More March Bees
It’s been pretty cold and the bees have been away for a few days but just a bit of warmth above 10C and they venture out for a short time.
Wells Cathedral Bits
A few images from Wells cathedral, a bit experimental with some ICM (intentional camera movement).
The Bees are Back
So good to see the bees back in the sunshine last week, enjoying the Skimmia.
Liverpool ICM
This is a bit experimental – I’m quite new to ICM (intentional camera movement) but had bought a variable ND filter to experiment with this on our trip to Liverpool. We lived in Liverpool for seven years and it remains a favourite city. We tend to go to Liverpool for the Liverpool International Jazz Festival each February and to enjoy the city and take some photographs. If you know the city you may recognise some of these attempts at ICM – or not. It was a great weekend, the music was good and it’s a fantastic city for photography.
Tanys Transformations in the Cloisters
Tanys Transformations currently in Wells Cathedral is a remarkable initiative that breathes new life into wedding dresses. Founded by Mayor Tanys Pullin, the project aims to transform wedding dresses into exquisite ball gowns and prom dresses. But it’s not just about fashion; it’s about making a difference. Here are the key points about Tanys Transformations:
Purpose: The project takes pre-loved wedding dresses out of hibernation and gives them a fresh lease of life. These transformed gowns become show-stopping pieces fit for a celebrity red carpet.
Charitable Impact: The magic doesn’t stop there. Tanys Transformations uses this creative endeavor to raise funds for local charities. By turning wedding dresses into glamorous gowns, they contribute to meaningful causes within the community.
Community Engagement: It’s a community-driven effort. People come together to donate their wedding dresses, and skilled artisans work their magic to create stunning transformations.
Celebrity Red Carpet Vibes: Imagine a wedding dress metamorphosing into a gown worthy of the red carpet. The project combines creativity, sustainability, and philanthropy.
Tanys Pullin’s Vision: As the 649th Mayor of Wells, Tanys Pullin champions two incredible causes through Tanys Transformations. These causes are:
Headsup: Aiding individuals facing mental health challenges and other hardships.
Whizz Kidz: Empowering young wheelchair users with equipment, skills, and confidence to reach new heights.
Mature Spirituality
As I've got older I've come to see that, at least for me, mature spirituality is not related to belief systems but rather the knowing encounter with the sacred (the Divine, the Infinite, the Wondrous, the Love) within, among and all around.
Macro Moss
I’m developing an interest in moss, fungi, slime mould and similar things. Here are some initial photographs - with much to learn.
The Newt in Somerset
The Newt in Somerset is one of those places we regularly go to. It is a large working estate with beautiful gardens, apple orchards, woodland, ponds, lakes and a remarkable reconstruction of a Roman villa.
Here are a few late autumn/early winter photo’s which include our friends Pete and Kate as well as numerous hens and a couple of human reindeer I happened to chat to.
Helen, of course, continues her photographic journey…
Autumn Radiance - Stourhead
Stourhead estate is a wonderful place to see the extraordinary colours of autumn.
STUDIO MACRO RIG - SET UP
It’s time to try setting up a studio macro rig. Ultra macro expert Allan Walls has a helpful guide to setting up such a rig so I have followed much of his advice.
https://www.youtube.com/live/LduEAzrXU3U?si=gy8NdTVvJglW8uQ-
I have used:
Heavy wooden block (chopping board)
Two Swiss arca quick release clamps
WeMacro motorised rail
Adaptalux lighting
Stonylab lab jack
Metal bench block
Photography diffuser roll
Raynox DCR-250 Macro Attachment
A Nicholas Sherlock 3D printed objective lens holder (see https://youtu.be/nuZ_JptlqYE?si=24chqpkq1CocsnLZ )
I also have a vintage, late Victorian, brass microscope (circa 1900) with some objective lenses which I shall enjoy trying out with the Sherlock objective lens holder.
I will use the rig with Lightroom camera tether function, Helicon Focus where required for stacks and with camera connected to power bank for continuous power.
I then had a first try with this kit, retrieving a tiny live snail, about a 4mm shell, from the garden - to which it was then returned without harm.
Much practice needed!
I
Lacock, Photography, Bees and Butterflies
We had a delightful visit to the village of Lacock, associated with William Henry Fox Talbot and the birth of photography. It’s a beautiful setting - the village, the former abbey, the garden and the woods. The Fox Talbot Museum at the abbey is a fascinating, informative and changing exhibition relating to photography, past and present.
On this occasion I had inadvertently come out with onlt a macro lens. This inevitably influenced the photographs that I took. But I guess you can never have too many bees and butterflies!
