1) Bernd H
The Greek-Orthodox Father: During the santification of river Isar on Epiphany the faher throws a cross three times into the river. Each time a swimmer has to retrieve the cross. (M9 | Summilux 50 ASPH)
2) Bill S
Time to go Dear: Take at Ness Botanical Gardens on the Wirral with a Canon 6oD and a 9cm Elmar. Why the sofa was in the middle of the meadow I have no idea, the couple appeared to appreciate it though.
3) David F
MG Special at Prescott a VSCC hill climb. Leica IIf + 135mm Elmar
Awaiting the judge - but missing that Cruft’s discipline! - taken at the Weston-super-Mare Dog Show. It was taken with my Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux f/1.4 asph Lens - exposed for 1/500 second at f/9.5 (ISO 160).
5) Duncan K
Tombstone Lichens Leica X-Vario 1/160 f10 ISO 100; Peterborou
6) Elaine J
St Marys Lighthouse
7) Keith W
A quiet read: Leica M9 / 50mm Elmar 2.8
8) Malcolm R
Winter in the Park: Panasonic
The Conversion of St. Paul: On the road to Damascus at Soho Square: My first day out with a Noctilux 0.95 and Monochrom
10) Phil C
Texting on the go: Leica M6
11) Robert H
Welsh Mountain Ponies: Mynydd Llangorse. D-lux 6/Vario-Su
12) Rob S
Flooded Fields, X1
13) Theodore D
No photo this month
14) Tony M
Glorious Sir John - bust of Sir John Barbirolli - outside the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. M8, 40mm f2 Summicron (PP in Lightroom)
That's it...
1. Bernd H: The Greek Orthodox Father
ReplyDeleteInteresting record image and central character looks magnificent – apart from the cropped hat. The building and the wires are distracting as is the chap holding his nose in the background.
2. Bill S: Time to go Dear
A wonderful picture. Worthy of being offered to ‘AGE UK’ for use as a greetings card? Might benefit from cropping – I can see two other possibilities.
3. David F: MG Special at Prescott
Certainly conveys a sense of action and atmosphere; nicely framed but it’s a little unsharp. Is the unsharpness due to camera panning movement or is the car (and driver) vibrating/shaking? Still a great image.
4. David K: Awaiting the Judge
Unfortunately the scene looks rather too static. Might there have been a few potential ‘Erwittesque’ images there worth searching for ? I can see one potential box office ‘dog with owner’ picture. As it is, too many dog owners doing very little.
5. DSK – mine
6. Elaine J: St Mary’s Lighthouse
I like seascapes and this could make a good postcard. Lots of atmosphere and the seagull is well caught . I like the ships on the horizon. Could benefit from more post processing to emphasise the sky and rock shadow detail.
7. Keith W: A quiet read
A very pleasant candid portrait set in a very tranquil environment. I can hear the birds singing.
8. Malcolm R: Winter in the Park:
Beautiful atmosphere and the frost on the trees conveys an almost infrared effect. Might benefit from a crop to foreground and the RHS.
9. Michael E: Conversion of St Paul On the road to Damascus at Soho Square
Considering the subject, the slightly blown out of focus highlights add to the atmosphere as does the in-focus isolation of St Paul in the photo. A very competent composition – which also demonstrates very effective use of Noctilux differential focus.
10. Phil C: Texting on the go
A good record of 21st C. living pace in Charing Cross Rd but could benefit from some PP to emphasise the bus shadow detail; would like to have seen both of the lady’s feet on the pavement as looks a bit odd without … but maybe could be cropped up to her hand for a more tidy composition.
11. Robert H: Welsh Mountain Ponies:Mynydd Llangorse
A very picturesque and tranquil scene but the shadow detail could benefit from PP. This could be used for a greetings card.
12. Rob S: Flooded Fields
Difficult exposure and the highlights look a bit overexposed. Difficult but interesting camera angle too … did you get wet Unfortunately does not work pictorially to my eyes mainly because of the O.O.F. foreground – but well worth the effort and experiment.
13. Tony M: Glorious Sir John Barbirolli – Bust outside Bridgewater Hall Manchester
An excellent record; well exposed, composed, and sharp and good D.O.F. but to my eyes would have very much more impact as a pure B&W image.
Hi Circle D, A very good selection of images to ponder over for January and difficult to pick just one for the top place. Happy New Year to everyone and wish you all lots of good photo opportunities in 2014.
Dunk
) Bernd H.
ReplyDeleteA well captured image with a nice expression on the Greek-Orthodox Fathers face. Plenty of detail where it is required along with tight framing to give full emphasis to your main subject. Lovely quality through out.
2) Bill S.
Taken at just the right moment. The placement of the lone chair on the lawn is rather intriguing. Nicely captured and presented.
3) David F.
You have certainly captured a sense of speed here. Again another fine example from your llf
And Elmar lens. The toning also adds to this particular picture.
4) David K.
A very colourful image and a good record of the Dog show if a bit busy. However I feel you may have made more of this event by getting in closer to one of the competitors as I am sure there were one or two characters worth pursuing.
5) Duncan K.
Another quality image from your X-Vario. The lighting certainly brings out the textures of the lichen which have good strong colours.
6) Elaine J.
This looks a bit bleak but you have certainly caught the mood of the day here . I particularly like the inclusion of the seagull which fills a nice space in the frame. I like this a lot.
7) Keith W.
This is a good clean image but I feel your main subject is a bit small in the frame. A crop off the right would give more emphasis to the young lady reading who seems to be oblivious of your presence.
8) Malcolm R.
I don't think we have had anything like this in this part of the world this Winter. Frosted trees always make good subjects especially when the sun is out. Nicely presented and executed.
9) Michael E.
A good result from the Noctilux and Monochrom camera. The background has been nicely blurred to make your main subject stand out.
10) Phil C.
Well spotted. The lady does seem to be engrossed in her texting. Shame her face is in a bit shadow also I would like to see the background thrown out of focus as it is a shade distracting. Good grab shot though.
12) Rob S.
I like the idea but it is not sharp where it needs to be which is a pity as you have chosen an unusual angle to take this from.
14) Tony M.
Another sharp picture and you have certainly filled the frame. I am not sure about the toning. The 40mm has done you proud.
1) Bernd H
ReplyDeleteFine portrait with good detail of the Greek-Orthodox Father. However the building and figure behind him do distract from the overall image
2) Bill S
Intriguing picture taken at the 'decisive' moment. The reason for the positioning of the chair in the meadow does raise a question or two
3) David F
Good action picture coveying the atmosphere of the occasion and speed of the MG car
4) Mine
5) Duncan K
The colours stand out well but the image does little to excite for me
6) Elaine J
Really good sea shot, which certainly conveys the bleak atmosphere and conditions surrounding the lighthouse
7) Keith W
Nicely framed picture conveying a tranquil scene surrounding the figure
8) Malcolm R
Good photograph of a wintry scene capturing the frost on the trees well. A scene yet to be encountered in this part of the world this winter?!
9) Michael E
The image has good contrast with an appropriate depth of field highlighting St Paul. However, perhaps having the horse’s head in focus might have enhanced the picture still further
10) Phil C
Good street photograph of an all too familiar scene these days. It would perhaps have been preferable if her face had not been covered in quite so much shadow
11) Robert H
Really nice scenic image portraying a tranquil atmosphere encompassing the two horses
12) Rob S
Interesting camera angle used in the picture which works. However, the image might well have been enhanced if the foreground clump had been in focus
13) No Photograph
14) Tony M
Fine image of the bust, well composed and with sharp focus and good exposure.
1) Bernd H.
ReplyDeleteSuperb photo, like the oof background too.
2) Bill S.
Another super photo, but would it be a better composition if the seat was to the right.
3) David F.
4) David K.
Very good record shot, a little too ‘cluttered for me.
5) Duncan K.
Wonderful textures and colours.
6) Elaine J.
A really superb photo, I especially like the composition. The seagull is beautifully placed.
7) Howard F.
Very nice photo, I would like to see a crop of 1 inch from top and 2 inch from the right hand side.
8) Malcolm R.
Wow, a lovely photograph, like the delicate colours too .
9) Michael E.
Very nicely seen photo very well composed, but was the Noctilux wide open, I feel that it wasn’t as I would have expected a lot more oof in the background if it was at .95..
10) Phil C.
Superb photo and composition, a little bit of a ‘cluttered’ background.
11) Robert H.
Great shot and very nicely composed.
12) Rob S
Is the X1 water proof?? You look very close to the water! Lovely photo good composition.
13) Theodore D.
-
14) Tony M.
I like this photo, well exposed and very nice composition, also the toning is good and makes the photo .
1) Bernd H: Wonderful clarity and tone and good composition although I would prefer not to have seen the man holding his nose in the background. I wonder if he was the next one to jump in the Isar?
ReplyDelete2) Bill S: Surreal shot and it works, entirely due to the capture of the decisive moment. Is this the Queen being helped up from the sofa? This shot works also because the subject it brought into focus by the surrounding landscape. Cropped, it would have been a lesser shot in my opinion.
3) David F: I love the sense of action and movement which is handled well. The detail is remarkable and it is great to see the old IIf performing so well. I think the lack of sharpness in certain areas adds to the overall vintage effect.
4) David K: Without the caption we would be left wondering what everyone is looking at. I fear there are too many humans and dogs to look at and I think the shot would have benefited from being more focused on a smaller group.
5) Duncan K: Nice colours and texture from the trusty XV but, again, without the caption it wouldn’t be clear what we are looking at. That said, it would make a nice abstract print for framing.
6) Elaine J: Another compelling landscape from Elaine. Composition is excellent and I appreciate the brooding sky with lighthouse and seagull perfectly framed.
7) Keith W: I like the composition and colours but would have preferred to have seen the top corner of the church(?) and a little more of the photogenic tree with its red blossom (or fruit?)
8) Malcolm R: Nicely composed landscape which brings out the flavour of winter.
9) Michael E: My picture (Incidentally, in answer to David F, the Nocti was used at f/2. I tried at f/0.95 but it really didn’t work. It would have had to have been St. Paul’s nose, in splendid isolation, on the road to Damascus)
10) Phil C: Excellent street shot from Oxford Street (Dunk suggested Charing Cross Road but the No.55 bus runs along Oxford Street, so that clinches it). An opportunity well seen and executed.
11) Robert H: A well framed landscape with the rolling hills standing out almost in 3D and with the two ponies dominating the foreground. I like the colours, the lazy clouded sky and the shadows of the clouds on the distant hill.
12) Rob S: A very topical scene and full marks to Rob for the composition, the perfect juxtaposition between the standing vegetation and trees and the rather helpless humans, marooned in an expanse of nature.
13) Theodore D: No photo
14) Tony M: Well executed statue shot with excellent tone and detail.
1 Bernd - Another lovely photograph, beautiful tones which catches the moment perfectly. The only downside is the chap appearing behind the shoulder on the right, but not much you can do about it. Very nice.
ReplyDelete2 Bill S - This made me laugh. What is going on I have no idea, but it's a fun moment and the wide framing works perfectly.
3 David F - Lots of energy and power her, nicely captured.
4 David K - A typical British seaside event with lots of characters to explore within the frame.
5 Duncan K - Nicely spotted, interesting close up and good texture which the light shows off well.
6 Elaine J - Very nice indeed. A cold day at the coast that would work well as a book cover, a thriller of some sort.
7 Keith W - Nothing quite like taking time out to grab a chance of getting your nose in a book. The light work well and adds to the peaceful scene.
8 Malcolm R - A light dusting of snow or a heavy frost. Would make a nice change from the constant rain we are getting this year.
9 Michael E - I like the angle you have shot from, it works well and adds to the drama of the sculpture.
10 Me
11 Robert H - "Do you come here often." I can almost here the Johnny Morris voice over on this one. The climb to the top was worth it.
12 Rob S - The low angle is very effective and combines with the lighting to add drama. Are they just out for a stroll or trying to escape the floods which go on for miles…
13 Theodore - No image
14 Tony M - Effective post production bringing out the details really well.
1. Bernd H. A well captured portrait of the priest in all his splendour, there is sufficient evidence of the crowd to explain what is going on without causing too much distraction. The out of focus buildings places the occasion out of doors and whilst the character holding his nose is unfortunate he could not be avoided without missing the otherwise fine layout of the picture .
ReplyDelete2. Bill S.The oddity of the white sofa in the middle of a field together with the companionship of old couple (also in white(ish) clothes) taking advantage of it makes for an excellent slice of life picture taken at just the right moment when there is a bit of action taking place.
3. David F. A tightly framed shot of the MG in action which certainly gives us a sense of speed. The ambitious combination of 135mm lens and panning has resulted in a slightly unsharp but nevertheless acceptable rendering of the car.
4 David K. An overall impression of the occasion but shot at a time where there does not appear to be anything of particular interest happening.
5. Duncan K. Harmonious colour combinations and the random shapes of the algae provide a delicate abstract pattern.
6 Elaine J. A moody almost monochrome image of the lighthouse in its watery surroundings. The strategically placed ships and seagull give it those finishing touches.
7. Keith W. At the moment we are wondering if summer will ever come again so this is a pleasant reminder.
8. Mine. The park is underwater today!
9. Michael E. The head and shoulders of St Paul are beautifully sharp and positioned against a light patch of the background which really helps to make that part of the image stand out, the shallow depth of field however is disappointing in a picture of this type of subject.
10. Phil C. A touch light on the shadow detail (if you see what I mean). I’m all for banning these devices - then people could go back to looking where they are going!
11. Robert H. Side-lighting has done a great job in highlighting the ponies against that spectacular background of the valley making an excellent landscape.
12. Rob S. The duck’s eye view has turned a fairly ordinary picture of a walk in the countryside into something quite different. It is a shame that the foreground clump of (?) is unsharp but placing the figures against the sky works well.
13. Theodore. No image.
14 Tony M. Nice lighting and texture on this bust and the plain background sets it off perfectly. I find the disconnected hand rather odd (a comment on the sculpture not the image of the sculpture). I guess this is a “toned” monochrome?
1, Bernd H
ReplyDeleteLovely shot, shame about the figure behind the priest, but it's not easy to get it bang on in this kind of situation -I know!
2, Bill S
Well spotted, I like the positioning of the figures in the landscape
3, David F
A great shot of a fine old car, with a fine old camera, excellent processing and scanning.
4, David K
Yes, not quite Crufts is it,a good impression of the localness of the show, and fine colour too.
5, Duncan K
I do love the colours & shapes of this shot, well seen and taken.
6, Elaine J
Lovely, low horizon and a big sky, well composed and the seagull in just the right place, sadly a reminder of our dreadful weather at the moment – but I like it (the photo that is!)
7, Keith W
I like the composition of this, nice lighting and colour – soon some sun and warmth for all of us – I hope.
8, Malcolm R
Simple and very tranquil, lovely colour and shape, have you tried converting it to black and white I think that would work just as well.
9, Michael E
Very dramatic shot of the statue, the Mm produces such superb tones – well done
10, Phil C
Great street shot, very busy, as it should be. Good processing and scanning.
11, Robert H
Lovely lighting on the ponies and very well composed and post processed.
12, Rob S
Great low angle and positioning, the figures are in the right place to make this a very interesting photo.
13, Theodore D
No photo
14, Me
1) Bernd H - The Greek-Orthodox Father
ReplyDeleteWonderful with a great back story and lots going on in the picture. It's a same the image itself doesn't tell the back story but this is so hard to do. Love it; powerful.
2) Bill S - Time to go Dear
I know how they feel. Lovely caring moment but a little too distant for me.
3) David F - MG Special at Prescott a VSCC hill climb
The grain and motion blur suits the image very well. Nice.
4) David K - Awaiting the judge
Lots going on but my eye is searching for something to land on I'm afraid.
6) Elaine J - St Marys Lighthouse
Wow - very nice. The colours, sea and position on all the elements works really well. Nice one Elaine.
7) Keith W - A quiet read
I understand the idea but for me it's a little too ordinary. Sorry.
8) Malcolm R - Winter in the Park
Beautiful. Like the crop and of course the colouring. I would have been tempted to have taken out the bin but it doesn't distract from a lovely picture worthy of a wall hanging.
9) Michael E - The Conversion of St. Paul
You're so good at observing these things. Personally I like your people photos but this is interesting, particularly with the depth of field used. Hope you're enjoying your new lens.
10) Phil C - Texting on the go
Another lovely photo Phil. I do like the fact you have a strong point of interest but then include 'stuff' around. You've inspired me to try this sort of thing more.
11) Robert H - Welsh Mountain Ponies
Fabulous. Love the landscape and obviously the Ponies add a very interesting near point of interest. Nice sharp image where a long depth of field really works.
12) Rob S - Flooded Fields
Me
13) Theodore D
No photo this month
14) Tony M - Glorious Sir John
I'm not sure...I can see the attractiveness of statues but I'm not sure for a photo at the end of the day. Sorry.