the festival of music and light at the Canoe and Outdoor Centre in Brownhills – but was too late. It looked like they’d had fun though, despite the unpleasant weather.
It has been an utterly foul few weeks, this run-up to Christmas. Wind and rain, and relentless overcast days, and it’s really hit local events like Christmas markets, light switch-ons and fayres.
Let’s hope it all blows itself out for the holiday.
December 10th – As I approached Brownhills, it occurred to me it was a good time to try a long exposure shot of Clayhanger canal bridge.
Now that didn’t work out too bad at all – really pleased with this.
December 10th – A photo I’ve wanted a crack at for a while, and will return to with a different camera, I think.
The twin sisters of Wednesbury, at night, from Kings Hill. This is a fantastic sight and I’m not sure how best to capture it. There’s something really warm, cosy and maybe even a little Christmassy about the lights, the houses, the skyline and somnambulant colours.
The Black Country often isn’t conventionally beautiful – but the beauty it does display is breathtaking and unique. How I love this place.
December 6th – Morris had a little Vegas in his soul.
We should all have Vegas in our souls. Rock on, Morris!
December 6th – A late spin around Chasewater, and the railway caught my eye. Finished for the day, the carriages were left on the platform for cleaning and the engine in the sidings further over towards the shed. I loved the light, the open doors and the gathering dusk. There was a real atmosphere of abandonment, as if everyone had just disappeared in some 1950s rush hour sic-fi movie.
I was lucky to catch this.
December 5th – I wanted to take some night shots of Aldridge, which felt quite Christmassy), but realised my tripod was at home. Out of 20 or so handheld shots, this was the only one to be anything close to usable, and this only just.
But it does convey the atmosphere.
Oh well, maybe next time.
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