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
Geese in the meadow: Leica X1 iso 200 f/4.0 1/200
2) Bill S
Spreading the news: Panasonic FP8 with Leica Vario Elmar
You don't see this at Hampton Court: Who says the French don't make you feel welcome? Inside the Grounds at The Palace of Versailles. Leica M8 15mm Heliar, shot from the hip - these guys wont pose!
Children at play, Penticton, Canada: Leica Ia + 5cm Elmar. This was taken 1929 Ia converted to Ic and a 1930 un-numbered 5cm Elmar. These figures are cast bronze set on rocks in Okanagan Lake, Penticton, Canada.
5) David K
Recycled Cat: Leica M9 with a 28mm Elmarit f/2.8 Lens - exposed for 1/4000 second at f/4.0 (ISO 160)
6) Duncan K
Praying: Leica X1; daylight illumination via Lastolite Cubelite; f10 1/2 sec ISO 100 ... fuller details shown in notes page.
7) Elaine J
Rigaletto Triangulation
8) Jim C
Making Hay, Davoit Farm Show: Panasonic DMCL1 Leica VarioD Elmarit
9) Malcolm R
Watching the World Go By (Or Not): Panasonic DMC-TZ20
10) Phil C
Rockers: Another frame from Goodwood, Leica M4-2, 50mm Summicron
Update: 20 April 2012 - An entry from a new member...
11) Del B
Andrew: Leica M9 with a 50mm
Noctilux at 0.95. I've chosen this shot as it is the first one I've taken
with the king of lenses - the Noctilux 0.95. Sadly, it's not my
lens. I had cause to visit the Leica store in Mayfair and whilst there,
young Andrew let me have a play with the Noctilux and he even modelled for me.
I have just finished writing to Santa and will be buying a lottery ticket this
weekend!
Comments and votes from members of Circle D gratefully received.
1) Bill A – I just love the pastel colouring of this. What an amazing find and true testament to the proverb that the early bird gets the worm. I don’t know whether it’s my eyesight, but I don’t see any geese!
ReplyDelete2) Bill S – As a linguist, I adore images where the text is an integral part of the image. The interaction between the child in pink and daisies is a perfect foil to the rather gruesome message and her expression says it all. Superbly captured.
3) Dave S – I’m glad it was you rather than the soldiers who were shooting from the hip! I find this a great shot in its own right, but taken from the hip is even more impressive (something I fail miserably to do). I really like the triangular set up of the three soldiers and the mirror effect of the one on the right having his rifle pointing in the opposite direction to the other two.
4) David F – I’m a bit lost with the old terminology of la and lc etc., but like the commensurately appropriate aged look. I also find the diagonals of the limbs and bodies very appealing. What a great idea to have sculptures on the rocks!
5) David K – A real ‘of the moment’ gem. I like the purrfect colour contrast between the green and the ginger fur. I just hope puss got out before the re-cycling lorry arrived!
6) Duncan K – I was immediately impressed with the lighting and the way you’ve avoided all the problems that can occur with highly reflective material. Now having read your notes, I understand how you did it – it looks like a nifty bit of kit!
7) Elaine J – Triangles, diagonals, reflections and shadows – it’s all there (and one of my favourite operas as well!). I very much like the way the viewer sees more and more with each look at this.
8) Jim C – Talk about catching the right moment! Superb timing. Nicely lit, well composed and all-in-all, a great shot.
9) Malcom R – The quintessential British beach image! A splendid candid, which captures so much that we can all relate to – the snoozing, the sandals and the dressing to keep warm.
10) Phil C – I love the way the cheerful emotions and memories, which are evoked by the fifties colouring, the composition and the shadows. BMW - The ultimate party machine!
1) –
ReplyDelete2) I like the reaction of the little girl and the fact that despite the busy urban scene the other elements do not intrude but serve to set the scene.
3) Plenty of space for the soldiers to march into and a compositionally strong picture which held my attention well.
4) Pictures of other peoples art are hard to do and add something to the content at the same time, this has handled the subject well enhanced by the delicate processing and sepia tone.
5) Careful attention to framing, keeping the picture simple and concentrated helps the “Ah” factor of this cute scene.
6) A fine example of technical excellence in lighting and of technique generally
7) I find the geometric shapes very attractive but my eye is pulled to the text at the end which, for me, detracts form the image.
8) Perfect timing and composition too; I can’t help but wonder why they parked the trailer so there was such a long throw though. Makes the image however.
9) This is an image I think I would have walked past but spotting the isolation of this couple has resulted in a fine study of human nature. How typical that the man is nodding off or has the woman talked him to death?
10) Very evocative of the period, obviously a film capture which is most appropriate to the time. The muted colours and energetic poses together with the old car and BMW sign all come together in a picture of 50+ years ago.
11) A lens doing exactly what it was designed to do. The composition is spot as is the focus I find the heavy detail less black of the subjects jumper overpowering because there is not much else left n the frame except the face.
Tough month this month; it may take me a while to figure out who I vote for!
1) Yet another superb shot from Bill. WOuld love to know the secret of being able to get up and out so early in morning and capable of functioning!
ReplyDelete2) Perfect timing for reaction of little girl. You have to wonder what she was thinking!
4) Nice treatment of this image, processing really suites subject.
5) Cats are no so daft as they appear, this one certainly found a more comfortable bed than a pavement. Nice capture.
6) A pleasant image of the bust. Uneven lighting on the background and the light creep on the top of the subject are always difficult things to control with the cube light. I use the mtr sq version for some location product work and getting the lighting balanced can be a challenge. A good effort here.
7) Really like the differing angles in this one coupled with the shadows leads you well up to the main building.
8) Hay ho. Great timing here to capture the bale in flight and the interaction of the guys.
9) Nice spot this one could have been so easily missed. Main concern with this shot is Malcolm using a digital camera normally unheard of!
10) Love the energy in this one, brings back memories of the era in so many ways. A great capture.
11) A lens used as it should be, simply oozes quality.
1) Bill A.- As a print this was a deserving winner at last weekends Leica event. Very simple and effective, Im not sure about the sky colour but it makes a fine image. Only crit is that of the choice of title, those geese are a lot too small in the frame.
ReplyDelete3) Dave S.- Great formation, well caught from the hip (even with a 15mm). They certainly look like they know what they are doing.
4) David F- An interesting set of statues, well recorded with old and interesting equipment.
5) David K - Well seen and taken , the three green boxes balance the image well.
6) Duncan K- A very attractive record of the bronze , a tricky subject to light at the best of times. As ever I enjoyed your explanation/illustration in the notes. You really are making the X1 work in close up mode, hope Leica are also reading the notes .
7) Elaine J - An interesting and challenging subject, strengthened and enhanced by the shadows and reflection. Thought about a crop but think its best as it is.
8) Jim C - Pleasant image, great timing - were they playing to the cameras or in a timed competition?
9) Malcolm R - Well seen and taken. Enough background to put the couple in context and they are well placed and sized in the frame. Those long lensed compacts are ideal for grabbing this type of image.
10 ) Phil C- Super 'period ' image , the dominate couple are clearly enjoying themselves and the background adds to the atmosphere.
11) Del B - Welcome Del, great start, showing the fast lens at its best. For me, very slightly spoiled by the common enemy of many a photographer - the white van. Cropping it out puts the image off balance. I might start buying lottery tickets myself.
David K:
ReplyDelete1. The dramatic sky certainly dominates the picture - producing a dramatic shot. However, I just cannot see the geese?!
2. A well timed street photograph - highlighted by the little girl, the bright colours of her clothes and her expression.
3. Dramatic picture - all the stronger that it was taken 'from the hip'. Not very welcoming for visitors!
4. Fascinating statues, which look almost life like. Well composed picture.
6. Impressive lighting and a good composition.
7. The reflections and geometric shapes/shadows make a fine picture, although the red wording on the end building is somewhat of a distraction.
8. 'Spot on' timing making a great action shot.
9. Super candid picture of the couple relaxing in the sunshine. The lady looks a 'happy soul'!
10. Great action shot evoking past memories, The dress style, the BMW sign and the dance takes one back fifty years or so!
11. Well focused study, which is all the more impressive being the first one taken with this 'top' lens - designed for a shot of this type.
Ref "Making Hay" it was a Farm Show in the Highlands of how they built the old type hay stacks. I think I took about 20 shots.despite the comments from the 2 Jocks. all in Fun.
ReplyDelete1. Maybe I'm just unfamiliar with dawn light but the colours here feel uncomfortable, the green/purple combination jarring and unnatural. I suspect I would be happier with it as a monochrome - but having said that it was one of the pair of prints that won the Colour Barnack trophy last weekend so it must be good!
ReplyDelete2. Great street photograph, the little girl's expression makes it and you caught her at just the right split second.
3. The low angle puts the soldiers against the sky making them very prominent on the other hand the vast amount of empty foreground tends to diminish them. A much more tightly framed horizontal format would make them really menacing.
4. A very lively sculpture well presented. I do like the warm tone which feels appropriate. faint outlines of the headlands add to the image.
5. Sleeping rough? This gives kitty litter a new meaning. Nicely seen.
6. A good reproduction of the head but it feels clinical and does not appeal to me, sorry.
7. The shapes and reflective surfaces form an intriguing pattern and the geometric shadows fill the open area of paving nicely. Quirky and beautifully composed.
8. Well caught action, low angle again puts the figures against the sky. Hope he held on tight to that pitchfork!
10. Don't quite know what to make of this, it seems an unlikely setting for the action but hte enjoyment is obvious. Great fun.
11. Welcome Del. The wide open lens has given this a pronounced 3D effect making Andrew stand out from his surroundings but it has also isolated him and there is no feeling of the story behind what is an excellent portrait.
"1. Maybe I'm just unfamiliar with dawn light but the colours here feel uncomfortable, the green/purple combination......"
ReplyDeleteIf you like it it's good, if you don't it's not. I subscribe to the belief that photography is art; I will happily present green skies and purple fields if the Scotch is flowing adequately.
"Reality is an illusion, albeit a persistent one" A. Einstein.
best
Bill
Hear hear Bill, could not agree with you more. It is the final image that counts, it matters not if it is pure reality or an interpretation of reality that created it. Having said that I have a suspicion that your image this month was an enhancement of reality through use of the graduated ND not a creation of it.
ReplyDelete1.
ReplyDeleteAnother superb photo, lovely tones.
2.
Great street shot, the girls expression makes the photo, you can almost hear her saying ‘hello Dad’!!!!
3.
You do live dangerously Dave, great hip shot. Did you use the ‘quite’ function so you didn’t attract attention?
5.
Parallel thoughts of a down and out sleeping rough? For me a crop of the top railings would focus more on the cat.
6.
Superb still life, the X1 is an amazing camera.
7.
Angles, shadows and reflections, love it but the lettering at the top distracts, a case for Photoshop???
8.
Nice ‘crisp’ shot well captured.
9.
I like this photo Malcolm, reminds me of what ‘life’ is all about!!
10.
Nostalgic, reflection on a miss-spent youth, great shot, lovely colours and not a Coke bottle in sight!
11.
Hi Del, great shot and use of the lens, I got on better with the other two lenses that Leica let us play with! I like the balance and feel that the van ‘holds’ the LHS of the photo.
Dave F asked "Did you use the ‘quite’ function so you didn’t attract attention?"
ReplyDeleteNo need for that their boots on the gravel was making enough masking noise
Hi Dave,
DeleteThey don't look half as intimidating as the British Police in the papers this week!
David
Bring back George Dixon ! We wish - knew where we stood then.
Delete1) Geese in the meadow :
ReplyDeleteExposure is spot on Bill and I like the sky and the scene - but can only see one goose on the bank of the dyke ? The X1 has recorded the scene nicely. Maybe the type of image for a country magazine front cover?
2) Spreading the news:
Well caught moment ie the inquisitive child with her mum in a hurry but the back view of the evangelist is not so interesting; I'd prefer to see his face and maybe the child looking back . Maybe you have some more pix with a front view? Reminds me of the chap from Edgware who used to parade up and down Oxford St many years ago with his board warning about the dangers of eating lustful foods.
3) You don't see this at Hampton Court:
Not easy to use a superwide lens from the hip and keep everything upright without convergence or divergence. Interesting image but wondering about the foreground ie could it be cropped?
4) Children at play:
Interesting record shot of very unusual sculptures and shows just how good an ancient 82 year old 50mm Elmar can be. The horizon is sloping down from left to right but it could be levelled up to improve the image.
5) Recycled Cat:
This image does not appeal to me as it lacks 'box office' pictorialism ... sorry David but to my eyes it's just a rather unexciting sleeping cat.
6) -
7) Rigaletto Triangulation:
The sloping roof is a bit detracting and could be levelled up - but a well seen opportunity Elaine and the title suits the graphic shapes very well.
8) Making Hay:
Good record shot and nice colours but looks a bit static ie the hay being forked is frozen in mid air as is the fork . Maybe a slower shutter speed could have made for a more dynamic image by adding a bit of blur?
9) Watching the world go by:
The image does not excite me much and I'm immediately comparing the title to the man who is asleep ie he is snoozing, not watching. I always look at verticals and horizontals to see if they have been captured without being tilted and unfortunately the verticals in this image are leaning over - but they could be easily corrected.
10) Rockers
Good record shot of Goodwood showing a couple having an enjoyable day ... I assume they are dancing but if so they look a bit static ie not much movement is being conveyed by the image ... and there are lots of small spots visible which could probably be corrected in post processing.
11) Andrew:
Welcome to Circle D Del. Superb portrait showing the creative use of differential focus and the shallow depth of field possible with the Noctilux. Excellent image and very well captured as was the first time you had used the lens.
1 Bill A.
ReplyDeleteA superb Landscape . with one reservation, I can’t relate the Sky colours to the Sky reflection in the stream.
2.Bill S
Perfect street picture, a storey, humour and the look of the girl is the icing on the cake.
3.Dave S.
Apart from the brave action of confronting French Paras the lower viewpoint has produced more impact and menace.
4.David F
A case for using a wider aperture to soften the background. The sepia cast is perfect for the subject.
5. David K.
I always wondered were the ginger Tom from next door slept.
6.Duncan K.
Excellent control of back and side lighting to preserve the contours in the face and hands.
7. Elaine J.
A real feast for the eyes, I particularly like the L/H triangle with the reflections. Shapes , Colour, Design and viewpoint it has every thing.
9. Malcolm R.
The perfect pastime for the retired . Is that Victor Meldrew pretending to be asleep?.
10. Phil.C .
Great shot, Movement , Life and a storey. Perfect combination the ideal Leica picture.
11. Del B.
The Lens we would all like to own, it opens up so much potential. Candid pictures in night clubs WOW. Stage stills, the list is almost endless. The ability to isolate the subject with enough Bokeh to satisfy all of Japan. Nice portrait, he looks worried are you about to “Do a Runner with his Lens””
We were well 'policed' by Leica Staff as we wandered the streets of London and as the well known journalist said they 'were counted out and counted in'!! I did try to leave my M8.2 and get away with an M9 but was caught at the door!!
Delete1 Bill A
ReplyDeleteThis is such a glorious picture. Yes it’s “enhanced” a little, but this is what the photographer saw and wants to convey.
2 Bill S
Great capture of the decisive moment. It’s about seeing the possibility and being ready. Nice one.
3 Dave S
I like the from the hip feel of this. The figures are well placed in the frame and seem ready for action.
4 David F
This requires a second glance and I like the framing that suggests a family holiday photo.
5 David K
What will the re-cycle next?
6 Duncan K
Another interesting shot and I love the back story you provide in the notes pages. Perhaps we should all offer something along those lines?
7 Elaine J
Lots of great shapes and shadows leading the eye in to the frame. Very well seen and composed.
8 Jim C
Looks like tough work. Well framed and captured at just the right moment, good sky as well. Haven’t seen a blue one for a couple of weeks now.
9 Malcolm R
Yet more people in the sun! They do look very relaxed and very British, perfect for this Jubilee year.
11) Del B
A lovely portrait on a great lens. I agree I think I’d lose the van on the left and make it a square shot though. Nice tones too.