Ovis aries (III): Bellwethers and riggwelters
It is a reciprocal affair that spans some 9,000 years, a conspicuous one, yet little understood. Domesticated sheep (ovis aries) may exist only because of human...
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It is a reciprocal affair that spans some 9,000 years, a conspicuous one, yet little understood. Domesticated sheep (ovis aries) may exist only because of humans but we, in our modern form, certainly exist because of sheep. Even more than their closest relatives, the goats, sheep were responsible for the greatest lifestyle evolution in human history. The former were ideal for nomads but the latter, owing to their tendency to flock and ability to graze on tougher grass, allowed us to stay in one place at a time. Their fertilising the grass they grazed helped agriculture flourish. Their milk and flesh gave us a break from bloody and relentless hunting. Their wool became the largest trade commodity of Middle Ages Europe, the profits of which financed much of the 15th – 16th century Renaissance. Looking after sheep gave us both food and civilisation.
The Ridgeway, Marlborough Downs, Wiltshire, 03:45 PM: There is as much haze in rural England this time of the year as tea in the whole China. Despite reducing horizontal visibility, the veil of sub-micron particles of dust and aerosol adds a pleasant opalescent tone to the atmosphere, especially a yellowish one in light backgrounds. “Don’t look back into the sun, Mickey boy, because you will miss the focus”, the old man down the pub keeps saying… “and watch your foreground, son, watch your foreground”. I abide his words with great reverence for he expects a print and he always makes it worthwhile for me with copious amount of liquid, but not milk.
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The Ridgeway, Marlborough Downs, Wiltshire, 03:45 PM: There is as much haze in rural England this time of the year as tea in the whole China. Despite reducing horizontal visibility, the veil of sub-micron particles of dust and aerosol adds a pleasant opalescent tone to the atmosphere, especially a yellowish one in light backgrounds. “Don’t look back into the sun, Mickey boy, because you will miss the focus”, the old man down the pub keeps saying… “and watch your foreground, son, watch your foreground”. I abide his words with great reverence for he expects a print and he always makes it worthwhile for me with copious amount of liquid, but not milk.
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Jan, 2019Views
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sallyG11
January 23, 2019
This is a magic capture Mick, the haze enhances the foreground to perfection. Beautiful lighting...I love sheep and Wiltshire is a beautiful spot! xx
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Unseeing
January 23, 2019
..and this beautiful image-thank you sheep and sub-micron particles of dust and aerosol. :))
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MicktheGreek
January 23, 2019
Thanks Keith! I think there is a path from here leading to Avebury, which I might try on foot next time, although the walk itself would make you feel more of a pilgrim.
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KristinaOers
January 23, 2019
Gorgeous picture, you’ve captured the light and the sheep beautifully!!
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MicktheGreek
January 23, 2019
Thanks, Dave! It seems to me sheep are my mascots when it comes to photography, LOL!
Daisy00
January 23, 2019
Love this fairly atmospheric image Mick...looks so relaxing and peaceful...and the long shadows add an extra element of depth to this shot! Truly a pleasure over coffee this morning:)))
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MicktheGreek
January 23, 2019
Thank you Daisy! The views from that spot are relaxing, the walk towards it laborious though.
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Pauldc1
January 24, 2019
Love the magic you captured in this image. The lighting shadowing, haze and the composition all perfect.
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MicktheGreek
January 25, 2019
Thank you Eugenia! I was lucky the weather conditions were captured by the camera's sensor, I was chuffed to bits about the photo.
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MicktheGreek
January 25, 2019
I walked for a out an hour from the car to get this shot, Sue... thank you ever so much!
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MicktheGreek
January 28, 2019
I don't know why, but having captured sheep thousands of times, this one is almost my favourite. Thanks, H!
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MicktheGreek
February 16, 2019
Glad you like it, Cher... thank you! I must admit it looked better on the computer monitor than it did on the camera's LCD screen.
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petercundill
February 16, 2019
Superb capture Mick, awesome light adds to the feel and atmosphere. Perfect!
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Bellatrix_B2
February 22, 2019
The sunlight and light foggy mist in the background is absolutely magnificent!!! Incredibly beautiful image!!! :)
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AnneDphotography
March 29, 2019
wow , what a view and outstanding shot Mick … love the interesting right up too :)
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Ultimate
johnmichaelwaddysmith
July 08, 2019
Simply beautiful! Here in the Lake District you can see nothing but sheep - mostly Herdwicks which can stand the winters here. A great atmospheric shot Mick!
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MicktheGreek
July 08, 2019
Thanks John! I think the hazy background does augment the beauty of the foreground. Luck of the moment, you need that now and again, methinks.
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