It was this mystery car we followed along the A35 on our morning forest drive that set the theme today. This is the full scene that I photographed through the windscreen as Jackie drove along, and its later crop.
I have been very happy with my Canon EOS 5D Mark II which was already second hand when I bought it from Jessops about 8 years ago, but it lacked a 35 mm lens. When, a year or so later, I decided to remedy that shortage, the sales assistant at the extremely reliable Wessex Photos offered the opinion that if I paid a little more for the compatible Sigma version I would be pleasantly surprised. She was not wrong. I have purchased two more different focal length models since, but today, by offering similar pairings, I want to show what can be achieved with the first little miracle.
When we reach the top of Holmsley Passage at the junction with Burley Road we have a choice of crossing over, or turning left or right to continue our meandering.
Today a string of cyclists gathered at this point. When we reached them they seemed to be still debating. We drew alongside them and I explained that we were waiting to see I which direction they would be going.
They were intending to turn left. “Right then, we will go straight across”, said I, causing general amusement. This shot from the open passenger window required no crop.
Our route then took us into Bisterne Close, where I produced several couplets, as follows:
The horse drawn trap was entering the close ahead of us.
Soon after we waved our way past them we came across a group of ponies. Jackie parked in the gravel drive so we would not hinder the horses, although in fact they must have turned off because we did not see them again. However, I was able to add to my collection.
The foal in this one was not readily apparent in the full scene;
here I wanted to catch the tail swish;
then a closer look at the foal;
closer;
and still closer.
Heather among the ferns along Holmsley Passage is turning purple;
groups of visitors were making their way up the hill towards the open stretch.
Nearer home, more groups of ponies and foals lined either side of Holmsley Road:
I just caught one of the youngsters lifting a leg;
there are two foals in this shot but I picked this one;
and then another scratch;
and finally this group containing two sprawling infants.
You may remember that I am being forced to operate the normal galleries, as opposed to the Tiled ones. This means that WordPress choose their own crops. Consequently they have messed with some of mine. Accessing each of the galleries of two with a click on either picture should demonstrate both this and my own intention.
This evening we all dined on Chicken & Bacon Melt and Magnificent Meat Feast pizzas with plenty of fresh salad; Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Shiraz.
Your new camera additions take gorgeous pictures. Now I want pizza for dinner.
I’m with you on this one, Pat!
Thanks very much, Pat
It looks like a cooler, cloudy day there. The ponies look sleek in their summer coats! Those hind hooves sure make good scratchers.
Thank you very much, Lavinia. I could sometimes use such a back scratcher
Why can’t you use the tiled photo layups, Derrick? Yes you definitely chose the right foal. A great shot!
Thank you very much, Judy. I don’t know why, but WP are not allowing the pictures to stay and if I don’t put them in a gallery clicking on them for enlargement gives Nothing Here.
So maddening.. Sorry.
Thanks again
Derrick, are you using the Classic or the Block editor?
Originally the Classic; Block from its inception
Could it be that block doesn’t allow you to use the Gallery view?
I’m sure it is – but why so suddenly when I had been doing it so happily for years?
Were you using the block editor before?
Yes
The horses are having a good time as always.
I have used a Sigma lens. It was very good. You made good use of yours.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
I adored the ‘Horse and Trap’ cropped photo Derrick … are the ponies a smaller type breed?
I’m not sure, but they didn’t look like New Forest ponies. Thanks very much, Ivor
Interesting Derrick
Clicking individual photos really does make a difference. It was nice of Jackie to park in the gravel drive so as not hinder the horses.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
I’m always charmed by the horses, Derrick. I love the white foal scratching her ear, and I’m equally impressed with her balance and flexibility.
Thank you so much, Alys
You’ve illustrated your point wonderfully Derrick
Thank you very much, Sherry
Your pony images are lovely Derrick. Always a treat to see the youngsters.
Any news from James on why the tiled gallery is not functioning on your site? Or a reason for any of the other little problems?
Would it be worth asking WordPress if they could offer a solution to the problem?
Nothing from anyone. I’m not going to chase James, and I’ve never got anywhere with WordPress. It is all rather beyond me, Sue. Thank you very much for your continuing support.
I still come across WordPress ‘tantrums’ as I call them. Beautilful photos though.
Thank you so much, Chrissy
All lovely photos…especially the equines…especially especially the foals! So sweet!
Looks like a moody sky…but everyone is having a good time anyways.
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
Beautiful use of lenses, which of course would be nothing without your eye.
Like others, I admire the backscratching ponies. 🙂
WP is an ever changing mystery.
Thank you so much, Merril
Some very leaden skies in evidence although, as always, those beauitiful horses and foals more than make up for it.
Thank you so much, John
A beautiful drive, especially when one clicks on the photos to see the well-kept ponies and countryside!
Thank you so much, GP
You did a wonderful job of cropping to improve composition and show details. I crop all the time for birds. I have learned it is best to use conventional ratios. I have an old Nikon D750 but now mostly use the new mirrorless Z7. It is so much lighter.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Gorgeous pictures, Derrick. So clear and they show a great bit of detail.
Thank you very much, Eugi
My pleasure, Derrick.
Great shots Derrick! And it looks like you live in one large park which is beautiful and interesting. Love the horses.
Thank you so much, Agnes
I am glad you are happy with your new camera, Derrick, but I still think that it’s the person behind it that makes a difference, taking these marvelous photos.
Thank you so much, Dolly
The pleasure is mine, Derrick.
I have a 70 to 300 mm lens I love to use the most.
That is what Jackie calls my go too lens. Thanks very much, Andy
It is my favorite.
Hi Derrick, as another reader commented, I also like the picture of the foal scratching its ear. These everyday things tie people and animals together, don’t you think? Also, I would definitely go the opposite way of the bikers. I’m often behind them on narrow roads with no shoulder!
Thank you very much, Barbara
That is such a good camera.I love the idea of reusing previously enjoyed cameras
Thank you very much, Gary
I ran into that same issue with Chalkboard, I think my format’s called. I used tiled photos for some time, then, after a WordPress “improvement”, that feature became unavailable. It makes for a less compact presentation of multiple photos now, but one soldiers on. I think my format is grandfathered as well, no longer a choice for new users.
Thanks a lot, Doug
You did a good bargain! Beautiful photos!
Thank you very much, Ribana