Long time visitors to this blog may recall that one of my hobbies is submitting photographs to the geograph project. This hobby pleases me because it involves mapping, history, curiosity, walking and of course photography. It's all about seeing the British Isles through pictures.
Every week around fifty photos from the previous week's submissions are selected for the "picture of the week" shortlist. Then the last winner picks his or her favourite image as the new winner. In a normal week between three and five thousand pictures are uploaded onto geograph so to bag a winner is a great achievement.
Of course all of that was a virtual drumroll leading to the proud announcement that I am the Week 24 winner! And here is the picture that did it:-
It's the Brent Delta oil rig - now moved from The North Sea to the coast of County Durham where it will be dismantled. Shirley and I spotted it as we were driving from Middlesbrough to Hartlepool a fortnight ago. When I saw it looming from the landscape I just had to pull over. It was a grey afternoon and perhaps that greyness added to the drama of the scene. The oil rig may have looked less significant or threatening on a sunny blue sky day.
Now I wait for the Week 25 shortlist and the opportunity to wield some power. I shall be the Simon Cowell of the geograph community.
It certainly grabbed my attention when I saw it.
ReplyDeleteLast time I showed you the portrait version. I wasn't sure which version worked best.
DeleteIt's an amazing sight, YP and i am very proud that you are doing such a good work!!! Documenting ones neighbourhood and local history is worth while, any time. It's a good idea too, they take it up from time to time in the local newspapers and museums. In our harbour here in the village, you can find a wonderful collection of pictures and stories from late 19th century and onward. Fishermen, boats, cottages, networking ( not internet ) and watching bent old women in shawls feeding the chicken or mending the nets. Historic moments, like that oil rig, needs to be put in time and space. Some people say there is no point in ever looking back, just look forward, but I think there is every point. Not to come to a stand, but to give the past some serious consideration. Good work, we look forward to week 25, then!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughtful reflection Solveig. I scorn anybody who ignorantly suggests that history doesn't matter - that it's the past and we should look forward. So stupid.
DeleteThat's a wonderful accomplishment! well done.
ReplyDeleteDo you want to be the Simon Cowell of photography?
Yes Kylie. He's such a nice guy. So sensitive, so cultured and so humble.
Deleteand so unshaven.
DeleteCongratulations! And I agree - the grey clouds make the picture a lot more interesting than a blue sky would have done.
ReplyDeleteNormally I'm hoping for blue sky and good light when I take my pictures.
DeleteFabulous photo and an eerie subject. The rig looks like some alien monster. Congratulations on your win.
ReplyDeleteThe oil rig is already stomping down the M1 to Greater London - like a beast from "Dr Who". You should ask it in for a cup of tea.
DeleteCongratulations to you, Yorkie...well deserved. :)
ReplyDeleteG'day mate and thank you.
DeleteI like that photo, very raw.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to be recognised isn't it. As I told cro the other day, I had some of my crazy patchwork published in an American magazine a few months back, it makes it all worthwhile when that happens doesn't it.
Briony
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Creating things in splendid isolation doesn't do it does it Briony? One needs recognition from other human beings.
DeleteYP, That is some photo! Interesting, your use of the word 'looming' as you place the oil rig in the landscape. In capturing the rig between the hydro pylon and the towers and cranes, you give us a fleeting perspective we cannot have when we consider the rig in the sea. There is a lot of 'looming' going on in that photo, and it speaks volumes - makes us think. Well done! McGregor
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving my photo serious consideration McGregor. Much appreciated... now back to my loom!
DeleteWell done Mr Pudding, you must be chuffed.
ReplyDeleteYes. I am chuffed Sue. It has been a long time since I won a photo of the week.
DeleteCongratulations, it is a weird looking puppy.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Mac n' J.
Delete(asks self - whaddya mean "puppy"?)
I recall that photo from your other post, well done and congratulations to you. A great lesson in perseverance. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteSad man that I am, contributing to "geograph" means a lot to me Mr B. Thanks for calling by once again.
DeleteGawd, there has to be I suppose and I guess I'm it - the photo does nothing for me YP, SORRY.
ReplyDeleteBeen to Specsavers recently Derek?
DeleteDoes that mean I should think it's great, everybody else does. Brilliant that you have your recognition and good on you but to me it's not on the same par as some of your shots of the moors. Well done and good luck to you.
DeleteI respect the fact that you know how to speak your mind Derek. I agree that I have snapped better pictures.
DeleteIt's all a bit apocalyptic. No people. No animals. Grey sky. And rusty abandoned machinery.
ReplyDeleteI shall call it my Brexit picture.
DeleteApocalyptic is good.
ReplyDeleteWere they on at Glastonbury?
DeleteErm.....no.
DeleteCongratulations, YP, and do I understand this is not the first win of yours?
ReplyDeleteMy first winner since May 2016. I had two winners in 2014 and two in 2015. It's all a matter of personal taste.
DeleteWell done!
DeleteWell desrved I would say YP/ Just don't let it go to your head.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the spelling mistake!
ReplyDeleteNo problem with the spelling mistake Mrs W. After all you were Head of Maths and not English...weren't you?
DeleteImposing
ReplyDeleteIndeed it was.
DeleteCongratulations on your photo being chosen. You have a very challenging and satisfying hobby.
ReplyDeleteAlmost as satisfying as birding!
DeleteI'm running late with the comment for this post but here goes...
ReplyDeleteBeauty (or interest) is in the eye of the beholder. It's not a 'pretty' picture, the rig squatting there like a giant, malevolent creature. On close examination there is a certain flow to the photo from left to right, the power lines, the mast on the rig itself and the cluster of towers on the right.
Well done. Now to see what you choose...
Alphie
Yes. When I select my winner I will share it with you.
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