Quayside Lobster Pots

Mudeford Quay

Finding buses beyond buses has been this week's theme (except for Southsea), allowing me to get to places I used to get to easily when Des and I used to drive out on a Sunday afternoon. This fact-finding exercise will bear much fruit later in the summer, too!

Mudeford Quay always has visitors - and photographers - even on a freezing cold January winter's day. It's mind-warpingly picturesque and the ability to walk about freely (parking close by, too) amongst the working Quayside, and with views over towards Hengistbury Head, makes it a magnet for the day tripper and those wanting a fresh-aired stroll. There's also a pub (not open weekdays in winter) and a café (open). A shop selling fresh fish and other associated foods always seem to be open.

The 'ferry' to Hengistbury Head was not running today either, seems to be only weekends in winter (weather permitting)

All the photographers there today were (trying to) snap the many starlings that hop and bustle about on the lobster pots. I can see why this would appeal but to me, it is the location and boating surroundings that make the place, not the wild-life.

You can guarantee a stack of good photos from Mudeford Quay, especially when the sun is out. Here, I have gone for a slightly less usual image of the place and I liked the way the eye travels up through the pots, up to the building and then up into those interesting clouds and wheeling seagulls. It was nice in colour but (I think) lends itself to mono better. By the way, the end wall of the building is covered in bitumen, presumably to make it weatherproof against the wind/rain/storms. That is why it appears dark.

There's a couple of starlings on the tarmac, bottom left.

Lens is Nikkor  DX 16-85mm VR

Many thanks for all comments, stars and Favourites on yesterday's fisheye, all appreciated!