Just One Image

Early Morning in Sleningford

This isn’t – I hope – the best image that I’ll ever produce. Nor is it even one that tugs most at my heartstrings. It’s a bit of pure serendipity. Early one winter’s morning I was nipping out to get the paper, just as the sun was rising. Unusually, I had my phone with me. My bargain-basement-bottom-of-the-range smartphone. Well, here was a scene that demanded to be recorded. So I did. And I like it. It reminds me how lucky we are to live in this quiet spot, where scenes like this are part of our everyday.

A few weeks later, I joined our local photo club. And a few weeks after that, we were all invited to submit two photos to an annual event: the photographic exhibition held as part of Masham’s Sheep Fair. No subject specified – just two photos. The public are invited to cast three votes – first, second and third – for their favourites. And the winner gets the honour and glory: though not a lot else. Reader – I won. Even though we have some pretty good photographers who can be relied upon to deliver wonderful images of the natural world; landscapes; action shots; street images … you name it. But the Great Masham Public decided on this occasion that Early Morning in Sleningford was what they liked. Even more embarrassingly, I took second prize too.

For Ann-Christine’s Lens-Artists Challenge#336 Only One Picture

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Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

65 thoughts on “Just One Image”

  5. You show off! (only joking x) There is something very magical about that light through the trees and I imagine would make you feel very blessed to be standing there. You’ve coma a long way since then, missus, and your photos are excellent. They get to the heart of things.

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  6. Your photo is excellent and it captures nature and science perfectly. Sometimes we find ourselves in the right place and at the precise moment and we are able to record the moment. Well done! BTW – your photos are top notch and they always have been. Congratulations.

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  9. I remember this beauty, Margaret – and I don’t love it less this time! Sublime. ♥ I am not surprised you won – this one I could have printed on my wall. If I didn’t know it was from England – I would have guessed Sweden. Looks like home to me…

    Thank you for the story – nothing to be embarrased by – proud!

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    1. They put it down to beginner’s luck, I reckon. No, they’re a great buch of people who don’t take themselves too seriously, or give themselves airs and graces.

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  14. Congratulations dear Margaret. This is so nice. I also love this photograph, the light is amazing standing so romantic… Thank you, Love, nia

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    1. To say my phone – new – costs just over £100, it ain’t bad. I had an autumnal shot of some nearby woodland overlooking a lake. It’s a much loved local spot, even though it’s out of the way, which may have helped secure votes.

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  17. Dear Margaret
    We love your photo. It shows it doesn’t need a special camera. What matters is the person behind the camera. Anyway, we like how you documented the morning light. You captured the early morning mood very well.
    Thanks for showing
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  22. It is a wonderful photo. It also shows that it is not the always the skill or equipment that makes an image great, but the vision of the person and the decision to push the shutter button. You can be most proud. Congratulations!

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  28. It’s a beauty, and just shows that the quote “the best camera is the one you have with you” is true. Plus you had the knowledge to recognise a great shot when you saw it. I want to see what won second prize now.

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