Bempton Cliffs

Bempton Cliffs are are on the east coast of England, very close to Bempton (unsurprisingly) and just south of Filey.

It is home to a RSPB nature reserve and as such, is home to a wide array of birds and other wildlife. Gannets, Kittywakes and Seagulls were there when I arrive recently (unfortunately it was the wrong time of year for Puffins but I will be back!) and the scenery is superb.

I recommend the location, not just for photos (though it is great!) but also for a good walk as well.

Over the last week my photography has been focused on a different subject for me. I normally take pictures of landscapes, still lifes, abstracts while trying street and candid techniques, but have been trying bird photography this week.

The reason for this is because there have been nesting Kestrels near my office and the young have been leaving the nest this week. It has been fascinating (and I'm not a bird watcher!) getting great pictures of the birds close up and from my different angles.

Superb and great experience as well.

Photography Recon Completed

Saturday was very successful at Mount Pleasant. A number of locations have been finalised for shots (both bride and groom) and larger parties. The reception room made up (though it was for another wedding) looked great and will offer a lot of opportunities as well.

What I am trying to do is not just focus on these locations and try and remain flexible, if something great occurs on the day. I just needed to get a better idea of the grounds, venue and plan some shots in advance.

I think, even though I am certainly nervous about the event, that with the planning that's been put in. At least a lot of aspects are starting to fall into place.

It has also helped with fill in flash practise that I have needed for some time.

Location Scouting

Off to scope out the location of the reception for the wedding that I am shooting on 11th July. The date is very quickly approaching now and I feel as though time is passing by very rapidly so today is going to help me feel a lot better about my preparation.

It is only my second wedding, but the wedding of my sister in law so the pressure is on!

New Filter

I have received in the mail a Hoya circular polariser that I ordered from Camerking. They had it in the sale and delivered it in good time.

Unfortunately I ordered it too late for my recent trip to Scotland, and could have used it on a couple of occasions, but at least I have it in the kit bag now.

Presentation at Yorkshire Forward

I have recently been to Yorkshire Forward in Wath upon Dearne where I presented a hour and a half Photography presentation.

It was done as part of a hobby day there and the presentation covered camera settings, buying options and compositional techniques.

I have received positive feedback from the company and will hopefully be asked to return if they have the same sort of hobby days in the future.

Probably the best purchase I have ever made

The Nikon D300 is superb.  I have been using the camera nearly every day since I bought it and it is a joy to use.  I pushed myself buying it, the D90 was more affordable but I decided future proofing was a better idea and I am now sure that it was.

The features are seemingly endless, I have bought another book on how to master the options available as the manual just shows specific options and functions and  but does not give practical uses for each one.

It is a huge move up from the Samsung I was using before I am very pleased that I made the decision to upgrade.