View allAll Photos Tagged GiftOfLife
Шампанское золото - искры летят,
Сверкают, как солнце, фонтаном звенят,
Играют счастливой, поющей струной
И льются по телу бурлящей струей.
Шампанское золото - счастья нектар,
Блажен, кто познал этот жизненный дар!............................................................................................................
Champagne gold - sparks fly,
They sparkle like the sun, they ring like a fountain,
They play with a happy, singing string
And they pour over the body in a bubbling stream.
Champagne gold - happiness nectar,
Blessed is he who has known this gift of life!
"Autumn through the Arch"
I did enjoy this sunny Sunday morning under Denham Bridge looking out into Autumn. The shadows and light on the stonework was outstanding. It really was magical looking downstream of the river Tavy through the mist and so quiet too. A feeling of total calm
The unusual sight and a perfect scene for long exposure photography. I liked shadow stretched in front of me as the sun was about to dip over the horizon ; Like a spotlight!
Soaking up the scenery watching the sun go down over the ocean. One of the best feelings in the world 🌎😊
The wildflowers fields were looking absolutely beautiful on the coast this year especially when the sun came up. FB page, Instagram
📍 West Pentire, Crantock, Cornwall UK
📷 Canon R6 Mark II
⭕ Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L II USM
⬛ Maven Magnetic Linear Polariser Filter
Adobe Photoshop
Tripod Leofoto Carbon Fibre Ranger LS-364C
Manfrotto XPROBall Head
Photographing Vestrahorn in Stokksnes was an absolute pleasure. I was so lucky to see these amazing sand ripples were as nature intended. Not a foot print anywhere so it was a matter of carefully searching for an attractive composition.
Black Sand Dunes - Iceland
Photographing Vestrahorn in Stokksnes was an absolute pleasure. I was so lucky that the chocolate-like sand ripples were as nature intended. Not a foot print anywhere so it was a matter of carefully searching for an attractive shot (without leaving a trace).
One of the most amazing sights I've ever seen.
The Diamond Beach is by Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in South-East Iceland. Here's an image with a little creativity to show off a solitary ice berg on the black sandy beach. Incidentally, the lagoon belongs to the Vatnajökull glacier national park.
PThat body stretch from the warm comfy bed to peep through the curtains at a red glow in the sky was all I needed to entice me on to a bitter cold Dartmoor.
Madness I hear you cry!
I sensed the dramatic clouds were going to light up but realised that I was at least 1/2 late to drive, park up and walk up the nearest Tor.
So, I stopped beneath Sharpitor by the drinking pool for the ponies, sheep and cattle. It was like an mini ice rink and great to reflect the colours of the sky. The ice was thick so the animals couldn’t get to the water.
After rushing like a crazy man to set up the camera and get my warm gear on I decided not to hike up the Tor. Instead I stayed by the car to photograph the frozen pool. Luckily I saw the best of the sunrise within 5 minutes.
The vibrant sunrise display soon faded but I was happy to get a few shots. I headed up to Sharpitor then onto Leather Tor just for the exercise and maybe a few more photos.
An hour and half later I was back in the car warming up drinking hot steaming tea and munching on a chocolate bar. Someone had broken the ice in one area of the pool so the animals could get a drink😄
📍Dartmoor , Devon
📷 Canon 5D mkiii
🔘 Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM
#landscape #dartmoor #frozenpond #sunrise #dramaticsky
Remains Beneath the Sand
Whitsand's Boiler and engine parts revealed at low tide with a fast moving tide rushing through the rusty ironwork.
In search of bluebells one afternoon driving around Dorset we came across this beautiful line of grand aged oak trees along the border of a field overhanging a perfect patch of bluebells.
A Tribute to my Organ Donor and family:
It was 5 years ago today I was given my life back after a heart transplant.
The importance and immense meaning of the gift you have given me truly cannot be expressed in words. No words are enough.
"I can honestly say that I try not to waste a day"
As a tribute to the donor and family here is one my favourite photographs I took this summer.
Bowing Pine in Technicolor - E A S T D A R T M O O R
The was the first of four consecutive sunrise shoots and what a beauty it was. I’ve photographed this lone tree in most weather conditions and was hoping for mist this time which was visible in the valley. The first light developed into this otherworldly vivid coloured skyscape tinting the dense foreground ferns red.
(6.08am on 24/08/19).
Windy Post Waterfall - Dartmoor
The flow of water photographed at 1 second shutter speed looked great as the light caught the cascade. This was edited in photoshop which looks a little like it’s a HDR image but it isn’t.
The waterfall is only a short walk from the large Merrivale car park where the ice cream van is usually parked
I enjoyed my first visit to Waterfall Country in South Wales walking from Pont Melin-Fach. After a tiresome but enjoyable reccie the day before walking until dark in the constant drizzle I came up with a plan.
The following day was super sunny and not the rainy conditions that Brecon Beacons is renown for.
I took this photo up close, splashed and in awe of Waterfall 1 of 4 'Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf'. Check out the geometrical light and shadows and watch out for the 'stick man'... Haha
I had a lovely morning on Dartmoor at Mel Tor watching the first sunrise of September. I never expected to see this wonderful rainbow stretching over Dart valley towards Sharp Tor on the right.
What a great way to start the day!
Bruarfoss waterfalls was quite tricky to find walking up to our knees in snow at times but worth the trek. With wellies on I clambered underneath the bridge to the find a mesmerising whirlpool.
This view is looking upstream at the spectacular blueness of the fast flowing water.
I was one of the lucky ones capturing the ‘Steath Sunset’ on 24/06/19. The rain had set in for the evening so we decided to chill out and eat in a restaurant rather than grab a snack and rush for a sunset.
It was still wet outside after our meal as we were driving back to the accommodation but we noticed a hint of pink in the sky. With only 15 minutes until sunset we headed for the pink poppy fields en route watching the sky gradually changing colour every minute. It started to glow with a display of graduated shades of yellow, orange, magenta and blue . We pulled in by the field and like a mad-man I leapt out of the car in excitement, put my camera gear together in quicktime and headed for the field. OMG it was gorgeous. With it still spitting with rain I managed a few photos before the vibrant colours faded quickly into beautiful pastel tones then back to grey again. I never expected that!
I made the effort yesterday to try a sunrise shoot on Dartmoor even though it was blustery and grey. The unexpected happened with the sun finding its way through the thick low cloud. I turned around and saw this scene so frantically bumbled around trying to fit the pesky 105mm Lee Landscape CP filter and missed a rainbow but was happy with this scene. Gorgeous golden light contrasting with dark grey skies for a moment only
Brecon Beacon Waterfall Trail
Number 4 Waterfall Sgwd Gwladus (Lady Falls), in the Autumn vista
Sept 17
This was my 1st attempt of photographing the lake. The water level can change and the dead trees can be more submerged on a different day. I watched the direction and speed of the clouds as they passed over, waiting for a stormy dark sky. The tripod legs were firmly pushed deep into the mud as I stood in my wellies. The slow shutter speed I chose gave the effect of blurring and blending the clouds which reflected nicely on the water.
The scene almost looks haunting.
Did you know that the little quaint fishing village of Portwinkle in Cornwall was traditionally a 17th century thriving pilchard fishing village.
Here, the incoming tide spectacularly cascades over the harbour wall as the sun sets.
Morning Light over Corfe Castle.
The day before I climbed the West Hill to find the views I liked in preparation for a dawn shoot. After a short trek across a field in the dark I climbed the steep bank in stages looking back towards the castle. I wasn’t expecting mist that morning because of the forecasted wind but the light ground frost looked lovely. “Brrrrr! It was a bit flippin’ chilly”.
From the highest viewpoint the rising sun lit up the side of the hill and the Autumn tree tops.
It was definitely a ‘feel good’ moment because I’ve wanted to do this for so long.
After this shot I walked along the top and back down the other side taking photographs of the castle.
Then I headed back to the accommodation for breakfast and warm the cockles.
‘Clean Lines’ at the Dutch Barn
At Sixpenny Handley you can see acres of Barley fields in July and August. (Dorset farmland). The cut lines from the recent harvesting lead you straight to the barn. I’m looking forward to going back next year when the field is full of Barley or Rapeseed.
Have been MIA on Flickr, One week ago I received d a life giving gift of a kidney transplant due to an inherited disease called PKD.
It is overwhelming, as well as a challenge to recuperate Being is this club is fortunate! I am beyond grateful to the annomous donor's family.
Will try to catch up soon! Thanks all!
Tidal Barn
This was taken on a dark eerie night unsure whether the silent incoming tide was going to reach the barn. It’s was my first visit so a night shoot wasn’t the best conditions for the highest tide. I used the head torch to focus the camera on the barn then all lights off apart from gently light painting it during a long exposure shot.
Canon 5D mk2 and Samyang 14mm f/2 .8 - iso 1600 30 seconds.
I had never seen one of these beautiful coloured little birds until recently. This time of year during the breeding season the males breast and head becomes more blushed red. A quote from a friend ... "Looks like it's been hit on the head by a raspberry" ha ha
This was one of a pair that I saw flying in sync across the dense gorse and often landing in a tree. They like to hang upside down like a blue tit.
Now you know what a Redpoll looks like , maybe you've never heard of one or seen one!
I saw this beautiful lady in the mountains of Kibalabag and wasted no moment in seeking her permission for the shot of a lifetime.
In memory of David and Allen. For giving the second chance in life to those in need. For teaching me to live in the moment.
David who gave the gift of sight. Allen who gave the gift of life to three people when he donated his heart and kidneys.
Atlantic Rainbow - Pendeen Lighthouse...
After checking the weather and sea conditions I headed for the north westerly Cornish coast. I wanted the sun behind me for taking photographs of the sea.
My camera gear was set up for rainy conditions with a circular polariser filter fitted to the lens to protect it from the sea spray and to enhance any rainbows
Gear : Canon 7D mk1 with 24-70mm f/4 L lens
“Beechology”
A fine row of beech trees in the outback of the Dorset countryside. A beautiful display of summer greenery with the Autumn colours to look forward to in October.
you would never know by this photo that this is an adult. a mother. i was immediatley drawn to her absolutely adorable fun socks. she proceeded with "they were my daughters"..."and so are the shoes, and my shirt". she is a petite woman. her daughter was the young age of 13 when she was killed. she was used as a human shield during a shooting. her daughter spoke to her about organ donation just a few weeks before her death. "momma, i want to be an organ donor!" and her mother followed through with her wishes. her story was very hard for me, for any mother. her strength and her tears are a part of me now. her daughter was her joy. how appropriate that the bench held the word joy on it! donate life. be a miracle. you may need a miracle.
Torrential Rain!
What an awesome shoot at Start Point. It was raining so hard that you could see the droplets hitting the sea from a distance.
This photo was just the start! What I saw next was so amazing I wrote about it when I arrived home!
At last I captured a serene wild garlic woodland scene shrouded in soft morning mist at this Cornish location.
"MisTycal OceaN"
Sheltered from strong southerly winds I sat above the chaotic crashing white wash from the big sea swell. Natures bedlam of the roaring ocean was deafening. I can only describe the sound of a stormy sea as trebly white noise clashing with an overwhelming bass; hisses and booms. Scale it down and it’s a heavenly sound.
A 1 minute camera exposure transforms 'Stormy seas to misty waters' then all seems calm in the bay at Trevose Head near Constantine Bay, Cornwall.
From 8.30am until 15.00 I was in awe of witnessing multiple spectacular white rainbows.
Over walls, arching over trees, across roads, over tors, above a fox hunt, behind ponies, arraying from hawthorns and beaming onto man.
This was one of those otherworldly fogbows arching over a little Hawthorn Tree.
#landscapephotograpy #fogbow #whiterainbow#rarephenomenon #mavenmagneticfilters #mavenfilters #dartmoornationalpark #winter #mistymorning #mystical #trees #ethereal
I have been told on the odd occasion that I’m in ‘Cuckoo land!’ Well I actually was this time; haha.
This chap lives on Dartmoor and chases other Cuckoos through the valley. At certain times of the day he digs for worms and searches for caterpillars to eat.
This elusive manic bird can be heard Cuckooing in spring for a few months but is rarely seen. At a glance they look like a cross between a Sparrow Hawk and a Pigeon with oversized wings and vivid breast markings. We all know they are a brood parasites laying an egg in another birds nest for the parents to rear.
It’s the first year I’ve actually watched, listened and photographed the Cuckoo but still have so much more to learn about them. Even their wing flapping noise is recognisable. They don’t just say ‘Cuckoo’ they also make a bubbling noise in flight and a laughing/mating call which is different between sexes.
Here’s one of my closest shots of one in its favourite hawthorn tree.
Someone is alive today because someone said "yes" to organ and tissue donation. One donor can save and heal up to eight lives through organ donation.
In USA, you can register to be an organ and tissue donor at your state department of motor vehicles. Be sure to share your decision with family and friends.
In memory of David and Allen for their gift of life
Clifftop Thrift
Exploring the westerly coastline of Hartland in north Devon was a joy!
This was a fine cluster of sea pinks above the beach of incredibly contorted rock layers. I remember looking through the camera viewfinder at the swaying floral heads of the Thrift being blown by the gentle evening sea breeze. Patiently I waiting for a still moment to press the shutter to capture the wonderful pastel sunset.
Black Redstart
There I was under a camouflaged sheet in a graveyard early on a freezing cold snowy Saturday morning. It felt quite eerie but beautifully peaceful. This attractive uncommon little bird was a resident of this Cemetery.
I watched him shivering away while looking for food ; poor little thing. What a wonderful scene when he landed on one of the colour weathered ornamental iron railings.
Photo taken 11/02/17
"Striking Light" looking out towards Thurlestone Rock from South Milton.
Lovely conditions for an early Winter sunset on the beach.
"Atlantic Sunset" at Godrevy in Cornwall , UK
A classic ocean colour scene looking out towards Godrevy lighthouse with glorious sunset light hitting the sea and rocks with an unusual fan-like "$p[@sh"
This is an image from my 2016 Calendar in aid of the British Heart Foundation.
WONDERS OF THE WEST COUNTRY
Durdle Door (Diddly Doodar as my mum called it!)
It’s quite a trek to get down to famous rocky arch on the beach and on this occasion was rewarded with a rich gorgeous sunset . The spicy golden light was wonderful as the sun was moments from sizzling into the sea.
I kept looking over my shoulder admiring the last light hitting the spray from the waves as they crashed onto the pebbly shoreline.
Colliford Coven 🔥
Witches gather around nature’s cauldron at sunset or so it seemed!
The very low water level revealed an uncanny circle of mysterious dead trees resembling some sort of haunting ceremony around a fiery pool. (or am I overreacting with all the medication haha )
This is not my usual clean shot but I had to post it to tell the story.
Please read on if you have a minute...it may make you smile.
Liz and I sat in the car sipping tea from enamel mugs under dark skies with the occasional downpour watching and waiting for a cloud break. I could see the dead trees I wanted to photograph by the lakeside and was always hopeful for a dramatic sunset.
What did baffle me was the same camper-vans and cars driving and stopping in all the parking areas around the lake, almost as though they were following a rota. I noticed they were all older men on their own! Rumour has it that Colliford has a reputation for this. Blimey!
A smartly dressed well groomed chap parked his camper next to me and saw I was setting up my camera. He approached me with his swept back bleached blond hair and shiny face to explain he was looking for a rare bird. Yikes! I was a little uncertain of his friendliness and bird story so didn’t respond so he soon gingerly returned to his ‘ride’. The strange mans behaviour was a little odd as he unfolded a large map that stretched across the full windscreen so he could hide behind it. Minutes later, off he went to the next parking area further along the lake. I was suspicious now because a middle aged guy in a Spyder sports car was acting the same way flitting around the lake and it seemed he was following the camper.
Minutes later, “Oh, here comes another map reading camper driver” who proceeded to slowly do a lap and off he went. “Had I given a secret signal by mistake”. I didn’t get my map out!
Anyway, back to photography, there was a gap in the sky on the horizon. Kitted out for bad weather we headed down through a field in the rain towards the lake.
Looking back I noticed the two campers were back but together this time. Funny that!
The water level looked so low and the lake revealed some great looking dead trees surrounding a pond. I carefully made my way down through the mud with the tripod. “Oh dear!” I shouted (or something similar) as my foot disappeared under the mud and over the top of my wellie. Liz took my tripod then tried to pull me out by my hand but I was much too heavy. There was no way of pulling my wellie out because my other foot was sinking too. I asked her to quickly gather some wooden branches and lay them down over the quick-mud so I had leverage to pull my sunken leg out. No chance! It was stuck-fast as continued to sink further into ‘Swampsville’. Both of us slightly panicking and my heart pumping from the exertion I decided to haul my foot out of the wellie. With both hands and one foot planted in the black smelly gunge I pulled myself free. My sodden mud laden sock flopped about on my foot and my expensive gloves were full of black gritty slime. Utilising the collected branches as a platform and using both hands I pulled and wriggled the wellie in the dense wet mud which luckily came out with a ‘pop’ and a splatter. Panting for breath I crawled to hard ground and stripped off all the gear that was caked in the black stench. In threw my sock and gloves in a pile feeling slightly angry but relieved. It looked like I was wearing a black ankle sock for a few days where the mud had stained my skin. Thank goodness for my SAS training. “Yeah right, more like Mr Bean”.
Never one for giving up on a photo shoot, I noticed the sun had dropped and burst through the clouds. I hadn’t even taken a photo yet after the great escape haha! After a few shots I started to find the whole scenario rather funny. It’s a good job I wasn’t on my own though because I’m sure I would of needed the fire brigade to pull me out. “Slightly embarrassing“.
Anyway, the light was fantastic and quite dramatic as it lit up the lake and cast tree shadows across mud. It looked like the trees were burnt out from a roaring lake fire. Happy now, I put the pile of stinky clothes into a polythene bag and squelched back to the car.
Many more camper-vans had turned up as it went dark and someone of them probably witnessed my trouser change to Liz’s amusement. “Nice bum” she said laughing. Grrrrr!
A “Stuck in the Mud” moment to add to the many escapades.
As for Colliford lake, the rumours may be truei!