The original plan was to go to Rickmansworth very early and have a stroll around the Aquadrome and Stockers lake to see what I could shoot in the fog and mist. At around 7.30am I was on my way but after just a few minutes in the car, I suddenly felt a bit queasy so I turned round and headed back home. At that time the fog and mist were starting to lift, so at least I didn’t feel I was missing out, there’s always next time.

Once indoors, I had myself a coffee and amused myself playing a computer game. An hour later and I felt much better, had some breakfast and then looked out the window. The fog and mist had returned and with it my enthusiasm to go for a walk with my camera, next time is here already, Woohoo!

Just over the road from home there is a large playing field and beyond that a small river. Rather than head for Rickmansworth again, I decided on a walk along the river bank.

My first shot nearly ended badly. I already had an eye on a possible shot down the path and just needed something to happen in the scene. Almost straight away a cyclist appeared out of the mist, and then a second cyclist. I stepped out to take a shot and heard a “watch out!” from behind me, a third cyclist appeared out of the mist. It was a near miss, I made my apology and took a shot. (Note to self, be careful in the fog.) Not an award winner, but a pleasant shot and a good start.

Mist riders

I then walked along the river bank and found a few potential compositions, but I needed to be in the water for them to work. (Second note to self, next foggy morning, return with a pair of wellies.)

Soon I came across a wider part of the river that I felt had some potential. The bank was so very muddy, it was soft mud soup with a generous helping of extra wet mud thrown in for good measure.

I needed the camera very low, just above the water for it to work, so I tried using the flip out screen to compose. It was very tricky, I was having to bend down in a rather awkward position. I took a series of shots and finally got what I wanted, or so I thought.

Not quite working. I don’t like the twiggy mess in the bottom right.

I wasn’t happy with the mess bottom right corner, but I could remove the mess from the bank. After the mess removal or the “in the field editing”, I didn’t fancy going through all the hit and miss with the flip out screen again. I was getting a bad back from the bending and awkward position. Nor did I fancy lying belly down in the mud. I was wearing waterproof trousers, but not a jacket. Suddenly I remembered that I have a couple of bin liners in my bag, so I lay one of them down on the mud stew and finally I had my shot. I call it “The end is nigh”, you may ask why? Perhaps you can guess? Answers in the comments at the foot of the page please.

The end is nigh

It was at that time I thought this may be nice to write about, so I grabbed a couple of explanatory shots on the way back.

Passing through

I was going to walk along the river bank on the left, but noticed the bridge over the mini tributary on the far bank. I’d never been down that path, so why not explore? That is what led me to “The end is nigh”. So I zoomed in on the bridge and right at that moment, the cyclist rode over, stroke of luck, even the shutter speed was just right to convey a sense of movement, double bonus!!

When looking at the above photo, it doesn’t quite capture the scene of when I first stumbled on the bridge and changed my route, so I took a wider shot.

I was going to walk along this side of the river but then I spotted the small bridge on the far bank

I was out for about 2 hours total and below is a gallery of the keepers.

Thanks for reading and take care.

Richee