Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

RHS Wisley

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

372We had a family outing yesterday, joining Sarah Rollins and young Thomas at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley. The rain generously ceased shortly after we arrived and didn’t restart until we were sat in our third restaurant/cafe of the day and almost ready to depart. We started by exploring the new fabulous new Glasshouse, due to be opened by the Queen next week. After a very nice (if expensive) sandwich we then wandered around the grounds, Christine and Sarah discussing motherhood whilst I snapped away the camera (photos on Flickr). I could easily have spent a few more hours there but we caught the start of the M25 rush-hour(s) as it was.

Hillier Sculptures

Saturday, May 19th, 2007

345We were back at Hillier Gardens today and, although the rhodies are on their way out, there is a new diversion. The sculptures for the annual Art in the Garden exhibition, which begins next weekend, are starting to appear throughout the grounds. As far as I remember, there are lots more small sculptures than last year (although also fewer large ones, at least so far) and some great photo opportunities. Also nice to see the new shelter by the pond finished.

Photo frenzy

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

342Impending baby has been a good excuse to stay at home for the bank holiday weekend and catch up on lots of odd jobs. One of those has been sorting photos from the past couple of weeks. My shots from the Marwell Zoo photo challenge two weeks ago are now on flickr. The ones I submitted for the competition were the giraffe with legs akimbo, the friendly penguins, and the ostrich. Given the number of photos to chose from I was pleased to get a vote for each and two for the giraffe putting it in joint third place. I have also published some more shots from another trip to Hillier Gardens last weekend. The rhododendrons were absolutely superb.

Canon Cash Back

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

Having just sent off for a £33 rebate from Canon on my 70-300 lens, my brother points out that there are some bargains to be had on Canon PowerShots if you buy this weekend. I think he may be tempted…

Hoodwinked

Saturday, May 5th, 2007

With my new selection of glass, I’m in need of something to keep it all in. I don’t want anything too big but would like it to fit the body with 70-300 attached. Consequently I packed everything in to a rucksac and headed in to Southampton to visit a few of the camera shops. London Camera Exchange had a good selection and the final choice was between a small Tamrac backpack and the Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW. Anyway, I had no intention of paying high street prices but to salve my conscience I bought the lens hood I had failed to obtain when getting the lenses. Or at least I thought I had…

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We’ve all been to the zoo

Saturday, April 21st, 2007

330Today was the latest outing of the Hursley Photo Club. Courtesy of Helena, we all had cheap tickets for Marwell Zoo. Helena was also able to give some excellent advice on where to find the photogenic animals. As I’m about to disappear off for the next week, I was feeling a bit guilty at abandoning Christine again so didn’t stay too long but was pleased to have a great opportunity to give my new telephoto a good workout. The photos need some weeding out which will have to wait until I have a spare moment next week so I’ll post again when I’m done.

Great Tits

Monday, April 16th, 2007

327A title like that should bring in a good flood of spam! Anyway, I was working at home today as I often do to avoid the distractions of the office when out of the corner of my eye I spied a Great Tit perched on what passes for a tree in our front garden. With the window already wide open and my camera sat beside me with telephoto lens already attached I couldn’t resist the temptation. Sadly it wasn’t particularly obliging before flitting off in to the distance. However, when it opened its tiny beak the deafening call that rang out confirmed that this is the b*rd that wakes me up each morning!

Hillier Gardens membership

Monday, April 16th, 2007

324We made the most of the sunshine yesterday and headed over to Hillier Gardens near Romsey. By way of an early birthday present, Christine bought us joint membership for a year on the basis that the gardens will be an ideal place for wandering around with a pram. Actually, at £47.50, joint membership is a bargain given that admission is normally £7.50 and, in addition to free access for the year, you also get six vouchers to get friends and family in for free. On top of that, you also get free admission to Kew Gardens so I reckon my paternity leave may include a trip to London. The trip was also an excuse to take my new glass out for a play. With stunning displays everywhere you looked the telephoto didn’t see much action but the 50mm prime is great for shots in shady spots not to mention the speed to stop bees in flight. There are a few more pictures over on Flickr.