Wet and wild...

As if you needed it, here's another reason to love Pembrokeshire and all it has to offer.

Even to my untrained eyes, these waves looked pretty impressive - and judging by the number of surfers, bobbing around like seals in the winter swell, they were a challenge for these brave* (*maybe a little crazy) souls.

These pics were taken at Broadhaven (South) on a chilly, blustery day. I'd taken the camera, and the dogs, for a walk - and at seven months' pregnant decided on the 'easy' option of parking at the car park above the beach rather than the usual walk around the lily pools. It didn't feel so easy walking back up the steps on the way back, when the bump and a lack of oxygen forced me to stop twice, but then again it's always nice to take in the stunning Pembrokeshire views.

I don't know how surfers know where the best waves are going to be, but they must have a good communications set-up because we arrived in the car park to find lots of vehicles. Fairly unusual for a weekday in the middle of the winter, when I'd expected us to have the beach to ourselves - another perk of Pembrokeshire at this time of year.

Anyway, the beach itself was empty - much to the satisfaction of the two collies who needed to use up some of that boundless energy - but it was a little more congested in the waves...

I liked this one and tweaked it in Aperture. It must be my newspaper background, but I don't tend to like over-processed shots so I'm hoping I haven't overdone it. Let me know what you think…

And a final word of warning to all you surfers, dog walkers and beach fans out there - we found this washed up on the sand which could do some serious damage to feet and paws, so keep a lookout…

So that's a wrap...

Well, that's it then. All over for another year. 

Here's to a happy, healthy and successful 2012.

Festive greetings...

Just a little festive picture to wish you all a very merry Christmas! 

My favourite yuletide bird (after turkey).

Farewell to Shane - a Welsh rugby legend

It was a fitting end to an illustrious sporting career as Shane Williams pulled on the red jersey for the final time yesterday in the Wales v Australia match at the Millennium Stadium.

The clash hadn't been a classic, not even close, but in the last move of the game Shane crossed the line for his 58th Test try - and everyone's wish came true - he'd scored his last try in his last game before retirement.

At 34 he will now hang up those daffodil-coloured boots and Welsh rugby fans will be left to reflect on the ingenuity of their twinkletoes wing. 

There were tears before the game and after the final whistle - and not just Shane's - as the man who always inspired a nation's collective hope said: "I've had the time of my life."

In August I got the chance to photograph Shane as he signed autographs in a brief appearance at the Pembrokeshire County Show, along with former Scarlets and Wales player Dafydd Jones.

Shane was running late, caught up in show traffic, as the crowds gathered at the Oil 4 Wales stand. Young and old were all waiting expectantly for a glimpse of their hero. I was getting twitchy as there were other things on my pic list which were now going to clash, but there was no way I was going to miss him.

When he arrived I had to wait a while for the clamour to die down before I grabbed no more than two minutes to take the shot before heading off to the other far-flung corners of the showground.

Thanks for the memories Shane, we'll miss you.

Snapping the lights fantastic

Last month saw the second Secret Light Garden weekend held at Picton Castle. It's a great family night out and this year's effort was even better than 2010 - and there were definitely a lot more people there.
It also makes an entertaining night for photographers and there were quite a few of us to be seen wandering around with cameras armed on tripods.
Here are a few of my images taken on the night. I was relieved when they printed really well on our newsprint - cause you just never know sometimes. Some are also featured in the latest edition of our magazine. I'll post a link when it's out.

Lest we forget

As the country prepares to reflect on conflicts past and present and those who never returned home, here are a few of the Remembrance Sunday pictures I took at last year's service in Milford Haven.

Snow White and the Huntsman

Last week Pembrokeshire once again became the playground for Hollywood directors and actors.
Following in the footsteps of Harry Potter and Robin Hood, Snow White and the Huntsman rolled into town to film at the stunning Marloes Sands.
Starring Kristen Stewart (of Twilight fame) as Snow White and Chris Hemsworth as the huntsman, the arrival of a vast film crew attracted the interest of locals who made the most of a day out at the beach basking in the glorious late summer weather.
Taking advantage of a day off, I headed to the coast on the penultimate day of filming. Kristen had already done most of her filming earlier in the week, but I did catch a glimpse of her while trudging back up the coast path at the end of the day. I hope they managed to get that scene shot because by then the tide was coming in!

I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone, but all of the following images are © Lisa Soar and are not for reuse without prior permission. All rights reserved.

A couple of shots of Kristen, in the billowing black dress...