I’ve been taking photographs since I was a teenager – and taking them in black and white for more than 35 years. I 'graduated' to large format 5x4 photography in 1994 and since then that's where my photographic energies have been concentrated. My main subject matter is the landscape and its 'micro-landscapes' though I've recently developed a strong interest in photographing in churches and cathedrals. The first entry in this blog (May 2009 - "Tomorrow ...") will tell you what my blog is all about. You'll find much more of my work on my website at: www.virtuallygrey.co.uk The B&W images from my blog are linked here. Prints of the black & white images are available for purchase. If you are interested, please follow the 'Print Sales' link on my website. The colour images are from my little digital camera and are not for sale. If you'd like to contact me by email then please do so via the 'Contact' link on my website at: www.virtuallygrey.co.uk/contact.html
All photographs and all other content in this blog are Copyright © 2012 Stephen J Gledhill

Saturday 27 June 2009

#4: B&W Images: Stanway - Hailes

Hailes Church - Font & Window

Beckbury Beech & Beech Stump

#3: B&W Images: Broadway - Stanway

Stanway Church Windows

Elderflowers

Kissing Gate

Monday 22 June 2009

#4: Stanway - Hailes


Bull in Field

Beckbury Beech Roots

The day after the longest day – so, downhill from here to the end of the year. The whole walk today was under a dull overcast sky with occasional fine drizzle. The group of ancient beeches atop of Beckbury Camp, some with the network of their roots exposed, tempted me to try some shots with my 5x4 camera. The location is an iron age hill fort with spectacular views from its promontory looking to the northeast then turning anticlockwise 225 degrees to due south.

Between Wood Stanway and Stanway I entered a field in which dozens of cows and their calves were almost blocking the path. Not to be deterred by this large herd I set off along the path at the edge of the field and the assembly duly parted and let me through. Until after 150 metres when one didn’t budge. It was a bull, standing side on to me with his head turned menacingly in my direction staring directly at me. No doubt he was momentarily toying with his options on just how best to deal with me. I’m no coward, but, I’m no hero either. Discretion being the better part of valour - I looked round for my escape. There was only one gap in the whole 400 metres of thick hedge – and I was standing next to it. Over I went, catching my trousers on the barbed wire but making it safely. I continued on the safe side of the hedge wondering just what would have happened if there’d been no escape for me and the bull had decided to make an example of me for the benefit of other walkers on the Cotswold Way. Once past the bull’s field I entered the next field only to find it had a “Bull in Field” sign clearly displayed at the entry to this next field – and also at the entry point from the other side of the field. Clearly the bull hadn’t read the sign about which field he should have been in.

The tiny 800 year old church at Hailes is beautifully simple. It’s unadorned and lit only by natural light and by candles. I’ve photographed here several times in the past but today found one or two new images that I’m looking forward to seeing after I’ve processed the film.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

#3: Broadway - Stanway

The Natives are Friendly

Common Spotted & Pyramidal Orchids

After heavy overnight rain the air was fresh with a gentle breeze, the blue sky was flecked with light cumulus clouds, so the conditions were perfect for walking between Broadway and Stanway - started out at 07:30. The round trip was over 12 miles by the end of which my aching feet, knees and hips told me it was a little too far with my 17 kg (37 lb) backpack. I'm sure (I hope) it will get better as I progress along The Way. I found about four B&W images which I really liked - hopefully they'll turn out well after processing in a few days time. But today I found a surprising number of good colour images with my little digicam, especially the orchids.

Friday 5 June 2009

#2: B&W Images: Fish Hill - Broadway

Broadway Tower

Pointed Cirrus Cloud

New Cotswold Dry Stone Wall

Thursday 4 June 2009

#2: Fish Hill - Broadway

A shorter walk today of around 5 miles. Was Broadway NY named after Broadway Worcestershire I wonder? Certainly there's no resemblance whatsoever. It's the archetypal picture postcard Cotswold town whose mellow yellow stone buildings define its comfortable cosy atmosphere. Sadly the recession has seen several of its marvellous art galleries closed. Its prettiness doesn't appeal to my photographic instincts - but I did find several images in the vicinity of Broadway Tower high above Broadway itself.

Today is Polling Day in the UK - for local councillors and for members of the European Parliament. Our political systems and our politicians are under close scrutiny after the events of the last few weeks and months. I cast my ballot after clearing my head in the fresh Cotswold air.