Chiltern Gentian

Brush and Mug in hand

PHILIP SUREY is a letter cutter and sign writer – essentially an artist who herds and wrestles words and numbers. Some of Phil’s work is three-dimensional calligraphy. Brush in one hand, mug of tea in the other, I photographed him today at Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre, where he’s developed a bespoke lettering style especially for the job.

Click this image to enlarge.

Photography by Jason Ball

Bird identification exercises

An ornithologist asked me if I might have some photos for his presentations. He wasn’t after clear, obvious pictures – rather, he wanted images to help with bird identification exercises for his audience. Nothing too easy for everyone!

My lenses aren’t really suited to great bird photography, so it didn’t take me long to gather a collection of ‘not great but useful’ photos! Fancy yourself as a good birdwatcher? Find my bird ID slideshow on Zenfolio.

http://wp.me/p1RVZ-8Z

Video onto SD

Digital photography has stimulated all sorts of camera innovations. Personally I can’t wait for Canon to properly integrate video with their SLR range. The professional range is too steeply priced for me to invest in until I have a few more videos commissioned. Until then I’m using a Canon S5is and looking at the next step up… what do you think it is?

The Canon Powershot SX range looks promising but it has its weaknesses. The Canon EOS 500D and their new 5D markII are interesting, but… again they have their weaknesses.

Can they beat a decent Sony recording onto MiniDV tape for quality? And what about at low light levels? SLR cameras and compacts have a long way to come.

This video clip shows a colony of Soprano Pipistrelle bats. They are ’swarming’ at dawn outside a nursery roost.

I shot this on a Canon S5is, which has a very handy 12x optical zoom. The quality as shot is not too bad. I can even convert the digital files to DVD standard, which is quite pleasing (especially when I compare some of the dreadful footage from DVD camcorders out there!) However, I wouldn’t say it’s impressive quality.

Like I say, I can’t wait…

Comma butterfly framed photo for sale

A portrait of a Comma, rich and vibrant. Its perch is a blackberry bush - where you might well see a Comma as summer nears its end. This portrait is similar to the ‘landscape’ picture of a Comma at www.poppyfield-gallery.com/comma.htm

For sale on ebay for the first time.

My photography

Nature is my main inspiration, and my work ranges from landscape such as this, to close-up pictures of the natural world, or artistic interpretations. Poppies are a favourite of mine, hence the name of my online gallery. Please take a moment to look through some more of my photography at poppyfield-gallery.com

Most of my buyers are fellow nature lovers. Some of my photographs have been published, e.g. in BBC Wildlife Magazine, BBC Countryfile Magazine, Birdwatching Magazine, and I have written a few articles for BBC Berkshire.

A few words on quality

I shoot Canon cameras, use the Canon FINE printer system and only use professional paper for my framed prints! My equipment is powered by Ecotricity. Oak wood frame, with a glass front. Ivory-coloured card mount, titled and signed. Frame tape on the back to keep out dust. (If you request hanging loops and picture wire I can add these free-of-charge. Email me after you win the item.)

For sale on ebay for the first time.