Happy Christmas to all our members and any visitors to the site.
1) Alan
James Turrell Lightscape Exhibition Houghton Hall: Leica C, f/4.7, 190mm, ISO 1000, 1/5th Sec Handheld
2) Bernd
Look Right: Coming from Millenium Bridge and crossing Queen Victoria Str. you will get this view to St. Paul's Cathedral. But sometimes the pedestrians won't look right :-)., Leica M9 & Summilux 35, ISO 800, 1/30, f2.0
3) Bill
‘Come on, come on’ a race official at the Wilmslow Half Marathon this year encourages late entrants to join others as the race is about to start. The lead car in the background is about to set off.
A cropped image, taken with a Panasonic G5 and 85mm f2.8 Hector P2 projector lens fitted with a card aperture disc fixing it effectively at about f6.3.
4) David F
Brasso, taken with an M(240) and a 50mm Summilux
5) David K
‘Latest Addition to Weston's Bus Fleet’ - taken in the town centre of Weston-super Mare. The fuel may not be environmentally ideal - but the vehicle’s whistle certainly lets people know it’s around! It was taken with my Leica D-Lux (Type 109) with its DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f1.7-2.8 asph Lens - exposed for 1/640 second at f/4.0 (ISO 200).
‘Latest Addition to Weston's Bus Fleet’ - taken in the town centre of Weston-super Mare. The fuel may not be environmentally ideal - but the vehicle’s whistle certainly lets people know it’s around! It was taken with my Leica D-Lux (Type 109) with its DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f1.7-2.8 asph Lens - exposed for 1/640 second at f/4.0 (ISO 200).
6) Elaine
Darters having fun. LumixZF100
7) Jim
Going Home. It's Life. We arrive and Leave. On the McIntosh Estate at Farm Show.
L1 Vario Elmarit
L1 Vario Elmarit
8) Keith
On a dull and damp November morn, ex Great Western engine Dinmore Manor departs Bewdley station on the Severn Valley Railway. Leica M(240)/50mm Summilux ISO 1600 f4 350sec.
9) Malcolm
Beady Eye: This was taken with my Panasonic TZ60 ,1/160, f6.4, focal length 129mm, ISO 800.
10) Mike
Tom Chung demonstrates one of his home-made retro instant cameras at the Hong Kong Camera Fair in October. Apparently these steam-punk devices with Fuji Instax innards are the latest big thing. (Leica Q, f/2.5 at 1/125s, ISO 800)
11) Phil C
One Killer, Panasonic LX100
12) Philip
Pavement Cafe: I couldn’t resist a quick grab shot when I saw these two enjoying their coffee while sitting on the pavement - M(240) Summarit 35mm: 1/1000 @ f8
13) Rob
A bag for life?, Leica Q
14) Sky
Deer, deer, deer, Leica V-Lux
15) Theodore - Away until end of 2015
16) Tom
Waiting For Their Menfolk: The photo was taken in Istanbul last year whilst taking part in the Leica Forum One Challenge, using the M9 based Monochrom and 50mm Summilux lens.
17) Tony - No image this month
18) William
Tintagel Castle Island: I visited Tintagel in Cornwall about 4 years ago. I was a bit disappointed at first at not getting a dramatic shot but when we went on a walk along the cliffs we came across this view. I have used Nik Silver Efex and 're-colouring' to heighten the dramatic effect. Leica M9 and WATE at 16mm.
Alan (James Turrell Lightscape Exhibition): Nice detail and colour from the little C. The lighting on the three statues above the Palladian portico grabs the attention. I might have been tempted to centralise the portico, however.
ReplyDeleteBernd (Look right): Fine composition and execution with the two main foreground images juxtaposed with the illuminated dome of St. Paul’s. A very attractive night image, full of detail and atmosphere. I’d be happy to hang this on my wall.
Bill (Come on, come on): Effective reportage shot and interesting technical details on the lens. Nice B&W toning and the sharpness is impressive given the odd choice of optic.
David F (Brasso): Excellent and colourful use of subject isolation which works well in the context. The text on the Brasso can, however, does appear to be somewhat fuzzy which is unexpected. First impression is that focus is accurate but when I blow up the shot I see there is something odd going on. Was this full frame or a crop? With full-frame, spot-on focus and a fast enough speed, I would have expected the text to be clear and readable, given the combination of M240 and 50 Lux. However, I am being pernickety here; the composition and subject is effective and great fun.
David K (Latest addition to Weston’s bus fleet): Lovely steam bus. I presume this is a lorry conversion but not sure; there used to be one at Whitby also until they ran out of cash. Well seen and executed but the rather busy background, particularly the scaffolding, slightly detracts from the overall image in my opinion.
Elaine (Darters having fun): Never heard of darters before but they do look fun; they certainly look like they are enjoying life. Effective framing, outstanding colour treatment and superb focus on the dragonflies.
Jim (Going home): Wonderful humorous shot. Well-seen and composed, with the two main subjects complemented by the younger couples in the background.
Keith (Great Western Dunmore Manor): Wonderful evocation of the age of steam and a superbly executed shot, full of detail and passion. The 50 Lux is one of my favourite lenses and the resolution is superb, especially at this relatively high sensitivity.
Malcolm (Beady eye): Lovely bird shot, impressive colours and subject isolation.
Mine.
Phil (One killer): The prosaic relationship between the dramatic bus poster and the inoffensive pedestrian raises a smile which survives even the prospect of a visit to Stoke Newington. The unavoidable blue umbrella actually adds to the atmosphere.
Philip G (Pavement cafe): Well composed and framed, effective B&W conversion and good toning. The animated conversation between the subjects is offset by the placid ranks of paving stones. They’ve heard it all before, no doubt.
Rob (A bag for life): Wonderful subject (the bag) but I would have liked to see the human subject’s face. That said, the subtle colour of the bag is an emotional counterpoint to the almost monochrome treatment of the rest of the frame. It works.
Sky (Deer, deer, deer): Good landscape composition with an impressive sky and the autumnal tints of the woodland in mid-ground.
Theodore (no entry)
Tom (Waiting for their menfolk): Technically excellent, a very impressive amount of detail from the Monochrom and 50 Lux combination as is to be expected. The framing is perfect and the group impresses overall.
Tony (no entry)
William (Tintagel Castle Island): Learn something every day—I’ve never invoked SEfex and then recoloured. You must show me some day. This is a lovely shot with the horizon bisecting the island and the monochrome sky adding drama.
General observations:
ReplyDeleteThis must be 50 Summilux month judging by the number of entries seen through this excellent lens.
I would like to see every group member offering a critique rather than just the usual suspects. Spending time on reviewing other members’ photographs is just as important as submitting the entry. I know it’s not always straightforward to come up with the words (clicking the shutter being much the easier task) but I am sure we all read and appreciate the comments. I certainly find them very useful and I respect peer views. It is a vital part of the process.
ReplyDeleteKeith
Can I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
I would also like to echo Mike’s comments, and this is something I have raised with Phil. For the past few months we have been running at around a 50% comments to entries.
1. Alan
Excellent effort at 1/5sec at 190mm handheld. The slight softness does not detract from a fine image.
2. Bernd
Pleasing night shot with excellent detail throughout, and the extra bit of interest noted in your description.
3. Bill
Good shot of the guy in ‘full flow’ but needs your explanation to bring it to life. Certainly an unusual lens, but one is tempted to ask “Why?”
4. David F
This I like -Dorset Steam Fair? However, with the lens/camera used the tin should surely be much sharper, and it is difficult to spot the actual plane of focus.
5. David K
Nice shot of fine vehicle and the passengers look happy!
6.Elaine
Nicely composed and natural looking colours. The Darters stand out well.
7.Jim
Very nice shot and a rear view that works. Must say I feel for the poor chap - it looks painful to walk.
8.Me
9. Malcolm
Fabulous natural looking colours. A beady eye indeed.
10. Mike
Not sure what you have here! Superb sharpness on the guys face especially as with that expression looks like he may have been moving. Interesting in terms of camera he is holding and the first time I have heard about this.
11. Phil
Excellent street shot. Very powerful. When I try and think why probably because lady’’s head is against the plain and dark background of bus window.
12. Philip
Another fine street shot. Superb exposure and lovely interplay between the subjects.
13. Rob
If the person lifted bag because of you, may have done you a favour as makes interesting shot with a load of possible connotations! Well seen and captured.
14. Sky
Lovely herd with at least one deer looking at you. Kept being drawn to the gorgeous light in background.
15. Theodore
16. Tom
Excellent composition and treatment. Certainly a monochrome subject. Did it win?
17.Tony
18. William
Super image and processing. Re-saturating the green has given it a real 3D feel. Lovely.
Mike, my ability with the computer is very limited. at 84, long comments are beyond my typing skill. sorry about that, but I do enjoy being involved. The entries are all of a high standard and I always look forward to the new month. I find the Digital camera the Eighth Wonder of the world. I bought my 3C with f2 Summar in 1951. now a GZ8 with 1.4 Summilux it is always set at Intel Auto!!!! we all find our Level in the end.
ReplyDeleteRegards Jim Cook MAWTE. Eng., Not an artist.
Jim, I fully understand. I rattle off stuff on the computer and sometimes don't think that not everyone is comfortable with the the technology. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we value your monthly contribution and love seeing your pictures, even if you can't manage the comments. Please don't think that I was being a bit too pushy on this aspect.
ReplyDelete1. Alan. All credit to you for having a go at this shot but it does not work for me for several reasons. The weird lighting (not under your control) has done the house no favours, the purple line along the roof top and especially the purple windows at the base clash horribly with the green - and white - of the stonework of the house and the extremes of light levels are beyond the capability of the camera to render highlight and shadow detail. Both ends of the house have been cut off but not symmetrically and there is an odd shadow on the right. Some cropping would help as would a different lighting engineer.
ReplyDelete2. Bernd. Another night shot, this time in monochrome which is much more forgiving. The two figures at the base plus the third at the top of the first set of steps lead us along the pathway between the dark buildings and up to St Paul’s. I’m not convinced that the “Look Right” signage adds significantly to the picture and would prefer not to see it.
3. Bill. Tights by Nora Batty? - very elegant! Your experiments with a projector lens continues very successfully Bill - an unconventional but remarkable result. He appears to be signalling to you and therefore to us as viewers making us in an odd way part of the image/action.
4. David F. Lovely little cameo of the goings on at a steam rally. The cross threaded cap on the Brasso and the dirty rag tell the story brilliantly whilst the wheel and boiler set the scene. Pity the whole of the rag is not in frame.
5. David K. More steam and an impressive bus that must be good for attracting the holiday makers. The angle at which you have captured it is just about right, we can see the passengers enjoying the ride and most of the driver and the steam escaping from above and below brings the vehicle alive. It would be worthwhile doing a recce to see if you can find a tidier backdrop for a similar future shot.
6. Elaine. A pair of pairs well spotted and captured, The electric blue against the black and green backdrop is quite startling. Good image of pond life.
7. Jim. I like the fact that you have caught the young couple approaching between the heads of the older couple going in the opposite direction. There seems to be a message in there somewhere.
8. Keith. Steam is a popular theme in this round and this is a very well captured moment with plenty of smoke and steam in evidence as 7820 moves across the frame. The second engine and engine shed fills the left hand side nicely.
10. Mike. Whatever you do don’t show this to Leica, they have a few letters left yet to find cameras for! Seriously though this has great impact and great curiosity value although I’m not so sure about the camera’s practicality. Good fun though and it looks to be a very well made piece of kit, perhaps lacking a spirit level?
Malcolm, Yes the message. as we leave the stage others take our place. A comment from a Lady in Canada. A life of love and caring. Others comment. Disgusting to take a picture of that poor man. A Photograph I believe should have a story to make it complete. Jim C
Delete11. Phil C. One killer; doing a body count I can definitely see six, possibly eight figures in there. A fraction of a second earlier or later and the moment would have been missed so the blue umbrella has to be forgiven (in away it adds something to the image, relieving the dominant reds and giving extra depth to the perspective).
ReplyDelete12. Phillip. Nice shot of this pair relaxing in the sunshine, both are in semi profile which means that we can see their faces and that adds to the storyline. I’m in two minds about cropping the grassed(?) area at the top but do like the shadow of the horse’s head in the bottom left corner.
13. Rob. What to read into this strange picture? is it someone who does not wish to be photographed, is it part of an advertising campaign is it just a posed bit of fun playing on the wording? I don’t particularly like it but it does make us think and there is merit in that.
14. Sky. It’s a big herd isn’t it. Perhaps tighter framing to simplify the image concentrating on a just a few animals. The best light is on the parkland in the distance, had it been on the deer the picture would have been much improved.
15. Theodore. No image.
16. Tom. The girl in the middle may have spotted you but the other eleven people in the frame are all in their own little worlds, each one worth studying. The massive column, the hoardings and the tops of those huge doors all add to the scene which works beautifully in monochrome.
17. Tony.
18. William. Many years ago I visited Tintagel, there was thick mist that day and it felt very strange and unsettling - especially knowing that that there was a cliff edge out there somewhere and maybe Merlin around the next corner. This is much more “user friendly” although still a wild spot; the figures on the path give it scale and the ruggedness of the place is clear to see. The 50/50 colour/monochrome mix does seem to work here in a strange way - but there again it is a strange place.
1. Alan
ReplyDeleteI haven’t used a C, so I don’t know how ‘balanced’ it feels at 190mm, but I am not sure I could manage a slow speed, handheld night shot with a telephoto! I was wondering how a landscape crop might have worked.
2. Bernd
A great shot and plenty of interesting detail in the deep shadows. For me, the look right sign finished it off very well.
3. Bill
Fascinating technology: I have visions of you holding the camera in one hand while balancing the card disk in the other! I’m sure the reality was far more sophisticated. With that sharpness it was well worth the experiment.
4. David F
A very fine and uncluttered shot that really tells a story. Excellent colour.
5. David K
Certainly well seen: it must have been quite a sight on the day - if only a still photography could capture sounds and smells!
6.Elaine
To my eyes the very strong leaf background dominated the picture, and the darters were a little lost - but there is nothing you could do about their colour. The way they were almost perfectly aligned, like a pair of synchronised swimmers, was good.
7.Jim
For someone who wasn’t there on the day it’s all too easy to say ‘if’: if the small couple on the upper left had been just a little further in the frame, and if the even smaller couple in between the heads of the main subjects had’t been there, the framing and balance would have been perfect - but still a very good shot.
8.Keith
It always intrigues me how railway photographers manage to be at just the right spot to capture perfect smoke patterns. You certainly made good use of the light on a dull day. I wonder how it would have looked with the signals and second loco out of the shot.
9. Malcolm
A fine and uncluttered portrait with excellent colour - while all the DSLR crowd with their long and heavy telephotos are chasing after their elusive prey you created an excellent bird study from a humble pigeon.
10. Mike
There is plenty going on in the background, but you have isolated the main subject very effectively. I wonder what his picture of you was like.
11. Phil
I liked the composition but am not sure about the blue sunshade - but you only get one brief chance to make that type of shot and you saw it well.
12. Me
13. Rob
A good idea but perhaps slightly more of the obscured head would have increased the interest - that’s assuming you had a very obliging subject on the day. But if it was a stranger raising the bag to shield them from your lens then it was a great shot - who’s to know! If there is good detail in the dark coat perhaps it would work well in mono.
14. Sky
Interesting colour from the low sunshine
16. Tom
A strong composition with the row of subjects. I really enjoyed all the detail in this shot
18. William
A strong image, with good cloud detail that balances the shape of the headland very well - and very effective post-processing.manipulation.
16 Tom. A good story, but the real picture is the Lady on the Left with the 2 children, their expression says everything. They are looking at her. She is looking to the road. A perfect example of Less is More. HCB would be happy with that shot. Jim C.
ReplyDeletePhil C. A real sharp shooter. To See, Frame, and shoot. I don,t Think Whyat Earp could have shot that one. Jim C
ReplyDelete1. Alan: James Turrell Lightscape Houghton Hall.
ReplyDeleteNice lighting, well captured. Well done with the handheld aspect.
2. Bernd: Look Right.
Again lovely lighting of the main subject. The pedestrians add scale to the scene.
3. Bill: Come on, Come on.
A lovely photo capturing a man busy at work. As for the projector lens, I would just say ‘why not?’. It works brilliantly.
4. David F: Brasso.
A well thought out shot. I might have gone for a bit more depth of field. The ‘bokeh’ of the Summilux is excellent over a range of apertures.
5. David K; Latest edition to Weston’s Bus Fleet.
A lovely steam bus very well captured. The people on the bus seem to be enjoying the trip.
6. Elaine: Darters Having Fun.
These creatures are normally difficult to capture but the mating season slows them down a bit. Very well composed and captured.
7. Jim: Going Home. We arrive and leave.
This photo sends out all kinds of messages. I don’t know whether the placing of the younger couple between the older couple was deliberate, but it works very well.
8. Keith: Great Western Engine etc.
Everything about this works brilliantly from the smoke from the chimney stack to the paint and the brass on the engine. It also shows once again that the 50 Summilux is one of the best lenses that Leica has ever produced.
9. Malcolm: Beady Eye.
Great shot of a pigeon with mischief on its mind. I love the colours on the bird’s neck.
10. Mike: Tom Chung etc.
Now that’s what I call a ‘real’ camera. Tom is a great subject and the other chap on the right, looking into the scene, helps to make the picture.
11. Phil C: One Killer.
Is there something going on in Stoke Newington that we should know about? I am sure that there was more to this bus ad. Very well captured in a difficult situation.
12. Philip: Pavement Cafe.
Nicely seen and good contact between the two subjects. It looks like the lady on the left is doing all of the talking as the guy on the right has already finished his coffee.
13. Rob A : A bag for life?
Well seen but maybe it begs the question as to why the lady was holding the bag up like this. Was it to fend off the photographer?
14. Sky: Deer, Deer, Deer.
A nice photo with good lighting. The horizon could perhaps do with a tiny bit of straightening.
15. Theodore: Away.
16. Tom: Waiting for their menfolk.
Well captured with beautiful processing. When you are in the Middle East scenes like this are common but in the wealthier Gulf States the women would have their own cars or drivers. The Summilux shines here once again.
17. Tony: No image.
18. William: Mine.
A Happy Christmas and a Wonderful New Year to all fellow Circle D members.
1) Alan – The Leica C has handled this well, as have you with the long exposure.
ReplyDelete2) Bernd – I know this spot well. I like this shot, the figures in the foreground add a little mystery and the lights on the dome of St Paul’s draw the eye up. The detail in the dark areas really works well.
3) Bill – Sounds like a very inventive setup using the projector lens and the animation of this chap comes through well.
4) David F – Well controlled depth of field, hope they put you to work polishing!
5) David K – A lovely vehicle- have you been for a ride?
6) Elaine – Lots of detail in this, and their colour against the green makes then stand out. Whether they are having fun I don’t know…
7) Jim – I like the arrangement of the couples, though perhaps the two behind the older couple would be better in some space, but the three sets of pairs works well.
8) Keith – Another lovely rail shot, the steam shows the power of the engine well.
9) Malcolm – This is a nice shot, the tight crop really works well.
10) Mike – Very odd camera, but I like the shot, lots of energy as he seems to loom at you for a shot, yet it is you taking the picture.
11) Me
12) Philip – Very nice. The fact you have isolated the figures from what must be a crowded street means you can really concentrate on the figures interaction. The shadows are nice too.
13) Rob - Very simple, but very effective – I like this one.
14) Sky – A lovely autumn day – hope you had a nice day out there. I like the way the deer are all in one band across the frame, a sort of reflection of the trees.
15) No image
16) Tom – This works well in black and white, the people all looking in one direction.
17) No image
18) William – I love this place, and have often found it hard to photograph. You are right, this is the view, the headland against a dramatic sky. The “re-colouring” works well.
Firstly I would like to wish all members and their families a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
ReplyDelete1) Alan: terrific lighting which is very impressive. I may have been tempted to have cloned out the three purple coloured rectangles at the bottom of the image as these could be a little distracting.
2) Bernd: great shot, especially in the evening light. I have a similar shot taken in the daytime but it isn’t as impressive as this one.
3) Bill: I think this works really well in monochrome and certainly the race official really helps tell the story.
4) David F: I guess the steam engine guys must use gallons of Brasso and certainly your selective focusing and the red colour both on the can and top make this a superb image.
5) David K: nice record shot of this historic vehicle. Maybe you could have included a little more surrounding detail on the right side of the frame to give the bus more room to move into; but that’s only my opinion.
6) Elaine: lovely colours and detail make this a very good macro image.
7) Jim: well captured as the couple are in exactly the right position in the frame. Hate to say it, but the man’s bowed legs and walking stick really add to the effect.
8) Keith: I do like steam trains and so this image is “right up my street”. You’ve captured the action well as the locomotive is evidently working hard judging by the steam it’s producing.
9) Malcolm: lovely portrait of the bird with superb detail and colour in it’s feathers. The sharpness in the eye and beak area is also to be appreciated.
10) Mike: before I read that this was taken with the Q I was going to say it was evidently a wide angled shot. Evidently the lens was almost fully open and the selective focusing works well. Very good detail and colour. (I’ve only recently received a Q and now need to get to terms with it.)
11) Phil C: the red colour and composition make this shot although it’s a pity the figure isn’t a little sharper. I’m guessing it was a real “grab” shot to get the lady and bus working together.
12) Philip: very nice monochrome image with excellent tonal range. I think the composition is just right with shadows adding real depth.
13) Rob: amusing image, although I can’t decide if I would have liked to have seen the persons face.
14) Sky: Lovely colours and clarity although I would have tried to clone out the deers which are only partly in the frame at the left and right.
15) Theodore: away
16) Tom:
17) Tony: no image
18) William: great landscape with an interesting sky which really makes the total image work well. Terrific clarity and tones, both adding to this lovely photo.
Tom: f/2.5 @1/125 for the Hong Kong Photo Fair shot--you're almost right. Yes, I agree that it has the wide-angled look which I've got used to in the six or seven months I've been using the Q. Sometimes it works ok, as here, other times you get the turtle-head effect. For portraits I often switch on the 50mm framelines which force me to stand further back and result in a better perspective at the expense of pixels.
ReplyDelete1) Alan
ReplyDeleteThe building and its lighting have enabled a dramatic image. The detail is good, particularly bearing in mind that the photograph was taken handheld at a low speed. The purple windows at the base are somewhat of a distraction
2) Bernd
An interesting shot of St Paul’s wonderful illuminated dome, well suited to monochrome in the photograph. A nice composition with good detail in the shadows. Personally, I would have preferred not to have the ‘look right’ wording included
3) Bill
A well-caught street image at the start of the race with good depth of field. The race official is clearly intent on capturing some images of his own at some stage
4) David F
A nicely composed photograph of a (well used) tin of Brasso, with good colour and detail, plus an appropriate depth of field (with the ‘target’ engine in the background)
5) Mine
6) Elaine
An unusual image with good colours and well captured
7) Jim
An interesting shot of the old couple, who appear to be struggling in their gait in contrast to the younger couples shown
8) Keith
A good ‘picture postcard’ shot of the magnificent steam engine in all its glory. Well composed and with good colours
9) Malcolm
Fine detail and colours in the photograph of the pigeon with its ‘beady eye’ as the main focus
10) Mike
Well captured image of Tom Chung with fine detail and good depth of field
11) Phil C
Well spotted, captured and composed street photograph with the woman's red coat complementing the colours of the bus
12) Phillip
Nicely framed and well captured street photograph of the two people in deep conversation on their coffee break, enhanced by their shadows
13) Rob
Interesting street photograph, simple but effective and for which the title is well matched
14) Sky
Nice landscape photograph with a great number of deer present. Despite the interest in the deer, the eye is drawn to the wonderful lighting in the background
15) Theodore
No photograph
16) Tom
An interesting street photograph taken in Istanbul with plenty of activity illustrated with fine detail and well suited to monochrome
17) Tony
No photograh
18) William
Well composed photograph of the rugged cliff edge with good colours and enhanced by the clouds in the sky