"Puerta de la Justicia, The Alhambra, Granada."
Details: Leica Q2, 1/320s, f/7.1, ISO 100.
Someone said I should call this one "Moonrise, Granada", but I think Ansel Adams might complain. Plus, it's not a moonrise, more like sunrise. We were lucky to be staying in a hotel within the Alhambra grounds, so we could get out after breakfast, before the tourist hordes arrived (it was a "significant birthday" (not mine!!) before Christmas). I suppose I could have waited for the moon to move more central over the gate, but it would have taken a day or two, time we didn't have, and the weather was changeable and it could have been cloudy. Have to take advantage when you can.
Details: Leica Q2, 1/320s, f/7.1, ISO 100.
Someone said I should call this one "Moonrise, Granada", but I think Ansel Adams might complain. Plus, it's not a moonrise, more like sunrise. We were lucky to be staying in a hotel within the Alhambra grounds, so we could get out after breakfast, before the tourist hordes arrived (it was a "significant birthday" (not mine!!) before Christmas). I suppose I could have waited for the moon to move more central over the gate, but it would have taken a day or two, time we didn't have, and the weather was changeable and it could have been cloudy. Have to take advantage when you can.
Andre H
This is from the Edinburgh Fringe. My daughter was up there for several years developing her ’stand up' skills’. I went each year, partly to support her, and partly because I could enjoy other gigs. Standing or sitting in the high street gave good pictures (sometimes!). Weather, even in August, could be varied: this was one of a cast of players, with her publicity leaflets in one hand, but her smile is a giveaway.
This is from the Edinburgh Fringe. My daughter was up there for several years developing her ’stand up' skills’. I went each year, partly to support her, and partly because I could enjoy other gigs. Standing or sitting in the high street gave good pictures (sometimes!). Weather, even in August, could be varied: this was one of a cast of players, with her publicity leaflets in one hand, but her smile is a giveaway.
Brian O
Silver Street, a very old street in Maldon Essex.The Blue Boar is an old coaching Inn and retains its coach arch entrance. Further down on the right the Bell sign indicates a former pub. I am told that Historic research indicates18th century Maldon, as an old sea port, had a bar about every 50 yards down the High Street leading to the Hythe landings!
Leica Q2, Monochrome orange filter.
Leica Q2, Monochrome orange filter.
Dave C
Leica SL2-S 24/90 ISO-100, 1/250s, F/5.6.
David R
A Brolly by Big Buildings, Leica Q2
Dave S
“Contemplation" Leica SL2 16-35
Elaine J
"Winter nocturne" Panasonic Lumix ZF1000 with a Leica lens
Harry H
"Looking through the underpass." taken on the 19/5/2024 in Porto, looking through to the Douro River. M11-P 28mm Cron @1/180s f2
"Looking through the underpass." taken on the 19/5/2024 in Porto, looking through to the Douro River. M11-P 28mm Cron @1/180s f2
Julian P
December afternoon at Corgrain Point on the Beauly Firth.
Ricoh GXR with A12 Leica Mount. 15mm Super Wide Heliar (equivalent to 22 mm focal length on full frame).
Ricoh GXR with A12 Leica Mount. 15mm Super Wide Heliar (equivalent to 22 mm focal length on full frame).
Ken G
Darling Harbour Xmas Day. M EV-1, 35mm Summicron.
Malcolm R
Nigel TSeaforth docks from Crosby Beach. Leica SL2 + Elmar 135mm R lens
Malcolm R
“Emergence” shot on the Panasonic with a Leica lens
Nigel T
Phil C
"Three layers", RHS Hyde Hall, Leica M (240)
Philip G
"Safely Moored" - Gloucester Docks; January 2026; Q3 28; 60th @ f/11
Richard B
No 30 St Mary Axe, London (Gherkin) - 2026
Leica M11M, 50mm Summilux-M ASPH - Red Filter
Leica M11M, 50mm Summilux-M ASPH - Red Filter
2 February 2026
ReplyDeleteAlex B: Puerta de la Justicia
I like the deep shadows; I am not certain that ‘recovering’ more shadow detail would have added a great deal.
Andre H: Edinburgh Fringe
Catching that perfect smiling moment plus the ‘movement’ made this picture for me.
Brian O: Silver Street, Maldon
Good lighting that day. It’s probably being a bit picky but I wonder if cropping a little more into the foreground may be effective.
Dave C: Alice
As here, portraits with an un-smiling subject always seem to be more effective, and here the arm tattoos giving even more detail.
David R Brolly by Big Buildings
It is difficult to work out what this picture really is; are these buildings wrapped in bubble wrap and is that shadow of a figure looking at the photographer? I have no idea - but that doesn’t matter as you have made a highly effective graphic image.
Dave S: Contemplation
Good use of the dark skies and low lighting - and a clever title as the subject certainly looks as if she is really contemplating something.
Elaine J: Winter Nocturne
The combination of the side lighting with effective muted colours gave considerable interest.
Harry H : Looking through the underpass
A very interesting and almost minimalist monochrome. I’m not sure if the two posts extreme right were needed but that’s a minor point.
Julian P: December afternoon at Corgrain Point
What a tranquil scene: well worth capturing.
Ken G: Darling Harbour Xmas Day
So much going on here: it’s the type of picture you want to browse around for all the interesting details - and the fascinating new M being put through its paces as well.
Malcolm R: Emergence
An extremely simple but effective composition.
Nigel T: Seaforth docks from Crosby Beach
The muted colour works well with this distant industrial landscape.
Phil C: Three layers
The triangles have given a simple but strong composition
Richard B: 30 St Mary Axe
Shots of the ‘Gherkin’ must have been taken so many times before but almost always by photographers including the whole building and its the surroundings. Your well-framed choice of composition has given a very strong alternative view.
Alex B - bold framing and contrast draws us into a gateway to another time, we follow the diagonal strip of sunlight through the shadows to the bright structure and its 3 concentric doors
ReplyDeleteAndre H - the subject caught just leaning into the step adds vibrancy that complements her smile and captures the vibe of the fringe well - fun and dynamic
Brian O - orange filter used to good effect, the tones and texture exude the history inherent in the scene while the road curls away past another inn from the past
Dave C - strong composition, lighting and rendering all reinforce the direct stare into the lens and make an engaging insight to a forceful personality
David R - an intriguing image reminiscent of early surrealist films, the tonal range just right on the brutalist cubes that provide a mysterious backdrop to the incongruous figure
My picture
Elaine J - much to enjoy, pleasing colours and almost other-worldly lighting conveying the season with the watching fox adding another dimension to the wintry scene
Harry H - creative composition conjures an image from the everyday, the background strip of trees and cloud like a vapour trail behind his forward momentum
Julian P - ethereal and atmospheric , the horizon only discernible in refection and the sense of infinite range enhanced by the super-wides depth of feel
Ken G - busy, lively scene, the silver bird statues somehow mirroring the foreground group of chatting people, a different take on the festive season
Malcolm R - minimalist, almost abstract but simultaneously hyper-realistic depiction of form and function in the shoots emerging from the still water
Nigel T - panoramic crop picks out grey blue layers of beach and sky which frame the strip of structures and encapsulate the view - industry framed within the natural seaside landscape
Phil C - the reflecting shapes of the three triangles complemented by their different textures are enhanced in mono to provide a pleasing backdrop for the cascading leaves
Philip G - spot on framing, the waterline exactly bisecting horizontally, boat prominent within the projecting buildings, appropriate vignette - a good scene turned into great picture by its execution
Richard B - bold and attractive take revealing a decorative pattern usually overlooked in this often photographed structure. A picture that both reveals and pleases.
Alex B.
ReplyDeleteA pleasant black-and-white image.
Andra H.
Interesting action shot.
Brian O.
A good Monochrome, but a little tight on the composition.
Dave C.
Mine.
David R.
Very strong monochrome.
Dave S.
A good Riverside dream.
Elaine J.
Pleasing winter scene, shame the fox is bit small.
Harry H.
A well thought out letterbox image.
Julian P.
Well captured coastal image.
Ken G.
Busy street scene, not sure about the legs on the right.
Malcolm R.
Interesting graphic close-up.
Nigel T.
A good industrial panorama.
Phil C.
A good textured, well layered monochrome image.
Phillip G.
Well captured reflective image.
Richard B.
Perfectly framed image, with a good range of tones.
Great way to see the building.
ReplyDeleteAlex B
ReplyDeleteAn interesting record of a visit to the Alhambra, I find the shadow areas rather “heavy”.
Andre H
A well captured fun shot- the slight movement of the subject adds to the moment.
Brian O
The narrative adds to interest - especially as there is a second pub in the distance!
Dave C
A strong portrait of the woman, the gaze direct into the lens is most engaging.
Dave R
A most intriguing image - almost a still from a modernist film.
David S
To me this image gives the impression of isolation and loss, the dark tones emphasising that feeling.
Elaine J
There is a lot of interest in this image although I find the sky bland and slightly detracts from the overall impact.
Harry H
A well captured moment with the passer-by looking into the image, the post on the right detracts slight from the overall impact of the image.
Julian P
A most striking image - the “merger’ of water and sky adding to the overall ethereal feeling.
Ken G
A busy scene with much to retain the viewer’s interest, I find the figures leaving the frame on the right slightly distracting.
Malcolm R
A simple scene enhanced by the lighting to create a striking shot.
Phil C
The triangular rock is a counterpoint to the tangled appearance of the foreground plants, the monochrome treatment works well.
Phil G
A well framed shot, the reflection creates a strong foreground interest and the slight vignette draws the eye into the frame.
Richard B
A closer view of the “Gherkin” reveals the interesting architectural detail that is lacking in the usual shots of the building in its entirety.
1. Alex B. A timeless, monochrome photo of the Alhambra, contrasting markedly with the crowded scenes more commonly published. The boundary wall is effective in leading the eye to the massive Moorish gate.
ReplyDelete2. Andre H. The energy and enthusiasm in the foreground figure is beyond doubt. Well caught - centre-frame - in the moment.
3. Brian O. The street with its sweeping bend leads me to wonder what lies beyond: more period buildings in harmony, or perhaps a more recent ‘intrusion’. I like photos that prompt questions.
4. Dave C. Always refreshing to see a studio portrait. Pin-sharp, the viewer is left to ponder the balance between pose and true nature.
5. Dave R. The ‘brutalist' architecture cannot be denied, even in darkness. My thoughts turn to the fly towers of London’s National Theatre. The lone figure is well placed, whether by chance or otherwise. Well seen in monochrome.
6. Dave S. This photo speaks of isolation and loneliness. The pose, the dejected look, combined with the wide expanse of the river at low tide are essential ingredients here. The distant Woolwich flood barrier adds to the all-pervading sense of place.
7. Elaine J. A fast response on the part of the photographer has ensured the wary (wily?) fox adds to the scene. The frost is beautifully recorded against its counter-point: the muted tone of the sky beyond.
8. Harry H. A candid street scene presented in true ‘letterbox’ style. I like the foreground lines which act as a stage for the actor: the unwitting pedestrian exiting stage right.
9. Julian P. The water-logged shoreline grasses are beautifully lit and detailed. That part of the frame is enough for me, although there is more to enjoy. Perhaps the highlight in the sky (far left) is a distraction.
10. Ken G. This is not Christmas Day as I know it; visual warmth and summer clothing! I quickly look up the location of Cockle Bay Wharf to be reassured that is it is, indeed, in Sydney in the southern hemisphere.
11.Malcolm R. An eye for detail and light is self-evident in this photo. The back-lit stems and their shadows combine to create a graphic, almost abstract impression. Well seen.
12. Nigel T. The distant view of industry, compressed by a long lens, has much to say about a changing world. Dock cranes with their rhythmic diagonal booms dominate the horizon while wind turbines, subservient, hold their own.
13. Phil C. Effective subject isolation is key to the success of this image. We are presented with three complementary layers each revealing more of the scene while unifying the whole in monochrome.
14. Philip G. The placement of the harbour wall on the central axis is effective. We are treated to 2 pictures in one - master and slave - the softer, less defined, reflection adding significant value to the whole.
15. My photo.
ReplyDelete1. Alex B. Harsh morning light has resulted in deep shadow areas but the highlights in the tower have been held. The emerging figures although tiny are an important part of the image.
2. Andre H. The lady is clearly enjoying the moment as she hurries down the street in her stage dress. Slightly soft (subject movement?) but the expression of pure joy is delightful.
3. Brian O. A fine old hotel. Pedestrians have to step into the road to get past its porch, fortunately there is no traffic.
4. Dave C. Striking eyes and a direct stare at the camera. Excalibur on her arm - I wonder why.
5. David R. There is a strong sense here of solitude in a big city at night.
6. Dave S. Solitude again, maybe he is thinking of times gone by.
7. Elaine J. Fine foreground with the crisp snow and beautifully captured fox (perhaps lighten him up just a touch?). The sky must have been doctored for some reason but if the original did not work I would have been tempted to take it out and just settle for a letterbox format.
8. Harry H. The underpass of the title is not very obvious and does little to enhance the photo itself. The chap walking the tightrope of highlight on the top of the wall makes the picture.
9. Julian P. A wonderfully calm image where sea and sky merge in the reflections on the horizon.
10. Ken G. It is Christmas but not as we know it and therefore well worth a few shots, however with two half figures leaving the frame and another with her back to the camera I do not see this as the optimal moment to make the exposure.
11. Me.
12. Nigel T. The cranes, like strange birds, look out over the beach where tiny figures enjoy the open space.
13. Phil C. A rough triangle of tangled plant life set against a triangle of hard rock and an out of focus background of grasses, a study of shapes and textures simplified by removing the complication of colour.
14. Phillip G. The usual murky waters of Gloucester docks are rendered a brilliant blue thanks to a cloudless sky, great reflections.
15. Richard B. The clear sky shows this close up with its spiralling patterns to great advantage.
Alex B: Mine
ReplyDeleteAndre H: The smile and movement make for a dynamic image. Despite the weather, it make for a happy event.
Brian O: An interesting monochrome. Plenty of detail.
Dave C: Excellent portrait.
David R: Excellent work. I like the contrast range.
Dave S: An interesting image - the human subject brings us back into the picture. What is he contemplating?
Elaine J: A lovely shot of the fox. I’m a bit worried about the apparent haloing around the trees.
Harry H: A nice “frame-within-a-frame. Good tonal range.
Julian P: A lovely quite shot. Atmospheric. I like that the horizon is well up in the frame and an interesting sky is seen in the reflection.
Ken G: They do Christmas differently down under. A nice street scene.
Malcolm R: Excellent shot.
Nigel T: A good crop (letterbox) that fits the subject.
Phil C: A simple composition.
Philip G: An excellent reflective shot - almost perfectly still water.
Richard B: Good detail and range of tones. A different viewpoint.
Alex B: Puerto de la Justisia: Good angle and nicely situated light with the arch and the second entry within
ReplyDeleteBrian O: Silver Stret: Pleasing shapes here and a good story to ilustrate the past. As a Brummie, now living in South Wales, this is foreign couuntry to me, but the looks very interesting Great angle, despite the empty sky.
Dave C: Alice: Good pose, tattoes fit well, face and expression splendid.
David R: A Brolly by Big Buiduilings: Given that it lookls a pose, perhaps a little less blancness might have helped?
Dave S: Contemplation: pleasing angle showing the extent of the view, and helped by the tree behind the figure.
Elainr J: Wnter Nocturne: Lovely selection of icy rock and frosty bacground.
Harry H: Looking through the underpass; Nicely done.
Julian P: December afternoon, BeaulyFirth: Good use of foreground and the max of sky and reflection is pleasing.
Ken G: Darling Horbour Xmas Day: Good use of figures in foregoungd.
Malcolm R: Emergence: A simple title for an elegant collection of shapes.
Nigel T: Seaforth docks from Crosby Beach: what a good skyline, Both the forground and the sky complement the picture. I am jealous, - I missed this when I was working uo there!
Phil C: Three Llayers: Clever title to make an excellent image from so little.
Phillip G: Safely Moored: I like the backround and the reflections. A very smart boattoo!
Richard B: St Mary Axe, London: Simple but complex _ very pleasing.
Alex.B:- “Puerta de la justicia”
ReplyDeleteNice Tones, very nicely executed.
Andre H:- “No title”
Nice capture of movement with an added smile.
Brian.O:- “No title”
Wow back in the day a pub every 50 yards! that would have been some pub crawl.
Nice monochrome image, lovely tones.
Dave.C:- “Alice”
You have posed Alice just right, with her looking with a piercing stare straight at the camera. Her arms are perfectly positioned, drawing attention to her tattoo’s.
David.R:- “ A brolly by big buildings”
Nice Monochrome image.
Dave.S:- “Contemplation”
The title say’s it all! The chap is definitely in deep thought. Well captured.
Elaine.J:- “Winter noctume”
Nice winter colours and the fox adds interest.
Mine.
Julian.P:- “December afternoon at Corgrain Point”
I love how the colours with the green foreground and the reflected blue sky combine in this image.
Ken.G:- ‘Darling Harbour”
Pleasant xmas day image, but I am in agreement with some of the comments made, the people leaving the image on the right-hand side a little distracting.
Malcolm.R:- “Emergence”
Nice Image.
Nigel.T:- “Seaforth Docks”
Interesting shot of Seaforth Docks, works well in a letterbox format.
Phil.C:- “Three layers”
Odds numbers definitely work well, and the composition of the three layers make an excellent monochrome image.
Phillip.G:- “Safety Moored”
Great shot of the buildings and the boat and their Reflections on still river.
Richard.B:- “Gherkin”
I like the way You have shown a zoomed in area of the Gherkin, this works well capturing the various shapes of the Gherkin within the frame.
Alex B maybe lacks a significant point of interest?
ReplyDeleteAndre H dynamic portrait with nice colour degradation
Brian O nice range of tones but could do with a human element
Dave C I really like the attitude of the sitter and tight crop. Very effective portrait
David R the brolly shot is my favourite this month. Great range of tones, excellent composition and has a really interesting narrative. Who is the brolly man?
Dave S my runner up this month. I love the anomic and desolate feel of this image. Very evocative.
Elaine J. Very delicate colour rendering. Nicely captured.
Harry H excellent framing and unusual crop is very effective.
Julian P delightfully dreamy shot with well rendered soft colours
Mine
Malcolm R I like the sparse composition and acid colouring of the reeds. Effective.
Nigel T well rendered industrial shot but maybe high contrast b and w would have given more punch?
Phil C and Richard B are my joint 3rd place this month. Phil the delicate tonal rendition and clever composition make it a complex and lush shot. Richard I love the impact of the red filter and bold no nonsense central composition
Phil G very true colour rendition and classic mirror image.
A good set this month
I am unsure what happened but I did publish my comments but they are not to be seen above. I did not retain my comments and I am now out of time to comment again. Sorry.
ReplyDelete