Bath Tub

Bath Tub

Burnham Overy Staithe at high tide.

Fuji X-T1 with Fujinon 10-24mm F4 lens

Golden glow

Golden glow

Scarborough fishing port on a bright January afternoon.

Fuji X-T1 and Fujinon 10-24mm F4 lens

Saltmarsh and Samphire's gallery and craft shop

It's been a long two weeks, but we finally did it. Saltmarsh and Samphire's first fine art gallery and craft shop has opened for business. Situated in the beautiful little fishing town of Wells-Next-The-Sea on the North Norfolk coast, near the junction of Station street and Staithe street, the gallery contains my landscape photography as well as Emma and Diana's lovely craft work, including beautiful, framed lino print pieces.

The images below show the shop as it nears completion the evening before the grand opening, and the many people who visited us on our first day. We all had a terrific time, and look forward to meeting lots of new people, and hope for many happy years of trading.   

My landscape photography work in the gallery

Emma's and Diana's work, including flower images and Lino prints

View from outside the front window

Busy grand opening

'Shinny'

It's been a bit tricky finding the time to get out with the camera at present, the new shop taking up much of it. But I managed to find a spare hour the other day, so went for a stroll along the quay at Wells. It was raw, the wind whipping straight off the North sea, and the four layers I had thrown on were barely enough. I am always amazed at just how tough the flora and fauna is at this time of year. Not just along the coastline, but anywhere that's gripped for months by cold, wet weather. You can't help but marvel at the strength and sheer will to survive, that is shown by the many birds, mammals and plants that have to brave such elements. As I was clapping my hands, struggling in vain to get some heat into them, I couldn't help but notice the thousands of Brent geese, happily going about their business, feeding along the shore line as the tide was out. In the distance, the large, imposing clouds were turning an orangey colour, as a snow storm approached. I was looking for a suitable composition where a small boat was to take centre stage, framed by the fiery sky. Unfortunately, things don't always go to plan. For one, high tide changes by approximately half an hour each day, and for this particular shot to work as I had envisaged. I would have needed to be here about one and a half hours later, when too dark, or three or so days earlier, when I was preoccupied with the shop. I wanted to show the water swirling around the boat, just before it was picked up by the incoming high tide. A longer exposure would have provided the effect I was looking for, and with the clouds scudding across the sky, the final captured image could have looked quite dramatic. Alas, it wasn't to be. The filters stayed in the bag and the tripod wasn't needed. All I had to show for my endeavours on a frigid day on the Norfolk coast, when I lost all feeling in my hands, was a quick handheld snap of a tiny boat called Shinny, and an increased, massive respect, for the wildlife that calls this place home.

Shinny

Gallery update

The gallery and craft shop is really starting to take shape now, the painting has finished, the lights are up, and the last of the shelving is fitted today. We then have five days to prepare the shop for the grand opening on the 14th February. If anyone happens to be in the area of Wells-Next-The-Sea on the north norfolk coast, why not pop along to see us. We can be found at 25 Station Road, Wells-Next-The-Sea, NR23 1AE. There will be drink and nibbles. 

Lighting being fitted

   

Saltmarsh and Samphire's new gallery

After many months looking for a suitable property for Saltmarsh and Samphire's new gallery, we finally found one. Situated at the top of Staithe street in Wells-Next-The-Sea, the new gallery and craft shop will be open from the weekend of 14th February. Initial measuring up and sourcing of materials has finished, and on the 1st February we can get in there and start decorating. 

Ever since I became a professional photographer, having a gallery was always my dream. I enjoy shooting weddings and commercial work, but photographing, showcasing and selling my landscape work is truly, 100% who I am. When I take an image, there is an emotional attachment between me and what I'm seeing through the camera. I can't completely explain what this attachment is, but I do know it is partly shaped by the light and how it plays with the landscape. Each image is but a fleeting moment, never to be repeated again, captured forever on camera. A truly unique moment. 

In the coming weeks, as the gallery nears completion, I will update you all as to how work is progressing.