Eurofighter Duxford, Leica V Lux 3, f/5.2, 1/2000 sec, 108mm Lens, ISO 100
2) Bernd - No image this month
3) Bill
The Leaping Cat: taken with a 25mm f1.4 Summilux M4/3 lens on an Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera set in an Art Filter mode, later modified in Elements and Nik software. The event was a car show at Tatton Park Cheshire.
4) David F - No image this month
5) David K
‘Banksy Artwork in an Alley’ - spotted at the end of a rather grubby alley near the Bristol Harbourside, subsequently identified as ‘The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum’ (2014). It was taken with my Leica M9 with the M 50mm Summilux f/1.4 Lens - exposed for 1/60 second at f/13 (ISO 160).
‘Banksy Artwork in an Alley’ - spotted at the end of a rather grubby alley near the Bristol Harbourside, subsequently identified as ‘The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum’ (2014). It was taken with my Leica M9 with the M 50mm Summilux f/1.4 Lens - exposed for 1/60 second at f/13 (ISO 160).
6) Duncan
The Maiden and the Urn - Amber Chelsea Gray, Thorpe Hall, Peterborough, August 14 2016. Natural light, Leica SL 601, 24-90mm.
7) Elaine
Reflections: Lumix FZ100 with Leica lens
8) Keith
In conversation: Leica M(240) / 50mmm Summilux
9) Malcolm
No cars, no motorcycles: Panasonic TZ60
10) Mike B
Uphill Struggle.Another image from my trip to Canary Wharf and again taken with the M240 and CV 1.4/35.
I happened to just walk into the underpass when this lady cycled into view at the bottom on her heavy 'Boris Bike' and proceeded to tack up the slope sail boat style. Fortunately I was already set up for a fairly large depth of field and had only to increase the ISO to get the shot. Right place, right time but was it worth it?
National Portrait Gallery Contemporary Portraits, taken with the new 12mm Leica DG Summilux f/1.4 ASPH mounted on a Panasonic Lumix GX8. Shot at f/1.4 and 1/100s.
12) Phil
The Mediterranean or North Wales? Panasonic LX100
Heron. Panasonic Leica 100-400mm with Olympus Pen F
14) Shaun
This picture was shot at a recent WW2 re-enactment society meeting I visited. I was using a Leica M240 with a 50mm Summarit lens I post processed in black and white to try and capture the feel of the Second World War. F2.5 1/3000 sec.
Leica SL with Leica Vario-Elmarit 24-90mm. Snow Tessara Cornsnake
16) Theodore
An intimate discussion, Leica Q 1/800 @4.5
17) Tom - No image this month
18) William
Dun Laoghaire Lexicon and Yacht Club
Some people do not like the appearance of the new Lexicon (posh name for a library). I have processed this to make the building shapes stand out against the skyline and to show the differences between the old and the new. Leica M2 and 50mm Summicron
1 Alan ‘Eurofighter Duxford’
ReplyDeleteWell caught action photo but the sky is uninteresting; post processing could bring out the plane’s shadow detail. Tilting and cropping the plane slightly via post processing to point the plane towards the upper left corner could create a more dynamic composition.
3 Bill ‘The Leaping Cat’
I like the overall idea and treatment; a strong image. However, would prefer to see the JAGUAR part of the radiator badge logo in clearer detail (via slightly different camera angle). The jaguar leaping cat mascot has too much shadow which could be lifted.
5 David K ‘Banksy Artwork in an Alley’
A fair record of Banksy artwork but ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ or graffiti to some; Banksy artwork doesn’t appeal to me. I’d be tempted to try and include someone studying and viewing the portrait - thus creating some human interest.
7 Elaine ‘Reflections’
The reflections are not as strong as the title suggests. Good verticals; I can see other potentially stronger images in the scene e.g. the statue and the steps’ patterns and the columns.
8 Keith ‘In Conversation’
Very pleasing differential focus emphasizes the lady beautifully. Her expression and body language suggest several possible storylines; dress pattern emphasizes femininity; excellent lighting. Superb capture.
9 Malcolm ‘No cars No motorcycles’
Rear view of horse and rider not very exciting. Horse lacks detail. Not an image for my wall. Does the image really convey the title’s message?
10 Mike B ‘Uphill Struggle’
Building composition shows good dynamics and good verticals . Cyclist’s silhouette not very exciting. Shadows could be slightly lifted to good effect. Title seems inappropriate if cyclist is making slow but well planned and easy progress?
11 Mike E ‘National Portrait Gallery Contemporary Portraits’
The hand communicates well; companion’s receptive and attentive body language suggests interesting exchange of opinion between the two visitors. Excellent record and story.
12 Phil ‘Mediterranean or North Wales’
Pleasing colours; intriguing tiny windows; shadows on building could be lifted a little to good effect. Pictorially could be stronger if taken from lower camera angle thus avoiding the tree obscuring top LHS of building.
13 Rob ‘Heron’
Unfortunately the bird’s lower body or the foliage covering its lower extremities is not included and the heron’s eye is not sharp. Also the bird appears slightly overexposed thus feather detail lost. I was talking to Jessops’ Phil Gould on the Panasonic stand at Birdfair 2016 about this lens; it’s a superb and compact optic with great imaging potential.
14 Shaun ‘WW2 Re-enactment’
Good atmosphere and excellent differential focus but unclear as to what the warden is actually doing and eye detail is obscured by the spectacles’ frame. Second warden’s shoulder is distracting.
15 Sky ‘Snow Tessara Cornsnake’
A specialist record image for the herpetologists. Immediately notice that the file size is relatively small to the detriment of image quality. Eye appears rather flat and lacks detail. The section photographed and the chosen background, lacking habitat detail, does not convey much to a layman.
16 Theodore ‘An Intimate Discussion’
Figures rather too small but could be emphasized to good effect via cropping; Foreground section seems wasted. The 28mm lens is not really suited to capturing individual people at a distance. Good dynamics and framing and enough pixels to enable a crop for a stronger story.
17 William ‘Dun Laoghaire Lexicon and Yacht Club’
The treatment is interesting but does not appeal because the sky appears so empty. Yachts, moorings, and piers appear too incomplete. A lower camera angle (if possible) might have created a more balanced composition ie with less empty sky content and more yachts to juxtapose the Lexicon. Difficult scene to capture.
Interesting set of images to critique and several stand out as worthy of commendation in the 1,2,3 selection.
1. Alan: Good Capture the plane seems a bit underexposed but appreciated this is difficult against a bright sky.
ReplyDelete2. Bernd: No Image
3. Bill: Very moody with the Jaguar set against the brooding sky, the red badge works well against the monochrome colours.
4. David F: No Image
5. David K: Well spotted
6. Duncan: A lovely image very well composed I like the contrast of the softness of the model in the white dress and the harsh stone features.
7. Elaine: This works for me I like the foreground in the shot which really sets the photo up, nice colours.
8. Keith: A nice B&W image and effective/tasteful use of depth of field.
9. Malcolm: A tranquil shot in the country
10. Mike B: Good control of exposure and the tunnel draws the eye nicely.
11. Mike E: Great shot
12. Phil: Wonderful colours
13. Rob: Up nice and close but the cropping is a bit unusual for my eye.
14. Shaun: Mine
15. Sky: Interesting would like to know more about the story behind it.
16. Theodore: Good observation of vanishing point with the couple adding some interest.
17. Tom: No Image
18. William: Interesting post processing and without the modern building it would pass for a vintage shot.
Hi Dunc, Thank you for the critique. Just for further information the shot was “live’ and not posed so as the subject passed by I had a split second to manually focus, check all was ok (exposure etc.) and capture my image with no opportunity to make any requests such as removal of glasses. Regards Shaun
ReplyDeleteMany thanks
Shaun
1) Alan – Nicely caught, this can be hard to achieve given the speed of the machine, could perhaps do with a little tweak to brighten a little.
ReplyDelete2) Bernd – No image
3) Bill – Very dramatic, and a great way to show off such an iconic symbol. The use of the spot colour is effective too, would make a good advertising image.
4) David F – No image
5) David K – A clever piece of art, the fire alarm providing the final touch. Great film if you have not seen it. Thanks for sharing this, the framing works nicely.
6) Duncan – Good tones and well processed. The model seems to be in a dream, though perhaps doesn’t look as comfortable as she might.
7) Elaine – Great light as always, the circular pattern of stones on the ground drawing you in.
8) Keith – I feel I want to know more about this shot, who are they and what is their relationship? Compelling.
9) Malcolm – Very subtle, yet works really well, and as ever with a light touch of humour. Excellent.
10) Mike B – Very well timed, the cyclist in just the right spot and shape to make the image. The eye being drawn down either side of the tunnel, lovely.
11) Mike E – I enjoy taking this type of picture, as I see do you. Would be great to know what they think of the portrait on the wall, and the woman’s hand is caught at just the right moment.
12) Mine
13) Rob – What happened next? Did the heron launch itself to the skies, or was it content to sit and pose?
14) Shaun – I really like this, the tones and presentation is just right, and a great grab shot too. Your intention to give it a WWII feel has worked perfectly.
15) Sky – I like the simple framing and the detail of the snakeskin.
16) Theodore – They are a long way off, but actually the image conveys their private moment in a public space.
17) Tom – No image
18) William – A new one for Circle D, this style of processing. I agree, it is effective in this case and brings out the old and new, a postcard view.
Keith
ReplyDelete1.Alan
I guess you had the light you had, but as presented I think would benefit from at least seeing some of the cockpit detail brought out.
2.Bernd
3.Bill
Lovely image, well composed and processed. A small improvement would be to ‘loose” roof of adjacent car in an image that has been processed as you have.
4.David F
5.David K
You have to admire the guys imagination and willingness to spend time in such a run down place. Well seen . Your shutter/aperture intrigues for such a flat image plane, as at f13 you are way off the sweetspot of lens and 1/60 is prone to ‘camera shake’. I know we all work differently, which is great!
6.Duncan
Beautiful lady, beautiful location. Love the detail and textures. As a portrait, might have lifted her head slightly so we can see right jaw line.
7. Elaine
Well seen, composed and taken. Lovely colours.
8. Me
9. Malcolm
Very well seen and well composed so we see just enough of the sign.”Street” photography at its best.
10. Mike B
Yes, it was worth it, but probably relies to much on you explanation. Well controlled exposure in difficult light.
12. Mike E
These huge paintings that are almost photographic in detail fasinate me, but also begs the question… Nice grouping around painting, especially as blond hair provides contrast to stand out.
12. Phil
“The Prisoner”? That day looks like the Mediterranean came to North Wales. Great image.
13. Rob
Unusual pose for a Heron. I don’t ‘do’ wildlife, bur think total sharpness is expected.
14. Shaun
Big welcome to the Circle! Very much like the way you have processed this image. I know it is a grab shot, but as an image would be improved (IMHO) without second shoulder, but like you would not crop it off as it would move main character to near left edge.
16. Sky
Hope your enjoying your SL. Never heard of these so thanks for the reference! A good text book shot, but I personally would like something to give it scale.
16. Theodore
Like this a lot. Well seen and very well taken. Personally might crop to just below first light patch.
18.Tom
19. William
Clever processing and you have achieved your objective. Not sure about the result at first, but it is growing on me!
1) Alan - Eurofighter
ReplyDeleteGiven how fast these things move a good shot but I think you could make more of it in p.p.
2) Bernd - no image
3) Bill - The Leaping Cat
A nice idea which works pretty well. Maybe just lift those shades a touch?
4) David - No image
5) David K - Banksy Artwork
Well spotted, and the surrounding buildings give it context. I might be inclined to tone down the harsh sunlit paving bottom left.
6) Duncan - The Maiden & the Urn
Beautifully exposed and converted but I do find the maidens pose a little awkward.
7) Elaine - Reflections
I like this image although you could maybe have made more of the reflections in p.p.
8) Keith- In conversation
Spot on for me with the right balance of sharp focus and out of focus areas. She has an intriguing expression.
9) Malcolm - No Cars etc.
I get the humour in the image but am not sure it works overall. It is a good spot.
10) Mine
11) Mike E - National Portrait Gallery.
I really like this image which works well in monochrome. I was actually standing there with my wife discussing this portrait a couple of weeks ago.
12) Phil - The Med or North Wales
Lovely rich colours, but I wonder if a tighter crop would have made more of the splashes of light on the walls around those splendid windows.
13) Rob - Heron
The image is a bit soft Rob and it would have been good to see more of the bird.
14) Shaun - Re-enactment
An interesting facial study and processing. Again maybe lift the shadows very slightly?
15) Sky - Cornsnake
It is a very small image which does look a little soft on my screen. The background or lack of it doesn’t really do you any favours.
16) Theodore - An intimate discussion
There is a good image screaming to get out here. Having shot on a Q there must be plenty of image data here to afford a savage crop, bringing the bottom edge up to just above the first arch highlight, from the left almost to the window jamb, and from the right just enough to slightly clip the column. You then end up with your couple almost on the third point and a much tighter image.
17) Tom - No image
18) William - Lexicon & Yacht Club
The processing doesn’t work for me I’m afraid, particularly as it leaves that vast blank area of sky. There is some interesting architecture to enjoy and a more conventional approach might work better in this instance.
Thanks for posting some interesting images again this month and for your comments on my own offering which I find very useful
Mike B
As it has been raised by a few people, I must point out that the blank sky in my photo is deliberate, in order to emphasise the skyline of the buildings, which was the point of the image. Some will like this, some will not.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your 'The Maiden and the Urn' comments. Yes she does appear 'uncomfortable' - so have changed the title for use in another competition to, "The Whispering Urn' ... which seems more appropriate.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
dunk
'The Whispering Urn' - I like it!
Delete1 Alan. There are only very small highlight details in this shot so it should be possible to lighten the whole image with no detriment to those highlights. I think I can see the pilot (or at least his helmet).
ReplyDelete2 Bernd. No image.
3 Bill. The unusual angle, looking UP at the mascot works well as does the close framing and differential focus which males the background look like clouds (perhaps it is). The colours of the badge are in stark contrast with the monochrome greys of the rest of the image making a powerful statement.
4 David F. No image.
5 David K. Another near monochrome picture. The dullness of the alleyway is made all the more apparent by the welcome patch of sunlight at the bottom. The scale of the artwork is astounding (and how was it done so high up the wall?), and the use of the burglar alarm as an earring is both clever and humorous. Banksy has done the alley proud and you have captured the atmosphere of the scene splendidly.
6 Duncan. A promising subject for a portrait session although she does seem to be listening to the genie in the urn which is odd. A minor irritation is the reflections in the window behind her head - easily removed in Phakoshop.
7 Elaine. An imposing facade but it is the colours of the wet cobbles and the reflections that bring really bring the image to life. The leaves are an important part of the composition and, with no visible trees, they are an enigma to be enjoyed.
8 Keith. There has to be a little “story” to this shot but we have no real clue as to what it might be and so we have to put our own interpretation on it, it is always good to have to think about a picture, because it holds our interest longer. Rightly or wrongly I get the feeling of caution in the face of the girl which puts tension in the picture making it a little disturbing but who knows what her expression might have been 1/250th second later? The light on the hat is great but I would like to see it and the gentleman beneath it a touch sharper.
9 Me
10 Mike B. I would have got off and pushed, but then again I would not have been on a bike in the first place! The silhouette of the cyclist has been caught in just the right spot framed in the bright entranceway with the boats in the background. Particularly suited to monochrome it is a nice capture calling for a quick reaction. Was it worth it? - I think so.
11 Mike E. Watching them looking at him staring at you (us). The figure on the left in almost total silhouette except for the outstretched hand and the deep shadows on the face of the blonde makes me wonder just what the lighting set-up was here. One figure is holding forth and its anyone’s guess what the other is thinking.
ReplyDelete12 Phil. Saturated colours, strange architecture, blue sky with wispy clouds and a pine tree. All the ingredients are here but the mix does not feel right, perhaps some alternative framing would work better or perhaps you are seeing something that I am missing.
13 Rob. He has posed for you nicely if a little too low in the frame so that his legs and feet are cut off. I would be inclined to darken the background which is competing with the heron for attention.
14 Shaun. I have to admit that I am very sceptical about these re-enactments - people pretending to be what they are not - my own approach to them is therefore to try to highlight the obvious anomalies and errors that give the game away. This on the other hand looks pretty authentic and the narrow depth of field and gritty treatment suits the image. On a minor point, I would loose the “WARDEN” insignia on the left.
15 Sky. Given the blank background this is presumably a studio type portrait of a pet. As such it works well enough but it tells us nothing about the snake’s natural environment.
16 Theodore. The wide angle has made the most of the perspective of the arcade and the splash of green visible at the far end defines the end of the building. I feel the figures are just too small in the frame but appreciate that it would be inappropriate to impose on their intimate discussion.
17 Tom. No image.
18 William. The unusual treatment here gives the image the appearance of a drawing or an old sepia photograph. The new building certainly stands out like a sore thumb - it is only the “Powers That Be” that could get away with building it!
1. Alan: Eurofighter Duxford.
ReplyDeleteVery nice capture with the aircraft travelling across the frame and going slightly upwards.
2. Bernd: No image.
3. Bill: The Leaping Cat.
I have this lens and it really adds a new dimension to M4/3. This photo has an excellent 3 D effect.
4. David F: No image.
5. David K: Banksy Artwork in an Alley.
This is better than the usual stuff from Banksy. Nice framing and lighting.
6. Duncan: The Maiden and the Urns.
The urns provide a nice ‘frame’ for the model. Works well in black and white.
7. Elaine: Reflections.
Nicely seen combination of water, bricks and architecture.
8. Keith: In Conversation.
There is definitely a connection going on between these two. I’m still undecided about the out of focus character on the right, though.
9. Malcolm; No cars, no motorcycles.
The sunlit tree at the left of the path looks like an antler at first glance. On a second glance I realised that I was not looking at a piebald unicorn!
10. Mike B. Uphill Struggle.
You had time to change the ISO? God bless your dexterity. I would have cropped this to give the cyclist more prominence.
11. Mike E: National Portrait Gallery.
What makes this is the left hand of the woman on the left. It looks like she is reaching out to touch the face of the guy in the portrait. This lifts the whole photo from the ordinary to something interesting.
12. Phil: The Mediterranean or North Wales.
I presume this is Portmeirion. The colours on the walls are very well captured and contrast well with the blue sky.
13. Rob: Heron.
These fellows often stand still for ages and then fly off just when you are trying to take a photo. Luckily this one stayed still. The hightlights on its feathers are a bit blown out though.
14. Shaun: WW2.
Very nicely captured with a true ‘period’ feel.
15. Sky: Snow Tessara Cornsnake.
I like the diagonal effect and you have done well to get a completely white background.
16. Theodore: An intimate discussion.
I would have cropped out the foreground but it may be that this is intentional.
17. Tom: No image.
18. William: Mine.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMalcolm is correct, and Phil asked to know more. Nothing sinister whatsoever!
ReplyDeleteThis was taken on a Leica Akadamie day in Bristol, led by the Arteh Odjidja (who some may know from the Mayfair store) with Rosanne, our lovely model for the day.
The shot was taken when Arteh and Rosanne were discussing the next location, and ironically was for me one of the better images of the day!
I tried to upload a more conventional shot of Rosanne here - but failed!
1) Alan
ReplyDeleteWell captured shot of the (very noisy!) Eurofighter, although the photograph might have benefited from a brighter sky/background
2) Bernd
No Photograph
3) Bill
Nicely framed photograph of the Jaguar ‘Leaping Cat’, enhanced by the dominant red of the badge
4) David F
No photograph
5) Mine
6) Duncan
Nicely composed photograph of the model and urn and well suited to monochrome, although her pose appears slightly uncomfortable
7) Elaine
Interesting shot of the columns and patterned foreground, well exposed with fine colours, although the ‘Reflections’ in the title are perhaps a little lacking
8) Keith
An interesting photograph of the conversation between the two. Nice tones and lighting with fine depth of field
9) Malcolm
Well framed photograph of the horse and rider in a tranquil setting and well spotted for the sign (per the title)
10) Mike B
Nice piece of street photography. Well composed and ideal in monochrome with good lighting
11) Mike E
Interesting shot taken in the Gallery capturing the communication between the two visitors. Well exposed
12) Phil
The strong colours of the building and in the sky combine to make an interesting photograph
13) Rob
Well caught shot of the Heron, although the photograph might have been enhanced if the eyes and some of the plumage appeared sharper
14) Shaun
Good photograph of the warden, ideal in monochrome giving strong atmosphere and with good depth of field and lighting
15) Sky
Interesting image of the Cornsnake with good lighting, although the photograph might perhaps have been enhanced with some habitat as background
16) Theodore
Nicely composed photograph with the couple in deep discussion with good lighting, although the couple appear a long way off
17) Tom
No photograph
18) William
Interesting shot of the Yacht Club and the rather dominant Lexicon. Whilst you have succeeded in producing a sepia style image, the jury is perhaps still out as to whether a more conventional presentation might have been preferable
Apology to Malcolm ref my comment "Does the image really convey the title’s message?" I did not, at first sight, see the sign between the branches. After reading others' comments I looked again. So of course the title is very appropriate. A bad perception day maybe due to blepharitis. dunk
ReplyDeleteI’d like to thank the members of Circle D for their constructive comments and to say that these were very useful to help me evaluate my picture and improve . Two comments were made relating to the shoulder to the left of the warden being in shot and distracting and that lifting the shadows may benefit the picture.
ReplyDeleteWell I have edited out the shoulder and lifted the shadows and I hope you agree that the photo benefits as a result. The new version can be seen in the Circle Notes 2016 page. (link at the top of the site or in right hand column)
Regards
Shaun