Plans for going out for a June sunset stopped by the rain. So guess I will have to post something from a little stroll walking the camera assistant, Indie Dog (photographers assistant and #dogsofinstagram) last night when the sky was on fire between the threatening storm clouds.
Three shouts. The Swanage ALB Lifeboat was tasked again today at lunch time to assist a sailing vessel that had gone aground on the Kimmeridge Ledges with a falling tide so things would only get worse for the vessel. This was the third time the Lifeboat crew had been out in under 24 hours. Having managed to get a crewman aboard the sailing vessel progress could be made to help resolve the situation.
Sailing Vessel aground on Kimmeridge Ledges
The day, another Wednesday. Cafe by day and then the escape of Swanage Lifeboat exercise in the evening. Plan was that if not on the boat for training I would go take a sunset picture and then possible star trails as the sky looked to be clear. Just as I was closing the cafe, clearing up still to be done the pager went off. A quick trip to the station and onto the boat for a 20 Nm ride to a boat mid channel for a yacht in difficulty. Once the boat was secured and under tow we had a long trip towing them back to Poole. No Exercise and No Sunset shot. Oh no the sun did set and we were treated to a fantastic display as it set over the Jurassic coast some miles away. Ashore by 23.30 and still had work to do and finishing the working day at 1.20 meant it had been a long day but still time for a quick look at the pictures and sitting here the pager goes off again. “Launch ILB” Just gone 2 am 
Sunset Old Harry. A capture of the setting sun dipping down behind Old Harry Rocks. Taken from on-board Swanage lifeboat.
Wednesdays lifeboat exercise took place in the Studland Bay area. The exercise saw Poole volunteer lifeboat crew join us with both of their boats to practice a multi vessel search of the sea area from Old Harry Rocks to the Studland Bay chain ferry. We were heading back to our station passed Old Harry Rocks when the sun was setting. A special treat at the end of a great lifeboat exercise to see an Old Harry Sunset with the sun dipping between the rocks.
More details: Swanage Lifeboat
Thanks for looking. Quick reminder prints for sale in the store and a selection of Dorset Pictures in the Gallery
Swanage ALB lifeboat named on the 29 April. The bank holiday weekend saw the ceremony to name the Swanage ALB lifeboat. This coincided with the opening of the new boathouse to the public. This much waited for event finally see the lifeboat station and all-weather lifeboat fully operational.
This picture captures the moment Coxswain Dave Turnbull pours the bubbles on the bow. The new lifeboat station and Shannon class lifeboat are a fantastic addition to the lifesaving capabilities of Swanage lifeboat.
Following this opening ceremony the lifeboat station is now open to members of the public to visit. If the all-weather lifeboat is not out on service then this can be viewed from the gallery in the main boat hall.
For more details about Swanage Lifeboat checkout http://www.swanagelifeboat.org.uk website. For other pictures from Dorset photographer Roydon check out the gallery.
On the way to work. “Poor me with views like this!!” I had a few mins to spare and the clouds looked stunning and to cap it off the sun was just breaking through enough to create the fantastic shimmer on the water. Happy Friday everyone.
Swanage Beach
Both Swanage lifeboats. The Shannon class and the D class Lifeboats. With the opening and the naming ceremony of the lifeboat imminent the crew needed to clean the boats and boathouse. I had a great opportunity to step out in the company of Andy Lyons for a very short photo shoot. Its not often both boats are outside for a photo shoot.
Its always good to have a few minutes with a person who has more knowledge to suggest things such as what they are seeing and how they are going to get the shot. A free “Masterclass”. With thanks to Andy and even though I have not seen his yet I am sure they will be stunning. Its the little things like the mini water fall off the ILB Slipway when the right wave comes through. Swanage Lifeboat and station is ready for the public opening just hope we don’t have a shout before then or we will have to polish again.
For other lifeboat images check out the lifeboat gallery
Sunset Lifeboat exercise was a trip to St Aldhelms Head. En Route we had to assist in a fellow crew member pass out as a helm. No further assistance required the crew on the ALB Lifeboat were treated to a fantastic sunset. Then “for exercise purpose” we capsized after having lost both engines to fire.
For other images please check out the Gallery but if its Swanage Lifeboat Pictures then I have that as well.
Swanage Old Pier Sunset. Not having the car meant leaving work and having to walk the short distance to lifeboat station for the weekly exercise.
The pinks and creamy oranges were glowing across the skyline and this was a great opportunity to take some pictures. This was just one of the stunning sunsets we were have in Swanage. Before I could take more my pager sounded so had to pack up the kit and jog to station. Its only then that you realise how heavy a tripod and camera bag can be.
The Swanage old pier is centre stage in so many photographs. Always a pleasure to be able to photograph the old Swanage pier at short notice.
The old Swanage pier is set to the (south east) right of the current main pier. Just find the seafront in Swanage and look left and you will see the pier. There is a small charge to stroll on the pier. The Swanage old pier is best photographed late autumn and through winter till spring as Divers Down have pontoons in the water near it during the summer months.
Other Jurassic coast pictures in the gallery
Studland Sunset. With the Starling Murmuration over it was good to go back and be able to take a picture of the colourful sky at sunset without being surrounded by 100’s of people. The sky with its strong band of gold drifting into pale pinks did not spread high enough to go for a wider angle.
Taken from the sand dunes on the back of Studland beach near the area known as the ‘little sea’. Parking is nearby on the ferry road or in the car park near the toll booth of the Studland to Sandbanks ferry.
Thanks for dropping by and if you have a moment please have a look at the Gallery and don’t forget that images are available to purchase in the store. For more of the personal touch check out Roydons Photography on Instagram maybe even catch up with team member Indie Dog