Bryan's Photo Blog

Hartlepool Headland - Windy and cold, but bright

2012-01-23T09:02:00.001Z

I took this one some while ago. I guess that this old lighthouse is of a similar construction to the metal lighthouse at Sunderland, with a cast iron frame and wrought iron cladding. I don't know its year of construction, but it was relocated to its present site during WW1.

A beautifully presented row of Georgian houses.

This gentleman had found a sheltered spot in the sun.

The Municipal Buildings and former market hall dating from 1865, a listed building designed by C. J. Adams. According to the public information notices, it was based upon a Bavarian theme.

Lindisfarne

2012-01-17T09:08:00.002Z

With sub zero temperatures but a clear blue sky, Holy Island looked near its best.

We had been listening to the debate about independence for Scotland while driving so it was appropriate that the cross of St Andrew should be in the sky! Judging by the ceramic plaques on either side of the doors, the building appears to have been an old lifeboat house, now used to store farm equipment.

The levels are well off in this shot, but I prefer the subdued low contrast look that seems to fit the scene.

The much photographed upturned boats that are used as sheds by the fishermen. Trying to avoid a cliche I went for an abstraction, but no doubt that's been done before too!

A study in blue, a freshly refurbished shed.

I saw this vehicle approaching while walking along an embankment, and, thinking that he would be coming my way, scrambled down to a lower level to grab a shot. However he turned off and I had to dash back up the slope and, without time to make any adjustments, take the photo. Sometimes you get lucky!

Well the classic view of the castle, could have done with a more dramatic sky, but you can only take what's there!

The lines of the old lime kilns point obligingly towards the castle.

Canon 5DII 24-105L

New year's Eve Ceilidh - Lanchester

2012-01-03T09:05:00.002Z

Lanchester Wildlife Group organised this sell out event.

The room was too big to fill with flashlight so, for overall shots, I was forced to up the ISO and shoot without flash. Two different approaches, both using ISO 6400 and with the white balance tweaked during the RAW conversion in DPP.

1) Freeze the action 1/100th at f4 24mm

2) Allow some subject blur 1/25th at f9 again 24mm

I think that I prefer this one.

3) Using diffused flash for a closer shot ISO 1600 1/125 f8

At the halfway stage Appalachian step dancers, Step This Way, performed with local lad Colin Tipping playing the fiddle.

Canon 5DII 24-105L

Tynemouth - Windy but sunny

2011-12-21T15:50:00.001Z

Waves crash into the north face of the the pier.

A different world, the south facing side. Seabirds taking shelter in the sunlit lee of Tynemouth Pier

The statue of Collingwood, the naval officer rather than the cricketer.

A Geordie lad, he was the first to engage the enemy and Nelson's second in command at Trafalgar. He took over command when Nelson died. Ended his career Admiral Lord Collingwood, but died at sea circa 5 years after Trafalgar.

A rather more quirky shot, I do like quirky

Canon 5DII

TUC Day of Action - Gateshead Civic Centre

2011-12-02T22:54:00.003Z

I was caught out and moved almost to tears by the band who played the old Methodist tune that I knew from my youth to "While Shepherds Watched", with the chorus "Sweet chiming Christmas Bells". Funny how an unexpected piece of music can carry you back to your childhood. The lovely banner is that of one of the teachers' unions.

For a protest primarily about pensions, there were a good number of relatively young participants.

Three smiling young nurses. This was a very sweet tempered event, most people were happy to pose for the camera.

Need I say more?

These and other photos of the event are on sale via the agency Alamy

Otters in Washington

2011-11-29T19:34:00.002Z

They are to be seen wild down by the river Wear, but I photted these two at the Wetland Centre
They are the Asian short-clawed otters Rod and Musa.

Canon 5D 70-200L f4

North Shields - Clifford's Fort etc

2011-11-18T23:10:00.003Z

Only the damaged walls of the fort remain, and, despite cycling past numerous times, I had not previously noticed this attractive piece of artwork on the riverside. I have carried out some "restoration" of the stained glass in photoshop, as it is in pretty poor condition. Eagle eyed observers might have picked up that what you see here is a mirror image of the actual object, but, this way, you can read what it says!

This lady threw out the remains of a fish and chip lot, which caused the local bird population to go beserk. Surprisingly the pigeons seemed to get the lion's share. Perhaps the gulls are feeding them up for Xmas?

Canon 5D

Lake District in Autumn

2011-11-13T16:35:00.001Z

We enjoyed a fantastic weekend based in Keswick. The days started misty and cold, but then the sun came out and lit the soft autumnal colours of the fells.

Mist over Derwent Water

Borrowdale from Castle Crag

Another shot showing the mist over Derwent Water

Looking towards Rosthwaite From Castle Crag.

Canon 5D

Autumn Colour in Durham City

2011-11-04T07:43:00.000Z

The old mill house and trees reflected in the mirror like surface of the river Wear.

The classic cathedral view, but none the worse for that!

Canon 5D

Beamish Museum in the Autumn

2011-10-31T21:32:00.000Z

The replica London General Omnibus Co. bus passes a tree glowing with Autumn colour

The steam powered carousel

The driver of the reproduction steam locomotive "Locomotion", talks to visitors

Canon 5D

October Heatwave Hits Whitby!

2011-10-11T19:04:00.001+01:00

Saturday 1st October 2011, and the sun shone at Whitby, perhaps to make up for its dismal performance throughout the summer!

The 40% scale replica of Captain Cook's HMS Endeavour enters Whitby harbour, all of the Whitby pleasure craft were kept very busy - an unexpected end of season bonus.

You can't go the seaside without eating fish and chips.

The beach was crowded

but there was still space for a cricket match!

Canon 5D

Spanish City - Whitley Bay

2011-09-20T21:34:00.000+01:00

The Spanish City was thrown open to the public as one of a number of venues taking part in Heritage Open Day, within North Tyneside. The intention is that this building will become a part of a new hotel complex. The Spanish City features in Mark Knofler's Dire Straits song Tunnel of Love.

Visitors were able to climb up to the roof

but this is the interior view

The exotically clad young lady playing a tambourine

What you see from the roof, in the distance is St Mary's Island.Canon 5D 24-70L

Sunderland Folk Festival 2011

2011-08-29T21:34:00.007+01:00

Saturday was not the best of days with a strong westerly wind and an overcast day, so the quayside performers took refuge within the lee of the National Glass Centre.

Click on any photo for an enlarged view. Follow the links in blue for more info.

Coming from a somewhat warmer clime, Zulu provided a thrilling display of dance and song.

Staying with the Z's, but a rather different form of entertainment, Zoot the comedic juggler made us all laugh.

Zoot involved two brave young volunteers.

Foot tapping music with the Appalachian Clogging side Step This Way and the Bones Creek Band

and youngsters demonstrating their skill at Irish dancing

Saltburn

2011-08-17T08:11:00.001+01:00

I went to Saltburn for the Folk Festival, but got there early enough to get a few shots of the seafront.

A sleeping giant stirs, Redcar steelworks coming into life.

For some shots only black and white will do.

but I like the touch of colour in this one

Henry Pease who extended the Stockton and Darlington Railway to Saltburn.

Redcar and Saltburn Folk Festival

2011-08-15T07:51:00.006+01:00

Saturday saw mixed weather conditions, some sunshine and the occasional drop of light rain. Click on any photo for an enlarged view.

The musicians with the "Flag and Bone Gang" morris dance team from Knaresborough

The Gang in action at Redcar

Bones Creek Band - The musicians with Durham based Step This Way Appalachian clogging team.

Square dancing with "Rights and Lefts"

Step This Way take to the sky!

Marske Fishermen's Choir

Get them young, youthful spectators encouraged to participate at Saltburn.

and they did

More high flying from Step This Way

and a well deserved round of applause from the Saltburn audience.

Anyone wishing to get involved (dancers, singers, musicians) with the Durham based Appalachian step dancers should follow this Link.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Sunderland Air Show 2011

2011-08-02T12:20:00.001+01:00

Better weather than last year, it started grim, but later the sun came out and what a difference that makes. Click on any image for an enlarged view.

The Royal Navy's Black Cats display team using Lynx helicopters.

Breitling Wingwalkers

With safety harnesses abandoned, the lady wing walkers pose before returning to the cockpit!

The graceful Catalina flying boat was a welcome visitor.

The Matadors display team flying Sbach 300 planes.

One from the past, the De Havilland Vampire. Not the sharpest shot unfortunately, but included as it was the one photo that I got that shows the top of the plane with the side by side cockpit.

The WW2 workhorse, the Hurricane

and its more glamorous stablemate, the Spitfire

The awesome Vulcan bomber, needs to be heard as well as seen!

Canon 450D Sigma 100-300 f4

Garden Visitors

2011-07-22T07:22:00.000+01:00

It was warm enough to sit out in the garden yesterday when I noticed that our Victoria plum tree was attracting a number of visitors.

I'm not sure what the fly and wasp found so interesting on the surface of the leaves

but this chap was clearly interested in the greenfly! I think that it' a chiffchaff, but it might be a warbler of some sort.

Canon 450D Sigma 100-300 f4

Antiques Road Trip at Sedbergh

2011-06-29T19:06:00.001+01:00

We encountered a film unit working in Sedbergh, barging into an antiques shop as filming was taking place. We beat a hasty retreat and found a comfy seat from which to observe the proceedings. I assume that they were working on the next edition of "Antiques Road Trip" with Philip Serrell and Catherine Southon involved in a head to head contest.

Philip being directed to enter the next shop and retrieve Catherine

Catherine and Philip in the rather nice old Triumph Herald.

It does actually move and they did drive away in it!

First Coal Trains on the Weardale Railway

2011-06-17T22:01:00.000+01:00

The privately owned Weardale Railway, running from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland, hopes to begin to ship coal from its Wolsingham depot. Two test trains were run this week to establish the practicality of the idea. The coal is to come from an open cast site near to Tow Law.

The test train passing over Etherley viaduct on its way to, I believe, Scunthorpe.

Cleaning windows hanging on a rope!

2011-06-14T17:39:00.000+01:00

That's the way they do it at the Sage concert hall in Gateshead. It is a complicated shape and I guess that other solutions would not be viable. I trust that they are well paid!

Cragside Rothbury

2011-06-08T17:38:00.003+01:00

Cragside, Lord Armstrong's estate in Rothbury, Northumberland, is my favourite National Trust property. There is so much of interest while the location is superb. Perhaps the best time to visit is in late May or early June when the thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas are in flower, but the unique combination of architecture, interior decoration, gardens, moorland walks and engineering interest is fascinating throughout the year.

Paul Martin of "Flog It" fame was to be seen making a programme about historic houses I think, and he is stood on the little bridge at the bottom of the picture. There is a bloke holding a microphone standing below.

The garden shed.

Owl sculpture by tree sculptor and artist Tommy Craggs.

Glass panels designed by William Morris.

And now for something completely different. The buckets of a Pelton wheel water turbine. Cragside was the first house to be supplied by electricity generated using hydro power.

Sustrans Rangers Attack Stanley

2011-05-23T11:50:00.000+01:00

Sustrans volunteer rangers took on a a section of the coast to coast C2C cycle path near Stanley in Co. Durham last weekend.

Canon 5D 24-70 and 70-200 lenses

Filey

2011-05-20T08:59:00.000+01:00

The sun shone in Filey on the North Yorkshire coast when I took these photos, although it was a tad breezy.

A grab shot suffering from a bit of camera shake, but worth publishing I feel. The lad was OK, he got wet but remained safe.

Heron Stalks Canada Geese Goslings - Grasmere

2011-05-18T15:40:00.001+01:00

Walking beside Grasmere lake we noticed people watching a spectacle being played out between a family of canada geese and a heron. The hungry heron clearly wanted a gosling for tea, but the parents were trying to keep him at bay.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Each time the heron got too close he was chased by one of the parents

but he was a persistent bird and always returned, patiently waiting for an opportunity!

Victoria Tunnel - Newcastle

2011-04-01T20:59:00.001+01:00

Completed in 1842, The Victoria Tunnel extends for about two and a half miles under the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, from the site of a coal mine to a loading point on the river Tyne adjacent to where the Ouseburn joins the river.

The tunnel was built to serve a colliery at Spital Tongues, to the North West of Newcastle. It worked successfully as a rope hauled waggonway for 18 years, but then the coal mine fell upon hard times and operation ceased.

The tunnel was used during the second world war as an air raid shelter, and a section of it is now employed to carry various pipes across the city.

Guided tours of the southerly section of the tunnel are available. Our guide was very informative and presented the information in an interesting way - highly recommended.

For more details see http://www.ouseburntrust.org.uk/

The tunnel was cut through boulder clay and then lined with stone and brick. During WW2 the floor of the tunnel was concreted over and the walls white washed to enable it to be used as a shelter. There is a series of concrete blast walls at the entrance to the tunnel, intended to protect people within the shelter from a direct hit where the tunnel is near to the surface.

There are no lights within the main section of the tunnel and visitors have to rely upon torches for illumination. Hard hats are also supplied to visitors, essential given the limited clearance!

A steep stairway leads down into the tunnel from one of the entrances cut during WW2, this now forms an emergency exit.

Crude chemical toilets were provided for use within the air raid shelter, there are no working loos within the tunnel for visitors.

Visitors emerging into the light after an interesting subterranean experience.

If you wish to visit the tunnel you need to book in advance, see the web site posted above.

Spring Flowers around Durham Castle

2011-03-31T08:39:00.000+01:00

University College Durham, is housed within the the castle or keep.

Canon 5D

Daffodils in Washington

2011-03-25T21:53:00.001Z

Holy Trinity Church, the church on the hill. Washington village.

Alongside is Washington Old Hall, the ancestral home of George Washington's family, now owned by the National Trust. The gardeners have produced a fine floral display and an American eagle, fashioned using topiary.

Canon 5D

Red Nose Day in Newcastle

2011-03-22T17:53:00.000Z

Th Swing Bridge temporarily acquired a red nose.

Easedale from Grasmere - English Lake District

2011-03-10T16:03:00.009Z

The walk up Easedale to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere is not particularly demanding and features an attractive waterfall en route.

Th stream flowing from Easedale Tarn has the picturesque name of Sourmilk Gill.

Looking back towards Grasmere

Easesale tarn

If you are daft enough to climb onto the crag high above the tarn this is what you see. It had the merit of being peaceful - you are rarely alone at the side of the tarn itself - just me, a couple of crows, and what sounded like a croaking frog or toad! If you click on this photo to get an enlarged view you should be able to make out lake Grasmere in the background.

An alternative route back follows the Far Easedale Gill. This view is looking away from Grasmere. I happened to glance back along the track and saw what turned out to be the best shot of the day! Worth clicking on to see large IMNHO.

Canon 5D

First signs of spring

2011-03-04T22:03:00.002Z

Crocuses at Saltwell park - Gateshead

Horse chestnut buds

Mallard with amorous intentions!

Penshaw Monument - Again

2011-02-22T21:47:00.000Z

I've more photos of Penshaw Monument than you can shake a stick at, but I've not seen this particular cloud formation, matching the hill below, before and I couldn't resist yet another photo.

Things on the beach - Seaham Harbour

2011-02-11T08:07:00.002Z

I like Seaham, and they are currently spending a wad of money to create a marina in a part of the old harbour, which is great. These photos indicate a link to the past perhaps, not the way that the town is generally moving.

These two gloves were lying on the sand - no human intervention on my part!

This is coal dust on the beach. I don't know if it due to the, now long discontinued, practice of tipping mining spoil into the sea or because there is an exposed seam underwater somewhere.

Here's a couple of rather more pleasant pictures.

The church of St Mary the Virgin, Old Seaham.

Effluent Entering the River Wear

2011-02-10T21:10:00.002Z

These two photos show the discharge from what I assume to be Northumberland Water's sewage treatment plant in Barmston into the river Wear, adjacent to the Wildfowl centre in Washington. I sent these and other photos to the Sunderland Echo, but not a peck of interest from that quarter (31-1-11). The environment section of Sunderland Council did show some concern however and contacted the national agency whose responsibility it is to monitor river water. I await their comments with interest.

Edit - I had better get the phrase river water pollution UK in here so that it can be picked up by search engines.

So is this a one off incident? Apparently not, the next time I walked that way the stuff was still pouring out (7-2-11)

Abseiling in Newcastle

2011-01-25T23:03:00.000Z

These two gentlemen were apparently installing anti pigeon netting on this building on Newcastle's quayside, in the shadow of the Tyne bridge.

Solar Panel Installation

2011-01-19T08:34:00.002Z

We decided to go green and install solar photo voltaic panels onto the roof of the house. With a generous and index linked feed-in tariff this also makes sound financial sense, better than money in the bank for sure.

The process started by finding and contacting three accredited installers using the government's web site. Only one responded, and he apologised for delays as he had too much commercial work at the time but he did eventually come out and gave me a quote for the work. I was quite impressed with this company, but wasn't prepared to invest with only a single quotation. Back to the government web site and another search for a local installer. This time I contacted a smaller company (four people) and I struck gold with Sunderland based Gerard Harrison and his Helios operation.

Not only was he able to respond promptly, but I was very impressed by his careful and systematic approach, climbing not only into the attic but also onto the roof of the property in order to take accurate measurements - the cowboys use Google earth!

By careful choice and layout of the panels he was able to get more output than his competitor, and he was also able to find a hidden route for the power cable utilising a built in wardrobe within a bedroom (the alternative was an external wire). His quote was similar to the previous one, but the cost per KW was less. A clear choice!

I asked what I needed to do with respect to paperwork, and was pleased to learn that Gerard would deal with all of that.

The photos tell the story.

Measuring the irradiance onto the panels.

Measuring the current delivered.

The work was done quickly and efficiently, with a minimum of disturbance. I am one very happy customer!

St Mary's Island

2011-01-16T21:57:00.000Z

A warm welcome back to my autofocus lenses from Canon's UK repair/overhaul centre! I was impressed with the professionalism of Canon's service; very good communications, speedy, and a good job done. The price was not as ghastly as I had expected either.

Sadly we haven't had the weather to do them justice, but here's a sample shot, taken today with the 70-200L on the 5D, of St Mary's Island, Northumberland.

Views From Waldridge Fell

2011-01-14T09:06:00.001Z

We lived for while on Waldridge Park, near to Chester-le-Street, and kept an allotment adjacent to the village. At that time our house was on the very edge of the development and we had open fields to the rear. Those fields have now been covered with houses, I'm glad we got out before that happened. It was interesting to revisit the fell above the village carrying my Canon 450D camera.

Looking towards Gateshead. Sigma 100-300 f4

I think that is West Pelton in the distance. Sigma 100-300 f4

I should have taken this a bit earlier when there was still some light on the frozen pond.

Sigma 10-20

Tynemouth Today

2011-01-09T22:54:00.002Z

Still without my auto focus lenses, I took the Canon 450D for a walk using a Samsung 35mm f2 and a Zuiko 75-150mm f4. The camera is not very happy using these lenses, the exposure is often well out, while the focus confirmation is suspicious to put it mildly. Given that the viewfinder is pretty poor, you are more or less entirely reliant on the autofocus to get it right. Yes the camera has an early implementation of live view, but I don't find it practical for use outdoors in near freezing temperatures.

These issues mean checking the histogram after each shot, and taking multiple images to try to get an acceptably sharp picture. Fear not, the 70-200 Canon lens will be back with me tomorrow and I hope that the 24-70 will follow very shortly.

This morning there was unexpected snow inland, but the sky was clear and blue. Tynemouth escaped the snow, but it was very cold. The light was superb, bright, warm and clear.

Tynemouth priory

A dog having fun on the beach. You can see the notorious Black Midden rocks poking up above the water surface at low tide.

Collingwood's statue peers out from behind the watchtower.

Tynemouth flea market, held within the railway station.

Those sausages smelled delicious!

The 35mm Samsung f2 (Pentax clone) is an excellent relatively modern lens. It is in fact an autofocus lens, but of course that feature is unavailable when fitted to a Canon camera. The Zuiko 75-150 is plenty sharp, but lacks the contrast of a modern zoom, while there is some tendency to chromatic aberration when used on a digital body.

Snow around Rothbury

2011-01-05T19:13:00.002Z

On Sunday we drove over to the lakes with a promise of snow and sunshine. No chance, wall to wall gloom and very little snow! On Tuesday, much closer to home, in Rothbury, there was plenty of snow and even a little bit of sun.

The snow was quite deep in places, and we witnessed old footprints sinking perhaps 8 inches in. However it had since frozen and we could walk across the surface. This is a view from the old carriage road around the Cragside estate.

Canon 5D probably Zuiko 75-150 f4

This sheep approached at pace, then suddenly turned tail and ran off to join its mates.

The view from Debden Bridge towards the stable block at Cragside.

Canon 5D Zeiss 35mm f2.4 Flektogon

Tyneside Yesterday

2010-12-30T09:08:00.000Z

I have sent my two autofocus zoom lenses off to Canon's workshop for a refit, and find myself relying on a collection of old manual focus glass for a couple of weeks. Being used to 24-70mm and 70-200mm zooms it isn't easy going back to discreet focal lengths. Add to that the need to swap my Olympus to Canon adapter between lenses in the bitter cold and I remember why photography has moved on to zoom lenses. That said, the image quality is not bad at all with this old glass, if anything the corner to corner sharpness is better, but the contrast is a bit down and the colours not seeming so bright.

The light was pretty poor, the prediction was for fog, and I had hoped to take some interesting through the fog shots, but there was no fog, just grotty flat light. Having made my excuses, here are the pictures: -

Melting snow left this interesting pattern on the quayside. (Olympus 50mm f1.4)

The one redeeming feature was the lack of wind, giving rise to perfect reflections.

How many times has this been taken?

High class graffiti behind the Sage in Gateshead. (Zeiss Flektogon 35mm f2.4)

A couple from the river Wear in Washington

2010-12-20T21:56:00.002Z

I saw this overturned boat, the Zephya, while walking through the wildfowl centre and therefore had to shoot against the light and through the wire netting fence. The result is much better than I anticipated. I won't worry so much about scratches on my lenses in future! However, I wonder how this sad state of affairs came to pass, did vandals undo the moorings of this boat perhaps?

I have just noticed that there is a photo of this boat moored at Fatfield on my posting dated 8-12-10. It looked to be in good shape then.

Canon 450D Sigma 100-300 f4

The setting sun made these icicles hanging from the Victoria Viaduct glow like flames.

Canon 5D 70-200L f4

Cold places

2010-12-08T21:55:00.000Z

The weather forecast predicted bright sunshine, but, late morning, it was devilish dark at Roker.

Victoria Viaduct, near Fatfield, with ice washing in on the tide.

More ice on the river Wear at Barmston Ferry/Cox Green. I seem to recall reading in a history of Sunderland how massive ice flows coming down the river had swept moored (wooden) ships out to sea. Can't remember the date, early 1800s perhaps.

The mothballed Leamside line as it passes through Washington.

Tanfield Railway North Pole Express

2010-12-05T08:40:00.001Z

The Tanfield Railway's Santa Specials have begun to operate, despite the adverse weather. East Tanfield station car park was not accessible, so the trains were starting from Andrew's House station, and working through the woods topped and tailed by Twizell and No. 49.

November Snow - Durham

2010-12-01T22:23:00.000Z

The weeping willow still has a full complement of leaves, but there is a thick covering of snow.

I have yet to take the master shot of Prebends Bridge, but we're getting closer!

Distant Connections

2010-11-23T10:09:00.001Z

These two shots were taken in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA. The first shows the replica Mayflower moored in the harbour.

Above the town and with views out to sea, there is a cemetery. This second shot has a local connection, click on to the image to read the inscription.

The River Wear at Durham

2010-11-15T07:31:00.001Z

There are those who know what they are doing

and those who don't

The water is very cold at this time of year. It could have ended very nastily, but, fortunately, the young couple involved managed to get away from the weir.

Halloween

2010-11-03T22:14:00.001Z

All sorts of strange people come knocking on your door come Halloween!

St Peter's Church - Sunderland

2010-09-26T19:05:00.000+01:00

Cycling around today the weather was overcast and far from perfect for photography. Near to the end of my ride I popped into St Peter's church in search of a cup of tea and a bun, they have a cafe at the rear of the place. However on Sunday afternoons all that you can get is Sunday lunch, but the kindly chef offered me a bowl of soup and a coffee, and I can certainly recommend the excellent soup! The cafe is open for a limited period on all days except Mondays.

There is some evidence to suggest that Bede was born in Sunderland and that he spent most of his time at the St Peter's site, which at that time was a monastery. No doubt the people of Jarrow would dispute this as they claim Bede as one of theirs.

Photography was a tad difficult within the building without a flash gun or a tripod, but I managed to capture a couple of shots.

The fruits of the Harvest Festival on display in the foreground.

I have been into the church a number of times in the past, but had failed to notice the attractively painted ceiling.

Autumn on the way!

2010-09-23T10:42:00.001+01:00

A couple of shots taken at Saltwell Park in Gateshead yesterday.

Saltwell Towers was designed and once owned by William Wailes, a prominent designer of stained glass, and was completed in 1862. It is now a tearoom and exhibition centre within the park.

First signs of autumn.

Great North Run

2010-09-19T21:51:00.001+01:00

World class marathon runners, Haile Gebrselassie and Kiplimo Kimutai. They finished first and second respectively. Seen here on the Felling bypass, about 3 miles into the run.

The gentleman in the banana suit is Tony Audenshaw, who plays Bob Hope in Emmerdale, running for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Thanks for the wave Tony!

And last, but certainly not least, is my younger son Tom and his friend Michael, both running for a local children's charity.

Tanfield Legends of Industry Gala

2010-09-18T07:42:00.001+01:00

The Tanfield Railway Gala starts on the Friday night with a Photographers' evening and then there are two days of frantic activity on the railway with passenger, mixed and coal trains running. This year they imported two engines, the LNER J72 tank seen above, and a Manning Wardle cabless 0-6-0 tank, while the recently restored local Stephenson tank Twizell was in good form. Other attractions included a vintage vehicle display, model boats, a fairground organ and a group playing country music.

For more pics take a look at my web site http://www.washingtonimaging.co.uk/

Rose Line Building - Wylam Wharf

2010-09-09T09:23:00.001+01:00

The Rose Line Building at Wylam Wharf on Sunderland's riverside was restored in 1995. Originally constructed in the late 18th century the brick extension was built in 1820.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Wearside

2010-09-06T09:26:00.000+01:00

An elderly fishing boat chugs out of the river past the University of Sunderland's buildings at St Peter's.

One of the several remaining traditional cobles still fishing (crabs or lobsters?) from the Wear.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Tyneside Trip

2010-08-30T08:05:00.000+01:00

I cycled through to Newcastle as the weather forecast was for sunshine, but in fact there were overcast skies, and then there was the puncture. However the sun did make an appearance and, for a brief period, the wind fell away to nothing. It's not often I'm in the right place at the right time but every dog has his day.

Stopping for lunch at the Ouseburn, I had hoped to see a Kingfisher, but none were apparent.

Further along the river is St Peter's marina. It used to be the site of the Hawthorn Leslie Engineering factory, where I once worked. I couldn't find any reference to that company, but I guess that there are still some rusting relics within the river, thrown there by tired machinists on night shift when something went wrong.

If you follow the riverside path and then climb up to the old railway track you will encounter the site of the Roman fort at Segedumun, where dark skies made a dramatic setting for the observation tower.

Fortunately the rain held off until I reached the pedestrian/cycle tunnel under the Tyne but, on reaching the south bank, I was greeted by a torrential downpour. This allowed time to inspect the various photos and press cuttings describing the construction of the tunnel in the late 1940s. Apparently the workings were pressurised to keep the water out, with decompression chambers for the tunnelers. At one stage there was a major air leak and work had to be halted until silt could be dumped from barges above, to seal the fissure.

Incidentally the escalators and lift were all out of action on the north side, while only the up-escalator was working on the south side. When built they were the longest escalators in the world, and it certainly feels that way when you have to carry a heavy camera bag and bike!

Canon 5D 24-70 and 70-200 lenses.

Some Images from Haworth

2010-08-28T07:11:00.000+01:00

Who needs a garden?

Window in the church where the Bronte sisters' father was Parson

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway steam train climbing towards Haworth station

Model Boats at Saltwell Park

2010-08-23T22:19:00.001+01:00

The model boat club at Saltwell invited their Tynemouth colleagues over for the day, so there was a good turn out of models this Sunday. The two boats that caught my attention were both based upon local prototypes.

A small fishing boat based upon a coble style hull, I presume that the registration indicates a North Shields based vessel.

Charles Parsons' famous Turbinia, the prototype of which resides in Newcastle's Discovery museum.

Men having fun.

Church Spire Chester le Street

2010-08-14T21:25:00.001+01:00

Can you spot the moon to the left of the spire?

Canon 5D 70-200L

Dramatic Light

2010-08-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

It was a sunny warm day with a blue sky and white clouds, until dark skies appeared over the Sage concert hall in Gateshead. It looked pretty dramatic to the naked eye but the camera's auto exposure system has tried to control the strong highlights and has underexposed the scene, and this has enhanced the effect.

Sword Swallower

2010-08-01T22:22:00.000+01:00

We cycled through to Newcastle this morning and walked through the quayside market where we saw this gentleman eating a sword.

Sunderland Air Show 2010

2010-07-30T13:10:00.000+01:00

We got there on the Saturday, the weather could have been better!

Click on any photo to see it enlarged.

HMS Westminster leaving the river Wear.

The current front line RAF plane, the Typhoon or Eurofighter

and one from the past, the Spitfire

Marines about to land

Miss Demeanour - Hawker Hunter

The Harrier making waves

and from closer up

The Royal Netherland's Air Force F16

Dakota

USAF B17 bomber

I took the Canon 5D and 450D with 70-200 and 100-300 lenses. Most of the shots were taken with the 100-300 on the 450D.

Step This Way at Washington Old Hall

2010-07-05T07:36:00.001+01:00

For the second successive year the Appalachian style dance team Step This Way were invited to perform at the 4th July celebrations at Washington Old Hall (UK).

This year the organisers had erected a marquee in the grounds, great to keep off the rain but not so good for photography!

Completely airborne!

Women!

Colin always makes a good subject!

Sunderland Kite Festival

2010-07-04T09:58:00.000+01:00

Or, to give it its proper title, the Sunderland International Friendship Festival. Click on any image to see a larger view.

I waited for ages to capture the bear inside the colourful ring!

Bollywood Brass - great entertainment from this London based band, made me want to go to see some Bollywood movies!

The expert at work, Kite Flyer Ohye Makoto flies the kite shown directly above.

Canon 5D

Strange Objects at North Hylton

2010-06-30T20:13:00.001+01:00

I pass these two objects each day as I cycle home from work. They are located behind a house that faces on to the river Wear at North Hylton. Question is, what are they?

Canon 450D Samsung 35mm f2

Since posting this piece I have met the gentleman who owns these objects and his explanation is as follows: -

1) The railed trolley was used in the maintenance of a water main that passes through a tunnel beneath the river Wear, adjacent to his house. It dates back to Victorian times.

2) The other thing is also of the Victorian era. It is a paper press, used to bale used newspapers to be returned to the mill for processing.

Both of these objects are for sale, the trolley, if I remember correctly, for £400, which I am told is the scrap value. They are to be found down by the river in North Hylton.

Cautley Spout

2010-06-30T07:22:00.001+01:00

Cautley spout is reputed to be the waterfall with the greatest drop in England, falling through some 650 ft. It is situated near to Sedbergh in the Howgills and is clearly visible from the Kirkby Stephen road.

Wild foxgloves are to be seen in the lower sections of the walk.

Carol, posing as a fellwalker. The waterfall is situated in the background just right of centre. As this is intended to be a photo blog, let me waffle a bit about the background to this shot.

I saw the potential of the location walking towards it, and managed to take a shot of a group of walkers in the same position as Carol, but there was extensive shadow right across the hillside in the background. I therefore waited until the clouds had blown into a better position with their shadows forming a reasonably attractive pattern on the fells, probably having to wait for around 15 minutes. At that time I asked Carol to walk towards me without looking at the camera. This did try the patience of my very patient wife, but she does like the result. The point that I am making is that, in my experience, good photos rarely just materialise before the camera, they require forethought, preparation and, above all, patience!

I almost lost my telephoto lens while taking these shots. It rolled out of my slingback camera bag and started a descent into the abyss. Fortunately it was stopped in its tracks by a clump of grass!

Even after a period of relative drought there is plenty of water coming down. I must return in the spring when the flow is at its maximum.

Launching a fishing boat

2010-06-26T07:07:00.001+01:00

If you own a moderately sized wooden fishing boat you can carry out repairs and a repaint job on the quayside, in this case adjacent to the fish quay in Sunderland.

When the work is completed along comes the mobile crane and lifts the boat back into the water. It was quite a struggle getting this large vehicle onto the quayside, but once there it lifted two boats back into the water very quickly. That in the photos is the Sunderland registered Isabella, built from wood in 1988 with a gross registered weight of 9.63 tons.

Canon 450D 70-200L

The doors open at Pallion Engineering

2010-06-24T07:34:00.001+01:00

I pass this covered shipyard every day, but rarely do the doors open.

The old Manx ferry is to be seen lurking within, but there were also signs of productive work, rumoured to be units for the offshore industry. I would like to think that, should the offshore wind power thing take off, then this yard might see a big upturn in business. In that instance the old ferry will have to find a new resting place.

Wearside bridges in the sunshine

2010-06-20T08:12:00.000+01:00

Completed in 1909, the lattice girder Queen Alexandra bridge was originally built as a double decker with a railway above the road. Declining coal traffic lead to the railway line falling out of use not long after the bridge was opened.

The Monkwearmouth road bridge, completed 20 years later in 1929, is a rather more elegant structure. In fact, if you plot the bending moment diagram for a uniformly loaded beam, this is the shape that you get!

Canon 5D 24-70L

Washington Old Hall - Interior

2010-06-14T20:45:00.001+01:00

Now that the National Trust allows photography within their buildings I have been able to take a few shots within my local property, Washington Old Hall. You are not allowed to use flash and there are some other restrictions, but this is a very welcome development. For those who do not know, Washington old hall is the ancestral home of George Washington.

The place is pretty dark inside, and, ideally, you need a tripod and the ability to take a series of shots at different exposures to cope with the very contrasty lighting. Without a tripod I wound the camera up to ISO1600 and hoped for the best!

Canon 5D 24-70L

Nissan Turbines - Poppies

2010-06-12T10:03:00.000+01:00

I've taken this scene at various times of year, here the emphasis is on the poppies at the edge of the field.

Canon 450D Samsung 35mm f2

George Cross Afloat

2010-06-12T09:12:00.000+01:00

I pass this boat every day on the way to work in Sunderland. It has recently acquired an England flag. Hopefully it will still be flying in a couple of weeks time.

Azaleas In Northumberland

2010-06-06T22:30:00.000+01:00

We visited the National Trust property Cragside in Rothbury today. The weather was overcast and not very promising for general photography, but the dull conditions were pretty good for close ups of the flowers.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Sunshine at Tynemouth!

2010-05-24T14:06:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was probably the summer! People swimming in the north sea in May.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Penshaw Monument from the river Wear

2010-05-21T07:21:00.000+01:00

Taken while cycling to work

450D Zuiko 50mm f1.4

Tanfield Railway Photos

2010-05-18T06:45:00.000+01:00

We took the grandbairn to see the engines at the Tanfield Railway on Sunday.

A trainee lady driver

Preparing for the off!

Oil Seed Rape and Turbines

2010-05-18T06:41:00.001+01:00

The Nissan wind turbines seen from the old Sunderland to Durham railway path.

Canon 450D probably Samsung 35mm f2

Buoys at North Shields

2010-04-05T13:07:00.000+01:00

A few moments earlier there had been heavy rain, and then the sun came out!

These brightly painted buoys form an artwork and way marker for National Cycle Network route 72 and the Reivers Cycle Route No. 10.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Mining Heritage

2010-03-30T20:08:00.000+01:00

Durham Miners' Hall, or the premises of the Durham Miners' Association, was located within this handsome building on Redhills Lane in Durham city.

These four fine marble statues once resided on the former, original, Miners' hall. They are all Durham miners' trade union officials from the early years of the movement.

This powerful sculpture entitled "The Putter" depicts a young miner straining to re-rail a loaded tub. It is the work of Brian Brown and was completed in 1995.

Roker Dawn

2010-03-19T18:29:00.000Z

Taken last Sunday, I didn't get up quite early enough, but the result is not too bad!

Canon 5D 70-200L

North Shields

2010-03-13T07:09:00.001Z

This part of North Shields was something of a revelation to me, a street of fine late Georgian/early Victorian buildings and an attractive square.

The Stag Line building is grade 2 listed, originally the Lit and Phil, it became the offices of the Stag shipping line, but now serves as the registry office.

Down on the fish quay, politically incorrect but it made me laugh.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Sunshine on Derwentwater

2010-03-10T07:13:00.000Z

On Tuesday we walked from Portinscale to Grange, following the lakeside. We caught the bus to Keswick and then walked back to Portinscale. The footbridge just outside of Portinscale was closed due to flood damage, and this caused a rather unwelcome deviation alongside the main road. Never fear, for the first two hours of the walk the sun shone and, as is often the case, the Lake District appeared as heaven on earth.

Nice work if you can get it, workmen building a new landing stage.

The flood plane at the end of the lake has a new walkway made from recycled plastic, I rather liked this snaking lead into the view of Borrowdale.

Canon 5D 24-70L

More from Blyth

2010-03-08T07:27:00.000Z

The offshore support vessel Skandi Inspector's hull provided a series of rich patterns.

Arklow Manor unloading alumina into Alcan's silos

Those famous beach huts

Blyth in the sun

2010-03-05T07:34:00.000Z

I had to go to Blyth in connection with work, and was able to take a couple of snaps of the rather impressive metal artwork that has appeared on the old coal staithes. Entitled "Spirit of the Staithes", it's the work of Sunderland born artist Simon Packard.

The modern sculpture does provide an interesting frame to shoot the wind turbines through.

Canon 5D 24-70L and 70-200L

High tide and strong winds cause flooding

2010-03-03T07:23:00.000Z

On Sunday 28th March a combination of strong onshore winds and an unusually high tide caused flooding along the coastal road in South Shields.

The car park under water.

The sea continuing to crash over the barrier wall.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Ark Royal Leaves the Tyne

2010-03-03T07:13:00.000Z

The Ark Royal was built at Swan Hunter's shipyard at Wallsend in 1981 and returned to Tyneside for a courtesy visit last weekend.

Berthed at North Shields

Seen leaving the Tyne from South Shields ferry landing. Despite the cold, rain and wind, plenty of people turned out to wave goodbye.

Canon 5D 24-70L

The last of the snow (please!)

2010-02-24T07:17:00.000Z

Taken while cycling to work. I have never before encountered a completely virgin stretch of snow along this track. No-matter how early I set out there is always a bike wheel trail ahead, but on this occasion perhaps the snow fell between the first shift going to work and my journey. Snow was falling as I took the shot, sheltering underneath an old stone bridge.

Canon 450D with Zuiko 50mm f1,4 lens

More from, the original, Washington

2010-02-06T23:01:00.001Z

The Cross Keys and the Green Library

Holy Trinity Church, "The church on the hill"

The Washington Arms

Canon 5D 24-70L

Liquid Gold

2010-02-01T07:34:00.000Z

The late afternoon January sun reflecting the warm coloured stone of Durham castle and cathedral onto a cold and dark river Wear.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Dunstanburgh and Embleton - Northumberland

2010-01-23T08:36:00.001Z

It was a cold but bright day last Sunday when we drove to Craster and walked along the coast past Dunstanburgh Castle and then along the beach across Embleton Bay. At one point we encountered a stream running across the beach that was too wide/deep to be crossed wearing boots. Failing to find a bridge upstream, we decided to take off our boots and socks and wade across. I have rarely felt such pain, the water must have been just above freezing point. How people can swim in the sea during the winter is beyond me!

Part of the Whin Sill I presume, a protrusion of hard igneous rock that surfaces in these parts.

There is a collection of beach huts at Low Newton by the Sea, this one caught the sun nicely and produced a reflection in the wet sand.

Holy Trinity, Embleton Parish Church

We had intended to catch the bus back to Craster, but despite having consulted the Internet timetable to confirm its operation, there were no buses on a Sunday. We therefore walked rather further than planned!

Canon 5D 24-70L

Fatfield in the Snow

2010-01-16T10:37:00.001Z

Now that the snow has gone (permanently I hope) I feel that it is safe to post some wintry shots.

The river Wear, not frozen over, but with patches of ice.

A couple of shots of Penshaw Monument

Canon 5D 24-70L

The One That Got Away

2010-01-04T21:52:00.000Z

I visited the Washington Wetlands Centre (http://www.wwt.org.uk/washington) this afternoon and spent a very cold hour within the woodland hide. The usual suspects were to be seen, a blackbird or two, bullfinch, chaffinch, various tits and the ubiquitous Robin. Rumour has it that a tree creeper was spotted, but not by me.

Lulled into a false sense of security, I completely missed the opportunity when a Sparrow Hawk plunged into the scene, briefly alighted on a branch and was gone as quickly as it had appeared. Needless to say, the locals all scattered.

I used my aged Vivitar 285 flash to take these photographs. The birds don't appear to be bothered by flash, whereas movement or noise does disturb them.

Canon 450D Sigma 100-300 f4 Vivitar 285 flashgun.

First post of 2010 - Sledging down Worm Hill

2010-01-01T19:40:00.000Z

Those who know the song, The Legend of the Lambton Worm, might also know the location of the hill around which this mythical creature wrapped itself three times.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Last Posting of 2009 - Stormy sea at Roker

2009-12-31T22:18:00.000Z

I have seen larger waves breaking over the pier, sometimes they are as high as the lighthouse, but the combination of a boiling sea within the harbour and the spray over the pier caught my eye here. People have been swept away to their deaths from Roker pier, despite there being a gate preventing access when the weather is rough.

Canon 5D Sigma 100-300 f4

Grasmere in Winter

2009-12-30T11:28:00.000Z

We braved the weather to drive over to the Lake District on Monday. The roads were clear of snow until we reached Keswick, the road to Grasmere had been ploughed and gritted but was rather more interesting!

I was not expecting to see that both Grasmere and Rydal Water were partially frozen over, making for some interesting part reflections.

The following shot is of Rydal Water.

If you click on this last image you will see the form of a jet plane and its trail more clearly in the enlarged view.

Canon 5D 24-70L and, last shot, 70-200L f4.

Bishop Auckland on Boxing Day

2009-12-27T08:10:00.001Z

Escomb church dates back to Saxon times (AD670), the weather was miserable as we approached, but the sun made a very brief appearance as I took the photo.

The town of Bishop Auckland takes its name from its association with the church as it is the location of the home of the Bishop of Durham. This image shows the entrance to the 300 hectare park associated with that person's residence. There is a lovely walk around the estate, which, in the snow, took on a magical quality. I have lived in the NE for most of my 59+ years, but I discovered this walk for the first time yesterday.

You can just see the moon to the right of the gatehouse roof.

The early bishops enjoyed hunting within the estate, and this Deer House was constructed for the purpose of increasing the stock.

Despite the appearance, the cold was relinquishing its grip and the air temperature warm enough to do without gloves. This photograph does not do full justice to the actual scene with the sun's reflections sparkling on the snow.

Canon 450D various lenses.

Snow in the North East

2009-12-24T20:29:00.001Z

You don't often see snow on the beach at Roker, but there it is. This monolithic sculpture marks the end of the coast to coast cycle route. The positions of the planets are engraved on its surface.

Canon 450D Sigma f2.8 24mm

I went to Durham looking for master shots of the cathedral in the snow but there was a haziness in the air and some stubborn cloud cover, which prevented my taking the photos that I wanted. The reflected light beneath the arches of Elvet bridge provided some compensation.

Canon 5D 24-70L

Snow and Highland Cow at Penshaw

2009-12-20T21:31:00.000Z

It seemed docile enough!

Canon 5D 24-70L

St Peter's Metro Station - Sunderland

2009-12-18T19:32:00.000Z

Seen this morning as I was walking to work.

Canon 5D ISO 800 24-70L

Step This Way - Weardale Railway

2009-12-13T23:13:00.001Z

The Appalachian dance team "Step This Way" were invited to perform on the Weardale Railway on the occasion of the Santa Specials today. They danced on the platform at Stanhope and also rode a couple of the trains, dancing along the corridor.

Canon 5D 24-70L Vivitar 285 flash.

Durham Xmas Festival and Duck Race

2009-12-06T21:25:00.000Z

The Durham festival has been in progress this weekend, with the Xmas market and Durham University students' famous charity duck race taking place this afternoon. The charities that were being supported by the duck race were Water Aid and a local hospice. This first shot shows a brave student ticket seller in appropriate garb.

The launching of the ducks into the river Wear from Elvet bridge.

The actual Xmas market takes place within a marquee erected on Palace Green just in front of the cathedral. I took some candid shots but for the most part asked people if they minded having their photos taken. Only one person refused, as I was not "The Official Photographer".

Many of the stall holders dress in traditional costume, and this lovely couple smiled very nicely for the camera.

Angel of the North

2009-11-29T09:36:00.000Z

Despite living close to the Angel, I had not previously photographed Mr Gormley's sculpture. People either love or hate the angel in these parts, I rather like it!

The statue is made from Cor-Ten steel, which, in time, acquires an attractive protective coat of oxide that gives it the lovely colour. Unlike common or garden rust, this stuff clings on tight, preventing further corrosion.

Canon 5D 24-70L lens