MOORAGH PARK

Mooragh Park, Ramsey, Isle Of Man

Yesterday I posted a series of very precise firework shots from Mooragh Park. Today a very different style of shot looking in the opposite direction. Every so often I leave the mighty Nikon at home and take out the tiny point and shoot no frill Olympus and post a few shots. I always say it is the photographer and not the camera that is most important. Even yesterday's images, although on the better camera, I still had to compose, fame and time - without a tripod. What of today's image?

The Olympus is a great little pocket camera to use when it's raining or a lot of moisture in the air.
Under these conditions and poor light you can often, if you use the right subject, and compose before you shoot, obtain an image that could be from another era. The sky was so pale grey that it becomes almost white in monchrome as does the foreground foliage already in shadow, becomes silhouetted. The rain, so fine, is picked up on a point and shoot as a misty layer, giving the background a nice hazy feel across North Barrule Mountain and Albert Tower. Note that Albert Tower, that's the centre focal point, what looks like a line, a chimney stack in the distance is actually emphasised and sharper in the reflected glass like image.

Two posts, same place, different cameras, weather conditions, hour, and subject, same photographer. Note the common link. The daily photo is not about photography, it is about the place we post from. Most people who participate are not photographers like myself and have either a point an shoot or camera phone and little time. Let's just remember that when we stop by a daily photo. Think before you judge, read the text and digest, think before you post a comment or are about to skip posting a comment, because the image isn't incredible fireworks. I guarantee you if you go to even one different blog today and look at it carefully you will understand what I mean and make someone happier for a a few pleasant words.

MOORAGH PARK, RAMSEY, ISLE OF MAN

My World

Mooragh Park, contains Mooragh Lake was like Albert Tower, built by the Victorians. In 1881, the Ramsey Town Commissioners bought a 200 acre tidal swamp. The Land was purchased for 1,200 pounds( wonder what that would be now, a small fortune no doubt?) with the intent to build the site into a pleasure park. Six years later the site was opened to the public and included many of the sites it does today. Recent additions to the area have been the skateboard park and Ramsey Rugby Clubhouse. Ramsey home games are still played here. You know that though as I've shown you the images.

As winter approaches the park will be frequented by less visitors than the summer months. We do though have one important invent coming up this week, called Bonfire Night. I will no doubt be posting those photos of this celebration. Not sure what Bonfire night is, then you'll have to come back and find out here and probably on lots of UK blogs.

The other thing you can see in this image is the North Barrule, the mountain overlooking Ramsey. Several meaning have materialised when trying to establish the meaning of Barrule. Barrule it appears comes form the Norse word Vorofjall, Beacons Fell. Quite how it went from one to the other remains subjective. A little more of my Ramsey, Isle of Man World.

For more my entries click MY WORLD and thank the skywatch gang once again for another inspired idea.

RAMSEY, ISLE OF MAN AND IT'S CRAZY PALM TREES

The Isle of Man in a quirky place. We have our Manx Fairies who live under Fairy Bridge. We have words you can't say like, rats - we say longtails, because it's bad luck. We have a language called Manx, which derived from gutteral Irish/Celtic, with the odd Viking word thrown in. We have our own currency. We are part of the British Isles, a Crown Dependency, but not part of the UK. I could go on. One of the strangest sights of all though are the palm trees.

I mentioned to Laurie GLIMPSES OFSOUTH PASADENA that we have palm trees on this funny little island sat in the middle of the Irish Sea after viewing hers. Now in a warm climate you'd obviously expect them, but here? It's cold, damp, we even had snow this week. Hot sunny days are few, very few, yet these palms above thrive, mainly tree lined walkway though the park, but these above are adjacent to the harbour inlet. I snapped just the palm tops and kept the chimney pots and telephone wires in so you can place the palms in context of the island setting, which is certainly not South Pasadena. Obviously this was also on one of our brighter days.

Thanks for all the suggestions for online photo printing. Home printing as suggested by GABRIOLA, SNAPPER would be ideal, but logistically it's getting the right quality paper on the island as online ordering also has it's pitfalls on a small island. Delivery charges astronomical, or even getting companies to deliver in the first place. I'm sure I'll sort something it's just I was very happy with my last company withrange of products, price, turnaround and paper until they ahem, improved things. No you didn't Photobox, that's why you've losing your professional clients.

RAMSEY SWING BRIDGE AND POO, POOP, DE POOP

Ramsey swing bridge 10/100

Here we go again! You know the story by now, but for the unitiniated(shame on you where have you been?) I posted saying how I must have hundreds of images of this bridge and was told it wasn't possible to photograph one subject in a hundred different ways. Ta da! Number 10 is today's offering.

This is the middle section, apex, right hand side, harbour side. The gull of course is an optional extra. Please note he doesn't come with the bridge and isn't caged behind the metal rods poking up and was free to depart at any time. I am not sure whether he was responsible for the inordinate amount of bird poo on this side of the bridge compared to the other, so we won't chastise him unjustly. Innocent until proven guilty still applies. Even the Isle of Man abides by this ruling. I know I could have spent half the day cloning out the offensive poop, but what you see is what you get around this blog and it does add a certain "je ne sais quoi" don't you think? No, Ok just me then.

I should also point out, as promised to do so when applicable, that this image was my trusty little point and shoot no frills Olympus and not my all singing dancing Nikon. I should also have posted on the Mooragh Park image yesterday that was also shot on my Olympus. Sometimes it's good just to leave the Nikon and see what I can get from the little Olympus. After all, the one thing the camera still can't do without you is frame the shot, so now and again it's just good to get back to basics. It also gives you an idea what can be achieved with the point and shoot, for those who don't have the big camera and loads of lenses. It's also a much better way to practise photography, makes you work harder by using your grey matter and eye to produce the shot.

So, would you have preferred a clean no poo poop de poop, or do you prefer the real deal image.
As always can't wait to hear your thoughts.

MOORAGH PARK

ABC- M is for Mooragh Park.

Mooragh Park, contains Mooragh Lake was like Albert Tower, built by the Victorians. In 1881, the Ramsey Town Commissioners bought a 200 acre tidal swamp. The Land was purchased for 1,200 pounds( wonder what that would be now?) with the intent to build the site into a pleasure park. Six years later the site was opened to the public and included many of the sites it does today. Recent additions to the area have been the skateboard park and Ramsey Rugby Clubhouse. Ramsey home games are still played here. You know that though as I've shown you the images.

The park and lake have proved to be a great success for Ramsey, bringing visitors and tourists alike for canoeing, birdwatching, skateboarding or just to relax for lunch in one of the 2 cafes. Events are still held here such as varied music festivals, youth cycling tours and of course Ramsey Sprint(motorbikes along the promenade) during the TT Road Races. Of course you will also find this photographer up there. By the way this is the lake that I went for an unintentional swim in when my canoe capsized. It was so black I thought it was still a swamp. How I got back in the canoe fully clothed and sopping wet is still beyond me. Happy to report no sharks in the lake, but the financial sharks are lurking on dry land.


Want to join ABC got the lovely hostess with the mostest, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE

J - IS FOR JUMP

Ramsey Day and the stunt bikes are out in force. You've seen the "flying bike" I've had for skywatch and "Vroom" for V and now I give you the Jumping bike. Ok It'd the same motorcyclist doing another trick form another angle, but a jump shot nonetheless. Photography is all about creativity and of course poetic license. It's also all about I have been stuck in the house for 4 days as I'm feeling pretty flu like rough so I've had to go through my back of tricks, known as the image library. It also accounts for why I have been off the internet and light blog hopping. Magic scheduled posts and stand by draft, don't you just love them.

Following on from yesterday and what setting to use this was the sport mode(the running man symbol) which freezes the bike in the air without blurring the spectators. So although he is travelling and the spectators are static the sport mode (or speed setting could be used) allows for this and freezes the bike in a single frame as if it's static and marries it with the background.
No need to go into Einstein's Theory of Relativity and speed of light in a vacuum scenarios, all you need to know is Babooshka's theory of "this setting works, don't analyse it, just use it."

I particularly like this shot for the simple reason I was not allowed in the stunt enclosure only official photographers. If you look closely you can see the photographer by the lower bike wheel watchhing me take the shot looking a bit miffed. Sometimes it's better to be on the outside looking in. All's fair in love war and photography.

Totally unrelated topics. Thanks Scarlet for the award, which I will of course pass on and thanks
too to for making me DAVID MCMAHON, AUTHORBLOG Post Of the Day again for yesterday and sharing the honours with many fine bloggers.

Want to join ABC got the lovely hostess with the mostest, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE

RAMSEY RUGBY TO THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Well the rugby season is over and I'll have to wait now to take anymore. It's not just he Isle of Man TT we have here sport wise. Rugby, football, kite flying, and of course don't forget Mark Cavendish. Some of you may of heard of him if you followed the Tour de France. He won a couple of Races, a Yellow Jersey Winner, and yes he's an island resident. In fact we used to work at the same place, at different times. In fact my old work station was previously occupied by him, then me. The hot seat.

I'm a bit pushed for time tonight, so this is a good time to dish out some more blog awards.

This time I received another Arte y pico from Jackie in GLASCOW

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogger community, no matter of language.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award-winning, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the ward itself.
4) Award-winning and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y pico"blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5) To show these rules.

My choices today are for blogs you need to visit.

CORSICANA for having 2 other terrific fun blogs too, dedication
JAMJARSUPERSTAR excellent music reviews
SAN FRANSICO BAY a mad talking cow and terrific research
PORT TOWNSEND beautiful images, fun posts
Terrell Daily Photo poignant, thoughtful and wonderful research

Now you Lucky people it's just for fun, but I enjoy coming to your blogs, and I know others will too they just need diresctions to get there. So folks follow the links. Recipients copy and paste the award from my blog and pick your 5.

As Friday is skywatch and theme day( metal) I shall be combining the two in a series of images.
Hopefully it will work.

HEY HEY WE'RE THE TYNWALD

In complete contrast to yesterday's living legend photo of Lou Reed taking a walk on the wild side, we have Tynwald taking a walk on the mild side.

Sunday was the last day of Ramsey Week activities. Gary and I had a walk around Mooragh Park and happened upon, stalls and kiddies activities and just outside the cafe at the far end this band Tynwald. Obviously the name is from the Isle of Man Parliament called The Tynwald. What a great name for a home grown Manx band. They definitely seemed to be a fun bunch of fellows, belting out an array of older classics for the eager crowd that had gathered. What's really annoying is I've tried to find out more about the band to no joy. The Isle of Man news link and Manx Radio links are down, so again, if anyone can fill me in I'd love to to do an update on the guys.

A quick tip on the photo. I wanted to highlight the triangle of reds especially the Legs of Man on the drum. Honestly it's not hard just using a little photoshop. Take the saturation down to almost all the colour has gone on the master, all colours. Then push the saturate up again, but switch the master to reds. This way it took the green out and left the red, and the beige on the skin tones, guitar and brickwork. Wanted it to have an older feel without sepia, or monochrome, as I wanted the red triangle of colour to pop out. Try it it's so simple, honest. Hint it works a treat on red roses. My photos are generally as I take them, but if and when I manipulate an image for a specific effect I will always let you know how.

So I am eagerly awaiting for your photo results and any Tynwald feedback.

ABC WEDNESDAY - Y IS FOR YELLOW NARCISSUS

I was going to do the obvious one for an island, yachts, but I've so many I was unable to view them with fresh eyes and instead plumped for a flora shot. Here's a narcissus. Not to be confused
apparently with a daffodil as there are subtle differences. A good rule oF thumb being narcissus petals lean back. Not a flower expert, but a friend of mine is and that's her main rule on the subject.

I often get emails asking to critique work or share tips. Flowers seem to feature quite often. Not at all my favourite to photograph, but I can share a secret or two about this one. Firstly it's not as it appears shot indoors. You DO NOT pick flowers to take home and photograph. I did however want the bold yellow and green to stand out, with out resorting to digital trickery. Photoshop is a cropping or desaturation tool for me. If you want to take good photos natural photos, ditch photoshop and learn how to use your camera.

So how to get the background without computer tools? Try putting a matt black card or sugar paper behind the image you want to photograph. Has to be matt so not to relflect any of the colours in the image. Do not use the flash, whatever the conditions. Play around with your ISO setting instead. A bright image against a black background will emit enough light, boost the natural colours and not blur the edges, so the projected image stays sharp. If you can use a tripod and remote. I never do anymore, but that's practise and shooting on breeze free days.

So if you don't mind looking a little eccentric wandering around with a black card up the local park(Mooragh Park in my case) and placing it behind the brightest most garish flowers and snapping away, it's worth it. This is one of my most requested flower shots to buy. Greetings cards, mainly Mother's Day obviously. Wedding cards too. Not bad for the price of A4 black card.

Like to join ABC Wednesday? Please got to this link, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE
Mrs Nesbitt is the host for ABC Wednesday, where you can find details for joining, her own ABC shot to comment on and a list of fellow bloggers who are playing today, who would also appreciate your comments.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY- MOORAGH PARK,RAMSEY

This is Mooragh Lake within Mooragh Park, Ramsey. Almost a sunny day. Well it was a least trying to break through. Mooragh Park is another of my favourites Ramsey haunts. I've even had a go canoeing on that lake, and swam in it. That is to say, I capsized and had to swim fully clothed, and hoist myself back into the canoe. Now I know I'm little, but I couldn't stand up in that lake so getting back in the canoe was fun. It's not very elegant I can assure you! As for swimming underwater in a park lake, I wouldn't recommend it. Couldn't see a thing. Half expecting a Jaws moment to happen, a decapitated head to fall out of a long lost boat down there. Believe me I would rather swim The English Channel than swim in that lake again.

Well the flags are out, which means Ramsey Week is definitely on it's way. The belly dancers are concerning me. Lots of male volunteers, but no females found. It is the Isle of Man Afterall.

By the way, those cartoons of Barker's that were all over my floor, stopping me hoovering. Guess what, two of them will be featured on the Berlin Undergound afterall.

If you want to particpate in skywatch see Jane & Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Jane & Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

A final world. Let' show our support for Tom and Jane and make this an excellent skywatch. It's not a competition. It's a simple premise. It's the one thing we can all share in, the sky. Look up, point, shoot, upload, post, er that's it. You don't have to visit everyone, it's not about who has the most comments, links, ratings. It's just fun. So to the phanton emailer, to Wiggers World BLOG OFF!

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - PURPLE HAZE

"Purple Haze" was taken around midday over Mooragh Park, Ramsey. I just liked the way the sun was peeping through the the leafless tree and the colour that was being thrown around it. Messing around with setting before I took it also added to the image, intensifying the the purple hue.

It's an older image, as I haven't got time to upload any of the ones I primarily wanted to use tonight. Friday already and I have so many images that could be used, but I'm still wading through motorbike images for magazines. Sometimes it's just that much easier if you only take a handful of images. Less to choose from, decisions made for you.

I'm going to be doing a little mini series when I can about Ramsey and it's viking links, hopefully next week in between neme days. I always say how the Norse language and ancestors are one of the groups of people that have help shape the island so perhaps rather than allude to it I should post it. I will also be continuing the rubbish theme, so Ramsey residents take note. I'm watching where you throw your litter.

f you want to particpate in skywatch see Jane & Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Jane & Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

MOORAGH PARK, HARBOUR VIEW

Mooragh Park, contains Mooragh Lake was like Albert Tower,built by the Victorians. In 1881, the Ramsey Town Commissioners bought a 200 acre tidal swamp. The Land was purchased for 1,200 pounds with the intent to build the site into a pleasure park. Six years later the site was opened to the public and included many of the sites it does today. Recent additions to the area have been the skateboard park and Ramsey Rugby Clubhouse. Ramsey home games are still played here.

The park and lake have proved to be a great success for Ramsey, bringing visitors and tourists alike for canoeing, , birdwatching, skateboarding or just to relax for lunch in one of the 2 cafes. Events are still held here such as varied music festivals, youth cycling tours and of course Ramsey Sprint(motorbikes along the promenade) during the TT Road Races.