Acorn Bank...

Better weather... more like summer... broken cloud. Should have a productive day of photography today... after I visit the Leisure Centre in Penrith for a shower...

Acorn Bank...

Remote firing...

My Nikon 610 (a full-frame replacement for my old D200) is performing very well. My one quibble is the remote cable, which attaches to the left-hand side of the camera and sticks out a bit. The 10-pin cable for the D200 was in a more convenient position, and had a screw collar that allowed it to be firmly locked in place, so it wouldn’t work loose or fall out. So I got myself a cable-free release for the 610, which fires the shutter by infra-red activation. I changed the shooting mode from ‘single’ to ‘IR remote’, but it wasn’t working properly. I bought a new battery; still no good. Then I did what I should have done straight away: I read the manual, and discovered there was a setting that needed changing via the menu.

Sorted. The remote now works as it should, though it needs to be pointed at the IR receptor on the camera body… which takes a bit of getting used to. The remote is tiny; my main worry is losing it. I’m happy to retire the cable, which was always getting in the way, or tangled up with the camera strap…

Lowther Church...

Seeing...

Photography’s been a bit lacklustre since my Hebridean trip; I’m just not seeing the pictures like I’m accustomed to. It’s usually effortless… just grab the camera and go. Maybe I’m trying too hard. So many things can get in the way of seeing clearly: ideas, memories, impatience, feeling under pressure, feeling rushed, having targets, needing to get results, feeling under the weather, etc. A camera can help us to see… or it can hinder; it depends on how we use it. Is it a barrier… or a window on the world?

Jervaulx Abbey...

Muker, Swaledale...

The Dales...

Had a good day at the cricket, even though England subsided tamely after tea. Now I’m off to Wensleydale and Swaledale, to do some pix. The weather is good, and I’m hoping the wildflowers will be out by now. I need to get back into picture-taking mode…

England vs New Zealand...

Saw both ospreys on the nest at Loch Garten yesterday; tried to spot a crested tit, but no luck. Siskins on the bird-table were spectacularly green - the colour of green fruit gums, but brighter. Drove from the Highlands to Leeds in one go… through wind, hail and rain. I’m going to have a day at the cricket in Headingley. England may just be holding out for a draw, but it will probably be my only opportunity to see international cricket this summer. It will only cost £5 to get into the ground for day 5, so I hope Headingley fills up with other cricket-loving cheapskates. May get some good pix too…

Findhorn...

Eco-housing at the Findhorn Community...