Summer heat and swimming pools

Because it's at least 35 degrees centigrade here during the day, I'm trying to get most of my work done before 1pm. Things start cooling down by the end of August but until then production slows down.

To photograph a house I have to make a start by 8.30 am, by 11.30 the light is too flat and I'm too hot.

That's not to say you can't enjoy this time of year, it just means you have to adjust your timing. We get up a little earlier, have a well needed siesta after lunch, and if we go out, then it's later in the evening.

This is a great time of year to own a pool, and if you only use it for the next few weeks, then the original investment and the on-going costs must seem worthwhile. The pools here are diverse, from small plunge pools, to almost full sized pools you can actually swim in! Some are set in tiled courtyards, others are surrounded by lush green grass and orange trees. Here is a selection of some that I have photographed recently - it should cool you down just looking them!

Swallows and power lines (Golondrinas)

When I look up I see power lines and (in summer) swallows.

There are plenty of swallows around at the moment. I used to think that they had one clutch of chicks a year, but I was wrong. I've just read that swallows continue to breed as long as there's plenty of food, rearing up to 4 clutches of chicks a year.

I've also just discovered that when they leave the nest for the first time the chicks sit on power lines and are fed insects by their parents. So last week I spent some time stalking swallows with my camera. The framed photo above captures the essense of the feeding scene, the power lines and the morning sky at this time of the year.

The above photo is now sold but there is another in my Etsy shop.