Series of Four #4 – Fireworks

Series of Four

This is the fourth Blog in the “Series of Four” series. Each blog focuses on a different aspect of photography, either technical or creative.  To see the full set of “Series of Four” blogs, click here.

Fireworks

Fireworks are a popular subject for enthusiasts.  Getting it right and capturing unique and strange images takes time and effort though.  I prefer to trim the images down and go for the simplest, cleanest shots which often do not look like pyrotechnics at all.  Getting correct exposures and keeping the images sharp are key.

All the images were taken in Caterham, Surrey, England on the evening of November 6, 2010.

 

 

Series of Four #3 – The four stages of Greed

Series of Four

     NOTE: I took this Blog down because on reflection I thought it was a bit frivolous and I never usually manipulate my images with Photoshop but a couple of people who had already seen it said I should put it back – so here it is ….

     This is the third Blog in the Series of Four series.  Each blog focuses on a different aspect of photography, either technical or creative.  To see the full set of “Series of Four” blogs, click here.

The Four Stages of Greed

     Greed has a way of becoming part of you – distorting you – making you into a different thing.  [I have been having some fun with Photoshop which I generally do not use often. A bit corny really, but it is interesting how something as ordinary as a hand can become creepy …] 

The Growth of Greed

     Apparently Greed started growing in a secluded woodlands setting in England many centuries ago and was exported to Africa during the early colonial period where it has taken root as an invasive alien species, mixing with local varieties of greed and proliferating rapidly.  Imported and local varieties can now be found all over the world.

English Woodland variety
English Woodland variety

 

The African variety

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Series of Four # 2 – Horizons in Black & White

Series of Four

      This is the second Blog in the Series of Four series.  Each blog focuses on a different aspect of photography, either technical or creative.   To see the full set of “Series of Four” blogs, click here.

Horizons in Black & White

      Horizons make powerful compositions with an emphasis on depth.  Using monochrome emphasises the drama of the images which, in these beach scenes, highlights the sky and clouds.  A line of poles or a tidal beacon adds interest.

 

All the shots were taken at Wittering on the Sussex coast in England.

Series of Four #1 – Symmetry in Composition

Series of Four

This is the first Blog I will be putting up on a Series of Four images.  Each blog will focus on a different aspect of photography, either technical or creative.  This first series is on symmetry in composition.  To see the full set of “Series of Four” blogs, click here.

Symmetry in Composition

Using symmetry in composition is very powerful but needs to be used sparingly and with care.  Here are four images taken in very different situations but all of which use symmetry as their main compositional strength.  Vertical symmetry usually brings a sense of calm and balance to an image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The images are (clockwise from top left):

  • An historic home in Florida, USA;
  • St David’s Cathedral, Wales;
  • A construction site, South London;
  • A holiday cottage in Devon, England

Photo trip to Norway

A spectacular place

Last week (5-11 September 2011) I was very privileged to travel to Norway with my daughter and son for 5 days of exploring the fjords and taking a few pictures.  We stayed in the village of Fresvik on the Sognefjord.  As the summer season had ended, there were very few people around and those that were, were taking time out before the cold dark months. 

Norway is a spectacular country, well worth a visit – especially if you can get there from London for the grand total of £18 return fare!

Images

Here is a selection of the images.  One of the striking things about Norway is the colour, especially the greens and the glacier blues.  The colours in the images are real (apart from the black and white images)!  The images have been processed in Lightroom with minimal enhancement, especially of colour saturation.