1) Bernd H
The Author's Smile: Henning Mankel after a autographi
2) Bill S
"Tea and talk" is of two market traders at Frodsham, Cheshire taken with a Panasonic FT4.
This was my last day on a short trip to Korea in August to catch up with a friend made in May while in Georgia. I feel image expresses the mutual tranquil comfort and understand
4) David F
Kinderdijk Windmill, D-Lux 5
5) David K
Four Wheels v Three: - 2013 Motor Cross Beach Race at Weston-sup
6) Duncan K
Torso:Leica R4S Mod2, 100mm Macro Elmar, Fuji Velvia 50. Sticky tape woven into
3D matrix and photographed using cross polarised light.
Slide digitally copied with Leica X-Vario plus 3x Elpro VIb c/u lenses
using copy stand adapted as slide copier - see Circle Notes.
7) Elaine J
Hot Chilli Bag. Taken with a Lumix ZF100 with Leica
8) Howard F
Venice back street. Pano 200 with Leica lens. I call it 'Morning papers'.
9) Jim C
Fe, Cormorants: Gx7. DG Summilux 1.4 /25 asph
10) Keith M
Ink Caps?’ Leica M (Typ 240) + Elmarit-M 90mm. Max aperture & minimum focus distance. First attempt to use Live View + Focus Aid. The combinatio
A quiet place for lunch-Pool
Redhead: Taken at the local market on my Panasonic TZ20.
13) Michael E
Tom of Ted's Fruit and Veg, Borough Market, London. Leica M with 35mm Summilux, ISO 1000, f/4 and 1/90s. Monochrome conversion in Silver Efex Pro 2
14) Phil C
Climbing wall: Panoramic shot on Leica C
15) Robert H
War Veteran : Leica D-lux 6 : Iso 200 : Remembranc
16) Rob S
'The Sextons Adventure'
17) Theodore D
Homestead, Zuni New Mexico Agfa Scala slide film Leica R8 with Vario
18) Tony M
No photo this month
That's it this month. A wide range of styles to chose from and a tough choice, as all are worthy of attention. Please vote and comment as usual.
1 Bernd H
ReplyDeleteA grab shot of the author in what would seem to be less than ideal conditions. The sharpest area is the eyes which is as it should be but I find the left hand rather a distraction being so heavily out of focus. The main concern, however, is the area of highlights on the left which, if digital can be easily removed and if film toned down and/or cropped substantially. Sorry if this reads rather negatively; I am sure you are pleased with the image.
2 Bill S
Nothing to say that they are market traders so it’s a picture of two people in conversation whilst taking a drink.
Whilst on the bus this morning back to Nottingham P&R I was musing on the merits of street photography being in mono or colour and I came to the conclusion that, generally, mono is best for the subject. There is good engagement between the couple’s conversation.
3 Dan B
I follow your thinking but cannot fully share your feelings, which is probably a defect in my character. Whilst the odd teapots (at least to our eyes) and bowl are suggestive of a different culture the background doesn’t carry the same message to me.
You are obviously involved given your personal connection with the scene but, for me at least, it doesn’t quite hit the spot.
4 David F
A pleasing, clean and sharp portrayal of the windmill. I like the chosen viewpoint which gives an element of dynamism to the composition.
5 David K
You catch the action from a well-chosen viewpoint. The background spectators add to the story. I just wonder if your shutter speed was a wee bit too fast – the action is frozen but, perhaps, a sense of movement in the wheels might just add a wee bit?
6 Duncan K
A very well constructed still-life involving a lot of work. The more it is viewed the more one sees the torso which carries a sense of movement as a bonus.
7 Elaine J
The colour is required here to show the red pepper motif on the bag. A well caught moment in which one senses the struggle the nun is having heaving her trolley up the steps.
9 Jim C
A record of someone else’s art work. I don’t have any issue with photographing sculptures etc. but it is good to see an element of personal interpretation being brought to the image. For me, this element is lacking here, apart from the mono, and so it is a good competent record only.
10 Keith M
Nature is not a normal subject for mono. I feel there is too much foreground which is distracting and there is highlight burn-out especially on the larger ink cap. Perhaps possible to bring back in software.
11 Keith W
The title sums it up – a pleasant peaceful, indeed, restful subject and the story well shown. For me I would like a little more contrast but, then, I like my mono images to have contrast and ‘bite’ which doesn’t suit everyone.
12 Malcolm R
A good, fun picture with the mannequin set into its context.
13 Michael E
An excellent portrait, full of character and set within his context.
14 Phil C
A good panorama, excellent subject for it.
15 Robert H
A nice portrait. A wee bit soft for my taste with such a subject and the rather twee border is not really suitable as it draws some attention from the subject.
16 Rob S
An unusual portrait setting but it works. Just tone down the white of the pages a little as they draw attention from the face whilst acting as a reflector.
17 Theodore
Scala was a really nice film properly handled.
I really like your subject matter here and your choice of viewpoint works really well. For me, a little sharper and more contrast would enhance – but, as I said above, that is a personal preference.
1)Bernd H: The Author’s Smile.
ReplyDelete‘Decisive moment capture’ portraying much of subject’s character e.g. glasses in ‘reading & talking’ mode on end of nose, unkempt hair, pen poised … and focus on the eyes is just right … background nicely out of focus. Club judges might say,”Hold this one back!” Excellent.
2) Bill S: Tea and talk.
Insufficient interaction between the two characters and distracting shadow area lower RHS. Interesting low camera angle. Too little expression conveyed in man’s face. If he was laughing/smiling it would say so much more.
3) Dan B: Untitled.
I’m intrigued by the ‘upside down’ pots. Well exposed and good tones. However, it’s more a personal image for the author rather than a stand-alone image – but well explained by the notes.
4) David F: Kinderdijk Windmill.
Well exposed, sharp, good dynamics, picturesque clouds … overall a fair record … but I’d like to see a bit more foreground.
5) David K: Four wheels v Three.
There was potential for a good action picture but the static looking wheels are indicative of too short/fast shutter speed . I like the quad bike in mid air. Flying sand and blurred wheels could have conveyed so much more.
6) DSK: Mine.
7) Elaine J: Hot Chilli Bag.
Well exposed … but with more of the overloaded nun’s face and thus expression visible it could be a stronger image. The garment shadow detail might benefit from being enhanced a bit.
8) Howard F: Venice back street.
Well exposed but could benefit from a narrower camera angle or crop to give a closer view of the readers … and a different angle might have revealed more of the lady’s face. But a well seen candid opportunity taken where others might fear to tread.
9) Jim C: Fe, Cormorants.
Well exposed and composed record photo but not sufficiently ‘box office’ as a stand alone picture … I’d prefer to see real cormorants … and the sky is too bland.
10) Keith M: Ink Caps?
A fair record shot but with an ‘unsure’ title. You’ve done well to achieve good depth of field in the subject at full aperture. Habitat is evident but a wider angle lens would reveal more of same. Species is ‘Shaggy Ink Cap’ (Coprinus Comatus) … another common name is ‘Lawyer’s Wig’.
11) Keith W: A quiet place for lunch – Poole old town
A very tranquil picture – well exposed and monochrome suits the subject. But I’d prefer to see a closer view of the lady reading/eating … There might have been a better angle for a closer picture from her RHS?
12) Malcolm R: Redhead
The real people in the background are a bit distracting so maybe a narrower lens angle could have made a stronger image? But it’s a well seen amusing composition … a fun picture, sharp and well exposed.
13) Michael E: Tom of Ted’s Fruit and Veg, Borough Market, London
Excellent monochrome image portraying a characterful London market trader … and fresh veg’s vitamin benefits. I envy your photo opportunities and reminds me I must make the effort to explore e.g. Leadenhall Mkt.
14) Phil C: Climbing Wall
Very colourful and interesting image … good use of panorama mode. The more I hear and see of the Leica C the more it appeals.
15) Robert H: War Veteran
Good portrait conveying thoughtful, pondering facial character and his medals and poppy remind us that he and his comrades fought for our freedom.
16) Rob S: ‘The Sexton’s Adventure’ read by Erik Fuller
A difficult subject with such a broad range of tones. The face and pages appear over-bright and could maybe benefit from toning down. And the reader appears rather posed … I’d prefer to see him actually reading with a less posed expression.
17) Theodore D: Homestead, Zumi New Mexico
Good tones and use of diagonal in the foreground but the sky looks a bit overexposed in the centre … maybe as a result of digitally copying?
1) Bernd H – A lovely shot, capturing the perfect moment as his eyes meet those of his fan who is out of shot.
ReplyDelete2) Bill S – Another nice moment captured at an opportune moment, allowing us to imagine what they are saying.
3) Dan B - The shot does indeed reflect the tranquillity you mention, and it works especially well in black and white.
4) David F – Nice tones and a good record of the windmill.
5) David K – A good action picture with the quad bike in the air. Looks fun.
6) Duncan K – Love these carefully crafted shots of yours and this is another one that requires some unravelling. Very nice.
7) Elaine J – You’d have thought someone would help her with her bags, perhaps divine intervention is required. Well seen.
8) Howard F – Nice shot of two people enjoying a slow pace of life, well framed, and made by the bag hanging above their heads.
9) Jim C – A interesting shot of what looks to be an appealing sculpture.
10) Howard F – Nicely framed and the black and white suits the subject, good details as well.
11) Keith W – Wish I was having my lunch there, much nicer than the corner of an office.
12) Malcolm R – Good use of bold colour
13) Michael E – A great shot of Tom, bet he liked it. Good engagement with the subject, always a key point.
14) Me
15) Robert H - A good strong portrait of a veteran, would probably prefer to see the whole hand, but the face captures most of my attention.
16) Rob S – A good mixed light portrait which works very well. He looks relaxed, a kind of night-time Jackanory.
17) Theodore D – Good to see a Scala shot here, a suitable subject as well.
1) Bernd H
ReplyDeleteFine well-captured photograph, although the state of focus of the Author’s left hand is somewhat of a distraction
2) Bill S
Good spontaneous shot of the doorstep discussion
3) Dan B
The focus on the four pots is interesting but does not really explain the purpose behind the image
4) David F
Good angle for the shot of the windmill and the picturte is well exposed and has fine tones
5) Mine
6) Duncan K
A striking ‘abstract’ style picture with wonderful colour patterns and lighting
7) Elaine J
Well caught street picture of the nun and her ‘Hot Chilli’ bag, which certainly enhances the image
8) Howard F
An interesting street photograph, which is well composed and has good exposure, illustrating the couple’s life style and environment
9) Jim C
Nicely composed picture of the statues, but the image is not really striking and might have benefited from a stronger sky / background
10) Keith M
Well constructed picture with good depth of field and exposure
11) Keith W
Nicely composed photograph well illustrating the tranquil location. A little inrease in the contrast might have enhanced the photograph still more
12) Malcolm R
A fun picture of a ‘fun’ mannequin with its striking colours
13) Michael E
Fine portrait illustrating the warm character of the stall holder and which is well focused and exposed
14) Phil C
Well framed picture of the climbing wall with its great colours
15) Robert H
Nice portrait of the veteran with his thoughtful facial expression, which is well focused and exposured
16) Rob S
An interesting and unusual portrait of the reader – albeit appearing rather posed
17) Theodore D
Well composed picture, which is ideal in mono, although the brigtness of the sky in the centre is a little distracting
1. Bernd H. The caption here helps us to understand the poised pen and the upward glance of the author at his book signing. There is a twinkle in his eye that has been perfectly captured by the necessarily shallow depth of field. The cluttered background is unavoidable in these situations and to my mind is not so much a distraction as a part of the story however the brightest part of the image is those fierce blobby highlights on the left hand side which really catch the eye and would benefit from taming.
ReplyDelete2. Bill S. This looks like a “discreet shot from the hip” and none the worse for that. The lady is enjoying her chat and the John Nettles look-alike seems quite content to listen for a while - after all he does have an insulated mug to keep his tea warm...
3. Dan B. The upside-down teapots are quite fascinating, it is surprising how such a simple act as turning over an everyday object can make it look so unfamiliar. Beyond that I’m afraid the significance of the image escapes me.
4. David F. The shadow of the lower sail lines up precisely with the edge of the tower. If the sails were turning an exposure a moment or two later would place it across the building giving more shape to the structure. The different shades of brickwork are quite interesting and you have a good sky. Personally I would loose the fence and second mill at the base.
5.David K. I guess you have to be patient to catch two machines coming over the hump at the same time and you have done well to catch one of them airborne. I am wondering if a lower viewpoint would conceal at least some of the barriers in the middle distance?
6. Duncan K. A great deal of work has gone into achieving this extraordinary leaping harlequin image. Very well done and well worth the effort.
7. Elaine J. The incongruence of the carrier bag makes this shot. Well done for spotting it and for the quick reaction needed to capture it.
8. Howard F. I do like the framing of this story of down-at-heal domestic contentment. The composition reads beautifully from the black plastic sack through the elderly couple and the barred window to the number plate above the door on the right. Tiny details such as the padlock on the trolly all add information about these people and their lifestyle. An image well suited to the monochrome treatment.
9. Jim C. Cleverly made and well positioned sculptures well photographed. I know cormorants are black in real life but still wonder how it would look in colour.
10. Keith M. The light catches the inkcaps nicely and works well with the minimal depth of field to separate them from the leaf litter.
11. Keith W. A great spot to settle down with a book and a bite to eat - now if only those pesky photographers would go away!
12. Me.
13. Michael E. Smile please, a happy portrait. The board behind him tells us all we need to know about him.
14. Phil C. Very different. A fun shot(s?). Interesting to note that the light is coming from the right on the right and from the left on the left.
15. Robert H. A first rate portrait full of character and dignity.
16. Rob S. A curious blend of yellow street lighting and flash. Sitting on a park bench in darkness reading what appears to be a self illuminating book is an unlikely scenario - but it works, well done.
17. Theodore D. Tonally this is a good image. The broken down fence and barbed wire suggest that we are looking at some kind of ruined building on the right hand side of the frame but we do not have enough information to draw any firm conclusion. Is the building in the middle distance on the left connected to that on the right? The composition I find puzzling.
1. Bernd H
ReplyDeleteA well caught moment of Henning Mankel at a book signing. At these type of events there is usually too many people milling about to get a good shot. You have done well here with a nicely out of focus background to emphasise your main subject. Nice lighting as well.
2. Bill S
Certainly framed this one. An apt title with good expressions on the subjects faces. Good quality through out the image.
3. Dan B
This works rather well in monochrome. I like the way ones eye is drawn along the line of teapots and then one is left wondering what is actually in the cabinet beyond.
4. David F
This has been taken from an interesting angle to make the windmill loom large in the frame to give maximum impact. I like the clouds as a backdrop which gives added depth to the picture.
5. David K
You have caught the action here and both bikes are nicely positioned in the frame. However I feel the image would benefit more if the background had been thrown out of focus. Good range of colours though.
6. Duncan K
Another imaginative image from you this month. I like the shapes and colours which work rather well here. Your info on how you created this picture is very enlightening.
7. Elaine J
Well spotted and again another image which fills the frame to give full emphasis to the main subject. An amusing title.
8. Howard F
The couple seem to be fully absorbed in reading the papers and are completely oblivious of your presence which in turn gives a very natural/spontaneous feel to the picture. I love the textures in the wall plus the rubbish bags lying around which gives some atmosphere of this particular place.
9. Jim C
Strong lighting here which brings out the textures and shapes of the Cormorants. A good sharp image.
10. Keith M
The lighting certainly makes the Ink Caps stand out with lovely tones through out the picture. This works well in monochrome though I am sure it would be equally impressive in colour.
11. Keith W
This does look like a quiet spot for lunch but I do feel your main subject is a bit lost amongst the vegetation. To make this work I feel you needed to be closer but it is an ideal shot for B&W.
12. Malcolm R
Outdoor Markets are always a happy hunting ground for photo opportunities. The wig certainly makes an impact! It would have been nice to have the background blurred a shade but with a compact that is not always possible.
13. Michael E
This is a fine portrait which the choice of monochrome has emphasised. You have placed Tom in the frame in such a manner that we can see behind him what he is selling. A quality image.
14. Phil C
The Leica C seems to have delivered the goods here with good strong vibrant colours. The young lad looks like he is hanging on for dear life. Great use of the panoramic mode.
16. Rob S
This is an interesting take on a nightie portrait. Erik is lit just right and the street lighting on the houses also give some atmosphere to the overall image.
17. Theodore D
I am afraid I find the Homestead a little lost in the landscape due to the tonal range being somewhat similar. I also feel the light was with you on this occasion.
1) Bernd H - The Author's Smile
ReplyDeleteA wry smile perhaps! Great portrait of a very interesting man (just read his wikipedia entry). Thank you, I've learnt something. His expression, with eyes up over his glasses really, makes this photo. Perhaps it would have been good to have his hands in focus but during moments like this I know it's difficult. Really works in B&W.
2) Bill S - "Tea and talk"
I have mugs like both of these! Love the composition and the 'story'. The 77 attracts my eye a little too much and her eyes are a little 'odd' photographically but otherwise a great shot. It would be nice to see more like this.
3) Dan B - ...made in May while in Georgia
Yes, the detail and elegance of these pots really comes to home in this photograph. Technically a wonderful photograph but I think I miss the photo telling a story; friends meeting, that sort of thing.
4) David F - Kinderdijk Windmill
These buildings always look so good and cry out for a photograph but are so hard to capture in their full glory. Love the texture of the bricks and the shape. Ideally it would have been nice to see more of the second windmill and less of the handrails but as I say they are hard to capture.
5) David K - Four Wheels v Three
Lots of action and information to take in. Perhaps a little motion blur would help convey the speed but otherwise a nice capture.
6) Duncan K - Torso
Pleased I read the technical details as it made me appreciate this more. Wonderful shape and colours.
7) Elaine J - Hot Chilli Bag
Nicely observed. I would like to have seen more of her face and less of the surrounding (perhaps a lower DoF) but an interesting photo nevertheless.
8) Howard F - Venice back street
People sit in the funniest of locations. Love the bags, particularly the one above their heads, and the barrow to the right. A bit too B&W for me but an interesting photo nevertheless.
9) Jim C - Fe, Cormorants
How interesting. I want to know more. Nice capture of these curious sculptures.
10) Keith M - Ink Caps?
I wonder if the colour version would have worked better as mushrooms often have such unreal colours? The tops lack detail which I would like to see (which I suspect is down to Google+ or whatever it's called these days) but a great composition.
11) Keith W - A quiet place for lunch-Poole old town
I'm drawn in nicely to the main subject but I'm not sure there is enough to hold my attention as my eye wonders to the grill, wall and reflection. Nice photograph however.
12) Malcolm R - Redhead
Funny enough I saw this same model yesterday. A humorous capture which I'm pleased includes the interaction behind. Very nice.
13) Michael E - Tom of Ted's Fruit and Veg
Not Ted then! Love the title, his contact with you, his expression, the word broccoli (which sets the setting nicely), the textures, the sharpness and the framing. Perfect. Love it.
14) Phil C - Climbing wall
Made me smile. Love the colours and the humour of this photo. Great composition too. A bit blurry in the middle but more panoramic like this please.
15) Robert H - War Veteran
Wonderful portrait. Love the directness of his gaze and the sternness of his expression. I would like to see more of his hand and the darkness to the right toned down but otherwise a lovely photograph.
16) Rob S - The Sextons Adventure
Me
17) Theodore D - Homestead
I can see where you're going with this but the composition doesn't quite work for me. The 'lines' of the fence are not strong enough for me and there isn't anything else for my eyes to settle on naturally. Anything with 'stead' in the name always gets my attention but I'm afraid this doesn't work for me.
18) Tony M
No photo
1) Bernd H: An opportunity well utilised: I like the wistful look and the poised pen: “when can I get this over with and get my dinner”. Although I wouldn’t have recognised Mankel, he is definitely author material, suitably dishevelled.
ReplyDelete2) Bill S: Nice composition and angles. I wouldn’t have realised they were market traders but I like the overall effect.
3) Dan B: A superb study, lovely B&W tone and good composition.
4) David F: Great detail, excellent angle (I know how difficult windmills are to photograph close up from experience on Mykonos, the island of winds) and a vibrant sky.
5) David K: Another of David’s great motorcycle action shots. Who says the M isn’t for sports photography? I like the colours and composition, in particular the clear banding of sky, brush and sand. Lovely shot.
6) Duncan K: Dunk just gets better. I would never have guessed this was sticky tape at heart but the overall effect is stunning as usual. Great colour.
7) Elaine J: Well composed street scene that tells a story, nice angle from above.
8) Howard F: A good B&W conversion and I’m hooked. This is another particularly good street shot with lots of detail and perfect framing.
9) Jim C: Excellent rendition in B&W with the almost lifelike pose of the cormorants. Where is this sculpture? I would be nice to have know in case I’m passing in the future.
10) Keith M: Fine detail, pleasing composition with the white heads standing out clearly against the dark background and perfectly exposed. I agree that this is a good example of using the EVF on the M (presumably angled upwards to minimise the crawling) and the focus aid works well, especially with longer lenses and shallow depths of field.
11) Keith W: Nice composition and fine detail, typical 50mm Summilux rendition and in focus too (I have had lots of focus issues with my own 50 Lux. Must be my eyesight.)
12) Malcolm R: I love the strong colour of the wig and the expression on the dummy’s face. A very cheerful shot well seen and recorded.
13) Michael E: My fruit and veg shot.
14) Phil C: Excellent colour and composition. I can’t remember seeing a panoramic entra in my brief residency at Circle D but this works well. I love the Leica C which I would swap for the D-Lux 6 anyday on the basis of pocketability. Results are invariably pleasing.
15) Robert H: Evocative and well executed portrait with a clear story. We just know it is Remembrance Sunday without explanation.
16) Rob S: This is a lovely shot, Rob. Well composed and perfectly exposed to highlight the subject while retaining enough of the background to set the scene. This is a great photo opportunity well taken.
17) Theodore D: Impressive, wild landscape with excellent composition and tone. The monochrome treatment definitely adds to the atmosphere here.
18) Tony M: No photo
Keith W
ReplyDeleteA Happy Christmas to all Circle D’ers. Good shooting in 2014!
1.Bernd H
Good record of the event, but photographically the highlights distract.
2.Bill S
Would not know they were market traders without title. Guess it explains mug!
3.Dan B
Nice tonality but have to confess the symbolism is lost on me.
4.David F
Like this image a lot. Fine composition with position of sails spot on.
5.. David K
Good point in the action well captured.
6.Duncan K
Stunning colours with good saturation retained. Good old Velvia 50, will be missed as much as Kodachrome!
7.Elaine J
Well seen but not comfortable to see the lady struggling.
8.Howard F
A great shot of the non-tourist Venice. Well done for bringing out some shadow detail.
9.Jim C
Lovely textures in this image and you probably got the best viewpoint given the orientation of the statues.
10. Keith M
Hope you are enjoying new camera! A good b&W image of a natural history subject normally seen in colour.
11. Me
12.Malcolm R
Some redhead. Another well spotted fun shot.
13.Michael E
Lovely portrait of a man in his environment. Well done
14.Phil C
Great colours and format for this image. Our first Leica C image?
15.Robert H
Lovely image, with the Veteran’s expression perfectly representing the event.
16.Rob S
Interesting lighting but think I would like the whole of the subject to be lit.
17. Theodore D
Where does the digital camera come in? Reminds us of the tones of b&w film though.