A Bristol photographer has created these astonishing images of city landscapes and the star trails above them. Phil Watson says he is fascinated with “how fast stars move or to be more precise, how fast the earth spins”.
“This shot had been planned for months. I needed to wait for winter for the leaves to drop and then a clear night which seemed to take as long as the falling leaves”
“This project is somewhat different,” Watson says. “The idea is to capture the movement and expose it in a way we can understand.”
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Watson visited sites during the day for a chance to check his camera positioning, angling, focal length, tripod height and all other necessary photographic elements.
“Then it’s the waiting game,” he says. “Prolonged clear night skies are the most crucial bit, one cloud can ruin the shot. Devastatingly early starts and ridiculously late nights have featured in the last weeks but when I see a gap, I must take advantage. Sometimes the patterns created are more interesting than others but I find them all mesmerizing and have become somewhat addicted.”
For more information, visit www.philwatsonphotography.uk
Here are some of Watson’s best shots:
Bristol Harbour
“The iconic M-shed Cranes. I used a fisheye lens for this shot to add a different perspective as the cranes are one of the most photographed scenes on Bristol. One or two wispy clouds but hey, we are in the UK after all.”
Cabot Tower
“An amazing view from the top of the tower but trying to take a good night photo of it is tricky to say the least. For anyone who has tried or even just looked in the direction of Brandon Hill, you’ll be aware of the red flashing warning lights for aircraft, if you’ve been closer you’ll know about the massive flood lights and smaller but very bright white lights at the top. I decided to embrace the lights”
Christmas Steps
“An example of ‘the city doesn’t sleep’. This shot was taken from across the road at about 4am – many many cars passed me by.”
Clifton Suspension Bridge
“Probably the most photographed view of Bristol. I for one never get bored of it”
Hospital Rings
“The colourful rings always put a smile on my face. Official name ‘Lollypop-Be-bop’ also makes me smile – good work Andrew Smith (artist)”
Hotwells
“Colourful houses, stars, reflections, star reflections…. No Grain Barge as it’s out of the water for maintenance.”
ss Great Britain
“Another example of Old vs. New. This ship needs no introduction. Go visit her, she’s a gem!”
Train Carriages
“I love to shoot the old train carriages down past the M-shed, capturing a little slice of history mixed in with the modern flats, street lights and even the odd car.”
Valentines Bridge
“Wonderfully weird bridge made weirder by reflections, star trails and a fisheye lens.”
Read more: The Bristol photographer painting with light
