This is meant to be a great time to take pictures - long days and good light so here's the latest set of pictures from member's of Circle D. Please let me have your vote for your favourite picture as soon as you can and don't forget to add your comments or send them to me if that's easier. Phil
1) Bill A
The Red Way, Maple leaves on a path. Leica M9 and 90mm Summarit.
2) Bill S
Why has he got two? Scarboroug
3) Dave S
A quick word in your ear sir. Leica M8 25mm Distagon
4) David F
Blackbird in it's nest, Duxford. Leica M2 + 5cm Summicron
5) David K
Ghost Wheel: (The Big Wheel which became a recent landmark in Weston-sup
6) Del B
Untitled, Leica M9 and 50mm lens
7) Duncan K
Dancing Mood: Leica X1, 1/125 @ f8, ISO 200. Three young ladies who started dancing spontaneou
8) Elaine J
Hardraw Force Cascade. Lumix FZ100 with a Leica lens
9) James C
Morecambe Bay, low water mark. LX3 DC Vario Summicron
10) Malcolm R
Aerobatics
11) Phil C
Tulips, Leica M6, Kodachrome
12) Robert H
The Big Haircut, Llantony Show. Leica M8 35mm ISO320
13) Rob S
The Church on Blackheath
1) Bill A … 'The Red Way'
ReplyDeleteOver the years I've often seen red hats, red pillar boxes, red doors, red umbrellas and red cars in 'red' photo compositions … but red leaves is rather unusual. I like the lighting … but not the wetness. And I feel that there is something missing … something to juxtapose the leaves ... maybe a discarded fag packet … anything to break up the leaves and create more of a story.
2) Bill S .. 'Why has he got two?'
Good question … Maybe he bought them? … Or he's holding one for someone else who has temporarily walked off somewhere? … But it's the little girl's expression that makes the picture. A photo which could be used for a 'best caption' competition … or maybe an amusing greetings card.
3) Dave S … 'A quick word in your ear sir'
My eye immediately goes to the arm pointing and unfortunately protruding from the policewoman's neck … and I'm not so sure that she is having 'a quick word in your ear sir' - as if he is about to commit or has committed an offence. Whatever is being discussed by the two characters, it is not really strong enough to make a memorable image … and the pointing arm needs taking out of the picture.
4) David F … 'Blackbird in its nest'
I have seen much better images of this aircraft … the angle/camera position chosen does not show the plane off to best advantage and the sloping window frame is distracting … it could very easily be straightened in post processing. There is a picture available somewhere in the 'nest' but unfortunately this one doesn't quite get there - especially with what appears to be a part of another plane and the display boards obscuring part of the blackbird's engine.
5) David K … 'Ghost Wheel'
The wheel does have a ghostly appearance but personally I find its central position in the image frame makes a too symmetrical photograph … difficult photographic subject … Maybe a few close-up pix of parts of the wheel might have more impact?
6) Del B .. 'Untitled'
A not dissimilar image to the previous month's … but last month's had far more impact and femininity . This image shows us what probably purport to be fashionable shoes - in silhouette … but I cannot help thinking what discomfort this lady is enduring … 'Martyr to fashion' might be an apt title. Is this posed? Is it a self portrait? Are you a clandestine LT tube train/station voyeur :) ? Joking aside, not a very memorable picture … but maybe could find s place on a podiatrist's waiting room wall :)
7) DSK
8) Elaine J … 'Hardraw Force Cascade'
Dramatic image with much sense of power conveyed by the chosen lighting - well caught and probably well planned. Good enough for a greetings card or magazine centre spread.
9) James C … 'Morcambe Bay, low water mark'
Unfortunately the triangular dark strip of mud in the foreground appears to cause the horizon to tilt … bit on closer inspection the horizon is in fact perfectly straight. A beautiful sunset but it could be improved by cropping the triangular foreground out of the image.
10) Malcolm R … 'Aerobatics'
I like the graininess and the way the plane has been caught against the brighter part of the sky … but to my eyes the plane is too small and too central … and the bird is distracting.
11) Phil C … 'Tulips'
I like the colours and the Kodachrome quality but I have my doubts about the differential focus i.e. whether it really works better than an 'all in focus' composition … and it appears to be a little underexposed to my eyes.
12) Robert H … 'The Big Haircut'
A good record shot … but maybe could have been improved by showing all of the sheep and a bit less of the upper background.
13) Rob S … 'The Church on Blackheath'
To my eyes, too much of the foreground has been lost it its darkness and the church is too central in the image frame … A little more exposure might have improved the photograph.
Dave S 15 Aug
ReplyDeleteIf I may unashamedly plug a fellow LS members work, well worth a while having a look at and enjoy these images by John Brockliss a simply stunning set from his recent trip to Iceland
http://www.johnbrockliss.com/portfolio/firewalk
1) Bill A - Nice and simple, good colours enhanced by the wet ground. The cracks break it up very subtlety.
ReplyDelete3) Dave S- A moment well caught, strengthened by the inclusion of the shadows. The distractions in the background are almost impossible to avoid , they also give us the location in this case.
4) David F- Amazing aircraft, taken from as good viewpoint as you are liable to get at Duxford. It looks a little flat, not quite sure why, the lighting is never ideal but it may be the scan.
5)David K - These wheels are often very attractive especially at night, a lasting record of its brief visit to Weston.
6)Del B - I'm afraid the winner last month did little for me- this however is excellent. well set up and executed.
7)Duncan K - The X1 strikes again ! ideal for this kind of well caught image. Like it , and the alternative title .
8)Elaine J - An unusual treatment, well executed and very effective, the lighting was on your side that day. Very nice.
9)James C - Wish I was there ! Well framed cooperative clouds and the sweep of the sands make for a pleasant image.
10)Malcolm R - Simple and the aircraft dramatically caught in the light gap in the cloud. Processed enough to add drama. A further crop would spoil it.
11)Phil C - Close ups are never easy with an M but this works well. the colours are vibrant and the figure well placed.
12)Robert H - Well framed to concentrate on the subject, and the moment caught with the shears visible so that it is clear exactly what is happening. A good record image.
13) Rob S - I like images taken at this time of day, however I think this needs a drastic crop to the base and the lamp on the left cloning out.
1) Bill A - ‘The Red Way, Maple Leaves on a Path’
ReplyDeleteMother Nature’s vibrant colours captured beautifully in a simple composition with fine lighting and enhanced by the wetness. Yet, for me, the picture does lack something….perhaps an inclusion of the tree from which they dropped or more of the setting… Not sure, but I do like the shot
2) Bill S - ‘Why has he got two?’
A superb ‘people’ shot, made by the priceless expression of the little girl. Perfect timing, the ideal caption and most amusing!
3) Dave S - ‘A quick word in your ear sir’
A well captured ‘street’ image and the caption does ‘fit nicely’!
4) David F - ‘Blackbird in its nest’
A well constructed picture of an interesting looking plane. Unfortunately, I personally do not know enough about aircraft to fully appreciate the impact of the subject matter
6) Del B - ‘Untitled’
Another in Del’s theme of London’s Underground images. As it happens, I was browsing through the September edition of Advanced Photographer Magazine at W H Smith’s last week and, lo and behold, there was Del’s picture in large format in all its glory! In the text, Del does state that it was indeed ‘set up’. The positioning, lighting and timing together have produced a most interesting picture
7) Duncan K - ‘Dancing Mood’
A good picture of three girls clearly enjoying dancing. However, I personally feel that the picture would have had more impact if the positioning could have shown more of the jazz band and, thereby, better illustrated the very reason for their ‘spontaneity’
8) Elaine J - ‘Hardraw Force Cascada’
Excellent lighting has captured a strong image
9) James C - ‘Morecambe Bay, low water mark’
A really lovely image of a sunset presenting a true feeling of tranquillity – and not a soul to be seen!
10) Malcolm R - ‘Aerobatics’
The clouds, coupled with graininess, make this a dramatic shot, particularly with the plane captured with the lighter sky behind it
11) Phil C - ‘Tulips’
Mother Nature’s vibrant colours producing a lovely shot, enhanced by the lighting and dark background. However, I personally feel that a slightly more focused image might have been more pleasing on the eye
12) Robert H - ‘The Big Haircut’
A good ‘action’ shot, strengthened by the view of the shears. The picture could have been improved by showing more of the sheep by lowering the shot but, of course, that might have been physically rather difficult?!
13) Rob S - ‘The Church on Blackheath’
An attractive picture, enhanced by the lighting on the church. However, I personally feel that the image would have been better if the dark foreground had been much reduced or more exposed
1. Bill A.
ReplyDeleteThe red leaves and the pavement make this a superb photo, like the composition and for me the rain adds to the photo.
2. Bill S.
What a lovely expression on the girls face and what detail in the Mums cardigan. It would have been nice to put the background Out of Focus but very difficult with digital.
3. Dave S.
Great shot into the sun, very well exposed. The arm is a distraction but again the background wants to be OOF to make a great photo.
4. Dave F.
5. Dave K.
For me a hard crop left and right to the wheel would make this a lovely shot.
6. Del B.
I agree with Bill S, last month photo was not for me but this is different altogether, an exciting composition and the ghost commuter adds to the overall surreal effect. I love this.
7. Duncan K.
A good record shot, to cluttered and distracting background.
8. Elaine J.
Knowing this fall very well I am disappointed that the top of the falls is cut off but it does capture the area well. For me a portrait orientation would make it excellent.
9. James C.
A lovely composition, the sands ‘frame’ the picture superbly.
10. Malcolm R.
I like the grain and the composition, for me the bird is ok it mirror’s the plane’s aerobatics.
11. Phil C.
Wonderful colours, like the OOF background.
12. Robert H.
A very good record shot.
13. Rob S.
A slightly different viewpoint and some more exposure for the gate / post would make a super photo. The Church is superbly exposed.
2
ReplyDeleteWell seen and framed image which would benefit from a wider aperture to throw the background people out of focus a bit. Can’t fault the timing to capture the little girls envious look.
3
The contre-jour lighting has been well handled with even the darkest shadows having detail in them but yet again a wider aperture to separate the main subjects by definition would improve this. The interaction between the gent and the WPC is good though.
4
There must be a better angle from which to make an image. Needs more contrast too.
5
The graphic nature and contrast between white wheel and black sky grabs the attention at first but does not retain it. This definitely needs additional content.
6
For me this is the best in the series and the stillness of the silhouette against the moving train is spot on. The framing of the woman’s legs is also spot on and the negative space vital to balance the overall. Can we see something else next time please? I’m sure you have more to offer than the lower limbs of women.
7
Three girls having fun, fine in itself but is there not a better angle to add more to the image than front on? Despite three happy girls jigging it has a static feel to it.
8
Having been there I know how hard this is to photograph and the limitations of the available viewpoints, nevertheless I find the contrast too much with an excessive amount of very deep shadows and whist out of focus backgrounds are fine out of focus foregrounds work much less often.
9
A lovely sunset (and we have all shot plenty of them) but it cries out for a focal point and some foreground interest, time to get on your hands and knees on the beach.
10
I too find the plane a bit too small in the frame and the geometric balance with the bird is not the best. Looks as though your scanner is struggling with the grain too as there seem to be streaks vertically down the frame.
11
It took me a while to realise what it is about the image that’s so wrong; it’s the person walking across. Despite being oof the clothes are so light they are distracting. Beautifully exposed though.
12
I would much rather see the sheep’s feet than so much sky, a higher viewpoint would have nailed it even if it meant holding the camera above your head. What else but a sheep would lie there almost immobile while some big tough looking bloke stands over it with a huge pair of blades? Dumb animals!
13
The exposure is spot on but why include so much black bottom? Perhaps a better composition could have been found too?
Overall I find myself in a very negative frame of mind with this batch which is not a good thing since when judging at clubs I try to find the positive in images.
1. The simplicity of the subject makes this shot for me. A scene that many would walk past without noticing the light, form and subtly of colours combining to make it. Well spotted and executed Bill.
ReplyDelete2. Perfect expression from the little girl to make the title. A great grab shot and well spotted
4. Duxford is a very difficult place to get good clear views of aircraft, they have crammed them in so tightly. I think you have selected one of the better viewpoints to get anything of this aircraft in there.
Though I do agree with what others have said re lack of contrast, could have so easily been boosted in pp.
5. A good record shot of the scene and very nicely exposed. I do wonder if the image would have been stronger if taken in the golden hour.
6. Once more a well thought out and executed shot from Del. beautifully executed in all respects.
7. I too feel that a better image would have resulted if a different camera angle had been chosen, possibly also with more of the surroundings being shown to set the scene. As it stands I feel it all appears a tad cluttered and possibly also a little flat.
8. I don't know what it s but I am fining something missing in the shot perhaps a sense of scale.
9. Nicely exposed sunset. As Bill says we have all done them perhaps it's simply because of this and familiarity of seeing them it all becomes somewhat less than exhilarating now.
10. I like the juxposition in this image between that bird and the aircraft performing their own acrobatics
Perhaps they are a tad too small in the frame but hey no enter seen and taken than bypassed , can't always have the luxury of time to change lenses etc when Hesse things present themselves. Well spotted.
11. The harmonious colours in this shot make the image. In some ways the figure detracts but when you look and notice the pink hue of the jacket, the harmony carries through.
12 . Another image that would benefit from a degree of pp to bring out the foreground detail that is there but hidden as it stands. A simple enough job and one that would lift the image to a new dimension.
OOps missed one sorry. last comment above should be for image 13 not 12 I missed no 12!
ReplyDelete12 Have to agree with other comments about viewpoint needing to be lower to include the whole of the sheep rather than the sky area. Other than that a good record shot of the demo being done
1. I like this non-tree autumnal alternative and particularly the way that the beam of light falls across. Sadly, a reminder that summer (what there was of it) is almost over.
ReplyDelete2. Nice candid – love the expression on the girls’ face. Might be inclined to burn that white shirt down a bit or crop a smidgeon off the top, but lovely British seaside capture.
3. Great visual ambiguity here – chit-chat? a ticking off? asking for directions? Shadows really add to it.
4. What a scary looking beast! I can sympathise with the difficult conditions – it’s irritating the way museums won’t allow photographers to re-arrange the exhibits!
5. I have a bit of a thing about big wheels and this is a great example. When I saw your image I had a little frisson of excitement that the wheel was back – sadly, reading your comments, this is not the case.
7. Lovely street candid and it made me smile!
8. Nice and moody shot. Good control of the highlights– a tricky challenge with all those different tones.
9. Great colouring here. I might be tempted to square the image off, as I’m not sure how much the foreground adds, and just run with the magnificent sea and sky.
10. Love the simplicity of this – it looks like a still from an old film.
11. Great colour combo here with the mystery of the figure in the background making this a fabulous shot.
12. Good traditional documentary photography – the image really tells a story, although I would lop a bit of that sky out and focus the viewer on the action.
13. Perfect capture in terms of timing and getting that magical blue hour. I think I would crop it in to concentrate the eye on the church – I seem to be out with my shears this morning, probably guilt as the garden is the one thing that really does need the shears.
August has been rather a hectic month for me and I apologise for not commenting last month, particularly as you kindly voted me the winner! Last month’s shot was not set up, but neither was it completely candid. A friend and I were travelling on the tube and I noticed she matched the yellow lines, so had to snap it. She’s so used to my camera coming out at every opportunity that she ignores it now. This month’s shot was, however, set up. It wasn’t meant to be and I had been planning such a shot for some time. I had even lined it up several times as a candid, but the problem is, that when a train comes into the station, the subject gets up from the bench to catch the train. So after a number of failed attempts, I asked someone to pose for it.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be so late with my comments this month - time seems to fly by - I have a Circle 39 folio in the house at the moment and the prospect of a Circle 10 folio arriving anytime soon so I guess it really is time to extradigitate.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is interested I am arranging an informal meet of Leica Society members on 10th October at Barnsdale Gardens, where Geoff Hamilton's "Gardener's World" programmes were produced (see www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk). It is nothing formal and there is no programme just an opportunity to meet up, natter and take a few pictures. There is no need to book anything simply turn up on the day (around 10-30 in the Tea Room) and pay for your own admission which is £6.50 or £5.50 concessions.
On to my comments:-
1) Wet leaves (especially red ones) on wet stone slabs are bound to make an arresting picture and this is no exception. For me the bottom left corner where the leaves catch the sun is particularly striking.
2) A super little capture, a simple story complete with humour in a single frame.
3) Welcome back Dave. We will never know quite what is going on here but that is all part of the intrigue of shots of this nature - we have to put our own interpretation on them. A well framed grab shot made by the familiar background and strong shadows.
4) An evil looking beastie. It is clearly impossible to get an uninterrupted view of it but here the high viewpoint does give a very good idea of the strange shape of the plane that we might not get from ground level.
5) Shades of the big wheel outside the hotel at the York AGM. The brightly illuminated wheel is in stark contrast to the black detail-less sky which makes for an image with impact but at the same time the edges of the frame bleed into the black background of the screen when enlarged. Maybe a fine lighter border of some kind to set it off?
6) A poodle's eye view of the Tube! All the converging lines lead to the mysterious blurred figure under the legs. The shoes look lethal. Monochromatic colours work well with this simple but well thought out image.
7 They are clearly enjoying themselves and in that respect it works well but the background characters and especially the red shirt who are all an important part of the story are partly hidden and that rather lets it down but short of getting closer there was not much that could be done.
8) Ferocious contrast gives the impression of artificial lighting here. The movement in the waterfall is first rate and I like the simple green/brown colours.
9) Gorgeous orange and blue colours in this spectacular sunset. The foreground gives a stop to the base but again on screen it merges into the black background.
10) (Personal note here - I did wonder whether to "eliminate" the bird but decided to keep it in when I considered all the ingenuity and effort that man has to put in to get airborne compared with the bird that merely flaps its wings).
11) The slightly pink figure combines well with the pink tulips and is a nice touch but otherwise it feels "busy" and does not really work for me, sorry.
12) A hand shearing job, no wonder the sheep is looking the other way! I would like to see a little more at the base and a little less at the top but it does show the technique well.
13) The floodlit church and the sky at dusk does present an attractive contrast of colours but the bottom half of the image contains no detail and is lost on screen. My thought is that a horizontal format in this instance would be better suited to the subject.
Ref the Morecambe bay picture.
ReplyDeleteTo Bill A. Yes it would have been better to be on my knees to get some foreground interest, but the problem is I would have still been there in the morning waiting for someone to help me back on my feet. I'll take a minder with me next time!!!
All the best JC.
:-)
Delete1.
ReplyDeleteWorth selling to B&Q as décor for the modern homes. Under stated but very impressive.
2.
Great street picture, the expression of the little girl is priceless, it’s the key to the whole picture.
3.
An arresting picture.
4.
Good viewpoint of the plane , too many bit’s and pieces distract
5.
A crop off the bottom to tighten the composition would help.
6.
Simple composition, indicates a great deal of thought before pressing the button, a good example for us all.
7.
The Jazz band in the background has more picture potential than the dancing girls.
8.
A very attractive picture , I would like a copy to hang on my wall to enjoy every day.
10.
A real impression of flight come across very well, reminds me of my time training in a DH Tiger moth. Free as a Bird. Happy days.
11.
Another picture worth hanging on the wall to enjoy.
12.
A wee crop of the bottom and touch of B&C in P/Shop would help.
13.
A little off the Top., and a wee bit more of the bottom would tell the story, it’s an excellent life picture.
1) Bill A - 'The Red Way'
ReplyDeleteMakes you stop and look. Nice.
2) Bill S - 'Why has he got two?'
As others have said the little girl's expression makes the shot but the background is a bit too distracting for me.
3) Dave S - 'A quick word in your ear sir'
I like this kind of street photography. The shadows are great and the engagement between the two engaging. A separation from those in the back would have been good but quite difficult to achieve.
4) David F - 'Blackbird in its nest'
As others have said too many distractions and little contrast but you do get a sense of this amazing plane.
5) David K - 'Ghost Wheel'
I like the position of the wheel in the frame and also the darkness that surrounds it with just glimpses of what else is around. Great shot.
6) Del B - 'Untitled'
The movement, ghosting, colour, composition, view point does it for me. Wonderful. Shame it wasn't accidential as this would have added something else (perhaps!).
7) Dunkan K - 'Smoking Stunts Your Growth'
Made me smile too (which is good) but like others more of the jazz band would have been great. Perhaps a different position which managed to separate the main characters would have done it.
8) Elaine J - 'Hardraw Force Cascade'
Nice shot with a sense of movement but the waterfall comes out of too much darkness for me.
9) James C - 'Morcambe Bay, low water mark'
The perfect time of the day. I like the composition; it has enough with the mountain and curve of the water mark to make it interesting.
10) Malcolm R - 'Aerobatics'
The grain and break in the cloud does it for me. After thinking about the scale for a while I do like the fact the plane is small and that you've kept the bird.
11) Phil C - 'Tulips'
Nice; I particularly like the DOF and the separation between all the main elements.
12) Robert H - 'The Big Haircut'
Nice record shot but like others less at the top and more at the bottom would have helped.
13) Rob S - 'The Church on Blackheath'
Me