Boxing day Blakeney, Norfolk in flat light

Gloomy weather didn't stop me from getting this clear shot

Blakeney Point in Norfolk East Anglia. I went on the 'Four Sisters' boat with Temple Seal tours to see the parent and baby seals basking in the cold winter gloom. There wasn't a frost but it was cold and I was glad to have a hot water bottle on my lap. The light was very flat and unexciting so I was surprised to get this clear image of an adult seal.

I don't normally edit shots, I like to make all my decisions in the camera when I shoot. I had a go at making the colours more interesting today, I'm not sure what I think. The real sky wasn't remotely blue.

Mother and daughter watching the seal families

I enjoyed the way the seals watched us watching them. They are completely unperturbed by the visiting boats and we heard how it has not always been like this. Seals consume herring, and when herring was more popular, the fisherman would not have been on good terms with the seals as we are now.

Working on composition in a flat landscape

Keeping watch for seals on the way back

Probably my favourite shot of the day

Cold, and hoping we have seen all we are going to see today. I love the textures here, the wool, the hair, the embroidery thread, and the central glove that holds the picture together. The closed eyes are so unaware of the camera, it really is a 'moment'.

Bull seals fighting over a lady

My Tamra zoom lens was perfect for getting this action shot of male seals fighting. At the time I didn't notice the audience of one, but now I see the drama of the situation. I can't tell if she is the female they are fighting over.

Labrador or seal?

I wanted to ask why the seals looked so like dogs when they are swimming but I was told this was a silly question. Looking at this again though, it is fascinating to see the similarity.

I think the guide said this was an eagret

I really thought this would be a dull shot, as the bird is so small in the frame, but there is actually a lot going on, and the misty backdrop with the hint of a house shape makes this a more engaging shot. There are 4 horizontals in the photograph if you count the double background layer at the top right.