Spending a windy afternoon in Coleraine, and trying to find something to occupy the time, I decided to do some simple street shots, around The Diamond – the main shopping area of the town. Despite the cold weather, the car-parks were full, and I left the car in a side street, returning to find an enthusiastic traffic warden had ticketed my car! So, I’m posting a photo of him (or one of his mates) below…
I took the Fujifilm X-T30 and a 100-200mm lens up the street, with the ‘film simulation mode’ on the camera set to ACROS. Film simulation mode is unique to Fujifilm (I think) – for the Fujifilm people have been renowned for their range of films, each with distinctive characteristics. Acros film is a black and white film with unique grain and mid-range contrasts. Continue reading Coleraine Street-Monochrome→
I do, sometimes. I shouldn’t – I should know better – but I do.
I was reminded of this on a sunny September morning when I was driving along the Carrowreagh Road between Dundonald and Holywood and I remembered the big field of maize that for a few weeks I’d wanted to photograph. There it was!Looking splendid in the sunshine and there’s even somewhere to pull over and park and I’d got a few minutes to spare!I stopped and got out the Fujifilm X-T30.Continue reading Do you take photographs?→
I seem to photograph a lot of buildings – not just for profit, often just for fun, and because I like buildings, – especially if they have historical significance – and the even better if they are derelict!
Here’s a few simple hints to make your architectural photography a bit more enjoyable.
Saturday 31st August 2019 was a big day in Ballygowan. Ninety two (yes, 92) marching bands were parading through the village in an event that was last held here 39 years ago. (And I was present then too). The next time it happens I’ll be 104, and I’m not sure if I’ll be fit to stand with a camera all day!So, with a great opportunity for street photography right on my doorstep (literally 100 yards away) I spent the day making around 700 images.Continue reading Coping With Loss – Data Loss!→
In my last video-log from the studio I was demonstrating how I did a ‘Photo-Noir’ selfie with one light and a reflector, and someone later asked why I’d referred to it as an ‘experiment’ when its a well known studio technique!
Photo made with a Rotolight and a silver reflector
Well, what was experimental about it was that I was using a single rotolight, instead of a flash.So, what’s a rotolight, and what makes it different from a standard studio flash?
Ok – I’ve decided to become a trainee Vlogger. Here’s my first effort. If it’s successful I’m going to do some talks on image composition, gestalt theories in imaging etc, – stuff that will help beginner and novice photographers. My plan is to post the videos on the Facebook group, Bob’s Photography Forum with links to this blog for images, text etc to accompany the lessons, and asking those who are in the group and who wish to participate, to post their images in the group.
We’ll see how it goes! Here’s my test video…
Fo those who are unable to speak or comprehend Norn Iron, – here’s the (rough) English translation:-
Who doesn’t like nice flowers – apparently this one’s a Fuchsia – although to be honest, I thought it was a honeysuckle – but then, what would I know? But I do like bokeh – the creamier the better! This shot was made with the Fujifilm X-T2, with a 55mm lens opened up to f/2.8. I’ve brightened up the background a bit in post capture processing, and added a border.
Fuchsia
Here’s the small print: Fujifilm X-T2. F= 55mm f/2.8 @ 1/250th sec on ISO200.
Progressing and Sustaining Your Photography Practice – a Strategy for Personal Progress
I’m starting to panic! In another six months or so, I’ll be an OAP! A ’Senior Citizen!’ Now, I’m not in any way thinking that on my 65th birthday I’ll be locking the studio door and throwing away the key! That’s not going to happen – not in this day and age, – but I’m curious as to how I’m going to practice photography with the same drive and enthusiasm when it’s no longer my source of income! A recent read through a photography degree course curriculum confirmed my own thoughts. One of the modules was ‘Developing a Strategy for Personal Progress’ So what’s MY strategy – for when retirement finally kicks in?
This church at Hillsborough is popular with photographers. And why not? Look at the image!
There’s a pretty scene in there, with lots of the elements of design. There’s colour and shape, there’s lines drawing the eyes into the church, the central focus of the image. But there’s one problem. In many photographs of the church the trees are seemingly angled inwards, a distortion of perspective. It’s a natural lens effect, because the lens is low (usually at eye level) and the trees are high… Continue reading Keeping It In Perspective→
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