This is an image made moments before the sun came up over the horizon during a brief stay in Tuscany en route to Rome, almost exactly four years ago. I can still recall the still morning air gradually warming with the approaching sunrise as I crunched along the gravel path to find the look-out ahead of this view, the mist slowly rising around me as I set up my gear and the gentle chirrups of all the small things waking up to start their day. Recalling moments like this really remind me why I do this…best part of the day and I had it all to myself! It’s well understood the area has a lot to offer the photographer who takes the time to investigate a little beyond the well-worn tourist trails. I’ve never been one for following in others’ footsteps much anyway so I’m really looking forwards to seeing what I can find when I return to the area shortly…In fact by the time you read this I may already be there!

Ciao!

Blue and gold light over the river Barle in Exmoor National Park, just a stone’s throw from the Tarr Steps. Betraying just a hint of the rapidly approaching autumn the warm sunrise was reflected off the surrounding trees still heavily laden with their summer garb, already losing their deep greens for yellow and gold leaves the foliage seems to be sure of one thing; autumn is on the way already.

Up early for sunrise over the Marshwood Vale on the south western edge of Dorset to witness the rising mist over the surrounding levels. The first day of September and it true feels as though summer has been and gone…

After a slightly draining weekend of a brilliant wedding (pictures on the way) and dashing around the country, I once again got up at an insane hour (pre-4am) but this time in search in something other than a landscape lit by the early morning light. Instead I was heading into the centre of Bristol to the pre-event/curtain raiser event for the International Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2010. Just a small selection of hot air balloons (only 10) had arrived to fly from the relatively small area of College Green, against the back-drop of Bristol Cathedral, but it was great to be able to get up close and see them all preparing their gear and inflate the immense canopies ready for lift-off. Around 100 to a possible 150(!) balloons are expected to rise into the air in the mass launches taking place later in the week and guess who’s going to be there…

 

Summer time, good times.