Remember to pack the Camera
On Sunday I travelled the 150 miles to Bamburgh, stopping at Berwick on the way. The intention was travel to Whitby then Yorkshire and then on to the Lakes. At Berwick the plan was to take some photos of some nice rocks at Spittal beach, but the tide was quite high so that was ruled out. I didn’t see much to inspire me on the beach itself, so just took out the iphone.
I quote liked this old post. I thought it’s short, stubby character contrasted with the old, industrial chimney in the background. I loved the colours, patterns and textures. I get quite close to objects a lot with certain lenses wide open and love that particular technique. This shot from Lossiemouth the following day is an example
1/8000 f/1.6 ISO 50
In both cases I wonder about the people who put these posts and structures in. What were their use? This is my 40th year as a Chartered QS and in the early days I did the weekly measures for the lads. I use to marvel at their skills. I wonder abut the guy who built this structure in 1936. My maternal grandad was a joiner, and there were none better, according to my Uncle at least. He was pretty decent himself!
I had thought of staying overnight on Holy Island but on researching beforehand found that was not permitted, so decided not to cross as I would not have had time to get back. As I prefer golden hour shooting you need to choose a time when you can cross, do the photography, and get back.
Bamburgh
Arrived at Bamburgh. I’ve been there many times, and know the direction of the light. Never cease to be amazed at the sunrise / sunset images showing the castle fully lit when it is in reality a silhouette. It’s a bit like Kilchurn without the transmission towers and cables. Where would we be without Photoshop? In reality, perhaps, or at least closer to it.
Anyway was delighted with the light on arrival and the sand was wet, as I desired. Perfect for reflections. Got the tripod out and decided I didn’t need the longer lens I’d packed, but there was one problem. I’d forgotten to put the camera bag in the vehicle.
Undeterred, and with the oft quoted saying “the best camera is the one you have with you” I set off for the beach with the iPhone in my hand. A serious looking photographer with tripod and filters looked singularly unimpressed; I was keen to see him though because he made a perfect foreground. The dog was not his, but I thought the tile one man and his dog appropriate.
iphone 1/1050 f/1.8
Notwithstanding the fact I will use and iphone, I decided to just drive home and pick up the camera. The app was predicting good sunrise potential, so I made my say up to Spey Bay, 125 miles from my house in the opposite direction to Bamburgh.
The morning I was up at 5.30 for the sunrise. Not the most spectacular I’ve ever seen, but nice nevertheless.
A dolphin was entertaining me, although I’d left the longer lenses in the car and by the time I’d have gone back I would have lost the dolphin and the sunset, so just had the pleasure of observing it. After a walk in the other direction towards Lossie, we had the most beautiful golden light on the shingle (Spey Bay is the biggest shingle beach in Scotland)
After Spey Bay and a coffee, I went across the River to Kingston. I roe buck jumped the wall right in front of me and merrily went on it’s way. So before 9 in the morning I’d seen a Dolphin, A roe Deer and then went on to see a few nice little birds such as this Yellowhammer
1/1250 f/6.3 600mm ISO 400
So quite a bit of travel to get a sunrise image following the sunset the night before. Moral is : before you set off check you have the camera with you!
Iain Cathro Photography 