A Blustery Day
by Keef Charles
Ever been to an event or a concert and been less than overwhelmed by the main act?
So it was for me one Goth Weekend in Whitby, late October.
Ever been constrained by a virus and unable to go out and shoot? I know the answer to that one.
Me too, so I’m going back through the archives. Clearly these aren’t from October ‘20, or even ‘19. They’re from October ‘18 to be precise.
Oh those were the heady days of people banding together on the streets, celebrating their shared interest. Not quite a photographer’s paradise though. Sure, the parade of people in various guises was fun but such was their desire to be photographed, even semi candid shots were difficult to come by. A couple of hours in I sought some respite from the posing.
I recalled a spot I’d seen earlier in the day, at the foot of the 199 steps that lead up to the abbey. I’d noticed how strong the breeze was. It came off the North Sea, channeling it’s way up the incline and grew in strength as it funnelled between rows of old characterful terraced houses.
Ah, what the heck I thought. Let’s head back there, see if that wind is still making mischief. I’m pleased to say that it was! I found myself a spot on the corner of two streets, opposite the steps, my back pressed firmly against the wall of cottage, so as to steady myself against wind’s battering. I spent a while there. Amused by the hats, scarves and coats whipped up and aloft. Arms too flew upwards; desperate to grab those hats that extra fastenings weren’t going to save from wind’s grasp.
I took many, many shots that blustery day but these few make me feel good.
Oh...one shot particularly appealed to a friend of mine. She’s Greek and it reminded her of Medusa. I’ll leave you to decide which photo I’m referring to.
