Luke Images

I think of characters lined up one behind the other when I look at this. It’s like they’re shuffling across the frame – like a chain gang or pensioners in a queue.  Lovely to see such vibrant colours still hanging around in early December, resplendent against the clear blue sky.  It’s like these old characters are saying “There’s life in us yet!”  —  Again in black and white: —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s on Clay Hill, Lyndhurst, New Forest. December 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221208-Beechen-Lane-Clay-Hill-5 / IMG_5615

As I cycled up the track on Beechen Lane, I was taken by the long shadows cast by the low winter sun.  It would be a pretty dull shot without them!  All it takes is a bit of light and the situation is transformed.  —  Again in black and white: —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s on Beechen Lane track, Lyndhurst, New Forest. December 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221208-Beechen-Lane-Clay-Hill-1 / IMG_5611

From my journal…  It felt like a magical moment as I rode past this scene. Ponies down the track watched me turn around to take it in once more. Those last remaining leaves glistened in the sun. They’re the reason I turned back.  We’ve enjoyed our fair share of days like this in recent weeks. Following plentiful showers, it’s been a joy to get out into the cool clean air. Clouds have rolled overhead swiftly and revealed a deeper shade of blue. The sun has brought relief to the dampness everywhere.  I work hard every day to create something new and worthwhile in my work. And then I get out and see something like this.  This is glory unmatched in beauty and generosity. It suggests to me that a true creation touches the heart of others – that’s where its glory lives.  —  Again in black and white: —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s along Beechen Lane track, Lyndhurst, New Forest. November 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221117-Beechen-Lane-Parkhill-Inclosu...

I’ve been trying to figure out why this scene captivated me!  I’d been snapping beautiful autumn shots in the forest for a few weeks. And I’d just taken another shot of the sun lighting up golden hues on the last remaining leaves amongst a crop of all-but-bare trees.  I turned round to see the sun filling this evergreen space which seemed so alive and verdant by comparison.  I think it’s this contrast that struck me. On the one side emptiness, death and decay, and on the other side life, fullness and constancy.  —  Again in black and white: —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s along Beechen Lane track, Lyndhurst, New Forest. November 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221117-Beechen-Lane-Parkhill-Inclosure-23 / IMG_5547

From my journal…  Autumn is unveiling winter. The forest is a mix of bare branches and leaves holding on here and there for a final golden flourish. Not long now until all will be exposed – the forest becoming a fascinating study in tree shape and form.  —  Again in black and white: --- Snapped on my old iPhone 6s along Beechen Lane track, Lyndhurst, New Forest. November 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221117-Beechen-Lane-3 / IMG_5527

From my journal…  Stunning ride today. Lovely breeze. Cool wind. Feels like the beginning of the end of Autumn. Trees looking barer.  I’m loving these days of low sun casting a flattering light from the side and its wondrously long shadows.  What a glorious Autumn it’s been. We’ve had our fair share of rain. But then days like these also – incredible.  I had this track to myself today. Can’t be bad. These trees stopped me along the way. I loved the light on them.  —  Again in black and white: —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s along Beechen Lane track, Lyndhurst, New Forest. November 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221117-Beechen-Lane-Parkhill-Inclosure-15 / IMG_5539

The light and colours of those trees in the background was something to behold as I stood gazing at them from the shadows. The contrast between here and there heightened the intensity of their autumnal glory. It was like standing outside the gates of a kingdom, peering up at it in wonder for the first time.  —  Again in black and white: —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s along Beechen Lane track, Lyndhurst, New Forest. November 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221109-Beechen-Lane-Parkhill-Inclosure-5 / IMG_5452

I could have spent all day in the forest today – stunning weather, gorgeous colours, wonderful atmosphere. As I approached this scene I was drawn in the lovely silhouetted treelines against the vibrant background. Shame about the bush in the bottom right corner. Could have done without that! But anyway, the rest is good.  —  Again in black and white: Hmm, on first impressions with this one it seems to be a bit less clear what’s going on with the weather. It’s a bit dark and brooding, with no colour to draw the eye and warm you up.  But the light on the leaves in the background draws the eye and brings a nice contrast to the silhouetted tree. And you notice that the sky is clear – and what appears to be a faint shaft of light on the ground – so it suggests the sun is out.  I guess all of that provides a certain curiosity factor. And then there are the lovely lines of the tree, and background details and debris on the ground that add interest.  So overall I thi...

I couldn’t get close enough to this with my phone. That middle flourish of backlit leaves caught my eye as I wandered around taking in the beauty.  It seemed so alive in the sun. Such gorgeous colours. Who can take it in? I find it breathtaking.  And the lines of the branches they belong to, flowing in a kind of dance, putting me into a trance…  Such mystery.  Such majesty.  Such mastery.  —  Again in black and white: I love the contrast created by the sunlight hitting the leaves in the centre, and the flecks in the top left.  Even without the beautiful autumnal colours, the lines and backlit leaves provide plenty of interest – it lacks the warmth but not the wonder.   I find it restful. And removing the colour draws me into more of the fascinating detail.  —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s along Beechen Lane track, Lyndhurst, New Forest. November 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221109-Beechen-Lane-Parkhill-Inclosure-28 / IMG_5...

Cycling along, the leaves on those young trees in the foreground caught my eye. I rode on but then turned back. When I came round to this viewpoint, that big cloud behind the firs was creating a nice layering.  Just outside of the frame an ominous dark cloud was approaching, ready to pelt me with rain. I had to get a few shots before speeding off, so I got a bit wet. I couldn’t grumble though. Autumn had provided some stunning sunshine and blue skies up to this point. —  In black and white: The white cloud really stands out now and pulls the eye – a bit too much perhaps.  On the other hand, I like the way the other clouds draw you into the shot. There’s quite a nice balance to it all.  —  Snapped on my old iPhone 6s in Parkhill Inclosure, near Lyndhurst, New Forest. November 2022.  —  Photo ref: 20221109-Beechen-Lane-Parkhill-Inclosure-57 / IMG_5503