1) Bernd H
Buffer Stop: At the end of the narrow gauge railway on the isle of Wangerooge (Germany). From here you can take a boat only to drive on. M9, Summilux 50 ASPH
Wait for it... Taken with a 400mm Telyt mounted on a Canon Eos 60D
Blast Off! I'm taking a chance with this photograph since I think it will appeal to photographers like you rather than the general public. It was taken on the high speed elevator/lift to the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree last month. The slow shutter speed should imply the motion, but I love how the faces tell stories.
Leica M9, CV 21mm Skopar @ f/4, 1/2 sec hand held, 2500 ISO
4) David F
For the Urban Garden: M3 D/S 1957 + Summicron D/R 5cm f3.5 1957
5) David K
'Programmes & 'andbooks' - New Season at The Emirates. It was taken with my Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux f/1.4 asph Lens - exposed for 1/350 second at f/4.8 (ISO 400).
6) Duncan K
Nautilus Shell Section: Leica X Vario on copy stand at 30cm closest focus distance - no supplement
7) Elaine J
Fungi: Taken with Lumix bridge camera ZF100 with a leica lens
8) Howard F
Spurn Lighthouse
9) James C
AJS at Historic Wheels Club Rally: 14-50 vario Elmar D. Cawdor Castle, Inverness.
10) Keith M
Lion versus Serpent at the NT’s Kingston Lacy property. MP, 1967 Summaron 35mm f2.8, Fuji Acros 100, Rodinal R09 @ 1:50
Steaming through Corfe: LEica M (240)/Summilux 50mm
12) Malcolm R
Daddy-Long
13) Michael E
Master of the stall: Roman Road Market, East London. Leica Monochrom and 35mm Summilux FLE
14) Phil C
"I feel like I am being watched...": Leica Digilux 1
15) Robert H
The Punters : Leica M9P 50mm Summicron iso 200 : Chepstow Races 12/10/13
16) Rob S
A Prayer for the Earth, X1
17) Theodore D
No photo this month
18) Tony M
Taken in Belgium last year - it's coast art! M8 + lightroom processing
That's it for another month, please vote and comment as usual.
Bernd H :
ReplyDeleteInteresting photo with lovely texture in the wood. The dramatic sky and lighting gives drama to the picture overall. I particularly like the placement of the small boat on the left of the frame and the way ones eye is drawn from the buffer to the distant boat. Another winner I think.
2) Bill S :
Well caught not literally I hope! You have certainly captured the action here and timed the firing of the shutter for just the right moment. We are in no doubt what is happening here.
3) DanB :
An unusual picture and the slow shutter speed makes for an interesting set of expressions. Different.
4) David F :
The baskets are well lit and defined. I think I would have been tempted to include more of the plants on the left side of the picture which is in keeping with your title.
5) David K :
The background certainly stands out but it is a bit unfortunate that you have chopped off the crowd in the foreground which gives an imbalance to the picture.
6) Duncan K :
This has the wow factor! This is beautifully lit to show all the textures of the shell. The explanation on how it was done is interesting. Shows what can be achieved with the X camera.
7) Elaine J :
I like the way you have included the habitat of the fungi so we get an idea of the environment they grow in. Nice and sharp where it needs to be plus good saturation of the colours.
8) Howard F :
The lighthouse certainly stands out from the blue sky. Nice clean crisp colours which are enhanced by the brightness of the day.
9) James C :
Plenty of detail where it is needed here. I would be tempted to move in closer and emphasize the engine more. Good sharp result.
10) Keith M :
A well defined result. Rodinal does give a nice set of tones if a little grainy. I like the way you have thrown the background out of focus to give full emphasis to your main subject.
11) Keith W :
Caught at just the right moment with a good head of steam! Nice lighting which has picked up all the main elements of the picture. A very pleasing photograph.
12) Malcolm R :
An unusual viewpoint for this picture which works to your advantage. The crane fly looks quite menacing but you have been able to retain full detail in the subject concerned.
13) Michael E :
You have placed “Master of the Stall “off centre so we can see what he is master of. A great result from the M Monochrom with rich tones.
14) Phil C :
An apt title. Well spotted with good saturation of colours. The-reflections in the the window have been well controlled.
16) Rob S :
I am afraid I find the strong sunlight just too much even though it might have some spiritual meaning. The strong light has just blurred out the central figures which is a shame.
18) Tony M :
Good sharp result of beach art. The bright sunshine emphasizes the structure. Nice saturated colours.
Keith W
ReplyDelete1.Bernd H
Nice tones and textures. The boat continues the story.
2.Bill S
Good action shot taken at the right moment - or I guess with a 60D could be one of a set.
3.Dan B
A good attempt at something different that works for me. I also love the colours in this image. Compositionally, would like to loose the highlights on the top edge .
4. David F
Very much like the muted colours, but think there may be a better viewpoint.
5.David K
I think this would be stronger from a couple of paces back to show the whole mural and full figures.
6. Duncan K
What a superb exercise and result in lighting a still life. An excellent image, well done.
7.Elaine j
It may be my eyes or monitor, but this image dosn’t look totally sharp to me. One of the less colourful fungi.
8. Howard F
Very pleasing image. Lovely composition and especially like that the (off) white sections of the lighthouse are against the blue of the sky.
9.James C
Beautiful machine. If the intention is to detail the engine then an even tighter crop would have more impact for me.
10.Keith M
Fine image with great tones. A much more interesting image than the usual record shot of the whole statue.
12. Malcolm R
The striking thing for me with this image is the perfect exposure of both the crane fly and sky. Very well taken.
13. Michael E
Great “street” shot with excellent composition. Fabulous skin tones. Does the smile suggest he has just bought?
14.Phil C
Yet another well spotted and taken street scene, with great humour through the title.
15. Robert H
Itchy noses or what. Would probable prefer the whole of the chap on the right to show four full punters, but that is just me.16. Rob S
This lighting is to extreme to work for me
18. Tony M
The three horizontal bands of colour provide a perfect setting for the art work. In my veiw a very well composed image.
1) Bernd H: Another superb composition from Bernd: He keep’s ‘em coming. Tells a nice story, buffer and no entry sign which is pretty conclusive.
ReplyDelete2) Bill S: Nice group, ball in flight, good colour
3) Dan B: Well, it does appeal to me. Love the impressions and colours. Very nice.
4) David F: Bright still life, full of detail. Anyone who wonders what near-60-year-old kit can achieve should look at this. I am impressed.
5) David K: Perhaps a little too cropped for my liking (or maybe this is the full frame). Nice colours, life.
6) Duncan K: What can I say, Dunk is macro king and he makes that X-V sing. This is a wonderfully detailed shot and I am in awe of Dunk’s amazingly complex kit that he attaches to the poor old X-Vario.
7) Elaine J: Lovely mushrooms, if I can call them such. I like the composition and the colours and the way the little fungi lead the eye forwards.
8) Howard F: I really like this sky and the detail of the lighthouse. Perfectly composed and a lovely shot. I could see this on my wall.
9) James C: As a lifelong motorcyclist I am a sucker for a bike shot and the detail on this Ajay vee-twin is wonderful. I would have liked to see the whole bike or, alternatively, a closer crop of the engine department. But a really nice shot.
10) Keith M: I love the detail and tone of the statue but would have preferred to see the highlight on the house to the left of the image darkened slightly. Nice composition, though.
11) Keith W: This is an excellent railway composition, full of detail. I appreciate the contrast in the steam and the texture of the sky with the buildings on the skyline. Definitely one for my wall.
12) Malcolm R: A well-seen opportunity, faultless detail and lovely colour.
13) Michael E: My street market scene.
14) Phil C: Another well-spotted moment with the trio of aliens in the background. Great street shot, composition, tone.
15) Robert H: Nice story here, if perhaps a little too cropped. I warm to the expressions and the sense of expectation. The sign puts this well and truly into a race context otherwise we might wonder what they are doing.
16) Rob S: Very surreal shot with the messianic central figure and the celestial illumination. A difficult shot to pull off in the face of all that backlighting but it works.
17) Theodore D: No photo
18) Tony M: Well, I love this one. Yet another for my wall. Perfectly seen and visualised. The three layers of sky, sea and sand really set the scene, not to mention the excellent use of shadow.
1. Bernd H ‘Buffer Stop’
ReplyDeleteMy eye goes straight to the out of focus ‘elements’ protruding from the top LHS of the buffer – they look odd and alien .., as does the patch of water on the RHS compared to the water on the LHS. Good atmosphere and tones but the main elements do not say enough to me.
2. Bill S ‘Wait for it’
Bill you are very proficient with these cricket action images – and they show how effective the 400mm Telyt can be on a cropped sensor. Very well captured cricket ball – and a sharply captured overweight batsman enjoying the game.
3. Dan B ‘Blast Off’
Curiouser and curiouser … what are they looking at ? I think this image might sell as could be used e.g. as: a product launch, a religious message, a UFO book cover … Excellent creative image with sales potential.
4. David F ‘For the Urban Garden’
A rather too ‘pastel’ image; maybe that was the intention but I’d like to see more contrast. Good record shot of basketware which if cropped to exclude the LHS plants could be emphasized more.
5. David K ‘Programmes & ‘andbooks’’
Not enough going on – would convey a lot more if the vendor was shouting/gesticulating or the spectators were doing more than just queueing. Could be improved by straightening up a bit and cropping out the lady on the RHS and the part figure on the LHS. There might be an image worth waiting around for but this one is a bit tame.
6. Duncan K …
7. Elaine J ‘Fungi’
Not the best angle; a closer, lower viewpoint could convey more of the actual fungi and maybe enable species identification if the gills were partly visible. The moss although part of the habitat is too dominant. The ‘Fungi’ title is a rather too loose description.
8. Howard F ‘Spurn Lighthouse’
Excellent record shot; everything sharp, good cloud, good composition. Would make a good greetings card image.
9. James C. ‘AJS at Historic Wheels Club Rally’
A good sharp record but really needs a more positive ID – I think it’s a ‘one-off’ AJS Golden Streak 1000cc V twin model – a concept bike not originally made prewar by AJS but designed and built relatively recently by ‘Sid AJS’ http://sidsbikeshed.blogspot.co.uk. I’d like to see the whole bike. The picture is spoilt by the leg behind the front wheel. Excellent detail shows what the 14-50mm Vario Elmar D is capable of rendering.
10. Keith M ‘Lion versus Serpent’
Maybe not the best angle – I’m curious as to how more of the whole lion might look from the RHS . There is probably some detail in the shadow area of the lion’s mane which could be enhanced with post processing.
11. Keith W ‘Steaming through Corfe’
ReplyDeleteSuper image – everything sharp, good composition, no modern artifacts in sight. But as a record shot the locomotive needs an ID.
12. Malcolm R ‘Daddy-Long-Leg’ AKA Cranefly’
I like the dynamics of this image – the way the insect has been framed - but would prefer to see all of its legs. Considering the proximity of the camera’s flash to the subject the image has turned out very well
13. Michael E ‘Master of the stall’
The stallholder looks a bit too posed but he’s nicely lit and the stall provides a good background; he’s well framed on the LHS of the image but his facial expression looks a bit indifferent – a nervous looking semi-grin as if he is not fully at ease? Exposure spot-on and good tones and sharpness.
14. Phil C “I feel like I’m being watched’
Well seen and well caught amusing story image - and there’s still a lot of mileage left in the Digilux 1. Maybe the shopping bag tone could be lightened in post processing?
15. Robert H ‘The Punters’
The punter second from right appears to be looking rather unapprovingly at the camera – and he and the chap second from left seem to be too ‘nose busy’. Not candid enough and does not convey much ie lack of a pictorial storyline.
16. Rob S ‘Prayer for the Earth’
The glare is too overpowering and the ghost diaphragm spots are too distracting. A good attempt at trying to convey religious enlightenment but has not quite worked .
17. Tony M ‘Coast Art’
The image is sharp and well exposed but the sky and sea look rather uninteresting. The ‘artwork’ itself is something of an acquired taste and to be appreciated fully probably needs better lighting and a different viewpoint.
1. Bernd H. A well-composed image with powerful monochrome tones. I would be tempted to clone out items such as the grass-heads or whatever that protrudes above the buffer.
ReplyDelete2. Bill S. I think if I was the batsman at the other end, I would be getting ready to duck! A well-captured image of impending sporting action.
3. Dan B. Atmospheric, with the implied movement adding life and action whilst there are still enough details in the faces to hold one’s interest and to wonder what holds their interest.
4. David F. It would be interesting to know what film type was used here. The bright sunlight has given the colours a slightly washed-out feel. Lots of interesting textures and shapes. Could the cut-off flower pots have been included whole by a slight change of position? Impressive sharpness from 1957 equipment (says he who uses a ’57 IIIg with a ’51 Summicron Collapsible 5cm!)
5. David K. An interesting backdrop with some foreground interest. A grey(ish) day? In an ideal world the girl looking out of the image would be looking in and the guy in the hooped top would not be hiding his face – but c'est la vie!
6. Duncan K. A real ‘Blue Peter’ job this – innovative use of materials to create the possibility. Very eye-catching and pleasing image, well worth your efforts.
7. Elaine J. A good illustration of the fungi in their environment, with their soft colours setting them off well against the greens.
8. Howard F. Classical composition, well lit and the clouds balance the lighthouse. Would benefit from a human figure to give scale though.
9. James C. Super looking machine, gorgeous colours and detail. Always difficult though to decide what to include and what to leave out!
10. Keith M. Me.
11. Keith W. A well-timed image with a timeless feel to it. A pleasing composition with a lovely backdrop.
12. Malcolm R. How unusual. Perfectly posed and lit with fine detail – super!
13. Michael E. Excellent tones and overall composition. Not so sure about the direct look and expression though. Was it intended to be a ‘street candid’ type shot?
14. Phil C. Bloke clutching phone and bulging shopping bag; backdrop of three female dummies, hmmm… Needs the title to give context, otherwise it would have passed me by!
15. Robert H. Are the ‘nose-touchers’ indulging in some form of tic-tac signalling? Presumably a day at the races – good monochrome tones.
16. Rob S. Striking, dazzling, you obviously have a flare for this type of image (sorry!). All singing from the same hymn-sheet? Has a certain power and holds the attention.
17. Theodore D.
18. Tony M. I like it – intriguing shapes, pleasing colours and textures. Well spotted.
1) Bernd H
ReplyDeleteA nicely composed picture with good tones and a dramatic sky
2) Bill S
Good action shot of a village cricket game – with good timing. If the ‘portly’ batsman strikes the approaching ball, it will surely go far!
3) Dan B
An interesting picture and one does wonder what the passengers are all looking at
4) David F
A good study of the baskets with fine lighting
5) Mine
6) Duncan K
A stunning photograph of the shell with great lighting. However, the technical explantion provided is way beyond me?!
7) Elaine J
A nice picture of the fungi showing them in their natural environment
8) Howard F
Well composed photograph of the lighthouse, enhanced by the brilliant blue sky and clouds
9) James C
Good shot of the motorcycle. Even more focus and emphasis on the engine might have been an interesting option
10) Keith M
An interesting shot of the statue with fine detail. A slighter darker background might have further enhanced the photograph
11) Keith W
Super picture of the steam engine with wonderful billowing smoke
12) Malcolm R
A well spotted and well framed image, with very good lighting
13) Michael E
A good street scene photograph with fine detail, contrast and tones
14) Phil C
Well spotted and composed street scene – with a great title!
15) Robert H
Well framed shot with the sign illustrating what the subjects are about. One does wonder as to why all the ‘nose scratching’?!
16) Rob S
An atmospheric picture reminiscent of ‘Close Encounters’! The bright light certainly supports the title, yet obscures the details
17) No Photograph
18) Tony M
Excellent photograph of the art structure on the beach. It is well composed with excellent lighting and colours.
1) Bernd. It’s not entirely clear what we are looking at here but as with many images the enigma makes the picture all the more interesting. I like the difference between the sharpness of the foreground and the softness of distance and the idea that the boat is ignoring the stop sign. There are several intrusions into the background (a bird? and what appear to be grasses) that could usefully have been omitted.
ReplyDelete2) Bill. Well caught Sir ! The two batsmen, the wicket keeper and the ball are all nicely separated, it would have been good to see the bowler as well but we can’t have everything and the 400mm may have been just too long to include him.
3) Dan. A worthwhile experiment that gives an impression of the faces but does not really tell the story behind it (even with the description) - are all these people in the lift or outside it watching it ascend/descend?
4) David F. A colourful “as found” still life, the reflections in the window give it an added dimension.
5) David K. My feeling is that you were either too close or not close enough to convey the business of the vendor. Perhaps a few paces to the right and a vertical format would have presented the whole of the programme seller and the Arsenal sign, and ideally a better “moment”.
6) Duncan. Very dramatic and colourful. The lighting has made the most of the subject.
7) Elaine. Moss and mushrooms - or are they toadstools? The brown/green colour combination works well and the spacing of the clumps of fungi gives the picture depth and a sense of perspective not often seen in close-ups.
8) Howard. A simple no fuss shot of a lighthouse on a summer’s day all the better for the blue sky and cloud formation. The Dulux dog would not be happy with the paintwork.
9) James. A beautifully recorded shot of someone’s pride and joy (pity about the isolated leg at the top right). I can appreciate the care that has goes into the making and preservation of these machines but beyond that I’m afraid my interest wanes.
10) Keith M. Whilst the house in the background sets the scene for the statue, I do find it rather overpowering despite the differential focus and wonder if a vertical format would reduce its impact.
11) Keith W. Superb picture captured at just the right moment. Smoke from the engine fills the top right without obscuring the ruins of the castle up on the hill. beautifully comopsed and the lighting is spot on.
12) Mine.
13) Michael. A strong portrait of the man and his working environment. Although I’m not at all certain that I can read his expression that in itself is an added attraction. To crop or not to crop the lettering on his jumper? On the one hand it goes some way to defining the man, on the other hand it does pull our eye away from his happy smiling face.
14) Phil. Perhaps he’s having his phone tapped as well! Odd how a title and a pair of dark glasses can turn a perfectly innocent scene into something with potentially sinister overtones. Well spotted and framed.
15) Robert. Are these tic-tac men or are we witnessing an outbreak of itchy noses? Either way it’s a nice capture and the eye contact with the chap on the right of centre really makes it.
16) Rob S. Worth a try maybe but contrast is just too extreme.
17) Theodore. No image.
18) Tony. The odd angles, near deserted beach and simple colours of this I find appealing. The “coast art” is intriguing - well worth exploring with a lens.
1) Bernd H - Buffer Stop
ReplyDeleteAt one level this is such a simple shot but it works so well. The boat going away makes it. I would have been tempted to remove the dark 'spec' to the right in the clouds but a minor point. Love it.
2) Bill S - Wait for it...
I have a feeling I've seen this one before. Recently went to see Tony Ray-Jones 'Only in England' photos and he took many photos with half a person and they worked really well making me change my mind about this kind of thing but sadly I don't think it works here. My eye is searching for the point of interest, then I see the half person and then finally stumble on the ball.
3) Dan B - Blast Off!
I so approve of this kind of photo. I agree the expressions are wonderful. Obviously technically it's crap but it works really well. Well done Dan, and thanks for including it here. Brilliant.
4) David F - For the Urban Garden
Love the pale colours and composition. I would have this on my wall. It kind of shouldn't work but does. Nicely observed.
5) David K - 'Programmes & 'and books'
My initial thought is you're trying to get too much in the shot as the interesting bits are too much to the edge. It doesn't really have a point of interest, which is shame as there are lots of interesting people present.
6) Duncan K - Nautilus Shell Section
Stunning. Thank you for the explanation as to how you did it. I've even learnt a new term. Very nice. A great skill.
7) Elaine J - Fungi
I like the composition and the subject matter in this shot. It works really well as a 'thumbnail', less so larger as it's not as sharp as I think a photo like these demands. But I do like it very much.
8) Howard F - Spurn Lighthouse
A black lighthouse, so it must be Ireland. But no, East Yorkshire! A nice photograph.
9) James C - AJS at Historic Wheels Club Rally
I'd never heard of AJS before I saw this. Nice bike.
10) Keith M - Lion versus Serpent
Wow. My photos of sculptures never work out as well as this. The DoF and black and white works so well making you focus on the amazing expressions. It's so real! But of course a fantasy which this photo captures so well.
11) Keith W - Steaming through Corfe
I was half expecting you to say it was a model village. Everything about it just works for the period. I bet you waited a long time for the train to arrive.
12) Malcolm R - Daddy-Long-Leg
I don't think I've studied a daddy-long-legs so closely. What amazing creatures they are. Nicely captured.
13) Michael E - Master of the stall
What a cheeky grin. Love the eye contact with you as the photographer and the fact you can 'read' the fact he's the stall owner. Works so well. Shame about the bald bloke in the background!!
14) Phil C - "I feel like I am being watched..."
A new camera? Always love your observations and your 'take' with the M6 but sadly this doesn't have the 'power', punch if you will, of your others.
15) Robert H - The Punters
What's with the fingers near noses!! A nicely captured shot.
16) Rob S - A Prayer for the Earth
Me
17) Theodore D - No photo this month
18) Tony M - It's coast art!
I do approve of these quirky things but, yes, to our eye it does appear a little odd. Why bother? What does it mean?
1) Bernd H.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what to make of this shot, for me the buffer stop is too central and the sky too dark on the left hand side.
2) Bill S.
Another super photo, Excellent timing, shame the Umpire and ‘keeper are in the shot.
3) Dan B.
Excellent shot, nice composition but not for me I am afraid.
4) David F.
5) David K.
Very good photo, would have liked an inch or so cropped off the RHS.
6) Duncan K.
Superb photo, what else can I say excellent.
7) Elaine J.
Nice photo and composition.
8) Howard F.
Fantastic detail and great composition, I like this very much.
9) James C.
Superb detail, would have preferred either closer (engine / gear box) or further away to get all the bike in.
10) Keith M
Lovely photo, nice composition .
11) Keith W.
Fantastic detail, superb composition, great photo but then again I am a steam railway nutter!.
12) Malcolm R.
A lovely shot, for me a too tighter crop would have preferred to see the end of the legs.
13) Michael E.
Very nicely seen photo very well composed.
14) Phil C.
Superb photo and composition.
15) Robert H.
Great shot and very nicely composed.
16) Rob S
Well caught but the bright centre spoils the photo.
17) Theodore D.
-
18) Tony M.
I like this photo, well exposed and very nice composition .