A lovely day, an attractive stretch of canal and a sharp eye, are good ingredients for a fruitful and satisfying stroll with your camera.

The picturesque Glasson branch of Lancaster Canal.

A still day and a nice sky makes for an attractive scene. The two trees reflect beautifully to become the main interest. I forgave myself on this occasion, for the central horizon, that I normally try to avoid with landscapes!

Delicate canalside grasses.

The seed heads of this canal-side grass made for an interesting shot against a blurred background (small f-stop number). Looks frosty but looks deceive as it was a warm day.

 

This study of a swan’s feather was pleasing to add to my collection. Sometimes the simplest shots are the nicest. Similarly to the grass, a dark non distracting background/surrounds gives contrast.

Delicate & detailed.

After the feather, the swan.

Nicely lit.

Hardly original, but swans are very photogenic creatures, but all the better when nicely back-lit with a bit of light on the water. All the difference between a bog-standard and more appealing shot.

Lovely reflections.

The horizon was better placed here for me. Reflections on still water are a delight and the fence disappearing into the distance caught my eye.

Sky on water.

A reflection of the sun on water is a safer bet than pointing your camera directly at it and it was the sky taking on a surreal stormy appearance that I liked here.

Contrasting canal-side colours.

 

It was the colour contrast between the blue sky and water and the sun-drenched reeds that made this shot interesting for me. The passing walkers on the towpath give it life and scale.

Little Egret in flight.

I was very pleased with this lucky shot of a passing Little Egret. Not a common site this far north I believe. The image quality won’t stand for close scrutiny as it’s slightly pixelated result was the result of magnification, but that’s not a major problem unless you want to blow it up big.

Early Small Tortoiseshell butterfly.

Let’s end with my first butterfly of the year. Spring has arrived!…

Look out for more Photographer’s Ramblings coming soon!