Something Psychedelic

These images were shot in 2011 and came about completely by accident. It was a very hot day and exceedingly bright to the extent that I didn’t notice I’d altered some settings in my photo app.

I don’t think I’ll ever find out exactly what the settings were but the 1960s vibe going on in the picture is rather fun. I especially like the images with the statue. All the images below were shot in the beautiful gardens at Blickling Hall in Norfolk. Originally I’d planned the photographs to be part of the iPhone photography project I was working on at that time called Sea, Sky Sand and Street.

The photography turned out to be an experiment that I wasn’t looking to do… but I liked the results anyway. It didn’t fit into the project I was doing but the end results were very different from my usual style of photography.

Darkness and Light

Well, this image nicely meets the criteria for the Darker Skies blog name!

The image was shot from the ferry heading over to the Isle of Arran. The clouds were gradually being burnt through on a rather hot and very humid day. Not the best kind of weather for travelling. The car deck on the ferry was like being inside a very sweaty oven. Yuck!

The Isle of Arran is often regarded as Scotland in a microcosm – from the mountains to the distilleries. After visiting, I think I’d have to agree with that.

Norfolk 2009 Part II

A few more images from the Flickr folder and a follow-up to another Norfolk post added in 2019.

These photographs were taken during the summer of 2009 using my first smartphone – a Nokia 5800. The phone itself was pretty good with the camera using a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens. The operating software wasn’t much to write home about though. It was a lot of fun experimenting with the phone though I had no indication of the rabbit hole it would take me down over the next few years.

These photos mark the beginning of my mobile photography which led to several projects that can be found on my website.

Boat Renovation – Morston Quay

Fakenham Market

Cromer pier during a sea fret

Blakeney, 2009

Fast Moving Sand

There is a folder on my computer containing a rag-tag collection of photographs. The folder comes from a backup of images uploaded to Flickr many years ago that have mixed during the backup process. I’ll be rummaging around in that folder and posting any images that catch my eye over the next few weeks.

The photographs below were taken on a beach near Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk in September 2016. The sand was blowing across the beach at quite some speed which looked amazing. The photo doesn’t really do it justice so I added the short video I shot. Even the most simple things as blowing sand can make you stop in your tracks sometimes.

Both images were processed using a Polaroid-style app for the iPhone. I rather like the shadow portrait.

Darker Shores

I think if I hadn’t called the blog Darker Skies, some fourteen-plus years ago now, I’d have probably called it Darker Shores as I always seem to gravitate toward shorelines during wild or moody weather.

I’m still slowly, very slowly, editing through my images shot around the Isle of Arran and Campbeltown and probably my favourite images were taken on a very wild and windy day. The timeless feel of the waves bashing against the rocks as the clouds move over the coastline or mountaintops makes you realize how very small you are in the scheme of things.

The first image was taken at the very empty ferry port at Claonaig. The wind has caused the ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) to switch over to the winter route. The only thing moving at the port was the very busy windsock seen in the second image.

I just love the simplicity of taking in the view and the bad weather. Given how complicated and often angry the world seems to be currently, just getting a brief break from the ‘noise’ has a calming effect. I need to do it more often. We all probably do.

Campbeltown Days

Almost time to go home. Its been great visiting Campbeltown and the Kintyre peninsula. Dramatic weather combined with a dramatic coastline. What more could a photographer want?

With the ferry cancelled its going to be a long drive home but with plenty of rest stops it shouldn’t be too bad.

Here’s a selection of images shot this week. More will be added to the blog over the coming weeks.

Rugged coast at Grogport

Old telegraph poles become a cliff edge barrier near Westport

Empty ferry terminal at Claonaig due to cancellations due to strong winds

Whisky warehouse at Glen Scotia

Weathered door – Campbeltown

Weathered door – Campbeltown

Isle of Arran

My stay on Arran is nearly over. It’s a diverse little island with a lot to offer. Often described as ‘Scotland in miniture’, I’d have to say i agree with that. The north of the island does sepcially feel like the Highlands of Scotland.

The island is very peaceful and relaxing. The perfect place to escape and just watch the world go by. If you enjoy the great outdoors or messing around in or on the water then Arran is a great place to spend some time.

Sadly I didn’t get a chance to climb up Goat Fell due to time and weather but it looks a good walk.  Up and back down within five hours or so. Something to look forward to on another visit.

On to the Mull of Kintyre tomorrow.