The flatness of Norfolk should not be underestimated. It is very flat. In fact, the only place in Europe that I can recall being more flat than the coast of Norfolk is the Dutch island of Schiermonnikoog. Perhaps my sudden realisation of flatness is triggered by the fact that I'm currently sitting in a tower surrounded by open space: golden fields, green fields and some more fields. Far, far away there is a line of trees dressed in the colours of autumn. Above, a huge sky, at night covered in millions of stars, and during the day a race course for a variety of clouds. All this space, this completely unobstructed view is making me dizzy!
Where are we? The Tower is situated on the edge of the Blickling estate. Blickling Hall, near Aylsham, is mostly known for being the place of execution of Anne Boleyn (one of the six women unfortunate to marry Henry VIII). Apparently, she still haunts the place.
The Tower, once built to be a viewpoint for horse races on the estate, has been beautifully renovated by National Trust and is now a holiday cottage. Except, it is less of a cottage and more of a mini-manor (high ceilings, period furniture, fire places that work etc.). One of the amazing features of the house is a roof terrace - a dream for every landscape photographer. Imagine getting up just before the sun rise and wandering up to the top of the tower with your cup of coffee. The sun rises lazily in November so there is plenty of time to get ready. You breathe in the cold morning air, sip your coffee and take in vastness of nature around you. There is our friendly barn owl still hunting. The deer comes out for a brief visit. The local family of pheasants runs across the field making as much noise as they possibly can. The sun comes up dressing the landscape and golds and pinks, and suddenly, the world is awake.
I have decided to embrace landscape photography. I suck, but I thought that with the right equipment I will feel confident enough to try it. So, just before we set off for Norfolk, we did some serious shopping: one wide angle lens - check, one polariser for wide angle lens - check, small light tripod - check, set of square filters (I'm borrowing Kal's for the moment), filter holder, filter adaptor, remote shutter release. Do you think that's it? Oh no, then there are clothes: warm waterproof trousers, walking boots, special walking socks, special gloves, hats, fleeces, base layers, mid-layers, top layers - the list is endless! Everything I've bought has been very useful, but I could not believe how much stuff was needed. Interestingly, my new best gadget is of rather modest nature. It cost me probably 2p and I would not want to leave without it when attempting landscape shots. At some point, I packed a black sack in my backpack. Don't know why - I probably read somewhere that it was a good idea. It has now been in constant use for three days: a blanket to sit on the beach, a cover for the camera when it suddenly started hailing, kneeling pad for the low level shots and a bag. I believe it has now earned its place in my STP (standard travel pack in nerdy role play terms) and I shall never leave home without one!
The flatness of Norfolk has one disadvantage - a serious amount of wind. Wind tends to be good as it move the clouds around and contributes to sky interest, but when your small, light tripod starts dancing, it is time to pack up and go home. I hope that at least a couple of shots will be reasonably sharp...
(Note: One thing youy can't get in the Tower is internet connection. This entry is published on the 16th of November 2007. I am proud to announce that I have achieved four sharp shots!).
Still to come:
"Who watches the bird watchers?" and
"Why under-exposing is really, really bad".
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