northumberland360

Northumberland variety...

2012-01-23T10:09:00.000Z

18th Jan12, Newton Links, 3pm

For a change here's some evening light. The days are slowly getting longer but the sun is still sinking close to the horizon soon after 3pm.

The close bird is a black headed gull and the far one a red-breasted merganser (see the crest!)

21st Jan12, Howick coast, 1pm

Nice and bright day but a howling cold wind from the NW.

22nd Jan12, Kettley, 11am

We had a walk inland to visit some more cup & ring marked rocks. These ancient artworks appear all over the high moors of Northumberland but these are by far the best I've ever seen. On Orkney these would be trumpeted from the rooftops - in Northumberland they are unmarked from the roadside and you have to study a map to find them.

This one is a different thing altogether and is most likely an early Christian font. Here it holds my hot ribena!

23rd Jan12, Embleton Bay, 8am

Nice morning - I'll let the photographs speak for themselves...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

frosty again

2012-01-17T10:24:00.000Z

17th Jan12, Newton Links, 8am

The thaw hasn't arrived here yet and the frost was still thick on the beach. We left the beach to the galloping horses and headed up through the dunes.

A couple of views by the warden's hut.

and a frosty stone.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

with added life

2012-01-16T19:42:00.000Z

16th Jan12, Embleton bay, 9am

An amazing morning for training with Wendy and Trish. There was still some colour left in the sky at 9am and my 'trained horses' turned up on time as usual to add a bit of life to the landscape.

Wendy and Trish get down and in close to the footprints and hoofprints to add some foreground interest...

...here's my shot with handy passers by strolling on the beach.

Above the high tide line the sand was frozen and so were the limpet shells.

The calm sea seemed to go on forever...

16th January12, newton Links, 2pm

As soon as I was home Daisy wanted to be out in the sun. Ho hum, back to the beach isn't such a chore...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

time to stand and stare

2012-01-14T16:49:00.000Z

12th Jan12, Newton Links, 2pm

Daisy had a notion to run in crazy circles...

13th Jan12, Howick, 3pm

Beautiful sunlit, peeling bark on some obscure variety of birch tree in Howick arboretum.

...then we had to stop on the way home for this sky above Christon Bank.

14th Jan12,Christon Bank 7:30am

The car was too frozen so we had a walk around the woods by the village. The theme was silhouettes of trees.

14th January12, Beadnell Bay, 2pm

Meet Buttons - Buttons tolerates Daisy but just wants to play with his ball and wishes she would leave him in peace.

Giving up on Buttons, Daisy spots more pals in the dunes - she does a lot of standing and staring (she is a sighthound after all)

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

orange to gold

2012-01-10T12:52:00.001Z

10th Jan12, Low Newton, 8am

Up and about for Bob's training course this morning.

At 8am there was no wind and the light of the sun was bright orange...

In less than an hour the light changed to gold and the wind was picking up...

...and even when the rest of the sky was grey/blue and a stiff breeze whipped through the dunes the colour hung around behind the castle.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

over-burdened

2012-01-09T10:22:00.001Z

9th Jan12, Howick shore, 8am

Just one quick iPhone shot of the sunrise this morning. I seemed to be over-laden with gloves/toys/lead/poo bags and I never got round to getting the camera out too. It didn't stop me from collecting a carrier bag full of litter blown into the bushes.

calm at last

2012-01-06T10:58:00.001Z

6th Jan12, Football Hole, 8am

Lovely golden light and the wind has died down finally.

The sea was quite calm while the west wind was blowing but this morning a big swell was telling a story about the storms that have now passed out over the N Sea

We enjoyed the peace and quiet and Daisy chased her ball with usual enthusiasm.

Golden light on the sand at the water's edge.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

8am and all's well

2012-01-05T10:21:00.000Z

5th Jan11, Dunstanburgh, 8am

Happy New Year all.

It's taken me a while to get into 2012 routine but this morning felt a bit more like it.

A gorgeous sunrise behind the castle, Daisy had a play with two of her sisters and all was well with the world.

We wandered to the Craster side of the castle to see the warm glow of the new sunlight illuminating the stonework. There was a photographer down on the shoreline (centre bottom) made to look tiny by the unfolding dawn around him. On occasion the futility of trying to 'capture' nature on a sensor the size of a postage stamp strikes me... Never forget to just stand and drink in the scene and forget about f-stops and shutter speeds for a while.

Daisy was hoping here sisters would still be hanging around and trotted on by in anticipation of more games.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Year's end

2011-12-27T17:22:00.000Z

27th Dec11, Newton Links, 8am

After a great Christmas I woke up with a miserable cold this morning. Nonetheless we headed to the beach and I let daisy do all the running around while I plodded, sniffed and admired the sunrise.

This will be the last entry of 2011 and I must say Thanks to those of you who have contributed comments now and again either face-to-face or via the blog. It means a lot to me when I see that people are enjoying what I offer via Northumberland360. The blog nearly came to an end in October after 3 years but I received so many nice messages on its birthday that I decided it would survive and it will continue into 2012 while the rest of my photography businesses get a major overhaul and rebranding - watch this space and Thanks again.

We're off to Scotland for Hogmanay so Happy New Year everyone.
Andy

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Two faces of a Dog's Life

2011-12-24T11:39:00.000Z

23rd Dec11, Embleton Bay, 8am

I've been driving Su to work for 3 weeks and this was the first chance to get to the beach in the morning for all that time.

Daisy was in her element having the beach to herself. This side of her all quiet and serene...

...but even more fun to share it with a friend.

Dexter the pointer and Daisy were a blur of movement as they chased and frolicked all over the sand. It's great to be able to excercise the dogs while doing no more than standing chatting to friends...

24th Dec11, Christmas Eve, Low Newton, 8am

Happy Christmas everyone from a dark but beautiful Northumberland

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Adrian's Wall

2011-12-20T09:15:00.000Z

17th Dec11, Hadrian's Wall, 2pm

I was on Hadrian's wall for a photoshoot with a musician called Adrian Nation but the light was so gorgeous that I had to snap a few shots of the surroundings without Adrian!

We walked from Steel Rigg along to sycamore gap. There are more photos (with Adrian) on my other blog click here

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

The Sleeping Lady

2011-12-15T16:04:00.000Z

15th Dec11, Howick Coast, 2pm

What a fine day. I spent the morning hustling through paperwork and getting orders to the post office just so I could get out to play in the sun...

Even at this time of day the sun is low in the sky casting a warm light gently and selectively over the landscape as if it chooses its favourite locations to be lit up.

I spotted a ladybird sleeping her way through winter in the shelter of a metal gate fitting.

Daisy loves to jump up the bank to have a view over the field.

As ever she's very pretty; here against the now setting sun.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

First Snows

2011-12-12T09:42:00.000Z

10th Dec11, Christon Bank, 08:30am

Saturday was Malcolm's PhotoWorkshop and it was forecast to be clear and frosty. A bit surprising then to find 2 inches of snow and still more falling from a grey sky!

We had an unscheduled wander around the fields and woods of Christon Bank to take in the atmosphere while the snow lay delicately on the trees tracing every branch and twig in white.

Within an hour or two the snow was all gone from the trees and within 24 hours all gone, melted, away.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

3 dawns and the moon

2011-12-05T17:13:00.000Z

1st Dec11, Low Newton, 8am

The first sunrise of December beautiful out over the sea.

2nd Dec11, Newton Links, 8am

The 2nd sunrise of December kisses the tops of the dunes.

Looking back at the frosty grass and blinding sun.

3rd Dec11, Embleton Bay, 8am

The 3rd sunrise of December was slow and languid. I sat in the shelter of someone's beach house until Daisy got bored and we moved on.

5th Dec11, Newton Links, 3pm

As the light fades the moon's reflection sits on the sand as Daisy waits for me to do something more interesting. The West of the country has snow but we are sheltering behind the Cheviots and staying cold but clear.

Don't forget the 2012 calendar is now available. Click here to have a sneak preview You can buy direct from my website or by contacting me direct.

This year there are 10 A3 sized but also 20 smaller desk calendars

They are priced at £20 and £10 respectively.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

busy, busy

2011-11-30T12:45:00.001Z

30th Nov11, Embleton Bay, 8am

Lots to do at the moment so the blog's not being updated as often...

Nell's first training course was on a lovely morning and we were on location and ready for the sun to come up.

The Skaith was calm and reflective at first...

...once the sun was up the winds started stirring across the surface of the pool.

evening skies

2011-11-22T17:21:00.000Z

20th Nov11, Howick Gardens, 3pm

Shaggy Ink Cap - We've eaten these before but there was only one so we left it in peace.

My favourite tree in Howick is this tall, slender multi-trunked Scot's Pine.. I've photographed it before and it's particularly striking against the late afternoon sky.

Mist was forming in the fields giving a very English view across to the winter trees.

22nd Nov11, Low Newton, 3pm

Very calm and peaceful as the sun dipped behind the dunes.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

2012 Northumberland360 calendar

2011-11-21T20:52:00.000Z

The 2012 calendar is now available. Click here to have a sneak preview You can buy direct from my website or by contacting me direct.

This year there are 10 A3 sized but also 20 smaller desk calendars

They are priced at £20 and £10 respectively.

Andy

weekend catch up

2011-11-20T12:17:00.001Z

18th Nov11, Embleton Bay, 3pm

Fred the Doberman lives in our village and he and Daisy get on fine. Today Fred nicked Daisy's ball as she looked on helplessly

The sunset reflected in a beach hut window.

19th Nov11, Embleton Bay, 8am

Kerstin's training course and we had a lovely morning. The Skaith is dammed by seaweed just now so the water is high and gives lovely reflections.

Where The Skaith empties across the sand there are nice textures in the water but you have to down close to make a nice photograph out of the scene.

Up closer to Dunstanburgh Castle and the 'cannonball boulders' make a nice foreground. With the tide in, it's nice to see a hint of sea.

Details in amongst the rocks.

20th Nov11, Fallodon Woods, 8am

Unidentified fungi around a beech tree.

Lovely autumn colours and textures in the woods

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

running up that hill

2011-11-18T09:24:00.000Z

18th Nov11, Embleton Bay, 8am

Embleton Bay's quieter at this time of year but you rarely get it to yourself. It's a popular place. Daisy and I took to the dunes and her athleticism as she sprinted up the dune is awesome.

She had a well deserved rest at the top while she surveyed the golf course and watched a couple of distant dogs.

With the tide this high, the curve of the bay is emphasised and the view in this direction (North, away from the castle) is much more pleasing to the eye.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Look, The Sun!

2011-11-17T14:46:00.000Z

17th Nov11, Low Newton, 8am

First time I've seen the sun for a few days it seems. At this time of year it gives off no direct heat whatsoever and it just seems to dimly illuminate the landscape.

The textures of the sand, waves and open sea are beautiful in this light.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

silly moos

2011-11-13T08:45:00.000Z

13th Nov11, Newton Links, 7am

Best morning for a while with hints of colour in the clouds out towards the sunrise.

Meanwhile out West a full moon hung in the sky. Here's its reflection beside Daisy.

Finally the sun made its appearance weakly through the clouds.

As we walked back a herd of cows meandered towards us on the beach threatening to cut off our retreat. Fortunately they wandered further along the sand without giving us a 2nd glance allowing us to reach the safety of the dunes.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

roaming free

2011-11-07T12:05:00.000Z

7th Nov11, Beadnell Bay, 8am

Another lovely morning (once the ice was scraped off the car). Daisy was roaming free but 3 dogs have been poisoned in our village recently so I'm watching her like a hawk.

Most likely poisoned bait has been left somewhere for 'vermin' to eat and the dogs have found it too. It's nasty, dangerous, selfish, and illegal.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Sunny Daisy

2011-11-04T16:19:00.000Z

4th Nov11, Newton Links, 3pm
Bright and sunny on the beach and, at nearly 15 degC, as warm as some days this summer.

Daisy met lots of doggy friends so was feeling very pleased. She stood over me as I lazed on the sand for a while...

As the shadows lengthened we headed for home.

Up North for me this weekend. Sleeping in a cold, damp bothy to remind me what a nice home I have...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

contrasts

2011-11-01T17:09:00.000Z

1st Nov11, Howick coast, 3pm

This is one of my favourite places for a walk (especially as the livestock are now grazing the dunes for the winter). Where else can you start your walk down a farm track, pass through beautiful, sun-dappled (muddy) woodland, and, within yards, emerge out onto a sandy beach?

First though, Daisy (being a sight-hound) likes to pause for a view across a field. Here she is at her level...

...and here she is from my viewpoint!

Here's our walk in 4 pictures...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

a trip inland

2011-10-30T17:06:00.000Z

30th Oct11, Debdon nr Rothbury, 3pm

I was in Rothbury yesterday but didn't have time to stop for photos of the gorgeous autumn colours. So we were back today for a fine walk on a warm autumn day...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

three mornings

2011-10-30T12:04:00.000Z

28th Oct11, Embleton Bay, 9am

It was a beautiful, bright morning on Friday for Jon's training course. A chilly wind but nice to be out and about...

29th Oct11, Embleton Bay, 9am

Less blue sky but much more character in the light for Steve's training course on Saturday. The peach coloured sky hung around behind the castle for ages after the sun was well up in the sky.

30th Oct11, Low Newton, 8am GMT

The clocks went back last night which just confused my body-clock totally as ever.

There was a lovely, gentle golden light waiting for us on the beach this morning.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

calm returns

2011-10-26T12:27:00.000+01:00

26th Oct11, Newton Links, 8am

After a stormy few days the wind has gone elsewhere this morning and all was still and reflective on the beach.

The sea remains restless, bringing news of distant storms.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Sunrise Story

2011-10-22T09:24:00.001+01:00

22nd Oct11, Embleton bay, 6:30 - 8am

Daisy gave me some funny looks when we opened the back door into the dark of night but she happily joined me on the pitch black beach. Her amazing night vision meant she could chase her ball when it was completely lost to my sight.

The camera too struggled to see in the twilight before sunrise so I played around with some handheld shots at very grainy high ISO...

Then a 1 second exposure with deliberate movement of the camera

Soon the light was bright enough for more conventional photography and we walked on taking in different views of the constantly changing light.

Finally the sun came up and daylight would follow.. Time for breakfast...

This morning's free sunrise made me think about materialism:

One old tennis ball
Is all you need to have fun
When you are a dog

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Happy Birthday

2011-10-20T13:38:00.000+01:00

20th Oct11, Embleton bay, 8am

The blog is 3 years old today! So here's a regular readers' quiz;

Q: What happens the day after a windy day?

A: Big waves

So off we walked; Daisy golden in the morning sun.

Bereft of a toy, she decided she would have my glove off my hand. This was so cute (and it was my fault I forgot the ball) so I had to let her off with it...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

the north wind doth blow

2011-10-19T10:12:00.001+01:00

19th Oct11, Newton Links, 8am

Another bright day but out and about a wee bit earlier so the light was warm and delicate. It was around 5C with a brisk northerly wind. it's out first properly cold morning and it was nice to wrap up in the old winter jacket.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

too bright!

2011-10-18T09:34:00.000+01:00

15th Oct11, Embleton Bay & Dunstanburgh Castle, 8:30am

The sun was bright for Joy's training course and it was a lesson in how there's no such thing as bad weather or good weather. On a day like this the light isn't subtle and nuanced but you can always try and capture the brightness of the morning & the joggers, walkers and golfers that share a Saturday morning..

There was lovely light in the shadow of the castle

Stone balancers have been busy amongst the 'cannonball boulders' on the coast

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

gloomy

2011-10-14T12:44:00.000+01:00

13th Oct11, Newton Point, 6pm

It's been a bit cloudy and gloomy this week. here's a moody view across Embleton Bay

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

warm welcome

2011-10-11T08:51:00.001+01:00

11th Oct11, Newton Links, 7:30am

After a fantastic break in Madeira we're home! Even with a 20 C drop in temperature we had a warm welcome from Daisy and the beach put on a good show for us this morning too.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

ghosts in the mist

2011-10-01T17:21:00.000+01:00

1st Oct11, Craster to Dunstanburgh, 11am

Good long walk with friends and a bacon sandwich halfway.

Warm but hazy today with very atmospheric shots out to sea.

A ghostly yacht slips by out to sea but the fishermen were far from ghostly as they travelled up from Craster on petrol powered scooters. I think I have officially seen it all...

This shot reminded me of those rubbish photographs purporting to be mysterious, ghostly figures appearing at castle windows. Nothing ghostly about this but a fun composition.

Daisy and Su at the castle

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

basking in the sun

2011-09-30T12:08:00.000+01:00

30th Sept11, Embleton Bay, 9am

Nice to see Sue today for her 2nd visit with me.

First off, a more cooperative ladybird basking in the sun.

There was a pleasingly cool breeze on the beach and lots of folk were out and about

I'm off on holiday for a week after this weekend and it's been great to have been here for the good weather.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

meanwhile in the woods...

2011-09-30T08:13:00.000+01:00

30th Sept11, Christon Bank, 7am

Last training course of the week so up early again for another lovely dawn. Possibly the last day of the heatwave for our corner of England.

Meanwhile in the woods this ladybird was in a hurry...

...and we're reminded that this is autumn, not summer.

Enough conkers to keep spiders out the house for the winter

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

not a bad wee lens...

2011-09-29T19:32:00.000+01:00

29th Sept11, Newton Links, 6pm

What a beautiful evening. So warm (20 degC at 6pm at end of September - unheard of!) Summer temperatures but equinox sunset times.

All these shots are on the iPhone

Big spring tides just now right up to the path through the rocks...

Someone's been busy these last few days making stone towers. Lovely in the golden light.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Indian Summer

2011-09-29T16:52:00.000+01:00

28th Sept11, Christon Bank, 7am

Another early walk and another beautiful sunrise. This 'Indian Summer' is amazing. We're having the warmest days of the summer...

28th Sept11, Embleton Bay, 8am

Daphne, Susan and Barbara joined me this morning for a training course and we had a beautifully sunny morning...

29th Sept11, Newton Links, 8am

Back to normal routine today and Daisy was able to run around to her heart's content leaving paw prints as she went.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

colour or black & white

2011-09-27T13:34:00.000+01:00

27th Sept11, Christon Bank, 7am

An early walk with Daisy before a training course this morning meant that we witnessed a lovely sunrise over the fields.

This is a shot that needed to be rendered in colour...

27th Sept11, Embleton Bay, 8am

By the time of Robert's training course at 8am, the colour was gone from the sky leaving beautiful grey clouds which invited a black and white treatment.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

run in the sun

2011-09-22T09:51:00.001+01:00

21st Sept11, Newton Links, 6pm

Daisy had been denied her walk until this evening so was fired up & ready to go when we got onto the big empty beach.

The latest in my series of abstract images of the coast and dunes.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

last, not least

2011-09-19T17:00:00.001+01:00

19th Sept11, Embleton Bay, 8am

Lovely day for a training course this morning. It's interesting how much easier photography is without a distracting (if much loved) doggy zipping about.

Everything on today's post has been photographed by me before except this last one. It's my favourite of the day - possibly because it's a bit different.

It's a detail from an old boat (in case you're wondering)

19th Sept11, Newton Point, 3pm

Aforementioned much loved puppy could see a dog 1 mile away on the beach

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

hadrian's wall visit

2011-09-18T19:01:00.000+01:00

18th Sept11, Hadrian's Wall (nr Housesteads), 1pm

A bit inland today to join some friends in the middle of walking the whole wall for charity.

Another showery day but beautiful light all around.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

passing rain

2011-09-18T18:57:00.001+01:00

17th Sept11, Embleton Bay, 7am

Showers were forecast but they passed us by...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

His n Hers

2011-09-16T11:17:00.000+01:00

15th Sept11, Embleton Bay, 1pm

A nice afternoon for Fred's training course. We didn't need to venture far to get a few different shots of the day...

The autumn colours are starting to appear in the bracken on the dunes

Lots of couples with dogs today...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

down the allotments

2011-09-15T09:53:00.000+01:00

15th Sept11, Alnwick 8am

A bit different this morning as I wandered around allotments in Alnwick for various reasons...

It was a perfect, calm morning with gentle light.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

family long legs

2011-09-14T20:06:00.000+01:00

14th Sept11, Newton Links, 6pm

Nice light for a family portrait...

North across the south end of Beadnell bay. I seem to be here every day nowadays - I must shake things up a bit...

Daisy had plenty of running around on the two beaches and around the rabbit warren inbetween

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Anybody out there...?

2011-09-13T12:40:00.000+01:00

13th Sept11, Newton Links, 8am

After yesterday's passing 'hurricane' the world is suddenly covered with autumn leaves and there's lots of free kindling for those of us with wood-burners.

Every time I walk onto the beach when it's empty it takes my breath away.

We had a bit of time to ourselves and then met some pals for a chat and a play.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Fun in the sun with Rory

2011-09-11T12:23:00.000+01:00

11th Sept11, Embleton Bay, 8am

Windy and bright this morning but lovely and quiet along the bay.

We spent yesterday around the Scottish Borders visiting various artists in their studios. Landscape photography can be just too literal for me sometimes. It's nice to interpret a scene like a painter can and come up with a more expressive image. This image is a mixture of in-camera techniques and a wee bit of Photoshop..

...but then photography comes into its own when there's a story to tell...meet Rory the boxer dog. He and Daisy have been pals for a while now. They're a similar age and have similar energy levels.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

peace and quiet

2011-09-08T11:18:00.000+01:00

8th Sept11, nr Christon Bank, 8am

I love this little stretch of lane and this morning there was a gentle rain falling on the leaves above our heads. It was nice to stand and listen to the hiss and patter of the rain while all was peaceful all around.

Nearby is a very basic level crossing where the footpath meets the East Coast main line with its 100 mph trains. You can't say you haven't been warned...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

bright n breezy

2011-09-07T10:53:00.000+01:00

6th Sept11, Newton Links 4pm

There were dark clouds around which meant I carried a rucsack with a jacket in. Lo and behold there too was my polariser filter. For those who don't know, this gadget gives lovely rich blue skies on a sunny day...

Daisy was trying to bite the sand as it whipped past her mouth...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

quiet, too quiet

2011-09-06T10:11:00.000+01:00

5th Sept11, Newton Links 8am

It was a very peaceful sea this morning with none of the forecast rain - yet!

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

wide open

2011-08-31T19:37:00.000+01:00

31st August 11, Newton Links 6pm

This morning I was up a lane in Glasgow and now back home to the wide open spaces...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

hale and hearty

2011-08-29T10:10:00.000+01:00

29th August 11, Newton Point, 7:30am

8 degC - August!! Lynn, I bet Adelaide's warmer than this in your winter!

A fierce NW wind is bringing a cold wind down over the country and I was in full winter gear with the first wooly hat of the season.

Daisy doesn't mind; she seems to positively enjoy wind in her fur and this is one of her favourite vantage points.

On the moor in a howling gale
Feeling hearty, feeling hale,
Wind is whipping ears and tail
Homeward we must go.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

busy?

2011-08-28T13:03:00.001+01:00

28th August 11, Newton Links, 8am

6 people on the beach at 8am on a Sunday - must be a bank holiday!

Gorgeous sky for us to appreciate although some were too sweaty (runners), too shivery (loan swimmer) or too obsessed with paying £2 to park their £45,000 car (you know who you are) to notice.

Chill out people, life's too short.

From behind a cloud
The sun lights up the sea
And we're walking on the sand
You and Me

I must stop writing songs about my dog!

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

black and blue

2011-08-26T09:28:00.000+01:00

25th August 11, Newton Links, 7pm

A rare evening walk and Daisy's 3rd walk of the day. As is the way, the sky changed slowly as we walked from the last blues of the day to the first blacks of the night.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Happy Families

2011-08-24T10:24:00.001+01:00

23rd August 11, Boulmer, 4pm

The shore North of Boulmer is fairly bleak, especially at low tide when there's a vast expanse of flat, weedy rocks. This is a much loved area for folk who gather something from the rocks for reasons outside of my knowledge - fishing bait, seafood?

Inspired by chatting to a couple of artists on Twitter yesterday I've taken a slightly abstract approach to the shore.

...and then I came across this happy family. Regular readers of my blog will know how much I appreciate it when visitors leave art behind them. Isn't it great?

PS there's a bit more to this creation than I've photographed - you'll have to get on your bike and find it for yourself to see that...!

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

romp and contemplate

2011-08-23T12:17:00.000+01:00

23rd August 11, Newton Links, 8am

Thanks to all for birthday wishes via Facebook and Twitter - very touching and oh so a la mode!

I was brought a rabbit from the garden for my birthday at 7:30 this morning. No pictures were taken of the 'rabbit incident' and we'll move on...

Daisy joined me for my birthday walk on the beach and it was blissful.

While I walked, Daisy had a romp in the waves...

...then contemplated the view for a while....

...and so did I.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

no poser

2011-08-22T12:30:00.000+01:00

21st August 11, Newton Point, 5pm

On Sunday morning I'd photographed two lovely dogs (click this link) but it's harder to photograph your own dog.

First she wouldn't look at the camera...

...then she turned round with her eyes shut! Uncooperative hound.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

first light

2011-08-20T07:32:00.000+01:00

20th August 11, Embleton Bay, 6am

Up early as I noticed the sunrise out the window.

It's the first time I've seen colour in the morning sky for a few months and it reminds me of what a great season autumn is....

The first view is from The Sportsman's Hotel terrace

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

ominous

2011-08-20T07:20:00.000+01:00

19th August 11, Christon Bank, 6pm

En route to the pub I got stuck at the level-crossing and noticed I was surrounded by these amazing cloudscapes.

A few raindrops were starting to zing to earth as the barriers went up but these clouds seem to threaten more than rain...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

flat calm

2011-08-19T12:30:00.000+01:00

19th August 11, Howick Coast, 8am

A fine, peaceful morning down at Howick with the sea flat calm.

The 'stone-age' hut has now been demolished completely and is missing from the skyline.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

glimpses

2011-08-17T10:20:00.000+01:00

17th August 11, Newton Links, 8am

We met some lovely people and dogs today. Daisy had a great time chasing around. Here we catch a glimpse of her as she passes through the grasses.

On our way back via the inland path there's a glimpse of the sea shining invitingly through the dunes

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

rough ground

2011-08-16T16:54:00.001+01:00

16th August 11, Embleton Quarry, 4pm

So warm when the sun's out and then so uncomfortable when the rain comes on.

Daisy, of course, is unaffected and raced around the quarry. She loves to sprint over uneven ground and leap through long grass more than running on open sand.

Harvest time...

A stop for a drink

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

opposite views

2011-08-15T10:52:00.000+01:00

15th August 11, Newton Point, 8am

First a big hello to all my blog followers that I met at the craft fair on Sunday. It was a good day - we never make much money, it's always about meeting people who enjoy following Daisy's adventures. Next year maybe daisy will come to the fair too!

On a pleasant sunny morning we sat on the point and a yacht came past nicely silhouetted against the sun.

Daisy meantime was unimpressed with the yacht and was looking in the opposite direction, scanning the meadows for something to chase.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

look no rain!

2011-08-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

10th August 11, Embleton Bay, 9am

Tuseday has been the only dry day of the week and happily that was the day for John's training course.

The sea was fantastic filling the bay with big breakers and the sky was blue with glowing bright clouds. Regular readers will have noticed I'm in a black & white mood these days...

It's no surprise that John went home with an A4 print of one of his own photographs converted into black and white too!

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

choices, choices

2011-08-08T19:49:00.000+01:00

8th August 11, Newton Links, 6pm

The terns have flown from their nests and it means we have access to the whole beach again. The wind was blowing Daisy's tennis ball southwards and she stood contemplating running after it or spooking the gulls for fun.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Ephemeral Art

2011-08-05T18:31:00.000+01:00

5th August 11, Howick Coast, 4pm

After a week in Yorkshire we're back and Daisy has a new present. A buff for dogs - what will they think of next!

A visitor has created this beautiful artwork on the shore. Consisting of a cairn with arch, two outlying arches and a distant balanced stone.

By the time we left, the balance stone was already overwhelmed by the rising tide. By tonight I think these will all be gone.

You can see all 3 arches and the balanced stone sticking up just in the water.

Is this the same mystery artist who created the tower on the 6th August last year? I suspect so.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Freedom to Run

2011-07-29T11:41:00.000+01:00

29th July 11, Newton Links, 6am

We've been up and about early the last couple of mornings catching the low sun and low tide.

Daisy loves the freedom of an empty beach to run and run...

...Before eventually she slows down to a walk and we head home for breakfast.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Tale of a tail

2011-07-27T11:44:00.000+01:00

27th July 11, Christon Bank, 8am

Early walk round the woods this morning when Daisy spotted something in the hedge...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Harvest Home

2011-07-24T10:29:00.000+01:00

24th July 11, at home, 9am

Dotting around the house this morning uploading photographs from yesterday's wedding.

Here's today's fine harvest from the tomato and courgette plants...

...and the smoke from an incense cone photographed against the black case of our iPad - very useful things iPads!

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Old Beach Road

2011-07-23T09:41:00.000+01:00

23rd July 11, Newton Links, 7am

Something a bit different today. Thanks to Uwe for the idea.

This video is of Johnny Dickinson, an excellent local Northumbrian blues musician (although this video's from Kentucky). Play the video and then browse my sea pictures from this morning's spectacular waves. (note the video might make you a bit sea-sick but that all adds to the effect!)

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

hidden treasures

2011-07-21T18:39:00.000+01:00

21st July 11, Fallodon Woods, 3pm

Some hidden treasures around the woods today..

Some are natural and edible...

Some are very unnatural...

You can go in the right direction for an explanation by googling 'geocaching'

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

we're back!

2011-07-19T09:30:00.000+01:00

19th July 11, Newton Links, 8am

After a weekend away and then a nasty sore throat thing I'm glad to say we're back in action...

I posted a not dissimilar shot to this a few weeks back (which now hangs in our hall) but it seems a nice treatment when the beach is in this mood (empty and reflective)

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Snow White

2011-07-14T13:34:00.000+01:00

14th July 11, Wandylaw 1pm

There are a few fields hereabouts which are white with flowers; like snow drifts across the landscape. I'd be happy to hear from anyone who might know the identity of the crop either by leaving a comment or via Twitter (@nland360)

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Not so sad

2011-07-14T09:59:00.000+01:00

13th July 11, Howick Coast, 2pm

Lovely bright afternoon with fine crashing waves at high tide.

14th July 11, Newton Point, 8am

I had an interesting chat with the National Trust warden this morning about our flower meadow. It is technically a hay meadow but it's still recovering from a time a few years ago when it wasn't managed properly.

I thought I'd found a melancholy thistle but it's a hardhead thistle or knapweed. Melancholy thistles like wet ground, knapweeds like dry soil (like the dunes). The melancholy thistle is so named because its head droops as if hanging its head in sadness. I too would be sad if I was standing around in wet places all day.

Here's a happy face.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

incongruity

2011-07-10T18:56:00.000+01:00

10th July 11, Ford Moss, 4pm

A rare treat of a walk inland. Ford Moss used to be a colliery but is now a restored peat bog and nature reserve. On the hill above are some cup and ring marked rocks and from here you can see the Eildon Hills near Melrose, the Cheviots are next door and the sea is still visible to the East.

The colliery chimney still stands; now incongruous in the landscape.

Ring marks are so fascinating - such a fleeting link with the past. They must have been important as they are found all over the country but their purpose is long forgotten. This part of Northumberland is very rich with them.

No obvious ring marks on this slab but it looks as if this massive circle has been segregated deliberately and there is, I think, a cup mark nearly dead-centre.

Daisy likes a view and I think she's not seen such an expansive view for a while.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Happy Families

2011-07-10T08:45:00.000+01:00

10th July 11, Newton Point, 06:30am

A few folk around despite the early hour. It was a very pleasant morning so why not just get up?

This family of shelducks will have had their nest in a sandy burrow but they're always around the rocks now they're bigger. According to my book, 'Sheld' is an old word meaning variagated or patterned which is very appropriate for these handsome birds. Sometimes one or more female Shelducks will lay their eggs in another's nest and the poor foster mum can end up with 32 eggs to look after. Two adults and 12 chicks here so just their own family - big enough I would say!

Two different views of the flower meadows again. I make no apology - they are beautiful this year

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

sighthound

2011-07-07T12:03:00.000+01:00

7th July 11, Howick shore, 8am

After yesterday's heavy rain we headed for the nicely made path at Howick to avoid any mud.

The wind was up and lovely waves were sweeping into the shore.

Two different thistles: Thistle 1 was in a sheltered spot and both photographer and bees could take advantage of the still conditions...

Thistle 2 was in the barley field and was blowing around vigorously.

Being a sighthound, Daisy likes a vantage point to visually survey the landscape in case of rabbits, hares, any other moving things...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

mooching in the rain

2011-07-06T09:59:00.000+01:00

5th July 11, Newton Point, 8am

Curiously, I was listening to a Radio4 documentary about the decline of hay meadows (only 4 sq miles left in UK apparently) as I was wandering through our wild flower meadow behind the dunes on Newton Point. Listen here

6th July 11, around Christon Bank, 8am

The blessed, cooling relief of a gentle Atlantic front dowsing us with soft rain this morning. I can always walk further in the rain (I'm from W coast of Scotland remember) so we ended up at Brunton Mill. I had a mooch about the old buildings - I'd love to know more of their history.

All pics by Hipstamatic on iPhone

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

You've been framed

2011-07-04T16:08:00.000+01:00

4th July 11, Low Newton. 8am

No sea fret - another clear, bright and warm morning.

This is now a self-catering cottage. I suspect it uses "bijou" in the description somewhere...

An odd wooden frame on the beach this morning. Any ideas?

It made an interesting in-situ photo frame

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

too close for comfort

2011-07-03T20:38:00.001+01:00

3rd July 11, Newton Links, 6pm

We sat for a while watching the waves crashing on the rocks on a gorgeous sunny evening. I got a bit wet in my dedication to get this shot as a wave came a bit too close for comfort

Oyster catchers spooked by a pair of very low flying microlights.

Time for a few games on Football Hole

Note the sea fret out on the horizon - I suspect we might be fog bound tomorrow...

Lovely colour on the meadows this year; especially against the westering sun.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

unoriginal

2011-07-01T15:55:00.000+01:00

30th June 11, Newton Links, 3pm

Showery weather continues and rain passes us by safely out to sea...

1st July 11, Low Newton, 8am

Ian joined me for a 3 hour PhotoTrail today and we had good weather; interesting light to start with and lots of interesting people & things to photograph as the day drew on.

1st July 11, Howick Coast, 2pm

Lovely afternoon and a walk on the rocky shore (as I'd been on the sandy beach all morning!)

By the swimming pools near the bathing house

This is the "Joe Cornish" shot of the bathing house from one of the swimming pools. His book of photographs of the Northumberland Coast is very inspirational with many original perspectives on well known landmarks. I don't suppose he used an iPhone...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Fun in the Sun

2011-06-29T16:37:00.000+01:00

29th June 11, Newton Links, 3pm

As clouds threaten, we headed off to the beach for some fun in the sun before the rain...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

blue all over

2011-06-29T12:10:00.000+01:00

29th June 11, Embleton Bay, 8am

A very enjoyable course with Chris this morning. As a painter, Chris was able to feedback some very interesting observations from that perspective.

There's something Lowry about this dog-walker's gait.

First thing this morning there were no clouds, no vapour trails, just a beautiful empty sky with every shade of blue represented in a natural gradient across the sky

An abstract view of the sand.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

shapes and stories

2011-06-28T11:50:00.000+01:00

28th June 11, Embleton Bay, 8am

A bit fresher this morning but a beautiful day. Daisy had a good run around with New Friend 'Boots' and was very warm. She waded deeper in the waves than normal and the sea cooled her tummy down nicely.

Another pair of contrasting images today form the same spot. The 2nd image is 4:3 ratio - straight out the camera, the first is two images joined into a panorama. The panorama allows us to drink in the view and gives a feeling of wide space while the other image is all about the sky. Same place, two stories...

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Game On

2011-06-27T13:11:00.000+01:00

27th June 11, Newton Links, 8am

Daisy didn't get to the beach yesterday and she was ready for a bit of fun this morning...

It was so warm I had only a shirt n shorts on for the first time this year. (19 degC - warm for us)

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Surf's Up

2011-06-24T12:34:00.000+01:00

24th June 11, Newton Links, 8am

No rain likely this morning but a chilly North wind kept the fleece jacket in place.

As ever, yesterday's storms had kicked up a swell which was crashing into the bays. Daisy dug a series of holes while I sat and watched the waves

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Misplaced Pessimism

2011-06-23T13:22:00.000+01:00

23rd June 11, Embleton Bay, 8am

This morning's rain radar didn't look good and I was coming up with Plan B's for Andy's PhotoTrail at 8am. In the end the clouds parted as they came closer and the main storm headed south and west while other clouds headed east of us.

Looking South across Embleton bay. We're bathed in sun while the weather rages on someone else somewhere south.

To the East a thin line of clouds drifted down the horizon

Dunstanburgh castle was caught between the two arms of the storm clouds.

A rare shot westward and inland over the Skaith towards Embleton and the rain that never was...

Finally a random shot of some ferns.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

A year on...

2011-06-23T12:52:00.002+01:00

Daisy came to us on 23rd June 2010 (aged 7 weeks).

Hasn't she grown?!

Ways of seeing

2011-06-22T09:26:00.000+01:00

22nd June 11, Newton Links, 8am

A fine morning on an empty beach with beautiful clouds around.

This yacht's crew must have been up early. Not much wind on the beach but obviously enough to fill the sails out there.

Big clouds like these sometimes make me see a scene in black and white - for b/w to work there has to be big variations in tone, not colour. It's all about shades of grey. Ansel Adams wrote extensively about visualising the tonal range of a finished print while viewing the landscape. Of course he didn't have a 2.5" LCD screen to preview his images so what he achieved was all the more impressive.

First here's a colour shot as there's plenty of blue, golden sand and green grass to give a nice colourful landscape...

...no less impressive in black and white though.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Late start

2011-06-20T17:36:00.000+01:00

20th June 11, Craster shore, 11am

Today was a 3 hour PhotoTrail with Terry. We started late as we had swapped the course forward a day due to tomorrow's poor weather forecast.

We spent some time around the harbour, wandered up the shore to Dunstanburgh Castle and back via the heughs where there's a lovely little sheltered valley full of butterflies, insects and wildflowers.

Lots of different textures encountered en route.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

A sense of scale

2011-06-20T09:52:00.001+01:00

20th June 11, Howick Coast, 8am

We humans have a very narrow field of view when it comes to scale. I remember at university going from a lecture on the geology of the solar system straight into a lecture on the chemistry of sub-atomic particles - Fair blew a fuse that did!

Some things are too old for us to fully comprehend like this sandstone that someone has crafted a beautiful pillar out of. 350 million years old - visualise that if you can...

Some things are just too small to see. This wild thyme is so beautiful up close but how many clumpy feet walk by it every day without seeing?

The bees happily buzz from poppy to poppy beating their wings so fast that we can't even see them. Living a life on a microscopic scale; ignoring us and the bizarre things we think are important.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Use your eyes to see
the world we normally don't.
Appreciate life

A rare treat

2011-06-19T19:59:00.000+01:00

19th June 11, Christon Bank, 7:30pm

Our friend the red squirrel pops over from Fallodon woods every so often. This morning he lifted the nut feeder of it's hook and dropped it to the ground. This knocks the lid off so he can get some peanuts. This evening he's back but he's taking wee bits of nut through the mesh while hanging upside down. Maybe I should invest in a longer zoom lens as my 300mm doesn't do Mr Squirrel justice.

We should never forget just how rare it is to have these guys visit your garden - not rare round Christon Bank but rare just about everywhere else

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

wall elves

2011-06-17T15:54:00.000+01:00

16th June 11, Newton Point, 3pm

This wall is being slowly restored and the bit that's finished is really nicely done. I think it's National Trust volunteers on work parties which is why it's built a few feet at a time but I've never seen anyone work on it. Maybe it's Wall Elves?

17th June 11, Newton Point, 8am

The wild flowers on the meadows are beautiful just now. During the winter I have a moan about the sheep and cows that stop me letting daisy off the lead but it's their grazing that allows the wild flowers to grow through so I should remember this scene next winter...

Daisy suddenly camera shy amongst the buttercups...

We had Football Hole beach to ourselves this morning so we each wandered around doing our own thing. Very relaxing.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Old friends...

2011-06-15T09:51:00.000+01:00

14th June 11, Craster, 8am

It was really nice to meet Gareth and John both, coincidentally, back for another course after they had attended, coincidentally, the same course together last year. As we went to Dunstanburgh last year, we headed towards the castle from Craster harbour this time.

It was a pleasantly warm day and for me the clouds were the thing today.

14th June 11, Beadnell bay, 3pm

Back to just Daisy for company. Although there were a few cars in the car park there weren't many people on the beach.

As usual daisy chose to ignore her tennis ball in favour of a old bit of seaweed.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

plodging dog

2011-06-13T17:26:00.000+01:00

13th June 11, Newton Point, 3pm

After a rainy weekend it was nice to be back to warm and sunny for today.

Football Hole was picture perfect

Warm enough for Daisy to have a plodge in the sea.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Two names

2011-06-09T14:30:00.000+01:00

6th June 11, Newton Point, 3pm

Thrift (or sea pink) & Bird's Foot Trefoil (or eggs and bacon). It's a great year for wild flowers.

9th June 11, Low Newton, 8am

Training course with Chris this morning and a fine day it was too...

Occasionally visitors will leave something worthwhile on the beach. Simple but effective.

Three leaves but only 2 shadows - why?

A thin slice of Embleton Bay looking Northish from atop the dunes.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

coast to coast

2011-06-06T13:19:00.000+01:00

5th June 11, Newton links, 8am

Back from the coast of Orkney to the coast of Northumberland and here's a masked crab. So called because they have what resembles a face on their shell (apparently). This is a female with little claws. They live beneath the sand and breathe through the long antennae.

6th June 11, Newton links, 8am

Due to a stuck level crossing we went the long way round to Beadnell today but, being adjacent to caravan sites and the village, the beach was too busy for my tastes so we headed back to familiar, quiet ground.

In the background the Coble that features on here quite regularly is making its way from Seahouses to Embleton Bay for a day's fishing.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Back Soon

2011-05-27T09:59:00.002+01:00

27th May 11, Newton links, 8am

This will be my last blog entry before our week's holiday on Orkney

So here are some lines from a song (which I performed at The Ship on Monday night) on being away from Northumberland:

I wish I was in Northumberland the sand beneath my feet
In the early light of dawn, there's a chance I'd never meet
Another living soul to share the beauty that I'd see
I wish I was in Northumberland looking out to sea

I wish I was in Northumberland looking out to sea
The seabirds crying all around, they seem to speak to me
Like a siren's call they keep me here, I am at their command
I wish I was in Northumberland, Walking on the sand...

Back soon... :-)

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life

Lonely Dog

2011-05-24T18:24:00.000+01:00

24th May 11, Low Newton, 8am

Paul joined me for today's training course and we had a fine morning despite a dodgy forecast last night...

24th May11, Newton Links, 4pm

Daisy looked disappointed to find a big empty beach this afternoon as she does like to meet doggy friends. We had a good run about and then met 3 pointers and 2 setters so Daisy was very pleased indeed.

Northumberland Photo Training - Teaching the Art of Natural Photography
andy craig photography - Family Portraits and Wedding Photography
one-eyed-hound.com - Dog Photography ...it's a dog's life