Swollen Seas

Bubbling and powerful, the North Sea savagely struck the shoreline of the North East coast around St Mary's yesterday. The morning was grey, dull and miserable; but on the eastern horizon the light of the sun burst through the heavy clouds and lit up a small portion of the distant sky. A stunningly gothic morning on the tidal shore.

- David

Bamburgh By Dawn

Friday morning I was awake, fed, watered and on the A1 heading North by 5am, my destination Bamburgh.

I had a burning desire to get up there and shoot the beach landscape at first light, and yes I know its a huge cliche for Northern photographers to shoot at this location but lets be honest, its a beautiful locale of a bit of snap happy action. 

I hit on lucky with the light on Friday morning and as the sun rose the between the Farnes and the world sprang to life it lit this glorious area of Northern Northumberland up in swathes of stunning light, just beautiful.

Well worth the 3:30am wake up call and the hour drive.

- David 

Stag Rocks is your stereotypical craggy shoreline, its fantastic and to me marks the southern entrance into Budle Bay. Below is the aforementioned white stag, I'd love to know who keeps him looking fresh.

A young stonechat, one of many hanging around the white building at Stag Rocks

.......Later in the day I found this little yellow eyed chap! (No pun intended)

Dusk Photography At Seaton Sluice

As has been apparent in my previous blog post, I've been frequenting St Mary's at dusk to try and work on some coastal landscape photography; on Thursday night I turned my attention North towards Seaton Sluice and Rocky Island.
The weather was fantastic, however a few more clouds in the sky would have really increased the drama I wanted in the shots. Overall I couldn't find the shots I was after, I attempted to salvage what scenes I could and was relatively happy with what I achieved.
I have ordered a few ND filters to help with the brightness of the sun so until they arrive I have to make do with what I can.
I'm really enjoying my foray into coastal landscape photography; it really makes a change from wildlife photography, which I still do but have put on the back burner for now as I try to hone my camera craft towards landscape scenes in the North East as oppose to amateur wildlife shots.
- David
Nature North East

Sundown At St Marys

It may be one of the most overly photographed and cliched sights of the North East, along with Sycamore Gap, Holy Island & Bamburgh Castle but St Marys Lighthouse is a true icon of the glorious north.
I can't resist driving five minutes from home to the iconic lighthouse on an evening and taking a few shots. I'm really trying to improve my knowledge and practical experience with landscape photography at the moment and while I still have a tremendous amount to learn I'm finding this a stunning location to do so.
Oh and the local wildlife is always a bonus.
David
Nature North East

A Shortie & A Sunset

Short-Eared Owl; F5.3, Shutter Speed: 1/2,  280mm, EXP: +2.3

I decided to end a night of job interview prep with a chilled hour of photography on the coast. A beautiful evening with stunning light and a surprise encounter with a Short-Eared Owl; absolute magic!

David
Nature North East

Twilight At Thrunton Woods

Thrunton Woods at twilight.
Is there any better place to be than up in the dark heart of Northumberland, as the sun sets and the veil of darkness closes in.

David
Nature North East