3.30am. Drive to Whitby and then walk south along the cliffs to Saltwick Bay, a much photographed area but one that I have not visited before. 6am and the first signs of light and I take a series of photographs of the remains of what were 200 feet tall cliffs. 45 minutes later and the sun’s rays illuminate the black rocks and bring texture and warm highlights. These are magic moments and in a few minutes the rising sun will have lost the warmth of its light. Click image for a larger version.

I thought I was alone, but this little guy (I think it is an American Mink and don’t really know if it is male or female) appeared bobbing up and down to take another look at the stranger that has invaded his territory. Cute!

It is officially the first day of spring today and signs that winter is over are everywhere, including a brief glimpse of a Red Admiral butterfly. Warm days will soon be here, bringing squadrons of Swallows and House Martins chasing midges over poppy-filled meadows. Can you think of anything more English?

Actually yes, I can. Summer has also come to mean following the British Shakespeare Company around the UK. Sitting out in the open-air on a summer’s evening, a glass of wine (or two), and the company of some of this countries best young actors. Can’t wait!

I came across these geese today at Fewston Reservoir where I had gone to take landscape photos. As soon as my camera appeared the goose stood on one leg in a theatrical gesture. Maybe it’s just a way of standing on windy days.

Having another look through the latest photos from Spurn Head on a dull tuesday evening, and I create these images with PhotoShop. Normally I try to take shots that require little or no manipulation but you can create some interesting images with a little experimentation.

A few years ago there was a fashion for duotones, and everywhere you looked photographs had been processed at the printer’s repro house to give the desired effect. Except that often what you got back was not quite what you wanted. PhotoShop has changed all of that. I had one of my early mornings starts again today…up at 3.30am and drive to Spurn Head for 6am. Two and a half hours of photography on a deserted beach and then the dreaded 90 mile drive back. I now have 170 images to wade through, which takes longer than taking the photos.

The most magical moment was watching the sands drifting in the strong winds, something I have not seen before. I am not sure if a single static image captures the effect. Click on the second photo to view a larger version.

John Halbert asked me to design a website to showcase his wildlife paintings. Incorporated into the site is a blog that will allow him to promote exhibitions, discuss works in progress and show his photographic studies.