"All Saints Church from the famous Marlow Suspension Bridge. October 2024"
Leica Q2, 28mm (cropped). f/8, 1/250 sec., ISO 100.
Brian OMy entry this month is a shot from the Blackwater riverside as you look towards Maldon Hythe where Thames Sailing Barges are moored. You can hire a barge for an event - I have had two birthdays on different barges (the Master actually let me take the wheel which prompted several of my guests to ask if the could get off). They operate several trips down the river during the year. Recommended - Tony and Jenny Cole joined me on one trip I advertised to TLS members in the Magazine, and they were the only ones to turn up!
Taken on Q2 Monochrom with orange filter.
David R
Leica Q2, 28mm (cropped). f/8, 1/250 sec., ISO 100.
Andre H
This team, based in Riga, and with which I worked for several moths, was a delight - five ladies from five different countries. Their choice of team picture to send home to parents and boyfriends. There is much to be said for working in Riga and it is a city well worth visiting.Brian O
Taken on Q2 Monochrom with orange filter.
Dave C
"Graffiti Hull” - ISO 100, 1/250, F5.6, Lens 24/90 Q3-43, SF60 Flash, using the Q3 43 before I fell on it! Now in for repair.
David R
"Untitled"
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Dave S
Elaine J
Harry H
"Musical Amusements" image was taken at the 2025 Haddenham steam Rally- SL2-S 24-70mm Elmarit , 1/750s @ f 3.4 at 100 iso
“Family gathering after lunch on Christmas Day (Q3-43)”
Elaine J
"Untitled", Lumix 1000 with a Leica lens
"Musical Amusements" image was taken at the 2025 Haddenham steam Rally- SL2-S 24-70mm Elmarit , 1/750s @ f 3.4 at 100 iso
Julian P
Walkers enjoying the view over the fog-enshrouded Cromarty Firth and Moray Firth from the Fyrish Monument on Christmas Eve 2025.
Lumix GX8 with Leica DG 12-35 f/2.8 lens, 1/800s, f/8, 200ASA taken at 21 mm (Micro-four-thirds)
Lumix GX8 with Leica DG 12-35 f/2.8 lens, 1/800s, f/8, 200ASA taken at 21 mm (Micro-four-thirds)
Ken G
Malcolm R
"Waterside Apartments” taken on the TZ60
Phil COne of many suicide prevention benches being installed in public parks by Legend-on-the-Bench, this one is in the National Trust's Hatfield Forest. Not my best photo ever, taken on the Leica LUX App, but it felt like something worth including. This is the first of these benches I have encountered, they include a QR code you can scan which will direct you to support. See their website for details.
Hosier Lane Melbourne. Leica M EV-1 with 35mm Summicron
Malcolm R
"Waterside Apartments” taken on the TZ60
Phil C
Philip G
"Ups and Downs" Leica Q3 @ 0.3 sec @ f/16 August 2025, Fire escape, Baltic Centre, GatesheadRichard B 
'Forgotten' (The Old Boat - Dungeness)
Leica M10M, 35mm Summilux-M ASPH
Leica M10M, 35mm Summilux-M ASPH
Alex B - All Saints Church - That arch made an ideal framework for this shot
ReplyDeleteAndre H - The Riga Team - yes, certainly a great memory for their family albums
Brian O - Blackwater riverside - a fascinating location and possibly worth a few more closer-framed shots one day
Dave C - Graffiti Hull - scenes of dereliction and graffiti always make for a great monochrome study
David R - Untitled - a very unusual angle in this shot and the person on the balcony held it all together very well
Dave S - Family gathering after lunch - great shot but I can't imagine how you managed to persuade them to align so well
Elaine J - Untitled - I've no idea what this shot is but that hardly matters as you have captured some fascinating surface detail
Harry H - Musical Amusements - a very interesting subject and something I would like to have seen, and heard of course
Julian P - Cromarty Firth view - good use of the foreground vegetation to lead into the shot
Ken G - Hosier Lane, Melbourne - a good urban composition
Malcolm R - Waterside Apartments - effective framing through the seed heads (?)
Phil C - suicide prevention bench - quite a thought provoking subject
Philip G - Ups and Downs (mine)
Richard B - Forgotten Old Boat - a simple but extremely effective composition with the decaying timbers almost flowing into the sea
Alex .B “All Saints Church”:- Nicely framed through the Bridge arch, well spotted.
DeleteAndre .H “No title” :- Inspiring idea and well staged.
Brian.O “Blackwater Riverside” :- Nice riverside shot, a little less sky for me.
Dave .C “ Graffiti Hull” :- A very busy image, with a lot going on, maybe isolate one area for more of a focal point.
David.R “ No Title” :- I like the soft yellowish areas of this image, works well with the silhouette within this image.
Dave.S “Family Gathering” :- so cute, lots of patience, I bet needed to set-up this shot.
Elaine.J “ No Title” :- lovely textures and colours the rusty orange on the sculpture complements the blue sky.
Mine:-
Julian.P “ Walkers Cromarty Firth” :- This scene looks very Gothic to me, I wonder if a monochrome conversion would add a little drama to this image.
Ken.G “Hosier lane”:- lovely contrasting colours, well spotted.
Malcolm.R “Waterside Apartments”:- Simple but effective, I like the idea of capturing an arrangement of foliage through a window with a soften view of distant apartments as your backdrop.
Phil.C “ Bench”:- Interesting subject, first time I have heard of this organisation, nice explanation of this bench use and purpose, definitely worth taking as a record shot.
Phillip.G “ ups and downs”:- nice leading line from the bottom right into the square in the centre, without this it would be hard to find a focal point.
Richard B. “Forgotten”:- lovely textures and tones, and perfectly framed.
Alex B excellent composition. And my runner up this month. Great Framing.
ReplyDeleteAndre H quirky and engaging idea well executed.
Brian O maybe too much sky here.
Dave C a lot of texture but lacks a key focal point.
Dave R very subtle and appealing lighting.
Dave S wins the cuteness award for 2026.
Elaine J enigmatic and great colour palette.
Harry H good detail but lacks human interest or narrative.
Julian P. Good use of compositional elements.
Mine
Malcolm R very good use of differential focus and an interesting shot.
Phil C very compelling take but the shot is quite empty but maybe deliberate.
Philip G my third placed shot. Intriguing angle that draws the viewer in and superb technique.
Richard B my winner this month for technical excellence, texture and looming composition. I shot this rotting hill a few years ago but not as well as this.
Alex B.
ReplyDeletePleasing monochrome image.
Andre H.
An imaginative image.
Brian O.
Good capture, but too much sky.
Dave C.
Mine
David R.
Very graphic dynamic image.
Dave S.
Must be full of turkey!
Elaine J.
A bit busy, and I would like to know what it is.
Harry H.
Good tonal range well captured.
Julian P.
Well seen scene, maybe taking some sky off the top.
Ken G.
Interesting face.
Malcolm R.
Clever juxtaposition position.
Phil C.
Good sentiment, would have been better shot in landscape format.
Philip G.
Strong monochrome image, needs a bit of the foreground.
Richard B.
Well executed monochrome.
Alex B: Mine
ReplyDeleteAndre H: I seem to recognise a Billy Bookcase. An excellent idea well taken.
Brian O: A nice coastal image, although perhaps dropping the viewpoint would include more of the riverside. There’s not much interest (detail) in the sky.
Dave C: A very busy image. Needs to concentrate on one element. I hope the Q3 recovers.
David R: South Bank? An excellent image. I like the geometry, and just enough colour. The figure is placed perfectly.
Dave S: Very cute.
Elaine J: I would almost say this is an abstract. It asks the question “What is it?”. I like the colours.
Harry H: Very interesting.
Julian P: A good image - perhaps better if cropped to letterbox: there’s a bit too much foreground.
Ken G: A wonderful, bold and contrasty image. I like the colour contrast and the tonal contrast. Excellent.
Malcolm R: I like the light on the foreground reeds. The apartments are just soft enough to give context and shaded enough to allow the reeds to stand out.
Phil C: A good illustrative image for a delicate subject.
Philip G: I don’t know why we photographers are obsessed with Stairs (I’m just as bad!). An excellent monochrome and good viewpoint. A good foreground to anchor.
Richard B: Love the textures, especially in the old wood. Excellent.
Alex B Clean image, good use of lighting: would benefit from a pedestrian.
ReplyDeleteBrian O I find this very appealing – like a 17th century Dutch paiting
Dave C what a sad image
David R Curious image in which I really wanted to see more of the figure
Dave S A good memory reminder
ELAINE J Good textures and shapes – good use of roof.
Harry H Musical Amusements As ever, the figure lifts the image.
Juilian P What a splendid image. The figures give a real sense of perpective
Ken G Melbourne Great light, but I ached to see a little more
Malcon r Waterside Aparrtments Good image and fine foreground lighting.
Phil C The more I looked at this image, the more I liked It!
Philip G Ups and Downs Fine compostion of shapes .I did not see this when I went to the Baltic Centre. I was probably too busy talking!
Richard B Old boat at Dungeness Fine use of textures.
Alex B - well composed with the the diagonals of the suspension bridge framed within the arch adding interest around the church spire - all emphasised in by the choice of mono
ReplyDeleteAndre H - fun funky and creative group portrait which gives a great sense of the both individuals and the team. One they will treasure for years to come as a great picture and collective memory
Brian O - pleasing landscape, a generous amount of sky setting off the attractively cluttered riverside. All conveying a wintry rural scene somehow busy but also tranquil
Dave C - mono treatment brings out the shapes of graffiti and underlying textures of the walls, good call to use the flash picking out the whites that add vibrancy
David R - impressively monumental image, a powerful two-colour form with the silhouetted person adding a sense of both scale and wonder
My picture
Elaine J - very enjoyable abstract conjured out of who knows what? Bold colours and textures, appealing wavy composition and the added mystery of what it actually is
Harry H - choice of mono reveals form and function of the device, our interest reinforced by that of the spectator who is also looking at the magnificent machine
Julian P - boldly symmetrical, the ethereal layers behind the structure suggesting some mythical purpose which the clustered figures are contemplating - interesting and intriguing
Ken G - punchy composition cleverly pulls the photo out of the bold mural, a brightly lit face looking down on a shadowy underworld beneath blistering sunlight
Malcolm R - gently attractive study in grey brown and winter blue, the title inviting us to look beyond the plants to the background building that complements them well
Phil C - somehow the framing and bleak mono landscape enhance a sense of solitude in the depiction of a desolation and hope
Philip G - Dynamic image, built around strong quadrants each with its own visual story and meeting dead centre to draw the viewers eye up the stair well - structurally powerful and effective
Richard B - composition and treatment give a tactile quality to the textures emerging towards us from the screen, the forgotten boat demanding our attention against its barren resting place
ReplyDelete1. Alex B. The catenary cables show the construction of the bridge without seriously obstructing the view of the church all nicely framed through the sunlit arch.
2. Andre H. Splendid and well organised grid of portraits showing both the team (minus the photographer himself) and their office environment.
3. Brian O. A general view of the area with plenty to explore but perhaps just too much info in a single image?
4. Dave C. A dark and gritty depiction of the derelict building lit up by the flash - is it a nighttime shot? The graffiti artists get everywhere and they all seem to have the same style and a language of their own.
5. David R. Stark and graphic, the orange light lifts the mood. The headphoned figure perfectly placed.
6. Dave S. Great snapshot that just had to be taken. Did the humans in the family have to make do with sitting on the floor?
7. Elaine J. Gaudi perhaps? Fascinating shapes and colours set against the blue sky like a ceramic dinosaur.
8. Harry H. Magnificent machine with plenty to admire as the lone figure demonstrates.
9. Julian P. Strong light and the unusual weather conditions have produced a fine landscape.
10. Ken G. Blue and orange make a strong combination, more so when saturated to this degree. The shadowed area is rather overpowering and I wonder if the top portion of picture in a square format is sufficient in itself.
11. Me.
12. Phil C. The Lux App has produced a fine quality image that relies on the accompanying text to convey the message behind it. Simple and thought provoking.
13. Phillip G. Vertigo in four quadrants. A semi-abstract pattern picture beautifully framed.
14. Richard B. A different take on the Dungeness landscape, I wonder whether the kink in the curve of the shiplap is a clue to the boat’s demise. A fine monochrome image.
My picture is the roof of Gaudi,s house, in Barcelona. many thanks for your comments.
ReplyDeleteAlex B: Good control of the verticals and a fine position to record the scene.
ReplyDeleteAndre H: Lucky you with such fine colleagues. A wonderful moment for you, but could you have found a friend to take a picture with you completing the group?
Brian O: I recognized it straight way, as I have an image with a similar viewpoint taken in the 1970s. You have a better selection of boats! A good place to be, especially on the river.
Dave C: Amazing. I don’t think I would feel safe there. You have created a doom-laden image - and that is very much a success.
David R: I am not convinced. This is a mystery, Straights and curves, but for what purpose?
Dave S: I love it. Great title - I hope it’s true. A breath of fresh air for me.
Elaine J: I have really stared at this. It captivates. But please tell us more. Scale/purpose/human interaction?
Harry H: Surely these stalls/sideshows are so colourful. There is no distraction in your treatment and the sky makes a good appearance. I like my verticals to be vertical. Does this not bother you enough for some perspective control?
Julian P: Mine
Ken G; An interesting submission. I guess the light is so fierce in Melbourne that shadows are pitch black. McDonalds emerges with the mural, so I wonder if this is a hotel. I trust there is more to Melbourne than this. Gives us some more.
Malcolm R: I love the softness of the lighting and the colors of all the components of the scene. This is restful. Excellent.
Phil C: Thank you for your image and commentary. I had not heard of this organization. I am curious why anybody of a suicidal mind would go to Hatfield Forest. Woodland provides a calming influence according to those who study the subject. And I happily spend much of my free time in forests and woods. I usually use the LeicaLux app if I am out with only the iPhone.
Philip G: Perfect detail for a concentrated view that totally fills the frame. This could not be bettered.
Richard B: Technically excellent. I am sure you used a number of photographic tools to get the contract and micro contrast here. I am more struck with the execution than the image itself.
Alex .B “All Saints Church”:- Nicely framed through the Bridge arch, well spotted.
ReplyDeleteAndre .H “No title” :- Inspiring idea and well staged.
Brian.O “Blackwater Riverside” :- Nice riverside shot, a little less sky for me.
Dave .C “ Graffiti Hull” :- A very busy image, with a lot going on, maybe isolate one area for more of a focal point.
David.R “ No Title” :- I like the soft yellowish areas of this image, works well with the silhouette within this image.
Dave.S “Family Gathering” :- so cute, lots of patience, I bet needed to set-up this shot.
Elaine.J “ No Title” :- lovely textures and colours the rusty orange on the sculpture complements the blue sky.
Mine:-
Julian.P “ Walkers Cromarty Firth” :- This scene looks very Gothic to me, I wonder if a monochrome conversion would add a little drama to this image.
Ken.G “Hosier lane”:- lovely contrasting colours, well spotted.
Malcolm.R “Waterside Apartments”:- Simple but effective, I like the idea of capturing an arrangement of foliage through a window with a soften view of distant apartments as your backdrop.
Phil.C “ Bench”:- Interesting subject, first time I have heard of this organisation, nice explanation of this bench use and purpose, definitely worth taking as a record shot.
Phillip.G “ ups and downs”:- nice leading line from the bottom right into the square in the centre, without this it would be hard to find a focal point.
Richard B. “Forgotten”:- lovely textures and tones, and perfectly framed.
1. Alex B. “All Saints Church”: Constructed with care, this image, bathed in light, is beautifully framed - a frame within a frame. It works well, the diagonals adding visual strength.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been too busy had a vehicle or pedestrian entered the scene.
2. Andre H. “Riga Team”: I enjoy this image, yet find the direct gaze of so many eyes unsettling. I am being watched! An edit to correct the lines would bring benefit.
3. Brian O. “Blackwater Riverside”: A deceptively timeless image with references to a former age of sail. The plain sky appropriately complements the busy waterside scene below.
4. Dave C. “Graffiti Hull”: Dereliction is ever-present, but we don’t always choose to see it. The Graffiti shows that this concrete-framed brick structure has seen various uses, but the future does not look bright. Well recorded in monochrome.
5. David R. “Untitled”: Use of a dramatic perspective has revealed the geometry of the concrete staircase, and the lone figure gives a sense of scale. It’s a tease not having a title; almost certainly London’s Southbank near the Hayward Gallery. I may be wrong!
6. Dave S. “Family Gathering”: It's good to be reminded that there can be family harmony on the sofa in the home on Christmas Day! Teamwork has come into play here, the canine models remarkably well trained. Well seen and timed.
7. Elaine J. “Untitled”: Beautiful colours drawn out by the light which just glances the top of the mosaic sculpture. I think the setting may be Gaudi’s Parc Guell.
8. Harry H: “Musical Amusement”: There is much to attract the eye in this image, but I’m wondering if the subject is the sole onlooker, or the steam wagon itself. The wagon is a little soft, suggesting that the viewer look first at the visitor with the bucket hat. There is amusement here.
9. Julian P. “Walkers” Wet underfoot, it's the attractive foreground colour and path that lead my eye to the wide landscape beyond - natural and man-made. I’m surprised by the title; to me the walkers, distant and incidental, are rather lost, not an important element in the composition - subjective, of course.
10. Ken G. "Hosier Lane”: A Leica M EV-1! I’m guessing you are one of the fortunate few to have access to this new digital, M-mount camera so soon. A lovely image that majors on the juxtaposition of orange and blue colours in an urban environment.
11. Malcolm R. “Waterside Apartments”: The light striking the seed heads is beautfully recorded - subtle tones. The apartments beyond is equally part of the scene, being carefully framed between the decorative stems. The deliberate use of a wide aperture is an essential component as proven by the picture.
12. Phil C. “Hatfield Forest”: Symbolically, the bench appears isolated, somewhat lost in the open parkland, perhaps a deliberate choice of the photographer. Those benches are new to me, as a preventative idea, and I congratulate those who have driven this forward to fruition.
13. Philip G. “Ups and Downs”: Four Images and one. As one, the leading lines draw the eye to the centre of the frame. I like the interplay of lines, geometry and depth which together make a pleasing whole.
14. My Photo.