1) Bernd
Aldo: On our stroll hrough Triest my friend an I were looking for some presents for our wifes and found a very little and old-fashioned perfumery. Behind the counter an 80 years old man, named Aldo, advised us splendidly. He is doing his job more than 60 years and he creates his own flavours also - but only on good days. (Leica M9 | Summilux 35 ASPH)
2) Bill
My entry this month is entitled - ’65 Thunderbird’ straight, ( no post processing) from my Fuji XE-2 fitted with a 1957 35mm Summaron. Taken at an American Classic Car show at Tatton Park, Cheshire.
General pictures at such events always suffer from distracting backgrounds but I think the camera’s built-in processing in ’Dynamic Tone’ mode has lifted what might have been an average record photo up a level.
No doubt it will be frowned on by purists but I find that these alternative modes fitted to most modern cameras are worth exploring occasionally in the search for an image which is a little different and does’t involve spending hours on the computer.
3) David F
Catalina flying boat at Old Warden, M(240) + R-M adaptor + 80 - 200 Vario-Elmar R
4) David K
‘It’s a bird... It’s a plane... It’s a Vulcan!’ - taken at the Weston-super-Mare Air Show. It was taken with my Leica M9 with the 35mm Summilux f/1.4 asph Lens - exposed for 1/1500 second at f/8 (ISO 250).
5) Dunk
INTERACTION - ‘Cinders’ the Celebes Ape at Exotic Pet Refuge, Deeping St James, Peterborough 22 May 2014. Leica C compact ISO 100 1/60 f5.6.
6) Elaine
Looking for God. Taken with my Lumix FZ100 with a Leica lens
7) Keith
The garden party that is the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Sir Jackie Stewart taking the Mercedes-Benz W165 that ran in the 1939 Tripoli GP. up the Hill. Great noise.
Leica M(240)/Summilux 35mm.
8) Malcolm
Dore Abbey Detail, taken with my Panasonic.
9) Mike
The newly restored Washington Monument taken from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the weekend before Independence Day, 2014. Leica T with 18-56mm Vario-Elmar-T set to 75mm, f/5.4 (maximum at 75mm) and 1/1250s, ISO 100. Camera-generated B&W JPG processed in Super Efex Pro.
11) Robert H
Choices : St Malo : D-Lux 6 ISO 200
12) Rob S
Man Servant, X1 (last photo)
13) Theodore
No photo this month as still on the road.
14) Tony
A quiet corner of the John Rylands Library -Manchester, M8 as the
exposure was 1/4 second I had to place the camera in a nearby desk to
take the shot.
15) William
Magician Jodhpur: In 2009 I went on the Rajasthan Royal Train Tour. While we were in Jodhpur they gave us a magic show after lunch. The magician was a most engaging and amusing character which I think shows up in this photo. Leica M8 and 28mm Summicron.
My entry this month is entitled - ’65 Thunderbird’ straight, ( no post processing) from my Fuji XE-2 fitted with a 1957 35mm Summaron. Taken at an American Classic Car show at Tatton Park, Cheshire.
General pictures at such events always suffer from distracting backgrounds but I think the camera’s built-in processing in ’Dynamic Tone’ mode has lifted what might have been an average record photo up a level.
No doubt it will be frowned on by purists but I find that these alternative modes fitted to most modern cameras are worth exploring occasionally in the search for an image which is a little different and does’t involve spending hours on the computer.
3) David F
Catalina flying boat at Old Warden, M(240) + R-M adaptor + 80 - 200 Vario-Elmar R
4) David K
‘It’s a bird... It’s a plane... It’s a Vulcan!’ - taken at the Weston-super-Mare Air Show. It was taken with my Leica M9 with the 35mm Summilux f/1.4 asph Lens - exposed for 1/1500 second at f/8 (ISO 250).
5) Dunk
INTERACTION - ‘Cinders’ the Celebes Ape at Exotic Pet Refuge, Deeping St James, Peterborough 22 May 2014. Leica C compact ISO 100 1/60 f5.6.
6) Elaine
Looking for God. Taken with my Lumix FZ100 with a Leica lens
7) Keith
The garden party that is the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Sir Jackie Stewart taking the Mercedes-Benz W165 that ran in the 1939 Tripoli GP. up the Hill. Great noise.
Leica M(240)/Summilux 35mm.
8) Malcolm
Dore Abbey Detail, taken with my Panasonic.
9) Mike
The newly restored Washington Monument taken from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the weekend before Independence Day, 2014. Leica T with 18-56mm Vario-Elmar-T set to 75mm, f/5.4 (maximum at 75mm) and 1/1250s, ISO 100. Camera-generated B&W JPG processed in Super Efex Pro.
10) Phil
Bottoms in the landscape: Leica M6
11) Robert H
Choices : St Malo : D-Lux 6 ISO 200
12) Rob S
Man Servant, X1 (last photo)
No photo this month as still on the road.
14) Tony
A quiet corner of the John Rylands Library -Manchester, M8 as the
exposure was 1/4 second I had to place the camera in a nearby desk to
take the shot.
15) William
Magician Jodhpur: In 2009 I went on the Rajasthan Royal Train Tour. While we were in Jodhpur they gave us a magic show after lunch. The magician was a most engaging and amusing character which I think shows up in this photo. Leica M8 and 28mm Summicron.
As usual, will members please vote and comment as usual.
1 Bernd: Aldo
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued as to what constitutes a ‘good day’ for Aldo. Interesting story but given the possible ‘props’ available, e.g. exotic bottled fragrances, Aldo holding up a carrier bag is a bit of a let down. Good exposure but not an image that immediately ‘speaks’.
2 Bill: 65 Thunderbird
I like the dynamics of the composition but the ‘Dynamic Tone’ treatment looks way OTT. The semi-wideangle lens and the dynamic framing has captured the car design superbly and emphasized its features – but the ‘in camera’ dynamic facility has created an unattractive false colour airbrush look. The ‘lifted’ treatment has not worked well.
3 David F: Catalina flying boat at Old Warden
Good record image – sharp and well exposed – and illustrates the potential of the M240 to use Leica R zoom lenses. A tighter crop might give more emphasis to the aircraft. The lack of photogenic cloud detail on the day has resulted in a rather too ordinary looking background.
4 David K: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Vulcan
Difficult contre jour exposure handled very well; the figures on the beach admiring the classic Vulcan add to the composition.
5 Mine
6 Elaine: Looking for God
I can imagine the door hinges creaking. The figure is looking at something but not immediately obvious what it is ? Difficult to reconcile the title to what the figure is actually seeing. Leaves me with a sense of “Hmmm … what’s really going on and where / what is it?”
7 Keith: Garden Party that is the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Interesting storyline/description but the actual scene looks rather ‘empty’ with all the unoccupied chairs – and the Mercedes car is rather too small in the frame. I’d like to see a bit more of some of the spectators in their 50s finery – i.e. from a closer viewpoint.
8 Malcolm: Dore Abbey Detail
The image looks unfinished but has potential. Could benefit from additional post processing to straighten the slightly tilted cross, and also could be improved with some tonal adjustment – especially to reduce highlights in the bible. Reminds me of some of the ‘still life with shadows’ images seen in ‘year books’ a few decades ago.
9 Mike: The newly restored Washington Monument
Superb symmetrical composition/framing but the ‘cut-off’ figures in the foreground are a little distracting. Interesting that you have used an in camera JPEG. The blob of cloud on the LHS of the crane, just above the tree, looks a bit alien compared to other cloud detail/texture – could it be dust on the sensor? It’s more noticeable if the image is enlarged. Look forward to reading your Leica T review and your usual comprehensive assessment of Leica’s latest camera.
10 Phil C: Bottoms in the landscape
I looked at this for a long time trying to find some pictorial interest but unfortunately the rear view of two people leaning over a wall are not sufficiently ‘box office’ to make this a memorable image … but maybe I’m missing something?
11 Robert H: Choices: St Malo
Sharp and well exposed and good differential focus to the background – but I’d prefer to see more of the lady’s characterful face.
12 Rob S: Man Servant
Amusing character study but I’m wondering ‘where and why’ ref. the event as has insufficient other pictorial background detail. The lady on the RHS looks a bit stressed/unhappy? I’m intrigued by the “(last photo)” remark? As if you no longer have the X1 camera?
13 Tony: A quiet corner the John Rylands Library – Manchester
Superb detail and pleasing composition with good DOF – excellent record image.
14 William: Magician Jodhpur
Excellent character study of the happy magician and ‘magic carpet’ comes to mind … as if flying … as a result of the empty background.
Several pleasing and interesting images this month and will be difficult to find a winner.
Best wishes
dunk
ReplyDelete1. Bernd: Aldo.
Out of focus bag is distracting. Would it work better if the bag was the main point of focus or if the photo was of Aldo without the bag?
2. Bill: ‘65 Thunderbird:
Very nice shot of a very nice car. I often use such dynamic tones for car shots. Sometimes B+W works better in scenes with a lot of onlookers as it eliminates the distraction caused by bright and colorful clothing.
3. David F : Catalina Flying Boat at Old Warden.
Very nice Catalina. Again this might have worked better in B+W to emphasise the ‘old look’. It might also be possible to boost the contrast in the clouds just a bit.
4. David K: Vulcan.
This is an excellent photo. The large Vulcan and small figures work well together. The central placing of the aircraft and the island work for me.
5. Dunk: INTERACTION.
Nicely seen. The interaction with the young lady might have worked better if you could see her face and the ‘interaction’ implied in the title.
6. Elaine: Looking for God.
What is he looking at? Maybe a question mark after the title might have added to this concept. A lovely composition using the opened door to great effect.
7. Keith : Goodwood.
A well taken photo of a general scene. I must admit I am a big fan of 1930s racing cars and, from a later era, Sir Jackie himself. A photo of Sir Jackie and the car or the house with ‘car sculpture’ might have been more evocative and striking.
8. Malcolm: Dore Abbey Detail.
A really lovely photo and I like , in particular, the way the shadow of the cross falls across the book.
9. Mike: Washington Monument.
I like this and, particularly, the way the small figures give the picture some scale. Was this taken in RAW and converted to JPEG later? The picture is perhaps a bit overprocessed but I must admit to doing the same thing myself from time to time!
10. Phil: Bottoms in the Landscape.
I like the mystery here but a crop might have heightened this effect.
11. Robert H: Choices.
Nicely taken and processed. The figures on the top right are a bit distracting even though they are out of focus and the photo is in B+W.
12. Rob S: Man Servant.
This works for me and I know how he feels! Nicely composed.
13. Theodore: No photo.
14. Tony: John Rylands Library.
Very nice mood in this. I can almost see a figure from the past reading by candlelight in this scene.
15. Mine
1) Bernd :
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely portrait of Aldo and an interesting story. The background is nicely out of focus but still retains enough detail to add to the overall image and to give a sense of place.
2) Bill :
Considering the conditions you have come away with a dynamic image from the use of the special features in your Fuji. The old Summaron has done you proud!
3) David F :
This certainly stands out from the grey sky. The use of the M240 and Vario-Elmar shows what can be achieved from this set up. I think the plane is positioned in just the right part of the frame to give maximum impact.
4) David K :
A nice crisp image although perhaps the Vulcan is a little too central. The inclusion of the spectators gives a sense of scale along with the choice of the 35mm lens.
5) Dunk :
What a wonderful expression on the Apes face. You have certainly caught this at the right moment. My only crit is that I would like to have seen the expression on the young ladies face. Shows what can be achieved on the small Leica Compacts.
6) Elaine :
I like the way you have framed this picture so that ones eye is led towards the figure in the background. Not sure I like the coloured lighting but you would not have control of that. Another interesting image from you.
7) Keith :
This is certainly overly sharp I feel. Certainly a good record of the day at Goodwood. One wonders if there was more potential in getting closer to some of the race fanatics or cars to tell the real story of the day.
8) Malcolm :
Picking out just a small detail at Dore Abbey has made a very simple picture with just a few elements. The lighting was also with you here. I like it.
9) Mike :
All the elements of this photograph stand out and shout at you. However I wonder if you have been a bit too heavy in post production.The sky and the picture, overall, just looks too sharp which is a pity. I like the reflection of the monument and the people give a sense of scale.
10) Phil :
An amusing image which was well spotted. I like the way you have used the hedge to lead the eye into the main subject.
12) Rob S:
An amusing image which has been well executed. The sky looks very threatening but the grey makes your main subject stand out. I would have liked to have seen the background thrown out of focus a bit more as it is a shade distracting.
14) Tony :
What lovely warm colours and everything is sharp and well exposed. This is a very pleasing photograph of a quiet corner in John Rylands Library.
15) William:
He is certainly looking very jolly and you have captured the moment at just the right time. Good clean colours but the white background is perhaps a little overpowering.
1) Bernd
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice portrait of Aldo himself, but it is a pity that the bag is out of focus
2) Bill
A well composed picture of a great classic American car, but the blue colour tone has come out as almost too dominant and slightly ‘unreal’
3) David F
A good well exposed shot of the Catalina. The photograph would perhaps have been enhanced by a more detailed background, notably in the cloud detail
4) Mine
5) Dunk
The well-caught expression on the ape’s face is the key feature in the picture. It is a pity that the young lady did not ‘interact’ on her part, perhaps with an outstretched hand in response
6) Elaine
Well composed photograph leading one to try and determine the source of the man’s interest, although the ‘Looking for God’ is not clear. The blue lighting of the steps is not ideal
7) Keith
An interesting picture taken at the Goodwood Festival, although the title of ‘Garden Party’ is not really supported by the unoccupied tables and chairs. A closer image of the racing car might perhaps have enhanced the shot
8) Malcolm
A well exposed photograph of the cross and adjacent prayer book. The lighting of the cross is good but the glare from the white of the book is slightly distracting
9) Mike
A well framed picture of the Washington Monument, although the clouds are so dominant that they are somewhat of a distraction to the main image
10) Phil
The photograph is well exposed and the basis of the title is clear, but a closer view of the subjects might perhaps have created more interest
11) Robert H
A well focused and composed photograph of the lady. It is a shame that the group to the top right are a bit of a distraction from the picture’s primary focus
12) Rob S
A fun shot in which the yellow of the box stands out well against the dark rather stormy sky
13) Theodore
No photograph
14) Tony
A well exposed and nicely composed picture of part of the Library, which in some ways looks more like a church setting
15) William
A very good and well-caught photograph of the jovial magician on what could (because of the clear white background) be described as his ‘flying carpet’
1 Bernd. A fine environmental portrait of Waldo and the little story that goes with it completes the picture and makes it all the more meaningful. Is it my imagination or has the 35m lens slightly distorted the perspective making his arm appear unnaturally long and his hand a touch too big?
ReplyDelete2 Bill S. American cars are big and brash so the use of exaggerated colour in this instance works well. The “Size Matters” sign in the windscreen is a nice touch of humour.
David F. Captured at just the right angle to show all the details of the undercarriage etc. the grey sky has given it a satisfying monochromatic appearance.
David K. Another airshow shot but how different from the previous one, here the use of the wide angle has abled us to see the location in which it was taken and also the spectators. The muted sky tones do not compete with the Vulcan for our attention and the light on the sea is the perfect foil to the sky.
Dunk. The perennial problem with zoos is of course the cages, we either have to put up with them or emphasise the captivity aspect as you have here. The girl presents an incongruous figure - and is probably just a little too close for comfort!.
Elaine. Some very strange colours here no doubt due to the mix of daylight and tungsten. The red glow from the interior makes me think the visitor is more likely to encounter the Devil than God.
Keith. Not at all sure that the 35mm is the best focal length for this shot, certainly it sets the scene but the car is an almost incidental element of the picture rather than the main subject that your note suggests it is intended to be.
Mine.
Mike. Nicely framed and beautifully symmetrical just as it is no doubt intended to be. Rightly or wrongly I am suspicious of the definition of the clouds but I do like the little cartoon character in the top right quadrant.
What can we say? At least they don’t look (too) big in this.
11. Robert H. A good candid shot of the potential diner studying the menu, the background is inevitably confusing and distracting but you have kept it out of focus thereby concentrating our attention on the lady with her impressive handcuffs.
12 Rob S. A quirky fun shot and we can only guess what is going on and what the relationship is between the manservant and his helper. Lets hope he can see where he is going. (Last photo?)
13. No photo.
14. Tony. It looks very impressive and cathedral like and you have resisted the temptation to “get it all in” and show us instead a quiet corner that epitomises the character of the place.
15. William. A good portrait of this happy smiling chap. We need to know that he is a magician to fully understand the picture and the purpose of all those mysterious bits of cloth etc. I’m intrigued by the plain white background - is that part of his act?
1. Bernd: Interesting story and a delightful photograph of Aldo.
ReplyDelete2. Bill: Nice classic car picture from an unusual combination of X-E2 and vintage Leitz lens. Excellent colour treatment and, as Bill says, the dynamic tone option has emphasised the main subject at the expense of the busy background.
3. David F: Excellent in-flight shot and the Vario-Elmar-R has performed well at 200mm.
4. David K: Very interesting and effective composition with a number of elements, sand, people, sea and the Vulcan itself combining to provide a good sense of scale. Is that a whale on the horizon, adding a bit of mystery? I suppose it must simply be an oddly shaped island.
5. Dunk: The C is little camera that impresses, despite the small sensor. I like the colours and this is a good example—accompanied by an an interesting narrative and an acquisitive Cinders.
6. Elaine: Another superb picture from Elaine. Treatment is excellent and the varying colours of the stonework add interest and lead the eye to the figure bathed in red light. I wouldn’t have known it was a church but Elaine’s caption seems to indicate this.
7. Keith: Great composition with the standing figure in the foreground and the other spectators dotted around against the fence. I like the overall treatment and the strong colours from the M. Overall this is a really nice picture and possesses elements of the sort of painting that might hang on the walls of a motoring clubhouse such as the RAC in Pall Mall.
8. Malcolm: Nicely exposed and composed detail shote, perhaps a little gloomy but certainly atmospheric.
9. Mine:
10. Phil: Well, this follows recommended practice of allowing the green avenue to draw attention to the subject(s) in the distance. But unfortunately those bottoms are a bit uninspiring.
11. Robert H: Superb street shot rendered in my favourite monochrome. I’m a sucker for a bit of black and white and this shot has all the right elements for a good street picture and is well executed.
12. Rob S: Great fun picture. I am not at all sure what is happening and what the woman in the Pacamac is doing. But the composition brings a smile to my face. Why “last photo”, Rob?
13. Theodore: No photo.
14. Tony: Nice subject and composition and remarkably sharp for the M8 considering the slow exposure. I like the overall lighting which creates just the right atmosphere.
15. William: The magician looks pleased with himself, although I would have liked to see him in action doing his magic tricks. The shot is a bit too closely cropped for my liking and I find the lack of a background rather disconcerting. It is almost as though the magician is sitting on a magic carpet flying through the air. Perhaps he was, in which case we have all the action we need.
1, Bernd
ReplyDeleteExcellent portrait photograph, great lighting and monochrome conversion.
2, Bill
I'm also a fan of extended dynamic range, It's a nice shot of the car and the camera has handled the conversion very well.
3, David F
Simply lovely, a great shot of the aircraft, very well done
4, David K
Very dramatic, great composition & sharpness, I've only seen one flying a very long time ago and wow! They are very noisy indeed.
5, Dunk
Interesting, I suspect the ape is asking for food, the 'C' has performed well again – I'm very impressed with mine.
6, Elaine J
Very well done, especially considering the mixed lighting conditions, nicely exposed.
7, Keith W
I like the composition & colour of this, looks like the rain is about to come in judging by the dark sky on the right
8, Malcolm
A lovely photograph, simple and the lighting is just perfect.
9, Mike
Great spatial property and composition, I do like the processing and from a JPEG that's very good.
10, Phil
The title says it all – very amusing and well exposed and scanned.
11, Robert H
Well one should take one's time over the menu! Very well captured and lovely processing, a fine 'people' shot.
12, Rob S
I like this, very comical, part of a fairground sideshow? Well spotted and captured.
13, Theodore D
No photograph
14, Tony M
Me
15, William F
Indeed, a great shot, well captured considering the intense backlighting.
Keith W
ReplyDelete1) Bernd H
Nice contrasty image that obviously makes a nice personal memory
2) Bill S
Dynamic tone certainly gives some manipulated colours but not to me taste I’m afraid.
3) David F
Super shot of a lovely aircraft. The sky is perfect contrast for the subject
4) David K
Imaginitive to use 35mm lens for a aircraft in flight and the inclusion of the forground and sea makes a very good image.
5) Dunk
The interaction seems a bit one-sided. Nice image nevertheless.
6) Elaine
Had to be taken.
7) Me
8) Malcolm
Lovely exposure. Being picky I guess it would be improved if camera were square to subject.
9) Mike E
Love the scale and symetry of this shot. Good contrast and tones brought out by Silver Efex. Would I have been naughty and ‘lost’ the crane? Probably, with such a good image.
10) Phil C
Shame they are not cheek to cheek, but another well spotted shot very nicely composed.
11) Robert H
Very much like this. Would in my view be improved a tad with the background less sharp but know this is not easy with D-Lux 6.
12) Rob S
Hope he didn’t get wet to add to his woes.
13) Theodore
14) Tony M
Love the colours and textures captured here to make a great image. A competition judge might want the highlight on the edge toned down a little.
15) William
Not sure how you have got the backgound which gives a studio feel. Certainly looks a character who likes to be photographed. Very nice image.