365 Day Photograph Challenge: June Part I

Some of my favourite photos from the first half of June 2017. Enjoy!

1st June – Seaton Delaval Hall

Completed in 1728, Seaton Delaval Hall was designed by the famous architect, Sir John Vanburgh. Amongst his works are Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, perhaps best known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Many comparisons in design may be made with Blenheim. Barely 100 years after its construction, the central hall burnt down in 1822 and has never been lived in since. The Delaval family lived in the west wing until 2009 when the Hall and its grounds were sold to the National Trust. It opened to the public for the first time on 1st May 2010.

• Samsung Galaxy S7
• 1/2,000 sec exposure
• f1.7 4.2 mm
• ISO 50

4th June – Corby’s Crags

Located on the road between Rothbury and Alnwick, this is a tremendous view point from the top of Corby’s Crags. It is quite a popular spot with climbers.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/60 sec exposure
• f/19 28 mm
• ISO 200

9th June – The Grave of Emily Davison

Emily Davison was famously fatally injured at the 1913 Epsom Derby when she attempted to pin the suffragette colours to the King’s horse, Amner. She died from her injuries four days after the event, having never regained consciousness. She was buried in the graveyard of St Mary the Virgin, Morpeth on 15th June 1913. Her epitaph is the WSPU slogan, ‘Deeds not Words.’

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/50 sec expsoure
• f/4.5 125 mm
• ISO 200

10th June – Bust of the Seventh Earl of Carlisle, Morpeth Town Hall

I quite liked the effect of the perspective and foreshortening that the balustrades of the grand staircase produced in this shot.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/60 sec exposure
• f/8 50 mm
• ISO 400

12th June – Woodlea, Morpeth Riverside

An interesting early 20th century dwelling on the bank of the River Wansbeck in Morpeth town centre. Fun piece of trivia, one can see the position I was stood at to take the photograph on 26th February. It is the corner of the road as it turns up the bank. This photograph was taken at 10:25 p.m.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 2 sec exposure
• f/8 23 mm
• ISO 400

13th June – Morpeth Riverside (Civil Twilight)

Perhaps the most photographed view of Morpeth, and quite rightly so! It is very picturesque. This view has appeared many times throughout my photograph challenge as I particularly love this view. I have tried to vary my position and the times of day. This shot was taken during civil twilight at 9:35 p.m. in the evening. Not quite as late as the previous day’s effort!

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/6 sec exposure
• f/8 68 mm
• ISO 200

Hidden Northumberland: Bluebell Woods

OK, so I cheated a little, the featured image is from my front garden. I used it as it is the only macro I took of bluebells this spring. Bluebell woods is ancient woodland near Morpeth in Northumberland. As the name suggests, every spring, the woods are teaming with bluebells (usually late April to early May). When I went, the flowers weren’t quite at their best, but you get the impression of how the woodland floor is a sea of blue at this time of year.

Hope you enjoy the photos!

365 Day Photograph Challenge: May Part II

Some of my favourites from the second half of May 2017.

14th May – Berwick upon Tweed Town Hall

Berwick’s impressive Town Hall was built between 1750 and 1756 and is Grade I listed. It is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Lindisfarne Castle, shrouded in scaffolding, can be seen in the distance on the horizon to the right of the Town Hall.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/125 sec exposure
• f/19 50 mm
• ISO 200

18th May – Morpeth Court House

I’ve photographed this building many times before. It dates from 1822 and is Grade II* Listed by Historic England. I found a little raised spot which gave quite a pleasing vantage point. I also liked the shadow of the trees from the street light on the building. Photographed in RAW format.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 2 sec exposure
• f/5.6 55 mm
• ISO 9

23rd May – Morpeth Castle

The gatehouse is all that remains of Morpeth Castle (along with fragments of the curtain wall). It was restored in the mid-18th century and again between 1857 and 1858 by the Earl of Carlisle. I photographed the gatehouse from Ha’ Hill, which is a former motte castle. The gloom was gathering but I managed to capture the last rays glowing on the side of the castle.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 8/5 sec exposure
• f/13 55 mm
• ISO 200

27th May – Cambois Rowing Club Regatta

Pronounced, “Cam-us” the rowing club (founded in 1911) is based on the River Wansbeck in Ashington, Northumberland. The village of Cambois is further downstream at the mouth of the river. I got the recommendation for this photograph opportunity from my boss who happens to be the secretary of the club. Although not the prettiest of bridges, North Seaton Railway Viaduct (built in 1926) formed an impressive backdrop to the finish line of the regatta and I felt it had an amphitheatre-like quality about it.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/125 sec exposure
• f/16 150 mm
• ISO 200

29th May – Tyne River God

This massive bronze statue is attached to Newcastle upon Tyne’s Civic Centre. The sculptor was David Wynne and it was made in 1968 (the year the Civic Centre opened).

• Samsung GX-1S
• 8/5 sec exposure
• f/9.5 125 mm
• ISO 200

365 Day Photograph Challenge: May Part I

Desperately trying to catch up and bring the blog up to date. I have been very busy of late. Here are some of my favourites from the first half of May 2017. Hope you enjoy!

1st May – Bluebells

This close-up was taken in my front garden.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/100 sec exposure
• f/5.6 200 mm
• ISO 200

4th May – Central Arcade, Newcastle upon Tyne

Set in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Town, Central Arcade was restored in 1906 and is a fine example of Edwardian architecture. It is also home to the best music store in the world, ‘Windows.’ This is my own opinion, of course!

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/20 sec exposure
• f/8 28 mm
• ISO 200

6th May – Morpeth Twilight

This photograph was taken from a friend’s balcony, overlooking the town centre of Morpeth at twilight.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 30 sec exposure
• f/16 105 mm
• ISO 200

9th May – The Couple, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

Situated on the coast at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, this sculpture, called, ‘The Couple’ was opened in 2007. The photograph shows a miniature version of the main sculpture which is mounted upon an artificial breakwater in the bay. Behind the couple, the ancient parish church of St Bartholomew and Newbiggin Heritage Centre can be seen.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/100 sec exposure
• f/8 28 mm
• ISO 200

10th May – Newcastle & Gateshead Quays

An interesting view of the quayside at Newcastle taken from Tyne Street (appropriately enough!). The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Swing Bridge, Tyne Bridge and High Level Bridge are seen spanning the River Tyne with the SAGE Gateshead and Baltic Centre on the left bank.

• Samsung GX-1S
• 1/250 sec exposure
• f/16 45 mm
• ISO 200

11th May – Bennett’s Walk, Morpeth (Blue Hour)

Middle Greens was opened in the late 19th century/early 20th century to house the working class. Bennett’s Walk follows the south bank of the river. I quite liked how the Court House (1822) was illuminated in orange and contrasted against the plain houses. Sadly, the 1960s flood wall is a bit of a monstrosity!

• Samsung GX-1S
• 30 sec exposure
• f/13 105 mm
• ISO 200