A Day of Decisions: Balancing Triathlon Passion with Photography

Today was one of those days where everything lined up perfectly—low winds, lots of sunshine, and great conditions for both cycling and drone photography. With such ideal weather, I faced a tough decision: should I hit the road on my bike or get the drone up in the sky? As a passionate triathlete, the bike won out this morning, and I managed to squeeze in a solid 45-mile ride (not too far for me, but it felt great).

Afternoon Adventures: Exploring Historic Churches and Scenic Bridges

After a refreshing morning on the bike, I shifted gears in the afternoon and focused on capturing some of the locations on my photography list.

St Mary’s Church, Staindrop: A Return Visit for Camera Photos

My first stop was St Mary’s Church in Staindrop. This stunning church has its origins in the Norman period, with parts of the building dating back to the 12th century. It has served as a spiritual and community hub for centuries and is particularly noted for its impressive architectural features, including its Norman tower and the beautiful medieval stained glass windows that add a splash of color to its interior. I’ve captured drone footage here before, but today I returned to get some ground-level camera shots. With the sun still shining brightly, I’m hopeful that these photos have turned out well. The church’s rich history and peaceful surroundings make it a truly special place to photograph.

St Andrew’s Church, Winston: A Serendipitous Discovery

On my way to Winston Bridge, I spotted St Andrew’s Church in Winston and decided to take a quick detour. I’m so glad I did! This charming little church, which has its origins in the 12th or 13th century, is a hidden gem. The church has seen many centuries of history and remains a beautiful example of early English ecclesiastical architecture. The simple yet elegant design of the church, combined with its historical significance, made it an unexpected but rewarding find.

I captured some drone footage and photos, as well as camera shots, and I’m really excited to see how they turn out. One interesting feature at the church is a small structure in the memorial garden that resembles a hermitage. It has a small window that perfectly frames a view of the church, adding a mysterious and enchanting element to the site. I’m still researching more information about this structure, but it’s definitely piqued my curiosity.

Capturing an Iconic Landmark:

Next, I headed to Winston Bridge, an iconic site known for its historical significance. The bridge, constructed in 1822, is a fine example of early 19th-century engineering. It gained particular fame on 7th July 1988 when a Spitfire flew underneath it during a memorial flight. This daring maneuver has since become legendary and adds to the bridge’s historical intrigue.

I was here a few weeks ago, but the wind was a bit too strong for ideal drone footage. Today, however, the conditions were perfect. I took plenty of footage and photos, and with the clear blue skies as a backdrop, I’m optimistic that the results will be fantastic. The bridge’s elegant arches and the serene River Tees flowing beneath it make for a picturesque scene, especially from the air.

Motors at the Mill: A New Experience with Drone Footage

To wrap up the day, I headed over to Boom Mill Farm Shop, where there was a small car show called Motors at the Mill. The event organizers kindly allowed me to capture some drone footage of the show. This is something completely new and different for me, so I’m not entirely sure how the footage will turn out, but it was a fun challenge. The mix of classic cars and the rustic farm setting made for a unique experience, and I’m excited to see how it all comes together in the editing room.

Mountains of Editing Ahead

Now that the day is done, I’m staring at a growing mountain of footage and photos to edit. It’s a bit overwhelming, but that’s the price of making the most of perfect days like this. I can’t wait to dive into the editing process and see the results of today’s adventures.

Thanks for following along on this busy and rewarding day. Stay tuned for the finished products—I have a feeling they’re going to be something special!