Thursday, 20 December 2018
Port Glasgow to Uddingston, A Drive Along a Scottish Motorway.
Sunday, 5 August 2018
Chasing the Golden Hour: My Scammonden Sunset Experiment
Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are fleeting. A perfect sunset, a burst of vibrant colour, a gentle transition from day to night. Capturing that magic is a challenge, but one I decided to take on back in August 2018.
On Saturday, August 4th, I found myself perched near the serene Scammonden Reservoir, nestled in the heart of the Ryburn Valley. The air was alive with a restless wind, a constant reminder of nature's untamed energy. My mission? To track the setting sun as it dipped behind the distant hills, painting the valley in hues of orange and gold.
"Scammonden Sunset" is the result of that evening's endeavour. I set up my tripod, pointed my camera, and let the sun dictate the scene. For a full 20 minutes, I patiently recorded the slow, mesmerizing descent. The wind, however, had other plans. It buffeted my tripod, causing a few wobbles that, while a tad frustrating at the time, now add a touch of raw authenticity to the final product.
The real magic happened in the editing room. I compressed those 20 minutes of real-time sunset into a mere 37 seconds, transforming the gradual shift into a breathtaking, accelerated spectacle. The result is a short, punchy video that captures the essence of the sunset's beauty in a blink.
To enhance the experience, I added a musical score, carefully chosen to complement the visual journey. The music, I believe, adds an emotional layer, amplifying the sense of awe and tranquility that the sunset evokes.
This was my first attempt at filming a sunset in this way, and while it wasn't without its challenges (thanks, wind!), I'm quite pleased with the outcome. It's a reminder of the simple beauty that surrounds us, and the power of time-lapse to condense those moments into something truly captivating.
Sometimes, imperfections add character. Those little tripod wobbles, the gusts of wind – they’re part of the story, a testament to the real, unfiltered experience of capturing nature's fleeting beauty.
If you've ever found yourself mesmerized by a sunset, I hope "Scammonden Sunset" resonates with you. It's a small window into a moment in time, a reminder to pause and appreciate the natural wonders that surround us.
Perhaps this inspires you to capture your own sunset, or simply to take a moment to appreciate the next one you witness. After all, every sunset is a unique masterpiece, painted across the canvas of the sky.
Sunday, 17 September 2017
Wakefield to Brigg: A Waltz Through Yorkshire and Beyond
Ever wondered what a drive from Wakefield to Brigg looks like? I recently had to make this journey for work, and instead of just driving it, I decided to film it. Then, for a bit of fun, I compressed the 70-minute truck journey into a snappy 6 minutes 40 seconds and set it to the delightful "Waltz of the Flowers" by Tchaikovsky. The result? A surprisingly charming little road movie!
Now, let's be honest, with a forward-facing camera, the scenery wasn't exactly breathtaking. Think of it less as a visual feast and more of a time-lapse travelogue. But even so, there are a few landmarks worth pointing out along the way:
- 0:03: We begin at the newly redeveloped Kirkgate A61 roundabout in Wakefield, a glimpse of the city's changing face.
- 0:59: Hit the M62! The open road beckons.
- 1:35: A fleeting view of the mighty Ferrybridge Power Station.
- 3:15: Cruising onto the M18.
- 4:05: The M180 takes us further north.
- 6:08: Almost there! The A18 junction signals our approach to Brigg.
The journey starts by navigating the recently revamped Kirkgate A61 roundabout in Wakefield, then winds past Pinderfields and through Stanley before joining the M62 at junction 30. The M62 section included some roadworks (aren't there always?), but after junction 32, it was smooth sailing through the heart of Yorkshire and into North Lincolnshire, finally arriving in Brigg.
While the scenery might be understated, the combination of the sped-up footage and Tchaikovsky's whimsical score creates a surprisingly engaging experience. It's a fun, quirky way to experience a familiar route and appreciate the sheer scale of the landscape we traverse. Check it out – you might just find yourself humming along!
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