http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/ Latest news from photographer Chris Johnstone Chris, Johnstone, photographic, photography, wildlife, pictures, images, photo, nature, environment, conservation, digital en Copyright 2010 Mon, 10 May 2010 20:37:55 GMT Mon, 10 May 2010 20:37:55 GMT RSS DreamFeeder v 2.5.2 What makes an image appealing? Is there a special recipe for an outstanding image? Take an iconic species, throw in some unusual behaviour and a good handful of composition and are you guaranteed a winner? There are definitely some images that catch our attention much more than others. The ‘clean’ and minimalist image is one type of picture I have always found very appealing. So what makes them so pleasing? What makes an image appealing? Is there a special recipe for an outstanding image? Take an iconic species, throw in some unusual behaviour and a good handful of composition and are you guaranteed a winner? There are definitely some images that catch our attention much more than others. The ‘clean’ and minimalist image is one type of picture I have always found very appealing. So what makes them so pleasing? Mon, 10 May 2010 20:37:22 GMT natural, clean, art, minimalist, perceptions, change data:text/plain,manual:1273523875088:10792681025360272:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml It's the end of April! But somehow it felt like a very slow month. I've just some time to post a couple of wagtail shots I managed to collect a week ago. The Pied Wagtail is a commonly seen bird especially on roofs, they are excellent fun to watch darting about with their tails wagging non-stop. The Yellow Wagtail, however, is a summer visitor and I was lucky enough to find a group of 5. The one pictures was quite confiding and (thanks to my lucky hat) it came relatively close. From a short distance you can really appreciate how rich their colours are. For animals, showiness is not just something that happens - it's a measure of fitness. The currency is energy and so they brightest, most attractive animals are like the athletes of the human world - they've worked hard to become so attractive. It's a part of evolution that is so simple and elegant and yet so completely fascinating. It's the end of April! But somehow it felt like a very slow month. I've just some time to post a couple of wagtail shots I managed to collect a week ago. The Pied Wagtail is a commonly seen bird especially on roofs, they are excellent fun to watch darting about with their tails wagging non-stop. The Yellow Wagtail, however, is a summer visitor and I was lucky enough to find a group of 5. The one pictures was quite confiding and (thanks to my lucky hat) it came relatively close. From a short distance you can really appreciate how rich their colours are. For animals, showiness is not just something that happens - it's a measure of fitness. The currency is energy and so they brightest, most attractive animals are like the athletes of the human world - they've worked hard to become so attractive. It's a part of evolution that is so simple and elegant and yet so completely fascinating. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:26:22 GMT wagtails, yellow, pied, spring, dippers, disturbance data:text/plain,manual:1272648408111:4225229945179928:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml With the coming summer, we're beginning to see migrant birds coming over to the UK to rear their young. They need the summer weather because it's sunnier. The sunnier weather makes leaves grow on trees - the leaves provide food and shelter for insects - the insects provide food for the birds. Elegant and simple. Yesterday I attended a Volunteer and Farmer Alliance meeting in Oxfordshire to find out more about the long term VFA project. It's aims are simple - to survey farmland for birds and use the data in a number of ways eg: the BTO BirdAtlas or in species recovery programmes. The best thing is, the surveys are carried out by volunteers. These types of projects are important because a trend is beginning to reveal that our summer migrants are returning later. Since springs are (gernerally) getting earlier, by the time the migrants get here the boom of food has already been reduced making it more difficult for them to find enough for their young. With the coming summer, we're beginning to see migrant birds coming over to the UK to rear their young. They need the summer weather because it's sunnier. The sunnier weather makes leaves grow on trees - the leaves provide food and shelter for insects - the insects provide food for the birds. Elegant and simple. Yesterday I attended a Volunteer and Farmer Alliance meeting in Oxfordshire to find out more about the long term VFA project. It's aims are simple - to survey farmland for birds and use the data in a number of ways eg: the BTO BirdAtlas or in species recovery programmes. The best thing is, the surveys are carried out by volunteers. These types of projects are important because a trend is beginning to reveal that our summer migrants are returning later. Since springs are (gernerally) getting earlier, by the time the migrants get here the boom of food has already been reduced making it more difficult for them to find enough for their young. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:33:17 GMT VFA, migrants, timing, summer data:text/plain,manual:1271093604872:37238188132866030:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml With a ridge of high pressure over us, the Peaks have been bathed in sunshine for a good few days. I've been getting a little lazy and staying in bed far too long so the clear and sunny mornings have given me good reason to get up early and make the most of the light. And what fantastic light it is too. I've been scouting around Carsington Water for good places to shoot some waders for a while but the water's edge isn't the most accessible for low level photography. As usual persistence and over a year's knowledge paid off and I was able to get some really nice atmospheric images. With a ridge of high pressure over us, the Peaks have been bathed in sunshine for a good few days. I've been getting a little lazy and staying in bed far too long so the clear and sunny mornings have given me good reason to get up early and make the most of the light. And what fantastic light it is too. I've been scouting around Carsington Water for good places to shoot some waders for a while but the water's edge isn't the most accessible for low level photography. As usual persistence and over a year's knowledge paid off and I was able to get some really nice atmospheric images. Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:54:21 GMT sunrise, godwit, wader, refresh data:text/plain,manual:1271004910167:3831397361326383:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2010 revealed the house sparrow as the number one bird seen in British back gardens. It’s the seventh year in a row these hardy creatures have topped the biggest bird survey in the world. Yet their numbers are declining and this still remains a real cause for concern. Something of a paradox you might think? When you look a little deeper, you soon find out the sparrow has had a fairly colourful history. Check out my article in The Countryman this month for more details. The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2010 revealed the house sparrow as the number one bird seen in British back gardens. It’s the seventh year in a row these hardy creatures have topped the biggest bird survey in the world. Yet their numbers are declining and this still remains a real cause for concern. Something of a paradox you might think? When you look a little deeper, you soon find out the sparrow has had a fairly colourful history. Check out my article in The Countryman this month for more details. Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:47:49 GMT Countryman, magazine, article, sparrows, Big Garden Birdwatch data:text/plain,manual:1270414111619:5362123325601789:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Well, it’s been the hot topic for the last couple of months since the disqualification of the winner of the Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The winning photograph depicted a wolf jumping a gate. The judges decided the animal was a ‘model’ and consequently, the photographer had broken the rules; hence disqualification. The decision created a huge debate about the use of captive animals in wildlife photography... Well, it’s been the hot topic for the last couple of months since the disqualification of the winner of the Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The winning photograph depicted a wolf jumping a gate. The judges decided the animal was a ‘model’ and consequently, the photographer had broken the rules; hence disqualification. The decision created a huge debate about the use of captive animals in wildlife photography... Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:42:19 GMT captive, competition, commercial, action data:text/plain,manual:1270226564952:6313625211082052:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml It's been a good few weeks since I've posted and for that I apologise. Spring is such a busy time of year and it pays to take some time to set up projects and out in the hours of research. The recent, burst of warm weather has nearly settled in and the daffodils are emerging in force. I’ve discovered a local woodland that is carpeted in the green shoots of bluebells so I’m excited about visiting it soon. The topography is very undulating so it should lend itself to some interesting compositions. It's been a good few weeks since I've posted and for that I apologise. Spring is such a busy time of year and it pays to take some time to set up projects and out in the hours of research. The recent, burst of warm weather has nearly settled in and the daffodils are emerging in force. I’ve discovered a local woodland that is carpeted in the green shoots of bluebells so I’m excited about visiting it soon. The topography is very undulating so it should lend itself to some interesting compositions. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:55:39 GMT local, wildlife, project data:text/plain,manual:1269798978509:5209006799285515:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Nearby there is a good place to photograph snowdrops. I don't spend a lot of time photographing flowers but I'm amazed at how nature has engineered these organisms to respond to environmental factors. Because of the extremely cold weather, the snowdrops have kept themselves hidden. Now, with a couple of weeks of warmer weather, they are in full bloom. There is something very elegant about the way plants 'know' when to emerge. When I think about it I get all scientific and realise that it all boils down to an enzyme or gene (or some other such invisible or hard-to-fathom molecule) that becomes active at a certain temperature or certain length of daylight. The magic seems to get lost somewhere. Then you think about how long it has taken for these processes, actions and reactions to evolve... All of a sudden the wholly wonderful and mind-boggling magic of nature is right there in front of you in a tiny, delicate flower. Nearby there is a good place to photograph snowdrops. I don't spend a lot of time photographing flowers but I'm amazed at how nature has engineered these organisms to respond to environmental factors. Because of the extremely cold weather, the snowdrops have kept themselves hidden. Now, with a couple of weeks of warmer weather, they are in full bloom. There is something very elegant about the way plants 'know' when to emerge. When I think about it I get all scientific and realise that it all boils down to an enzyme or gene (or some other such invisible or hard-to-fathom molecule) that becomes active at a certain temperature or certain length of daylight. The magic seems to get lost somewhere. Then you think about how long it has taken for these processes, actions and reactions to evolve... All of a sudden the wholly wonderful and mind-boggling magic of nature is right there in front of you in a tiny, delicate flower. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:54:45 GMT Snowdrops, flowers, digital, filters data:text/plain,manual:1269798923974:40509311078101680:http://news.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml As part of the research for Spring and Summer projects I do a regular route around my local patch. Last night I checked out a kestrel roost at a nearby farm to check the activity. The female arrived around dusk but no sign of the male. Today I was considering giving my walk a miss so as to ensure the birds weren’t disturbed. As part of the research for Spring and Summer projects I do a regular route around my local patch. Last night I checked out a kestrel roost at a nearby farm to check the activity. The female arrived around dusk but no sign of the male. Today I was considering giving my walk a miss so as to ensure the birds weren’t disturbed. file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/Beta_CJP/ Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:02:16 GMT Chris, Johnstone, photographic, photography, wildlife, pictures, images, photo, nature, environment, barn, owl, raven, peacock, kestrel, roost, dusk data:text/plain,manual:1267383762572:15958443957343072:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Over New Year I found myself caught up in the celebrations (as usual). Being neither particularly religious or a party animal, to me, the Christmas and New Year break serves as a time to catch up with family and friends that I would otherwise have trouble seeing living where I do. (The unending bombardment of commercial everything has long since taken the charm off the festive season anyway - much to my dismay.) Between drinks on Hogmanay I caught myself wondering what I was really feeling about the whole celebration. If I'm honest, I wasn't revelling in the birth of a new decade but wondering where the idea to celebrate a change in diary and digit came from - for really, these are the only visible signs of a new year... Over New Year I found myself caught up in the celebrations (as usual). Being neither particularly religious or a party animal, to me, the Christmas and New Year break serves as a time to catch up with family and friends that I would otherwise have trouble seeing living where I do. (The unending bombardment of commercial everything has long since taken the charm off the festive season anyway - much to my dismay.) Between drinks on Hogmanay I caught myself wondering what I was really feeling about the whole celebration. If I'm honest, I wasn't revelling in the birth of a new decade but wondering where the idea to celebrate a change in diary and digit came from - for really, these are the only visible signs of a new year... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:31:34 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266373780216:8498970583140784:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml The busyness has continued way longer than I had anticipated and I since my last post I've even changed workstations which has gone pretty smoothly. Luckily my lack of posting hasn't meant I haven't been out and about. I find this time of year quite exciting. As the weeks unfold the calendar of the photographer really begins to fill up. Spring is a busy time for nature and getting projects in place really needs to be sorted by the time the actions begins... The busyness has continued way longer than I had anticipated and I since my last post I've even changed workstations which has gone pretty smoothly. Luckily my lack of posting hasn't meant I haven't been out and about. I find this time of year quite exciting. As the weeks unfold the calendar of the photographer really begins to fill up. Spring is a busy time for nature and getting projects in place really needs to be sorted by the time the actions begins... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:31:34 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780216:8498970583140784:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Who would have thought January could be so busy? Apologies for the lack of blog updates recently. I've had to move my focus... Who would have thought January could be so busy? Apologies for the lack of blog updates recently. I've had to move my focus... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:31:34 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780229:8997620258212512:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Over the Christmas period I made a couple of visits to a local park. The adage that knowing your local patch is invaluable is indeed true... Over the Christmas period I made a couple of visits to a local park. The adage that knowing your local patch is invaluable is indeed true... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:32:34 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780230:8681048393016121:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Undoubtly the most well known place to photograph red kites is at Gigrin Farm, Mid-Wales. As I'm back in Scotland for Christmas and Hogmanay I thought I'd pay a trip to the Scottish equivalent - Bellymack Farm... Undoubtly the most well known place to photograph red kites is at Gigrin Farm, Mid-Wales. As I'm back in Scotland for Christmas and Hogmanay I thought I'd pay a trip to the Scottish equivalent - Bellymack Farm... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:32:34 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780230:6332909698281968:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Like most of the country, we've had a good covering of snow in Ashbourne and a couple of hours of low sunshine brings a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the most friendly and iconic residents of British woodlands and gardens... Like most of the country, we've had a good covering of snow in Ashbourne and a couple of hours of low sunshine brings a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the most friendly and iconic residents of British woodlands and gardens... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:32:34 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780231:46920945477588320:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Juggling work and the weather can be a little frustrating at times. Here, the first frost of the year coincided nicely with the first of December. Work kept me from my camera but in high spirits... Juggling work and the weather can be a little frustrating at times. Here, the first frost of the year coincided nicely with the first of December. Work kept me from my camera but in high spirits... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:36:34 GMT 472F9119-27FD-4B1C-BB14-C1E0DEF7120C-502-000003AD1AB76C6A-FFA There is always something exciting happening in the natural world, no matter what time of year it is. Autumn is no different and one of the most interesting species to follow is the Grey Seal... There is always something exciting happening in the natural world, no matter what time of year it is. Autumn is no different and one of the most interesting species to follow is the Grey Seal... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:34:12 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780233:974038412736023:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml For the ten days I was fortunate enough to attend a series of seminars concerned with large carnivores living in the Zywiecki Beskidy Mountains, part of the Polish Carpathians... For the ten days I was fortunate enough to attend a series of seminars concerned with large carnivores living in the Zywiecki Beskidy Mountains, part of the Polish Carpathians... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:41:12 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780233:18:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml A spell of dry weather has ended here in Derbyshire and a cold crisp morning and this evening's rain confirms summer is over and autumn is really setting in. This time of year is one of my favourites... A spell of dry weather has ended here in Derbyshire and a cold crisp morning and this evening's rain confirms summer is over and autumn is really setting in. This time of year is one of my favourites... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:14:12 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780234:5842285518703408:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml A week ago I set up another perch at a deeper pool in the hope of witnessing her fish there since the river had been dropping slowly. The droppings over the perch and surrounding grass suggested she had been grateful for the new location to fish from... A week ago I set up another perch at a deeper pool in the hope of witnessing her fish there since the river had been dropping slowly. The droppings over the perch and surrounding grass suggested she had been grateful for the new location to fish from... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:34:12 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780235:4868177498964341:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml This year's selected images for Christmas cards are now available to order. Yep, it's only September but we all know what a rush it becomes... This year's selected images for Christmas cards are now available to order. Yep, it's only September but we all know what a rush it becomes... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:29:15 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780236:35994658403194236:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml Mid October means deer! Every year in the Autumn male deer challenge each during a period known as the rut. While checking out a location to visit in a months time, I heard the distinctive cry of a kingfisher... Mid October means deer! Every year in the Autumn male deer challenge each during a period known as the rut. While checking out a location to visit in a months time, I heard the distinctive cry of a kingfisher... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:20:15 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780236:9283116319790996:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml The site's main galleries have had an update in form and content... The site's main galleries have had an update in form and content... file:///Macintosh%20HD/Users/Chris%20Johnstone/Sites/CJP/ Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:05:32 GMT data:text/plain,manual:1266873780237:5649402062818464:http://www.chrisjohnstonephotographic.co.uk/CJP_Blog.xml