Everything was going really well, until the splash….

We started the day at Woodchester Mansion which is an unfinished Gothic style mansion. A great place inside and some wonderful grounds to walk around and take pictures. The front of the mansion is mostly complete but unfortunately they seemed to think that the addition of a huge, white, 30 foot long marquee outside the entrance would be a good idea. That kind of ruined the chances of getting any good shots of the house as the back was covered in scaffolding and you could see the marquee from the side of the house as well. Cloning things out from between tree branches isn’t my idea of fun so I quickly dismissed even taking a shot.

I had a nice long walk around the Orange route with Rich as we were going to find the boathouse and see if we could get a decent shot or two of it. As we were walking down from the house we bumped into Christine and found that her day wasn’t going to well. She’d removed the SD card from her camera the night before for some reason and had forgotten to replace it. So no pictures for her and a totally wasted trip out. As we continued on the Orange route we kind of missed a turn when a couple of cows decided to object to our presence. Which led to us taking a two mile round trip around a couple of lakes instead of only having to walk about 500 yards from the house to the boathouse! Next time I’m definitely bringing a jar of mustard to threaten the cows with.

When we got back to the mansion to our dismay the tea room had already shut and we were forced to endure a dry wait for the minibus to take us back up to the car park. The less said about that journey the better if only for the fact I want to forget that at one point the van was leaning over at 45 degrees when the driver had to reverse and went up on the bank. When we got up to the car park we found Myk & Angi waiting for us. It seemed that everyone else had decided to call it a day and gone home. We were also treated to a great display from the local Glider club as the flight path in to land went directly above the car park.

We all headed, literally across the road to the car park at Coaley Peak, which is a popular hang gliding spot. After capturing a few shots of the sunset we moved up to a more secluded part of the picnic area to do a little bit of light painting. That went really well but it seems we won’t be buying our wire wool at B&Q again as it lasted all of about 10 seconds once it was lit. After a little bit of discussion we decided to head through Dursley, via a fantastic fish & chip shop, to Purton Hulks. Where the plan was to go and do some light painting down amongst the decaying hulls of the boats. We arrived and promptly set off down the towpath to find a suitable spot. Stopping at one of the Hulks we set up and had a bit of fun with lasers, sparklers and various kid’s toys! If you’ve had a go at light painting before you know what I mean. We moved on again to another hulk and created some images  there. Then we had a great idea. Lets go back to the car park and spin some orbs & wool spin off the bridge over the canal! Great, what could possibly go wrong? So we start to set up and Angi decides to go down the tow path a little and try a different angle towards the bridge. She spots some steps going down to what, in the moonlight, looks like a solid piece of concrete. Unfortunately it was just algae covered water! Splash in she went, camera, tripod and mobile phone. Right up to her neck! Now on the bridge Rich was heard to say, bloody hell Angi you’ve scared the birds and spoilt the reflections! Myk jokingly said “It’s only Angie falling in”. Then we heard a HELP! And it was “Oh shit she has!”. Rich & Myk helped her out and I got my camera (I can’t see anything wrong with my priorities). As you can see from the picture she tried to take half the canal home in her shoe.

12 Months with Reflex

 

If you were there at last weeks meeting not only did you get a surprise when you walked through the door into the room you would of heard Kevin talk about something we would love to get you involved in. That something is what we’re going to call 12 Months with Reflex.

The plan is to arrange a day out taking photographs once a month with club members. Why are we making a bit of a fuss about it? Because we want you to get involved. Not just by coming along to take pictures but by helping to organise the trips. We would like 12 of you to take one step forward and volunteer to organise one of the trips each month. It’s not difficult really. All you have to do is say where you want to go and take photographs. Easy isn’t it! Pick a month and a date, pick a location then just tell everyone that’s where and when we’re going. The we’re not looking for highly organised coach trips or anything like that. Just somewhere that you can wander around and take pictures.

If you need inspiration you can take a look at the Bristol Flickr Walk Group to see some of the photographs that have been taken when a group of photographers from the Bristol Area, who are all on Flickr, have got together and wandered around taking pictures. Or you can look at this thread in our Flickr Group that lists lots of places you could use as your location.

If you feel up to the challenge then let Mark or Kevin know on a Thursday night or you can email Mark at the usual club address.

Oh I do like to be beside the sea side

On Saturday an intrepid bunch of adventurers, well six of us, went to Weston Super Mare for a stroll along the sea front and to take pictures. It was a camera club outing but it seemed that most of the club decided it wasn’t for them. Which was a shame because the sun was out and the only bad thing was the wind. Although that created a few good photo opportunities and I’m still annoyed that when the wave broke over the sea wall none of us had our camera’s pointed at the cyclist that got soaked.
We all met at the Pier for six o’clock (at least those of us that could tell the time did, mentioning no names, Kevin.) and decided to go along it and see what we could find. After dodging a van and a train, whilst walking along the pier, we got to the far end and wondered if we were going to get blown off it was so windy. We went inside for a bit and then went for some fish & chips. Barrie ordered his food, got a coffee and walked straight past the till only for the girl to come running after him as he hadn’t paid for any of it!
After the meal we strolled along the seafront. Nearly making it to the old Knightstone pier. If you want to know why we didn’t go all the way to the old pier keep an eye on the pictures in the Flickr group pool and you’ll see that we would have had to time it just right to get past a particularly wet section of the footpath. The waves were constantly breaking over the sea wall at one of the narrowest points of the pathway and we all chickened out. Because of the wind we decided to abandon our plans for a bit of Beach light painting and head home.

From hot houses to wetlands

Well, Skomer failed for a second time thanks to the weather but that didn't deter 5 of us from getting out and about. Barrie, Rich, Kev, Simon and Me all set off to a Butterfly hot house in Swindon. After sweating it in the heat we went out the back to see the Otters and Mearcats. Cafe for lunch then where? Well the weather was supposed to get better so we decided to travel to Ham Wall in Somerset, only 70 miles up the road! High hopes to see lots of wild fowl........

I don't think they had been told the weather was going to improve as they were all hiding in the reeds. So after a stroll from one hide to the next we decided to call it a day. On the way back to the car we did catch glimpse of the illusive Bittern.

Quick refuel at the pub and off home. Enroute via Wells another spur of the moment stop to catch a bit of good sky and idea that will I'm sure raise a smile. Finally back home for a well earnt rest.

Skomer 2011

The day started at Burger King in Bristol at 5 am. Kev, Rich, Ian, Simon and me all bleary eyed but eager. A three hour car journey in front of us to get to Martins Haven for the ferry to Skomer. First stop Haverfordwest at 07:30 for a McDonalds breakfast, egg and bacon Mcmuffin for me, TWO for Kevin FB. 30 minutes and a couple of wrong turns later and we arrived at Martins Haven. At this point we were all a bit scepticle as to whether the ferry would cross due to the high winds. The cloud was breaking and it looked like it was going to brighten up but the winds remained. The parking attendant assured us the ferry was still crossing so we grabbed our gear and set off to the ticket kiosk next to the cove. From here we could see the sea, and my god it was quite a swell. The pilot of the boat made his way to the beach past the queue and said he would go out and see what it was like first before he took anyone. Once enough tickets were sold for the first boat full (40) they stopped until we heard from the pilot. Whilst waiting in the howling wind we watched while the sea came rolloing in. Then it clouded over once more and the rain started. What on earth were we thinking of? We continues to watch as the boat pulled out of the sheltered cove, up over the rollers and the bow smacking down in the following trough. We were all looking at each other not saying a word, we didn't have to. The boat disappeared around the headland and we waited. 10 minutes later over the crackle of the radio we the the words we had at first been dreading but were probably quite relieved to to hear, "No go, getting battered by a force 6 here".

That was that. Back up to car and on to plan B. What was plan B. Oh we didn't have one, bugger.

Ok back to Haverfordwest Information centre pick up some leaflets and back to Mcdonalds to discuss. With more caffiene inside us we decided to head for llanelli to the Wild fowl and wetlands trust there. We arrived there at about midday and walked the entire site. Plenty of bird shots were taken with Damselflies and lizards to boot. Ian may well have been converted, as self confessed Damdelfly hater, he thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of getting a good Damselfly shot. After doing the wild bird section where we shot Damselflies and lizards because the birds were just too easy we went on to the captive section. Here the birds are much more challenging so we concentrated on this (honest). By the time we finished here it was about 5PM and general concensus was that it wasn't bad but not as good as Slimbridge.

From here we felt perhaps a visit to Ogmore-on-sea was in order to maybe get some beach and sky shots. Arrived here about 6PM and the tide was in, so not much beach there. Not our day. Never the less we still got down onto the little bit of beach and hpefully got some useable shots.

After this it was around 7PM and we were all knackered so felt it was time to head home. Back to Burger King for about 8 ish.

Even though we were up at 5am, had a 3 hour journey, got soaked waiting a a queue, to then drive back to a wetlands centre that wasn't as good as one we could have gone to 30 minutes from home and then go to get some beach shots when the tide was in. We still enjoyed ourselves. It was a day when things were just against us, but we made the best of it and visited places we normally wouldn't have. In the process we enjoyed ourselves had a laugh and Simon was able to catch up on his sleep in the car.

In deepest darkest Wales

It’s guest post time again and we have an account of the Club’s day trip to the Élan Valley and Gigrin from our Chairman Kev Spiers.


Well with the Royal Wedding happening of Friday 29th of April and the leaders of the land giving us an extra day off, plans were hatched for a trip to deepest darkest mid Wales. I should mention we are not against Kate and Williams big day quite the contrary. We wish them the very best in their new life, every happiness for the future and peace from the paparazzi, heaven knows they will need it! Oh and many thanks for the free day off :)
So the plans took shape in the form of an early start for the Élan Dams then off the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm and back to the Dams for a sunset shot (very brave for April in Wales as its not the driest place in the UK) With the weather not looking that good we all meet at Sandy Park Burger King at 7 o'clock. This is where the wolf made its first appearance and scared the life out of Simon, Rich and Geoff who had not meet the beast before! What else did Ian have up his sleeve or in that bag of his? You never know till he wants you too. So, the group was there and briefed with how to run in convoy we set off passports and £5.70 bridge toll in hand. We dispatched the M32, M4 and Tolls almost incident free, Rich's car had a small mechanical gremlin getting on to the M4 but with a quick twist of the key and threatening it with a large hammer and screw driver it behaved it’s self for the rest of the day. We made it to the Élan Visitor Centre for 09.15 gagging for a coffee, no such luck! Doors open at 10. We had a little wander around the car park then grabbed our gear and headed for the dam, I don't think anybody counted the steps to the top but it was to many! We all made it legs burning and hearts thumping, who said taking pictures was easy? This is where Ian decided to let us meet his second pet for the day, a rat (an Ikea soft toy). The water was 6 feet from the top of the dam, very graphic evidence of the dry winter and spring we have had. We took a few pictures with the hope that a bit of post production may make the grey sky look better and headed back down those steps for refreshment. This came in the shape of coffee's, tea's, pasties, crisps and sausage sandwiches. As we ate we looked at the Red Kit images hanging on the wall, the general consensus was they weren't sharp. Ian decided to pull out his Lumix and snap one as a banker just incase!
Dam two looked much more photogenic (I think it was Pen-y-Gareg Dam) This one I estimate the water was 10 to 15 feet below the high tide line, even the fly fishermen could wade from side to side. This lead to thoughts of returning with better light as the graded shore lines would look fantastic. We climbed over the fence and slithered down the bank to the rock shore for a few more pictures. Ian disappeared only to return once we were all back at the cars. He was very happy with pictures of some ducklings, patterns in the water and a dead buzzard!
Off to Dam number 3, Craig Goch. This one you can drive across, we made the crossing to the far side and split up to take photos. The sky was still grey with the occasional shaft of sunlight peeping through. Rich Price waited with the patience of a saint for a shaft of light on some trees on the far bank. Barrie busied himself with some candid shots of a couple who arrived on a Harley to admire the view and some shots of the local feathered wildlife. Kev scurried off up a steep bank to get a lofty shot of the dam, Rich headed off looking for a different angle on the dam only to return to take shots of Chaffinch's with the lens cap on!!? (did we not teach him anything?) Simon wandered to the far side snapping as he walked.
Time was getting on as we needed to be at Gigrin for 2 o'clock so we decided to make a rushed visit Dam number 4 Claerwen. This one is pretty spectacular, its huge! Well not Hoover Dam huge but for Wales trust me its impressive. After a very quick look at the base we drove to the top scared Ian with a look over the edge and headed off to Gigrin.
Once paid and parked we all made off to our hides. Barrie and Rich P in the £15 seats with Rich, Simon, Geoff and Kev in the £4 seats. We sat and waited the 45 minutes to feeding time spotting the odd Red Kite and hoping we would see the fabled White Kite. Ian got a little bored at this point as his bum went to sleep and started snoring!! Then we heard the tractor and so did the Kites it was the equivalent of banging the food gong! they appeared from everywhere, circling above us. The tractor entered the field stopped right in front of us and dumped some its 40 kilos of fresh meat. I was like the rest camera glued to my eye trying to make a shot. Honestly it was like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds I have no idea how many Kites were there but am quite confident it was 100+ Suddenly there was a quiet shout through the hide its the White Kite! Every camera in the hides snapped in the general direction and pressed their shutter, it was tagged number 51 not the best for a photo opportunity but a record of a White Kite nonetheless. Then drama struck massive problems, memory full card!! Rich, Kev, Barrie :- Kev and Rich set about deleting images Barrie called it a day, well it was 5 o'clock! 5 O'clock where did those 2 hours go? Just ask the bursting memory cards 700+ for Kev 500+ for Rich P
Next a little confusion home, food, sunset? home was called then changed to pub to discuss further. A small detour via a luck encounter with a very large bracket fungus and the pub was entered beers ordered and a comfy sofa for us. It was decided to go our separate way’s. Barrie and Co. had another beer, Rich's crew headed off for a possible sunset at Dam number 3. It turned out OK, Kev and Rich P messed with off camera flash to highlight foreground while Rich finally got to grips with that flipping Chaffinch and Simon used the centre of the Dam as foreground for the sunset. That done we headed off home dodging frogs and Welsh drivers, feel free to ask!
Still enough rambling, just to say thank you to Barrie and Rich for driving and to all who made this another great Reflex Camera Clubs day out.

Day Release

This Sunday several of Reflex Camera Club managed to get a day release pass and took a trip to Stonehenge.
Braving freezing fog, blizzards and worst of all Ian’s jokes we all arrived safely only to find hardly any snow on
the ground but a fairly thick fog making visibility pretty poor. Luckily though the sun soon broke through and we
ended up with glorious blue skies. Loads of pictures were taken and a good time was had by all. Check our Flickr
group over the next few days for more photo's.
Afterwards several of us decided to carry on and take a trip to Avebury. Of course the first stop was the pub for
a spot of lunch. We even managed to order some food which was pretty good although Alison couldn’t resist
trying to make everyone wish they had chosen the fish despite the T.V. in the background mentioning shark
attacks.

On day release were (left to right) Kev, Geoff, Roger, Eddie, Rich, Barrie, Ian, Mark and trying to hide behind her camera was Alison.

This weeks meet and does anyone want to go to the Fair?

Those of you who are new to the club get to experience your first practical night this Thursday and your going to love it. (Of course if you don't enjoy yourself then it's not my fault and you really shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet!). We have Steve Cox coming along to do a practical demonstration on 'Off Camera Flash'. If your wondering what it is then take a look through this Blog and the pictures in this Flickr Group.. Some of you may remember Steve from the very start of last season when he was a judge for one of the rounds of our Open Competition (I believe he's wearing a bullet proof vest when he visits from now on). It should prove to be a good night with the chance to take some great images. So make sure you bring along your camera and join in. If you want a quick peek at some of Steve's work he has a Flickr 'Stream and a Website.

It's also a chance to grab someone and ask questions on just about anything related to photography. Although I'm afraid we don't know how to get any supermodels to pose for you or their phone numbers.

Hanneke is interested in visiting the Bridgewater Fair on the 2nd October to try out some Candid Street Photography, before any of you ask no it's not some new kind of sweet. There's plenty of discussion about it taking place on our Flickr Group Forum. You can go straight to the relevant thread by following THIS link. Although to add anything to the conversation you will have to be logged in. Which also means you need to sign up for Flickr.

Come explore the Legendary Porridge Mines!

Were going to explore the Legendary Porridge Mines of Goblin Combe on the 19th of September. Come along and join us in our search for the Sacred Spoon of Everlasting Porridge!

Ahh well OK were actually planning on going for a walk through Goblin Combe. Read on to find out the real details.

The plan is to meet at 2pm in Goblin Combe car park. Which is free, at Cleeve Hill Road (turn off A370 at Lord Nelson pub). The route is 5.25 Miles (8.4km). Which, apparently, should take around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. It consists of Path's, Track's and one steep-stepped ascent. Also there are two stiles to climb over. It's supposed to be an easy walk and if I'm willing to give it a go then I'm sure everyone else in the club are more than capable of completing it.
Here's a link to the car park on Google Maps. If your using Sat Nav then the postcode is BS49 4NR. Which will take you to the pub and the car park is just down the road. You should be able to get some superb Landscape shots and of course the compulsory candid's of club members either falling flat on their backsides (yes that will be me) or doing something strange.I've attached a PDF of the walk with notes that Hanneke provided. So you can have a look at the route. If you need a PDF reader then you can download Adobe's free one HERE. I recommend, if your downloading it, to remove the tick from the "Free McAffe Security Scan Plus"

If your still wondering what all that porridge talk was about then you should visit our Flickr Group.

M.V. Jubilee

A reminder for those of you going on the boat trip. It's Thursday 8th and you need to meet up at 6pm for a 6.30pm departure. The boat is the M.V. Jubilee and is berthed at "The Canal Centre", Brassknocker Basin, Limpley Stoke, Bath (Google Map Link)

Directions (taken directly from their website) are;

By Car:
On the Bath / Warminster A36 turn at Viaduct Inn traffic lights towards Limpley Stoke on B3108. After 50 metres turn left into Visitor Centre car park.
By Bus:
Routes X4 and X5 from Bath, Frome, Trowbridge. Alight at Viaduct Inn and follow the signs to Visitor Centre.
The trip will take you to Avoncliff where it will stop for 35 mins and you can wander around to take pictures or just go into the pub. There's a fully licensed bar on board for those of you who don't wish to get off the boat and it also sells tea / coffee. If you want to see a bit more about the boat then you can visit the website.


Due to the timing of the boat trip, I can appreciate how difficult it will be for some people who will most probably be rushed due to leaving work and having to be there at 6pm, So there will be a selection of sandwiches available which Alison is also organising.


The cost of the trip will be £10.00 per person including sandwiches.  Below is a list of those that have confirmed.

If your on the list but can't go or if your not on the list but want to go then please let us know A.S.A.P.!


1.        Alison
2.        Steve Hallam
3.        Janet
4.        Kevin Spiers
5.        Carol Spiers
6.        Richard Price
7.        Vanessa Price
8.        Graham Grout
9.        Graham's wife
10.        Rosie Tomlinson
11.        Peter Tomlinson
12.        Barrie Tovey
13.        Pauline Tovey
14.        Ian Coombs
15.        David Waters
16.        Teresa Driscoll
17.        Arthur Belton
18.        Pat Belton
19.        Hanneke Ter Veen
20.        Simon (new member as of September - Hanneke's mate)
21.        Simon's wife
22.        Eddie House
23.        Roger (mate of Eddie)
24.        Jackie (Roger's wife)
25.        Roy Williams
26.        Joe & Wife 
Alec - possibly



If Ian falls in and you get a picture of it then there could be a pint in it for you! Sorry Ian I just can't help it.

I think that's it.  Have a great evening, take some pictures and send them to me so I can use them on the blog to embarrass people!

It's nice out lets go take pictures

After virtually swimming home from school with my daughter today instead of cycling it's time to see if your up for a little trip out, weather permitting. The plan is to go visit the Purton Hulks on Thursday, 17 June. There are a few spaces in some of the cars that will be travelling up so drop me a mail or leave a post in this discussion thread on our Flickr pages to say that you would like a lift. More details in that thread nearer the date.
If you want to see what pictures other people have taken of area then go visit the Purton and its Barges Flickr Group