I've just been having a clean up on my computer. Some people like spring cleans, I find it easier to wait until autumn for this kind of behaviour. In one of the folders, I found this selection of photos I took on our friend Leena's course a couple of years ago. When I was first starting out as a photographer over ten years ago, I was really drawn to street photography, and I enjoyed the freedom that shooting from the hip gave me. I hang the camera on my shoulder and as you might have deduced, keep the camera at hip level, and press the shutter when I see something that catches my eye. Because I'm not looking through the viewfinder, the focus can be a bit hit and miss, but there lies the fun for me. Doing the course recently, reminded me how much I'd enjoyed this in the past. Here are a few from a cold market day around Hebden Bridge.
A Foggy November Morning (by phone).
I don't know how many times I've said it over the last couple of weeks, but this autumn is absolutely stunning. Light, colour, atmosphere, it's got it all. It's like the distinct autumns I remember from childhood. Early morning fog, the smell of damp moss in the air (I love that smell), the sun splinters through the trees, and the fog vanishing to reveal all those colours.
I went out for a walk this morning and headed into the fog. In fact it never left the valley all day. I took these images on my phone (iPhone 5s), using the vscocam app. I'm writing this listening to Kate Bush, the fire is lit at home, and I'm craving stew for dinner!
New Friends, Cuckoos, and the Perfect Lunch.
We've been trying really hard to keep Mondays free. It hasn't always worked, and a few shoots have been booked, and editing has happened, but I'm so glad we kept to it yesterday. I woke up feeling a bit groggy, tired from a bad night's sleep and a smorgasbord of strange dreams. I felt quite anxious about all the editing we have, and the preps for this week's shoots. The thought crossed my mind that I didn't have time for a walk. But thankfully another voice kicked in and kicked me out of bed!
Me and Suze went to call for Hannah and her daughter Ffion, and we popped over the road to knock for Abha (proper playing out going to call for people!). We first met Abha at a street party a couple of weeks ago, and we had talked about having a walk all together. Abha had made the most amazing dal (more of that later), so we topped up our flasks and started out on our adventure. We walked up to Jumble Hole Clough. We've been here a couple of times, and it really is one of the special places. Apart from the occasional plane overhead, it felt like we were miles from anywhere.
There was a lot of pointing as we spotted beautiful plants and creatures, and there were good conversations as we walked, finding our way through the ferns and overgrown foliage by the side of the path.
We picked the perfect spot for our lunch and we tucked into the scrummiest dal. Just as we'd finished eating, Hannah & Ffion had a little sing song, accompanied by a cuckoo echoing through the valley. Such a beautiful sound!
We walked further up the valley. Waterfalls, mills, lots of caterpillars, curlews, and a couple of walkers with a map who assured us we were on the right path when we decided to take a different route!
Who wants to be in the band?
A few hours later, and we walked back into Hebden Bridge. I'm so glad I got myself out and about, and now I feel inspired for the week ahead. Being in the trees and in good company, the best start to the week!