My rambling took me slightly further afield this week, into Staffordshire to see the famous and historic Abbots Bromley Horn Dance. Before the dancers assembled I took a look round the ancient village and noted the different architecture compared to Lancashire; rustic red brick, steep roofs and tall chimney stacks.

Abbots Bromley

I used my zoom at maximum and tilted upwards to avoid parked cars and street clutter, as much as possible, to capture the picturesque tranquility of rural Staffs. Morris Dancers with a difference, the troupe march into the village (below) after a lengthy wait.

Here they come!

Looks like one young performer took the lucky phrase ‘Break a leg!’ a little too literally! Curious costumed characters and the reindeer antlers made this ancient spectacle a bizarre sight.

The ‘Hobby Horse’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fast moving dancers, poor lighting, lots of ‘visual obstructions’ and enthusiastic onlookers, make this and similar events challenging to photograph well. I crouched at the front of the crowd and timed my shutter pressing carefully. A lot of concentration is needed to capture good images and doubtlessly my press photographer skills helped. I like to get a range of shots to ‘tell the story‘ of what’s happening, close-up of faces standing out against blurred backgrounds and wide views give a nicely balanced contrast.

More Photographer’s Ramblings and 30th Anniversary Reflections coming soon!