The forecast for Sunday morning once again promised a heavy frost and clear skies. This time I decided I would head to Thrapston Gravel Pits in Northamptonshire for my photography fix.
Thrapston Gravel Pits, Northants
The sun was due to rise at 0755, but I arrived at 0730, without a real plan for where to head. Parking up near the Sea Cadet building, I approached the footbridge and immediately noticed a handful of seagulls resting on the railings. A couple flew off as I raised the camera, but three stayed in situ and allowed me to snap a distant portrait.
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
On the footbridge itself, I looked to my left and spotted a grey heron in the water, patiently waiting for a small fish to present itself as breakfast.
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
I continued on a clockwise path, keeping the River Nene on my left and the main gravel pit on my right. I found an area that I thought looked reasonably promising for sunrise itself. Because of the rising land to the East, the sun didn’t actually appear over the horizon until 0810. The wait did give me plenty of time to watch the wildlife comings and goings.
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
One tree across on the Islip bank of the river had caught my eye, mainly because of the rich russet-red leaves that were still, somehow, clinging to the branches. As the sun came up it illuminated the tree and the frosty ground below.
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Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
I crossed over the river at the next footbridge down and briefly ventured towards both Willowbrook and Pipers lakes. Neither really pushed my buttons, though, and I headed back from whence I’d came.
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
Thrapston Gravel Pits – Karl Drage, Northamptonshire photographer
I did complete a full lap of the gravel pit but really struggled for photographic inspiration on my way around. The frost, in the main, was light, and there was more chop on the water than I’d hoped for. I think when I return I shall go armed with a longer lens and perhaps try to capture some better bird pictures than I managed on this occasion.
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Event Photography by Karl Drage
You can contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
I mainly provide event and wedding photography services in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, Oxfordshire & Warwickshire, in towns such as Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Oundle, Corby, Peterborough, Leicester, Huntingdon, Rushden, Towcester, Rugby, Daventry & Oakham. I am, however, only too happy to travel beyond those locations – including internationally – to capture the magic of your event.
