Its a shiny iridescent bug on a flower, whats not to like about the aura?

Wow, where DID it go? Let's just say that while the camera hasn't been totally neglected in this time, I can also confirm that it hasn't received the beating the A7III did when I first got it.

The ice on the path was a sure sign of what was to come

It has been a very busy year to date for me, mostly work and education taking up a lot of my time, with the more scarce free time gratefully being filled with family time, local and across the country. That doesn't mean that good photo ops haven't been on the agenda, they have just been fitted in around everything else and taken a back seat in terms of priority for now.

The camera has been something to bring along “just in case” to some of our outings, rather than the reason for the outing in the first place. This has led to fewer photos being taken, less intentional, more opportunistic, but not exactly a negative experience. I can tell you my cull list is a lot smaller than it has been in a while, not because I had managed to plough through it (I wish) but rather because there are fewer images filling the memory card after each outing.

The start of the year was promising though, looking back on my previous post I am glad I didn't call any of the ambitions New Year's resolutions, because I am sure I would not have upheld any of them in any meaningful way, but I have managed to get out and about and get a few nice shots.

Fantastic display from the unpaid actors, the people *and* the light

A new gallery spot has dropped with my walk up to Helvellyn documented in my usual style, but I can tell you, luck was on my side that day, the light was absolutely gorgeous! I know I didn't do it justice but I tried at least. The weather was great, although a bit windy, I think it was minus 16 with wind chill on the day, so lunch was very much a rushed affair with genuine concern for my fingertips in the process. The views were fantastic in every direction, and there's nothing like a little excitement in realising you may have bitten off a little more than you can chew for a solo hike, with the approach to the peak coming snowier and icier with every footfall.

Alas, I made it, with chapped lips and rosy cheeks, and managed to get a few shots to tell the tale. I have witnessed golden light before, but the quality of the light that day was something else!

View over to Skiddaw from the path down from Nethermost Pike

Since then, there have been a few trips with and without the family, a trip to RSPB Sandwell, The Fairfield Horseshoe in the Lakes, a revisit to Padley Gorge, and I can't forget NT Anglesea Abbey as well as NT Charterhouse, oh and Snowdon with my partner. Something I don't have much evidence of was my work outing for the 3-Peaks Challenge!! I decided not to take my camera out for that, as the collective weight over the multiple peaks would have been a bit much for me, however, my taste of Ben Nevis has inspired me to undertake the trip again, just 1 peak this time, to properly document the landscape.

There is another plan for Scafell Pike in September, as well as the monthly hike with the family, so I am sure to be taking a great amount of photos over the coming months, and with any luck, I may even edit a few and throw them up on here for you to gawp at.

Where did 5 months go?!

Stephan Trueman Photography

Where did 5 months go?!

Out with the old…

Stephan Trueman Photography