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Posts tagged ‘Alan Frost’

Dungeness – A fascinating and desolate place.

For quite some time now I have wanted to visit Dungeness on the southern tip of the Kent coast. I had heard about and seen many an image of the headland which is one of the largest areas of shingle in Europe. It is an extraordinary and fascinating place, quite unlike anything I have visited before.

In recognition of its diverse ecology it is designated a National Nature reserve (NNR), a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which also includes Romney Marsh and Rye Bay.

It is also the site of two Nuclear Power Stations. The first was commissioned in 1965, and the other became operational in 1983. The former ceased production in 2006 and the second is estimated to be de-commissioned by 2028. They are massive buildings, dominate the area, and are ever present if not in the eye then certainly in the mind.

Fisherman have lived in the area for a long time. Their homes are often converted railway carriages and their boats and huts stand on the shingle although many are well past their prime.

There is clear evidence the character of Dungennes is changing, as incomers given the opportunity buy one of the dilapidated buildings, which is then replaced with a much more modern/contemporary structure. Whilst there are strict planning regulations these new properties are in many cases second homes or holiday lets. I doubt this is considered to be progress by the locals as it impacts on the affordability of these homes and it will in time undoubtedly change the character of the location.

My wife and I spent the best part of a day exploring the area, but I left thinking there was more we hadn’t seen. Photographically it offers numerous opportunities and having taken my time to process a selection of images I hope I have captured something of the true essence of the place. In many respects these pictures are more documentary in their style and I have enjoyed this approach to this collection.

Although the place gives the impression of abandonment and desolation there is activity including the Fish Hut and a steam railway for the visitors. Should I make a return visit, and I think I will, I would like to try and record some more of these activities as they too have a story to tell.

Dungeness is a fascinating place and I have finished with a photograph of some wording I found on the side of one of the many containers apparently abandoned on the shingle. Make of it what you will!!

If you have enjoyed these images there are more to be seen in a new gallery page – ‘Dungeness’ which can viewed by clicking here.

As always if you want to view an enlarged version do click on the image.

Three vessels and a tulip

This is the result of my third session making a still-life image.

Yesterday morning my wife and I visited The Curiosity Centre in Dorset. A large warehouse selling second hand furniture, collectables and what can only be termed as bric-a-brac. I was looking for some items which I thought would lend themselves to a still-life composition. I found three pewter vessels which I manged to buy for the princely sum of £10. I liked their simple design, rustic nature, patina and marks. I bought a bunch of tulips for my wife to enjoy but pinched one bloom for the photograph!

I spent a couple of hours in the afternoon creating a basic setup. Nothing elaborate. I used the natural light from a side window and a head torch. I changed the composition many times and tried different lenses and aperture settings until I had a selction I could download into Lightroom for further assesment.

My chosen image was processed in Lightroom and Silver Efex Pro II. I like the square crop and the warm tone was added in LR to complete the workflow.

I find this genre of photography most appealing, so I will definitely be on the lookout for more items to help make suitable compositions. In the process I am sure my compositions and understanding of light will improve, as I refine my approach to still-life photography.

Do click on the image to view a larger version.

Churches Project no 20 – St Cuthbert’s Old Church, Oborne

St Cuthberts's Old Church-3

This tiny church in Dorset was built in 1533 and has historical and religious connections with Sherborne Abbey, which lies to the west. The name Oborne derives from the Old English words, woh and burna, and means a crooked stream. Although the above photograph would suggest a tranquil rural setting, the church is actually sited alongside the A30, a fairly busy road between Yeovil and Shaftesbury.

St Cuthberts's Old Church

The rustic simplicity of the church and the lovely light appealed to me, which resulted in these two internal pictures.

St Cuthberts's Old Church-2

I am particularly drawn to the light but also to studies of one aspect of a church interior. I don’t wish to record or capture everything in the one frame, and for this reason the image above of the light coming in through the open door and illuminating the altar rail and step appeals to me.

Like so many of these small, rural churches it is no longer used for regular parish worship and is cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust.

Chichester Art Trail Open Studios

Art_Trail_Poster_A4

I am delighted to announce that my wife Helen and I will be exhibiting our artwork as part of the Chichester Art Trail during the first two weekends in May. This is a very well established event. It provides an opportunity for the public to view the work of over 170 talented artists in and around the Chichester area, either in the artist’s studio or in their home. This is the first time we have taken part so we are looking forward to the event with great anticipation and a little apprehension thrown in for good measure!

ARPS Panel-7

I will be displaying my monochrome photographs, whilst my wife will be exhibiting her Mixed media paintings, Collages and Found Object sculptures. An example of her work is shown below and more of her work can be seen on her website – www.helenfrostartist.com.

Helen

Prior to the Art Trail, all of the artists will be displaying one or two examples of their work at The Oxmarket Centre of Arts in Chichester between Tuesday 24th and Sunday 29th April. This exhibition will be open to the public and is a great way to glean a taste of all the art on offer and plan a personal Trail route.

For more information you can visit the Chicheter Open Studios Art Trail website or the PDF brochure can be downlaoded by clicking on this link – chichester_art_trail_guide_2018.

If you happen to be in the area for either the Public Exhibition or for the Art Trail itself then we do hope you will call in to see our work and have a chat.

‘Drawing with light’ – church interiors

The word ‘photograph’ is derived from two words in Greek. ‘Phōtós’, genitive of ‘phōs’ meaning light and ‘graphé’ meaning representation by lines or drawing. In other words a photograph is ‘drawing with light’.

Piscina of light

This image is of a piscina, which is a small bowl used to dispose of water in services. It is often set in a wall, as it is here. In flat light I doubt I would have even considered taking a photograph, but lit by the sun coming through a window on the opposite side of the church, this simple architectural feature is transformed. The shape and texture are revealed and there is a depth to the picture which without the light would not be evident.

I am always looking for these brief moments when natural light is at play inside a place of worship. Here are a few more examples.

Shadows and the Cross

Hymn Books

Chancel Step

Three Windows and a Pulpit

Candlelight in The Priory

Light and Shadow in the Nave

I have quite a collection of this type of image, made over a number of years, so some you may have seen before. Whenever I revisit these photographs, which have been ‘drawn by light’ I am always inspired to make even more.