they lost it but i found it

I just love the eyes on this guy

 Here's another angle of my lonely friend.

Apart from the post behind the swan which is a little distracting, I think this is very good.

Boredrich's comment on Babes in the Woods reminded me of this photograph

A Gingerbread House

This female mallard was feeding when I disturbed her

Normally when I am about to buy a piece of photographic kit I know exactly what I want because I have identified the job I want it to do and my available budget.

I am currently confused by one of the most low tech purchases I have ever considered or at least I thought it was low tech until I started my search for a light weight Tripod. The Tripod world is currently being redeveloped due to the introduction of carbon fibre, magnesium and even titanium if you have £2500 to spend on a camera support system.

I currently have three very capable tripods but all are too heavy to take abroad, as I will
be working to create HDR images a three legged friend is essential.

In the old days it was simple,heavy meant steady, now it would appear that solid can be lightweight if you believe the blurb, anyway I think I've made my choice but if any of you have a tripod that weighs less than 2kg preferably 1.5kg and about 1.5 meters high without using the centre column and closes to less than 50cm that you are happy with I would welcome your advice before I make the purchase.

It should also support a 10kg load.

Thanks

SeasideMan's recent posting reminded me of these pictures.

Sorry about the quality - of the photos - not the cheese!

 This is one of my many friendly visitors (especially when there is some bread to be had.)

 Do you think we'll see her on Strictly Come Dancing in the years to come. . . . . She does

This is the very first image I processed HDR style, I'm very happy with the outcome.

Click it to make it bigger.

Cheers, Tom.

We have all seen ducks with their off spring, but what’s the normal amount of ducklings they raise. Normally I would have said six or something in that region. This little group consisted of 12; I have never seen so many in one group. Dad wasn’t there; I think he did a runner.

We have all seen ducks with their off spring, but what’s the normal amount of ducklings they raise. Normally I would have said six or something in that region. This little group consisted of 12; I have never seen so many in one group. Dad wasn’t there; I think he did a runner.

With this ring.........

.............I thee befriend........... There it's official.

This weekend I was playing with my camera's white balance settings while walking in a forest with a cloudy sky (sun peaking through only every once in a while).

The problem now: I can't tell for sure which photo represents the actual colours because of the different monitors! My monitor at home shows the colours different from the one at work. So which photo is correct, and/or how far can I go in Photoshop?

See for yourself:

The first photos are auto, the second changed to shadow setting. The colours in shadow setting are too rich, but I have to admit I like them better

So go with what I like best?? Or what's closer to reality?

P.S.: I guess there's a similar problem when you print photos. Each printer will print the colours slightly differently.

A young Blackbird, it was probably not used to flying as it was trying to run away

Sorry about the focus, this litle bugger was moving quite fast, it was nicking food from the ducks on the local pond.

I've seen some strange things in my time.

I know this is a wine growing region but I've never seen it grown in the bottle.

Click on it to make it bigger.

Cheers, Tom.

I like to take photos with people to show an atmosphere of some places.
It's not easy but I conceived the idea and I started to catch others with cameras

I am told that this is a female Blackbird despite it being rather brown in colour. It only just scraped into my field of view set up for robins and tits.

You see more images at lochnessimages.com Constructive critics welcome !

Well here's a Coal Tit or that's what I believe it to be !

You can view more of my images at lochnessimages.com You are welcome to comment on anything !

Happy Birthday and Bon Anniversaire to my blog friends faffajane and Richard Mathieu.

I WISH YOU BOTH A VERY LOVELY DAY

Copyright - Dean Christopher,2008.

(part of a series of images)
www.dcphotoart.blog.co.uk

Its not often that an opportunity like this one arises !

Other images may be seen on the web site lochnessimages.com

Pershore old bridge

Caught yesterday between the showers

Following on from a earlier post I have posted a with and without HDR comparison.

Its interesting to see how much more detail is available in the HDR version.

I am unsure if I have processed the HDR image well as this is only day two of my HDR tests.

Has been identified as an asphodel. A member of the lily family.

In Ancient Greek mythology a section of the Underworld was called "Asphodel Meadows"

The ancients planted the flowers near tombs, regarding them as the form of food preferred by the dead, and many poems refer to this custom. The name is derived from a Greek word meaning sceptre.

The roots, dried and boiled in water, yield a mucilaginous matter that in some countries is mixed with grain or potato to make Asphodel bread. In Spain and other countries they are used as cattle fodder, especially for sheep. In Barbary the wild boars eat them greedily.

In Persia, glue is made with the bulbs, which are first dried and then pulverized. When mixed with cold water, the powder swells and forms a strong glue.

Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Pliny said the roots were cooked in ashes and eaten. The Greeks and Romans used them in several diseases, but they are not employed in modern medicine.

---Constituents---An acrid principle separated or destroyed by boiling water, and a matter resembling inuline have been found. An alcohol of excellent flavour has been obtained from plants growing abundantly in Algeria.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---Acrid, heating, and diuretic. Said to be useful in menstrual obstructions and as an antispasmodic. The bruised root has been recommended for rapidly dissolving scrofulous swellings.

This isn't brilliant because it was taken with the camera on my mobile phone, but I had to seize the moment and I'm quite pleased with the composition.

The subject is my four year old nephew.

Anyway, it made me smile so I thought I'd share it with you.

Note how I cleverly avoided having a horizon line, so I didn't have to get it flat

They both get bigger if you click on them.

Cheers, Tom.

And a shrinking Violet!

I have been working with high dynamic range (HDR) images today this is one of my first images.

HDR images are created from a number of different exposures which are blended together to create one image with a extended tonal range.

I don't know what it is though. Anyone? Click to make bigger.

Cheers, Tom.

Home of the Bronte’s well worth a look round, as is the Haworth village lots of quaint little shops.

It's the weather for flower pictures today, so here are two. I swear I found the second one just like that - I didn't move those objects at all!

Click on the pictures to make them bigger.

Cheers, Tom.

This foot bridge seems a little out of place, on the very edge of Saddleworth Moor, just out side Huddersfield

I took this in the LaKe District a little while ago, we were at the bottom of this pass, catching our breather before the long climb to the top.

Good advice for all of us, I think.  How Dan managed to contort himself into that shape in the 2nd picture I really don't know. Unusually, he has taken his eye off the ball too. Both pictures get bigger if you click on them, and there is a green ball in both.

Cheers, Tom.

What NO PICTURE?

Marian

There is a petition on the 10 downing street website, which is as follows:

Through history, we have documented the world around us, whether through written word, art or photography.

Photography in particular has provided fantastic insights into the past and present, and is a hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.

But today, it's becoming increasingly difficult to take photos of our surroundings, particularly in cities like London.

In recent years, the price divide between professional and consumer equipment has blurred, and it's quite common these days to see amateurs and hobbyists carrying around tripods, SLR cameras and a backpack full of equipment.

Yet, we are constantly harrassed by security guards and police officers in the name of preventing terrorism. They seem to be operating under a different interpretation of the law to the rest of us, believing that somehow the length of your lens, or size of your camera is relevant.

We would like clarification by the goverment on the law regarding photography of buildings and landmarks from public locations.
If you wish to sign this petition, then go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/photographylaw/#detail
Then you can add your name to the petition, if you agree. If this has been brought to your attention on a prior post, then I apologise for wasting your time. Yours King Gog of Gog.

Something Purple

Wild Strawberry
Clover

A Spanish Sunrise

I just liked this one, the light is great

How funny!

But sometimes the neighbours just lower the tone!

Some weeks ago I posted a constructed panorama in stark monochrome...

So anyway a chum of mine suggested the image might look more impressive if the foreground was in glorious colour, while the sky had that dramatic monochrome effect.

It would've been easy if I'd had colour versions of the original images used in my compilation. However never let it be said I'm not resourceful...

How about this? Do you like it? What would improve it? Should I have bothered in the first place?

Your answers on a postcard please....

The old firing range at Rainham Marshes, what lane are you in

................................ beside the seaside!

Sunrise, from Two Tree Island, looking over Southend on Sea, you can see some dust on the lens....sorry will try and clean it up later

Rabbit

I think I just about caught this right, what to do think. It could be the letter 'i'. But really it just a sunrise.

Some of the buses in the Highlands carry the logo Catch the Bluebird.
Every picture should tell a story and this would go nicely on the buses.

Other images maybe seen at lochnessimages.com

Triple X

............out of this week's photo challenge!

Well it was rather a 'convenient' shot!

Sunrise on the River Thames, taken from a low prespective, once again it's the colour and subject I like.

I took this just over a week ago, I love the colour of this picture it was taken at place called Two Tree Island on the River Thames.

I took these last October. It was a dark time time for me and I was amazed by the colours and the joy these flowers gave me...in the melancholy month of October. I have a chocolate plant in my garden and yes...it really does smell of chocolate! I am NOT a photographer!

I am NOT a photographer but I thought these would be alright to share. I do hope you forgive the amateur nature of them as I know there are so many beautiful and well-crafted works of art on this blog! Hope you don't mind!
Pip x

We all know about Steve's impression of an undercover garden mole! And Rabbit posted this particular piece which reminded me of something I recently read:

The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography*

Before we get started here, we have to point out that we’re not lawyers. *None of this should be construed as legal advice. If you have a legal issue, get in touch with a lawyer.

I. Anyone in a public place can take pictures of anything they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, malls, etc. Malls? Yeah. Even though it’s technically private property, being open to the public makes it public space.

II. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of private property. If a building, for example, is visible from the sidewalk, it’s fair game.

III. If you are on private property and are asked not to take pictures, you are obligated to honour that request. This includes posted signs.

IV. Sensitive government buildings (military bases, nuclear facilities) can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security.

V. People can be photographed if they are in public (without their consent) unless they have secluded themselves and can expect a reasonable degree of privacy.
Kids swimming in a fountain? Okay.
Somebody entering their PIN at the ATM? Not okay.

VI. The following can almost always be photographed from public places, despite popular opinion: accident & fire scenes, criminal activities bridges & other infrastructure, transportation facilities (i.e. airports)industrial facilities, public utilities, residential & commercial buildings, children, celebrities, law enforcement officers, UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Chuck Norris VII. Although “security” is often given as the reason somebody doesn’t want you to take photos, it’s rarely valid. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject does not constitute terrorism, nor does it infringe on a company’s trade secrets.

VIII. If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking pictures, nor to you have to disclose your identity (except in some cases when questioned by a law enforcement officer.)

IX. Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will, and can be subject to legal action if they harass you.

X. If someone tries to confiscate your camera and/or film, you don’t have to give it to them. If they take it by force or threaten you, they can be liable for things like theft and coercion. Even law enforcement officers need a court order.

What To Do If You’re Confronted

Be respectful and polite. Use good judgement and don’t escalate the situation. If the person becomes combative or difficult, think about calling the police. Threats, detention, and taking your camera are all grounds for legal or civil actions on your part. Be sure to get the person’s name, employer, and what legal grounds they claim for their actions. If you don’t want to involve the authorities, go above the person’s head to their supervisor or their company’s public relations department. Call your local TV and radio stations and see if they want to do a story about your civil liberties. Put the story on the web yourself if need be.

FOOTNOTE 1 (from Seasideman):

A fully English pdf detailing photographers rights is here:

http://www.sirimo.co.uk/ukpr.php

Rather strangely, there are some restrictions on Trafalgar Square and all Royal Parks. Apart from that, it's more or less the same as what you posted and thanks for raising the issue. We are all better off if well-informed.

FOOTNOTE2 (from Paparazzi):

In the uk you have no right to take pictures on private property even if it is open to the public this includes shopping "malls", theatres, galleries and some parks.

I would advise against anyone photographing children candidly if they are not family members as one mans art is another persons pornography and some of the stories that have been printed in the photo press are chilling!

It may surprise you to know that certain public displays are subject to copyright laws. Pictures can be taken but should not be published and that includes blogging!

The use of a tripod can be a problem in many areas even if photography is allowed, obstruction is against the law.

Police officers are generally helpful in most situations however security guards and community officers are usually just jobs worths. If you are sure you are right ask them to call the police in the UK trespass is just a civil offence do not show anyone the pictures you have taken unless arrested.

In the current climate big brother is watching on cctv but your rights to pursue an innocent and legal pastime are being eroded. Ask yourself are these pix worth the hassel?

PS Did you know it is unlawful to publish pictures taken on National Trust property and that includes the Beaches, Landscapes and the great houses inside or out and its all done for our benefit?

Seen on a ciggie break at work. I just happened to have my camera to hand.

Follow a link for an article on the BBC webite, for those who take an interest in photography. It's something I have mentioned before.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7351252.stm

Rabbit

Some pictures of small things on the beach, taken using my camera's "macro" function.  Barnacles, seaweed and broken shells.

They all get bigger if you click on them.

Cheers, Tom.

I saw one of David's pictures the other day, of a gull in flight, I knew I had a couple somewhere and her4 one is, this particular chap was flying along side the boat I was just of the Cumbrian coast. The boat was moving around quite a lot so am pleased that it turned out as well as this. Not perfect but I like it!

I saw one of David's pictures the other day, of a gull in flight, I knew I had a couple somewhere and her4 one is, this particular chap was flying along side the boat I was just of the Cumbrian coast. The boat was moving around quite a lot so am pleased that it turned out as well as this. Not perfect but I like it!

Rabbit

i was at my village yesterday.. it's spring here although i'm so pessimistic these days this flower give me something called hope!

According to the RSP website there are only about 29 pairs of these nesting in the UK.

According to the RSP website there are only about 29 pairs of these nesting in the UK

definitely X-rated!

As far as this week's photo challenge is concerned!

While attending a Motocross event at Ardersier near Nairn on the East Coast of Scotland planes were flying over to land at Inverness Airport. I pointed my camera skywards and this is my response to the challenge ' letters and numbers'. Other exciting images of motocross can be seen on the web site lochnessimages.com.

Occasionally one records the unexpected !
Should have been submitted to the transport challenge perhaps; well if captured a week or so earlier.

'cos it's another photo challenge.

.....................................That's Y!........................................

This bird was difficult to photograph because it doesn't stay long in one place and only infrequently perches [ on my shovel anyway ].

..... As I Walked in Fields of Gold .....

Ah! It's no wonder I'm waxing lyrical!

Even with my megga 50-500mm lens this is about the best I could get, taken on Friday at the RSPB site at Rainham Marshes.

Even with my megga 50-500mm lens this is about the best I could get, taken on Friday at the RSPB site at Rainham Marshes.

The bird flew off revealing that I had been conned and it had two legs after all !

I was amazed how the moving wings managed to be frozen in time even on a gray afternoon.

I went out on an errand late this afternoon, I took my camera and looked high and low for photogenic letters or numbers

An 'I' and an upside down 'Z'..or is that 'Z' really two 7's

..... like this!

Here's a shadowy letter

DON'T FORGET TO MARK YOUR SHOT "challenge7"

The wind farm off Great Yarmouth

The ceiling in the main hall of Victoria Hall in Saltaire doesn't always look like it did last weekend!

Let’s see how we do with this challenge, post your interpretation of letters or numbers, here’s one to get you under way.

Rabbit

There is enough space for 50 guys to fire at one time.

This a typical butt of an old fring range at Rainham marshes. Its a long time since I used a firing range like this. There was a frame a frame into which a target was put, on the command the frame was raised and the soldiers fired at the target, this was then lowered, this continued until the test was finished. The guys in the butts counted the number of holes in the target which was recorded. It was quite noisy with e crack of the bullets passing overhead; it was quite safe though unless you raised your head above the parapet.

Following on from the transport theme I thought I would post this with an explanation of
how to create the effect.

For those with photoshop who want to create this effect its quite easy !

Capture your moving subject with a fast shutter speed, we can add the blur later.

Make a selection around the car and invert the selection.Ensure this selection is feathered about 5 should do it.

Go to FILTER and BLUR, control the direction and amount of the blur in this case Horizontal and 15%

Deselect selection.

Using the lassoo tool make a selection on a wheel go to filter blur/radial blur and
choose how much spin to add to the wheels. Repeat on each wheel.

Deselect. Done !

This technique can be used on cars that are not moving.

A glorious day last week in my local and favourite park with Grey (hound) who also had a wonderful time just running

Here is an old photo (well last autumn anyway)

actually seems like it was yesterday

Well almost!

This is Oleander otherwise known as Laurier Rose.

I don't know why, but i do like this picture

Would you believe this ........

.........is possibly a weed (no - not that one!). It's taken over a terracota pot containing an olive 'tree'. It's very pretty so it's going to stay.

Take a deep breath......

Can't you just smell that beautiful scent?

Yet another example of prevailing winds. Either that or over-use by VERY heavy dogs.

Has this Sea Gull lost a leg ? What do you think ?

but I like it

Went to Tilbury Fort today. It is possibly best known for being one of the locations used for the "Sharpe" series.

It is in the middle of an Industrial wasteland though

Sometimes if you want to resolve a problem you just need to look at it from a slightly different angle.

X

To the South the sky looks like this

But

To the West like that

X

The moon looked like this.

But now as the sun is setting she looks like this

In another hour a more competent photographer will need to capture her image, because try as I might I never get a decent shot of her after dark.

X

Here is an image of a Scotsman taken this afternoon [ 12th April 2008 ] in High Street, Inverness. I do believe we owe a lot to Street Entertainers who liven our experience while shopping.

.... in apple blossom time

Challenge Six is TRANSPORT!

This tug and barge are transporting the rubbish collected from London up the Thames to Rainham and the landfill site, the site is actullay located at a place called Mucking (no pun).

Rabbit

Sailing down the Thames past Rainham Marshes.

Taken yesterday at Rainham Marshes, a British Airways aircraft on approach to London City Airport

Men rarely grow up !

For many years I wanted a sports car and madly bought this model circa 1970 for £1800 and then watched as it began to rust away [ sitting outside over the winter ]. Fortunately another chap [ who hadn't grown up either ] came along and bought it. I took a Renault Megane Diesel in part exchange !

I love the reflection on the water, shot on Thursday in Essex

I love the detail on this picture, the beads of water of the swan head.

This horse looks a bit down in the mouth!............

Look he's got an early mobile phone! ...........

The Roman Empire

Just your common feral pigeon

Took this yesterday, after a walk in the wood, not too many around at the moment

Outside

LOCAL TRANSPORT BRUGES
RACY WEDDING CAR

THEY COULD AFFORD A CARRIAGE

GIVE US A LIFT

WELL THERE GO MY TRANSPORT OFFERINGS.

It's been raining here for the last three days.

You can just see that my cherry blossom is nearly all gone!

Photos of my car taken the other morning after a hard frost.

La_Spice's entry of ' Just who does that Robin think he is ? ' wins by a nose from ' Sod it I'll hire a JCB ' by Ajnspencer.

And thank you to all entrants.

Hi to everybody...I've found a photographer I think some of you would really enjoy seeing...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kashimura/

I think his work is just wonderful...the range is phenomenal....and there are thousands of them...the city ones are all of Tokyo...big hugs to one and all...

Motos by a wall in Nerja January 2008

Transporting port wine across the river in Oporto...June 2007

Whenever something is described as "common" I feel a certain affinity with it...

Frosty frozen drops on a car roof.

MUST BE DOING A 'BIG SHOP'

This week the topic is "TRANSPORT"
Please remember to tag your post "challenge6"

Taken early morning on Tuesday.

Lake Windermere in late October

This where the Heron got lucky

This little guy was fishing in the local river when I was up in Yorkshire visiting my father. I think he got lucky!

I took a little detour on my walk home from work yesterday.

The story behind this is the tarmac you see is one of the busiest and most infamous roads in Devon.

The side I'm stood is the start of a tree lined path, so near physically and yet so far in spirit from the hustle and bustle of the road.

Taken in my garden this afternoon. The scent is wonderful!

We'll gather lilacs in the spring again,
And walk together down an English lane,
Until our hearts have learned to sing again,
When you come home once more.
And in the evening by the firelight glow,
You'll hold me close and never let me go,
Your eyes will tell me all I want to know,
When you come home once more.

Words by Ivor Novello

at the weekend, so naturally I got the camera out and we went up the forest.

On 30th of December 1842 Glanderston Dam, created for local industry, burst its embankment in the midst of a wild storm. It sent a flood tide through the meadow of Glanderston House to South Arthurlie Printworks and Nether Arthurlie village drowning 9 people and causing mass destruction. (http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/glanderston_dam )

In my life I have been faithful to the sacred stones.  I have lived according to their requirements, and they have helped me in all my troubles.  I have tried to qualify myself as well as possible to handle these sacred stones, yet I know that I am not worthy to speak to Wakan Tanka.  I make my request of the stones and they are my intercessors.
 

This is the most successful "stitch" picture that I have managed.

Craignethan is a fascinating castle built in 1532 on a bluff falling steeply on two sides to the River Nethan and on a third to the Craignethan Burn. The only approach is from the higher ground to the west, and on this side the castle was protected by defences designed to withstand the strongest artillery of the day.

Craignethan Castle was built by Sir James Hamilton in 1532. He was a man with powerful enemies: a claim in 1540 that he had been involved in a plot against his friend James V many years earlier, though probably untrue, led to his execution for treason. Craignethan passed to the Crown, before being acquired in 1542 by another James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran, half brother of the original builder, and Regent of Scotland.

This is a castle full of surprises, with far more to see and explore than you expect, and it makes an excellent half day out. Craignethan Castle lies a little to the west of the A72 near Crossford, a few miles north west of Lanark.

Info from the site, http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/lanark/craignethancastle/index.html

and one more

More from the wildlife centre

One of the few properties of water photographers rarely explore, the distortion is real
however the paint flow has had a little help !

This time two Scottish Ducks on the move!

2nd duck: "I canny go any quacker"!

"The Wild West" of France perhaps?

...I used the "snow setting" on my camera....

A camellia...

yesterday

and today

Copyright-Dean Christopher,2006.

to view more by me, see tags...click on dean christopher...

I think this is my first one for this group

Blatchington Pond Seaford

Alleyway...

Nobody home...

I was impressed by the clarity and detail my camera picked up on these pretty pink flowers.

Hope you like it.

Now the real question.

To warm up shall we have some spiced mead or some hot apple with blackcurrant rum?

X

I went out this morning, amongst other images I saw this:

Which made me smile.

You can just about see the sea in the background. Well I know it's there anyway

.............. well perhaps not!

Here's something a little bit warmer to brighten up your day.

Two snaps from a tripod focussed in different places and a bit of layer fiddling in Photoshop.

...tripods can be a little rest spot for other things too.

Rust, reflections and me!

I don't know quite what it is about this image but I am strangely drawn to it!

I believethis was the old university, but its a nice building

Copyright-Dean Christopher,2008.

(part of a series):
www.dcphotoart.blog.co.uk

I was on my hands and knees on the floor taking this one... this thing is half the size of my little fingernail and it was a little breezy... thankfully bright so short shutter speed!

Belgian garden

On my walk today,I took a photo of this.

Not sure why I like it, it was just one of those quick shots, one of the few that came out reasonably well.

Blossom

Dandelion

Some garden flowers

THAT'S LIKE THE EDGE OF REALITY MAN

Part of my Challenge, to see what and why click HERE...

White...

And Pink...

...yeah, I still don't know what this one is either...

Part of my Challenge, to see what and why click HERE...

I think this is four stiched together, although I prefer the Langdales picture, but this has something about it!

This is 5 pictures stiched together, taken in the Lake District last year, its a view of the Langdales valley.

Copyright-Dean Christopher,2008.

Now ain't that somethin' pretty?

I wish I had!

Traffic jam French style

It is a land mark at Upton on Seven Worcestershire

Well what did you expect? D

First built in 1835 and still in regular use.  This is the oldest Mormon chapel in the world.  It is situated at Pendock in Worcestershire.

Taken today, situated on my kitchen window ledge.

I don't know if the Food and drink challenge is over but here's another of my last year's holiday pics anyway.

btw. The pine nuts and coconuts are the food and if you want a drink you'll have to have a swig from the fountain!

......of CJ's Snaps Factor Competition was......

Many thanks to everyone who took the time to vote.

...........you've just got to scratch it!

Won't he just hate me for this when he grows up!

A goosling, I took this last year. Will soon be out there again, taking more.

Rabbit

The Professor who had almost lost his voice managed a two hour performance to a packed house in the new Eden Court Theatre Inverness. He joked that his lost voice could be an act of God.
I don't know if the audience was 98 % atheists but no one was fit for him. He demolishes the simplistic view of God but not the God the ground of our being. He tells much of what most undergraduates at age 18 feel. My regret is that when I could have written much the same questionings of traditional religion as he has done in his book 'The God Delusion' I didn't see it as an opportunity ! I do believe however that lives like that of Mother Teresa of Calcutta speak for themselves and if people like her are deluded let it be so.
Professor Dawkins spoke of science removing the need for a creator and I agree with him but also find the idea that all the matter in the universe was compressed into a pin head size blob almost as puzzling and incredible.
That is what the Big Bang theory, currently accepted by scientists, presupposes !

Both of these are of the same post, and were taken today. It was very dark and grey at the time, so I experimented with the light settings on my camera to try and compensate. As a result, they are both slightly over-exposed, but I learned quite a lot. They both get bigger if you click on them.

Cheers, Tom.

I walked my dogs past the spot where this was taken today. Each year I promise myself that I
won't photograph this natural wonder and each year I break my promise. the subject might be a cliche but I can't resist pointing my camera at the Bluebells. I think we are only 5 or 6 weeks
away from them being ready in the Forest of Dean.

I'll post a 2008 pic when they are ready.

See....money does grow on trees....well...tree stumps anyway!

PAPER ROSES?

NO. IT'S THE REAL THING

I used this picture for my Christmas Cards, last year, it went very well with friends and family

My little garden friends

Yesterday, whilst on the look-out for Green Men or Maidens, I came across this chappy

I think it might be a Roman Sun God though he doesn't look too happy!

And this stone carving of a face and a head but no sign of Green Men or Maidens ....yet!

Hi to everybody...just thought you might like to see a photo of my robin I sculpted a long time ago now...am rather fond of him...

Big hugs to one and all...

For those of you who need this picture explaining, the drink may be obvious, but check out the slice of lemon in the coke?

Also, expressing the glass is always half full.

We stopped at this delightful, slightly upmarket, eating place in Aberdeen...

...but moved on

As this group are a bunch of Smartypantses I thought I'd admit my ignorance and ask...

Whassat?

The best or funniest or most appropriate caption to this image will win a real prize ! Its not an attempt at April fooling. A real prize ! Just leave your suggestions in the comment boxes in the next two or three days.

As you'll see I am not ! This time I tried using a tripod and also a 500 mm lens and comparison shows more fine feather detail but it was all too easy to get the tail out of the field of view [ cut off ] !

I'm still on the look-out for an interesting French post box but I did come across a Postman's delivery bike.

One of 2006's holiday snaps

An unexpected recent finding was an upmarket restaurant only a few hundred yards away on board a boat aptly named ' Lochness '. More of my images can be viewed at lochnessimages.com.

AND DRINK

You caught my attention five minutes before lunch.  Do you think this has anything to do with my weight?

SOMETHING TO DO WITH GLOBAL WARMING

THEY'RE BEANS

        I'll be pleased when the new ones come - don't they just get everywhere?

As seen from my bedroom window

"Looking Up"