A Place To Pause

A Place To Pause Old Town Rhodes

The majority of my work is creating tranquil vistas of beautiful places especially in Greece.
I do however get drawn to shoot the details in these locations especially those filled with rustic texture and colour that tell a story.
Chairs are one such item I find myself drawn towards on several occasions.

While taking an early evening stroll around Rhodes old town I found myself once again on my own while my wife popped into yet another shop to browse for something. As I slowly walked onwards down a side street I came across this wonderful rustic chair outside a shop.
It was conveniently placed in a shaded area close to the shop doorway and used to rest and chat to neighbouring shop owners during the long hot busy days. I imagined many wrongs being put right from here, many coffees drank and tales told.

I love the time worn textures in this image both on the chair and the historic city walls oh what stories they could tell.

https://bit.ly/3PVUZsy

First Light St Pauls Bay

First Light St Pauls Bay

I had just completed a shoot of St Pauls Chapel at the bottom of Lindos bay and made a hasty walk to the top of the cliff.

The reason for my urgency was I wanted to capture this wide vista of the whole bay before the sun rose and with the street lights still illuminating the pathway down to the waterside chapel.

Unknown to me I had much more time than I had expected and spent a good 30-40 minutes shooting a few variations as the light of dawn increased in intensity.

I love the colour contrast between the cool hues of night, the artificial warmth of the street lighting and the red tones of the approaching morning sun.

It was a wonderful morning very quiet and peaceful broken only by the occasional sound of Donkeys braying echoing off the surrounding cliffs.

I was thoroughly lost in the place which is not unusual for me in between being engrossed with working my camera.

Lindos has a wonderful atmosphere away from the summer crowds, I've shot here many times but still, find myself drawn back to explore further and capture more fine art collect

https://bit.ly/3Rwtjdm

Perched On The Chapel At Dawn

Perched On The Chapel At Dawn

I sometimes return from a shoot and only complete in creating a few final images from the hundreds I often shoot.

I then like in this case come across some of them in my archive many months or a year or two later and decide to create them into a finished piece for my gallery collection.

This is one of several images I captured in Lindos early one morning before the sun broke into full glory.

I had shot this lovely street leading towards the beautiful whitewashed Chapel of Saint George Pahimahiotis and the beach below 10 minutes earlier. As I finshed shooting a street cleaner came along and washed the pathway and the wet stone looked so much better in the morning light that I reshot everything again before the sun rose.

Now I could say I suddenly spotted a bird perched upon the church roof and quickly composed my camera to capture the tranquil scene. The truth however is that I somehow didn’t notice the bird until I started to create the image in post production so it was quite a lovely surprise to discover it poised upon the roof enjoying the dawn.

I particularly love the warmth provided by the rustic street lamp and the rustic narrow path through the whitewashed village homes. Typical for Lindos and just one good reason I keep returning to capture images and enjoy this stunning location.

https://bit.ly/48w86bc

Etherial Beauty At Athena Lindia

Etherial Beauty At Athena Lindia 

I entered the citadel high above the town of Lindos as soon as the gates opened.

If I had my way I’d had been set up and shooting at first light but that was not possible as the site was out of bounds to the public until 8am.

Ive visited the site a couple of times over the years but this time I wanted to shoot in the early morning light without hordes of tourists.

The light was fabulous, crystal clear and still fairly low enough in the sky to create some wonderful textures upon the historic pillars and dusty ground.

I covered many angles but I do admit I love shooting into the sun when I can.

Contre-jour light is one of the most beautiful hence why it’s been used by fashion photographers for decades.

Being here pretty much on my own was wonderful although I didn’t have much time to sit around (which was a shame) admiring the location.

I knew the coaches of tourists were no doubt on route and the site would soon get busy plus the light was also gaining in intensity and losing those wonderful textures.

This was probably my favourite image created from that morning. 

I love the tree caressing the temple wall and the pop of colour it adds to the bright tones of the location from it’s leaves.

As I often do at these incredible places I gazed at the scene wondering what things had unfolded here over the centuries.

These historic sites have fascinated me since childhood and inspire me to continue to capture them in my own particular way.

https://bit.ly/44LjrRL

Solitude On Sedgemoor

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The grass that morning was damp underfoot and a light mist hung over the river. The sun began to rise on the horizon with Glastonbury Tor clearly visible in the hazy distance.

This is South Drain at Catcot a very special place for me on the Somerset levels.

It's a place I’ve photographed for more than 35 years and in an area I learned my photography.

More than all that it’s a place I brought my mum regularly in her twilight years to enjoy the view.

The image here was captured not long after her passing.

I ventured out at dawn with my drone wanting a fresh perspective of this familiar place and I certainly got that.

https://youtu.be/Jn4ZhzqcIAQ

The grass that morning was damp underfoot and a light mist hung over the river. The sun began to rise on the horizon with Glastonbury Tor clearly visible in the hazy distance.

I only flew for around 20 minutes but the wonderful new perspective of this familiar place was incredible

https://bit.ly/3qNEbK7

Reviving Memories: Vintage Farming Prints as Gifts for Farmer Dads

As we gather around the heart of our homes, we often reminisce about the rich traditions of the countryside and the timeless charm of farm life. For those of us who share a deep connection to the land, finding the perfect presents for farmers can be both a nostalgic journey and a celebration of their unwavering dedication. Today, we delve into the world of vintage farming prints—elegant and soul-stirring farm artwork that serves as a bridge between the past and present. It's not just about decor; it's about honoring the spirit of agriculture in every brushstroke.

Why Vintage Farm Art Makes the Ultimate Gift

- Timeless Appeal: Vintage farming prints capture the essence of a bygone era, preserving the beauty of rural life that is often lost in today's fast-paced world.

- Personalized Touch: Gifting farm art shows thoughtfulness in celebrating a farmer's way of life, making these presents for farmers not just gifts but treasures.

- Versatility in Decor: Whether it's for farmhouse wall art or farm wall decor, these pieces blend harmoniously with any interior, bringing warmth to a farmer's home.

Gifts That Speak Volumes to Farmer Dads

Farmhouse Wall Art: Elegance Meets Rusticity

Farmhouse decor wall art is not just a statement piece; it's a narrative of a lifestyle steeped in tradition. When choosing gifts for farmer dad, consider the timeless beauty of farmhouse wall prints. These pieces bring out the rustic charm of the farm life that our dads hold dear.

Farming Art: A Homage to Agricultural Heritage

Agriculture art brings the fields closer to home, making them an apt present for farmer dad. These pieces echo the toil and joy of working the land, from farmland artwork to farm scene wall art. As a farming gift, they speak directly to the heart of the one who works dawn till dusk, sowing and reaping the fruits of the earth.

Farm Wall Art: Envisioning Life on the Land

For those moments when a farmer reflects on the quiet solace of the fields, farm wall art offers solace and inspiration. This type of farm art ranges from serene landscapes to depictions of farm animals, all of which make great gifts for farmers. It's a way to say "thank you" that's beyond words – it's a canvas of appreciation.

Farm Art Prints: Versatile Gifts for All Occasions

Whether it's a farm wife gifts, farm gifts for her, or presents for farmer dads, farm art prints are versatile and heartfelt. They can be tailored to any occasion:

- Farmer Father's Day Gifts: Celebrate Father's Day with a piece of rustic farm art that commemorates a dad's love for his land.

- Gifts for Farmer Boyfriend: For the significant other with green thumbs, farm-themed gifts show support for his labor of love.

- Farmers Wife Gifts: Select a delicate piece of farm house art that encapsulates the beauty of the life she shares with her partner.

- Farming Gifts for Her: Large farm wall art can be the statement piece that brings a touch of the outdoors into her favorite indoor spaces.

Unique Gifts for Farmers: A World of Choice

When it comes to farmyard gifts, the options are as vast as the fields themselves. Here are some curated ideas that will resonate with every farmer's heart:

- Farm Prints: Choose from a selection of prints depicting vintage tractors, livestock, or panoramic vistas of rolling hills.

- Farm Wall Decor: Look for authentic pieces that add character to a room, like antique farm tools turned into art.

- Farmhouse Wall Art: Select from a variety of farmhouse decor wall art that embodies country living.

- Farm Scene Wall Art: Gift a scenic portrayal of daily farm life that is sure to evoke fond memories.

In Conclusion

Let's not forget the simple joys that a piece of art farm can deliver. As we search for the perfect farmer present ideas, we must remember that these gifts are more than just items—they are acknowledgements of the love and labor that goes into tending the land. Vintage farming prints are not merely decorative items; they are tributes to the agrarian roots that sustain us all, a memento of where we've come from and the values we cherish. So this season, when you're looking for the best father's day gifts for farmers or just a thoughtful present for the cultivator in your life, consider the timeless elegance of farming art. It's an offering that ploughs deep into the soil of the heart, where every seed of gratitude blossoms into an everlasting bond.

HERITAGE FARMING IN SOMERSET, OLD DAYS OLD WAYS.

VIEW COLLECTION

More Articles

https://www.photographyart.simonplant.co.uk/picturesque-somerset-exploring-farming-art-through-somersets-lens

https://www.photographyart.simonplant.co.uk/honoring-the-land-unique-presents-for-farmer-dads

https://www.photographyart.simonplant.co.uk/farmyard-elegance-how-farmland-artwork-transforms-spacesfarmyard-elegance-how-farmland-artwork-transforms-spacesfarmyard-elegance-how-farmland-artwork-transforms-spaces

https://www.photographyart.simonplant.co.uk/farmyard-elegance-how-farmland-artwork-transforms-spacesfarmyard-elegance-how-farmland-artwork-transforms-spacesfarmyard-elegance-how-farmland-artwork-transforms-spaces

https://www.photographyart.simonplant.co.uk/captivating-somerset-heritage-farming-art-and-the-essence-of-the-somerset-levels
https://bit.ly/444oqhj

Captivating Somerset: Heritage, Farming, Art, and the Essence of the Somerset Levels

Captivating Somerset: Heritage, Farming, Art, and the Essence of the Somerset Levels

We've been where the lush grasses whisper secrets to the wildflowers. In the embrace of the Somerset Levels, where history permeates the air as tangibly as the sweet scent of hay. Here, the panorama unfurls like a canvas, brimming with pictures of Somerset that ensnare the essence of rural beauty.

The Artistic Soul of Somerset

- Somerset Images: A Visual Feast

- Farming Art: The Soul of Agriculture Elegantly Captured

- Wall Art Somerset: Transforming Spaces with Rural Charm

Somerset Images: A Visual Feast

Glimpses of Somerset levels images convey more than mere scenery; they are poetry in pixels and film. Each photograph, a testament to the time-honored dance of nature and nurture. There's an intoxicating intimacy in photos of Somerset which beckon you to lean in closer, to become part of the story.

Farming Art: The Soul of Agriculture Elegantly Captured

Witness the grace of farming art. Every farm artwork carries the weight of generations, the pride of harvests, and the love of the land. These pieces are more than decor; they are heirlooms, farm prints steeped in the very heritage that gives Somerset its undying allure.

Wall Art Somerset: Transforming Spaces with Rural Charm

Infuse your space with farmhouse wall art that encapsulates the Somerset spirit. Each piece of farm wall decor is a window to a simpler time where tradition and beauty waltz in the golden dusk. Let us entice you with pictures of Somerset England that exude the charming rusticity of a long-loved farmhouse.

The Heartbeat of Heritage Farming

- Art Farm Chronicles: Images that Tell Stories

- The Somerset Levels Pictures: A Time Capsule in Frames

Art Farm Chronicles: Images that Tell Stories

As connoisseurs of Somersetartworks, we invite you to delve into art farm narratives woven with adversity, triumph, and the indomitable spirit of farmer artisans. These are unique gifts for farmers that resonate with their life's passion and dedication.

The Somerset Levels Pictures: A Time Capsule in Frames

Through our gallery of Somerset levels pictures, you're not just observing; you're preserving moments that define the toil and joy of the historic Somerset plains. Farmland artwork freezes these priceless instants, offering farming gifts for her and him that endure.

Gifting the Essence of Somerset

- Gift Ideas for Farmers: A Curated List

- Presents for Farmers: More Than Just Material

Gift Ideas for Farmers: A Curated List

- Farm Scene Wall Art – A vista of serenity for every farmer's home.

- Rustic Farm Art – For those who treasure the rough-hewn beauty of the land.

- Farmer Father's Day Gifts – Celebrate his love for the fields with art.

Presents for Farmers: More Than Just Material

- Gifts for Farmer Dad – Farm prints that reflect his pride.

- Farmhouse Decor Wall Art – Large farm wall art to fill his heart and home.

- Best Father's Day Gifts for Farmers – A memento of the heartland.

- Farm Wife Gifts – Elegant farm artwork that speaks of shared dreams.

- Farm Gifts for Her – Treasured farmhouse wall prints for every season.

- Farmers Wife Gifts – Farm art prints that celebrate her resilience.

Conclusion: Embrace the Timeless

In the Somerset Levels, every picture, every photograph, is a chronicle of existence. As purveyors of exquisitely curated pictures of Somerset, our invitation is open. Walk through the aisles of our online gallery, let the agriculture art breathe life into your walls, and carry a piece of Somerset's heart home.

Just as the Levels will continue to unfurl their beauty, so too will these imprints of heritage thrive within the warm confines of your abode. This is Somerset—captured, distilled, and treasured; a perpetual ode to the lands we hold dear.

HERITAGE FARMING IN SOMERSET, OLD DAYS OLD WAYS.

VIEW COLLECTION
https://bit.ly/3JncnCq

Bygone Farming In Somerset

Bygone Farming In Somerset

I’ve mentioned before the Somerset Levels is where I learnt my photography as a young man spending many hours getting lost down droves and lanes, taking hundreds of pictures many of which were total failures, but provided me with a great learning curve and rather large archive.

Yesterday I went with my family to a favourite and special place on the Somerset levels at Catcot.

On the way home, we decided to stop off at Shapwick Visitor Centre to look around the gallery and have a coffee.

I admired many of the artists that were represented in the gallery, and one particularly who is quite well-known for his watercolour paintings of Somerset, farming and the countryside.

It reminded me of some images I’d captured nearly 20 years ago of a historic agricultural show near Langport.

I decided to delve into my vast archive of well over 300 thousand images and find them to take a look at what I documented.

What I found filled me with huge excitement as I could see the potential they held.

It’s not uncommon for me to capture images that I’m drawn to and then file them away without touching them further for a few months but 19 years is probably a record! 

I’ve now created a beautiful collection that I’ll be offering in my fine art gallery shortly

Here are a couple you might enjoy and share with some who may remember these tractors and way of life.

https://bit.ly/3xjcigb

Bridge of Argassi

The Venetian Bridge of Argassi  

This was my second dawn shoot while visiting Zakynthos.

As I mentioned in a previous post I had done a little research before my trip and found several locations I was drawn to explore. 

The remains of this 19th-century Venetian bridge located on the Argassi beach immediately got my attention and I researched the location.

I arrived at the beach in Argassi pre dawn not knowing if the tide would be favourable for what I had in mind.

I wanted to show the bridge ideally surrounded by the sea and fortunately the tide was in and the bridge fully covered.

As the morning got lighter I started to get a clearer look at the remains of this beautiful rustic stone bridge and plan my composition.

As you may have noticed in my work I love to create many of my images shooting into the sun (Contre-Jour lighting).

I find this the most beautiful of lighting even though it can sometimes be tricky to control.

As a result many of my composition choices are led by where the sun is rising in the scene.

I started shooting 20 minutes or so before sunrise and continued for an hour after the sun rose to capture the varying moods the light projected onto the scene.

It was another wonderful morning and I was joined by a large heron looking bird that perched itself on the rocks (left of bridge) and enjoyed the sunrise with me which made a change from all the cats !

https://bit.ly/3uuxEGb

Agios Sostis Port Chapel

It was October and my first visit to Zakynthos.I had arrived before dawn at Agios Sostis to photograph the dawn and sunrise at Cameo Island Bridge which turned out perfect.

I was very happy I could have called it a good morning’s work and headed back to the hotel ( I do love my breakfast) but there was at least another hour of beautiful warm morning light to make the most of.

Having parked on the harbour quay earlier in the dark I was delighted to discover I had parked right next to a quaint and unusual Greek Chapel.

The Agios Sostis Chapel was tiny inside in fact too small for my and daughter Gracie to enter together comfortably.

It seems to have been sculptured from what looked like sandstone.

Despite searching I haven't found much information about the chapel but I’m glad I had the opportunity to capture this image of this unusual little chape in the early morning light.
https://bit.ly/3VNVJDg

Golden Dawn Argassi Bridge & Boat

This was another view that I captured while shooting this amazing 19th-century Venetian bridge located on Argassi Beach in Zakynthos. Greece.

The first image was more about showcasing this incredible rustic bridge within the seascape. With this image, I wanted to show its relationship to the coastline.

I was initially drawn as often is the case to the morning light breaking through the palm trees and especially this small wooden boat lying on the beach.

It certainly didn’t cry out Greece it looked initially like a scene from some Caribbean island. Having said that where else would you find a 19th-century bridge gracefully sat in the sea!

It’s no wonder Greece has remained such a big part of my life, especially through a camera lens.

View Fine Art Website

https://bit.ly/4aHFdsY

Archway Into The Old Town

Archway Into The Old Town

This was my second visit to shoot this beututiful archway in the old town of Rhodes.The first time here a year or so before produced an image that just didnt work the way I had visioned and I knew I’d never be happy unless I returned to shoot here again.

I arrived in the dark and set up my camera a little too early for a shot like this where more dawn light in the sky is ideal. 

I however used the time to expore a few angles and dial in my ideal composition and then waited.

I greeted a few people walking through the arch who looked like they had experienced a good night on the town and definately ready for bed!

As soon as the light was where I wanted it I started shooting and covering several angles.Once satisfied I had the image I wanted I packed my gear and headed to my next location to capture the sunrise.
https://bit.ly/3TET7VD

Archway Into The Old Town

Archway Into The Old Town

This was my second visit to shoot this beututiful archway in the old town of Rhodes.The first time here a year or so before produced an image that just didnt work the way I had visioned and I knew I’d never be happy unless I returned to shoot here again.

I arrived in the dark and set up my camera a little too early for a shot like this where more dawn light in the sky is ideal. 

I however used the time to expore a few angles and dial in my ideal composition and then waited.

I greeted a few people walking through the arch who looked like they had experienced a good night on the town and definately ready for bed!

As soon as the light was where I wanted it I started shooting and covering several angles.Once satisfied I had the image I wanted I packed my gear and headed to my next location to capture the sunrise.

https://bit.ly/3TET7VD

Headland Hotel Newquay

A week before Christmas I received a call to see if I was able to do a shoot in Cornwall.

Having lived in Cornwall for a brief time in my life and like many also spent many happy holidays here I was excited to hear more about the assignment.

The company Artistic Tiling had been recommended to call me to help capture some work they had done tiling a restaurant bar at the well known Headland Hotel in Newquay.

If you have ever watched the film The Witches or the Tv series Wycliffe you will probably recognise this beautiful Hotel positioned on the beach in Newquay.

The last time I came to Newquay was my stag weekend 20 plus years ago when my party of "Friends" painted me bright Orange (remember the Tango advert) and handcuffed me onto a lamp post in just a pair of Orange shorts in the town centre ! anyway I digress.

My brief was to capture the bar area in the restaurant and kitchen (time permitting)n which Artistic Tiling had done some incredible work tiling the bar and flooring areas.

I had a small window of time while the restaurant was closed to complete the work and this was helped by the fact that the staff were very accommodating and helpful during the shoot.

The Hotel was as beautiful as I imagined it would be and more so with it's festive decorations in place and to be honest I wasn't in a rush to leave !

Despite some tricky lighting to deal with in post production the images came together beautifully and Ive been asked to look at capturing and producing some more work in early 2024 for the client.

https://bit.ly/3S3TCJu