Beech Tree in Autumn
Taken at 'Beech House' in Great Sturton. Auto modes were good enough for this picture. Auto-Focus and Auto-Exposure gave the correct settings due to the sufficient amount of light during mid-afternoon. It was just a matter of zooming to the right distance & composing the tree in the frame. Taken with the Olympus PL-5.
Olympus PEN PL-5 ~ f6.3 ~ 1/200th ~ ISO200 ~ 14mm
Autumnal Trees
Just a few of the colourful trees at Horncastle Community Woodland. There are so many trees in this area, especially during the Autumn, it's difficult to know where to point the camera. Simply getting the best composition is enough to produce an impressive image. Notice the variety of colours, even though this image was taken during Autumn, there is still a wide range of green shades. Olympus PL-5.
Olympus PEN PL-5 ~ f3.5 - 1/80th - ISO200 - 14mm
Sunset Over Louth
Overlooking Louth Bus Station, the sunset adds colour to an otherwise bland skyline. Although I didn't correct the wide angle aspect of the lens on this photo (the image is tilting inwards), the overall effect still gives a sense of depth from the silhouettes of the buildings. Using the Free Software Darktable, would enable me to allow for lens distortion with a single click. Taken with the Olympus PL-5 and a wide angle lens allowed me to get as much in the picture as possible.
Olympus PEN PL-5 ~ f4 ~ 1/125th ~ ISO200 ~ 14mm ~ +0.3Exp
Lincolnshire Skyline
Looking to the West from Horncastle Community Woodland, there was a lone Autumnal tree and a gate, which I wanted to capture into this composition. Taken with the Olympus PL-5 and a wide-angle lens, I set the aperture to f11 to ensure I got as much in focus as possible. The daylight was enough to get the detail I wanted, but the Field Of Focus required the f-stop to be dailled down a bit. A gate, in my opinion, is usually a good addition to a composition, and the tree gives some depth to the backdrop.
Olympus PEN PL-5 ~ f11 ~ 1/160th ~ ISO500 ~ 40mm
Kenwick Park Lodge
At the top of Kenwick Hill, sits a Lodge. I believe this used to be the Gatehouse to Kenwick Estate back in the day. The Ground-Warden or Gate-Keeper would live in this lodge as part of their job, ensuring the grounds were safe for the Master & his family. The cottage is splendid all-year round, but looks particularly stunning during Autumn. I used the Olympus PL-5 and a 50mm lens for this image, opening the apature to f5.6 still gave a decent Field Of Focus.
Olympus PEN PL-5 ~ f5.6 ~ 1/125th ~ ISO200 ~ 21mm
Reaching Out
While on holiday, I usually take my camera with me everywhere, so I don't miss a photo which looks unusual or unique. This is one of these times, while in Norfolk. There were the normal trees and scenic views which didn't seem too spectaculer, until I came upon a tree trying to reach for the sky. No specialst kit required for this (not even a tripod), I just aimed and pressed the shutter. I like the way the other trees are leaning in, which is due to the wide angle lens used.
Olympus PEN E-PL5 ~ f9 - 1/200th - ISO200 - 41mm/p>
Sunset Over Hemingby
As part of my job as a Call Connect Bus Driver, there are small gaps in the day where I don't have any bookings, therefore, no-one to pick up and no-place I have to be. On these rare occassions, I look out for places to take photos which are unique and, often, breathtaking. This was one of those occassions. I happened to be travelling down the A153 from Louth to Horncastle. On viewing the sunset to the West, I pulled over and managed to get some stunning photos. By setting the PL-5 to Auto_Exposure, and angling the camera to a part of the sky where the light looked right, I half-pressed the shutter button, re-adjusted my composition, then took the picture.
Olympus PEN PL-5 ~ f7.1 - 1/250th - ISO400 - 40mm
Lone Log at Elkington
There is lots of open space at South Elkington, some of which is open to the public in respect to a Bridle Way. On one of my walks around this area, I found there to be so many things to photograph - Dramatic Trees, fallen branches, lakes with wildlife around, beautiful skylines. This fallen log caught my eye in it's aspect to a great composure, even though it is a simple picture, the texture and shades give it an extra depth.
OMD EM5 Mkiii - f5.6 - 1/13th - ISO200 - 42mm
Snowdrops at Great Sturton
I consider myself quite lucky, in that, I see so much beautiful scenery and potential photographic oportunity while I'm driving passengers around the area which surrounds Horncastle. On several trips through Great Sturton, on the way to Sotby, I spotted a small lake, surrounded by trees, with Snowdrops being dappled by the sun shining through the branches. The lake also had a pair of Mute Swans - but more about these when we discover Animals. This shot proved to be a little tricky, mainly because the dappled light through the trees contrasted so much with the shadows.
OMD EM5 Mkiii - f6.3 - 1/200th - ISO400 - 42mm
Slava Ukraini !
At this time, The Russians have invaded Ukraine. The whole world (less Belarus) is in condemnation for this unprovoked attack on civilians. The Western world feels helpless in it's efforts to help and support Ukraine. However, this is my effort to show my support for their plight. It is a Lincolnshire scene, showing the colours of the Ukrainian flag. The Blue Sky over the Lincolnshire horizon, contrasting with the Yellow of the Oil Seed Rape crops seen so often around the County.
OMD EM5 Mkiii - f8 - 1/13th - ISO64 - 14mm ~ +0.7 Exp
Thornton Trail Art
Between Horncastle and Woodhall Spa is situated Thornton Picnic Area Layby. This is not a big area by all means, but is part of the Viking Way route along the old railway line. Several structures of art have been placed along the route, giving a pleasing sight for walkers, runners and cyclists. All the art pieces have been produced to a high standard, and are in-keeping with the area. This one always reminds me of Jack And The Beanstalk
OMD EM5 Mkiii - f3.5 - 1/1000th - ISO64 - 14mm
Thornton Sunset
Some of my favourite pictures are of sunrises and sunsets, I just love the colours, the patterns in the sky, and the amount of variations in this type of composition. From a mild orange glow, to the "Sky being ON FIRE". This shot was taken from Thornton Picnic Area, with the hedgerow silhouetting the foreground & the sun peeking through the branches. I used the Auto Exposure feature, getting the right level by pointing the camera at the right place, locking the exposure, then moving to get the composition.
Olympus E-PL5 ~ f11 ~ 1/40th ~ ISO200 ~ 19mm ~ +0.3Exp
West Ashby Autumn Hedgerow
West Ashby is one of my most frequently traversed locations while at work. The road (A153) leading through the village is stunning in so many ways - the sunsets, the scenic views, & the tree lines are really photogenic. Taken in November 2021, the autumnal colours were amazing against the pale blue sky. There isn't a time of year when the views are not picturesque.
Olympus E-PL5 ~ f5.6 ~ 1/40th ~ ISO200 ~ 40mm ~ -0.7Exp
Horncastle Community Woodland Berries
Horncastle Community Woodland is loacted on the B1183, leading from Horncastle, towards Revesby. It has many facets, mainly being the varied birds and insects within the area. There are plenty more pictures of this area in some of the other sections (Macro & Animals) which have their own appeal. The berries can be seen in the later parts of the year, and, as well as the beautiful colours, there is a great range of flora here to admire.
Olympus E-PL5 ~ f4 ~ 1/80th ~ ISO320 ~ 40mm
