2008 - My Year In Pictures

Title: On The Right Track
Location: Aldham, Near Marks Tey
Camera: Canon EOS 30D / 24-105mm EF f/4 L IS USM
Notes: I had a lunchtime meeting in Marks Tey today, and so set off a little bit early to have a quick walk and look for a couple of caches. To begin with, the weather wasn’t very promising, but on my way back to the car, the sun poked through the clouds for a couple of seconds and I was able to capture this view with wonderful light.

Title: Boreham House
Location: Boreham, Chelmsford
Camera: Canon EOS 30D / 24-105mm EF f/4 L IS USM
Notes: I had to pop over to the Parcel Force depot in Boreham this morning to pick up a package, and took the opportunity to stop at Boreham house for a quick picture. I liked the muted tones of the day and thought sepia suited the mood rather well. Compare this with Ken’s version of the same location from a few weeks ago!

Title: Sterling
Location: At home
Camera: Canon EOS 30D / 50mm EF f/1.8 + 12mm extension tube / macro ring flash
Notes: Having seen Erasmus T’s shot of some Euros yesterday, it reminded me that I had a set of freshly-minted coins in the cupboard which I’ve been meaning to photograph for a while. They were a real pain as it turned out - they are mounted on slightly shiny black card, behind protective plastic. An utter nightmare when you add a ring flash to the equation! Still, a bit of perseverence and a lot of cursing later, I got something reasonable. It’s a special commemorative design of the Royal Shield of Arms. I’ve seen the £1 in circulation but don’t recall seeing any of the “shrapnel” from this set in my purse.

Title: Cabernet Shiraz Refractions
Location: At home
Camera: Canon EOS 30D / 24-105mm EF f/4 L IS USM
Notes: I didn’t manage to get out early today while the sun was out, so had to settle with an indoor shot for today’s picture.

Title: Playground Shadows
Location: Margaretting
Camera: Canon EOS 30D / 24-105mm EF f/4 L IS USM
Notes: There was a bit of sun about today, so I nipped out during lunchtime for a breath of fresh air and took the camera with me. This was in a pleasant little playground in Margaretting - I’ve driven by many times but never stopped for a look before. I love the light this time of year (when we get some!).

Title: Dead Ends
Location: Billericay
Camera: Canon Ixus 850IS compact
Notes: I had to run a couple of errands in Billericay today, and came across this road sign, which rather amused me. It was just how I felt after a frustrating day yesterday - sometimes you know that going backwards is the only way forwards, and even that looks a little prickly! Let’s hope today is an improvement.

Title: Marina Reflections
Location: Springfield Lock
Camera: Canon EOS 30D / 24-105mm EF f/4 L IS USM
Notes: I took the opportunity to nip out for a breath of fresh air while the sun was shining today. And find another geocache or two. Once again, geocaching has taken me to a spot which I didn’t even know existed, and it’s lovely. It’s along the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, just downstream of the Essex Record Office, and is about the last bit of civilisation before you hit the more rural paths along the canal.