I have recently rediscovered a batch of colour slides made in September 2008, some of which images I featured from prints I had produced in 2014 for my post “Your Own Back Yard”. This was one of my ultimate sets of photographs taken with film.
Before focussing on the dawn images of Portland Bill lighthouse that appear in the above-mentioned post I watched waves crashing against the rocky shores beneath the cliffs.
These crumbling rocks are features of the famous Dorset Jurassic Coast.
Crispy fettuccine masquerading as drying seaweed blended well with the surrounding palette.
My sister and I were attending a weekend course run by Chris Weston, an excellent tutor. This was essentially for digital photography. I was the only participant still using film, so much of the technical information was beyond my ken, but I learned a great deal about our pastime in general.
For this reason we were prevailed upon to convene just before dawn on the first morning. Elizabeth knew she was very unlikely to be awake at that time and would probably have to follow on afterwards.
As we all gathered in the hall, my sister, festooned with cameras, lenses, equipment and other bags, staggered in. She was given a standing ovation by the assembled company.
Elizabeth visited us late this afternoon, bringing with her the brochures of two potential care homes for Mum. She had visited both and we discussed her findings.
Afterwards Jackie and I dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare.
Nice Pics Derrick. You’re doing great on learning new techniques.
Many thanks, Gary
Great pictures
Many thanks, Chloe
Learning new things keeps us young and vivacious doesn’t it Derrick š You paint such a vivid picture of your sister staggering in that no photo is necessary. I hope your mum is doing well and exactly the perfect place for her is chosen.
Very many thanks, Pauline. So they tell me about youth and vivacity š I can still see my grinning little sister now š Mum is doing well, but the live in care is fraught with poor administration. She will be better in the right home although her house will have to be sold to pay for it.
That’s a shame, there’s always a catch it seems….. but getting the right place and good care is important. Though there’s more organisational work for you all.
Great photos. Elizabeth earned that standing ovation.
She did indeed. When she visited yesterday I had just begun the scanning. Turning off the computer and without saying anything else I asked her if she remembered her standing ovation. She thought for a minute and got it instantly. Many thanks, Peggy
The photos look great. How did you convert from slides to digital?
I have an Epson scanner with templates for slides, for various sizes of negatives, and, of course, for reflective scans. It is really very good. You can scan 12 at a time. Thanks for reading and commenting
The scanner really works well. I am envious.
Sadly, most of my slides have not kept well.
It is a shame about the condition of the slides. Mine have been kept in boxes – some for more that 50 years. Some boxes were water-damaged in a leak. Fortunately the slides were undamaged.
Incredibly lucky to have water damage only on the boxes. No fading?
Nope. I have scanned and published many from the ’60s
My chances of getting dawn pictures these days are very slim.
I’m normally an early riser – not just at the moment, though š
Wow! Those are fantastic photos, Derrick! I hope your mum is doing okay.
Thanks very much, Jill. I haven’t been able to visit for a while, but Elizabeth gives good reports.
I love the ocean spray! Beautiful photos, Derrick and Jackie!
Thanks very much, Lavinia
I loved using film and developing it. There were so many ways you could do things to a negative. On the other hand, with digital, I can shoot way more than 24 or 36 pic’s and just delete the awful ones. I’m learning about enhancing the pictures as well (electronic dodging and burning). So good for you. We’re in the same boat in this learning thing. I do hope your mother gets the best possible place. How lucky we are to have our parents so long, even with some of the extra worries that entails.
Very many thanks, Lisa. I have to confess that I never take my DSLR off auto š
Nice work! You can practically hear the crash of the waves š
Many thanks, M. B.
Amazing shots. Love the first photo.
Many thanks, Arlene
Three cheers to Elizabeth! I think people beginning photography in the digital era are uniquely positioned to master the light and other conundrums of exposure compared to those who strived for that in the film era. Now whether that makes them the masters or servants of the technology is totally dependent on the fire they may have in their breasts. Regardless of the riches the DSLRs have afforded me, I do miss the silence of a film camera after the snap of the shutter, the mystery shrouding the undeveloped roll being handed over the counter, the thrill and the disappointment and the eagerness to rush for a fresh round that was confined only by the leanness of the pouch in your pocket.
Quite so, Uma. I would probably never have turned to digital without the necessity of a quick turnaround for the blog. Thanks very much
Love the photos subjects and the close-up-ness and details! All of my senses got involved, especially with the wave photos!
Your description of Elizabeth and her standing ovation made me laugh loudly! That is so funny and cute! š Did she bow or curtsy?!
I wish and pray for THE very best for your Mum! That a place can be found where can live and where she is safe, well cared for, loved, and happy! My hubby and I helped our Mums with that decision and we were fortunate to find excellent places! We did all the phone work and then leg work and then toured them around several places so they could chose one. It all worked out well! š
HUGS to all! š
Does Hordle Chinese Take Away give you fortune cookies?! I always enjoy reading the fortunes!
Many thanks, Carolyn. No – he doesn’t do fortune cookies, but I have one framed beside my desk that I received in a noodle bar just after Jackie and I got together again 10 years ago after almost 40 years apart. It reads: ‘Nothing is more beautiful than love that has weathered the storms of life.’ Elizabeth is doing the legwork for Mum. She grinned broadly at the ovation. Had she attempted a curtsy she would have landed on the floor underneath her accoutrements š X
That is THE most beautiful fortune ever! And it was obviously meant for you to receive! š
That’s so cute that Elizabeth gave a grin. š Yes, I thought of that…that all of the equipment would have toppled her! š®
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Love those crashing waves!
Thanks. very much, John
Thank you Derrick for taking us with you via your beautiful photographs! You always bring the biggest smiles to my face!!!
Thanks very much, Efi
How very nice š
Thanks very much, Alex
I went back to your original post. So funny about Elizabeth and the standing ovation. You can tell I’m the opposite–it’s not even 6 AM here. š Excellent photos. I like how you are always learning new techniques. Good luck with finding the right place for your mom. It is difficult. I don’t think we made the best decision, but hindsight and all that.
Many thanks, Merril. Re Mum, time will tell
Your abilities are way over my head!!
Very many thanks, GP
Everybody should get applause at some point. I, too, thought those were eggs. Mushrooms!
Great minds, Laurie š Thanks very much
Iām glad you dug those old photos out and shared them. Beautiful photography! We just returned from CA to MT. The coastline is a beautiful memory.
Thanks very much, Jan
Love the waves.<3
Many thanks, Laleh
My pleasure.ā¤ļø