October 2016 and I started a new job as part of a major IT contract, based in Hampshire, just over 95 miles from home in S. Wales! A job’s a job right? This purported to be a good one so, I took it and set about the task of commuting weekly and living over in that area.
For a while I found a B&B in a village called Collingbourne Kingston, I’ve just this minute discovered that it still is a B&B; The Old Schoolhouse
It’s about 10 miles to the office from there, 15 minutes-ish, depending on traffic etc. but, I liked the village and the local pub, for food of course 🙂
I eventually discovered a few walks, one of which ended up being almost an obsession;
a) it’s a beautiful location
b) I worked out when the sun would be setting at the precise location for a shot so, I spent most evenings up there, there was a pretty steep walk up to it.
The farmers had planted an avenue of trees, I never checked which? But they made for an interesting location for a walk and photographs.
Once I’d found this place, I’d walk up there every night I could, weather permitting.
Isn’t it beautiful? I’d stand up there all on my own and watch the sun go down, or the rain move closer 🙂
To get to the avenue, I walked up a steep hill, past a few very nice houses, past a stables, paddocks and through a small woodland.
It was this night, October 11th when I got the shot.
As I lined up to shoot down the avenue, a girl on a horse rode right into the opening at the other end.
If you are a photographer, or just really enjoy taking photographs, you’ll know the feeling when you see and capture something a wee bit special?
I had a very different camera and set of skills back then but, it’s not the camera, it’s the right place, right time and ……..
I remembered I had a zoom!
She rode to where I stood and stopped. We had a chat and she asked if I was professional, did I sell my photographs? I told her I wasn’t and didn’t but she did ask, would I be willing to do a calendar shoot with the other girls in the stables! I explained I wasn’t sure if I could do it all justice but, I’d love the opportunity.
It never happened but, this became one of my most liked images on Flickr and Facebook (yes, I did that back then) and I sent her a copy.
There’s quite a bit more to that avenue of trees, I’lll maybe add this to another page but for now, this was simply my favourite photograph.
Scozmo's Photery 