Bluebell pooch shoot

I tested my Canon 7D's autofocus today on our two crazy springers in the spring bluebell woods.

I have to say I was happier with the results of the 7D compared to my Canon 5D Mk II, but I'm not sure whether that is due to the fact that I got better at taking these action shots, or that I wasn't taking as challenging shots as last time (with the 5D Mk II).

I tried the 'leap shot' only a couple of times today as it was quite hot and Tigger was panting and looking not so enthusiastic about the idea of running back and forth jumping over a tree trunk.

The shot above is not tack sharp on the eyes and Tigger is in the shade and everything... but I think it's a fun shot, anyway.

As you can see, Tigger is constantly on the move.

Sometimes the sun is so bright you have to run with your eyes closed.

Zebedee used to be running around like a crazy thing two years ago just like Tigger now, but he is an adult now and much more sensible... after an hour walking in the sun, he started looking for a shade for a rest every now and then.

I felt a little sorry for Zebedee as I was mainly taking photos of the headless chicken (Tigger), so I thought I'd take a few more shots of Zebedee. He seemed to enjoy the attention!

Isn't he handsome? Sweet little thing. (when he's not being naughty!)

I will keep taking more action shots with both cameras to test which one's auto focus is better. Hopefully at some point I will have an opinion.

So, that's it for today... it's bye from me, and bye from Tigger's rear paws!

Last bluebells

This must be the last day of bluebell photography. Honest. ;-)



This is one of my favourite spots in Stanmer Park. Love the path and the half rotten trees across it.












I asked Zebedee to take the stick out of his mouth and pose properly, but this is what he thought of that.









That's it. Last of the blubells for this spring time.

Bluebell galore

I believe the bluebells are at their peak at the moment.












Blue carpet.



Nth Zebedee with bluebells portrait.

More bluebells

The bluebells are just lovely. Can't resist.









This year I learned that there are also white - errr.... bluebells.






Quite difficult to get a shot without at least a part of a springer in it...

Blossomed out?

I've taken so many photos of blossoms this spring that I feel like I'm just repeating myself. So here is a slightly different take on them - on how many different varieties there are of "cherry blossoms". I have no idea what they are, really - they may be any kind of fruit tree for all I know - cherry, prune, apple, pear... who knows. But here is just an example of the variety you get, taken from one spot in Stanmer Park in Brighton. First the whole tree and then a close-up of its blossoms.




































Here they are all together.



They are soooo pretty. BUT, my favourite trees in Stanmer Park are still a couple of conifers, over there, behind all those pretty flowery trees...



These ones! Just love them.



Someone's been messing with the bears with some crayons!



Then there's the bluebells. They are not in full bloom yet, but they are getting there.









I love this park.






Yup, Zebedee likes it, too. I can't help but smile when I look at this photo.