LOCAL I've had a few trips out in the local area in an interesting time of year. Traditionally not the best for photography due to the harsh light in the middle of the day. However, in the right weather condition you can still grab some great shots. There's also the option of monochrome conversion. The occasional opportunity to capture some nature images, shouldn't be missed.

SPORT I do not profess to be a sports photographer I enjoy giving it a go. Over the past couple of months two of my favourites have had competitions or tournaments taking place. An annual pilgrimage to the International Tennis at Nottingham is always a great day out and a challenge to get a good shot. I also love a day at the Jet Ski Racing, this year an event ay Kingsbury Water Park, near Tamworth was the venue.

SUFFOLK Few days by the coast in Suffolk is always a joy, but there's never enough time to get to all of the locations I'd planned. The weather turned from beautiful sunsets to dramatic skies with the threat of a good old storm. Fortunately the storms never materialised and I stayed dry. The skies definitely created great photo opportunities.

DALES Well the weather was mush better in the Yorkshire Dales. The bonus was the abundance of buttercup fields. I've never seen them so spectacular. The heavy few days of rain created fantastic waterfalls and I managed a few shots I'm pleased with. Although the weather wasn't so good the accommodation in the 700 year old Green Dragon in Hardraw made up for it, especially the Theakstons Best Bitter