Last weeks image of the week also hit the heights as the most popular image for the month.
Taken on May bank holiday weekend, the image was taken at Cwmcarn Park, the lake is one of the many features and is a popular mountain bike centre
Once again a Black and White photo take's the pole position.
2nd July 2018
Just 3 miles south of Caerphilly you find yourself in the middle of wheat fields, a reminder that agriculture is alive and kicking in modern Wales. In the middle of a June heat wave the wheat matures and the farmers are like drivers in Le Mon waiting to speed off and harvest
29th June 2018
Picked up earlier in the year a Voightlander Vito C 35mm Camera, in my Blog dated 18th January, I explained it has a zone focus method of focusing, so you needed to estimate the distance from subject. Not really in my skill set.
Soluction was this neat little devise a Photopia randgefinder, works by fitting to the flash shoe, viewing your subject and aligning the split image within the viewfinder then reading off the distance to set on the camera. Running some film through it as a test and will post the results in due course
27th June 2018
One from the set from Cardiff Bay, Roald Dahl Crocky Wock , an amusing sculpture , images captures Cardiff Bay in the back ground.
Once again Black and White wins the day
25th June 2018
Since I'm a water sign I'm drawn to all types of images that include this subject next set combines this with my love of Black and White, below are some example images.
Enjoy, like and share
22nd June 2018
Stumbled on a dirt cheap Rollie Giro 70, on Ebay at £5.50 with a description ,used once boxed as new, had to invest my pennies .
Ran a roll of film and more than happy with the result. I like the compact nature of point and shots , the 35mm film just tick off a lot of box's for me. Check out the test shots in the 35mm Photography section
18th June 2018
Not the image published in he Wales on Sunday (17/06/18) rather a 10 inch pan to the right to capture the sun lower onthe horizon
A 3 image bracketed Photograph, enjoyed taken and the end result
18th June 2018
The image below has been achieved by using exposure bracketing this is oftain used for landscape to assist correct exposure across the differing area's within the frame.
1.. The foreground grass flowers and fence
2.. City Scape
3.. Sky
Some DSLR have this built in as a feature, not the camera I used that night Nikon D3200. A Tripod is a must to ensure the same composition is acheived across the range of exposures. This image was taken at F13, F11 and F9. during post production you then merge the 3 images together to create a single image.
End result a balanced exposure acrosss the image
15th June 2018
Single subject impact can be differing when looked through the full glory of vibrant colour or the dark noir of black and white.
Both images envoke differing reaction in the eye of the viewer.
12th June 2018
Strong performance from all the images taken on a Summer evening on Cardiff Bay Barrage.
Once again Black and White takes the top spot from responces on social media and 500px pulse rate
11th June 2018
Enjoyed this image well recieved on social media and 500PX. Low perspective shots is a bit of a challange for me so I've developed a fix by reaching down with the camera to knee level using a Hot Shoe level to achieve a straight horizon, bingo
As they say more than one why to skin a cat
4th June 2018
28th May 2018
25th May 2018
Got my first ever Nikon camera up and running last used about 13 years back. Purchased from Dixons in 1981, the Nikon EM an aperture priority SLR, is very compact and easy to use, when launched Nikon was targeting the female market not sure they'd get away with that these days
Test film taken around Caerphilly Castle . Camera performed very well one issue to get sorted is a knackered light seal on the door hinge, for the images below I've either cropped the light leak out or masked in post.
I used a Tokina SZ-X 28-105mm lens and since 35mm is full frame really got the benefit of the 28mm wide angle setting
Great to use the old girl again
22nd May 2018
21st May 2018
I try to theme where possible my instagram feed, the 3 images below are a quick preview of the next batch to be released.
As part of my 10,000 hours training there's nothing I like more is getting images from my garden, looking for patterns colours and composition. this time of year is just the best.
All the next set for instagram have been taken over recent weeks.
Follow me on Instagram at Delweddauimages and search #fortypacesfromthebackdoor
18th May 2018
The attached is the most liked image on social media coupled with the pulse rate from my stock agency 500 PX.
Taken in Cyprus this black and white is the indoor pool taken first full day of the Hols, walked the site early morning, taken with a Nikon D2X and Nikkor 28-80mm Lens.
Reflection of the retractable roof caught my eye
14th May 2018
Check this one out amazing location for Photography 100 image site. Great woodland walk with sculpture on the trails to spark the imagination of children
Link for more information www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
10th May 2018
Springtime and a Forest walk equals Blue Bells
8th May 2018
Mosted liked on social media and attracting greatest pulse rate on 500Px stock site.
I like the contrast of this image, with the leading line supporting the composition, with the wind turbine sneaking in .
Again a trade mark image for me dramatic sky that complement the drawing of the eye towards the top centre of the image.
Location is Parc Bryn Bach see Blog 11th April for location.
This is a 100 image location with visits planned as the seasons role out
7th May 2018
4th May 2018
I'm a photographer that tends to make the decision whether an image is presented in colour or black and white at Post production.
When on location my prime focus is on composition.
The image of the month for April was a clear favourite within social media with a strong responce on flickr.
My thinking on producing in Black and white was prompted by the harsh light that day.
The Sun was low and from the right made for solid illumination for the main subject. However the top right of the photograph was blown out (Over exposed), in colour it created a bit of a distraction. In black and white this harsh light aids the overall balance of the picture.
1st May 2018
70-200mm Zoom
Nikon Speedlite Flash
Cleaning items ,spare batterys, shutter realises, extra 35mm film SD cards.
Tripod in the main luggage
12th April 2018
Shout out to Jenni Walton for this location, picked up from her Instagram feed.
Lots of images to capture. With a great contrast on the southern aspect of wind turbines. It's a place to visit as we move through the seasons 100's of images to be found
Link where you can find this lovely likeside park
https://goo.gl/maps/PvCk8CEPLep
11th April 2018
I use Flickr as a platform for my images check out trends and get inspiration .
This week the attached image hit a major land mark over 100 likes, this is nothing compared to some of the seasoned photographers using the website, for me, its a bit of achievement as well as a shock.
Its one of these constant conundrum I face with what makes a great image and the challenge on maintaining objectivity when I critic the photo. Rules of composition come into play but it must go beyond just technical disciplines, its a journey of discovery that will keep me reaching out for the ever better Picture
Check out my link to Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/132922294@N07/
6th April 2018
I got my aged Nikon FE up and running loaded some Kodak 200 and used it on a recent trip to Llantwit Major on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast below are the results .
You'll note the clean sharp lines of the digital image, film does produce a softer image, what I've also found film quality and processing is not what it was.
I use Max Spielman, back in the day they sat at the upper end of the processing community, I'm constantly complaining that the negative are returning with dust and fibre marks, some I can sort out during the conversion process, Max is at last chance saloon.
You choice what you prefer it is a matter of taste
Best result coming out from the day was that the FE is up and running joy of joys.
5th April 2018
I'm launching a new online store. I've already closed the Sales Hub that was managed by a Third Party, a great service, but I found the pricing a little rich. Instead I'm taken total control of the process which will offer a range of my images at a great price . If you like my images on a screen, you'll find the print's are stunning. Store will launch this Friday 30th March
27th March 2018
For me its always creative expression first, I’ve found it does not fit with Editorial or commercial application, its a lesson I’ve learned very quickly dealing with Stock agencies
My creative voice gravitates towards capturing light in the most dramatic means possible. My Blog dated 12th March “7 minutes of Magic Light” is a great illustration. The 3 photograph sequence delivered a differing perspective for each image the only constant the drama of the light and cloud.
The Master Photographer Cartier - Bresson spoke of capturing the " Decisive Moment”. I got excited with these image’s because it delivered something that is the end result of my personal vision to produce something special , a fresh perspective that sits under the heading of “High” Concept and demonstrates Bresson’s viewpoint
I’ll maintain my flow of “Low Concept” images but my mantra is Creative Expression First by adopting this position I believe I produce my best imagery.
23rd March 2018
18th March 2018
Taken at Knap Barry S Wales
12th March 2018
Being a self taught photographer, I’m very mindful that if I was ever to be good or competent I needed to learn to improve my proficiency.
Back in the day that meant reading books or magazines. One of the go to authors in the 80’s and 90’s was John Hedgecoe his writing although heavily anchored in 35mm film, the techniques still hold in the digital age.
Since converting to digital I tend to refer to the internet, the vast source of information on the web will make you giddy. I still buy books to review and tap into, to top up my inspiration
However concept learning is one thing there is no substitute to practice banging in “10,000 hours” . Get hold of the camera and use “Test and Learn”.
Practice Practice and Practice some more, make mistakes and learn from errors , the key is not to reproduce error use failure to improve and push your competency bar higher.
For me gaining perfection is a bit like the quote “tomorrow never comes” the subjective nature of photography keeps me well grounded, no sooner you think nirvana has been achieved with an image, it resets your standards and the light hunt commences the following day
8th March 2018
Its an often asked question :-
“If you could only use one lens what would it be”
For me the requirement directs me towards wide angle but with a need to have some versatility so I park up my lush 28mm Tokina prime and favour a 28 mm - 105mm zoom.
My lens choice is another Tokina (Yes I’m a fan boy) the SZ-X manual only 28mm-105mm F3.5. A great lens that when used with my Nikon D2X really does tick the box’s off on quality image and deliver the variety of focal lens to satisfy my landscape requirement with a bit of telephoto throw for tighter views.
The rubber band on the lens is a solution for lens creep (Extending full lenght) when carrying. Its common issue with zoom lens, wrapped across the bottom to top adds resistance to stop the creep when you use the focus just flick it back.
5th March 2018
People have asked me why I use Nikon camera’s , My reasons are lost in the mist of time. I’ve written before my first camera was a Russian Zenit, when I moved to Nikon, dredged from my lager stained memory I wanted a more sophisticated camera that I could build a lens collection around
So my brand loyalty goes back to the 1980’s , when my wife instigated my transition to digital SLR she defaulted to Nikon for a Chrismas gift.
My brand loyalty is a default setting I’m certainly not blind to other brands most of my glass is third party, I am a Tokina fan boy , the image quality these lens produce is spot on and fits my purpose.
When asked what’s the best brand the advice I give people is research for what they want, the internet allows people to trawl for something to fit the bill for them. If that’s a Nikon great if it a Canon so be it . The important thing for my is to get people taking photo’s and enjoy the experience, sharing the results and most important printing them off
Amazon has a great Photographic range inclusive of a review section so don’t forget to shop for all you Photographic needs via the link on the top of the page
28th Feb 2018
When I’m out and about with my camera’s I tend to use one of 2 day bays dependant what camera I’m using I stick with Nikon bags, cheap off E bay both purchased for under a tenner.
When at home I store my D2X in one and d3200 in the other, when out a take the camera’s out and carry with a strap with the lens I plan to use that day.
The bag will have accessory's, cleaning kit , alternative lens, either a small digital or 35mm point and shot, note pad, my business cards, mobile phone etc
I tend to pack light as possible so planning on what I take is vital.
27th Feb 2018
Invested in this lens 2 years back with a view to take photo’s of the Birds in the garden, we have a full complement of bird feeders, nuts, seed and fat balls. So we do attract a good cross section of our feathered friends
Did some research on the lens and the vast majority of comments about its performance was positive.
Its a lens you need mounted on a tripod, but much as I tried this lens at best it produces very mediocre images, very soft. Now I’m not dissing soft images in the right context, but with the birdies you want tack sharp images to show off colours and textures of the feathers
So despatched via Ebay I hope the buyer enjoys the challenge, for me not my best purchase
20th Feb 2018
Spent time checking over some images from prior years, and found a number of gems that have hit a positive note on social media.
Sitting on my hard drive and all was required was the time to review below are the 3 most popular, taken in 2016 and 2017
Retirements benefits is time and uncluttered head
12th Feb 2018
A single tree Image taken in the Brecon Beacons
9th Feb 2018
Simple table top shot with silver Bokeh . The Bokeh is not created by some expensive back drop, rather a simple creative use of a silver emergency blanket, wrinkle up the blanket and re wrinkle to create a pattern background .
Set up behind the subject ,shot with a shallow depth of field and flash and it will create a silver swirl bokeh that’s a delight to the eye, use a colour flash gel and it will illuminate the bokeh with the colour you’ve use
Simple and inexpensive
Check the link to Amazon below and experiment at a budget price
7th Feb 2018
There’s been some great images of the “Blue Moon”, below is a quick and easy way to capture a moon shot with a DSLR.
Ideally you’ll need at least a 200mm Lens then the simplest way to get the exposure bang on is to employ the LOONEY 11 Rule using this you can also dispense with a Tripod
· With ISO 100 setting in the camera, set the aperture to f/11 and the shutter speed to 1/100
· With ISO 200 setting and aperture at f/11, set shutter speed to 1/200
· With ISO 500 setting and aperture at f/11, set 1/500. This is what I set my Nikon D2X to and hand-held the bitch using a Sigma 70-300mm Telephoto
Simple stuff
2nd Feb 2018
Derived from 500px pulse rate and likes on Social Media
Mermaid Quay
Taken at Sun rise took some time to compose and set up the camera, and a bit of touching up in post. Overall labour expenditure 60 mins
1st Feb 2018
Camera controls in this digital age can be baffling, today I’m going back to what in hindsight was a simpler time.
My First camera was a Russian Zenit EM and was fully manual . To achieve correct exposure the following was the key elements which needed to be “Dialled” into this camera
1... Film Speed/Sensitivity expressed then as a ASA number (American Standards Association)
2... Speed (Timing of the opening and closing of the shutter)
3... Aperture (Size of the lens Iris)
The Zenit had a simple light meter that assisted the setting of speed and aperture having first set the film speed. You aligned a needle with a pointer then read off a circler gauge for the correct speed and aperture. Boom off you go
Why is this trip down yester year so significant?
For me it forces you to consider the relationship between Illumination and how best to capture this to deliver the best possible image. Management of light within the image is an important part of the Art of photography, understanding the relationships of the 3 key elements is vital when exploring what can and cannot be done to produce a picture
Do bang your Digital SLR on to Manual and have a go , you’re skills of light management will improve, and unlike the days of film , you can check the image on the back screen (Chimping) to see the effect. Do experiment, test and learn.
30th Jan 2018
As part of what I do now I share a volume of my Images across social media its a great gauge of what people like and I’ll be honest it helps the formation of my collection for my book.
The art form that is photography is loaded with subjectivity , what people like is a personal preference and reactions differ across the wide base of people that view my images
I do attempt to stay objective by maintaining the technical side of image creation there are rules to photography and creatively. I do break them I’m a bit heavy handed when it comes to working on High Dynamic Range (HDR) in Post production.
The most liked photo this week Chrysanthemum, is a case that what I think is really great image is eclipsed by a simple shot that was a filler image on a rainy weekend, I do appreciate every like or comment I get , this valuable feedback keeps my ego in check and remind me its the eye of the beholder is the most valued to me
29th Jan 2018
28th Jan 2018
Mission accomplished with the much aged Voigtlander, (See Gas Blog 18th Jan) main issue rest with the photographer, zonal focus a bit of a test, my estimation of feet and meters a bit off, the tree trunk photo first image reasonably sharp with a pleasant shallow depth of field.
Will use as and when I feel nostalgic for some film action
27th Jan 2018
Great view of the second Severn Bridge crossing is afforded via the village of Sudbrook, a real delight for photographers and visitors to Wales.
The view is a real stunner of this imposing engineering wonder with picnic and seating where you can sit and enjoy a spectacular view
Park in Camp Road walk passed the Sports and Social club follow the street around follow the lane through a narrow walk way and the view will open up , stunning
See attached link to help you
https://goo.gl/maps/xN6Reut8oVJ2
26th Jan 2018
Another foul winters day, took time out for insperation at the National Museum Cardiff to view David Hurn's "Swaps" collection, just a fantastic opportunity to view close up some of the great of images over the last 60 years as well as viewing up and coming photographers, check out the link below for more info.
On display till April, take a trip FREE entry
24th Jan 2018
Took a small drive to this Parc tucked away in the Darran Valley, two miles north of Bargoed just an amazing place check the link below for more details , its a real surprice and worthy of a trip out and explore.
http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/Things-To-Do/Country-parks/Country-parks/Parc-Cwm-Darran
23rd Jan 2018
The Yongnuo YN50 mm prime lens, what a little gem ,bought for me as a Christmas gift, I put it through its paces photographing flowers, the result of some awful weather and my wifes Birthday.
Really pleased with the results, for the price this lens punch's well above its weight, the attached photo is heavily cropped and there's no adverse effect on the image. Click the lens image and check out the price at Amazon.
Other camera fitting's available
22nd Jan 2018
Learnt an important lesson today, and the old management analogy on planning runs true.
Proper Planning, Prevents, Piss, Poor, Performance.
I didn’t effectively plan what equipment to take for my target location, then over stretched myself trying to achieve a result using ND (Neutral Density) filters that didn’t suit the location. Then committed the ultimate sin, rushed over shots.
If your digging yourself into shit
STOP DIGGING !!!!
Lessons Learnt today
1... What do you want to achieve
2... Take the equipment that will achieve that objective
3... What does your contingency look like
4... On arriving at location walk the view
5.… Decide your composition
6... Set up your camera
7.…Take the shot
8... Review and adjust as necessary
Most Important Take Your Time
19th Jan 2018
There’s a very well known affliction that affects a lot of photographers GAS and no its not uncontrolled farting, Gear Acquisition Syndrome, I defy any keen photographer not to have suffered from a touch of this from time to time.
Its fair to say the manufactures have a strategy to fuel GAS and every year something new hits the stands that can out do last years pixel count, frame rate or wifi connectivity.
Time for a confession, I’m a bit of a suffer, but my affliction is more nostalgic in nature, been picking up aged 35mm Camera’s, I’m drawn by 2 factors , firstly the quality of the lens and second price .
My most recent indulgence , Voigtlander Vito C the lens is a 55mm F2.8 Lanthar although considered as a budget lens back in the day its performance belies this label. The price ? A staggering £4.99p.
At first glance the shutter appears to firing correctly across all speed’s and the aperture opens and close with no issue . Needs a bit of a clean, which I find therapeutic, a job for an afternoon, I’ll run some film through it which all adds to the excitement and anticipation of whether the purchase yields a positive result .
I’ll let you know how I get on
That’s my GAS fix for January
18th Jan 2018
Raw image Before
Raw shot taken in Sully, Very dramatic Sun behind the cloud, shooting direct into the sun will have the effect of under exposing your foreground
Click photo to see full image
After -- Image Post Processing
I use Photodirector7 to process my images very easy programme that covers off all my needs below are the steps I used to clean the image
1.. Cropped to take a hand rail out.
2..Using the Island as a natural line I regionally adjusted the lower half upped the exposure and contrast. Tweaked the temperature up colour saturation. Then did the same for the upper half again pushing the exposure and contrast to bring out the dramatic sky
3.Finally I globally adjust for clarity , sharpness and reduce any noise
Click photo to see full image
17th Jan 2018
Spent some time reading and looking at Images produced by Tom Stoddart, and was struck how similar his approach was to what I consider Britain's greatest living photojournalist, Sir Don McCullen.
Whilst I was growing up the news was filled with the war in Vietnam and Sir Don an already accomplished photojournalist produced some of his iconic images whilst covering this conflict, his photo of the shell shocked Marine, is a statement on the human frailty that war produces.
I’d encourage everyone to check out Sir Dons volume of work , although pigeon holed as a Conflict or War photographer, there is more to his artistic output the Book Don McCullen is full of his best , re-published on his 80th birthday , it inspires and shocks you in equal measure. (Click the Photo above to link to Amazon)
16th Jan 2018
Since retiring the opening question people pose to me is :-
“What are you going to do with all that time you’ll have ?”
My career has always been based on effective planning. So at the end of each day I plan for the next, listed below is what Monday 15th Jan 2018 looks like, this is after I’ve done my household chores
* Daily instagram post
* Processing , had some images in the can from Sunday
* On Line input, 500PX ,Flickr, Facebook,Twitter etc
* Blog
* Learning and research, today I’m reading and viewing images of the amazing British photographer Tom Stoddart http://www.tomstoddart.com/portfolios
* Location planning for Tuesday and review today's outputs
Its a full but rewarding day
15th Jan 2018
Grass roots sports is a great outlet to practice sports photography, the capturing of action and players expressions bring rewards and can test your skills. You can achieve this without the investment is super zoom lens, moving and anticipating action can reap rewards. The attached image taken with a 55 mm focal length
Suggested Camera setting
l Shutter Priority with shutter set 800th -1000th , too capture movement
l Aperture F3 to F4
l Let the camera auto select ISO to complement shutter and aperture
Enjoy test your skills
14th Jan 2018
If you take a trip to Mermaids Quay Cardiff Bay opposite the Welsh Assembly building your presented by a sculpture , called the Merchant Seafarers' War Memorial, Using galvanized painted steel, artist Brian Fell created on one side, a human face, and on the other, a beached shipwecked hull . The face symbolizes the lives lost forever to the sea, or the countless merchant seaman who died in armed conflict.
11th Jan 2018
Photography in all its forms have never been so popular . Back in the early 2000 it is estimated that 43,000,000 rolls of 35 mm film was processed each year.
Compare this to the staggering 800,000,000 Instagram users each MONTH world wide !
In the UK , Smart phone users number are circa 50,000,0000, and with each phone comes a camera .
Photography has never been so accessible
10th Jan 2018
What ever your photographic work flow looks like , one habit its important to get into , is to clean your camera, Photographers invest a lot of money into their equipment so its vital its given some loving care after a days use.
Simple process to keep things looking bright, clean and professional 3 easy steps
1. Use a blower and blow off surface dust
2. Follow this with a soft brush getting into the corners around buttons and body work ( Cheap tip on brush’s, soft make up brush’s great alternative to bespoke camera brush’s)
3. Then wipe down with a micro-fibre cloth, if you find you have more stubborn stains use some distilled water on a Qtip then dry off with a cloth.
Clean presentable equipment doesn’t help take better photo’s but its about being disciplined on how you approach your hobby
9 Jan 2018
Keeping inspired is a vital element in enjoying and developing your photography being mentally stimulated is as important as technical skills and the equipment you use .
Its vital as in all things in life to be a proactive creature, keep your Inspirational bank account well topped up.
You can gain this from many sources , and as with learning what fits for one person will not for others. One of the area’s that is rich with content that is diverse as the genre’s in photography is books, the tactile nature of pages and imaginary within is hugely appealing.
To stop, browse, dip in and out, seeing things in the imagery not seen in prior visits helps fuels creativity and fills the inspirational tank
Check out this little gem 5000+ Days , published 10 to 11 years , its powerful imagery will sometimes shock but will also inspire you. Following the link to Amazon to get a copy
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0715324349/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=delweddauimag-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0715324349&linkId=9e4dfc7be961208301a616df534a78fb
5th Jan 2018
My go to film for black and white, delivers grainy nostalgic images
Click the Link to buy
4th Jan 2018