Grand Union Canal

[ChrisH]

On Sunday, taking full advantage of a dry day with good light, we went for a walk along the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne in Hertfordshire. The Grand Union Canal starts at Brentford in West London and finishes up some 137 miles north in Birmingham.



The image above is of an old workshop building used to manufacture lock gates. In 1988 the building was transformed into a metal forge producing metal art.



This is Marsworth Reservoir constructed to provide water to the canal during dry periods. It is now a wonderful nature reserve.

If you are interested in canals there is more information in the latest addition of my photographic blog at:

http://marlowimagefactory.wordpress.com/

[Nicola]

Hi Chris,
these are good shots, I prefer the first for the reflection and colours. Perhaps lowering a bit the blacks could be an improvement... but it depends on monitors' settings..
cheers
N

[Geoff F]

Nice crisp shots with plenty of fine detail.

Maybe the shadows are a bit 'light' on the first image; but I suspect that is how it actually looked in low angle winter sunshine.

The second one would look excellent if shot again when there is a 'more interesting' sky.

[Nicola]

but I suspect that is how it actually looked in low angle winter sunshine.

It's an interesting point of view
Deeping the blacks could create a "summertime look " to the scene, loosing the winter mood.
Perhaps it's better to leave as it is.

[Bobobird]

Both are excellent images in their own way.

[MrB]

-
Great shots Chris - the exposures look very realistic to me, and I really like the reflections in #1. I live not far away from the GU Canal in Herts but, several times a year, I spend sunny Sunday afternoons by the river in Marlow!

Philip

[dje]

Both lovely shots Chris, each in their own way. I must admit I have a soft spot for the English canals and would like to holiday on a canal boat before I get too much older!! Just finished watching Julia Bradbury's Canal Walks DVD which was very interesting.

Dave

[ChrisH]

Thank's all for your kind words.

[Donald]

That, I think, is a wonderful composition.

I'm just trying to catch up after 4 weeks or so 'out-of-the-saddle' due to family illness.

I think everything is placed so well within the image. The low viewpoint that puts the river very much 'behind' the reeds/grasses in stead of on top of them, which is what would have happened had the viewpoint been higher, is excellent. The longer strands of grass (?) at the extreme right balance up so well with the taller trees and bank in front of them over at the left.

For me it's a really well crafted image.

[Magog]

Fine shots, Chris.

I particularly like the first one, with the boat "balanced"on it's reflection.

[davidedric]

If you are interested in canals

My cousin (well, my cousin's husband) was awarded an OBE for his part in the re-building of the Falkirk Wheel. I've never been there (though feel I ought). Have you?

http://www.falkirk-wheel.com/





Dave

[Donald]

My cousin (well, my cousin's husband) was awarded an OBE for his part in the re-building of the Falkirk Wheel. I've never been there (though feel I ought).

You must. It's a fascinating and very photogenic structure.