Laid back - a study in russet

It is a rare event when I go out into the field and not treat every living thing that I come across as something to identify (or at least try to), to write it down in a notebook and commit it to the giant database that I maintain at home. Today was different...

I have been aware for some time that my DSLR and various lenses have lay dormant, unused, and unloved. With all of the spectacular autumn colour on offer I was moved (yes, very Byronesque, I know) to get out and take some photographs. I used to dabble with illustration, and have been looking for a subject that will grab me enough to rekindle this lost art. Pattern and form have always been areas that I have gravitated towards, rather than realism. The natural world is full of both. So, this afternoon I wandered into Banstead Woods, sans binoculars set the camera function to manual, and snapped away.

I was quite pleased with the results. Muted colour on an overcast afternoon which has the basis for a number of illustrative projects. I also did not feel the need to worry about what species the trees or leaves were (although I could tell you if pushed). I was not tested as to my forced state of 'non-identification' by any possible Hawfinch, Waxwing or white-rumped Redpoll popping up in front of me or flying overhead calling. It made a refreshing change.

Comments

David Campbell said…
Possible Waxwings, Hawfinches and Mealy Redpolls? I shouldn't have gone to Scilly!
31 October 2010 at 23:59
Steve Gale said…
The chances are David that I missed them!
1 November 2010 at 18:43
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