Autumn Series 01

 

 Autumn is lingering this year; it is nearly December and there are still leaves on the trees, developing richer colours. The warm Summer and mild Autumn this year were reason enough to expect a spectacular display of Autumn colours (read more about why leaves change colour in an interesting Guardian article here), and it seems the trees have not disappointed. Trees such as horse chestnut, sweet chestnut and field maple led the way with some early yellows and oranges, whilst even the late developers are now getting into the swing of things. Between them the trees are displaying a dazzling variety of colours including golden, russet, amber and fawn.

The two photos featured here were taken in the beautiful Danbury Woods in Essex. The sweet chestnut tree in the photo above originally began with a juxtaposition of green, caramel and coffee coloured leaves, but later in the season the leaves are almost all a soft caramel yellow - the browner leaves falling away, whilst the green leaves have finally succumbed to Autumn. The vibrant chestnut tree is framed in the photo by the dead wood of an enormous fallen tree. This dead wood has incredible texture and subtle colouring, providing a pleasing contrast to the chestnut tree in the background.

The photo below shows the amber-orange foliage of a field maple, with sugars in the leaves beginning to develop red pigments. If we continue with Autumn sunshine and temperatures above freezing we should eventually reach the deep red colours that we rarely see in in years with wet and cloudy Autumns or after frosts.

Keep your eyes open for more pictures to follow in the Autumn series!

Serotinal Shots 2013

 

Here are two shots of late Summer that I have picked out to share. Autumn colours are coming to some of the trees already, such as the willows, sycamores and field maples. The Summer is still lingering in a few places however, and with some serotinal sunshine at the beginning of October I caught these pictures in the stunning Constable Country around Flatford Mill and Dedham Vale. This area sits at the edge of Essex and Suffolk, and has been popularised through the artwork of John Constable.

The flowers in the picture above, an unexpected splash of bright colour found lingering in the Cattawade Marsh area (between Flatford and Manningtree), are a yellow which recollects the easy sunshine of the high Summer months now past. These were more beautiful for their evanescence, as the cold weather would soon close in and cause their disappearance from the countryside.

The image "Oak and Granary" below sums up to me the pastoral beauty of the Flatford area, bathing in the afternoon light. The oak tree, a veteran full of character and cavities, looks yet Sumer-strong in its green foliage, and frames the fields and the 18th Century wool-store-turned-granary (now a bed and breakfast) behind it.

 

  To see more Heenan Photography pictures, please visit the picture gallery. You can also browse the Heenan Photography Shop to see prints and merchandise for sale.

Doing Our Bit

Here at Heenan Photography we believe in doing our bit. We will be donating a percentage of our profits to help protect the environment for everyone to enjoy. The natural world is important for many reasons, and of course it is crucial for nature photography too! You can find out a bit more about our donations, and the organisations we are helping to support, on the new Environmental page.

Photos from the 2013 High Beach Festival

Although the start of September has seen a change in the weather, luckily the rain held off for the High Beach Festival on Saturday! Below are some pictures from the Festival, including the Photographic Exhibition in the Church which featured one of the Heenan Photography photos, "Hyggelig Hornbeam".

Red ribbons led visitors through the Forest between Festival sites

Photographic Exhibition in High Beach Church

"Hyggelig Hornbeam" on display as part of the exhibition

The public enjoying the festival at High Beach Church

Festival-goers sit on straw bales on the green

High Beach Exhibition 2013

The Exhibition and Competition

Heenan Photography has been shortlisted for the High Beach Photographic Competition, and will be part of a display for the 2013 Exhibition at High Beach Church. The selected photo will feature at the second annual High Beach Festival, taking place next week in Epping Forest, Essex.

Photos from a range of photographers will go on display in High Beach Church from this afternoon (Sunday 1st September), and will stay on display throughout the following week, as follows:

Monday 2-4pm
Tuesday 2-4pm
Wednesday 2-4pm
Thursday 2-4pm
Friday 2-4pm
Saturday (High Beach Festival Day) 11am-3pm
Sunday 2-4pm

"Hyggelig Hornbeam" will be featured in the Exhibition.

"Hyggelig Hornbeam" has been shortlisted for the 2013 Photographic Competition, and visitors are invited to vote for their favourite photos from the exhibition. Just write down the number of your favourite photo from the exhibition and pop it into the ballot box. People will also be able to make bids to purchase the prints on display, in order to raise money for High Beach Church. So why not go along to see the photos, and vote for your winner?

High Beach Festival -Saturday 7th September

A festival to celebrate and enjoy local heritage, in an excellent forest location. The High Beach Festival takes place from 11am-4pm, with FREE entry. In addition to the Photographic Exhibition, activities include:

• Pond dipping and mini-beast hunts at Epping Forest Field Centre (regular half-hour sessions). 
• Wildlife and sporting activities on High Beach Green, including cricket, golf and riding.
• A dog show, also on High Beach Green (register at 11am, show at 11.30am, judging at noon). £1 per entry. 
• Children's fun races (3pm- 4pm) on High Beach Green. 
• At High Beach Church try playing the bells, brass rubbing, flower arranging (11am-3pm). 
• The City of London and Friends of EF will provide information on cycling, walking, and running in the Forest.
• Lunches, hot and cold drinks, and home-made cakes will be available at High Beach Church.
• Prom in the Forest concert takes place at the Church at 7pm. Tickets are available, priced £10 each, available by ringing 07510 195877 (or on the door) 
• Refreshments will be available at the Church, King's Oak, Duke of Wellington, Forest Tea Huts.

 For more information about the event visit http://highbeachchurch.org.uk/high-beach-festival/