A Seasonal Blogger

Not really getting the hang of this blogging business am I? Turning out to be a seasonal thing rather than a regular excursion. Spring is finally in the air. Last weekend we took advantage of the fine weather and took a stroll down the Loxley Valley, walking alongside the river, through woodland and rediscovering several things of interest not visible from the road; including a bowling green, a fishery, a mill pond and some very idyllic residences. (Emily, our 11 year old, already has her eye on a "cute" cottage). As I donned the anorak to point out the many remnants of the valley's industrial past, Emily and Bev couldn't help stifling the yawns. Emily then had the audacity to hijack my lecture by describing how a goyt worked. (A goyt is a water channel which feeds a water wheel, apparently). So glad her school education isn't being wasted! Just before Damflask Reservoir we came across the first daffodils of the season and to celebrate we called in for a drink at The Nags Head, fortuitously just round the corner. I made short work of a glistening pint of Blonde, brewed by The Farmer's Brewery just up the road in Bradfield. Which reminds me, I'm back on the bike again. I like to get out once a week, weather permitting, and I cycle up the long hill to High Bradfield making the most of all 18 gears! Here I am recovering from the big climb out of Hillsborough (pic courtesy of self-timed Lumix on dry stone wall). The worst is over at this point; then I whizz down the steep hill for refreshments at the cafe in Low Bradfield (fantastic home made soup and cake by the way) before returning home via Damflask Reservoir. A 12 mile cholesterol - beating round trip. I enjoy living in Hillsborough, we have all the facilities including shops, a library, a park and of course Supertram, but the best thing is we're right next to some incredible countryside. Well what's been going on work wise? I've had a good start to the year, picking up several new clients (mainly by recommendation), including PR photos for a breast feeding initiative - please don't ask to see examples - progress photography for a Rotherham builder, more PR photography in Hull for a West Yorkshire builder, portraits of a university professor and his family, compensation photos for a solicitor, a wedding, and photos for a new casting agency . Here's a shot of Maddy. He's an author and life coach who has published a new book, Bullet Proof Belief, on how to improve your lot in life. He's a fascinating bloke and speaks from experience, having been born into poverty in India. He's using my portrait of him on the book cover! Only £10.14 on Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=bulletproof+belief&x=17&y=19 So as the days begin to get longer and we start to think about turning down the central heating thermostat in high expectation of the glorious Spring weather, let me take you back to those arctic conditions just before Christmas. I was on my way home from a PR Santa Shoot in Stockport and pulled in at a lay-by on the Woodhead Pass to take in the stunning snowbound vistas. Whilst framing up a landscape, in the distance I heard the faint sound of a lorry labouring through it's gears. Luckily I had the 450mm lens at the ready and grabbed this opportune snap.

Watch out for my next blog, more than likely during the blisteringly hot summer, when I'll be reporting on those gorgeous brides and their handsome grooms. Steve Mirfin of Phoenix Photography, where the eye has it! If you'd like to keep up to date with the latest news from Phoenix Photography, please click on the "follow" link at the top of the blog.