Luke Images

Sometimes you’re just taken with the colours in a scene. Here, it was the lovely sunbathed floor contrasting beautifully with the baby blue sky and dappled leafage that caught my attention.  The shadows convey a depth to the forest – one that looks a bit dense and dark and not particularly inviting. But, in these early morning moments, this particular space enjoyed an attractive transformation. —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s in the area of Beechen Lane and Parkhill, Lyndhurst, New Forest. --- Photo ref: 20220829-Beechen-Lane-32 IMG_4693

I love the form of that tree on the right. Its splay of branches seems well balanced in contrast to the more chaotic branch on the left.  It might not come across just how wonderfully the low morning sun lit up this scene – bringing out so many shades and catching leaves from underneath, the side and above.  Such experiences have me staring for ages, like standing in front of a masterpiece at an art gallery. I don’t really comprehend it. I just appreciate it.  Here’s a slightly different view: And here are both shots in black and white: —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s on Beechen Lane in Lyndhurst, New Forest.  —  Photo ref: 20220829-Beechen-Lane-41 / 20220829-Beechen-Lane-42 IMG_4702 / IMG_4704

It was a stunning morning with a lovely warmth from the rising sun as it illuminated the leaves. I loved the light hitting the underside of those high branches.  A morning like this takes some beating.  I carried on for another hour or so following various tracks through the forest, deciding on a whim which route to take at each junction. A rare occasion to feel so relaxed and free to explore.  Wonderful.  ---  Here again slightly cropped: ---  Here are the same two shots in black and white. The warmth is lost but I’ve tried to retain the sense of morning glory. ---  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s at the end of Beechen Lane, Lyndhurst, New Forest.  ---  Photo ref: 20220829-Beechen-Lane-7 / 20220829-Beechen-Lane-5 IMG_4666 / HRGF9964

Description  The colour version of this snap didn’t work for me – it felt too busy with the varying colours of the boats clustered in the middle.  But I think it possibly works in black and white – the lone boat in the foreground drawing the eye and adding interest.  Notice how it’s facing the opposite way to the other boats.  And then there’s the lone figure on the harbour wall, offering a counterbalance to the boat perhaps, or a continuation of theme.  I don’t know. Just playing with ideas.  It’s not an amazing shot but I like the overall feeling it provides through the stillness, the sunlight and shadow, the lovely clear sky. It gives me a sense of quietness with not many people about.  ---  Here’s the same view in portrait: In this one I notice the darkness of the water. The boat is obviously more prominent, as is the building in the background. The lone figure has moved on but now a couple in white tops offer a small counterbalance of interes...

Description  There’s a photography book I want to get called ‘Why It Does Not Have to Be in Focus’. It’s a curious title that suggests that a focused photograph isn’t as important as we may think.  I wonder if this snap would qualify. Something about the subjects being off-focus seems to date the image and give it a certain timeless or authentic quality for me.  Perhaps it suggests action – I’ve caught them just as they’re moving for a better view.  Contrast this with the shots below where the subjects are both in focus. Still nice moments captured, but lacking that something of the first one, I think.  Maybe it’s just their position that’s more appealing and it would work equally well if they were in focus. Maybe it’s a combination of the elements that make it more interesting – their posture, the background, the seagull.  What do you think? ---  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s at Lyme Regis harbour.  ---  Photo ref: 202208-Lyme-Regis-Holiday-71...

Description  Just mooching about on a grey and breezy summer’s day at the seaside.  That’s the Marine Museum at Lyme Regis harbour in the background.  The tide’s out and it’s like everything is on hold until the sun comes out and the sea comes in.  ---  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s.  ---  Photo ref: 202208-Lyme-Regis-Holiday-64 / 202208-Lyme-Regis-Holiday-66 / 202208-Lyme-Regis-Holiday-68