Emley Moor Tower, W. Yorkshire '13

Well, I have been living in rural W. Yorkshire now since mid-November and this TV transmitting tower is literally on my doorstep, it can be seen for miles and is taller than the Eiffel Tower...although, by only 10m.

I had been looking for a way to photograph it and didn't want a general snap of it, so in my wanderings along public footpaths and through farmer's fields I came upon what you see here...



Emley Moor Tower, West Yorkshire '13 - RICOH GR

The tower s too close to the edge of the frame for me, the main focal point seems to be the wall and pipes.

I understand where you're coming from with this. I have it centre stage from my bedroom window - and a 'portrait' approach just isn't right. I spend 3 or 4 nights a month in London, often staying near the Post Office Tower and catch sight of it unexpectedly in gaps between buildings or reflected in office blocks and have long thought I should capture these... if only working for a living didn't get in the way.

Hey Snappy', I appreciate your comment. What I'm attempting to do with this scene is to develop a little further interest by including all these shapes. If someone were aware of the masts previous history and it being damaged then these tube-like structures would be a nice little 'play' on the mind in thinking that they could be the remains of it's predecessor...adding yet more interest maybe.

I think it would only call for a title change like' Emley Moor' to change your mind, no?

Thanks, Gary. It's interesting to hear from you like this.
Whereabouts do you live? I am living at Great Oak Farm in Little Lepton...

I'm over the fields, across Beldon Brook in Highburton. Probably less than a mile away. Settled here by accident about 18 years ago...

Hey, we walked past that place on our Boxing Day walk this lunchtime, we did the loop back to Little Lepton, that's when I took this photo...
Are you originally from London or the south then?

Originate from Portsmouth, with a few via's before arriving here. Lepton Great Wood and the fields below where you live are regular dog walking territory for us. Came because a friend passed on a rental when I was between homes and stayed because the village school was excellent. How about you?

I used to live in the east-end of London and now I have moved up here back to where my wife wants to be, she is Huddersfield born and bred. I have to say that the folk in these parts are super-friendly, nice people all round really.

That seems unlikely, Paul!

At the time that the previous tower, a tall metal tube supported by steel guy ropes, collapsed (apparently due to the stresses of wind and ice), I lived in nearby Ossett with my parents and we went to see the shattered and crumpled structure. So you had me fooled at first - I did think you had found some of the original's remains to include in your shot of the current tower!

It is now a magnificent reinforced concrete tower, looking rather like a gigantic slender lighthouse. I look forward to seeing more of your photos of this splendid structure that dramatically dominates the Pennine landscape there in Yorkshire.

Philip

There a lot to be said for living in a community where people feel comfortable to say "Hello" to strangers when they pass and will stop for a chat given the slightest encouragement. We've been very happy here - hope you and your family are too.

For me that was immediately the point and why I like it so much. Great shot. Superb Composition! Thinking outside the box!

Thanks, Smeggy'...

I'm going with the edge compo as well. Just as a side observation, you have also captured several forms of construction materials here, from the simple brick wall, cast concrete, aluminum and timber.

There's more to this image than initial observation suggests.

Best regards

Thanks K10D, they all presented a nice set of textures and contrasts too...