Would members of Circle D please add your comments below, or email them to me along with a vote for your favourite photograph.
1) Bill A
Five Steps: Taken in King's Lynn with my new Leica X1
Early morning delivery: Taken with a G1 and an already ever so slightly foggy 50mm Summar.
3) Dave S
The Bookworm: Testing out an old 90mm F4 Elmar on the M8
4) David F
Sailing: Leica R8 + 21-35mm Vario Elmar R, Fuji Sensia 200
5) David K
Pier Support: It was taken with my M9 with a 28mm Elmarit f/2.8 Lens - exposed for 1/250 second at f/6.7 (ISO 160).
6) Duncan K
West Front, Peterborou
7) Elaine J
Young prisoner
8) Jim C
Father and son, having a pint together on a Sunday in Ullapool. My camera is on the table, a cough and press the shutter, M6TTL 35mm Summicron, Ektachrome
9) Malcolm
Winter in the Park: Leica IIIB, 9cm Elmar, HP5+, ID11(1+1) 9min@20C
A whole park full of snow and it's the icy puddle under the road bridge into town that attracts him!
Five arms: A lucky break, as the women came in to the frame their arms echoed the poster in the background. Leica M6, Kodachrome.
1)
ReplyDeleteSimple works! Strong lines leading out of the frame to what? We are left wondering and wanting to see more. The contrast suits the subject but maybe the darkening in TLH corner is slightly overdone.
3)
An unusual viewpoint and the book rather than the worm but very nicely executed. I cannot quite read the print but I'm sure it could be done in the original file. The choice of lens and aperture limiting the depth of field is spot on. Nice tones but maybe the BLH corner darkening is a little heavy.
4)
I'm not sue about this one, the foreground boom? and rigging is nice and sharp which leads the eye to the out of focus sailing dingy. I feel the focus should have been on that and ideally when larger in the frame. I think in this Circle a certain amount of discreet digital meddling can be expected and in this case the motor boat and white square to the right might have disappeared. Looks like a great day for sailing.
5) Another nice day has provided some good light for this pleasant pattern picture. Well framed (sorry).
6)
The selection of the higher viewpoint was well with the effort to record this pleasant image. I don't take many record shots of this kind of subject but found it an interesting reason for taking it at this time. It works well but I'd be interested to see the original colour version, it would show the floodlights to better effect. This monochrome may work better if it was slightly darker
7)
A well caught image, possibly caught at the top end of the zoom. For me it works better with a small crop off the base and LHS to put the boy on the proverbial third.
8)
Cunning technique has helped to grab this moment. Well done, its a good shot capturing the interaction between them. A pity about the character and clutter in the background, although it is subdued. A slight trim off the top helps.
9)
One for someones family album. Well seen and caught, the frame made by the bridge is a nice touch. The letterbox crop suits it. The bin distracts a little.
10)
Instant reaction by the photographer! Well seen and timed. The poster itself is very good - once you've worked out what it is. The women, their gestures and the colours all add up to make a good image.
1. Very well seen convergance of the steps and as always Bill A's trademark equisite processing to preserve tonality and hold detail. Lovely.
ReplyDelete2. Good to see an image from the much maligned Summar, a nice little lens used on right subject matter and Bill S has combined the combo well. A a good atmospheric shot. perfectly lifted with the subtle splash of red to break up the grey day and the elevated viewpoint adds. Only thing I would have done is a little digital giggery pokery, as some would call it, just to loose the white highlight in the distance.
4. Agree with Bill S comments on this one, not a great deal to add to what has been said other than its a well seen opportunity to capture the action.
5. Some very nice symetry going on here. Spot on positioning to capture the balance of all the ironwork with a perfect exposure. Like it.
6. In a little quandary over this one. A very nicely captured shot with as we have come to expect from Duncan a good deal of photographer input to execute. I cant put my finger on it but something is holding back the image in its conversion from colour to B&W, whilst the right amount of tones are preserved it appears a little flat.
7. Another very well seen shot, you can imagine whats going through the little chaps head, 'I want to escape'.
8. Jim has managed to make something out of an everyday scene. Nicely timed candid to capture the moment. Would agree with Bill S a little crop off the top would bring greater attention to the salient.
9.Braving the weather here. Very nice candid of a family enjoying the conditions. Well framed and exposed image, holding detail and retaining interest. Also 10/10 for getting pixel dimensions this month Malolm!
10. Pefectly timed, a classic 'decisive moment' shot. Not a great deal more to add to that
simply a great shot.
1)
ReplyDelete2) I like the lead in of the yellow lines and the studied pose of the Postie. The mist isolates the subject well. I would clone out the bright light which is distracting and the few twigs top left.
3) A very well conceived image in which the page being read is correctly both sharpest and best lit. This is spot on for me.
4) An interesting point of view with a strong splash of colour from the ensign. For me this would balance better if the sailing boat were further right. Perhaps needs a crop from the top too.
5) I have several variations on this theme and tried to do it myself. This is better exposed than I managed, the heavy shadows under the pier deck can overpower the image; not the case here where the tones are more open. A square crop may force the viewers eye down the centre to more effect.
6) Not an easy shot to take I suspect. It is difficult to get enough distance from many cathedrals to include the whole frontage so the fact that you have managed it is a definite plus. It still leaves the façade a bit tight in the frame unfortunately. The level of detail is fair but a bit more contrast is needed to make the image a bit more dramatic.
7) A well seen and isolated image improved by good titling
8) I do like to see candids where the ‘tog has not been clocked. A moment in conversation well captured but the bright setting and background detracts unfortunately
9) The letterbox presentation has kept the image to the relevant parts only and is supported by the framing of the bridge. Having three individuals grouped as they are is a strong point too.
10) This is a great idea and very well timed but let down by the hoarding being sharp while the people in the foreground are out of focus. If only it had been the other way round!
1)
ReplyDeleteA good example of pictures are all around us, but only those with an artist eye can see them. "Walther Benser" Lecture in Preston in the 60’s 1. Keep it Simple, 2. Viewpoint, 3.Fill the frame. Bill’s picture meets all these basics.
2)
It has a storey to tell, perfect placement of the Postie and the Bike. The timing of the shot to produce the composition is spot on. A small tweak off the top and R/H side tightens the frame.
As one postman said it’s not a great job but it’s better than just walking the streets.
3)
The view over the readers shoulder with a hand resting on the book is the key to the story in the picture, take the hand away and the picture dies. So simple in content. So complete.
4)
The view from the Tiller, takes me back to racing a Flying fifteen. It captures the pleasure of keeping an eye on the opposition. Did you cross the line still ahead??? The Red Duster gives action to the shot. Nice one.
5)
The frame work produces so many angles and shapes with perfect symmetry. My engineers eye is held by the duplication of spaces on the R/H &L/H sides with perfect Verticals and Horizon. Tripod ???.
6)
I downloaded the picture and increased the contrast . What a stunning picture with the flood lights in the Arches. The online Digi picture does not do justice to the effect. The best part of CircleD is being able to see a larger picture and mark accordingly
7)
The picture has interesting shapes and colour which would tempt any photographer. The bonus is the little boy caught in frame, the title captures the sprit ( sorry about the Pun) of a boy enjoying the view of ?It makes wonder what and who he can see.
9)
The crop has balanced the picture, drawing the eye to the silhouette of the figures. A little moment of “what happened next” did he play in the puddle or snowball the parent.? It’s a nice story and an intelligent crop.
10)
There are only three types of picture:
1. I wish I had taken that.
2. I’m pleased I didn’t take that.
3. Should have left the lens Cap on.
Phil's picture is 1. You lucky B***** Well seen, timing perfect, it’s got the Lot, That’s what the Leica was made for.
1. Strong side-lighting and a carefully chosen viewpoint has pulled a dramatic pattern picture from an ordinary (or maybe not so very ordinary) set of steps.
ReplyDelete2. Winter in grey, red and yellow, very evocative of a foggy morning. The high viewpoint changes the perspective from that we would expect to see from street level.
3. Annoying having someone peering over your shoulder when reading isn't it. Hefty burning in on the left edge could have been continued across the top to disguise the picnic table. A good representation of the pleasure of reading a good book.
4. The detail in the rigging, boom and red ensign give the picture a strong initial impact and acts as a good lead in to the scene beyond but at the same time limits the depth of field so that the yacht in the distance is not as sharp as it might be.
5. A subject worth "exploring with the lens, reflections in the wet sand, wavelets and textural detail in the structure itself all suggest possibilities. You have chosen to show us the whole pier from a less familiar viewpoint which places great emphasis on the perspective, all receding lines meeting at a point on the horizon.
6. The combination of dusk and presumably floodlights has given this image a unique negative-like appearance that shows detail in the facade far better than would be the case in normal daylight. I'm not sure that I like the effect - but it works.
7. A nice capture, the hand flat against the glass makes it. The curved lines are a puzzle - not a bad thing because it makes me think all the more about how the various planes in the image fit together.
8. We can almost hear the conversation, scepticism on the part of the old man and quiet amusement on the part of the younger. The one drawback to my mind is the large areas of bright highlight which tend to overpower the image.
10. The hand gesture of the girl perfectly compliments that of the image in the window, you did remarkably well to hit the hit the moment so accurately. Pity about the fifth arm but that's the way it goes and at least we know she is not talking to herself.
1)
ReplyDeleteWell seen, and brilliantly executed. So simple yet it works, reminds me of work by Ralph Gibson.
2)
A glimpse of everyday life, something to look back on as well as enjoy now. It’s well framed and the items in the frame balance well. I’d agree that the little white light in the distance does draw the eye, though it adds a sense of mystery as well, who will appear from the fog?
3)
Another quiet simple moment, but lovely tones, good use of depth of field and we wait for her to turn the page...
4)
Swallows and Amazons and days on the Broads spring to mind. It’s colourful though the water looks a little choppy, and I rather like the framing.
5)
As had been said, a moment of perfect symmetry. Good tones and shapes, very pleasing indeed.
6)
I know Peterborough Cathedral quite well as did some press work there for the one time Bishop, Bill Westwood. It’s a massive building that just overpowers you as you turn into the courtyard and this shot gives a sense of that, though without anything to add scale it can be hard to read if you haven’t been there.
7)
This is a nice moment and the title adds drama, matching in with the metal bars and the blue tone. Nice shot and well caught.
8)
Another wonderful moment caught by Jim. Perfect timing and two great characters, great stuff.
9)
Good framing, well cropped and the figures are nicely placed. Will the wellingtons be large enough to stop the water in that puddle trickling over the top?
1)
ReplyDeleteAn old looking Leica photograph, beautifully captured, great photo.
2)
Very evocative of a November morning, well seen.
3)
Unusual angle but it works very well, just shows how good the old lenses are!
5)
A good concept, for me the cloud on the RHS distracts from the ‘symmetry’ of the photo.
6)
I like this surreal effect, super detail, I like it very much.
7)
Well caught photo but for me the boy is very slightly OOF which detracts from impact of the photo.
8)
Another H C-B moment, a great photo.
9)
Lovely combination of camera and lens, who needs digital? Great picture love it.
10)
Have to agree with Bill A regarding the point of focus. Not for me I am afraid.
1) Five Steps:
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate what you saw in the pattern of the steps Bill. Not so sure the lack of shadow detail in the risers is pictorially beneficial. I think this pattern could work better in a horizontal format - especially if one the corners of the picture could be used, if possible, to show more of the 'apex' ... the 'apex' formed in this picture at the centre top is to my eyes in the wrong position and would be more dynamic if the picture could be composed so that it was in a corner of the frame. But it is an interesting pattern picture.
2) Early morning delivery:
A good rendition of an English misty early morning winter street scene with the postman at work ... and you have chosen the right lens for the job ie the 50mm Summar which may have recorded the mistiness better than a more modern lens. I am not so sure bout the vertical format or the slightly tilting lamp post - but there is plenty of atmosphere it the scene. And the picture shows some of the scope available for use of Leica screw lenses with M4/3 cameras.
3) The bookworm:
Interesting use of the 90mm Elmar Dave ... and sufficiently sharp for the book page to be readable when I zoomed in on the image :) ... quite a raunchy description in the story! . A lot of character is visible in the reader's hand and I hope she enjoyed the story. Not sure exactly what to make of the picture from a total pictorial point of view rather than just a technical exercise . Would prefer to see a little more of the reader's face even if just the side of her head ... but it does show the potential for using legacy lenses on a modern digital camera.
4) Sailing:
You do not state where the photo was taken David but my immediate thoughts are that it might be a Norfolk Broads scene? I like the way the windy day atmosphere has been conveyed in the rippling water and the sailing boat ... and the flag . From a pictorial point of view I'd prefer to see the ropes diverging into the corner ... rather than above the corner. But it's a very nice scene with lots of atmosphere.
Yes Duncan it was taken on the Broads just South of Horning. It was a VERY windy day and I was holding on for dear life. First time on our friends yacht so at the time I was not too concerned with composition!!!
Delete5) Pier support:
ReplyDeleteI like this picture David not only because I used to live in a seaside resort and it brings back memories but also because it has good symmetry . The relatively small reproduction probably does not convey the pictorial aspects of the scene sufficiently well eg there are some pleasing cloud patterns in the background but I really had to look for them ... they would present themselves better in a larger picture ... as would the surf on the beach.
7) Young prisoner:
An inquisitive young lad taking in whatever has grabbed his attention but to my eyes he is not rendered with sufficient sharpness ... and the part of the sign visible at the bottom of the picture is a bit superfluous and distracting. Looking at the stainless steel verticals in the glass, they are not vertical - they could have been straightened up in post processing. I like the colour Elaine. There is/was a picture there in the architecture but it needs some experimentation with different angles to find it. However, maybe one for the family album which the lad and his family will be proud to see.
8)Father and son having a pint ... :
My immediate thoughts are, " ... and a fag too!!" I wish we could see more of Dad's face ie his eyes. The top of the picture looks rather empty and might benefit from being cropped. I am intrigued by what you might be discussing ... interesting self portrait.
9) Winter in the Park:
I am wondering why you appear not to have ventured a bit closer Malcolm to try and capture eg a facial expression on either the child or the parent . As it is, the picture lacks that 'decisive moment' factor which the child might have conveyed if taken from a closer viewpoint. As a family album record photo it is fine but for me, as a folio entry it lacks dynamism. And the snow in the background is a bit burnt out - but maybe the dynamic range is insufficient to render the background with the same clarity as the foreground.
10) Five Arms:
I enjoyed looking at this picture Phil which has captured the 'decisive moment' . I like the raised arm ie the fact that it compliments the two fists in the background poster. A well caught moment . Were you 'waiting for it' to happen ?