It occured to me that I get as much satisfaction taking / uploading local (to me) images of lesser known places ...as I do some of the more well known beauty spots / places of interest, that we visit.This is a fabulous country for all types of photography & if you are lucky enough you wont have to venture too far to get that eye catching / interesting shot, that not many would of seen before as it is local to you. Places like the Lakes, Devon & Cornwall, Peaks, Scotland even, will always be most peoples places for getting top shots of beautiful scenes. But don't forget your own "backyard" ..as I have found out over recent years.It may not be as stunning or have the allure of the bigger places of interest, but great images can be found in the most unexpected places..... if you know where to look, & it's always nice to come across a scene or place you have never heard of before? Some of the countryside & villages near to me are wonderful ... & things I took for granted before, I see in a totally different perspective, with a camera in my hand. 

Just realised this thread should be under the title "picture chat" rather than updates & announcements !

Not to worry Martin

Less than a quarter of a mile from me is a very old canal outlet -i have never thought of walking down for some pics--even the old lock-masters cottage is there dated 1800

I have to agree Martin, I love taking photos of my local area just as much as my other favourite places such as Cornwall, The Lakes & The Yorkshire Dales. I consider the area where I live to be just as beautiful as anywhere I've been in the world, and I've been quite a few places.

I used to take this area for granted as I've lived here all my life, then when I realised that people were actually coming here for their holidays I started looking at it in a different light. Now I think I've probably just as many 'local' photos as I have of anywhere else.

There are lots of wonderful things to capture with a camera within a few minutes walk of most front doors. Ours is a most diverse country with visual treats that we can easily take for granted because they are so familiar to us. It's always worth while taking the camera out for a walk and try to see where your feet take you as though you are seeing it for the first time. In any city own or village the  eye can be greatly rewarded by lifting the eye higher than normal as there are some fascinating things to see. It is such a shame that many would rather stare at their mobile 'phones rather than what is on show even on a walk to the bus stop. 

Think i would fall off a bike now Vince, have'nt rode one for years.

Have a great weekend 

I've never been any good on a bike, only been on one twice on the Camel Trail in Padstow, I came off both times, so it's walking for me.

Have a good weekend Vince