Bampton Blog

The beauty that is Bampton

2012-01-28T11:25:00.000Z

These two photos really highlight the layout of Bampton with all of its character on display.

The level of detail is extraordinary; these pictures could be enlarged to 8 ft wide and still hold sharpness.

It was well worth the awkwardness of getting to the point from which the photos were taken.

Sun/Rain Frog St

2012-01-27T17:14:00.000Z

A combination of sun and rain, at the same time, occurred this afternoon in Bampton. I was soaked to the skin but managed to keep the camera dry. Thank you Mr Goretex.

The light in this photo is typical of those conditions.

Barnstaple Pannier Market

2012-01-19T08:42:00.000Z

I had occasion to visit that well known purveyor of high quality goods - Argos, in Barnstaple. Whilst I was there I had time to wander about the town. Clearly it's best days are behind it as it looks somewhat shabby now, but there are little diamonds in amongst the remnants. This market is one of them. Well worth a visit (if you're there anyway - don't make a special visit)

'Old' Bampton

2012-01-12T12:23:00.001Z

Bampton looked so different then. No yellow lines, no lamposts or rubbish bins. Not even any major repairs to the road. Life was good. It was a sepia life of pure goodness back then.

Except I took this photo today.

Watercoloroured Bampton

2012-01-07T09:22:00.003Z

This is an old photo digitally painted in a watercolour style using various art software programmes and a wacom tablet and pen. The final image is a combination of three separate paintings. Taken from the very top of the Castle area.

Often seen around Bampton as a sepia toned image (there's one in the Quarrymans Rest), this is a watercolour version, in colour.

It's difficult to get pictures of Bampton without cars everywhere so this image has some local value. I love the tones in this picture.

Bampton in the winter sun

2012-01-02T10:57:00.001Z

We haven't seen sunshine for a while so today was a rare opportunity for the use of colour. The 'Bampton Grim' has been replaced temporarily, I feel, for a cold, but sunny period. It makes such a difference to the day.

A Touch of Green

2012-01-01T11:44:00.000Z

Taken in deepest Bampton, this image is a reminder (to me) of the memory of Satis House, and Miss Haversham, in Great Expectations. I read the book as a child and it was a great read. Recently on the TV, all the memories returned.

The Power of Exmoor

2011-12-23T13:15:00.000Z

It's not difficult to take great pictures of Exmoor and these two depict the area perfectly. They are quite stark, being black and white, but they emit a sense of the power that is inherent in the moor.

A good, solid, tripod is all that is needed. These were both taken on a point and shoot camera that was firmly held.

The Bampton Pubs

2011-12-18T10:08:00.002Z

A typical chat between the staff and the customers at the Swan.

Less chat at the Quarrymans Rest.

Both of these were taken last night when that Strictly thing was on the TV and I had easily better things to do.

Bampton Rooves and Chimneys

2011-12-16T13:42:00.001Z

Taken from the Castle top, this shot looks straight across the centre of Bampton with the White Horse on the top far right.

I like it for it's jumble of buildings and it's various brick textures.

Bampton Christmas Fayre

2011-12-04T10:17:00.001Z

It was Bampton Christmas Fayre yesterday and these images show some of the people involved in the event. Thanks to Celia, Fred, Jo, Joan, Lucie (and others) as well as Bampton Butchers for letting me take their photos.

An entertaining afternoon was had by all the visitors and the helpers.

After a glass of mulled wine I found the taste for alcohol and, with some chums, adjourned to the Quarrymans Rest for several tasty beverages.

Jan at the Fair

2011-12-03T12:08:00.000Z

I was reviewing my photos of the last charter fair when I came across this photo of Jan. She says she never gets a decent picture of herself but, for me, it doesn't get any better than this.

Umberleigh Church

2011-11-25T15:53:00.000Z

This little wooden church is located on the main road onto Umberleigh. It looks like it should be in the Mid-West of America, and not in the centre of Devon.

Umberleigh is a quintessential Devon village with loads of photo opportunities, including a picturesque railway station and the wide River Taw plus bridges. The Caravan Club campsite looks first class so there's no excuse not to visit.

Globally Solar

2011-11-25T15:46:00.002Z

Fitting solar panels on a roof at Global Park in Bampton. There are now hundreds of panels on the rooves of these business units. Whilst they aren't very attractive to the eye I bet they generate a decent return on investment. Good luck to Peter and Paul who had the panels fitted.

Pheasants everywhere

2011-11-18T10:45:00.000Z

I shot (with a camera) these two pheasants down by Birchdown Farm where there are loads of them coming in to escape the local shoots. Roxy had these up just on the bridge over the old railway line.

I've never been that keen on them since I had one come through the car windscreen, but they do make a decent photo.

A view over Bampton

2011-11-16T17:32:00.005Z

A nice picture of Bampton, from Ford Rd, taken on Sunday when the weather was fine. It hasn't been pleasant since so this is a reminiscence.

On the subject of weather, an old chap came up to me in the street last week and said "Living in Devon is like being in heaven, but it rains six days out of seven". Doesn't scan well but it's so true.

Paul in the pub

2011-11-14T10:31:00.001Z

Just a nice photo of Mr Cottrell relaxing in the Quarrymans Rest after a hard days graft. This image is quite well known now, around the photographic world, but I've never shown it here before.

Majestic sheep

2011-11-13T17:41:00.003Z

Not usually two words that fit together but this image was described as such by a good friend on the Leicaimages website. Of course, you'll recognise the rain. The sheep was snapped, with a good sized lens, halfway along the Ford Road whilst walking the dogs.

I have a lot of sheep photos on this blog as I'm quite a fan.

A Dartmoor view

2011-11-07T19:29:00.000Z

The rocks of the Tor frame the far off village in this shot taken on Dartmoor. I was lucky to get a clear day as on the past few visits it has been murky and grim.

I love this shot even though it's on the foreign 'moor'.

Arty Roxy

2011-11-05T10:11:00.002Z

It's amazing nowadays what the new technology can achieve. This image of herself took only seconds to create. Granted, it's not a style you could use daily, but occasionally a decent final result can be realised. I quite like this picture.

Note: You might not detect the artyness unless you click on the image to make it bigger.

The Rhythm of Exmoor

2011-10-30T17:14:00.004Z

This is one for the pourists. A high key shot with added grain. Taken last Friday on the way to Torrington, the photo is of inversion fog near East Anstey with Exmoor behind. Gentle curves above the fog create a lovely sense of proportion.

Sunrise over Exmoor

2011-10-28T15:20:00.000+01:00

I was on my way to Torrington this morning just as the sun came up. In the valley below Exmoor, near East Anstey, was the inversion fog you can see in the picture. I wasn't able to capture it as good as it looked, but some of the red light on the top of the fog is just discernible.

Nearby

2011-10-21T09:56:00.000+01:00

Taken by a bloke called Bob (I don't have any other data) on a bike ride in the locality.

I've said I'll happily put photos of Bampton, and the local area, up on to the web from others and this is a fine example of a good local photo. If anyone else has any good photos please let me know.

Looking sheepish

2011-10-17T15:28:00.001+01:00

This image shows Roxy and Izzy carrying out their routine inspection of relevant creatures on their walking route. This sheep, having passed it's inspection, lacked any interest in the results and the dogs went about their daily business of eating up associated creature droppings as well as a light salad in the form of the grasses in the hedgerows.

Bampton Pheasants

2011-10-17T13:57:00.002+01:00

These two feathery interlopers were spotted exiting the car park next to the river on Sunday. There must have been enough birds wandering about to feed a family of four for a month, or Dave and Jo for two days.

It's time now to commence the annual pheasant removal process and it can't come soon enough for me.

Here's looking at ewe

2011-10-13T15:25:00.001+01:00

This sheep has been segregated for some reason and was located with another kebab candidate at the end of Frog Street in the little field before the farm. It wasn't bothered at all about me, or the dogs, being in close proximity and it studiously maintained it's interest in all things grassy.

Ray and his tractor

2011-10-13T14:58:00.001+01:00

I took this photo this morning just prior to Ray starting work. He was just setting up to trim some hedges on the farmland. Ray is always ready to have his photo taken, particularly if he's doing something useful.

Kersdown Barton

2011-10-13T13:50:00.000+01:00

I never get fed up of this farmyard and I could sit there all day waiting for photos to appear. This is an infrared photo.

Bawdens

2011-10-07T16:07:00.000+01:00

This image shows the signage available nowadays to the modern retailer. There is hardly any part of the shop, or the pavement, that doesn't advertise something that you know you need, or want.

The bread sold here is their greatest advert - it's superb.

The Bridge over the Batherm - Revisited

2011-10-06T11:22:00.001+01:00

Any view of the bridge is always a lovely view. I like this one, taken from the the middle of the water showing the whole of the bridge. Of course, there is little water at the moment; perhaps I'll have another go when the level is higher.

Infrared Bampton

2011-09-15T19:02:00.001+01:00

These two photos are taken with my converted Infrared Nikon camera. Although it's possible to post process in faux colour I have chosen to use black and white for these.

You'll notice that foliage tends to turn out white to grey rather than a darker tone, and skies are often a deep black. Sometimes a glow is added to create an ethereal image but I like these as they are.

In the field

2011-09-11T16:06:00.000+01:00

Up on the rec this afternoon with Roxy, Izzy and a new addition to the wider family, but not directly our family, Brian.

Brian is an 11 week old Welsh Terrier who belongs to our son, David. He is a little fighter and has today drawn blood by biting my nose. He reminds me of Roxy at that age and of course he will look like a smaller version of Roxy when he's fully grown.

Moody and Prickly

2011-09-11T12:55:00.003+01:00

This picture is for all the displaced Scots in Bampton. A reminder of home and all things Scottish; bagpipes, 'Flower of Scotland', Ally McMoist, Glasgae, Whiskey, Tartan and the effervescent Gordon Brown!!!!.

The image in no way represents the personality of the Scots.

Just a few Bampton trees

2011-09-11T11:54:00.000+01:00

I took this today, but I'm not sure about it. It's a faux colour infrared image taken from Frog St.

What do you think?

What - more sheep!

2011-09-09T11:27:00.000+01:00

I like sheep.

This one creates a nice compositional balance against the barn door.

Paul

2011-09-06T07:42:00.005+01:00

Paul is looking a bit tired and fed up. He had been up in the middle of the night to attend a fire (he's a fireman - obviously!) and now he had to sell some of his high quality goods at the Car Boot Sale on Bampton Open Day.

I like the image for it's realism.

Bampton Down

2011-09-06T07:38:00.000+01:00

Dave and Jo put us in touch with this superb area for dog walking. There are lovely walks through the woods and around the fields. There are photos eveywhere. This shot was taken with a small point and shoot camera that I had in my pocket.

Interestingly, Bampton Down is up.

Prickly - Quoi Moi?

2011-09-04T09:22:00.003+01:00

Taken this morning on Frog St. (where else?).

Playing in the river

2011-08-25T20:36:00.001+01:00

These children are enjoying the sunshine (it didn't last for long) by messing about in the water, outside the Riverside Hall, as countless children have in the past.

Bampton from Ford Rd

2011-08-13T15:10:00.000+01:00

Taken today, this image is an infrared photo looking from Ford Road back to the church.

Stuff

2011-07-31T17:40:00.003+01:00

This stuff is in Rays garden between his two sheds, with a further shed behind. The photo works well in black and white but looks poor in colour. There is a sense of times past.

Mortehoe

2011-07-25T18:15:00.001+01:00

We spent the weekend in North Devon, about an hour away and well worth the journey. Mortehoe is a quiet village close to Woolacombe, which is a tourist mecca.

It's worth avoiding Woolacombe in the Summer when there are so many lovelier destinations in North Devon. It's great any other time of year though.

On the way back we stopped at Hunters Inn for a walk to Heddon Mouth and then we had lunch there. Superb!

Poppy

2011-07-18T09:07:00.003+01:00

It's a bit of a tenuous Bampton link, but the photo was taken in Bampton.

I'm not usually a big fan of this technique but it seems to work with poppies.

Thinking about it though, it might make a nice gift card. Nip to the Post Office and see if it turns up in our flower collection gift card set.

Bampton Fish & Chips

2011-07-18T08:58:00.000+01:00

This is a HDR (high dynamic range) photo of the best fish & chip shop in Mid-Devon. The photo is taken with a telephoto lens to compress distance and there are three photos combined to create the final image.

I like it.

Chaos on the streets

2011-07-14T08:52:00.001+01:00

What a kerfuffle. Created by the Dutch RV driver and the farmer. Neither would give way so a significant blockage and argument ensued. Great fun for those watching but not so good for the cars stuck in the gridlock.

After about 15 minutes they sorted it out and all was well again on the traffic front.

Lower Bowbier Farm

2011-07-09T17:41:00.001+01:00

This lovely farm is located above Bampton just off Windwhistle Lane. It always looks it's best in the summer with the crop close to being ready.

The views from the farm are superb. Have a wander up there and look down over the Upper Exe valley.

Izzy in the garden

2011-07-01T11:01:00.000+01:00

Not one to be left out, Izzy specifically requested, in the way that dogs of her calibre and style do, that her photo be uploaded to the blog. What could I do?

Here she is in all her glory, surveying her land.

Herself in the bushes

2011-07-01T08:50:00.006+01:00

This was Roxy earlier checking out the food potential of the hedgerow. Your average dog wouldn't normally bother climbing around in the prickly bushes but not Roxy. If there's the hypothetical possibility of even one available life giving molecule located therein, she's gone in a moment.

It goes without saying that she didn't find anything and returned empty pawed and obviously hungry. I gave in and presented her with an unearned biscuit.

Barnstaple

2011-06-30T15:27:00.002+01:00

I took this photo this morning from quite a high building overlooking Barnstaple (I was at work, but don't tell anybody).

Doesn't it look much better from here than down on the ground? Not that it isn't a nice place; it is, but you can get a wider perspective from here.

How diplomatic was that? Very.

Susan

2011-06-26T18:34:00.001+01:00

Susan doesn't normally like having her picture taken but she didn't mind this one as she can't really be seen. I had, of course, already taken it anyway.

Contre jour (against the light) photography is great when the light is like this - very bright and sharp. Have a go yourselves and send them in.

Debbie

2011-06-26T14:41:00.001+01:00

This lovely lady hides a guilty secret. She's a very enthusiastic Arsenal supporter. In fact that was the substance of our discussion before I took this photo.

I think we were both agreed on that fact that Cesc Fabregas should now leave and Arsenal can then get on with playing exciting, but unsuccessful, football.

After 6 years without a trophy I don't know what Debbie has to smile about.........

Bampton from Windwhistle Lane

2011-06-26T14:32:00.000+01:00

It was very hot today so we set out for a refreshing beverage at the Exeter Inn. Regrettably it was too hot to walk the distance there and back so we had a quick lager at the Quarrymans.

Both dogs enjoyed their crisps.

Watching

2011-06-20T18:49:00.001+01:00

This dog lives near Bawdens and is constantly surveying the street. He/she gets excited if you take any notice of him/her. That's why the window is slightly messy around his/her head area.

I love this photo.

Grass Snake

2011-06-20T09:32:00.001+01:00

Ray, who lives near Birchdown Farm, took this great photo of a grass snake (1 metre long) last week hiding in his shed. He has spotted quite a few in his vicinity lately, which seems to be a good thing for the continuation of the species (so I'm told).

I'm not that keen on the slippery critters myself.

View from Leburn House

2011-06-18T11:29:00.000+01:00

A simple view looking down Luke Street towards the library.

Next to Rupert Whites

2011-06-17T20:37:00.003+01:00

This lovely scene is at the junction of Fore St and Luke St (I think) next to Rupert Whites (Interior Design), the old Serengers Garage.

The flowers are lovely both here, and round at the side facing Castle Street. Lots of effort has gone in to this tiny but superb garden.

Parking in Bampton

2011-06-13T14:27:00.000+01:00

This photo was taken by Paul of the Quarrymans Rest. It highlights a problem in Bampton. If you aren't double (or sometimes, triple) parked, you may end up in the watery ditch with your alloy wheels and your front wing damaged.

I've seen this so many times. Presumably that's why everyone parks in the middle of the road.

Church Terrace

2011-06-11T19:02:00.000+01:00

This view is what greets you as you walk up Mary Lane towards the Church away to your right. This garden always has a lovely display of flowers all year round.

Bampton Church today

2011-06-11T17:49:00.001+01:00

These black and white photos were taken this afternoon during a short walk around the town. Once the shops close, Saturday afternoon is always very quiet, and today was no exception. I only saw a few people on my wander.

A selection of Bampton flower photos

2011-06-09T13:06:00.003+01:00

Bampton is known for its flowers and these are just a tiny selection of what can be seen in the town. They were taken this morning as I wandered about with the dogs.

Boat on the water

2011-05-30T19:46:00.000+01:00

I took this photo from the bridge over the Batherm this afternoon. It reminded me of my imaginary view of the river in Swallows and Amazons, that I read as a child.

Buttercups

2011-05-28T12:18:00.000+01:00

It's just a field of yellow flowers but I quite like the image.

Lilypad Cottage

2011-05-28T12:14:00.000+01:00

The light was lovely in the middle of a changing rainy/sunny period. Trying to catch it with a camera isn't always easy but I hope I managed it today.

Frog St Horse

2011-05-28T12:11:00.005+01:00

I don't know that much about horses other than they have a leg at each corner, but this one took my fancy as a good looking example of the type.

It's in Carolines' (Seward ) field on Frog St. with another two horses. Have a look, they are friendly.

Exford Garden

2011-05-16T11:11:00.004+01:00

Our original aim yesterday was to visit the Golden Horseshoe Endurance Race in and around Exmoor. We failed miserably as it is today (Monday) and tomorrow. None-the-less we had a wander around the "stalls" at the venue. Sadly it wasn't all that good; in fact it was poor.

The upside of this is that we stopped in Exford and had a walk around. This intensely colourful garden is near the bridge and is just supreme. What a find. There were many people driving past and stopping to have a look. The effort needed to generate this level of display must have been massive.

I can't do it justice in one photo - but I have more.

Some Cricketers

2011-05-15T17:20:00.002+01:00

All of these Sunday photos below are taken around Bridgetown in Somerset which is about 10 miles from Bampton. Well worth a visit.

What a cricket ground there is at Bridgetown; it's a delight to behold. In the sunshine it's as good as cricket grounds get. The game might not be up to international standards but there's plenty of willing endeavour in this traditional arena. The thatched clubhouse is superb.

Go and have a look when there's a game on - the cricketers are very friendly and accommodating.

Some Horses

2011-05-15T17:14:00.001+01:00

It's been a bit of an animal/bird day today and these horses are a result of my efforts. I've been testing a new lens (150-500mm) and these horse photos are my first results. The photos may mean that there's a long way to go before I get fully used to it.

Some Pheasants

2011-05-15T17:01:00.001+01:00

These were photographed at Bridgetown this afternoon. They were off sharpish so I didn't get much of an opportunity to take any more. It's a shame really as they are quite colourful in the spring fields.

These photos are a reminder for Mr Wooff who is suffering from pheasant 'cold turkey'.

Frog St Grass at Sunset

2011-05-14T15:47:00.000+01:00

This colourful photo was taken late in the evening on Frog St. There is a wall near the telephone exchange with loads of grasses on the top.

A narrow depth of field (f1.4) created the out of focus element of the picture.

Bampton Church

2011-05-02T12:24:00.001+01:00

This is, of course, a photograph.

Although it has the appearance of a pencil sketch it started life as a simple photo from a point and shoot camera. Photoshop techniques mixed with Corel Painter can, with some effort, create almost realistic drawings and paintings from your photos.

If you get the chance, have a go yourselves because you can create your own images for official paperwork, calendars, mugs, postcards etc.

Royal Wedding Day

2011-04-29T16:09:00.007+01:00

These pics were taken today at a Royal Wedding party at Mr and Mrs Sloggetts house just outside Bampton. There are many other photos should anyone wish to see them. Some of them are in focus (most aren't)

What a fantastic party it was. The most incredible atmosphere was perfectly matched to a great bunch of people. Many of the guests were dressed as though they were attending the Royal Wedding - but not me, of course.

All the morning slipped away to drinking champagne, or Bucks Fizz, and watching the marriage of William and Catherine (not Kate anymore). Lunch was lovely.

Thanks to Gail and Richard for a supreme day out (pictured with her daughter Hattie in the bottom photo).

Pictures of Lily

2011-04-28T15:49:00.001+01:00

Well - just the one picture.

This lovely lady resides in upper Briton street and recently invited us to her house in Brittany, where this picture was taken. What a great time we had.

I'm not usually noted for my portraits but this was too good to leave out. I might have to have a go at photographing the people of Bampton as well as the views.

War Memorial

2011-04-17T16:01:00.000+01:00

This is an under photographed area of the town so I'll try to redress that. It is difficult to get a clean shot without an ultra wide angle lens and I've used one here. I quite like the monochrome proccessing.

Daffs

2011-04-16T12:19:00.001+01:00

I suspect that this may be the very epitome of a random photograph. These colourful daffodils are located under the tree by the town car park.

Double Parking Warning

2011-04-16T12:18:00.000+01:00

This red car was about to be nicked by this traffic warden as it had been badly double parked outside the Post Office for more than an hour, on a busy Saturday morning, and was creating absolute chaos for through traffic.

More of this firm hand is required such that traffic can move freely on busy shopping days. There is way too much double parking in Bampton, particularly in this area of the town. Of course, on a lazy Tuesday evening it isn't such a problem.

Food at the Swan

2011-04-09T12:25:00.001+01:00

From the sign in the window it would appear that the Swan is now doing food.

On the basis that the food in the Quarrymans Rest is of such high quality it seems reasonable to assume that the food in the Swan will be equally as good. We will report back after we've eaten there. I don't think it will be long.

Just a nice walk

2011-03-06T11:32:00.003Z

This view is from over the bridge at Birchdown Farm looking back towards Bampton. It's private land, so thanks to David for letting me be there. I do love to walk in this area with the dogs.

Just a shot of some dreamy snowdrops taken along Frog St somewhere. They didn't last long this year so it's nice to have a memory. The soft focus is due to a very narrow depth of field on the lens used.

Birchdown Farm Entrance

2011-02-27T15:09:00.002Z

The entrance to Birchdown Farm at the end of Frog St. Looks great in Black and White.

Landacre Bridge

2011-02-26T17:03:00.001Z

It was cold and windy on Exmoor today but the sun shone for the first time since I can remember.

We took the dogs out for a walk above Landacre Bridge and round to the Sherdon Hutch where Pickedstones can be spotted in the distance.

A walk around Bampton on Saturday - Random Pix.

2011-02-22T09:47:00.005Z

This photo is looking into the kitchen window of the Swan. The whisks have been there for quite some time but food is coming at last................9th March.

Looking back towards Barton Nap I liked the contrast between the chimneys and the hillside in this photo.

Spring anyone?.........no, I thought not. Taken on the path between Scotts and the town.

Ashleigh House - lovely

2011-02-15T14:52:00.001Z

Taken from the Castle using a very long lens and then digitally painted using Painter 11. The style used for this painting is an old Aquarelle type. It takes a while but the results are really colourful.

A close up of the church

2011-02-13T11:04:00.000Z

Using a long lens this shot was taken from the castle area next to the football field. At this height it's almost possible to get the whole church in the picture, but not quite.

Towards Shilligford

2011-02-13T11:00:00.000Z

This photo was taken from the football field and just catches the sunlight on the rim of the lower hill. Just a nice view.

Bampton Post Office

2011-02-04T11:26:00.001Z

This superb Post Office in Bampton is now for sale, with the lovely house. Bruce and Claire are seeking new challenges and moving forward. It has been, and I'm sure will continue to be, one of the delights of living in Bampton.

For more details visit Seddons on Fore St.

Bampton in it's Glory

2011-02-04T10:09:00.000Z

They say that being in the right suroundings enables the perfect conditions to make art meaningful.

This view is a THE traditional shot of Bampton when it was in it's glory.

The tree has gone now and the flowers aren't as spectacular as they were so this a memory, and a pleasant one at that.

Out and about in Bampton this morning

2011-01-30T12:31:00.000Z

These two pictures were taken this morning.

The top photo is the hill behind Bampton looking towards the Stoodleigh direction. The church was lit nicely in the first sun I can recall since the New Year.

Tangled

2011-01-30T09:33:00.000Z

This image is taken from my lounge window (I didn't have to walk too far) and depicts the mass of wires and connections of Bamptons telephone system.

How on earth do they ever know what goes where in this tangled up mess?

Two more

2011-01-09T13:23:00.002Z

Two more from yesterdays walk. It never ceases to amaze me how many lovely photos are available within a mile of home.

Ford Road Wander

2011-01-08T15:08:00.002Z

We took the dogs for a good walk along Ford Road right to the end and then back again. The sun was out for the first time in a few weeks; it didn't last.

I managed a few shots which, for me, show the loveliness of this area. Bampton in all it's rural glory.

Colourful Exeter

2010-12-31T17:29:00.002Z

It was wet and grey yesterday in Exeter so it was particularly rewarding to get a decent photographic image. This shot was taken outside Debenhams looking roughly towards the Apple shop.

The shutter speed is one second and it's handheld to encourage movement.

Post processing in Photoshop provided the colour.

The last blog photo of 2010 - Happy New Year.

Random photos from this morning

2010-12-26T13:22:00.003Z

The mist across the valley viewed from the top of Windwhistle lane.

This looks like an ice sculpture hanging from the wisteria at this house on the Tiverton road out of Bampton.

I'd like to call this photo "Looking Sheepish". Taken at the entrance to the derelict farm at the top of Windwhistle lane.

Batherm Heron

2010-12-26T13:08:00.002Z

The river Batherm has frozen overnight and this morning a heron had alighted on it's icy surface.

I haven't seen a Heron here before and certainly haven't seen the river frozen, so I've had a good morning of new experiences.

Christmas Lunch at Tongdam

2010-12-25T17:43:00.005Z

It's Christmas Day and we've just returned from our lunch at Tongdam, the Thai restaurant, in Dulverton. A fantastic meal and a great event. The food was spectacular and the service second to none. I can't recommend it highly enough; this was our third Christmas Lunch at Tongdam.

Jo, pictured, was just brilliant as always and it was great to see old friends that we only meet at Tongdam at Christmas time. Nice to see you Andy and Angela. Also big thanks to Tino, Chris, and Robert - the owner.

Ray

2010-12-24T10:56:00.001Z

I managed to get this portrait of Ray this morning just as he was waiting for the paperboy to deliver his morning reading materials. It's possible to make out Ray's breath hovering above his head, which is lit by the rim light of the early morning sun.

Icicles

2010-12-24T10:53:00.000Z

I took these this morning around the town. Caroline (Seward) mentioned that she had measured the temperature at -9.5 just as I took these, indicating that the slight thaw we had yesterday was followed by a severe chill. The perfect method for the generation of long icicles.

So, this is Christmas...........

2010-12-21T17:16:00.003Z

It's now only four sleeps until Christmas Day. Are you getting excited?

The gold bauble is on the town Christmas tree, the cross is in the churchyard and the santa shepherd is on our mantelpiece.

For the technically minded I took these photos in Bampton today with the Leica M9 and a very fast 75mm lens at maximum aperture (f1.4).

The depth of the snow

2010-12-20T11:36:00.011Z

Little Izzy is less enthusiastic in the snow than her big sister but she gives it her best effort. Her tiny stumpies inhibit her progress in all but the slightest inch of snow. Mind you, she can still find any amount of animal droppings under the snow and roll around till she's covered in them..

Roxy is upto her eyeballs in the fields along Ford Rd.

The tables at the Quarrymans Rest provide some idea of the vast amount of snow we had overnight. I can't remember snow like this for quite some years.

Taken in the churchyard (obviously) looking back to the town. The snow at the bottom, and on the top, of the gravestones show the depth of the snow.

Ford Rd Snow

2010-12-19T11:20:00.001Z

These were taken this morning on Ford Rd just before I fell over and dumped the camera into the snow. I couldn't take any more at the time but I have dried it out and it's working perfectly. Thanks for asking.

2010-12-18T13:43:00.005Z

We had a bit of snow overnight and the town came to a standstill this morning. Only 4 x 4's were on the move early doors (and the odd tractor), but later on a few brave souls began to move their cars.

I had a wander about with the camera and there's plenty to see, however I'm becoming conscious now of being repetitive.

The views are stunning so I'll catch them whilst I can.

Coombelands Pheasant Shoot.

2010-12-18T13:27:00.019Z

I was fortunate enough to be invited to a shoot yesterday at Coombelands in Mid Devon. A great day out with the guns allowed me to take a complete record of a pheasant shoot, from start to finish.

The weather wasn't the best and it took a tremendous effort just to get to the venue. Thanks are due to David Wooff for some excellent driving.

Apparently it was hard work for the beaters, but it was really easy for me just snapping away merrily, pausing occasionally for a nip of the many hot, fiery, alcoholic blends carried by all of the guns. They really looked after me and me feel most welcome.

It was one of those memorable days out. Thanks David.