Here is the latest set of pictures from Circle D. There are a couple of members who are not able to submit this month but they will be back soon. So, please comment and vote as usual.
1) Bernd H
During a stroll on a grey March day in Munich's English Garden. M9, Summilux 35, 10 stop ND-filter, 60 seconds
The Quiraing: Leica M9 and 35mm Summarit. I stood on the top freezing my nuts off for over an hour in sub-zero temperatur
3) Bill S
Walking the Dog: Taken with Leica lensed Panasonic FT4
Walk on the wild side: M8 28 ultron
5) David F
Spring at last (well two years ago!) M5 + 65mm Elmar + Viso III & Bellows
6) David K
Lead Barge Bow' (Kennet & Avon Canal). It was taken with my Leica Digilux 2 with its 28mm - 90mm Summicron f/2.4 Lens - exposed for 1/1600 second at f/2.1 (ISO 100).
7) Del B
The last few weeks have been dire on the photo front, as this dull, grey light continues. I didn’t want to waste any film, so it was back to the M9 (with a 35mm Summarit). I was trying out various ways of capturing this mural. I wanted there to be some photographer input, I didn’t have a wide enough lens to get the whole thing in face on and wanted to get the size of it across. I knew it was going to be big before I went, but had no idea it was this big!
8) Duncan K
Orchid - See notes for details.
9) Elaine J
Leica Digilux 4. Clarify
10) Jim C
Contrasts: Inverness East Gate. L1 D Vario Elmarit
11) Keith M
No photo this month
12) Keith W
Winter sun: Leica M9 35mm Summilux
13) Malcolm R
3-2-1 - A grab shot on the Panasonic.
14) Phil C
Any direction you like, but not that way
15) Robert H
Abergavenn
16) Rob S
No photo this month
17) Theodore D
Tyrannosaurus Rex a la Christo: The local fossil museum packs in their creatures in the winter, and this peculiar packaged animal was in my path one winter afternoon. M4 with 50mm Elmarit
18) Tony M
The Quays: M8 25mm C/V, shot with a yellow /orange filter (b+w) test, It's a detail from one of the Salford Quays docks, close to the new Media City. All processing in Lightroom
That's it for this month. Again, please vote and comment via the site or through me and start to think of what picture you can submit for May. They can be uploaded or sent to me in advance.
1)
ReplyDeleteA very pleasant and tranquil scene. The long exposure works well except for the bottom left where there is quite a large uniformly toned area lacking detail
2)
n/a
3)
I used to use my X1 and D-lux at night quite a bit but seems to have dropped out of the mood for it. This may be enough to inspire me to get back into it again.
4)
The placement of the man is effect and the panorama suits it well too. The light and processing are superb. A picture to aspire to.
5)
This shows how what close up photos can be taken with the Viso. A piece of kit I have considered getting on many occasions. The only threes that come up however seem to be priced too steeply for the use I would give it; if it costs more than a dedicated macro lens for my Canon DSLR it rules itself out.
6)
A beautifully presented narrow boat in the foreground, the lighting is good but perhaps a bit too tight in the frame?
7)
A very dramatic mural and the scale is made more evident by the man reading the sign. I sympathise about the light Del, a lot of dire days, relieved for me only by my trip to Skye.
8)
Stunning colours and framing and not a faded petal in sight! A testament to the macro ability of the X! in your hands.
9)
I find this to be a very calming image. The lighting is more even than I would have expected and the depth of field is impressive.
10)
Contrasts indeed. This is very well seen and reminds me of the film Untouchable. An hilarious recounting of a true story about a paraplegic millionaire and his petty-crook carer. Do watch it - you would not believe a film about disability could be so funny.
11)
no image
12)
Strong lighting and contrast has been well handled but I feel that the bright reflection on the glass of the door on the right competes for my attention.
13)
The red tones add a punch to this image which would be nothing without it. The placement of the people and post balance harmoniously.
14)
A very good example of how excessive street signs add confusion rather than clarity. A picture that I am sure I would not have seen.
15)
I want to eavesdrop on their conversation, something seems to have amused the older gent. What is going on. I like a picture that leaves me wanting to know more.
16)
no image
17)
Lots going for this with a good tonal range and lots of detail including the snow. Perhaps the dof is too much? I am not sure.
18)
the cross created by the two diagonals in this picture is a very strong element and the detail as well as the tonal range are both good. Perhaps if the hooks had been nearer to the thirds than plumb in the middle?
It’s good to see the circle continues to expand.
1. Beautiful tranquil image enhanced by the use of the ND and resulting long exposure.
ReplyDelete2. Wonderful use of light in this shot. It can be difficult to express the sense of scale in mountain shots, the inclusion of the horseshoe bend in the road brings this in perspective perfectly. Tricky exposure conditions handled to perfection.
3. I love the sense of the surreal in this image. Shows that you don't have to have perfect conditions to take a good shot.
4.
5. Exposure handled well in this shot, possibly a shallower DOF to throw out the leaves in the background though.
6. Good record shot of the barge. Bit tightly framed but that may well be down to proximity of another barge in front of this one, they do seem to be very closely mored.
7. Interesting shot of street art. In some ways the dull conditions have helped, these things can be very tricky to get good illumination. The inclusion of the man gives a good sense of scale and dimension, its huge.
8. The strong backlight has brought out the detail in the petals well. Good use of the X1 here.
9. Love the sense of size and space in this shot. The inclusion of the angel in the foreground leads you into the interior perfectly and the DOF just right. Great shot.
10. I always find corridor shots fascinating for some reason. The contrast differentials handled very well and exposure spot on. I like it a lot.
11. No entry
12. Some harsh lighting here, handled very well. Debating on this one, would a step or two to the right have made a more interesting image, just to relieve the straight on look. I don't know.
13. No 13 unlucky for some, but not in this case, the red tops of the walkers balance perfectly with the bucket thing and creates a perfect compliment to the space leading along to the second bucket on a stick which breaks the middle space well. Love it.
14. An amusing shot,the chap looks suitably bewildered. Timing spot on to catch him in just the right place.
15. Fast becoming the James Revillious of Wales with these farmers shots. You must be well known at the market as that guy with his camera. This is another shot I am having a bit of a debate over, would cropping it square to loose the two guys on the right make a stronger image.
16. No entry
17. What an odd sight. Is it more frightening covered than bare we have to wonder! Nice tonality in this but possibly a bit square on.
18. I like the simplicity of this image, Great tonal range and processed toned very well in SEP. The diagonal of the quayside works well and creates good symmetry to the shot.
Duncan K - Part 1
ReplyDelete1. Bernd H: During a stroll on a grey March day in Munich’s English garden:
Technically the image has been well planned and executed but to my eyes the result does not suit this particular subject/scene – maybe because I’ve seen so many other similar pictures. The water’s partial cotton wool appearance looks a bit OTT. Maybe a shorter exposure time would look less obvious but still convey the desired mood.
2. Bill A: The Quiraing
Beautiful scene with magical lighting. Well worth the discomfort and effort required to achieve the result.
3. Bill S: Walking the Dog
I like the ghostly mysterious effect conveyed by the man and dog but the intense ‘fireball’ of light distracts because it is rather too dominant.
4. Dave S: Walk on the wild side
The highlights are rather overpowering to my eyes – maybe would benefit from being toned down a little? Otherwise, it is a striking composition with an infrared look/feel – but the figure and foliage suggests no IR filter was used? I’d like to know more about the technical details; I like the letterbox format.
5. Dave F: Spring at last
Sharp and colourful but the shadows inside the petals spoil the result. The shadows could maybe have been toned down by diffusing the light. Also, the cropped petals distract rather than add to the composition.
6. David K: Lead barge bow (Kennet and Avon Canal)
A rather too cramped composition … insufficient room around the subject and the difficult lighting has resulted in the top of the vessel appearing overexposed. But it’s a smart looking barge and demonstrates the enormous depth of field available from small format cameras – even at large apertures.
7. Del B: Mural
Yes it is a large mural and difficult to capture in such a way as to do it justice. Where do you start? The figure reading the sign conveys something of the scale but he might be more effectively framed towards the edge of the frame rather than in the centre. A very busy mural but it’s difficult to see what it’s all about in this small section. A wider angle lens is really needed to capture more of the scene – or if possible, maybe a more distant camera position.
8. Duncan K - mine
9. Elaine J: Clarify
A rather too small image; good verticals but the cherub’s wing tip is incomplete or cropped off. I’m not quite sure what is trying to be conveyed. Exposure is fine but pictorially the composition lacks excitement. Architecturally there are probably more interesting parts of the interior worth exploring.
10. Jim C: Contrasts: Inverness East Gate
I’m struggling to find much of pictorial interest in this composition because to me the ‘contrast’ is not as strong as the title suggests. And I’m thinking there must be more interesting parts of Eastgate.
Duncan K - part 2
ReplyDelete11. Keith M: No entry this month
12. Keith W: Winter Sun
A bright winter day with the figure dressed for the cold but the road leads to a rather shadowy and dull looking church wall. The rather too modern RHS doorway does not fit into the architecture of the rest of the scene. The scene does not hold my interest – but I’m thinking it must have been one of those rather scarce and bright sunny days this past winter.
13. Malcolm R: Grab Shot on the Panasonic
I’m not sure about the title because it comes across as being rather unimaginative – and the back view of the three figures walking the dogs is not very interesting. The girl running in the wet sand might offer a more ‘box office’ picture from a closer viewpoint – and she would have been maybe less than 25 seconds jog away when running towards the camera.
14. Phil C: Any direction you like but not that way
The figure and confusing signs do not really suggest a strong enough story/connection to make a box office photograph. A rather confusing picture – I’m trying to understand why the signs are there. If a figure was staring at the signs there might be more of a story – as it is he is just walking by and oblivious to them.
15. Robert H: Abergavenny Livestock Market
Another strong character study but I’d like to see more face and less cap on the LHS figure. The round faced chap on the RHS warrants a picture by himself.
16. Rob S: No entry this month
17) Theodore D: Tyrannosaurus Rex a la Christo
A good record shot illustrating how the museum protects their outdoor exhibits - but of limited pictorial interest when so enshrouded – even though I collect fossils and enjoy photographing them. I would not have realized what this is without a title.
18) Tony M: The Quays
I like the dynamics of the composition ie use of the diagonal, and the artistry and engineering design of the mooring hook. And I’m thinking of all the work the hooks have done over many years. Excellent record shot. Maybe mooring hooks are not made like this anymore?
1 Bernd H
ReplyDeleteA lovely peaceful image with a good low viewpoint and the long exposure works well.
2 Bill A
On top of the world again Bill. A cracking picture, great light that does justice to such a beautiful location.
3 Bill S
A moody image and one that would sit well on the cover of a book. Lots of stories could spring from the frame.
4 Dave S
A great shot. Perfect timing, well presented and good post processing all add up to make this one to very pleased with.
5 David F
Flowers seem to be a popular theme and this is nicely framed and uses the light well to pick out the depth of the petals.
6 David K
The sun is shining so it is time to mess about on the river. These barges are a delight.
7 Del B
Ah the light, yes where has it been? This works though, and by not showing the edge you get a feeling that the mural could go on forever. Is this man looking for a way out?
8 Duncan K
A lovely clear shot of the Orchid that shows off its beauty well. Well controlled lighting.
9 Elaine J
The angel sets the scene nicely. Looks like a pleasant place to pass some time.
10 Jim C
Very well spotted. A frame with few elements but each one has something to say about the others.
11 No entry
12 Keith W
Lovely light that you have handled very well and the figure is in the right spot but it is the shadow of the tree that lifts this one for me.
13 Malcolm R
As grab shots go this is a good one and shows you don’t need many elements to make an interesting frame, just a good eye.
14 Me
15 Robert H
Two more wonderful characters I bet! Works well in black and white and has a real documentary feel to it. Hope you are storing these pictures up for a book at a later date.
16 No photo
17 Theodore D
The wrapped exhibit is very mysterious, I would have liked to see more of what’s around it, but the tones are good.
18 Tony M
Great tones and a good example of making a shot from such a simple object.
For Duncan - technical details, not a lot I can tell you really other than it was with the M8 and 28 f2 ultron details of exposure I really have no idea, I have never seen any point in keeping records of those sort of details only thing I can tell you it was shot at 1/100 sec, aperture used I dont have a clue the exif does not show that. Was a simple grab shot of the old boy having a stroll down the lane, what caught my attention was the intense light coming from behind and how he was aware of it but walking away from it, a practice I am trying hard to follow at this point in timemyself, lol. I added a bit of an etherial feel to it bringing into play a little action I knocked up to try and replicate the effect of the old Softar filters I once used to use where the highlights are spread into the shadows. Nowadays I tend to use actions to replicate filter. effects rather than go to the bother of carrying actual ones around and messing about fitting them to lenses.
ReplyDelete1) Bernd H
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tranquil scene, well photographed. I love the silky flow of the water.
2) Bill A
Yes indeed it was Bill , excellent composition and lighting, another superb photograph.
3) Bill S
Nice – I like the B&W processing, and the off centre positioning of the man walking.
5) David F
Excellent colour and sharpness a lovely flower photograph
6) David K
Well spotted, a very nice narrow boat , I like the tight framing, it’s better than any of my narrow boat shots!
7) Del B
Yep- that’s a big mural, and it needs the figure to give it scale, well seen. And I’m with you on the conditions we poor photographers have had to suffer this winter!
8) Duncan K
Simply lovely, an excellent shot, I love the colour.
9) Elaine J
Adding the foreground interest, the angel, makes this shot, very nice.
10) Jim c
I do get the pun, it made me smile.
12) Keith W
Would that we all had some! It’s hard to cover that level of bright & dark, well done.
13) Malcolm R
That’s a funny place to pop a lamp post! ( well it looks like one) I like the balance between the figures and it.
14) Phil C
Well spotted, perhaps a tight crop around the figure and signs would give the photograph even more impact.
15) Robert H
A good candid shot, well seen, I think a crop from the right removing the background figures would tighten up the photograph. (I’m a compulsive ‘cropper’ by the way – sorry!)
17) Theodore D
Help! Jurassic wrap up – made me smile, It looks a cold day so perhaps the poor creature needs a winter coat.
18) Tony M
Mine
1) Bernd H
ReplyDeleteLovely quality here and the right choice of speed to make the water rather ethereal. Not sure you need the two figures in the background but they could easily be cloned out.
2) Bill A
Wow this really leaps off the screen. Fabulous colours and the lighting has really enhanced the detail in the rock faces. This was certainly well worth the wait. Smashing clouds as well!
3) Bill S
Interesting take on a night time stroll with the dog. The blurred figures gives a feel of movement and the the mushy picture gives a sense of cold. However I find the bright light in front of the figure is distracting and annoying which is a pity.
4) Dave S
Without the figure in the foreground the image would be a little flat. Pity some of the detail has been lost on the L/H side of the picture. We are left wondering what the gentleman is looking at. However I like the tones you have achieved here.
5). David F
The pastel colours of the flowers give a sense of spring and they certainly fill the frame. Shows what can be done with the older equipment.
6) David K
The barge certainly fills the frame and ones eye is drawn down the line of barges. A pleasing record of barges with good crisp colours.
7) Del B
Good strong colours here and the lone figure gives a sense a scale.
8) Duncan K
This certainly has impact the yellow of the flowers is very striking. Like it.
9) Elaine J
I like the way you have been able to control the depth of field from front to back which is not that easy with a compact camera. Great definition and sharpness. It is a shame the cross is lost against the light. A very pleasing image all the same.
10) Jim C
Well spotted and executed. Food for thought.
12) Keith W
Plenty of colour here with the blue sky and yellow house. The addition of the figure gives some added interest to the overall composition. Certainly was a sunny Winters day.
13) Malcolm R
The red jackets certainly draws ones eye and they are complimentary to the red post. For a grab shot you have done well.
14) Phil C
You have certainly made use of what was in front of your lens here. The signs and the pedestrian make for an amusing photo.
17) Theodore D
All wrapped up and nowhere to go. At least he is being protected from the elements. This is a nicely exposed picture with a nice range of tones. I would be tempted to blur the background which is a bit busy/distracting from the main subject.
18) Tony M
This works rather well and the warm tone just enhances the picture overall. I think I would be tempted to go in even closer. A fine result.
Bernd H. Welcome to Circle D. The long exposure here has made the most of the flowing water and you were fortunate that the distant figures remained still for you. Personally I do not like the tyranny of the tripod (especially with a Leica) but you could not have achieved this without one.
ReplyDeleteBill A. I have been here twice, the first time it was pouring with rain and the second time just plain dull - maybe one day I’ll see it in conditions as spectacular as this.
Bill S. Another of your atmospheric nights shots. Bright lights, dark shadows and blurred figures make a dramatic picture out of very little.
Dave S. Very bright (ie burnt out) highlights give this an infra red effect that combines with the sun hat to suggest a warm summer’s day. The letterbox format works well and avoids an overbright sky.
David F. Bright and cheerful. Whilst I like a square format, the cropping on three sides here does seem a little odd. The Catch- 22 with these subjects is that in the garden the background clutter makes it look natural but untidy whereas a “studio” shot looks tidy but clinical and unnatural.
David K. An image of an attractive and well maintained narrowboat that needs that “something extra” to raise its appeal.
Del B. The difficulty I have here is commenting on your image of the mural without being influenced by the content of the mural itself. Overall it is a fairly simple composition, the real figure gives us an idea of scale of the painting without delineating its limits or its setting and that rather puts it out of context.
Duncan K. This is the antithesis of David F’s shot, very neat and tidy, it depicts the flowers perfectly but give no information as to where or how they grow.
Elaine J. My attention is divided between the angel in the foreground and the general church architecture in the distance without there being much in the middle other than empty space. It looks like a wide angle shot and I wonder if standing a little further back with a slightly longer focal length would compress the various components to advantage?
Jim C. How simple (and ironic) can you get? The black & grey corridor with its brown doors and disabled signs makes a marked contrast with the illuminated advertisement and strong healthy legs at the end.
Keith M. No image.
Keith W. Shadows on the left and right help to focus our attention on the white building and the figure. Small patches of yellow, red, orange, green and blue really lift afairly ordinary scene into something bright and cheerful.
Me.
Phil C. Apparently meaningless not to say confusing signs with the figure moving against the recommended direction of travel - the 24 hour helpdesk number is a nice touch.
Robert H. Great expression on the face of the central character, his companion’s eyes are hidden under his cap so you have not quite hit the right moment.
Theodore D. The protective covering gives it an air of mystery - is it more scary with the wrapping or without it?
Tony M. Strong lighting and good shapes and textures make this shot, it is ideally suited to the monochrome treatment.
1) Bernd H
ReplyDeleteAn attractive photograph of a peaceful park / garden scene. The long exposure produces an ethereal atmosphere albeit perhaps a bit too unreal
2) Bill A
Your suffering in the cold has certainly resulted in a fine picture with superb lighting and spectacular scenery
3) Bill S
A rather surreal and moody picture. It certainly has atmosphere and the lighting does seem to work
4) Dave S
The picture has a stong ethereal feeling. The figure of the man gives strength to what gives the appearance of being an infrared composition
5) David F
Nice close up of the flowers with good lighting and focusing
6) Me
7) Del B
A great picture of a stunning mural with the figure adding strength to the composition, notably showing the scale of the mural, and taking account of the difficult lighting conditions
8) Dunkan K
A well focussed close-up shot of an Orchid, having good back-lighting, thereby producing fine detail
9) Elaine J
Great indoor photograph with good depth of field, which is enhanced by the angel in the left foreground
10) Jim C
Interesting corridor shot and it certainly gives a message showing the contrast between the ‘disabled’ sign and the ‘healthy legs’ image in the advert
11) Keith M
No photo
12) Keith W
An attractive street scene taken with strong contrasts in the lighting conditions, which have been handled well
13) Malcolm R
A well lit beach scene, much enhanced by the red bucket and the red tops of the three individuals
14) Phil C
Really fun street scene shot with the most ‘confusing’ signs. Enough to baffle the best of us…?! Well spotted
15) Robert H
A picture of two great characters at the market. It does make one want to know what they are discussing. An ideal study for a B & W composition
16) Rob S
No photo
17) Theodore D
Well spotted shot of a creature wrapped and protected from the winter conditions. Good exposure and tones in the snowy conditions
18) Tony M
Great composition, lighting and tonal range. Fine example of creating a good photograph of basic trade tools, in this case the mooring hooks
1. The texture of the watery foam in the middle and the grey/white streaks in the water are lovely and could easily be confused with clouds in a different setting. It is so lovely I wish there was only water and no background at all – but that would require serious landscaping!
ReplyDelete2. A magnificent shot, stunning, gorgeous.
3. I have been experimenting with these kinds of shots without success and this is much better than my attempts. Would have liked a bit less headlight and a bit more detail on the dog’s outline, but it sets the mood very well indeed.
4. The extreme of light and dark creates a surreal glow surrounding the man, almost like the light is chasing him. I guess one might consider highlights ‘blown out’ (?) but in any case there is a strong sense of story in the picture with this effect, so who cares about ‘rules’.
5. A good shot; personally I prefer flowers taken in less direct sunlight to allow for less sharp differences between shadow and light.
6.I like the way one’s eye is carried automatically to the back of the picture with this angle of view.
7. The color and angles of the balustrade and framework are wonderful; for me the man in the picture with backpack is a little too mundane (or perhaps this was the intent for contrast?)
8. Lovely macro work, beautiful shot.
9. Interesting angle and good contrast of subject matter; maybe it is me but I am not quite sure if the picture is really, truly sharp in the areas you want?
10. At first one does not see the idea behind the shot, then it dawns on you. A view of quite opposite worlds.
12. The yellow building accentuates the feeling of the sun; I wish the building on the right side, in the ‘front’ of the view was less conspicuous.
13. An attractive beach scene with good timing for the ‘reds’!
14. A fun photograph that portrays the hurdles of pedestrian life in the city.
15. What a pair of characters you captured! I’ll bet a whole series of the two of them would make a brilliant exposé.
17. Mine
18. A fine picture perfect for B/W; the calm water in the background works to the benefit of the iron parts very well.
1.Bernd H
ReplyDeleteOur favourite German city. A fine and different view of the English Garden park.
2.Bill A
10 out of 10 for perseverance and a fine image to show for it
3.Bill S
A very different and clever view. Thought a bit about the strong highlight but think it works ok in this shot.
4.Dave S
A fantastic composition and a good example of the decisive moment.
5.David F
Lovely colours in a well balanced image.
6.David K
Nice shot that may, or may not, have benefited from a slightly wider view to set the environment
7.Del B
I think you have achieved what you set out to do in terms of portraying the size of the mural. Could a bit of the foreground path have been swopped for the head of the guy in the mural with benefit? I know the figure would move lower in the frame, but the shot is about the mural - just a thought.
8.Duncan K
Don't know anything about Orchids but sure these are fine specimen, and an image that would grace any text book
9.Elaine J
I am not sure that the angels plinth is sharp and think it needs to be for the composition to work for me.
10.Jim C
Well spotted and captured
12.Me
13.Malcolmn R
A fantastic grab shot! Long odds on three people in red passing the red warning post in that proximity.
14.Phil C
Very well spotted. Personally think would benefit from being cropped on left at base of jib.
15.Robert H
This is becoming a series. Another well taken shot of interesting characters
17.Theoodore D
Certainly makes an interestingly different subject. Great texture in the snow.
18.Tony M
A really great image with fantastic tone and textures. Well done!
Sorry -12 "Anonymous" above is I, Keith W. Not confident on how to edit!
ReplyDelete