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In the summer months the Milky Way rises above it after dark. I arrived just after 9pm on this July evening but the clouds did not clear until nearly 2am. It was worth the wait - a beautiful location! July 17 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/south-heath-in-autumn-3158e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/nuG2ANf2g2NH0QEXjWLJ1hyGuC4=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1061692645eca599f096021.31121195.jpgSouth Heath in Autumn 3:158E Waterford Heath is about a twenty-minute walk from home and one of my favourite places to photograph locally. The heath is an old gravel workings now turned into a nature reserve and is divided into two areas, north and south, each with their own characteristics. This image is taken in the south heath and shows some of the silver birch trees with their autumn foliage after a frost. It is one of a series of three images from this location, albeit not all taken on the same morning. Nov 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/south-heath-in-autumn-1156e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/vHFHOVuKO3Mv1ZOQg8O6qG1IYd8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_7735502205eca582f7067a0.05022879.jpgSouth Heath in Autumn 1:156E Waterford Heath is about a twenty-minute walk from home and one of my favourite places to photograph locally. The heath is an old gravel workings now turned into a nature reserve and is divided into two areas, north and south, each with their own characteristics. This image is taken in the south heath and shows some of the silver birch trees with their autumn foliage after a frost. It is one of a series of three images from this location, albeit not all taken on the same morning. Dec 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/new-river-bridge189e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/tvGUT-gTXfFsbadMCJdTLi6_Phw=/fwc/1751443004/26307_5271825335ecfa90141b196.85419352.jpgNew River Bridge:189E This bridge across the New River is a favourite subject of mine. On this particular morning, the last day of autumn, you catch a glimpse of the autumn colours of the foliage of the trees and the frost on the undergrowth. We are fortunate to live in an area with such varied countryside all around us. Nov 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-by-kindlelight22h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/x_onfGDBRYTYUBe7mc1nr1ubxvQ=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1545864328554609904bc4e.jpgMilky Way by Kindlelight:22H My wife does not accompany me on night photography trips very often but this location was only a short drive from our apartment and it was relatively early in the evening so she joined me! The image shows her reading her Kindle on the beach at Blue Holes, just south of Kalbarri in Western Australia, under the Milky Way. The image also shows neighbouring galaxies the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. The light pollution in the distance is, ironically, from a new eco housing estate on the outskirts of Kalbarri! April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/winter-sunrise-panshanger135e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/WLUJRytjdcylY0VOy6zbYyXMF-k=/fwc/1751443004/26307_2211992005ecb77769e4928.72330542.jpgWinter Sunrise Panshanger:135E On this morning there had been a heavy frost accompanied by an equally heavy mist hanging over the Osprey Lake in Panshanger Park. From the dragonfly walk I was able to capture the sunrise behind the trees through the mist. In processing I have tried to capture the ethereal atmosphere of the scene. Feb 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/oilseed-rape-under-big-hertfordshire https://photos.on-this.website/wm/0xqTO9yXaOj87Ul3ZQf0DtFGNq0=/fwc/1751443004/26307_159632910855773132b1a6d.jpgOilseed Rape Under Big Hertfordshire Sky:49E Just north of Waterford opposite Bullsmill Lane there is a field with a rather photogenic track winding its way up the gentle slope and disappearing behind a tree. This long exposure black and white image when the oilseed rape is in full bloom and there was a blustery wind is pleasing on the eye. May 15 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/a-winters-morning133e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/dlcoNyG67uqSGunv1qPuBxs6POI=/fwc/1751443004/26307_14847890485eca53d89e0224.20487302.jpgA Winters Morning:133E On this morning there had been a heavy frost accompanied by an equally heavy mist hanging over the Osprey Lake in Panshanger Park. I had arrived before sunrise and the mist gradually gave way to reveal clouds in pastel shades and the trees forming the backdrop. In processing I have tried to give the image a painterly effect to reflect the atmosphere of the scene. Feb 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-and-meteor27h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/lfuvpTM8OdZf_pa6NzKnaJoEWjM=/fwc/1751443004/26307_182030741554646cbf0ed2.jpgMilky Way and Meteor:25H Our home in the universe, the milky way galaxy. This image captures the centre of our galaxy in the constellation of Sagittarius taken in the Western Australian desert in April 2014 - the meteor is a bonus! Because of the position of our solar system relative to the milky way we are closest to its centre in July as we make our annual journey around the sun. This part of our galaxy is only visible at the northern latitudes habited by the UK during the months of May through September when we have few hours of true darkness to appreciate it - hence it is better viewed from the southern hemisphere where July is the middle of the winter. This image is available back lit in a light box as part of our [b]Celestial Luminaire[/b] range. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/autumn-woodland-sunrise188e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/EKOtdAxUer0VssKjHYzIttf2Rkw=/fwc/1751443004/26307_7125550405ecfa8e51369d1.18715119.jpgAutumn Woodland Sunrise:188E For a short while on this autumn morning the sunlight, diffused by the heavy mist, illuminated this small beech wood adjacent to the South Heath, Waterford. The wood, resplendent in its autumn colours, seemed to come alive for the few short moments it bathed in the suns light. Oct 18 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/frosty-waterford-morning89e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/_uZQIsUUJrbzIisNiiIsOjPnX04=/fwc/1751443004/26307_182713917758a05b8b4b161.jpgFrosty Waterford Morning:89E In January we had a long cold spell with heavy frost on many mornings. Whilst many cold clear crisp days followed the frost, to make a better image clouds are required, but not any old clouds! On this particular frosty morning on my way out to work, about half an hour before sunrise, the sky looked particularly promising. So I grabbed my camera and walked up along the edge of the field at the end of our road, composed my shot and waited. This image was captured – testament I feel to taking advantage of each opportunity as it arises. I hope you like it. Jan 17 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/thorpe-bay-sunrise-293e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/i7s14r9DlZ4itMjDBnaLixtO-CY=/fwc/1751443004/26307_49452156469c628dd1ecd0.jpgThorpe Bay Sunrise: 293E An early spring sunrise in the Thames estuary at Thorpe Bay near Southend-on-Sea in deepest Essex. At low tide the expanse of the sand and the marooned small boats are fun to explore with the camera. Mar 23. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/new-river-sunrise80e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/_Pg4_7JOwhw61G-MyARBo27irXU=/fwc/1751443004/26307_24956224957d7192f377d8.jpgNew River Sunrise:80E Sunrise from the first bend on the New River which runs through the Meads between Hertford and Ware – the A10 flyover in the background is a bit of a giveaway! I was inspired by the photograph taken by George Johnson entitled “Lucretia My Reflection” taken at the same spot which appeared in the Landscape Photographer of the Year collection 9. Apr 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/rhossili-storm-321e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/KInUC1WONVZDluOJZvLIZxKDqN8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_44625792769c632f4824ed.jpgRhossili Storm: 321E Our visit to the Gower was interrupted by some exceptionally wet and windy conditions. There are often breaks in turbulent weather that produce glimpses of wonderful light. On this particular evening we were blessed with of that light as the wind whipped up the surf on Rhossili beach. We were witness to the beauty and ferocity of nature in one memorable outing. September 2025. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/cley-windmill-by-moonlight https://photos.on-this.website/wm/BhfaXGQhohqaOI6hLIKxLtMJMAA=/fwc/1751443004/26307_10410758845519a7295c7e1.jpgCley Windmill by Moonlight:13H The night sky is often better viewed following the passage of a weather front. After a wet day Orion the Hunter looks down on Cley Windmill from clear skies above the North Norfolk coast. Above him are the Hyades and Pleiades (Seven Sisters) star clusters. The sky on the horizon is illuminated by the distant lights of Sheringham. It is 2am in the morning and the moon is about to set in the west immediately behind me. October 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/chocolate-heaven34h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/pzAAfPEu-9msBohrgSV4Ku8mjrs=/fwc/1751443004/26307_4623543985546471f0f971.jpgChocolate Heaven:34H Milky Way and Mars over Uluru! About two hours after sunset and just before the moon rose behind the rock. Peace and quiet had returned after the mass exodus that took place as soon as the sun went down. Now we had a chance to witness the real star of the show - the Northern Territories night sky! April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-over-st-michaels https://photos.on-this.website/wm/bom76msw9DZGlrhk8ZSu7MOyI9s=/fwc/1751443004/26307_733767305594ae1a8d8e5e3.03757539.jpgMilky Way Over St Michaels Mount:101H In this light polluted island there are still some spots when the magnificence of the night sky can be appreciated. Here the spring milky way can be seen in the early hours of the morning with the centre of our galaxy near the constellation of Sagittarius just above the horizon. The triangle of prominent stars is actually Mars with Saturn to its left and Antares in constellation of Scorpius below. The light from these three heavenly bodies is reflected in water captured in the ripples on the beach as the tide recedes. The light behind the mount is from a ship anchored in Mount's Bay. May 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/morning-run-282e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/5_8HQGVaKFkYNUC_qyZFNkt3iaQ=/fwc/1751443004/26307_212476258765fead4830618.jpgMorning Run: 282E A cold January morning with frost and a little mist hanging over Kings Meads near Hertford as dedicated runners exercise along the Rive Lea towpath. The colours in the sky were enhanced by the presence of a little Saharan dust in the atmosphere. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-over-vlamingh-head https://photos.on-this.website/wm/7agPYL2vQfSvuIkmyfBFRcijJIg=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1665194586554646f859a72.jpgMilky Way over Vlamingh Head Lighthouse:27H The Vlamingh Head lighthouse stands at the top of a rocky outcrop high above the Indian Ocean about half way up the coast of Western Australia and approximately 20km from the small town of Exmouth. The lighthouse is no longer in operation but maintained as an historical building. I had to wait until the moon had set in the early hours of the morning on our last night in Western Australia. The lack of sleep and drive from Exmouth (dodging Kangaroo's in the road) was worth it! April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/star-trail-over-cley-windmill28h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/WePGaFjP07MKJPGYVU6GY6Ly-4k=/fwc/1751443004/26307_603128845546470b6fad1.jpgStar Trail over Cley Windmill:28H After the moon had set I was able to appreciate the stars above the North Norfolk coast in all their majesty. This image is a total of 75 individual 10 second exposures laid on top of one another such that we see the apparent movement of the stars as the Earth rotates. The individual trails indicate how far the stars move in approximately twenty minutes. We can also see the track of an aircraft's navigation lights through the night sky whilst the images were taken. October 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/poppies-in-the-mist-206e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/kZGIwEFi4SpAVfWUIiwBU0mFidE=/fwc/1751443004/26307_2132833396150bb2c7c1e0.jpgPoppies in the Mist: 206E An early start was required to make this photograph, which was taken just a week after mid-summers day, so I was thankful that the location, Bulls Mill, was only about a mile from home. The pre-sunrise sky was perfectly balanced against the contours of the Hertfordshire landscape. The poppies were abundant on a wide margin of set aside land on the edge of the field. The mist was an added bonus. This image appears both on the front cover and as the month of June in my 2022 calendar which is now available to purchase. Jun 21. [url=https://stevebaldwin.photium.com/2021-Calendar]2022 Calendar[/url] https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/chapmore-end-telephone-boxxxh https://photos.on-this.website/wm/FRPNB2dmm-dEkuxZqf6mvVC5R0o=/fwc/1751443004/26307_44500411055772f71b0f3e.jpgChapmore End Telephone Box:41H The old GPO telephone box in Chapmore End is spending its retirement as an information kiosk. It now has no light and so to get this image I had to fix up a temporary light inside for the first exposure and then, after removing the light, take 50 more images to capture the star trail in the light polluted Hertfordshire skies. Once all the images are laid over one another it makes quite a nice effect!. May 2015 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/dungeness-by-night-77h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/4o7T539sOnL7JL7CE-JFUu-DQUg=/fwc/1751443004/26307_651441778575f0c8e4595c.jpgDungeness by Night: 77H With clear skies I took a late night excursion to Dungeness for a bit of light painting. Pretty sure the light pollution on the horizon is from our French cousins across the water. The brightest star is actually Mars (with Saturn over to its left and Antares in constellation of Scorpius below making up the triangle). The galactic centre of the milky way is also visible immediately above the boat. If you have not been to Dungeness it is definitely worth a look – even at more sensible times of the day! May 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/white-van-man https://photos.on-this.website/wm/QZUkx6k_9OSfte1TyBKrjpi8alo=/fwc/1751443004/26307_188469364154fc2178b86c4.jpgWhite Van Man:12H Taking photographs of the night sky can be lonely at times. Thankfully in Australia's Northern Territories it is not cold! On this evening at Uluru (Ayres Rock)I was not alone - another budding astronomer remained long after the crowds had dispersed after watching the sun set. He too was taking pictures of the night sky - and his enthusiasm was palpable - showing every recorded image to his young family. His wife however was not so impressed and was ready to leave and I sensed was fast running out of patience. This is his van alongside Uluru as the Milky Way appeared in the night sky. April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-over-mustique54h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/6YVX5R30BaNvkdBEdTOCNkmA4VQ=/fwc/1751443004/26307_5767020145577495068c7a.jpgMilky Way over Mustique:54H The milky way over Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. More stars in the sky than on the island popular with the rich and famous! April 2015 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/south-heath-in-autumn-2157e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/_2RNO5C6BTB1pcm7J_vLXqtCeLs=/fwc/1751443004/26307_11298204105eca58fd38aa18.60850153.jpgSouth Heath in Autumn 2:157E Waterford Heath is about a twenty-minute walk from home and one of my favourite places to photograph locally. The heath is an old gravel workings now turned into a nature reserve and is divided into two areas, north and south, each with their own characteristics. This image is taken in the south heath and shows some of the silver birch trees with their autumn foliage after a frost. It is one of a series of three images from this location, albeit not all taken on the same morning. Nov 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/winter-sunrise-over-new-river https://photos.on-this.website/wm/Bp3kFykkOjIHNKQ01PsbJ5FVjRs=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1894240765ecce203b63355.68272481.jpgWinter Sunrise over New River Sluice:115E Another early start on a cold and frosty morning to capture the sunrise along the New River. Feb 18 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-over-worms-head18h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/Yh5I9edfdZkMAycxNXPKE1Qvhag=/fwc/1751443004/26307_67256579655460944a9bb4.jpgMilky Way over Worms Head:18H At the west end of the Gower Peninsular and the southern end of the magnificent beach at Rhossili lies the rocky headland which is said to have the silhouette of a giant sea serpent known as the Worms Head. The lack of light pollution means that it is a good location for viewing the night sky. In October 2013 I was favoured with clear skies and stayed until after dark to capture my first image of the Milky Way in the UK. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/sheltering201e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/rOZ_apSZzPMr6yl5Rk_EUAUoVWc=/fwc/1751443004/26307_8337936746150b856f3557.jpgSheltering:201E Taken in January 2021 about 150m from my front door during heavy snowfall. I set up the camera and waited for the horses to position themselves correctly in the frame. I love it when a plan comes together. The blankets on the backs of the horses are practically the only bits of colour in the frame. In my opinion a simple but effective image. Jan 21 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/fly-me-to-the-moon https://photos.on-this.website/wm/ix3osd0y40gCw_9nOgoH9zmdS3Y=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1025664979554609761ce9e.jpgFly Me To the Moon:20H Living in Hertfordshire we pay for the convenience of living close to Stansted and Luton Airports with considerable air traffic in our skies. The plus side is that with a bit of planning and patience I was able to capture an image with an aircraft in front of the moon! December 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/frosty-oak-leaves5e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/E0qi9lbx0l_RD0MCtdV4goHPAt8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_55623740355473366a2d94.jpgFrosty Oak Leaves:5E Frosty oak leaves in Hubbard's Wood, between Waterford and Stapleford. Dec 14 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/hertfordshire-fields-091e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/jvkFwQ04_Y_x-0FXvfVP-IDp1jY=/fwc/1751443004/26307_130429664558a050a8d24af.jpgHertfordshire Fields:91E The rolling farmland in North Hertfordshire has long been a popular subject for photographers. The loam topsoil often gives way to the chalk beneath after ploughing or tilling. Although the best images of this landscape are usually captured in the autumn after the soil has been worked I was quite pleased with my first attempt on a sunny winter's afternoon. Jan 17 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/goldings-morning98e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/ZzqHTd6x_IsISiTqv-KC5md_Smg=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1325115055594ad1692b4de0.63483733.jpgGoldings Morning:98E The view towards the Goldings Estate on a chilly winter's morning. Jan 17 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/luna-eclipse-79h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/8R83PP4pUHaxguqf3xrCvgfDXXA=/fwc/1751443004/26307_750521542575f109813917.jpgLuna Eclipse: 78H I managed to capture a series of images of the moon as it disappeared into the Earth's shadow during the Luna eclipse that was visible from the UK last September. September 15 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/silver-birch-at-dusk-134e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/DJ1hPTNu3JYqCgybytqWdWuDIag=/fwc/1751443004/26307_2064000545660d12092a78b.jpgSilver Birch at Dusk: 134E A little bit of artistic interpretation has been applied in camera whilst taking this photograph. The camera has been deliberately moved whilst the shutter was open. The technique is know as intentional camera movement (ICM) and it is probably a bit like marmite...it divides opinions. I like the result as it gives the final photograph a degree of softness it would not otherwise have. Feb 2019. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/goldings-oak122e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/E7g81EevIgjKhh8J0rth3IEVD88=/fwc/1751443004/26307_18739813635ecfa85f4f3826.80284718.jpgGoldings Oak:122E Taken on a misty spring morning before the field in which this magnificent specimen of an oak tree stands was sold. A wonderful outlook for the folks that now reside in the Goldings Estate. May 18 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/a-winters-morning-264e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/lOnOs9Z_z1OIDXlK40Vriw39xi8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_27870233965feb167612fe.jpgA Winters Morning: 264E A few days before Christmas in 2021 we experienced a hard frost which left the fields glistening white under a winter’s sky full of pastel shades as the sun rose. This tree is a favourite on the walk from Bulls Mill towards Stony Hills. Dec 2021. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/mimram-autumn-sunrise68e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/0s2Ed899nfGr6iWcxrn4E4ADp-Y=/fwc/1751443004/26307_10435331115679de0cc3799.jpgMimram Autumn Sunrise:68E In early October the sun rises between the trees on opposite banks of the River Mimram between Tewin and Panshanger. Wonderful location to which I paid three visits to get this shot. Oct 15 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/weather-vane-and-moon19h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/pK6x9httfLpkr8SEHBpOXQT_Ll8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1367204526554609598a9f2.jpgWeather Vane and Moon:19H The silhouette of the weather vane atop the spire of St Michael and All Angels church Waterford against a waning gibbous moon. September 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/photo52914198.html https://photos.on-this.website/wm/eyg-TWXmyt4o55iqohZZ0Xc-5rA=/fwc/1751443004/26307_117643435567ea6b2ced38e.jpgSpringtime Woodland: 265E This photograph was taken in late April 2022 as the early morning sunshine penetrated the new canopy of the trees on the edge of Bramfield Woods. The contrast between the vibrant spring colours of the carpet of bluebells and the new spring foliage is a wonderful sign that warmer weather is on its way. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-venus-and-zodiacal https://photos.on-this.website/wm/xJL3gTlNGlpDjmccVVMbp38zCPY=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1206699612554646f0098bd.jpgMilky Way, Venus and Zodiacal Light:26H About two hours before dawn in the Western Australian desert near Coral Bay I was able to capture this image of the Milky Way, Venus and the Zodiacal light. The Zodiacal light is a faint, roughly triangular, diffuse white glow seen in the night sky that appears to extend up from the vicinity of the Sun along the ecliptic or zodiac (the path of the sun across the sky). In the southern hemisphere is best seen just after sunset in autumn, and just before sunrise in the spring, when the zodiac is at a steep angle to the horizon. April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/autumn-playground-goldings142e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/imrHjvl1acy6RSaDs2_jijMwmlA=/fwc/1751443004/26307_13195404595ecec24ccaea76.42653805.jpgAutumn Playground Goldings:142E Early morning autumnal light illuminates the fallen leaves below a child's swing on the Goldings Estate. Nov 18 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/goldings-gate90e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/8pjSOckQi75oItsjloWQ9SK7zRE=/fwc/1751443004/26307_102510770458a05bad53039.jpgGoldings Kissing Gate:90E I have long planned to make an image of this kissing gate which is the entry to one of the fields in front of the Goldings Estate. Before sunrise on a cold frosty morning in January I set up my camera and waited for the light. Whilst waiting patiently I had a visitor, a fox boldly walked up towards the gate from the opposite direction and sat down about 30 feet beyond and in plain view. He obviously had not seen me. As soon as he clocked me he was off. He would have been off sooner had I attempted to change lens and take his picture. Sometimes it is good just to watch! Jan 17 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/summer-sunrise92e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/YNDo57x0V5xQjriE2XrJKwRn4qU=/fwc/1751443004/26307_249432666594ad15b96ef07.13114065.jpgSummer Sunrise:92E A summer sunrise over the rib valley. The early morning sun forms a halo behind the tree I have nicknames the Sacombe Oak. You will probably have gathered by now that this is one of my favourite spots to capture the landscape local to where I live. Aug 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/the-bend-in-the-river144e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/Bqu2ugYsYlMzwE14ec7TfeHHiJ8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_19398812575ecd2a58d23966.42297366.jpgThe Bend in the River:144E Sunrise over Kings Meads and a two image panorama to capture the full extent of the ninety degree bend in the New River. A monochrome treatment was selected as it really gave definition to the textures in the sky. Oct 18 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-and-venus-at https://photos.on-this.website/wm/A_eHsZ26qnw6vfTXBkNFFGsUWyA=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1892660168554646dbedb77.jpgMilky Way and Venus at Dawn:23H Venus is prominent in the early morning sky and the milky way begins to fade as sunrise approaches. Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/misty-morning-waterford-marsh202e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/Rs28VfKzqC5aLK1553BXhhUaSuw=/fwc/1751443004/26307_694611758605271569fd9d.jpgRest A While, Waterford Marsh:202E This image appeared in my 2021 calendar for the month of November. Although the frost did not appear on this particular morning the colours in the sky were particularly subtle. As usual I had the marsh to myself which is just the way I like it for the creative juices to flow. November 2021 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/074e-april-showers-over-the https://photos.on-this.website/wm/og7Sm-dLjrRPlqI96LTm_hZ6NS0=/fwc/1751443004/26307_63452884575ef90b81d56.jpgApril Showers over the Rib Valley: 74E With an hour to spare on a Saturday morning I walked into the field which features in several of my images in the triangle of land between Sacombe and Wadesmill Roads on the west side of the Rib valley. With showers passing frequently, the fluffy Cumulonimbus clouds (I think) and rape seed blooming in the field it was a delight to photograph. With plans to extract gravel in this area in the not too distant future let us hope that this field and its popular footpath survives for us all to enjoy in the years to come. Apr 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-over-the-jurassic https://photos.on-this.website/wm/5BiNNIRN3PCcWe82FNVyjvIGFOQ=/fwc/1751443004/26307_113282070155ea932202fcf.jpgMilky Way over The Jurassic Coast:64H The central band of our galaxy, The Milky Way, arches over the iconic Durdle Door on Dorset's Jurassic Coastline between Swanage and Weymouth. Note the meteor immediately above the arch ... perfect timing! Aug 15 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/waterford-marsh9e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/YCY2H8PZalywPe9TJI0za5ulQsU=/fwc/1751443004/26307_97598008255448373bdc33.jpgWaterford Marsh:9E A little further downstream but taken on the same morning as image 8E the sun finally breaks cover and lights up the east bank of the River Beane as the mist clears. I have taken pictures at this spot on many occasions but on this occasion the conditions were rather special. Oct 14 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/red-sky-in-the-morning93e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/C9VeONo8dirFRGB7mPFSuCiD2lg=/fwc/1751443004/26307_86268526594ad14a644731.47277412.jpgRed Sky in the Morning:93E If the old wives tale is true a red sky in the morning warns that weather is about to change, and not for the good. It did not turn out to be true on this wonderful morning seen looking across The Rib Valley north of Bengeo. This field is now safe from the threat of quarrying. Aug 16. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/venus-and-the-moon-xxh https://photos.on-this.website/wm/bfx5B7EhGU4oWQkvn-D1aWuGu5E=/fwc/1751443004/26307_14550229445577302443d81.jpgVenus and the Moon:45H The lonely tree in a field at the end of our road features in a few of my images as a backdrop for celestial conjunctions. This one is of the waxing crescent moon and Venus during May 2015. Jupiter could also bee seen nearby and by late June it will approach Venus and should make for another image if conditions are right! https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/photo52914196.html https://photos.on-this.website/wm/vRJqiZFEImKGmkQ-05Yh4cZH99A=/fwc/1751443004/26307_160305457667ea5f3bf3c38.jpgEvening Poppies: 277E During the summer of 2022 the Woodhall Estate set aside a field at Bulls Mill to grow poppies to support pollinating insects. The sea of red was a spectacle to behold. This photograph was taken at sunset in late June as the last light of the day illuminated the delicate flowers which formed a blanket of red running down to the oak tree in the corner of the field. June 2022 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/morniung-poppies194e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/YIRkn8KDRgdYxEgj0_dfXN02-R0=/fwc/1751443004/26307_11018345585efb5ee45175b6.95381302.jpgMorning Poppies:195E This image required an early start to capture the poppies backlit just after sunrise. Poppies are wonderfully delicate flowers and although they seem to last a long time it is principally due to their continual replacement, just note the number of new heads about to burst into brilliant colour! Jun 20 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/frosty-winter-mimram-morning-70e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/PPxMeAqag9BGUG2EZkXje4v5MBc=/fwc/1751443004/26307_4632392655679e09f4365f.jpgFrosty Winter Mimram Morning: 69E The same location as seen in image 68E but taken some six weeks later. As it turns out a very rare frosty morning hence I am so glad I made the effort to get there to capture this image. I particularly like the colour of the winter morning sky just after sunrise and the reflections in the river. Nov 15 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/venus-mars-and-the-moonxxh https://photos.on-this.website/wm/l4ynKr2NmbWmoWarVFcM0qpfa-c=/fwc/1751443004/26307_43813160155772fdcf01bc.jpgVenus, Mars and the Moon:46H Another celestial conjunction, this one between the waxing crescent moon, Venus and Mars occurred in February 2015. This image shows a fine example of "Earthshine" when the non-illuminated part of a crescent moon is lit up by the suns light reflected off the Earth. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/silhouette-in-the-storm-261e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/0fS9fG4ZB9vmlhuoSiLLD8xkMfg=/fwc/1751443004/26307_140128721861fa29e2d71af.jpgSilhouette in the Storm: 261E On a late afternoon wander around Bramfield I came across this solitary tree silhouetted against a threatening sky. As the sun was low hints of pastel shades were evident in the clouds as sunset approached. A simple but powerful image to my eye. January 22 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/three-trees47e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/8MfcZ_XmJbUX-yQS15XUpideFWs=/fwc/1751443004/26307_71929135ece0edd9ed85.jpgThree Trees:47E The inspiration for this image came from the cover of the landscape photographer of the year (collection 8) album. Looking down from Sacombe Road into the Rib Valley I paid several early morning visits to this location in order to capture the image immediately after sunrise. May 15 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/bluebell-sunburst99e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/vSmFnc77_ZF0MkQbtCT-7X5r-es=/fwc/1751443004/26307_2075850292594ad171f279b5.98676367.jpgBluebell Sunburst:99E Another image of Bluebells in Hubbards Wood. This time I managed to get myself in the right position to capture a sunburst as it illuminates the bluebells on the floor of the wood. Apr 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/frosty-wizened-oak187e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/XWY2bre0xlkCDqhiiFVaYjzf9ys=/fwc/1751443004/26307_325289155ecfa8bd8b46d6.62684236.jpgFrosty Wizened Oak:187E This beautiful old specimen of an oak tree can be found in Panshanger Park. On this cold and frosty winter's morning it looked particularly beautiful. Feb 19. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/winter-dawn-over-the-rib https://photos.on-this.website/wm/nZvy_lh0URGgyKy8HUf8QIrOXYY=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1305002909575f04071330e.jpgWinter Dawn over the Rib Valley:75E Taken from along Sacombe Road looking towards Ware on a winters morning. Cold but good for the spirit! Amazing how many different images can be accumulated in one field as the seasons change and crops rotate. Lets hope its not laid to the mercy of "progress" and gravel extraction. Jan 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-over-bequia-beach55h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/CNz-KbExPMMC5byAvCZOBo74Yc8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_2340856495577496a38c2f.jpgMilky Way over Bequia Beach:55H The lights from the fishermen's houses are reflected on the waters of Friendship Bay. Staying at the beautiful Bequia Beach Hotel I built up a rapport with the security staff who were keen to ensure my welfare during my night time photographic stake outs on the beach. A simply beautiful island by day and by night! April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/evening-poppies-277e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/RAgzMX5Ty9U6iopW5cUkMQ8Wmgw=/fwc/1751443004/26307_32965510565fddb43eadef.jpgEvening Poppies: 277E During the summer of 2022 the Woodhall Estate set aside a field at Bulls Mill to grow poppies to support pollinating insects. The sea of red was a spectacle to behold. This photograph was taken at sunset in late June as the last light of the day illuminated the delicate flowers which formed a blanket of red running down to the oak tree in the corner of the field. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/frosty-morning-waterford-marsh203e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/eW9DGsIrOx5PLgjs0808oQ_5WX8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_3341768256052716c68c7a.jpgFrosty Morning, Waterford Marsh:203E A magical morning on Waterford Marsh beside the River Beane. Similar to image 202E but taken about a week later and after a fairly heavy frost. November 2020 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/new-river-dawn42e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/TM0cJezsacd2y941V4lYNd40GsU=/fwc/1751443004/26307_4322970435eccdd6cdb22b.jpgNew River Dawn:42E The reflection of the dawn sky in the New River upstream of the White House Sluice on the meads between Hertford and Ware was only present for a few minutes. The secret of capturing this image was perseverance, being in the right place at the right time and getting up VERY early. All in all a pleasing result and I was back home in bed by 6am! May 15 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/2026-walking-from-waterford-calendar https://photos.on-this.website/wm/Xnxtk9hktXBtBk5hyIG9jqXRnKo=/fwc/1751443004/26307_117886779168724f77f1781.jpg2026 Walking from Waterford Calendar https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/springtime-woodland-265e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/Glskn8MnihKFr_ECv6JAKmRNniY=/fwc/1751443004/26307_28386268465feb3bd718b9.jpgSpringtime Woodland: 265E This photograph was taken as the early morning sunshine penetrated the new canopy of the trees on the edge of Bramfield Woods. The contrast between the vibrant spring colours of the carpet of bluebells and the new spring foliage is a wonderful sign that warmer weather is on its way. April 22 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/morning-light-waterford-marsh140e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/RxgEwTRBdOdcPtt82ziLUK7R9Aw=/fwc/1751443004/26307_16013454945ecebaf61442e7.96285424.jpgMorning Light Waterford Marsh:140E A heavy dew combined with light streaming through the slight mist behind the trees made for a rather unworldly scene on the marsh this spring morning. May 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/tropical-milky-way-45h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/87Tlp2c_rTNqdKNTxk470fRwaps=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1848438624557749938a8e7.jpgTropical Milky Way: 56H Our galaxy the milky way captured from Friendship Bay on the beautiful Caribbean island of Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, at 2am in the morning. April 2014 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/autumn-leaves-183e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/if6frKS7TsL32XT6scm3lAz_ZzQ=/fwc/1751443004/26307_9420348705ecf8b2ce5c8c6.36159706.jpgAutumn Leaves: 183E This image was taken on the last day of Autumn. There had been a heavy frost and mist over the Meads between Hertford and Ware. This tree stands on the bank of the New River. As the sun broke through the mist and started thawing the frost it was like someone had thrown a switch and the leaves began to fall like a shower. The nature in our backyard is incredible. Nov 19 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/milky-way-over-happisburgh-lighthousexxh https://photos.on-this.website/wm/QRVLHAzZRkvly9A3H5QlPocqPFI=/fwc/1751443004/26307_4493663715577300520d3a.jpgMilky Way over Happisburgh Lighthouse:40H At around 3pm on a cold winters morning I set off to Happisburgh on the Norfolk coast to try and capture an image of the lighthouse. The Philips Dark Skies map shows there is a small area along the coast between Great Yarmouth and Cromer where it is dark enough to see the Milky Way. It is right - here it is above the lighthouse! March 2015 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/new-river-in-winter184e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/cGqHfpaZ68n4OqeRRImzW7ZcdZY=/fwc/1751443004/26307_12213356455ecf8bae26c4c1.58446265.jpgNew River in Winter:184E On this cold and frosty winter's morning the mist lingered for a long time. As it finally lifted the light broke through to give an ethereal atmosphere which I have tried to capture here in this monochrome conversion. Feb 20 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/highland-cow-goldings https://photos.on-this.website/wm/pM6Jeb1ktVnikw8ucsAseGnOW9Q=/fwc/1751443004/26307_14328630006867e97051590.jpgHighland Cow, Goldings: 311E This highland cow seemed unphased as I took photographs on a cold and misty winters morning on the Goldings estate. These majestic creatures are a firm favourite with the locals. I particularly singled out this one because of the colour of its coat which stood out on this particular morning. Mar 25. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/sunrise-over-the-river-lea https://photos.on-this.website/wm/64dWrWaQsdFN0o76cpT-DWpiSD0=/fwc/1751443004/26307_8135405096867e9705165d.jpgSunrise over the River Lea at Hertford Basin: 315E The colours of the morning sky are reflected in the calm waters of Hertford Basin on the River Lea. The narrow boat homes of river residents seem to be snuggled up to keep warm overnight. My imagination runs away with me at times! Feb 25. https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/church-gate3e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/5oEnslJK3GwINqvuWQfM2xoijWg=/fwc/1751443004/26307_10306741235547333a103dc.jpgChurch Gate:3E St Michael and All Angels Church gate Waterford in September 2012. Sadly the gate has now been removed because of the risk of theft. Dec 12 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/sunrise-bluebells-76e https://photos.on-this.website/wm/oKm8ZzYMo5LLBzx01aRUMZQBxFo=/fwc/1751443004/26307_381783677575f07cc10b79.jpgSunrise Bluebells:76E The bluebells were early this year and a beautiful display it was to behold. This was taken in Hubbard's Wood between Waterford and Stapleford just after sunrise. I wanted to get the sun low so that it cast the shadows of the trees through the wood which I feel was achieved. Apr 16 https://www.stevebaldwinphotography.co.uk/the-plough-in-crummock-water100h https://photos.on-this.website/wm/Rrx_SYN-kDfUxWXjKW-Wti-66d8=/fwc/1751443004/26307_1806897574594adef14092f8.09172730.jpgThe Plough in Crummock Water:100H On the evening of our first visit to the Lake District in 28 years I ventured out in clear still conditions. Wading about on the edge of Crummock Water just after midnight I managed to capture the reflections of the Plough and Hercules constellations in the still waters of the lake. A magical experience. Oct 16