Cromwell Lock - Photography Week 36 (2016)

During photography week 35 I posted images of the River Trent near Gunthorpe. This week I ventured beyond Newark-on-Trent to Cromwell Lock.

Cromwell Lock is the furthest tidal point on the River Trent (approximately 53 miles from  the junction with the River Humber and the River Ouse at Trent Falls). The Trent's tidal bore, called the Trent Aegir, occurs on a spring tide and can start with a wave as high as five feet. By the time it reaches Cromwell Lock it is a mere ripple which is then extinguished by the lock's weir.

The weir is one of the largest on the Trent. In 1975, ten members of the 131 Independent Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers were tragically killed when their boat went over the weir whilst on a night navigation exercise. A memorial garden stands in the grounds of the lock.

As this was my first visit photography trip to Cromwell Lock I was not totally sure what to expect. The landscapes were limited by the grey weather and the flat terrain as illustrated in these shots:

Without clear landscape opportunities I focussed on more detailed compositions around the lock including a close up of the weir and river reflections:

Burbage Rocks - Photography Week 36 (2016)

Strong blustery conditions drove me away from Stanage Edge to the more sheltered Burbage Rocks (or Burbage Edge). Walking back to the car I passed the unusual sight of a large red sofa next to the pathway - it certainly wasn't the day to sit back and enjoy the view or for filming (which I assumed was its purpose).

Later in the week I found this link and all was explained:

http://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/magazine/bbc-breakfast-debate

Conditions were more comfortable on Burbage Rocks for photography and I started by focussing on some abandoned millstones. Most of these are in the vicinity of a disused quarry which cuts into the Edge:

At this time of the year there is side lighting on Burbage Rocks with views across to Higger Tor or further up the Edge towards Upper Burbage Bridge:

The direct light disappeared shortly before sunset but there was a pleasant afterglow:

City Lines and Street Art - Photography Week 35 (2016)

These are selection of abstract images taken in Nottingham city centre. The first set concentrates on capturing lines and angles in the area around the Nottingham Contemporary and the water feature in Market Square:

The second set features the Quartet statue on Chapel Bar (1) and street art from a wall near to the city railway station. I have photographed the art work there many times - it is often updated with new work appearing regularly - credit to the artists who are very creative and talented:

(1) Quartet by Richard Perry (1986) is a group of four statues, two men and two women, thought to represent shoppers.