27 March 2023 - A recent trip to Iceland

We went on a photography trip to Iceland back at the end of January 2023. Photographs will be appearing on the site under 'Travel the World - Epic Iceland'. This image taken on the main road just before passing through Vik. These Icelandic horses are dwarfed by the mountains behind them. My trusty 100-400 mm at 200mm. Exposure 1/2000 sec at f/8.0: ISO 800.

31 October 2022 - A foggy golden hour

Up at the river (Great Ouse) a couple of months ago and there was fog over the river bank after sunrise. I took a variety of contrejour shots with the sun behind the trees, bushes and shrubs. All very moody and peaceful. One of those mornings that it just feels good to be out and about as the world wakes up. If you would like to enjoy some of those moments then hop on over to the 'Glorious Britain - Our Fenland River'. Taken on 26 August 2022 at 06:58 with my trusty Canon 24-105mm at 40 mm. Exposure was 1/80 sec at f/11; ISO 125

17 October 2022 - Sunny Sunday At Start Point, Devon

Had a week in Devon at the beginning of October 2022. We stayed in Torcross which is one of the tiny villages on the edge of Start Bay. The Start Point Lighthouse is a popular landmark at the southern end of the bay. We visited on a sunny Sunday when the light was bright and contrasty but it served the purpose of checking out possible locations for dawn or dusk shoots. Taken on 2 October 2022 at 11:30 (BST) with 24-105mm at 28 mm. Exposure was 1/100 sec at f/11; ISO 100

Further photos from this trip are being entered into South Coast Counties in the Glorious Britain gallery. Enjoy.

22 January 2022 - Poplars on a frosty morning sunrise

A suitably cold and frosty welcome to 2022. Rode my mountain bike up to the river for a dawn photo shoot and was not disappointed with the ride or the photographs. Look forward to some more new images on the website and on Instagram as although I have not been posting I have been taking a variety of photos over the last few months.

5 November 2020 - Misty morning dawn at Flat Bridge

Just 25 minutes to sunrise on the first day of the second lockdown. Taken up at Flat Bridge, Willingham, Cambridgeshire, on 5 November 2020 at 06:38. Mist - check, interesting clouds - check, orange sky - check, ground frost -check. Good to go for first dawn photo session in a few weeks.

28 June 2020 - wind and sun

The kind of day when I put my sailing kit and camera gear in the car and head off to the sailing club. Good breeze and gusts of 30 knots made it testing for even the experienced sailors. Chuffed through quite a few frames so will take a little while to get them all sorted. Also plenty of things to load from the activities of the last month, including the various posts I have put on instagram (@jonwatkinsphotography). The above photo taken at Hunts Sailing Club, St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 400 mm. Exposure 1/640 sec at f/8.0; ISO 125

5 June 2020

Dawn over Lake Coniston in mid-winter. Finally posted 18 images taken back during 5 day visit at the end of January 2019. Find them in Lake District Landscapes under Glorious Britain

1st June 2020

Recent dawn shoot up at the River Great Ouse near Flat Bridge. Dawns are early at this time of the year but it is always a most magical time of the day and worth getting up for. Taken on 29 May 2020 at 05:10 with Canon 5Diii and 100-400mm lens at 400 mm. Exposure was 1/125 sec at f/5.6; ISO 100

Spring Equinox 2020

Mother's Day dawn over the Langridge Fen Coppice near Over, Cambridgeshire. Taken on 22 March 2020 just 20 minutes before dawn. Canon 5Diii and 100-400mm at 100 mm. Exposure 1/20 sec at f/8.0; ISO 100.

29 August 2019

Sunrises, sunsets, sailing - these are some of the things that I have been photographing recently. Now that the middle of the summer has passed the times of sunrise are more reasonable and have just started to occur after 6am. Hope you will be able to see the results of our recent forays along the river bank, together our travels further afield soon.

29 June 2019: Solo at speed

Although I haven't put too many new photos up over the last couple of months I have been keeping active and busy. The instagram account (@jonwatkinsphotography) continues to grow. I have been taking some more sailing photos (when I am not sailing my own boat). Some photos are even appearing here.

Frosty field on a misty morning

Black & white conversion of frosted crop patterns and mist shrouded trees at Flat Bridge, near Willingham, Cambridgeshire. Taken on 20 January 2018 at 08:38 with the temperature still below -5°C, making this the coldest morning of the year so far. Canon 5Diii and 100-400mm at 400 mm. Exposure 1/400 sec at f/20; ISO 3200

14 July 2018 - Sunrise at Potter Heigham bridge

Had so much fun planning and taking this photo which forms part of a new project on 'Bridges'. Back when I was diving the mantra was always 'plan the dive' and then 'dive the plan'. Here is the techinque applied to getting some photos of the sunrise at Potter Heigham bridge. Angles, positions and time for several mornings were worked out using TPE (The Photographers Ephemeris). The BBC weather app was used to decide which was likely to be the best morning. Google maps was used to work out how long the journey would take and so what time I should set my alarm (02:00 gave time for a cup of tea before leaving). Everything went according to plan apart from the mist. However I am going to count that as a bonus. Taken on 14 July 2018 at 04:53 with Canon 5Diii and 100-400mm at 100 mm. Exposure was 1/40 sec at f/9.0; ISO 100

20 June 2018: Wednesday evening sailing at Hunts Sailing Club

Following on from my trip to photograph the Solo Winter Champs, I now have various pictures from Hunts. Look out for new postings over the next few weeks. This photo taken with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 400 mm. Exposure was 1/640 sec at f/8.0; ISO 640

27 February 2018: Wintery photos from the river bank

Temperatures well below freezing, snow and ice provide lots of fun for Lola and me up at the Old West River. See the latest entries under 'Glorious Britain - Our Fenland River'. This photo taken with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 73 mm. Exposure was 1/80th sec at f/16; ISO 160, EV 1

20 January 2018: Crescent moon over the City of London

Popped down to London yesterday and just as we were going for a meal in the evening we saw the crescent moon just sinking down amongst the lights of the city buildings. Taken with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 227 mm. Exposure was 1/125 sec at f/5.6; ISO 6400, -3 2/3 EV

13 December 2017 - a frosty sunrise

A family of mute swans stirring at sunrise on the coldest morning of the year so far. Taken on 12 December 2017 near Queenholme on the River Great Ouse, Cambridgeshire. Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 102 mm. Exposure was 1/25 sec at f/16; ISO 100

12 December 2017 - inspecting the river on a frosty morning

Predawn glow, tree and crescent moon after the coldest night of the year so far, temperatures down around -4.0°C up at the River Great Ouse. At this point we have just 15 minutes to go before sunrise and it is looking good for a beautiful clear morning. Taken with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 24 mm. Exposure was 1/30 sec at f/10: ISO 640

10 December 2017: Snow over the River Great Ouse

Snow over Cambridgeshire provided something different for Lola and I on this morning's walk. Taken by The Causeway bridge with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 24 mm. Exposure was 1/40 sec at f/16: ISO 500

4 December 2017 - supermoon shooting

Lola, Watson and I were off this morning as soon as we could see that moon heading towards the horizon. We have previously captured sunrises against the silhouette of this copse of trees at Bare Fen. However previous attempts to get the setting of the full moon have been thwarted by mist and too much low cloud. Today we seem to have managed to get some shots before low cloud stopped activity. Taken with Canon 5Diii and 100-400mm at 227 mm. Exposure was 1/15th sec at f/8.0; ISO 100

30 November 2017: Wind - stillness within motion

A total of 72 long exposures were combined in photoshop with a short exposure to generate a feel of a windy day in the garden. Shot for Swavesey Camera Club competition with theme of 'Earth, Wind or Fire'. Taken on 21 October 2017 with Canon 5Diii and 17-40mm at 19 mm. Long exposures were 1 sec, short exposure was 1/80 sec at f/22; ISO 100

28 November 2017 - Starting to feel like winter

Been up to the river every few days recently to walk the dogs but haven't been up there at sunrise for a while. Frosty the other day (24 Nov 2017) and finally felt as though winter had arrived. Taken at sunrise with trusty 5Diii and 24-105 at 60 mm. Exposure was 1/5 sec at f/10; ISO 100. Tripod of course

16 October 2017 - Brown pelicans at dawn

These two brown pelicans flying inches off the surface of a tranquil Pacific Ocean are part of the increasing number of Mazatlan photos uploaded today.

18 June 2017 - Dragon Tour

Final day of the Dragon Tour was last Sunday (11 June). Choices of 300, 223, 153 or 100 km. Although not my original choice, the 153 km ride seemed the most sensible distance for the 3rd ride of the new Enigma. Here we are descending off the Bwlch after 35 km of riding. The gusty cross winds made for a relatively sensible descent the speed never going higher than 60 kph. Finally got to put on the new This-is-Cambridge arm warmers, socks and cap to properly celebrate the grand occasion. Photo by SportCam Ltd.

16 June 2017: Dragon Ride

Last Friday (9th June) was Dragon Tour Day 1. My first ride of the new Enigma Echelon was the 138 km loop from Port Talbot to Rhossili via Mumbles. Sunny periods with some hills (supposed to be a total of 1,500 m climbing), just the ticket for a flat-lander from Cambridge. Thanks go to #Enigma for a great UK-made bike and #DCRwheels for a fantastically fast set of custom wheels. Photo credit SportsCam Limited.

22 May 2017 - Sunrise moon and vapour trial

Lola and I managed to beat the sunrise this morning, but only just. This photo was taken up at Flat Bridge on the River Great Ouse at 05:00 this morning. Canon 5Diii and 100-400 at 400 mm. Exposure was 1/30 sec at f/10; ISO 100. Having been away recently in the Outer Hebrides there will be some new photos of my travels appearing in the next few days

25 March 2017 - Misty morning in Mexico

Just 15 mins before sunrise and the early morning mist masks the Olas Altas and El Faro (lighthouse) in Mazatlan. Taken with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 75 mm. Exposure was 5 sec at f/22; ISO 100

8 March 2017: Reflections of reeds, River Great Ouse, Queenholme, Cambridgeshire

The 7 March 2017 was calm after various gales over the last 10 days. Lola and I enjoyed a leisurely walk before breakfast along the bank of the river. The faintest ripples on the river bent and distorted the reeds while the wind had little effect on the reed themselves. Taken with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 300 mm. Exposure was 1/50 sec at f/16; ISO 100

7 March 2017: sunrise over Frog's Hall by the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire

As we move into March the sunrise is getting earlier, now ~06:30 (Z). Lola and I consider this is a Goldilock's time: not so late that we have to delay breakfast, not so early that we seem to be getting up before we've really been to sleep. Taken with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 321 mm. Exposure was 1/40 sec at f/8.0; ISO 100, EV -1

27 Feb 2017: Rain drops on pussy willow

Lola, Watson and I first spotted these on a wet and windy walk to Nine Acre Wood. We returned later that day with the camera bag and tripod, although the strong wind and rapidly decreasing light was quite a challenge. Taken on 22/02/2017 just one hour before sunset with Canon 5Diii and 100-400mm at 400 mm. Exposure was 1/400 sec at f6.3; ISO 2000

16/02/2017 - sunrise over The Aldreth Causeway, as seen from the south bank of the River Great Ouse

The lengthening of the February days and earlier sunrises are a great reminder that the winter solstice was actually last year. However with early morning tempeatures still often below 0°C Lola and I have had some great photography walks up at the river. There is now a backlog of photos that hopefullly will be appearing on the website and on the Instagram site in the near future. This image a blend of exposures taken with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 278 mm. Exposures were 1/4000, 1/1000 and 1/250 sec at f/11; ISO 100.

26 December 2016 - Boxing Day Sunrise at Flat Bridge

Lola and have managed to get out most morningss for some sunrise photography recently. Today Watson (mini Schnauzer) came up to the river with us. The site is being updated with some of these which you can find under 'Glorious Britain - Our Fenland River' or 'Glorious Britain - East of the A14'. Todays photo taken with Canon 5Diii and 24-105 at 28 mm. Exposure was 1/5 sec at f/11; ISO 100

17 December 2016 - wet walk up at the River Great Ouse

Misty, damp and no frosts so far this week. Lola and I have not been inspired much with the camera. However we always take the camera because there will usually be something that catches the eye. Photos are regularly being added to the 'Our Fenland River' and 'East of the A14' galleries so keep checking back. This photo taken with Canon 7Dii and 100-400 at 300 mm. Exposure 1/25 sec at f/6.3; ISO 100

5 December 2016 - frosty mornings up at river

See new photographs for the last few days plus others that I took in previous years of the Old West River. The above photo taken this morning just prior to sunrise with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 75 mm. Exposure was 0.6 sec at f/14; ISO 100

Flocks of birds leave their roosts as the sun breaks through the mist on the River Great Ouse near Cambridge

Lola and I found the river bank wet, cold and grey in the mist in the early morning light until half an hour after sunrise when the sun managed to appear through the mist. For just a few minutes flocks of birds appeared over head as if spurred into action by the orange glow from the sun. Taken on 26 November 2016 with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 105 mm. Exposure was 1/800 sec at f/5.6; ISO 100

13 November 2016 Supermoon Sunday - the closest this century

Although the full moon is actually tomorrow the weather forecast for then is not good. Today however has been a beautiful sunny day apart from the bank of low cloud on the horizon just where we expected the moon to appear. After tomorrow the moon will not be as close to us again until 25 Nov 2034, so for those of you around then hope you enjoy it. Taken from next to The Causeway bridge over the River Great Ouse at 16:37 on 13 November 2016. Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 400 mm. HDR blend in Lightroom.

10 November 2016 - tonight it is the turn of the humpback whale to star on the website

One of the more active whale species in terms of behaviour at the surface. Find views of whales feeding, spyhopping and flipper waving (as here), see Antarctic - Wildlife - Whales. This photo taken in February 2016 around the South Orkney Islands. Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 100 mm. Exposure 1/160 sec at f/9.0; ISO 100

10 November 2016 - first subzero temperatures at Flat Bridge, near Cambridge

A freshly rotavated field is dusted with early morning frost as Lola and I get up to the river just at sunrise. Taken on 8 November with Canon 5Diii and 50 mm f/1.4. Exposure was 1/50 sec at f/5.6; ISO 100

6/11/2016 - A selection of fin whale photos

Have been working hard on selecting and processing some whale photographs between that were taken on cruises between 2008 and 2015. Tonight it is the turn of the fin whale, in size second only to the blue whale.

31/10/2016: Misty-morning sunrises herald the approach of autumn once again on the River Great Ouse at Flat Bridge near Willingham

The website is being given a good revamp over the next couple of weeks so keep checking back to see what is going on. If you enjoy Instagram jonwatkinsphotography now has an account there as well. Photo taken on 4/10/2016 with Canon 5Diii and 100-400mm at 400 mm. Exposure 1/25 sec at f/16; ISO 100, tripod

18 October 2016: Dawn clouds in the west herald the approaching sunrise on a misty autumn morning next to the River Great Ouse near Willingham

Taken on 4 October 2016 with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 82 mm. Exposure was 1/40 sec at f/8; ISO 100

Old plough put out to grass

Along The Causeway the entrances to the adjoining fields have been blocked with old farm machinery. Here an old spring tooth harrow has been blocking an entrance for years and is now almost entirely hidden by the grass, brambles and nettles. Taken on 20 July 2016 with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 24 mm. Exposure was 1/250 sec at f/5.6; ISO 100

20 July 2016 sunrise

Two minutes after sunrise but the sun is still hidden behind the Nine Acre Wood. Clear skies promise another hot day in Cambridgeshire. Taken with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 100 mm. Exposure was 1/500 sec at f/5.6; ISO 100

19 April 2016: Flooded willows along the River Great Ouse at Queenholme, Cambirdgeshire

A perfect dawn walk with Lola up at the river. Saturday's heavy rain had been replaced with a sharp frost that left my gloved hands aching with cold while carrying the tripod. Taken on Sunday 17 April 2016 at 06:04 BST. Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 45 mm. Exposure was 1/30th sec at f/8: ISO 100

Early morning sun shines through the mist and the windows of the Haddenham Engine Pumping Station on the River Great Ouse near Willingham, Cambridgeshire

Taken on 13 April 2016 with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm at 214 mm. Exposure was 1/1000 sec at f/10; ISO 100, -2 EV

March sunrise in the fens

The month of March always seems to produce good sunrise opportunities on those pre-breakfast dogwalks. Taken on 7 March 2016 10 miles north of Cambridge with Canon 5Diii and 24-105mm at 88 mm. Exposure was 1/160 sec at f/8.0; ISO 100

Pre-dawn on Bertha's Beach (Falkland Islands) with Gentoo penguins returning from foraging at sea

Taken on 22 February 2016 with Canon 7Dii and 100-400mm lens at 340 mm. Exposure was 1/80 sec at f/8.0; ISO 3200

29 December 2015 - raindrops on a spider's web look like miniature worlds as they reflect our back garden

Taken on 27 December 2015 in garden with Canon 5Diii and Sigma 105 mm macro. Exposure was 0.3 sec at f/8.0; ISO 100, -1 EV