This is a very pretty little succulent plant called a kalanchoe, photographed in Spain with a Nikon D5500.
(c) K Wicks
Kalanchoe Blue
photography
Robin
Not so much now, but previously was lucky enough to live in a property that had a great garden, with hedges instead of fences and even had a small pond. The amount of wildlife that passed through was much greater than any other fenced garden I have known. I managed to capture a fair few different things in our brief year there.
The birds that visited took much of my attention (as did the squirrels), and I couldn’t help but put food out for them. They had the pond and plenty in nature, but a helping hand here and there doesn’t hurt does it?
The robins seem to get the hint that they should hand around for some photos, and wonderfully a baby robin dropped by as well.
I even caught him having an early bath one day. The blackbirds and sparrows also frequented the pond, it seems they all got along quite well.
Having the time and such a great garden at my disposal was a real treat. It’s not the same going out and about to try and find wildlife. Being able to see the same things and set up in different weathers and conditions was great. It changed every day and each time there were different flowers opening, or different bugs and insects. There isn’t enough available out and about for a photographer like me, I don’t always get the time to stand around waiting for the perfect shot or to get the angle I might like. And I end up feeling self conscious in public when I should be concentrating on the photo. I have a small garden now and have been treated to butterflies, caterpillars and one dragonfly whizzed through, but nothing like a less restricted garden would bring. So I dream of having a nicer garden again so I can capture the awesomeness of nature.
(c) K Wicks
Today’s sunrise – 22.11.20
It was a slow burner this morning, but streaky and colourful enough for me to grab the camera. A morning pigeon stopped for a silhouetted pose. Thanks pigeon.
(c) K Wicks
Lavatera Tree Mallow
I don’t always know what the names of the flowers are that I take pictures of, but I always try and identify them if I can. This lovely pink flower is a lavatera tree mallow.
(c) K Wicks
Maya and her tyre
She’s been such a good dog from the start, but unfortunately toys don’t last very long. This tyre was a firm favourite for weeks until she realised her most favourite thing is to chew. Luckily this hobby of hers is confined to her toys only, but it means she has limited toys and they have to be replaced regularly. Not many toys can stand up to the might of Maya.
The little face got bigger and cuter and never fails to entertain with her silly adorable antics.
(c) K Wicks
Water Lily
A water lily in Nerja, Spain, photograph taken with a Nikon D5500.
(c) K Wicks
Ruby-Tailed Wasp
Since getting into photography, insects have become far more interesting than they used to be. I had never heard of Ruby-Tailed wasps and first saw one when I was living in Spain, but it turns out we have them here in the UK too. So I was proper excited to find one in the garden here this past summer, in fact not even find, he was at head height on the wall as I stood by the back door! By the time I reached for my camera he was moving all over the wall, with only seconds for a few shots, he was gone. They don’t hang around! I managed to get marginally better shots in Spain, but only because this one was saved from the pool and I had a couple of minutes to try and work around him drying off and being off on his travels again.
Other than these two, I can’t think I have seen any more but given how small the UK one was, I probably have but just didn’t have time to see the flash of colour to identify it.
(c) K Wicks
Spectacle of Light (event)
A couple of years ago we attended the Spectacle of Light event held at Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire. It usually happens end of November and runs for a month or so I think. But the castle and grounds are quite something just in daylight, so to see the whole place lit up and decorated was awesome. I believe they have a different theme every year, ours was Alice in Wonderland. Not bad, one of my all time favourite films as a child.
Walking around the ground was great, I love colourful things and lights, so was in my element. It was bitterly cold but soon your hands numbed enough that you couldn’t feel them properly so it was ok. I didn’t take as many photos as I would have liked because the gloves stayed on mostly and I couldn’t keep my hands still long enough without them!
The trees were creating a semi spooky wonderland, nicely reminiscent of Alice. The strangest part of it was the people. Actors hired to play odd characters from the story standing around in the freezing cold (so fair play to them), but it was odd as they lunged forward to deliver their line. Weirdly, it didn’t fit for me.
The rest of it did fit though, bits and pieces here and there which all in all was a feast for the eyes.
It was a nice evening out and apparently it is running again this year, so I may get to see another one.
(c) K Wicks
Casual Puppy
Last summer when Maya was small and finding her feet with it all, her favourite (and probably many dogs), was to be out in the sun. She no longer poses like this outside as gets far too excited or just wants to lick the camera. For that reason, this photo will remain one of my favourites.
Although, she has developed a more casual approach in the house now she is older which I am able to photograph. Still just as adorable.
(c) K Wicks
Today’s sunrise (16.11.20)
I love sunrise and today I was up at the right time to catch it. Not one to usually want to remember anniversaries of things, but today marks 17 years since my mother passed away. She loved pink, so maybe this one was for her 🙂
These changed within about 5-10 minutes from pink to purple to looking like the sky has become a volcano. A nice way to start the say.
(c) K Wicks
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