"Sakura in the rain. Osaka, Japan."
Details: Leica Q2, 28mm, 1/125 sec @ f/8.
Processed from RAW in Affinity Photo.
This was in Osaka Castle Park. It was an enjoyable stroll by the moat: many families were enjoying picnics under the blossom. Then it started to rain. The umbrella caught my attention.
Details: Leica Q2, 28mm, 1/125 sec @ f/8.
Processed from RAW in Affinity Photo.
This was in Osaka Castle Park. It was an enjoyable stroll by the moat: many families were enjoying picnics under the blossom. Then it started to rain. The umbrella caught my attention.
Andre H
Found in the University Quarter, Bergen, Norway.
Brian O
Brian O
The Model (Kirsten) has a keen artists interest in photography (she has a CLux) and wanted to replicate in some way a Cecil Beaton photo of a model emerging through a cut paper. So we set it up in my local pub (which she owns) and with another photographer set up the paper and lights, I used mt Q2 Monochrom with a yellow filter. She was pleased with the results. This is one frame from several and is my personal favourite. I call it Torn Paper.
Dave C
“Sensual” SL2-S 24/90. At 54mm. ISO 100, 1/200, F8
David Ro
I became fascinated by each models patience and good humour as they each had to stand for many, many hours while their artists worked on their often outrageous creations. The models were happily posing, smiling and playing for the crowds while the artist applied layer after layer of vibrant body paint. At il Campionato Italiano dei Corpi Dipinti otherwise known as the Italian Body Painting Championship.
I became fascinated by each models patience and good humour as they each had to stand for many, many hours while their artists worked on their often outrageous creations. The models were happily posing, smiling and playing for the crowds while the artist applied layer after layer of vibrant body paint. At il Campionato Italiano dei Corpi Dipinti otherwise known as the Italian Body Painting Championship.
David Ru
Leica Q2
Dave S
“Nine Elms Sunrise”, Leica Q3 43
Harry H
"Bolton Abbey" This Image was taken on a visit to Yorkshire last month, Camera was a D-lux7, 1/1250s 200iso at f4.
Julian P
The wall of the Skansen Kronan fortress, Gothenburg. Lumix GX8. Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 lens, 1/250 s, f/4.5, ISO 200 at 12 mm (cropped).
Ken G
Ken L
“Red Highlights with Autumn Reflections” taken at The Newt in Somerset, November 2025. Leica Q3-43; ISO 100, f/3.2, 1/1600s (The Red Bauble is made with dyed dried flowers - representing a Christmas Bauble. The giant flower arrangement changes with the seasons).
Malcolm R 
Peter D
Richard B
‘Arc & Line’ (Berlin, 2026)
Leica M11M/Voigtlander 21mm - Red Filter, Cropped to 16:9
"The Weir after a storm” 40mm Summicron C on Fuji X-E5, 1/200sec @ 3200 ISO.
Peter D
"You're being Watched".
A group of young French tourists seemingly oblivious to the picture behind them and the image it created. Just one of those shots! Northumberland Avenue, London November 2009; Leica IIIf 5cm f1.5 Summarit; Tri-X or BW400CN at f8 1/250th.
A group of young French tourists seemingly oblivious to the picture behind them and the image it created. Just one of those shots! Northumberland Avenue, London November 2009; Leica IIIf 5cm f1.5 Summarit; Tri-X or BW400CN at f8 1/250th.
Phil C
Tailfins, DeSoto at Old Warden, Shuttleworth on Drive It Day, Leica M, 50mm
Richard B
‘Arc & Line’ (Berlin, 2026)
Leica M11M/Voigtlander 21mm - Red Filter, Cropped to 16:9
Alex B lovely shot, I love the muted candy colours and composition in terms of umbrella position in frame.
ReplyDeleteAndre H bold and striking image.
Brian O great idea and a lot of work setting up. The cut paper is great as is the models pose. I just find the back ground behind her a little distracting. Very good shot though.
Dave C outstanding shot. Very moody and the exposure is spot on for a difficult subject enrobed in mist.
Dave Ro. I love the capture of the model on the right but the crop doesn’t work for me as I find the out of focus back of head and gappy curtain distracting.
David Ru my shot of the month. Very Sam Haskins. Love the silhouette and way it is framed and interacts with the k picked back cityscape.
Dave S a classic velvety colour and sharp Leica shot. Sheer indulgence.
Harry H moody, great clouds and very gothic.
Julian P good symmetry and rich colours.
Mine
Ken L s bit prosaic and I find the reflections distracting and composition lacking a strong centre of interest.
Malcolm R I like the movement in the water.
Peter D in my top 3. Very clever the way you have used the poster and subjects. A masterclass in street photography.
Phil C this just really pops. A great retro style shot beautifully captured. In my top 3 this month.
Richard B a superbly exposed b and w shot with great sharpness, composition and achingly gorgeous clouds!
Thanks for the compliment, it was very much on the spur of the moment. This version is a lot tidier than the original!!
DeleteThat was my Reply Peter
ReplyDelete1. Alex B. The two umbrellas hold my attention, saying something of their owners. But we are denied more, the one umbrella is colourful and opaque, the other transparent and seemingly abandoned on the ground.
ReplyDeleteThis is landscape - colourful - but it is also a portrait.
2. Andre H. Graffiti is a very old art, and one that knows no bounds, now ubiquitous in the urban landscape This one is primitive, child-like and anonymous. Does it appeal? The eye of the beholder comes to mind.
3. Brian O. Perfect. What more can I say?
4. Dave C. The steam alone gives context to this posed portrait. But can a shower give so much personal pleasure?
5. David Ro. A portrait within a portrait, full of cheer. A square format, the artist cropped, would also work well to my eye.
6. David Ru. A familiar setting for ‘street' images on the north bank of the Thames. The rigid lines of the structure and counter-point of the model work well together.
7. Dave S. The ever-changing face of the Thames at Nine Elms. We are treated to the modern skyline of towers, but are reminded of the Thames as a working river, the barges and the reflection - old and new - viewed binocular-like through the arches of the bridge.
8. Harry H. A timeless image that reveals nothing of our present age. The brooding sky is the perfect complement to the ruined abbey, standing proud against the march of time.
9. Julian P. The stonework is playful - beautiful colours - complemented by the bold shutters. The staircase alone reveals the scale.
10. Ken G. A beautiful painterly composition taken in perfect light. But is it candid or posed? Either is good in my book!
11. Ken L. The composition and simple colour palette is effective. I am taken to the point of highest contrast, to the right hand side of the old tractor.
12. Malcolm R. An impressive rage of tones and patterns linger in this monochrome image. The energy of the cascading water, negotiating man-made structures, is impressive.
13. Peter D. Juxtaposition and timing are so often important to the success of candid ‘street’ photos, as here. It is the year 2009, and these youths are not carrying mobile phones. How different it would be today.
14. Phil C. Tail fins: symbolic under the shadow of the Cold War of the 1950s, and the sounds of America. There is enjoyment and nostalgia here for those of us old enough to understand.
15. My Photo.
Alex
ReplyDeleteThe umbrella was a good spot. It blends in nicely and looks as if the petals have fallen and left their mark on the umbrella.
Andre
A nice record shot of some graffiti, the green mould matches the paint. Looks like a member of Top Cat’s gang! If anyone remembers that.
Brian
What a wonderful portrait, and such a good idea. I like the surreal touch and technically really well executed.
Dave C
This is nicely posed and technically excellent. Is it a straight shot or have elements been added in post?
David Ro
I hope you enjoyed the event, it looks fun, The model’s mitt and glasses add to the fun of the image and yet the artist has included a woman with her finger to her lips, which adds an element of intrigue.
David Ru
You do find some excellent locations and then create the perfect shot. The Shard in the mist adds a softness in contrast to the stark lines of the foreground and model. Excellent.
Dave S
Beautifully recorded, capturing the quiet of a sunrise even in a busy city. Great light and symmetry.
Harry
The moody sky fits perfectly with the remains of the abbey, well framed.
Julian
Nicely seen, the bright orange contrast well with the ‘crazy’ style wall.
Ken G
An excellent portrait street shot, well framed and lovely colours of the surrounding walls.
Ken L
The splashes of red draw the eye, and the tractor seems as though it is waiting for the place to open before it goes in.
Malcolm
Lots of turbulent water, the figure on the weir adds to the drama.
Peter D
Good to see a shot on a Leica Screw camera. Very well seen, the poster with eh woman looking down on the four tourists is open to interpretation. Excellent.
Mine
Richard
Wow, a gorgeous city shot, it looks as though the building is emerging from the steps.
Alex B: An intriguing image. What is the object on the ground to the right of the person? A discarded see-through umbrella or a phantom caught by the camera? The image does provide subdued colour harmony and is a new perspective on the blossom festival.
ReplyDeleteAndre H: I like the two different portrayals of the eyes, and reminds me that there are still places outside the UK where graffiti is accepted.
Brian O: I see the Cecil Beaton in this. Well done for all concerned in creating this homage!
Dave C: I am totally unaware how difficult this has been to create. It is very different to a classic model shot. You have created an atmosphere of mystery for which the title is very apt.
David Ro: Thank you for the image and description. Did you get to this event by chance, or was it all carefully planned. The image is excellent, but (tongue in cheek) it might have been good to somehow see the end of the paint brush. Were you that close? Or has a long lens got you “pole position”.
David Ru: Fascinating. I guess a posed shot. How much manipulation has been required to achieve this is beyond my imagination - unless all was in place and the atmospheres also obliged.
Dave S: Masterly. I had not heard of Nine Elms but discover this is London and also not far from last month’s Battersea Power Station. I had my criticisms of the Power Station image, but this one is superb.
Harry H: Great atmosphere. Excellent execution. Time to return to my wife’s home patch to look at the abbey afresh. Thank you.
Julian P: Mine
Ken G: Whether this is posed or not, it looks to be a great informal street image that is totally professional.
Ken L: Autumn escapes me! So I am not ecstatic with your title. But the rest is a good bit of observation captured for posterity.
Malcolm R: The monochrome image adds a curiosity for me. Is there a person with a dog at the middle of the footbridge? I cannot resolve what I am looking at. I like the activity in the water.
Peter D: Congratulations. Photography at its best - and with trusted photographic gear. I bet you were discreet.
Phil C: I had not come across DeSoto before. I have just “googled” the cars. I am glad the company name is discernible on the “trunk” and that you have focused on what must have a short-lived element of styling.
Richard B: Amazing architecture and very well displayed in your red-filtered image. No people? Really? Or edited out. Very satisfying.
Thank you, Julian. People not edited out. Uninterrupted steps were key, so I waited for the people present to move away. Richard.
DeleteAlex.B:- “Sakura in the rain”
ReplyDeleteNice Colourful image.
Andre H:- “No title”
A very unusual image, with a cartoon like in appearance.
Brian.O:- “Torn Paper”
Great Idea, and very well executed, nice image.
Dave.C:- “Sensual”
Full of atmosphere, and yes definitely Sensual, excellent image.
David.Ro:- “no title”
Wow you definitely captured an Artist at work, and the Model seems very relaxed and happy, nice shot.
David Ru:- “No Title”
Nice Silhouette with a misty cityscape background.
Dave.S:- “ Nine Elms Sunrise”
Lovely sunrise shot of the thames.
Mine.
Julian.P:- “ The wall of Skansen fortress”
I can see why you took it! Great balance of shape and colour.
Ken.G:- “ On Looker”
I love the colours of the mural on the wall and the old torn poster, which adds so much interest to the overall image, and yes I wonder what he is watching.
Ken.L:- “ Red highlights with autumn Reflections”
My eye is definitely drawn towards Red Bauble in the centre of the image, my only gripe is
The red tractor which I find a little distracting
Malcolm.R:- “The Weir after a storm”
Wow you have definitely caught a torrent of water, nice captured image.
Peter.D:- “ You’re being watched”
Well spotted, they are being watched indeed, Superb street shot.
Phil.C:- “Tailfins”
I love the pop of red colour from the cars Tailfin, very well photographed
Richard.B:- “Arc & Line”
Fluffy Clouds with moody sky, nice b & W image.
Alex B: Pleasing complementary tones with the pointilliste blossom complementing the abstract pattern on the umbrella - and the second translucent one adds a ghostly reflection
ReplyDeleteAndre H: Bold and graphic with a raw urban energy juxtaposed with childlike drawing. The exaggerated eyes and cartoon-like style grab the attention and contrast with the textured wall.
Brian O: Evocative, imaginative and well-executed concept. The torn paper effect, strong lighting and pose feel period-polished and the Beaton fashion feel comes across well
Dave C: Very atmospheric and well controlled technically. The steam and lighting create a sense of intimacy and mystery without overplaying it.
David Ro: Engaging capture conveying vibrant personality from both body art and model. The models good humour well displayed in their smile to camera
David Ru: Excellent use of structure, silhouette and mist to create a sophisticated image. The hard person and background Shard framed by hard geometry and soft atmosphere is highly effective
My picture
Harry H: The dark sky suits the monumental ruin creating a brooding, gothic feel, almost as if the Abbey is emerging over the horizon towards us across the gravestones - very dramatic
Julian P: Pleasantly funky study in colour and geometry. The bold shutters and irregular stonework create a jazzy rhythm anchored by the six window spaces, the blue stairs a counterpoint - great fun.
Ken G: Painterly street shot with excellent colour harmony. The mural, poster and observer all interact nicely and his sunlit expression invites us to wonder what he is watching.
Ken L: Autumnal orange, cool blue greys and splashes of red provide the seasonal colours with the bauble suggesting a giant fruit and the tractor its cultivation - subtly allegorical
Malcolm R: The waters chaotic movement and energy foreground, mono adding an element of threat/power, especially contrasted with the small figure on the bridge - the residual power of the storm
Peter D: Great street capture in timing and execution. The relationship between the four tourists as well as the downward look of the poster figure conjure a dynamic image from the everyday
Phil C: Al celebration of 1950s optimism in chrome, shiny black and bright red, framed and rendered just right to convey the iconic tailfin design
Richard B: Beautifully composed and tonally controlled to create a sumptuous monochrome - the alignment of the stair rail and corner of the sweeping roof make an even more pleasing and dynamic view.
Alex B: Very pleasing image with attractive pastel tones. Unusually for Japan, on this occasion, the star is the umbrella rather than the Sakura.
ReplyDeleteAndre H: Strong image. I am not a fan of Graffiti, but you have documented this “street art” for posterity.
Brian O: Super effort! Fascinating use of light and dark. I particularly like the intentional backlight to the subject’s hair.
Dave C: A true enigma! No steam on the lens? Great lighting and overall composition. Maybe someone was Vaping in the bathroom?
David Ro: Great capture of the stunningly vibrant colours on the Model, together with her sense of warmth. I find the back of the artist’s head a bit distracting though.
David Ru: Complex composition using shape, texture and light. Not easy to balance them all but this works perfectly.
Dave S: Beautiful Sunrise and so much detail to view. That detail is amplified by the still-water reflections. I really enjoyed spending time looking at the photo - very relaxing.
Harry H: Imposing building framed by imposing weather. Strong foreground of the well-kept but rugged graveyard adds to the overall atmosphere. I love it… and it would not have had the same effect in colour.
Julian P: A gorgeous palette of muted colours enhanced by the white mortar. The deliberate painting of the metal staircase and woodwork to match the hue of the stonework is masterful. Great subject.
Ken G: Pleasing colour tones in the mural contrast with the bare concrete surface. The remnants of the scraped-off posters are surprisingly attractive to look at.
Ken L:
Mine Malcolm R: The viewer is left in no doubt about the power of this water. Well captured.
Peter D: Brilliant composition and obviously great timing. I imagine you had to wait a while to get the right shot!
Phil C: I love the simplicity of the composition, the strong lines, and the complex array of different shapes in frame. The light reflecting on the chrome and paintwork are a joy. Exquisite.
Richard B: Awe-inspiring architecture that is reminiscent of The Statue of Liberty. The fluffy clouds provide interest, which would be missing if it had been a plain blue sky. Lovely photo.
Alex B: Mine
ReplyDeleteAndre H: An interesting image.
Brian O: Lovely portrait and good homage to Cecil Beaton. I hope this is hanging on the pub wall.
Dave C: An excellent portrait. Very moody and sensual.
David Ro: Good work. I like the “double” portrait idea.
David Ru: Excellent work. One of my favourites this month.
Dave S: A nice sunrise, with detail in the background buildings. I like the reflection of the bridge and the way. The boats seem to sit in the reflection.
Harry H: Bolton Abbey - one of my stomping grounds when I was very much younger. Good work. Some nice detail in the sky.
Julian P: Very striking stonework. I like the broken symmetry of the red doors.
Ken G: A good candid portrait.
Ken L: Good work.
Malcolm R: Some nice movement in the water. I think a longer shutter speed would have killed the sense of drama.
Peter D: Very clever and well seen.
Phil C: Wonderful. Red really pops - nicely saturated. I like the detail.
Richard B: Excellent work. One of my favourites this month.
Good urban scene, shame about the flat light.
ReplyDeleteBrian O.
A good tribute to Cecil Beaton.
Dave C.
Mine.
David Ro.
A colourful scene, spoiled by the silver object coming out of artist head.
David Ru.
Classic scene well captured.
Dave S.
A tranquil sunrise image.
Harry H.
Well captured monochrome image, good range of tones.
Julian P.
Well seen image, good use of square crop.
Ken G.
Good colourful candid.
Ken L.
Touch of red, well seen.
Malcolm R.
Good use of a person, to give it scale.
Peter D.
Excellent monochrome Street image.
Phil C.
Good use of Colour, with great design.
Richard B.
Striking monochrome image, good use of red filter.
ReplyDelete1. Alex B. The soft colours of the umbrella coordinate nicely with the cherry blossom and blue sky. The distant tower block lines up exactly with Sakura’s body giving an odd effect at first sight.
2. Andre H. There are graffiti artists and there are graffiti artists !
3. Brian O. A very fine portrait let down by the distracting bits and bobs in the background behind Kirsten’s head. The lighting set up is puzzling to me and becomes more so the longer the picture is studied.
4. Dave C. An imaginative portrait with clever lighting and the use of steam (dry ice?) to create an air of mystery.
5. David Ro. Portrait painting with a difference.
6. David Ru. Stark and dramatic, surprising that there is no detail in the silhouetted figure, Phakoshop magic?
7. Dave S. Good reflections, the lighters cleverly nestled in the refelected soffit of the bridge.
8. Harry H. Very restful. The strong sunlight from the left throws the gravestones into shadow but lightens the grass giving a contrasty image topped off with a fine sky.
9. Julian P. Not at all sure that the inclusion of the roof structure adds to that wonderfully patterned wall with its near symmetrical gun ports. The spiral fire escape is a splendid if incongruous feature.
10. Ken G. A grey aggressive looking character loitering at a street corner vies for our attention with the colourful walls at his back, what is going on? Is he a lookout, is he waiting in ambush for someone or is it just that his girlfriend is late? We shall never know.
11. Ken L. Subtle reflections in the window show the bare trees of autumn and the bauble provides the colour. The friendly looking tractor deserves a portrait of its own.
12 . Me.
13. Peter D. Beautifully spotted and captured the pose of the model in the window looking down and laughing at the young men is superb. Good to see a IIIF in action in the Circle too.
14. Phil C. A study in black, grey and red. Flashy but it makes a strong photo.
15. Richard B. One of your “Brutalist” architecture shots and a very finer one. The red filter has done a great job on the sky/clouds, the arch has its own halo
From David Ro
ReplyDeleteAlex B
One of the iconic subjects to photograph Cherry blossom in Japan.
I’m enjoying this shot very much. For me the frame full of colour makes me feel like I’m there.
I can see why the Umbrella caught your eye. Somehow it seems to belong in the frame.
Andre H
I’m a big fan of ‘found’ artworks like graffiti. I think there’s a great project idea for a book or zine of striking or funny graffiti. I do like the style of this cat the lack of colour reminds me of felix from the old cartoons.
Brian O
I can definitely see the influence of Cecil Beaton here. This is a strong composition. Personally, while the hand is perfect the white sleeved arm is a little strong. It seems unattached at the elbow and confuses me.
Dave C
A strong pose and nicely side lit the expression adds to the atmosphere. I’d be happier to experiment with darker shadows to emphasise the mid and highlights.
David Ru
A very strong composition. The whole treatment is lovely. I really like the severe angles and full black shadows slashing through the frame. Despite the mist there’s no mistaking the background location and the models pose is suitably strong.
Dave S
While I do like this shot I find I’m drawn to upper half. The bridge and cityscape with the evening colours is for me a great picture. But the reflection of the underside of the bridge and the barges lost in the lower shadows with the uncoloured sky reduces my attention.
Harry H (My favourite shot this time)
What a classic Monochrome, the textures in the graveyard the abbey ruins and those lovely bubbling clouds are perfect. The treatment is well done with a full range of tones everything controlled well.
Julian P
A nice study in patterns and texture. I’m not sure if it’s just me but the image seems to be playing with my perception of depth. I know the upper two arches must have depth receding into the wall but everything except the fire escape looks two dimensional. I like it.
Ken G
What a great spot that wall is crying out for the perfect subject. I think if the chap was looking towards the camera or better still making eye this couldn’t be improved.
Ken L
What a fascinating location. I’m intrigued by the bauble did you get a chance to try a polariser filter on this scene? Cut through the glass and reflections would have increased the power of the bauble making a stronger composition with the red tractor.
Malcolm R
I’d consider this a great location capturing people as they cross the bridge. I really like the lively water as it swirls and sprays through the weir. I think the choice to process it in monochrome was a good one. It doesn’t look like colour would offer anything to the picture.
Peter D (my second choice this month)
Very nicely observed. That poster is just asking to be used in this way. Perfect framing and the four tourists are almost posing to order. I’m fascinated by whatever the chap on the right is doing.
Phil C
Old Classic and American automobiles never fail to make great subjects. You could spend hours on a sunny day walking around picking out details and reflections. Those red lamp covers remind me of the Ice cream cup dispensers I see in some restaurants I can imagine a magazine layout with a double page of both facing each other.
Richard B (My third choice this month)
A very nicely executed architectural shot. Again, monochrome reducing the subject to tone and light and shadow has definitely made for a powerful image. The 21mm is super wide but you don’t really see any distortion in the building. For me the clouds are the finishing touch floating in that lovely dark sky and beautifully placed.
David Ro, thanks for the comments. As for your specific question, I did not have a polarising filter with me but I did take internal shots of the ‘Bauble’ in it’s full crimson glory. I do see your point about making the composition stronger.
ReplyDeleteThanks all. I didn't wait. They just "were". To all those who commented on the reliability of the IIIf, this morning when I went to rewind a film it suffered "issues". Cleaned it out and reloaded with Monopan 50. Old- style film in old camera. Interesting expt.
ReplyDelete