River Wear North Bank Riverside Pathway: The photos here were taken this morning just after sunrise, the sky was quite cloudy lighting was a bit dull to start with but then brightened up a little. As a beginner I tried to take shots that appealed to me, and in some cases I was looking for a photo that would be good to edit and would give me chance to see that difference between raw photos and finished photos. I will share my editing projects as I get round to them so that you can compare the difference and I intend to share how the editing process went and what my aims were.
Along this section of the path I found some really intriguing objects from obscure doors to reminders of Sunderland's ship building heritage to some of the more modern city developments.
There is the statue of Molly, the female shipyard welder who helped out for the war efforts of WW1 & WW2. The sculpture is by Ron Lawson.
Scenes from Roker Park: Taking a walk through Roker Park this morning around 10am, the council guys were test running the fountains in the boating lake which made a nice change from the flat calm waters and added a spectacular bonus for me with my camera. The bird life seemed pretty non-plussed by the whole affair and just got on with paddling around in the sun. It was nice to see that some of the first seasonal flowers were starting to show off, Snowdrops and Crocuses. the bowling green looked in pretty good shape for the time of year. All in all, a very enjoyable walk.
SEABURN BEACH: These photos were all taken using my mobile phone (Samsung S10) camera, at various dates while out walking along Seaburn beach.
This is one of my favourite places as I feel a connection with the sea and strongly believe that my genes make me feel that way. My family history going back hundreds of years have relatives that have been associated with the sea in some way; mariner, sailor, seaman, fisherman and lifeboat-man. I myself spent many years at sea too.
This is definitely my go to place, and with scenes such as these who can argue against it.
Sunrise is particularly special to me.
CRAGSIDE HOUSE: The middle of November last year (2024) I took a little jaunt up to Northumberland to visit one of our favourite National Trust places, Cragside, a place with a wealth of interesting history and situation not too far away, just before you get to the Scottish border. The pictures here were all taken with my newest camera, Canon EOS R50.
The day out represented my first dedicated time to trying to use my camera which is why there is a variety of subject matter and my first efforts of getting to grips with light and shade, reflections and silhouettes as well as structure.
The time of year was also significant as the colours are so much more defined whereas in the summer for instance I will expect much more melding of greens etc.
I intend to visit again in time for the flush of the Rhododendrons which is spectacular and I am looking forward to being able to capture the view in all it's splendour.
