Zero Image Pinhole

I’m pleased with the detail in the clouds in this shot which was taken in Whitehaven, Cumbria some months ago. Will revisit on a wet day to see how much the lighthouse will reflect in the stone pier. Next time I would like to get some separation between the two piers to reveal the harbour entrance. Shot with a Zero 2000 pinhole camera.

Howk Bobbin Mill at Caldbeck, Cumbria was mainly employed in the manufacture of spinning and threading bobbins for the cotton industry from 1857-1924. A place I’ve visited many times but this is the first time with a camera. There is a steep bank overlooking the mill which would make a great place to leave a pinhole camera for a three month long solargraph exposure. The mill and trees set against the track of the sun over that length of time would make quite an image. I will try it sometime! Shot with a Zero Image 612 pinhole camera.

Chatham Dockyard

Chatham Dockyard is located on the River Medway and was established in 1567. Shipbuilding was carried out on this site for hundreds of years. HMS Victory, Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar was built at Chatham. In 1968 a facility for the refitting of nuclear submarines was established. It ceased to operate as a Royal Navy dockyard in 1984.

Part of the site is now a visitor attraction under the care of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. The ships Cavalier and Gannet and the submarine Ocelot can be visited. The rest of the site is now a commercial port where the photo of Arco Axe (a dredger supplying aggregates to the building trade) was taken. Redevelopment has also provided 1500 homes and a marina. The buildings to the right of the ship are being demolished to make way for new business.

The photo was taken early one morning whilst the Arco Axe was alongside for repairs. Originally shot in colour on a DSLR the photo has been processed in Lightroom 3 and Silver Efex Pro.

Heavy Horses – Silecroft

This photo was not planned; it was shot during a serendipitous moment when these horses galloped right past me. Taken at Silecroft in Cumbria one evening, my camera was set up on a tripod for long exposure shots when I noticed the horses and a dog in the surf. Hoping they would come my way I was not to be disappointed. The two riders briefly spoke to one another and shortly afterwards the horses set off on their run. The low evening sun seemed to throw a spotlight on them, picking out their impressive features. The wall behind the horses along with the bands of sand and stone provided a great backdrop.

English Channel

Taken from a merchant ship whilst in the English Channel. A few days later we were in port taking shelter from stormy weather that was passing through. There is a sense of freedom when sailing in these waters despite the English Channel’s reputation of crowded shipping lanes.

I’ve always taken a camera to sea with me and enjoy time on deck photographing the seascape and marine environment. Occasionally a tall ship will pass by; a magnificent sight when under full sail. Came across someone rowing the Atlantic back in the 1980s. To see this on such a vast expanse of water is almost surreal. I hope he enjoyed the rest of his trip and made it to the other side!

Engine Lonning Bridge

These pinhole photos were taken in Carlisle at Engine Lonning which used to be a rail yard. The bridge was built to carry the Carlisle to Edinburgh line and closed in 1964. I parked at the local sports centre and walked for a mile or so along the river bank. Strong sunlight and racing clouds made for good light which has helped with the contrast.

I used a Zero Image 612 pinhole camera which I feel is the right format for this bridge. Will be returning with a 6×6 pinhole camera to see if the images can do justice to this location in square format. In order to try a third approach I will lug along my DSLR and see how it all turns out!

Sycamore Gap Platinum Prints

My home made ultra-violet exposure unit set up ready for printing. Arches Platine paper is torn to size using the digital negatives as templates. The paper is then coated with a platinum/palladium solution. Once dry the negative and paper are sandwiched between two plates of glass and exposed under the ultra-violet fluorescent tubes for a few minutes. The resulting print is then developed, cleared and washed to complete the process.

Hanging to dry overnight. Ducks enjoy platinum printing too!

Shot at Sycamore Gap, Hadrian’s Wall with a Zero Image 612 pinhole camera.

Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake – Cumbria

An early start for this one at the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake. There was a heavy mist when I first arrived which slowly lifted. This is twenty minutes from my home so I’m often at the lake’s shores with my camera. Very peaceful on this particular morning; did not see a soul.

A heron regularly passes by in the morning, its wing tips almost touching the surface of the water. Will be spending some time with a long lens at this location in an attempt to get a shot of this heron and its reflection in the lake. Ospreys nest here and can be seen from the public viewing area in Dodd Wood on the left. There is also a video link to the nest at nearby Whinlatter Centre. The Ospreys return in April after wintering in Africa.

At the far end of the lake is the town of Keswick; a great place to spend the day. There are numerous art galleries in Keswick and throughout the Lake District which exhibit local artists’ work. Beyond the town is the fell Helvellyn which at 3000+ feet is one of only four fells above 3000 feet in England. The other three are Skiddaw, Scafell Pike and Scafell.