The past few days have turned decidedly baltic and as I’m typing this the rain is falling outside against a low, grey sky. Autumn has finally arrived.

Knowing the weather was going to turn, yesterday I donned hat and gloves, made the most of the last of the sunshine and took myself off down to the river. I didn’t see a soul and had the most stunning morning walking the well trodden paths of one of my favourite haunts. I sat for some time on the river bank, feeling the damp of the dew covered grass soak into my jeans and chomping on Haribo bought to give the trick & treaters for Halloween. I have a naughty sweet tooth and it’s debatable whether there will be any sweets left come the 30th 😉

As I was sitting quietly munching, 3 blue streaks flew by me on the water. Kingfishers – what joy! Two carried on down the river, but the third swerved right and parked herself on the banking about 100 yards upstream from me. I can tell she’s female due to the orange under her beak. I didn’t dare breathe and very, very slowly raised my camera to eye level. This was the best I could manage bearing in mind she is so tiny and was so far away, but oh how magnificently beautiful she is!

During Autumn and Winter, when the weather is inclement, I enjoy taking still life photographs indoors. Due to all the house renovations it’s actually been a few years now since I did any serious still life photography and I admit I’m rusty. OK, not so much rusty as I’d completely forgotten how to do it 😮 I borrowed some old weighing scales off a friend and decided to light paint those with some veg. The result is poor, so I need to get my act together and re-learn the technique.

I also really want to start on a new creative photograph that I’ve had in my head for some time. But I have various visitors coming in the next couple of weeks and various events I’m going to, so I might wait until after Bonfire Night to make a start so that I can fully concentrate.

Despite the storms due over the weekend there are still photographic opportunities to be had. You might want to try something totally new like indoor macro photography or using a light box, or go on YouTube and learn some new editing skills. Whatever you do, have fun!