Caroline Shipsey's Blog from the Fog

Continuing Holt Farm Photography

2011-12-03T07:31:00.000Z

I made my first visit for 6 weeks to the beautiful organic gardens at Holt Farm and was surprised by the autumn colours even in the dull light. There had been a frost but unfortunately this had cleared by the time I got there.

Catching Up

2011-12-01T18:27:00.000Z

My trip to Assynt was fantastic but I still haven't uploaded any photos, mainly because I'm not able to identify many of the locations and that is driving me nuts!!

A Sunday afternoon trip to the beach at Shurton was rewarded with a sunset, but generally the weather is typically November and Mendip.

Last weekend I went up to Snowdonia for some walking and photography but the weather on Saturday was appalling so had to make do with something more leisurely on Sunday as I needed to start the trip home in late afternoon.

I don't know where the rest of November went - the weather has been pretty rubbish but we've had the distraction of two foster dogs keeping us busy.

November 14th was significant as it was the last day I did any work for Clinic Appointments. Shame Callagenix who now own the business didn't have the same ethics as it's previous owners.

New month - New beginning, again??

Assynt - Photo Tour with Colin Prior

2011-10-17T07:44:00.000+01:00

Today I'm flying to Inverness where I'll spend another day before joining the group on Wednesday morning at 8.30am for 5 days of intensive photography workshop.

Loonies go to the Waterfalls

2011-10-17T04:44:00.004+01:00

Saturday 15th October - Wales playing France at Rugby in New Zealand and the Brecon Beacon Loonies go to the Waterfalls, again!

This comment by Mark08 sums it up -
"Well we had a great day...Plenty of activity...
Watched the rugby, visited waterfalls, watched a big group canyoning down the river, a marriage proposal under a waterfall, a canon/nikon/Sony banter with some tourists, and somebody wanting to hear stan's sexy welsh accent..
"
What a shame Wales lost the the rugby:(

The weather was perfect, beautiful soft autumn sunlight and warm enough not to need coats etc. Unfortunately I appeared to have lost my spare battery for the 60D, both G12 batteries were flat and worst of all the plate for my Manfrotto 410 head also appeared to be missing. I was somewhat distracted by this but the company was as usual great and the scenery fantastic so that made up for it.

Group photo by Duncan Simey.

The Call of the Sea

2011-10-03T16:54:00.001+01:00

I couldn't resist it, packed the campervan and headed off for the coast for 24 hours of sun, sea and sand. Several days of unseasonal warm and sunny weather just compelled me to head south to the Jurassic coast at Sidmouth.

I never go anywhere without a camera but this trip was really as a 'Grockle' - 'Grockle' is an informal and often slightly derogatory term for a tourist - and not so much for photography. The day's are much shorter now with the sun setting around 6.40pm and rising just after 7am. My drive down on Saturday as the sun was setting was stunning but unattainable - nowhere convenient to get the van off the road to snatch some memories with the camera.

Walking along the beach wearing shorts and a t-shirt at 8 in the evening was such a treat - in August when I was last here I wore a fleece most evenings and often during the day! At about 6am I was ready to watch the dawn breaking and sunrise, and hopefully get a photo or two!

The rest of the day was spent being a "real" tourist - coffee, ice cream, walking along the prom, paddling, and playing ball with the dogs. It had a great atmosphere, and although there were lots of people AND dogs on the beach everyone was happily making the most of the exceptional weather. Truly a day to remember and cherish through the winter!

142nd Mendip Ploughing Match at Deer Leap

2011-09-28T20:11:00.003+01:00

Today has been Mendip at it's very best. Not a cloud in the sky all day, a gentle breeze and temperatures in the low 70's. It's not often the Weather God's smile on us but they certainly did today for the ploughing match. If this was my last day on the Mendips it couldn't have been better!

I've missed the past 2 or 3 years ploughing matches and have been looking forward to taking photos again this year, and of course the superb lunch prepared by team of 'super women'!

There was a fantastic turnout for all classes including the horse ploughing, hedging, and walling. The location as usual was superb, just above Deer Leap - it it's held in a different place every year. However, a cloudless sky with the sun high overhead doesn't make for great photography despite the location or event, and today was challenging to say the least.

There were many people I'd met in previous years, friends and neighbours, photographers and new acquaintances made. My photos give a flavour of this special day in the Mendip calendar. If you love the traditions of country life and would enjoy a day surrounded by tractors and ploughs, where dogs are accepted as part of life, in a totally un-commercialized environment then there's no better way to spend a day.

Somerset Arts Work - Venue 60 Stoberry Park

2011-09-27T21:17:00.002+01:00

Suddenly summer returned this afternoon and I was drawn to Stoberry Park in Wells where five artists are exhibiting their work in the beautiful gardens.

My particular interest was the stainless steel sculptures by Ian Marlow which I'd previously seen on many occasions in the Bishop's Palace gardens in Wells. Photographing stainless steel on a bright sunny afternoon isn't easy - burnt out highlights and deep shadows can be a problem but here are a couple of examples.

I don't have the words to describe Ian's work, so taking the words straight from his website, they are:-

"sculptures in stainless steel which explore natural movement."

It was real pleasure to meet Ian Marlow, and also Sonja Klinger who is a hot glass artist. Do take a look at their sites to see more of their beautiful work, and then take a visit to Stoberry Park.

SAW - Somerset Art Works

2011-09-25T21:05:00.000+01:00

SAW was born in 1994, at that time it was Somerset Arts Week and a fairly small affair. I participated in the very first event and continued until 2005. Times have changed and it's now a two week affair with many more artists showing their work across the whole county. The following quote defines it's present form.....

Somerset Art Works (SAW) is a non-profit making organisation promoting the Visual Arts and creating opportunities for Visual Artists in Somerset through advocacy, promotion and development.

Now I've got that out of the way and if you've always wondered what the yellow arrows with numbers written are that appear around the county every September - they are the venue numbers in the catalogue! Put these 2 weeks in your diary next year if you enjoy driving around our lovely county looking at what our local artists are doing.

I had one artist singled out for a visit today - photographer Stephen Spraggon. I already knew his work would be first class, but isn't it great when you get to meet someone and they're first class too? It really adds to the enjoyment of the images when they've been created by such a thoroughly nice guy. Everything about his images and their presentation reflects this.

Anyway enough of this, check out Stephen Spraggon Photography - spend a while exploring the beautiful landscapes of the South West of England through the eyes of Stephen Spraggon.

At the same venue the work of artist Jennie Thomas was on show - another delight! Her beautiful evocative landscapes and coastal scenes are very yummy! I'm so pleased to have met Jenny too, a lovely lady whose love of the countryside shines through her images. Do take a look at her work Jennie Thomas - Art.

500px.com

2011-09-18T20:59:00.002+01:00

You might have noticed over on the right of the page this....

carolineshipsey on 500px

It's called a 'badge', not sure why, and doesn't quite fit the space allowed but you get the idea I expect. 500px.com is a great site with some stunning images showcased every day and the spirit of it is that people only upload their best work. So I'm picking out some of my favourite and hopefully best images that don't fit on my website or just get lost.

Experimenting with abstract images and photographing flowers, have been bubbling under for a long time but I want to develop my vision and style in both these areas - 500px.com will be the new home for these images in future.

Cycling - Tour of Britain Stage 6 - KOM Old Bristol Hill

2011-09-17T20:41:00.000+01:00

As one who hasn't ridden a bike since I was about 10 years old, it's strange that I should get caught up in the enthusiasm surrounding the Tour of Britain cycle race with the finish of Stage 6 in Wells yesterday, 16th September.

The Somerset stage started in Taunton and eventually came up through Cheddar Gorge, and then after going through Wells came up the Old Bristol Hill and right past our house. It was a beautiful sunny day but not too hot and the wind had dropped at last. The atmosphere was amazing, crowds lined the route with picnic chairs to ease the wait for the racers come past, and hundreds of cyclists too. When they did come for most it was all over in a flash - literally!

I chose to watch them coming up to the top of Old Bristol Hill, just half a mile from home, where they would be going much more slowly and so have a better chance at getting some decent photos. Hundreds of others gathered along the road too but it was a great vantage point for everyone and so exciting to see them coming up the hill!

It was amazing that so many people turned out to watch and support the riders - the ordinary people of all ages, and the huge numbers of cyclists, of all ages too!
Apparently Somerset County Council had sponsorship deal of £775,000 for the event over 5 years but aren't going to renew it. What a shame, with cycling gathering more followers every year, and being a fantastic way for the whole family to get out get exercise, surely hosting such a prestigious event can bring nothing but good to the area.

Dunraven Bay, Glamorgan Heritage Coast

2011-08-28T20:43:00.002+01:00

27th August - A fantastic day trip to the beautiful Dunraven Bay, not ideal weather for photography in the practical sense though!

Grey skies were cleared by about 11.30am by the strong winds and as the tide turned and started to run back in, the sea and sky were everything a photographer could dream of.

"We" - a group of 13 photographers brought together by the TalkPhotography forums - started the day on the beach at Dunraven and then after lunch went down the steep, narrow path to Traeth Mawr. Here, the tide was coming in fast and the sea getting rougher with massive waves crashing into the rocks.

Trying to catch the wave at is biggest, most spectacular point of impact was almost addictive, but not the best environment for expensive cameras and lenses!

Some practical points to consider:-

Don't leave lens caps off, protect the lens form the weather at all times!

Have cleaning cloths handy.

Try not to change lenses too often - both the camera body and lens are vulnerable to the elements. Make sure to be as protected as possible from wind, rain etc.

Keep an eye on the weather, keep kit organised so it can be packed away quickly and don't lose small items.

Priddy Fair 2011

2011-08-25T09:58:00.001+01:00

Another year, another Priddy Fair - every year since 1348! The fair has been continuously held every year since 1348, apart from the recent 2001 and 2007 foot-and-mouth epidemic years, and even in 2007 there was an event but without any livestock.

The past few years have seen a massive effort to return the fair to a more traditional style, cutting out some of the stalls that were tacky and some of those only of interest to travellers. The aim has also been to stop the influx of travellers camping around the village and breaking into fields, dumping rubbish etc.

There's no doubt it's been successful but from my point of view it's taken the 'colour' out of the event. Gone are the horses being ridden bare back through the crowds, gone is the singing in the Queen Victoria and Fair on the night before. Gone are the deals being made outside the New Inn and the fights in the bar.

The village has barriers on all 3 roads entering from the day before and the only access is by a pass for residents or other authorized vehicles. This year the police presence seemed more than ever, and the RSPCA were out in force too in an attempt to cut down the illegal sale of puppies.

It doesn't attract me as a photographer because the excitement is gone, though there were more people than ever taking photos this year. I've got some great memories and photographs of how things were in the past 20 or so years - that's what photography is all about for me, making sure I have a record of how things are, and to share them with you.

You can see some images from previous years at Priddy Fair on my website.

The Mendip Hills

2011-08-24T20:35:00.002+01:00

I came across a website this morning that stated the following:-

Everything you need to know about Mendip Hills is right here. If you are visiting Mendip Hills for holidays or even for just a few hours this site will help you find accommodation in Mendip Hills , activities, restaurants, shopping and more about the Mendip Hills Surrounding Area.

There are sections called 'Mendip Hills Pictures', 'Mendip Hills Accommodation' etc. Sadly the information is in the main useless and inaccurate. I would hate to think that any overseas visitor found the site, and then planned a visit using the information it provides. It might even confuse some residents of Mendip!

So in the spirit of sharing there is an excellent website, www.wellssomerset.com that provides some of the best information for visitors and local residents alike, about places to eat, visit and stay.

Of course if you want to explore the Mendip Hills in photos then my own website www.carolineshipsey.co.uk has a wide selection of images, or you could go straight to Mendip Hills Photos.

Restored post-medieval barn at Deer Leap.

View across the Somerset levels from Deer Leap.

Another Sunset, so soon!

2011-07-15T20:18:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was a perfect summer's day, puffy clouds in a bright blue sky, a gentle breeze and the temperature hovering around 70°F. The air was relatively clear and my head and heart were being drawn towards Exmoor - more specifically North Hill, Minehead.

I wanted to see the sun setting over the sea, cliffs receding into the distance. I wanted to be alone, except for the dogs, just taking it all in.

It's just over 50 miles and about an hour and a half in the campervan so despite not leaving until 5.30pm I had plenty of time to have a good walk once I'd settled in.
At around 9.30pm the sun sank into the sea and the colours began to fade from the sky, which was a bit disappointing as sometimes the afterglow can be spectacular.

As I settled down for the night the moon appeared and illuminated the landscape but I was soon asleep and before I knew it the dawn was breaking at 4.30am. I watched the moon set into the moors towards Dunkery Beacon and then the sun rising - an amazing 12 hours! By 7 I was heading for home, ready to start work at 9am, and 6 hours on the phone ...Ugghhhh!

Sunrise/Sunset ?

2011-07-11T06:40:00.000+01:00

Looking back through some photos from last year I found a folder I had called "Sunrise Sunset", and realized that I hardly ever take a sunset. For many, getting a great sunset image is an achievement, but I find that psychologically I much prefer the effect the sun rising has on me. The start of a new, exciting day, changing light with increasing brightness rather than getting darker, feeling the warmth of the day on my body rather than the advancing chill of the evening.

Dusty - 29th June 2011

2011-07-05T20:51:00.001+01:00

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Some happy memories of Dusty, who lived life to the full for 16 and a half years. A wonderful companion, great character and dearest friend. Running free with Bessie.

Moon Daisies Again.....

2011-06-17T11:58:00.003+01:00

After becoming semi-obsessed with photographing Bluebells it's now the turn of Moon Daisies to be my No.1 subject.

I've searched constantly for the perfect daisy because I like perfection, but nature isn't like that! Tiny blemishes and marks are a real distraction, and although I'm not a great fan of post processing and retouching I had to do a little work on this photo. Actually there was a fly on one of the daisies too, so that had to go.! Why aren't all the petals evenly spaced? What insect nibbled tiny pieces from the petals?

I much prefer to use Photoshop for my retouching as I've used it for 15 years now. Lightroom tools never seem quite so intuitive me.

Making a Photo Book

2011-06-08T18:01:00.003+01:00

Having had a couple of books published back in the 90's I've got an idea about layout, paper quality etc, perhaps more than most. This still doesn't make the choice of which company to use or what format it should be any easier.

I'm saying 'it' because foremost in my mind at the moment is some kind of special memento of Bessie's life and also Fly, who died 3 years ago. I did make a start on one for Fly but every photo just tore my heart out - not that I'm any less upset about Bessie's death, it's just that I'm more driven now. For all they gave to me in companionship, loyalty and affection, I need to honour that in some way, with a book.

Trying to decide which service to use is something of a minefield, so many 'publishers' to choose from! Several years ago when photo books were still pretty new on the scene I had a 'test' book made by Blurb which was quite good quality in both finish and image reproduction. I'll be spending some time researching before I make my final choice though.

There are hundreds of photos to choose from and I may even have to scan some negatives to make the story complete - 16 and a half years takes us back to 1995, pre digital for me. It will be a painstaking labour of love and also useful to share my findings for the benefit of others.

This is the earliest digital photo I can find at the moment, taken on New Year's Day 1999, at Beacon Batch on Blackdown, in the fog. Left to right - Bessie, Dusty, Fly and Minor

Priddy Friendly Society Club Day

2011-05-30T12:33:00.004+01:00

A typically 'Mendip' day - a 'Blog From The Fog' day - rain and misty/fog!
Undaunted though, a good crowd gathered at the New Inn for Roll Call and then made their way to church. Hopefully the weather will improve this afternoon for the children's games etc.

Priddy Friendly Society was established in 1883 for the benefit of the community, many of whom were agricultural workers. There are only 4 or 5 remaining in the country and 2 of these are on the Mendips. It is controlled by a committee elected annually 2 weeks after Club Day.

Photos from last year's Club Day.

Goodbye Bessie 27th May

2011-05-29T04:38:00.004+01:00

Friday was such a sad day, it was obvious that it was time to say goodbye to my dear, sweet Bessie. Old age finally caught up with her and life was just too hard.

It all ended very peacefully in the garden with us all there and the sun shining - couldn't have been better. David, my vet came specially to do this even though he was on holiday really. Quick, kind, gentle, hugs, tears.

Bessie's Diary - her last few months in photos.

Blagdon Village Fete

2011-05-23T20:31:00.000+01:00

What better way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon than at a good old fashioned village fete!

The setting was idyllic - the garden of Mary Mead overlooking Blagdon Lake. There were all the things one would expect to find - a bottle stall, plants, cakes and preserves, White Elephant! Oh what memories this brings back of my childhood. The White Elephant stall was always a mystery to me as a child!

In addition to afternoon teas with homemade cakes there was Yeo Valley ice cream AND hot Yeo Valley organic beef, so tender and succulent it really did almost melt in my mouth.

There was Maypole dancing by the children from the village school, while others
were queuing to have their photo taken with Ted the Owl from the world famous Yeo Valley Rap, which has now received over 1.8 million views on YouTube.

It's 11 years since I left Blagdon and there were many faces I recognized. 20 years of my life was spent in the village and I was so sorry to leave but it felt very comfortable to slip back in for an hour or so, and just a little sad not to be part of such a great village community.

Hawthorn Blossom

2011-05-12T15:30:00.000+01:00

I absolutely love this phase of spring when Cow's Parsley is growing tall on the verges and Hawthorn blossom is flowering on hedges accompanying them, giving the hedgerows a dusting of white.

Looking back through my photos it seems that every year I can't resist making yet another image of the creamy white flowers, and so it is this year too. However, in my garden I have a beautiful red version of the Hawthorn called 'Paul Scarlett' which grows as a standard tree. So by way of a change here is the blossom and the tree!

It's interesting how much more subtle the colour of the flowers look when viewed on the tree from even a short distance as compared to the photo above of the blossom close up.

Photography Trip to Wales - Steve Lewis Workshop Day 2

2011-05-10T07:02:00.004+01:00

Making the most of every possible opportunity, and being prepared for the unexpected is what makes photography so enjoyable. If I set off on a trip with just one objective in mind the chances are I'll be foiled - the most likely reason being the weather! However, it's not just about making photos, it's the whole experience that really matters.

Unplanned!
Clee Hill Summit (Titterstone Clee) in Shropshire has drawn me every time I travel to Snowdonia, dominating the distant skyline for miles. This trip, despite the light being poor for any kind of landscape photography, I decided to take a look.

This is Wikipedia's description of the place:- Titterstone Clee is the third-highest hill in Shropshire, beaten only by the nearby Brown Clee Hill (540 m) and Stiperstones (536 m). Much of the higher part of the hill is common land, used for the grazing of sheep, air traffic control services and working or disused quarries. The summit of Titterstone Clee is bleak, treeless and shaped by decades of quarrying. Many of the structures still remain, and lend to the ghostly atmosphere of the hill top, especially during the prolonged winter fogs that descend over the hills.

The weather on Titterstone Clee Hill can be particularly hazardous, with locally infamous fog and drizzle being commonplace. Snow can also cause problems in winter, as well as gales.

Most of the summit of the hill is effectively man-made, the result of years of quarrying dhustone (dolerite) to be used in road-building. Also, many derelict quarry buildings are scattered over the hill, now used only by sheep sheltering from the worst of weather. Combined, these give the summit of the hill an eerie, other worldly feel.

I hadn't read this before my visit but it is absolutely spot on! Sudden bouts of driving rain and a howling gale made it difficult to stand at times and almost impossible to use a camera. It is a very spooky place - bleak and mostly unattractive - the potential for the view though is what will draw me back there I'm sure.

Conclusion:-
Well worth making the effort to investigate but need to re-visit!

Planned:-
Cwm Pennant - ultimately reached by a long lane through several farm gates that require both opening and cash! The attraction to this place was the possibility of
bluebells clothing the side of the valley!

From Ephotozine:-Cwm Pennant has often been called "The most beautiful Valley in Wales". (Cwm means valley in Welsh) It is a narrow valley bordered on three sides by the mountains of the Nantlle Ridge, Y Garn, Mynydd Tal Y Mignedd, Moel Lefn and is situated south west of the main Snowdon range of mountains.

The valley was home to slate workings in the late 19th century employing up to 200 workers. The slate was quarried, brought to be dressed and then shipped off in trams down the valley to its destination.

The valley is mainly used for farming nowadays with farming stock indiginous to the area - Welsh Black cattle and Welsh Mountain, Welsh Mule and Lleyn sheep.
Welsh poppies grow wild here and there is a magnificent abundance of bluebells adorning the valley sides in the spring, giving breathtaking views and a wonderful aroma.

Unfortunately neither the bluebells nor the weather obliged. It was a dull day with the occasional hint of decent light, but almost too fleeting. And the bluebells? Perhaps I've been spoilt by our lush woodlands but these were stumpy little things, perhaps grazed off by the sheep, and maybe I was a week or so too early with my visit!

Conclusion:-
Obviously a beautiful location but again need to revisit, although the window of opportunity for seeing bluebells in their prime, and having good light for photography is pretty narrow.

I spent the night on the edge of Llyn Gwynant on the campsite, it's a stunning location and on this occasion was very quiet - thoroughly recommended, though it can get very busy.

The weather on the day of the workshop with Steve Lewis started well enough but by the time we had walked up the Watkin Pass to the waterfall at Cwm Llan the rain came.
It poured for almost an hour and though spirits were good in the group it was disappointing not to be able to even consider getting the camera out!

There was a short break of about an hour when we all got busy before returning to Caffi Gwynant (Gwynant Café) located near the base of the Watkin Path up Snowdon and a welcome cup of tea.

Our final location for the day was Llyn Dywarchen, a small lake with an island and some ruined cottages, and two small hills which offer unfamiliar views towards Snowdon. This was a pleasant enough location, and I've seem many stunning photos but again the light was not in our favour. I did climb one of the hills overlooking the lake which definitely gave a much better perspective and was well worth the climb but didn't manage to get the 'Aaaah' photo I'd hoped for here!

Having lived for a large portion of my life adjacent to and overlooking Blagdon Lake, seeing it at every time of the day, in all moods and seasons it takes a lot to impress me where lakes are concerned!

This kind of trip isn't just about getting good photos though, the friendship and camaraderie is what makes the day too.

Photos to follow...

Holt Farm Organic Garden

2011-05-01T04:03:00.005+01:00

The Garden at Holt Farm opened to the public for the first time this year on 25th April, a beautiful warm, sunny day. It was ideal for wandering around amongst the five acres of contemporary organic garden where everything from the cakes and scones in the tea rooms through to the potting compost is home made.

Several years have passed since I last visited but I knew I wouldn't be disappointed, either as a closet gardener or photographer. On this occasion however, it was difficult to do justice with the camera as a cloudless sky and brilliant sunshine overhead isn't the photographers friend.

The Perennial Meadow, full of deep blue camassias with the Tea Crab Avenue at the far end made a stunning entrance to the rest of the garden, though there is no specifically defined 'route' to follow.

The Annual Meadow is re-sown each year and was just bare but later will be a delight full of annual flowers including poppies, cornflower and toadflax.

The Bronze Garden is a formal area with a pool reflecting the unusual colours of the planting, while the Gravel Garden is a patchwork of lilac, pink and blue. The Tea Rooms overlook the ornamental Veggie Garden which will be a delight later in the year as the plants mature.

I can't wait to return in a few weeks, hopefully at a time of day more suited to photography when the light is a little kinder.

The garden is open every Thursday from May until September from 10am-5pm with an admission charge of £4. For further info visit The Organic Gardens.

I now have a gallery with more photos of The Organic Gardens at Holt Farm which will be a work in progress for the next 12 months.

Royal Wedding Day

2011-04-29T20:58:00.000+01:00

There can't be anyone in Britain who doesn't know who got married today!