David Merchant's Images

Kitesurfing, extreme sports, action, beaches, sea, hobbies, interests

Kitesurfing instructor Marc Rowley is one of the leading lights in the sport.

Kitesurfing, extreme sports, action, beaches, holidays

I have a keen interest in extreme sports, particularly those involving water, and its nice to capture images such as this one.

Castles, tourism, holidays, history,

Margam Castle is known by many as the Jewel in the Crown. Council owned, this beautiful building, together with its acres of land, offers a haven for walkers, cyclists and family groups. Land surrounding the castle is also a haven for wildlife in particular various breeds of deer.

Boating, sailing, Lakes, holidays, tourism, enjoyment, family fun

Lake Tegid near Bala in North Wales is a haven for water enthusiasts and these two boats were part of a much bigger "fleet" of small boats used by families.

Sailing, lakes, tourism, holidays, boating

This boat was one of many used by a family to enjoy the delights of Lake Teg, Bala in North Wales.

Beaches, tourism, holidays, surfing, body boarding, seaside

This is a close up shot of Whitesands Bay taken from the clifftop overlooking the area which is one of the most popular holiday venues in Wales if not Britain.

Motorcycles, competition, Cross country motorcross,

Rider taking part if a 24 hour motorcyce marathon comes over the brow of a hill

Beaches, sea, holidays, tourism, camping and caravanning, walking

Whitesand Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Wales if not Britain. Tens of thousands of people visit there every year and it reularly hosts surf lifesaving championships. It's a mecca for water sports enthusiasts.This is a shot of the bay taken from the clifftop overlooking it.

Kitesurfing, extreme sports, the sea, excitement, adrenalin rush

Orinally this kitesurfing instructor was going to fly over my head but a drop in the wind forced him to veer to my left where I just managed to catch him as he flew past me.

Cardiff Bay, cities, attractions

Twin sails adding a bit of glamour to a building in Cardiff Bay

Norway, church, Cardiff Bay

This Norwegian church stands on ther shoreline overlooking Cardiff Bay and the city's barrage

Cardiff, cities, capitals, architecture, history

This is a picture of the Pierhead building taken from the waters of Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay, art, exhibits, design, ships

From one side of this unique piece of art there's this face but look at the it from another angle and you'll see the ribs of a ship's bow.

Wales, flags, Red Dragon, St.Fagans, tourism, holidays

This trio of the national emblem of Wales greet members of the public who visit St.Fagans, the Natural History Museum of Wales based near Cardiff which attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year.

Wales, Cardiff Bay, sailing., boats, holidays, tourism

A small flotilla of dinghies enjoy the waters of Cardif Bay

Hotels, capital cities, tourism, holidays, Cardiff Bay, Wales

This is another shot of this popular hotel which overlooks Cardiff Bay

Hotels, Cardiff Bay, tourism, holidays, water sports, capital cities

This is St.David Hotel & Spa which was built right on the edge of the Cardiff Bay barrage and give specyacular views of the picturesque area

Bridges, canals, water, heritage, tourism,

One of the many bridges seen on the Brecon and Radnot Canal

Canals, boats, canal boats, tourism, holidays, peaceful

An array of canal boats moored on the Brecon and Radnor Canal

Canals, boats, tourism, holidays, waterways, relaxation

This canal boat was moored on the Brecon and Radnor Canal close to Tal-y-Bont in Brecon

Canals, tourism, cottages, pastimes, hobbies, holidays, water

This is a line of cottages nestling only a few feet from the canal basin of the Brecon and Radnor canal

Dinosaurs, monsters, Jurassic, history

Jac is one of my grandson's and likes nothing better than looking at prehistoric creatures. This image was taken at a local cave's complex in South Wales.

Sailing, boats, sport, enjoyment

This shot was during a visit to Cardiff Bay in the Welsh capital

Wild birds, blue tits

This bird was dazed after crashing into our window. I know you are not supposed to touch them but as there are loads of cats in our area I didn't want it to be a target so I put him in a lined container out of harm's way and crushed up a fat-ball for him. After about 15 minutes he came round, ate some of the food and flew off none the worse for his ordeal.

Fashion, textiles, flights, scarfs, advertising

This is one of a number of images I took while undergoing a photography lesson. Friends threw rolled up scarfs into the air where they unravelled to provide interesting shapes as they fell to earth.

Trees, winter, isolation, lakes

This image was taken in January (2011) after one of our coldest winters, Robbed of all its leaves it still survives and will blossom again as it does every year.

Daffordils, flowers, plants, nature, rain, gardens

After looking at my garden following heavy rain I noticed the daffordils were covered in droplets of water which I thought might make an interesting photograph - and this was one of the results.

Flowers, daffordils, gardens, droplets of rain, nature plants

This image was taken after the garden had been saturated by heavy rain. I photographed the front of the daffordil first and then decided to capture the reverse side as an experiment.

Churches, religion, countryside, worship,

Aberkenfig Church nestles in the village of Aberkenfig only a few miles down the road from the resort of Coney Beach, Porthcawl which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Lands yachts, beaches, extreme sports, kites, sails, hobbies, interests. fun, excitement

A number of people were land yachting on a beach near to my home when I and another photographer persuaded one of them to drive closer to the tide line so that we could get some spray to make the imahe more dramatic.

Land yachting, beaches, sea, kites, extreme sports, hobbies, interests, excitement, speed, pastimes

After taking a few images of this guy in his land yacht I noticed there was quite a powerful reflection of his sail so decided to 'snap' this image as well.

Follies, towers, tourism, wedding venues, history, Architecture

This is the pathway leading to the Tower's folly at Jersey Marine near Swansea

Follies, towers, tourism, history

Ths @folly' at Jerseay Marine between Swansea and Neath has been transformed into a hotel and is very popular with wedding couples.

Balloons, water, fun, enjoyment

This ball of water will soon crash to the ground after being 'released' by a knife stuck into a water filled balloon

Balloons, water, fun, enjoyment,

Choosing the right settings on your camera are essential when taking photographs of water filled balloons being "speared" to produce this image.

Water, balloons, fun, enjoyment

This is a photograph of a Water filled balloon that's been burst with a knife

Balloons, water, water 'bombs'enjoyment, experimenting

This balloon which we were photographing as part of a course on photography should have exploded when the knife was put in. Instead, it gushed out soaking our lecturer.

Waterfalls, Wales, water, tourism, holidays, adventure, walking

This waterfall ius one of a number of falls that can be found on the border between the Vale of Neath and the Swansea Valley. They are a firm favourite with photographers and walkers.

Worms Head, Gower, paragliding, extreme sports, flying, tourism, holidays sport, seaside

Experienced paragliders often give tandem rides to people interested in taking up paragliding and here we have an experienced pilot towards Worms Head to show off the sights.

Paragliding, Rhossili, extreme sports, flying, Worms Head, tourism, holidays, seaside,

Rhossili on the Gower coast has become something of a Mecca for extreme sports enthusiasts like paragliders. When consitions are right numerous people take part in what is a growing sport

Paragliding, flying, Gower, excitement, extreme sports, hobbies, travel, holidays

These two paragliders enjoy the sights while flying over Rhossili, Gower

Sunsets, beaches, tourism, holidays, nature, seaside, weather

Despite being on the edge of an industrial town parts of Port Talbot are often treated to a brilliant sunset as can be seen from this photograph.

Mumbles, castles, history, heritage, holidays, tourism,

This shot of Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles was taken a few years ago. Over the years the castle has become very popular with tourists who visit the area not to mention being an attraction to local people.

Swansea, yachts, sailing, tourism, holidays, lifestyle

Swansea Marina is home to a variety of yachts some of which have been'captured' at anchor in the waters of the marina.

Swansea, apartments, marinas, tourism, holidays, sailing

Owners of luxery apartments enjoy a sea view in the area surrounding Swansea Marina

Swansea, marinas, boats, holidays, tourism, apartments

This image of Swansea marina was taken from the seaward side after a day's sailing off Mumbles.

Brecon, canals, canal boats, tourism, holidays

At the Brecon canal basin there is a little row of cottages festooned in the summer with plenty of flowers.

Kitesurfing, kites, sea, leisure, extreme sports, holidays, excitement, thrills

This image was taken in Swansea Bay during a kitesurfing competition

Canal boats, canals, Brecon, leisure, holidays, tourism

This row of cottages together overlooks the start of the Brecon and Radnor canal system. Also featured is one of the canal boats that use the waterway.

Re-enactment societies, tourism, Magma Park, German soldiers, battles, war, uniforms

This was one of a number of shots taken during a recent re-enactment battle at Margam Country Park in South Wales

Paddle steamers, Waverly, sea, tourism, holidays, travelling by boat

I was out sailing a few days ago with family when we saw the Waverly pass by about a mile away. I managed to grab my camera and shoot this image before she went out of range for my lens.

Surfing, sea, body boarding, holidays, tourism

This is my six year-old grandson Scott who is a real water baby. Here he's enjoying body boarding in the sea off South Wales

Surfing, body boarding, sea, holidays, tourism, beaches

This is an image of my nine year-old grandson Jac who is a keen surfing dud as this picture illustrates

Romans, soldiers, wars, re-enactment scenarios, costumes

This image of a Roman Centurion was taken at Margam Country Park in Port Talbot where every year they stage a re-enactment of famous battles. The outfit worn here was made by the man himself.

Soldiers, history, battles, helmets, weapons

Thes are copies of helmets used in battles a few centuries ago

Romans, history, weapons, shields, helmets

This was one of a number of images taken during a re-enactment day at Margam Park, Port Talbot, in May 2010

This man is another member of a re-enactment society who enjoys dressing up as a soldier from a bygone age. This Legionnaire was part of a larger group who took part in a re-enactment day in Margam Park, Port Talbot

All the items including clothing and weaponry are made by these enthusiasts

Romans, history, battles, wars, re-enactment societies, medieval cooking

This Roman "soldier" is a member of a re-enactment socity that travels the country demonstrating how Romans made their fires and cooked food on them

Romans, footwear, history, walking

This is a close up of the type of sandals Roman soldiers wore centuries ago.

Flowers, plants, gardens, horticulture, natural beauty

This is just one of many beaustiful flowers in blue

Plants, flowers, gardens, postcards, horticulture

Clyne Park in Swansea is famous for its array of flowers and this is just an example of what is 'on offer' there.

Polyanthus, flower, nature, plants, gardens, primroses and primulas

This beautiful polyanthus was captured on camera during a visit to Clyne Gardens in Mumbles, Swansea, during a day out there.

Red, flowers, nature, parks, trees, bushes

Th is beautiful flower was shot while I was out wlaking in Clyne Gardens, Swansea, with a group of fellow photographers

Seashells, sea, water, nature, beaches, seaside, holidays, tourism, nature

On a trip to the beach in Swansea Bay I saw this array of seashells which I thought would make a nice photograph

Flowers, plants, gardens, natural beauty

Yellow in bloom

Flowers, plants, nature, bouquets

This bush was discovered in a garden in Mumbles near Swansea

bees, flowers, rhododendrons, nature, plants, gardens, woodland

This bee was foraging for necter in this rhododendron in Clyne Gardens, Swansea.

Flowers, plants, rhododendrons, gardens, nature,

This was anothet image taken at Clyne Gardens in Swansea where rhododendrons thrive

Rhododendrons, flowers, springtime, gardens, horticulture, plants

This close up was taken in Clyne Gardens, Swansea, which is renowned for its show of Rhododendrons during the spring

Spring, sheep, lambs, animals

This pair were capture on camera during a walk my wife and I regularly take up a nearby mountain

Lambs, animals, sheep, spring

This inquisitive little lamb showed no fear aas it came towards my wife and I while we we walking along a mountain path.

Winter, snow and ice, landscapes, Christmas cards, mountains, scenery, weather

This photograph was taken shortly after snow fell in the picturesque Brecon Beacons which is a National Park in South Wales

Bulgaria, Bansko, winter, skiing, snow, rivers, water, tourism, landscapes, picturesque

This image of the River Glazne in Bansko was taken in February 2009. The river, which runs through the centre of the town, is strewn with boulders but the snow hides most of these. The mountain in the background is one of the best ski areas in Eastern Europe.

Christmas cards, snow, daffodils, gardening, winter

These daffodils camn out earely only to be meet with a sudden fall of snow

Mountain biking, hobbies, extreme sports, challenges, bikes, stamina

Another competitor in the 50 kilometre race around the countryside of Margam Park which entailed ploughing through streams and riding along mud strewn paths.

Mountain biking, adventure, bikes, hobbies, challenges, extreme sports

This image was taken of a competitor enduring a 50 kilometre mountain bike race through the terrain at Margam Park, Port Talbot. Half the entrants failed to complete the course either through fatigue or injury.

mountain biking, extreme sports, bikes, competitions, adventure, adrenalin rush, sport, hobbies and interests

This was one of the competitors in a 50 kilometre mountain bike race through Margam Park, Port Talbot. The event, which attracted scores of competitors, was sponsored by Men's Fitness magazine.

Mountain biking, bikes, adventure, extreme sports, excitement, travel

This was one of the competitors taking part in a 50 kilometre race though the countryside at Margam Park, Port Talbot. The event was held in pouring rain which resulted in very muddy conditions.

Porthcawl, weather, seaside, storm, sea, lighthouse

This is another image of Porthcawl lighthouse only this time the waves have completely crashed ovber the lighthouse at the end of the pier at this popular holiday haven.

Storm, sea, weather, lighthouse, tourism, seaside

This image was taken during the storms which hit all parts of Britain in November, 2009. It shows how powerful the waves were when battering Porthcawl lighthouse at the end of the pier.

War, history, guns, bullets, uniforms, nostalgia, tourism, festivals, dressing up

An array of bullets and other items given to soldiers to fight in the war.

Soldiers, history, uniforms, guns, tourism, dressing up, military

Two soldiers from a by-gone age take a break from taking part in an historic re-enactment of battle.

Nostalgia, soldiers, tourism, battles, guns, history, make-believe, enjoyment, uniforms

A cavalry soldier taken prisoner by a rebel during a re-enactment of battle at a recent festival held at Margam Park,Port Talbot

War games, heritage, soldiers, military uniforms, re-enactment, fun, tourism

Enthusiasts who like to re-enact military battles go on parade of a re-enactment festival in South Wales

tanks, re-enactment, enthusiasts. wargames, pastimes

This image was taken at a re-enactment festival in South Wales where people dressed as World War 2 soldiers.

Castles, history, Mumbles, holidays, interests, sight seeing

Extreme sports, paragliding, holidays, flying

Waterfalls, outward bound, challenging, adventure, teamwork, excitement

A group of enusiastic people rise to the challenge of walking under waterfals and jumping into rivers as part of a birthday surprise for one nof their friends.

Windsurfer, sea, excitement, leisure, extreme sports, enjoyment

I was asked to take images of a local windsurfer for a local magazine and this guy who I only know as Ian turned up on Gower to show how to windsurf

Outward bound activities, canyoning, water, adventure, team building

This was a party of happy enthusiasts who travelled to Wales to enjoy a weekend of getting wet as part of a 30th birthday celebrations. They had to climb over rocks and walk under waterfalls not to mention floating down ice cold waters.

Extreme sports, excitement, watersport, adrenalin junkie, hobbies

This image was taking when a number of people from England came to Wales to enjoy windsurfing at Horton Beach on the Gower, a favourite place for this type of sport.

Boating, fishing, diving, ecnery, tourism holidays

Mountain Biking, Glyncorrwg Mountain Centre, cyclsing, adventure

Scenery, coracles, fishing, rivers, tourism, holidays

Kites, land yachting, beaches, excirement, tourims, holidays, extreme sports

Extreme sports, kites, land yachting, ; beaches, excitement, thrills

Kites, land yachts, acrobatics, sand, holidays, tourism, excitement

EXtreme sports, excitement, speed, beaches, thrills & spills

Seaweed, nature, beaches, holidays, tourism

Extreme sports, kite boarding, kites, thrills, speed, enjoyment