April 2024 - 'Montage' or 'Monochrome'
This month, our two subjects were both equally challenging!
‘Montage’ meant putting thinking caps on, selecting a number of pics that would gel together around a common theme, then adding these to a neutral background to create a combined story that is greater than its parts.
'Monochrome’ meant discarding the luxury of colour and concentrating on the pure shapes and forms that contribute to the compositions that ‘Black & White’ naturally enforces.
What follows proves how much our members rose to both challenges - enjoy them all . . .
‘Montage’ meant putting thinking caps on, selecting a number of pics that would gel together around a common theme, then adding these to a neutral background to create a combined story that is greater than its parts.
'Monochrome’ meant discarding the luxury of colour and concentrating on the pure shapes and forms that contribute to the compositions that ‘Black & White’ naturally enforces.
What follows proves how much our members rose to both challenges - enjoy them all . . .
You're very welcome to comment or ask questions on any picture. For advice how to, just click here: adding_comments_on_the_vp.pdf
Every month, each member can select their own personal favourite from those they have submitted.
All these are posted on the High Kelling Village Hall web site here:
highkellingvillagehall.weebly.com/u3a-digital-photography.html
Every month, each member can select their own personal favourite from those they have submitted.
All these are posted on the High Kelling Village Hall web site here:
highkellingvillagehall.weebly.com/u3a-digital-photography.html
Viewing Tips: The Gallery format below only shows a part of each picture as a thumbnail.
Hover over each one and you'll see any title or description the member has added. Click the image to view the whole picture, then use the left and right arrows to progress or to go back.
Hover over each one and you'll see any title or description the member has added. Click the image to view the whole picture, then use the left and right arrows to progress or to go back.
1. Roger Youngs
Monochrome…..timeless, nostalgic, simplistic, emotive etc etc whatever your personal thoughts on it are, it's artful and dramatic and the lack of colour, emphasises shapes and textures. It is able to show the parts of a picture you want the viewer to see, eliminating colour helps to get to the emotional core of the picture, ie in the 'Bathers' pic, the bathers looking at the gull was the
essence of the pic, and by converting to BW, blowing the highlights, and removing all the shades in curves all that’s left is pure black and white therefore emphasising those two subjects as there is little left to distract the eye. Whereas, 'Waiting for the Train', needed all the grey shades as well, as I wanted the whole picture to be seen, what people are doing and where they are waiting etc. So I try to balance the BW effect to show what I would like the viewer to see. So in Affinity I would use this order:- convert to BW and tweak colours, curves, levels, exposure, contrast and shadows/highlights. And repeat tweaking as necessary. I use Luminar Neo where all the shades are required as gives me more control of the picture. As in 'Tree Misty' and 'Waiting for the Train'.
1 - Bathers
Canon 40d 400mm f8 1/4000. Taken at Sheringham beach, overexposed for the effect required. Curves, BW and contrast adjustments in Affinity to get those inky blacks and knocked-out whites.
2 - Crab Pots
Panasonic TZ10 10mm F4 1/100. Adjustments as above in Affinity.
3 - Frozen Lake
Canon 40d 400mm F7.1 1/400. Blickling lake on a very foggy day, freezing cold and a very frozen lake. Made global adjustments to force a picture out as there wasn’t too much there. The lads had brought rods with them but I don’t think they cut a hole in the ice?
4 - Sheringham Beach Huts
iPhone 13 - the best camera you have is the one you’ve got with you. Out for a spring walk and was sold on the shadows from the beach huts the sky helps, edited similar to the 'Bathers' pic but only used fine adjustments to the curves and contrast.
5 - Tree Misty
Fuji XT20 18mm f11 1.52. Taken on a misty day, edited in Luminar Neo.
6 - Waiting for the Train
Canon 6d 58mm f10 1/125 love peoples expressions and body language, edited in Luminar Neo.
Monochrome…..timeless, nostalgic, simplistic, emotive etc etc whatever your personal thoughts on it are, it's artful and dramatic and the lack of colour, emphasises shapes and textures. It is able to show the parts of a picture you want the viewer to see, eliminating colour helps to get to the emotional core of the picture, ie in the 'Bathers' pic, the bathers looking at the gull was the
essence of the pic, and by converting to BW, blowing the highlights, and removing all the shades in curves all that’s left is pure black and white therefore emphasising those two subjects as there is little left to distract the eye. Whereas, 'Waiting for the Train', needed all the grey shades as well, as I wanted the whole picture to be seen, what people are doing and where they are waiting etc. So I try to balance the BW effect to show what I would like the viewer to see. So in Affinity I would use this order:- convert to BW and tweak colours, curves, levels, exposure, contrast and shadows/highlights. And repeat tweaking as necessary. I use Luminar Neo where all the shades are required as gives me more control of the picture. As in 'Tree Misty' and 'Waiting for the Train'.
1 - Bathers
Canon 40d 400mm f8 1/4000. Taken at Sheringham beach, overexposed for the effect required. Curves, BW and contrast adjustments in Affinity to get those inky blacks and knocked-out whites.
2 - Crab Pots
Panasonic TZ10 10mm F4 1/100. Adjustments as above in Affinity.
3 - Frozen Lake
Canon 40d 400mm F7.1 1/400. Blickling lake on a very foggy day, freezing cold and a very frozen lake. Made global adjustments to force a picture out as there wasn’t too much there. The lads had brought rods with them but I don’t think they cut a hole in the ice?
4 - Sheringham Beach Huts
iPhone 13 - the best camera you have is the one you’ve got with you. Out for a spring walk and was sold on the shadows from the beach huts the sky helps, edited similar to the 'Bathers' pic but only used fine adjustments to the curves and contrast.
5 - Tree Misty
Fuji XT20 18mm f11 1.52. Taken on a misty day, edited in Luminar Neo.
6 - Waiting for the Train
Canon 6d 58mm f10 1/125 love peoples expressions and body language, edited in Luminar Neo.
2. Paul Milner
1 - Grade II listed Church of St John, Aylmerton
2 - Two homes from a terrace in Holt
3 - Cromer beach on a cold spring day
4 - Grade II Guildhall, Norwich
5 - The Lodge Cottage adjacent to The Dales Hotel
6 - St Andrews Church, Little Snoring
1 - Grade II listed Church of St John, Aylmerton
2 - Two homes from a terrace in Holt
3 - Cromer beach on a cold spring day
4 - Grade II Guildhall, Norwich
5 - The Lodge Cottage adjacent to The Dales Hotel
6 - St Andrews Church, Little Snoring
3. Val Walker
1 - Fakenham Montage
All the images were taken at a Point-to-Point meeting I went to last year. The bookie on the left and the men studying the form seemed to balance one another and the two ladies discussing the race went in the middle. Obviously, I needed some horse racing so two different sets of horses went at the top. The background is a textured wall I took in Norwich Cathedral.
2 - Flowers Montage
The flowers montage was one of several attempts at flower pictures. In the end I decided to stick to a more limited colour palette of pink and white flowers rather than a mixture of bright colours. There is both a textured background but also an overlay of daisies at a low opacity
3 - Portugal Montage
Lat year I went to Portugal on holiday and decided to put together some of the images to show various aspects of the country. The background is some old cloth in which you can still see the weave. The Lisbon Tram needed to be top left so that it was coming into the picture but otherwise the other elements were moved around until I thought they fitted together.
4 - Woodland in Autumn
I chose some fairly plain tree bark as the background and then found various trees and fungi to represent autumn. This is my favourite because I particularly like the mix of colours which seem to work very well together.
5 - Light on the Column
This was taken in the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich a few weeks ago. I liked the way the light was falling on the columns and the repetition of the columns in a line along the side aisle. The columns are quite a pale stone but do not have much colour so converting to black and white does not really lose anything and actually emphasises the shapes.
6 - Early Morning Dunes
I put this one in because although it is not a recent picture it is one which I think works particularly well in monochrome because it is all about the shapes and textures of the dunes and the way that the side lighting is showing the shapes with shadows on the left and light coming from the right.
1 - Fakenham Montage
All the images were taken at a Point-to-Point meeting I went to last year. The bookie on the left and the men studying the form seemed to balance one another and the two ladies discussing the race went in the middle. Obviously, I needed some horse racing so two different sets of horses went at the top. The background is a textured wall I took in Norwich Cathedral.
2 - Flowers Montage
The flowers montage was one of several attempts at flower pictures. In the end I decided to stick to a more limited colour palette of pink and white flowers rather than a mixture of bright colours. There is both a textured background but also an overlay of daisies at a low opacity
3 - Portugal Montage
Lat year I went to Portugal on holiday and decided to put together some of the images to show various aspects of the country. The background is some old cloth in which you can still see the weave. The Lisbon Tram needed to be top left so that it was coming into the picture but otherwise the other elements were moved around until I thought they fitted together.
4 - Woodland in Autumn
I chose some fairly plain tree bark as the background and then found various trees and fungi to represent autumn. This is my favourite because I particularly like the mix of colours which seem to work very well together.
5 - Light on the Column
This was taken in the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich a few weeks ago. I liked the way the light was falling on the columns and the repetition of the columns in a line along the side aisle. The columns are quite a pale stone but do not have much colour so converting to black and white does not really lose anything and actually emphasises the shapes.
6 - Early Morning Dunes
I put this one in because although it is not a recent picture it is one which I think works particularly well in monochrome because it is all about the shapes and textures of the dunes and the way that the side lighting is showing the shapes with shadows on the left and light coming from the right.
4. Theresa Cleaver
5. Bev Cole
1 - Steam Train Hercules
Antique plate.
2 - Train Driver
3 - Steam Train
Mono high contrast and structure.
4 - Cloisters
Fine art high key.
5 - Norwich Cathedral
Roof and organ.
6 - Moon
1 - Steam Train Hercules
Antique plate.
2 - Train Driver
3 - Steam Train
Mono high contrast and structure.
4 - Cloisters
Fine art high key.
5 - Norwich Cathedral
Roof and organ.
6 - Moon
6. Gracie Glaister
The ‘montage’ part of the challenge was a great opportunity to get to grips with layers and masks in PS.
It’s amazing how many hours can be spent faffing about!
1 – Winter Greenhouse
f13, 1/320 sec, ISO1000 - Cropped in LR, Topaz Denoise, Nik Filters Slv Efx Intense Contrast filter used.
2 – Snowdrop Wood
f32, 1.6 sec, ISO50 - ICM image, cropped in LR, contrast, shadows & highlights tweaked, Nik Filters Slv Efx Subtle Glow filter used.
3 – The Lane to Saxlingham
f14, 1/40 sec, ISO800 - Cropped, contast, shadows and highlights tweaked in LR, dark vignette also added.
4 – White Flower Montage
PS - Background used was a rough plaster wall in Felbrigg, various flower images added. Nik Filters Clr Efx White Neutraliser/Wedding Dresses filter added and also added a border.
5 – Blue Flower Montage
PS - Used a deliberately blurred image of forget-me-nots for background on top of peeling paintwork texture from an old door, various flowers added plus a keyline.
6 – Red Flower Montage
PS – The background texture is of an old greenhouse fan blade, various flowers added, plus a white vignette.
The ‘montage’ part of the challenge was a great opportunity to get to grips with layers and masks in PS.
It’s amazing how many hours can be spent faffing about!
1 – Winter Greenhouse
f13, 1/320 sec, ISO1000 - Cropped in LR, Topaz Denoise, Nik Filters Slv Efx Intense Contrast filter used.
2 – Snowdrop Wood
f32, 1.6 sec, ISO50 - ICM image, cropped in LR, contrast, shadows & highlights tweaked, Nik Filters Slv Efx Subtle Glow filter used.
3 – The Lane to Saxlingham
f14, 1/40 sec, ISO800 - Cropped, contast, shadows and highlights tweaked in LR, dark vignette also added.
4 – White Flower Montage
PS - Background used was a rough plaster wall in Felbrigg, various flower images added. Nik Filters Clr Efx White Neutraliser/Wedding Dresses filter added and also added a border.
5 – Blue Flower Montage
PS - Used a deliberately blurred image of forget-me-nots for background on top of peeling paintwork texture from an old door, various flowers added plus a keyline.
6 – Red Flower Montage
PS – The background texture is of an old greenhouse fan blade, various flowers added, plus a white vignette.
7. Dave Cleaver
8. Tim Folkes
I like both these subjects so decided to submit both. All my pics were processed in Affinity Photo v2.
My 3 monochrome pics were originally taken in colour and recently converted to black and white.
1 – Norfolk Skyline
Taken as dusk fell which gave a natural gradation to the sky and the rising moon emphasized the time of day. Canon 500D, 34mm, 1/10, f5.6, ISO 1600.
2 – City of London Skyline
This shot of the tower cranes epitomising the activity and economic strength in the city, was irresistible. Again, shot as the sun was setting, highlighted the gradation of the sky. Sony WX80, 14mm, 1/500, f4.5, ISO 100.
3 – “How did the Service go?”
A discussion with a priest and his team following a service. Who knows what they were discussing but the lighting effect and composition within the arched walkway was compulsive. Lumix TZ5 30mm, 1/320, f304, ISO 100.
4 – ‘Happy Days’
My first montage, comprising two young girls and various soft toys, all placed on a textured background and a vignette added.
5 – Hillside Horse Sanctuary
These 5 pics, all taken on a past DPG Photoshoot to the Hillside Horse Sanctuary at West Runton, were added to a textured background and adjusted with gaussian blur and a vignette added. As you can see, Hillside has a lot more than just horses!
6 – A Journey Through China
This montage comprises shots of the Great Wall, the Shanghai skyline, the Terracotta Army, a 30m high character from the Xi’an Museum, the incredible magnetic ‘Maglev’ levitating train which operates at speeds around 270mph, scooter riders waiting for the lights to change and a ‘rickshaw’ ride through one of the Hutongs of old Beijing. But perhaps the most engaging shot, epitomising many of the Chinese people that we met, is the central one of mother and child, waving to us, people they had never seen before!
I like both these subjects so decided to submit both. All my pics were processed in Affinity Photo v2.
My 3 monochrome pics were originally taken in colour and recently converted to black and white.
1 – Norfolk Skyline
Taken as dusk fell which gave a natural gradation to the sky and the rising moon emphasized the time of day. Canon 500D, 34mm, 1/10, f5.6, ISO 1600.
2 – City of London Skyline
This shot of the tower cranes epitomising the activity and economic strength in the city, was irresistible. Again, shot as the sun was setting, highlighted the gradation of the sky. Sony WX80, 14mm, 1/500, f4.5, ISO 100.
3 – “How did the Service go?”
A discussion with a priest and his team following a service. Who knows what they were discussing but the lighting effect and composition within the arched walkway was compulsive. Lumix TZ5 30mm, 1/320, f304, ISO 100.
4 – ‘Happy Days’
My first montage, comprising two young girls and various soft toys, all placed on a textured background and a vignette added.
5 – Hillside Horse Sanctuary
These 5 pics, all taken on a past DPG Photoshoot to the Hillside Horse Sanctuary at West Runton, were added to a textured background and adjusted with gaussian blur and a vignette added. As you can see, Hillside has a lot more than just horses!
6 – A Journey Through China
This montage comprises shots of the Great Wall, the Shanghai skyline, the Terracotta Army, a 30m high character from the Xi’an Museum, the incredible magnetic ‘Maglev’ levitating train which operates at speeds around 270mph, scooter riders waiting for the lights to change and a ‘rickshaw’ ride through one of the Hutongs of old Beijing. But perhaps the most engaging shot, epitomising many of the Chinese people that we met, is the central one of mother and child, waving to us, people they had never seen before!
9. Tony Cummins
My 6 montages rely heavily on images from my library. The first;
1 – Felbrigg Montage
Uses some of the images from last month's visit.
2 – Farm Montage
Here I combined old farm equipment taken in August 2021 with old photo's of my late father-in-law on his farm.
I utilized 2 background textures for this image.
3 - Firework Montage
Using images taken in November 2014 – Here the background texture I chose was virtually black.
4 – Horse Montage
This is made from images recorded on a trip to Hungary in 2019. Here I used 3 different layers of textured backgrounds.
5 – USA Montage
Images from a visit to the USA in 2012. Once again I used 3 different layers of textured backgrounds.
6 – Guernsey Montage
These images taken from a visit to the wartime battlements of Guernsey in 2014
My 6 montages rely heavily on images from my library. The first;
1 – Felbrigg Montage
Uses some of the images from last month's visit.
2 – Farm Montage
Here I combined old farm equipment taken in August 2021 with old photo's of my late father-in-law on his farm.
I utilized 2 background textures for this image.
3 - Firework Montage
Using images taken in November 2014 – Here the background texture I chose was virtually black.
4 – Horse Montage
This is made from images recorded on a trip to Hungary in 2019. Here I used 3 different layers of textured backgrounds.
5 – USA Montage
Images from a visit to the USA in 2012. Once again I used 3 different layers of textured backgrounds.
6 – Guernsey Montage
These images taken from a visit to the wartime battlements of Guernsey in 2014
10. Robin Johnson
I found I did not need a separate background image as I chose one of a White Admiral butterfly as my central image and there was ample background there already!
White Admirals are one of our local specialities and as they like to feed on brambles often get their wings torn - as this one did!
I found I did not need a separate background image as I chose one of a White Admiral butterfly as my central image and there was ample background there already!
White Admirals are one of our local specialities and as they like to feed on brambles often get their wings torn - as this one did!
11. Peter Dyble
12. Andy Talbot
1 - The Extension
A reminder of my extension being built back in 2020 - hence the masked builder! It was assembled in Photoshop, using “Normal” addition of the photos, with opacity carrying 80–100% as I felt suited. The background is a photoshop stock photo of a building site.
2 - Wine Montage
This is a collection of 7 shots from South African wineries, against a photoshop stock background.
The wine bottle and grapes is in the background photo but it ended up being a feature.
Photos added with “darken” at 11-84% opacity as felt right, except for the bottom left with was added with “Lighten”.
3 - Endangered
A selection of endangered species merging into newsprint. Newsprint from adobe stock, faded before being used as the background. Photos added using “Luminosity” which de-coloured the photos. Opacity about 90%, but also changed the fill level to 90% to get more print showing through.
4 - Morston
This again used “Luminosity” addition at 80-90% opacity and fill. Except the ball which was added “Normal” at 100%. Background is a stock photo of samphire, which was adjusted to give the very pale colours. The ball is a shot of crystal ball placed on the dock at Morston. This was a christmas gift which I’ve been playing around with, and included some shots in the Randoms this month.
5 - Africa 2
I wanted some more colourful shots of the animals. The background is one of my shots of the baboons. The photos were added as “Normal” at about 90% opacity and fill. Not sure this worked as well as the others.
1 - The Extension
A reminder of my extension being built back in 2020 - hence the masked builder! It was assembled in Photoshop, using “Normal” addition of the photos, with opacity carrying 80–100% as I felt suited. The background is a photoshop stock photo of a building site.
2 - Wine Montage
This is a collection of 7 shots from South African wineries, against a photoshop stock background.
The wine bottle and grapes is in the background photo but it ended up being a feature.
Photos added with “darken” at 11-84% opacity as felt right, except for the bottom left with was added with “Lighten”.
3 - Endangered
A selection of endangered species merging into newsprint. Newsprint from adobe stock, faded before being used as the background. Photos added using “Luminosity” which de-coloured the photos. Opacity about 90%, but also changed the fill level to 90% to get more print showing through.
4 - Morston
This again used “Luminosity” addition at 80-90% opacity and fill. Except the ball which was added “Normal” at 100%. Background is a stock photo of samphire, which was adjusted to give the very pale colours. The ball is a shot of crystal ball placed on the dock at Morston. This was a christmas gift which I’ve been playing around with, and included some shots in the Randoms this month.
5 - Africa 2
I wanted some more colourful shots of the animals. The background is one of my shots of the baboons. The photos were added as “Normal” at about 90% opacity and fill. Not sure this worked as well as the others.
13. Chris Richardson
1 - Cromer Church
Taken on iPhone 15.
2 - Potter Higham Bridge
iPhone.
3 - Windy Washday
iPhone.
4 - Cley Marshes
Nikon d750.
5 - Pussy Willow
Nikon d750.
6 - How Hill Environmental Centre
Study Centre near Ludlum. iPhone.
1 - Cromer Church
Taken on iPhone 15.
2 - Potter Higham Bridge
iPhone.
3 - Windy Washday
iPhone.
4 - Cley Marshes
Nikon d750.
5 - Pussy Willow
Nikon d750.
6 - How Hill Environmental Centre
Study Centre near Ludlum. iPhone.
14. Graham Cliff
My six photos for this month's meeting based on the theme ‘Monochrome‘. The first three are from a recent visit to Brancaster Harbour, two are from Wells Harbour and the last one of Cley Windmill.
My six photos for this month's meeting based on the theme ‘Monochrome‘. The first three are from a recent visit to Brancaster Harbour, two are from Wells Harbour and the last one of Cley Windmill.
15. Mark Oakland
1 - Sir Brian Clark
Architectural glass artist montage. Nine layered images in SuperimposeX.
2 - Laid Grass
Sepia treatment in Snapseed. Localised exposure adjustments.
3 - Early morning Beach Visit
Developed for the highlights and the silhouetted boy.
4 - Serene Misty View
In Snapseed. Desaturated. Lifted exposure mid band of sky with brush tool. Ditto pavement between benches.
5 - Cromer Pier at Night
(+0.5ev) Snapseed processed. Desaturated. Glamour glow tool negative setting. Sky exposure reduced.
Burned in the figures on lhs. Cropped to 3:2 format.
6 - Bird Brain
SuperimposeX created. Background image faint sepia tint and blurred. Add New layer the granite bust. Add New duplicate bust layer. Add Empty layer use Effects tool to draw the birds. Then move the birds layer below the duplicate bust layer. Select the duplicate bust layer and warp/distort to provide a textured same colour background. Use clip up tool to transfer the birds mask onto the warped area. Select original bust mask and erase some of the rear with a soft brush. Add frame.
1 - Sir Brian Clark
Architectural glass artist montage. Nine layered images in SuperimposeX.
2 - Laid Grass
Sepia treatment in Snapseed. Localised exposure adjustments.
3 - Early morning Beach Visit
Developed for the highlights and the silhouetted boy.
4 - Serene Misty View
In Snapseed. Desaturated. Lifted exposure mid band of sky with brush tool. Ditto pavement between benches.
5 - Cromer Pier at Night
(+0.5ev) Snapseed processed. Desaturated. Glamour glow tool negative setting. Sky exposure reduced.
Burned in the figures on lhs. Cropped to 3:2 format.
6 - Bird Brain
SuperimposeX created. Background image faint sepia tint and blurred. Add New layer the granite bust. Add New duplicate bust layer. Add Empty layer use Effects tool to draw the birds. Then move the birds layer below the duplicate bust layer. Select the duplicate bust layer and warp/distort to provide a textured same colour background. Use clip up tool to transfer the birds mask onto the warped area. Select original bust mask and erase some of the rear with a soft brush. Add frame.
16. Sylvia Lacey
17. Chris Osman
My ability to create a montage is inexcusably absent from my contribution this month.
That said, I felt that I should at least attempt a bit of simple creative editing.
1 - Defying Gravity
Using the double exposure tool in Snapseed the transformation was pretty quick. This image is the combination of a photo of the moon taken from my garden last summer; a fascinating whirlpool created by the high level of water as it was being drawn downwards into an outlet at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve taken in March; and a recent picture taken on my phone in London. The reference to gravity is intended to bring all three images together in a rather apocalyptic view of the world.
2 - As Time Goes By
'The Meeting Place' is a 9m tall bronze statue designed by British sculptor Paul Day and stands in the upper level of St Pancras station. I love the atmosphere and architecture of this iconic train station and when arriving from Norwich into London Kings Cross it's definitely worth a quick detour to have a look around.
The frieze around the base of the statue is interesting albeit controversial, as some critics think that it detracts from the ethos of the statue. With my phone camera carefully wedged in I was able to get close to the detail and create the impression of a much larger piece of work. This image is of two people saying goodbye. I wonder what she's checking on her phone? Soldiers coming home from war are seen in the next part of the frieze. Well worth a closer look.
3 - Crossed Swords
A spot of bother between these two Little Egrets fighting over their territory at Cley Marshes.
I edited the original image in Photoroom and added a frame.
4 - Stormy
A beach landscape taken whilst on a slow shutter speed course at Happisburgh a couple of years ago using tripod and grad filters. I revisited the original image and made some minor changes in Photoshop. I was attempting to use the parallel lines as a focus to draw the eye. It was an incredibly stormy day and keeping tripods on all 3 legs was a challenge.
5 - Awakening
From the bare ground of winter to a display of unfolding spring beauty. I love seeing the Hostas emerging and unfolding from their winter slumber. Although the natural colours are vibrant and fresh, I think this works quite well in mono.
6 - Windswept
Previously seen on the VP in February's Randoms, this gorgeous grey pony came to see what I was doing one morning when I was photographing Pink Footed Geese grazing on a ploughed sugar beet field. It was a dull and very windy day and my Pinkfoot shots were a little disappointing. However, the shot of the muddy pony in the wind, background darkened and slight adjustment to contrast and light, was a pleasing result.
My ability to create a montage is inexcusably absent from my contribution this month.
That said, I felt that I should at least attempt a bit of simple creative editing.
1 - Defying Gravity
Using the double exposure tool in Snapseed the transformation was pretty quick. This image is the combination of a photo of the moon taken from my garden last summer; a fascinating whirlpool created by the high level of water as it was being drawn downwards into an outlet at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve taken in March; and a recent picture taken on my phone in London. The reference to gravity is intended to bring all three images together in a rather apocalyptic view of the world.
2 - As Time Goes By
'The Meeting Place' is a 9m tall bronze statue designed by British sculptor Paul Day and stands in the upper level of St Pancras station. I love the atmosphere and architecture of this iconic train station and when arriving from Norwich into London Kings Cross it's definitely worth a quick detour to have a look around.
The frieze around the base of the statue is interesting albeit controversial, as some critics think that it detracts from the ethos of the statue. With my phone camera carefully wedged in I was able to get close to the detail and create the impression of a much larger piece of work. This image is of two people saying goodbye. I wonder what she's checking on her phone? Soldiers coming home from war are seen in the next part of the frieze. Well worth a closer look.
3 - Crossed Swords
A spot of bother between these two Little Egrets fighting over their territory at Cley Marshes.
I edited the original image in Photoroom and added a frame.
4 - Stormy
A beach landscape taken whilst on a slow shutter speed course at Happisburgh a couple of years ago using tripod and grad filters. I revisited the original image and made some minor changes in Photoshop. I was attempting to use the parallel lines as a focus to draw the eye. It was an incredibly stormy day and keeping tripods on all 3 legs was a challenge.
5 - Awakening
From the bare ground of winter to a display of unfolding spring beauty. I love seeing the Hostas emerging and unfolding from their winter slumber. Although the natural colours are vibrant and fresh, I think this works quite well in mono.
6 - Windswept
Previously seen on the VP in February's Randoms, this gorgeous grey pony came to see what I was doing one morning when I was photographing Pink Footed Geese grazing on a ploughed sugar beet field. It was a dull and very windy day and my Pinkfoot shots were a little disappointing. However, the shot of the muddy pony in the wind, background darkened and slight adjustment to contrast and light, was a pleasing result.
18. David Riddle
1 - Plane
Taken at the Thursford Gala Day 2023 when they had a flypast by 6 of these planes. This was the first outing of a new Sony Bridge Camera RX10IV. I swapped the sky using on1Raw for one a bit moodier.
2 - Raptor
The Sparrowhawk brought down the Collared Dove (and proceeded to do what it does so clinically) outside my kitchen window. Fortunately the camera was nearby and this was shot through glass. Sadly the dove was one of a pair that had nested at our house for the previous two seasons. A little bit of image sharpening and a border added in on1Raw.
3 - Circus
Taken a couple of weeks ago at Russell's circus in Sheringham. One act was “Indian Jones” on motorbike, riding up a wire with lady on trapeze below. I was using a Fuji XE4 shooting at 5 frames a second. No flash, so ISO 1600. This is one of a few good pics out of a hundred or so taken. I like the way that this one has captured both performers in great poses. I used a preset filter in on1Raw that emulates old B&W film, in this case Ilford Delta 400, to enhance the reflection of the lighting on the tent top.
4 - Churchyard
Taken in 2023 on a visit with NNu3a Looking at Churches Group. I can’t recall which was the church. I spotted five similar tombstones in line (only four in this shot). Applied some filtering in on1Raw to bring up the flowers and give it a more “mystery” appearance.
5 - Liverpool Docks
Taken on iPhone the week before the Eurovision contest in Liverpool at dusk. The floating globe was amazing. It has been cropped a little.I wanted to keep the Liver Building in the background to place the photo. I did a local adjustment on on1Raw on the globe to increase brightness and contrast.
6 - Gunton Park
I did a Wildlife Safari in May 2023 and one of the places we went to was Gunton Park, not normally open to the public. I got lot’s of pics of deer but this was one of only a few where I managed to isolate deer away from the herd. Taken on my old Nikon D7500 with a 600mm lens handheld but supported on the Landrover door. I adjusted contrast and structure in on1Raw to highlight the colour and texture of their coats. It was a great day out.
1 - Plane
Taken at the Thursford Gala Day 2023 when they had a flypast by 6 of these planes. This was the first outing of a new Sony Bridge Camera RX10IV. I swapped the sky using on1Raw for one a bit moodier.
2 - Raptor
The Sparrowhawk brought down the Collared Dove (and proceeded to do what it does so clinically) outside my kitchen window. Fortunately the camera was nearby and this was shot through glass. Sadly the dove was one of a pair that had nested at our house for the previous two seasons. A little bit of image sharpening and a border added in on1Raw.
3 - Circus
Taken a couple of weeks ago at Russell's circus in Sheringham. One act was “Indian Jones” on motorbike, riding up a wire with lady on trapeze below. I was using a Fuji XE4 shooting at 5 frames a second. No flash, so ISO 1600. This is one of a few good pics out of a hundred or so taken. I like the way that this one has captured both performers in great poses. I used a preset filter in on1Raw that emulates old B&W film, in this case Ilford Delta 400, to enhance the reflection of the lighting on the tent top.
4 - Churchyard
Taken in 2023 on a visit with NNu3a Looking at Churches Group. I can’t recall which was the church. I spotted five similar tombstones in line (only four in this shot). Applied some filtering in on1Raw to bring up the flowers and give it a more “mystery” appearance.
5 - Liverpool Docks
Taken on iPhone the week before the Eurovision contest in Liverpool at dusk. The floating globe was amazing. It has been cropped a little.I wanted to keep the Liver Building in the background to place the photo. I did a local adjustment on on1Raw on the globe to increase brightness and contrast.
6 - Gunton Park
I did a Wildlife Safari in May 2023 and one of the places we went to was Gunton Park, not normally open to the public. I got lot’s of pics of deer but this was one of only a few where I managed to isolate deer away from the herd. Taken on my old Nikon D7500 with a 600mm lens handheld but supported on the Landrover door. I adjusted contrast and structure in on1Raw to highlight the colour and texture of their coats. It was a great day out.
19. Barry Loader
1 - Felbrigg Hall
Taken at our last photoshoot. There was very little colour in the original shot, so I increased the contrast and cropped slightly. Canon EOS R6 Mk II, 14 mm lens, 1/15 sec, f/5, ISO 640.
2 - Felbrigg Hall Dovecote
This time, shadow and light rather than backlight. 105 mm lens, 1/320 sec, f/18, ISO 800.
3 - Reeds at NWT Cley Marshes
From Bishops Hide, After an unsuccessful wait for a kingfisher, I saw this at the end of the day.
530 mm lens, 1/1000 sec, f/9, ISO 2000.
4 - RSPB Snettisham
Fading light. Cropped and sharpened. 100 mm lens, 1/500 sec, f/22, ISO 200.
5 - The Burning of the Boat
At this year's Sheringham Viking Festival. 24 mm lens, 1/125 sec, f/13, ISO 640.
6 - The Dragon Burns
100 mm lens, 1/125 sec, f/14, ISO 640.
1 - Felbrigg Hall
Taken at our last photoshoot. There was very little colour in the original shot, so I increased the contrast and cropped slightly. Canon EOS R6 Mk II, 14 mm lens, 1/15 sec, f/5, ISO 640.
2 - Felbrigg Hall Dovecote
This time, shadow and light rather than backlight. 105 mm lens, 1/320 sec, f/18, ISO 800.
3 - Reeds at NWT Cley Marshes
From Bishops Hide, After an unsuccessful wait for a kingfisher, I saw this at the end of the day.
530 mm lens, 1/1000 sec, f/9, ISO 2000.
4 - RSPB Snettisham
Fading light. Cropped and sharpened. 100 mm lens, 1/500 sec, f/22, ISO 200.
5 - The Burning of the Boat
At this year's Sheringham Viking Festival. 24 mm lens, 1/125 sec, f/13, ISO 640.
6 - The Dragon Burns
100 mm lens, 1/125 sec, f/14, ISO 640.
20. Joyce Gilbert
1 - Montage Forties
Blended several images together in Photoshop CS6 to create a Montage.
2 - Winter Morning - Morston
Camera Lens 24-105. AP. 1/50 sec F/22 ISO100.
3 - Tide Out - Wells
AP. 1/125 Sec F/16. ISO 400.
4 - Fountains Abbey
AP. 1/60 sec. F/4. ISO 100.
5 - Tulips After Rain
Canon Macro Lens. 100. with Tripod.Exp. 1./3sec F/16. ISO100.
6 - Iris
Canon Macro Lens 100. With Tripod. Exp 1.3 sec F/11. ISO100.
1 - Montage Forties
Blended several images together in Photoshop CS6 to create a Montage.
2 - Winter Morning - Morston
Camera Lens 24-105. AP. 1/50 sec F/22 ISO100.
3 - Tide Out - Wells
AP. 1/125 Sec F/16. ISO 400.
4 - Fountains Abbey
AP. 1/60 sec. F/4. ISO 100.
5 - Tulips After Rain
Canon Macro Lens. 100. with Tripod.Exp. 1./3sec F/16. ISO100.
6 - Iris
Canon Macro Lens 100. With Tripod. Exp 1.3 sec F/11. ISO100.
21. Jane Osborne
I enjoyed this month's challenge and decided to only use images that had never seen the light of day since the day of taking them so these images in 2021 and 2022. They had all sat on one of my drives unprocessed, so I thought this challenge was a good time to eventually process them, in doing so happy memories of days out were revisited.
1 - Jousting
These riders put on a display at an event I attended at the Norfolk Showground in October 2021.
2 - Mannington Hall
Images taken on a lovely sunny day when I visited in July 2021.
3 - Watatunga
My family and I went on one of their 'safaris', all images taken from the buggy as we drove around the Reserve in September 2022.
4 - Bircham Mill and Pond
Given these images were taken in April 2021 I thought it best to process them for use in this challenge, as I am scheduled to return for afternoon tea here in a few days with family and probably take more!
5 - Banksey's Norfolk Spraycation
I managed to photograph all but 2 of the images Banksey had created around Norfolk in August 2021. All these images were taken before Banksey confirmed them as his own work.
6 - Save The Elephant Day
These were taken at Colchester Zoo in June 2022 when my grandsons had the opportunity of feeding them as well as the Giraffes. Given we are returning in a few weeks as I've purchased them some 'experience' tickets to be Zoo Keepers, I felt it best to process what I had already taken, again before I take more; as an aside on 16 April 2024 it was Save The Elephant Day so I thought these to be topical.
I enjoyed this month's challenge and decided to only use images that had never seen the light of day since the day of taking them so these images in 2021 and 2022. They had all sat on one of my drives unprocessed, so I thought this challenge was a good time to eventually process them, in doing so happy memories of days out were revisited.
1 - Jousting
These riders put on a display at an event I attended at the Norfolk Showground in October 2021.
2 - Mannington Hall
Images taken on a lovely sunny day when I visited in July 2021.
3 - Watatunga
My family and I went on one of their 'safaris', all images taken from the buggy as we drove around the Reserve in September 2022.
4 - Bircham Mill and Pond
Given these images were taken in April 2021 I thought it best to process them for use in this challenge, as I am scheduled to return for afternoon tea here in a few days with family and probably take more!
5 - Banksey's Norfolk Spraycation
I managed to photograph all but 2 of the images Banksey had created around Norfolk in August 2021. All these images were taken before Banksey confirmed them as his own work.
6 - Save The Elephant Day
These were taken at Colchester Zoo in June 2022 when my grandsons had the opportunity of feeding them as well as the Giraffes. Given we are returning in a few weeks as I've purchased them some 'experience' tickets to be Zoo Keepers, I felt it best to process what I had already taken, again before I take more; as an aside on 16 April 2024 it was Save The Elephant Day so I thought these to be topical.
22. Lynn Loader
I have chosen five monochrome images and produced one montage. I cobbled together the technique myself, but would be very grateful for some guidance on the correct way to do it!
1 - Fletcher Close-Up
Taken at the Sheringham Viking Festival and shows a close-up of the fletcher with some of his arrowheads.
2 - Skulls Collection
Also taken at the Viking festival and is a detail of some of the large collection of skulls set out on one of the stalls. The person manning it was evasive when questioned about what they would have been used for ...
3 - Gunton Mill
A photo I took at Gunton Mill. I like the way it looks in black and white, with the fragility of the spider's web belying its strength.
4 - Felbrigg Flowers
Taken at Felbrigg, and I just like those metal flowers and the striking effects they can produce against the sky and the background of the real tree.
5 - French Art Nouveau
Taken in France last summer. I converted it to mono and cropped and tilted it, to heighten the contrast between the three different architectural styles. I think the art nouveau in the middle, with the beautiful script, makes for an appealing image.
6 - Vikings Montage
The shots in Vikings Montage were also taken at Sheringham. I've used a lot of techniques and process in PS but it still doesn't look how I wanted it to. Perhaps someone could give me some advice?
I have chosen five monochrome images and produced one montage. I cobbled together the technique myself, but would be very grateful for some guidance on the correct way to do it!
1 - Fletcher Close-Up
Taken at the Sheringham Viking Festival and shows a close-up of the fletcher with some of his arrowheads.
2 - Skulls Collection
Also taken at the Viking festival and is a detail of some of the large collection of skulls set out on one of the stalls. The person manning it was evasive when questioned about what they would have been used for ...
3 - Gunton Mill
A photo I took at Gunton Mill. I like the way it looks in black and white, with the fragility of the spider's web belying its strength.
4 - Felbrigg Flowers
Taken at Felbrigg, and I just like those metal flowers and the striking effects they can produce against the sky and the background of the real tree.
5 - French Art Nouveau
Taken in France last summer. I converted it to mono and cropped and tilted it, to heighten the contrast between the three different architectural styles. I think the art nouveau in the middle, with the beautiful script, makes for an appealing image.
6 - Vikings Montage
The shots in Vikings Montage were also taken at Sheringham. I've used a lot of techniques and process in PS but it still doesn't look how I wanted it to. Perhaps someone could give me some advice?
23. Caroline Baker