Isla at 8.5 months

Isla is now 8.5 months old, and is definitely starting to mature.  We've reached the stage where peace occasionally breaks out with the ginger cat, meaning that they can both share the same piece of decking when sun-bathing.

Isla is very athletic, and likes nothing better than to run and run (ideally after one or more tennis balls).  Here are a few pictures taken yesterday afternoon, walking around the fields between Harston and Haslingfield.  Pure heaven for an energetic labrador - especially one who went for a swim in the river, as can be seen from the second image.

Great Wilbraham Vegetable, Flower and Produce Show 2018

Back in July I was asked if I would judge the photography section of the (world famous) Great Wilbraham Vegetable, Flower and Produce Show, 2018.  What an honour!  Some really interesting photos, as it turns out, and I've since had the opportunity to meet many of the people who took them.  Once the judging was complete I was able to wander around the show itself, admiring the wonderful exhibits on display.  It's clear that Great Wilbraham residents take the event very seriously (something to do with the top prize of 50p per section, perhaps?), and it was lovely to see the hall busy with people of all ages.  The whole experience reminded me of the Yorkshire shows I used to attend as a kid: a little old-fashioned, perhaps, but certainly a tradition worth upholding for many years to come.

One of the categories (of which there were many) involved growing spuds in a bucket.  Third prize went to none other than Cambridge Camera Club's current President.  Not just a pretty face, clearly...

Dartmoor in Infra-Red

The conditions last Saturday were perfect for Infra-Red photography, so I was glad that I'd taken my IR-converted Fuji X-E2 with me to Devon.  The first location is Hay Tor, with its fascinating collection of human, bovine and canine wildlife.

Then Hound Tor, which also happens to be the site of a deserted mediaeval village.

Then Postbridge, for a walk up the East Dart valley followed by a scrumptious take-away cream tea from the Post Office.

Finally, Dartmeet where the two branches of the river join together.

I really should take the Infra-Red camera out more often...

Dartmoor in Colour

Last Sunday there was an LRPS Assessment in Bovey Tracey on the edge of Dartmoor.  Since this coincided with our wedding anniversary, and because Devon is Harriet's old stamping ground, we decided to make a long weekend of it and go down together.  Saturday was one of those glorious early autumn days when the sun was shining but there was also a definite nip in the air.  Perfect for a spot of Tor-bashing. 

We'd been on the lookout for Dartmoor ponies all day, and seen plenty in the distance.  As we were heading back to Bovey Tracey in the late afternoon, we came across a herd of them right next to the road - indeed, on the road, much of the time.  Although they're smaller than I expected them to be, these beautiful and inquisitive animals are full of character.

Birmingham in Infra Red

Back in June I travelled across to Smethwick in order to see the first opening of the London Salon of Photography exhibition.  First opening?  London Salon in Birmingham?  Both oxymorons, surely?  Certainly, a strategy designed to confuse the uninitiated.

I had a couple of hours to kill before the exhibition opened, so I took the train into the centre of Birmingham.  It was a dull, grey day, so I thought I'd give my Infra Red camera a bit of an outing.

I'd never been to Gas Street Basin, so was determined to visit it on this occasion.  All very gentrified nowadays, but still full of character.

I would have loved to wander around for longer, but needed to get back to Smethwick for the medal presentation (not to me, sadly).  A superb exhibition - the best for many years, in my not-quite-so-humble opinion - which was genuinely inspirational.