Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Saturday, 9 February 2013
The Duke of Wellington Repertoire
They are not brilliant photos since I just snap them quickly on my compact or phone camera as I'm briskly making my way to work in the morning but I like them nonetheless (I can hear you say "that's no excuse!!").
The Duke has been making quite a few appearances lately in the news (either as a background emphasis to the main story or because he had the record no. of cones atop his stature) so I thought I would share my 'aside' blog with you.
I'm still wondering if all this exposure is coincidental to the timing of his new black cone or cleverly manufactured in the name of free advertising (I am only too aware of my hand in this).
Anyway, here he is, in all his glory - The Duke of Wellington!
The Duke has been making quite a few appearances lately in the news (either as a background emphasis to the main story or because he had the record no. of cones atop his stature) so I thought I would share my 'aside' blog with you.
I'm still wondering if all this exposure is coincidental to the timing of his new black cone or cleverly manufactured in the name of free advertising (I am only too aware of my hand in this).
Anyway, here he is, in all his glory - The Duke of Wellington!
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Passenger: M8
While I was the passenger in a car tonight, on my way home from work, I thought I would try to take some of my bokeh shots as it's been a while.
Thank you, K, for my many lifts home!!
Thank you, K, for my many lifts home!!
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Lanzarote
I knew I would regret not taking my DSLR or even my film SLR with me on holiday.
It's very hard to force an automatic compact to do what you want it to do when it's not already a function of the camera.
However, I did my best to achieve a bokeh shot of Correlejo, Fuerteventura and also to get the lovely colours of the volcanos of the island, showing in amazing layers under the pink sky.
I also attempted some sunset shots, which didn't work out as good as I would have liked.
I also have specs of sand on the lens that I can't seem to remove and they show up in a lot of the photos that I took (meaning it was probably a good thing I didn't take my DSLR).
I had bought an underwater camera for the trip away but I didn't really get an opportunity to use it. When I did use it there were people in it who don't wish the photos to be published so I will leave you with my rubbish first attempts at using it.
I had tried an image of half-in-half-out the sea but the swell was moving too fast for the camera so it either took the photo in or out of the sea. I then tried the camera having the waves splash up to the lens, as you can see.
The flash could either be on auto or off and, for some reason, even though it was a bit murky under the water the flash would not go off.
I felt a bit bad because the fish kept swimming around me no problem but as soon as I put the camera in the water they swam away. I could put my hand in and they didn't mind, put the snorkel mask in and they wouldn't mind but they didn't like the camera.
And lastly, my poor attempt at some aerial photography. I could see the Forth Rail Bridge but the plane was juddering and turning fast and my camera couldn't cope with how dark it was outside the plane window and light inside. Hugest sighs. However, as it was probably the only time I will get to photograph the bridge from above, here it is for you to see.
However, I did my best to achieve a bokeh shot of Correlejo, Fuerteventura and also to get the lovely colours of the volcanos of the island, showing in amazing layers under the pink sky.
I also have specs of sand on the lens that I can't seem to remove and they show up in a lot of the photos that I took (meaning it was probably a good thing I didn't take my DSLR).
And lastly, my poor attempt at some aerial photography. I could see the Forth Rail Bridge but the plane was juddering and turning fast and my camera couldn't cope with how dark it was outside the plane window and light inside. Hugest sighs. However, as it was probably the only time I will get to photograph the bridge from above, here it is for you to see.
Friday, 26 October 2012
Lomography
I was doing a bit of photography research today and I happened across a German Lomography site.
Some of the images are excellent and it just goes to show that if you are really a good photographer then it doesn't matter what kind of equipment you use.
But don't take my word for it, have a look at these sample links for yourself.
Alison Scarpulla - very evocative, just as the site says.
Frank Machalowski - wonderful collection of black and white images.
And just for something extra, here is a fairly famous 'lomographer' from Brighton Lomokev - aka Kevin Meridith
Enjoy!
Some of the images are excellent and it just goes to show that if you are really a good photographer then it doesn't matter what kind of equipment you use.
But don't take my word for it, have a look at these sample links for yourself.
Alison Scarpulla - very evocative, just as the site says.
Frank Machalowski - wonderful collection of black and white images.
And just for something extra, here is a fairly famous 'lomographer' from Brighton Lomokev - aka Kevin Meridith
Enjoy!
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Heron or Cormorant
It was a very grey and rainy day on my visit to North Kessock and very near to the end of daylight hours.
I was determined to get a few photos regardless and I spotted a heron in the water (the Beauly Firth) that was making a good silhouette and reflection.
Or WAS it a heron?
There has been some debate over the bird but I'm fairly sure it's a heron in the photograph. The argument was based upon the legs being shorter and that herons are not normally out in such an open space to do their fishing. Plus, cormorants stretch their neck out when they are about to grab their meal.
However, I say that the legs look shorter because it is in the water and it's neck is long because....well, because it is a heron.
A silhouette photo from a distance is not much to go on but what do you think?
I was determined to get a few photos regardless and I spotted a heron in the water (the Beauly Firth) that was making a good silhouette and reflection.
Or WAS it a heron?
There has been some debate over the bird but I'm fairly sure it's a heron in the photograph. The argument was based upon the legs being shorter and that herons are not normally out in such an open space to do their fishing. Plus, cormorants stretch their neck out when they are about to grab their meal.
However, I say that the legs look shorter because it is in the water and it's neck is long because....well, because it is a heron.
A silhouette photo from a distance is not much to go on but what do you think?
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Scottish Reptiles
During a trip to Culloden I almost trod on a lizard whilst walking around the battlefield. Yes, a Scottish lizard, about 3 inches long.
In my Scottish Wildlife challenge (that failed and fell by the wayside) I had obtained a list of all Scotland's indigenous species from Visit Scotland but after finding the lizard I couldn't remember any reptiles being on the list.
However, here is a site with information on Scotland's 3 reptile species - Scottish National Heritage
Here are a couple of photos of the little creature.
The red stone is a bit unfortunate as it looks like a giant tongue. The lizard would not move, though, and I didn't want to frighten him any more. A couple of quick shots taken then I moved on to give him time to recover and hide before anyone else came along.
In my Scottish Wildlife challenge (that failed and fell by the wayside) I had obtained a list of all Scotland's indigenous species from Visit Scotland but after finding the lizard I couldn't remember any reptiles being on the list.
However, here is a site with information on Scotland's 3 reptile species - Scottish National Heritage
Here are a couple of photos of the little creature.
The red stone is a bit unfortunate as it looks like a giant tongue. The lizard would not move, though, and I didn't want to frighten him any more. A couple of quick shots taken then I moved on to give him time to recover and hide before anyone else came along.
Sunday, 23 September 2012
A quick half hour with the macro lens
The sun was shining outside so I thought I would put my macro lens on the camera and see what I could find in the garden.
It was windier than I would have liked, the sun kept disappearing behind clouds and using continuous autofocus made things harder rather than easier.
However, I did get a couple of photos taken. I tried out some multi-frame shots and I quite liked the result.
It was windier than I would have liked, the sun kept disappearing behind clouds and using continuous autofocus made things harder rather than easier.
However, I did get a couple of photos taken. I tried out some multi-frame shots and I quite liked the result.
Monday, 17 September 2012
150 years since American Civil War Battle of Antietam
Paisley.Org: Alexander Gardner (1821-1882)
N.B. The 1st line should read "...born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland...". I will have to let them know.
Sunday, 8 July 2012
South Queensferry
On a whim, we stopped off at South Queensferry and walked along to Hopetoun House.
We didn't go to the House because it was late evening by the time we go there but we did walk along the coastline.
(Someone I know will be very interested to know that there was a multitude of White Foxgloves along the roadside.)
I only had my Lumix compact with me and the weather wasn't great so I didn't take any great photos. However, I found a terrific spot, on-route, for taking some photos of Forth Rail bridge and I hope to get back out there at night to take some photos if they still light the bridge.
Here is a slightly 'posterised' view of the Forth Road and the Rail bridge from where we were. They look like one single bridge from this angle.
I only had my Lumix compact with me and the weather wasn't great so I didn't take any great photos. However, I found a terrific spot, on-route, for taking some photos of Forth Rail bridge and I hope to get back out there at night to take some photos if they still light the bridge.
Here is a slightly 'posterised' view of the Forth Road and the Rail bridge from where we were. They look like one single bridge from this angle.
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Clydebank Titan Crane
I actually used my DSLR yesterday. It's been too long.
I was in Clydebank at night so I thought I would try out some of the 'circles of confusions' style images that I love.
The Titan Crane was lovely with it's coat of many colours. If it hadn't been such horrible weather I might have been able to get a reflection of it in the Clyde.
(I am unable to insert a 'carriage return' or a new line for some reason - sigh)
(I am unable to insert a 'carriage return' or a new line for some reason - sigh)
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Pinhole Photography Festival.
Back in early March my dad kindly sent me an email containing a link for the Pinhole Photography Festival in Edinburgh.
His timing was perfect as I was free to pop along on the following Sunday afternoon to have a look at the gallery and perhaps attend the workshop if there was space. As fortune would have it, I was able to join in the fun and games.
The workshop was held by photographer Kenny Bean who talked us through the art of making a pinhole photograph. He showed us images taken from a tiny camera, where a cartridge was held inside the photographer's mouth, to larger scale photographs taken from Kenny's outstanding Wheelie Bin collection.
The staff were really friendly, the workshop was definitely worthwhile (they even provided free use of the cameras, photographic paper and developing chemicals, which was very kind) and the gallery was very impressive.
I did have a go myself but my prints turned out to be very disappointing (what's new?) as I didn't really have a full grasp of just how 'wide' the pinhole range was going to be. Even when I was standing 10ft away from my subject of a tree it appeared as a tiny twig within my frame. Timing for exposure and developing is also something I need to experiment with but now that I've tried it I need to get making my own little cameras.
All I need now is to find the time.....
I've cropped out the subject so you can get a hint of what I was trying to photograph!!!
His timing was perfect as I was free to pop along on the following Sunday afternoon to have a look at the gallery and perhaps attend the workshop if there was space. As fortune would have it, I was able to join in the fun and games.
The workshop was held by photographer Kenny Bean who talked us through the art of making a pinhole photograph. He showed us images taken from a tiny camera, where a cartridge was held inside the photographer's mouth, to larger scale photographs taken from Kenny's outstanding Wheelie Bin collection.
The staff were really friendly, the workshop was definitely worthwhile (they even provided free use of the cameras, photographic paper and developing chemicals, which was very kind) and the gallery was very impressive.
I did have a go myself but my prints turned out to be very disappointing (what's new?) as I didn't really have a full grasp of just how 'wide' the pinhole range was going to be. Even when I was standing 10ft away from my subject of a tree it appeared as a tiny twig within my frame. Timing for exposure and developing is also something I need to experiment with but now that I've tried it I need to get making my own little cameras.
All I need now is to find the time.....
I've cropped out the subject so you can get a hint of what I was trying to photograph!!!
Traffic Trails
It's been a while and I have a few draft blogs in the pipeline but I've been so busy working that I've hardly had a chance to take any photos let alone blog about them.
However, I did manage to get out onto the bridge over the M8 one evening and try out some long exposure shots of the traffic below.
It's a learning process but here is one of the images I took....
However, I did manage to get out onto the bridge over the M8 one evening and try out some long exposure shots of the traffic below.
It's a learning process but here is one of the images I took....
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Chloe Cat!
She was so old and fragile it was only a matter of time before this day would arrive.
Goodbye my little buddy.
Goodbye my little buddy.
Friday, 4 November 2011
Britannia Panopticon
I recently had a great day out with my close friend, Mavis, in Glasgow. After a wander around the galleries within Trongate 103 and a wee cuppa in Cafe Cossachok we ventured out to speak to a man wearing a top hat and monacle. He enticed us into the old playhouse, Britannia Panopticon, with the promise of silent movies and a live band (no admittance charge but donations welcome at the end).
This theatre is the oldest music hall in the UK (possibly the world) and is famous for the debut performances of Stan Laurel and Jack Buchanan.
I'm not sure how often it opens up to the public but I would definitely recommend a visit. It was fantastic, even if you do have to wear more clothes inside to keep warm.
The Britannia Panopticon as it looks today.
Silent movies inside the theatre (with a live band)
You can read more about this marvelous building at the Britannia Panopticon Website and The Theatres Trust.
This theatre is the oldest music hall in the UK (possibly the world) and is famous for the debut performances of Stan Laurel and Jack Buchanan.
I'm not sure how often it opens up to the public but I would definitely recommend a visit. It was fantastic, even if you do have to wear more clothes inside to keep warm.
The Britannia Panopticon as it looks today.
Silent movies inside the theatre (with a live band)
You can read more about this marvelous building at the Britannia Panopticon Website and The Theatres Trust.
Whales
Several times I have been caught out by the surfers in the Bay of Skaill masquerading as whales. Hunched over in their black wetsuits making a triangular shape atop their white boards, moving in and out of the water like a sea creature.
Each time I would run for the binoculars, holding my breath with excitement, only to be let down when I look through the lenses.
There has twice been sightings of a pod of Orca whales around the Orkney Islands in the time that I have been working up here. Both times I was actually at work and one of those times the whales were actually in the bay. I had only just left Skara Brae site and entered the visitor centre (where the bay cannot be seen) when I was told about them. I can't believe I had just missed them. Sigh!
Oh well. There's always next year.
Each time I would run for the binoculars, holding my breath with excitement, only to be let down when I look through the lenses.
There has twice been sightings of a pod of Orca whales around the Orkney Islands in the time that I have been working up here. Both times I was actually at work and one of those times the whales were actually in the bay. I had only just left Skara Brae site and entered the visitor centre (where the bay cannot be seen) when I was told about them. I can't believe I had just missed them. Sigh!
Oh well. There's always next year.
Monday, 3 October 2011
See, Hear and Speak no Evil
Things to do when you're really supposed to be doing something else - take loads of photographs with the intention of making them into fun images.
I have to give credit for one of those photo-ideas to my friend who wanted to try out the See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil image. So, wine in one hand, camera in the other, we shot a few rough images. Only a small amount of thought went into the layout of each image but I don't think it ended in too bad a result.
It took a little while to figure out how to merge each photo without deleting the wrong parts of each layer but hopefully I have removed all mistakes (fingers crossed) and the image now makes sense.
After having had the help of Mr.O-W (thanks millions bud, it was great fun!!) I should have a few more practise images to come.
I have to give credit for one of those photo-ideas to my friend who wanted to try out the See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil image. So, wine in one hand, camera in the other, we shot a few rough images. Only a small amount of thought went into the layout of each image but I don't think it ended in too bad a result.
It took a little while to figure out how to merge each photo without deleting the wrong parts of each layer but hopefully I have removed all mistakes (fingers crossed) and the image now makes sense.
After having had the help of Mr.O-W (thanks millions bud, it was great fun!!) I should have a few more practise images to come.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Getting sick of the Aurora Borealis yet?
I'm not!
I went out last night, to a little village called Jubidee, to try some star trail photos as it was the last night I would be able to try it up here. I was looking up at Ursa Major and suddenly a wierd line appeared through it. It took quite a few seconds before the green shone through and then there it was - the Northern Lights. AGAIN!!!!
I was so chuffed as they were showing for quite a while, which is just as well as I hadn't even got my camera out of the bag when they started.
I think I got a much better image than the last time I spotted them.
I went out last night, to a little village called Jubidee, to try some star trail photos as it was the last night I would be able to try it up here. I was looking up at Ursa Major and suddenly a wierd line appeared through it. It took quite a few seconds before the green shone through and then there it was - the Northern Lights. AGAIN!!!!
I was so chuffed as they were showing for quite a while, which is just as well as I hadn't even got my camera out of the bag when they started.
I think I got a much better image than the last time I spotted them.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Canadian Star Trail Image
Now THIS is what I call a good star trail shot.
Yuichi Takasaka captures the Aurora Borealis in his star trail image over Sugar Lake, BC, Canada.
If it wasn't for the moon, the car headlights and not knowing the aurora would appear I'm pretty sure my standing stone photograph would have been some fierce competition. Haha!!
Yuichi Takasaka captures the Aurora Borealis in his star trail image over Sugar Lake, BC, Canada.
If it wasn't for the moon, the car headlights and not knowing the aurora would appear I'm pretty sure my standing stone photograph would have been some fierce competition. Haha!!
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Orkney Startrails and other surprises!
I went out to the Ring O Brodgar to try some startrails shots tonight. It was to be a clear sky and what better foreground interest than an ancient standing stone?
Despite being in the middle of nowhere I encountered a few similar problems as when I tried to do them at Beecraigs. Car headlights, super bright moon (you can see the horrible burnt out area on the right that I couldn't rid of with my current software), unable to see anything through the viewfinder so having to guess the composition and so on....
I have to say, watching the moon-rise was pretty amazing. I spotted a wierd orange dot appear over the hills and it kept getting bigger and bigger until I realised it was the moon. It would have been fabulous to have taken shots of it every 10 minutes on the same negative.
(I'll download the image from my compact and if it's decent enough I'll put it on here)
So, whilst I was taking the startrail shot I was watching the gorgeous night sky and what occurs????? The Aurora Borealis!!!
It wasn't strong but it lasted longer than when I first saw it. The photo didn't take very well as it was so faint but at least I managed to catch something on camera this time.
Despite being in the middle of nowhere I encountered a few similar problems as when I tried to do them at Beecraigs. Car headlights, super bright moon (you can see the horrible burnt out area on the right that I couldn't rid of with my current software), unable to see anything through the viewfinder so having to guess the composition and so on....
I have to say, watching the moon-rise was pretty amazing. I spotted a wierd orange dot appear over the hills and it kept getting bigger and bigger until I realised it was the moon. It would have been fabulous to have taken shots of it every 10 minutes on the same negative.
(I'll download the image from my compact and if it's decent enough I'll put it on here)
So, whilst I was taking the startrail shot I was watching the gorgeous night sky and what occurs????? The Aurora Borealis!!!
It wasn't strong but it lasted longer than when I first saw it. The photo didn't take very well as it was so faint but at least I managed to catch something on camera this time.
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