Insect and Reflections

I was playing with the new Canon EOS R camera with my yongnuo ring flash when I noticed an insect back our window. We had seen it the day before and I did not take photos. I was really only wanting photos to to try to identify it. As it turned out I managed to get some interesting reflections from the double glazing. and on one the reflection of the ring flash. There where also some interesting patterns on the window where a bird had flown into it.

The photos with a light background where from an angle where the inside curtain was behind the insect. The darker backgrounds where shot into the room.

As it turned out it (I think) is a Crane Fly (or Daddy Long Legs). Having taken the photo you can see these lovely 'T' ends to each of the legs.

A bit of fun.

Test Blog From iPad using App called Blog Touch

Just a few pictures as a test. 

Ely Cathedral - Yet Again.

I just love visiting Ely Cathedral, not only for its peaceful environment but pictorially I never tier of the opportunities.

My last post about Ely Cathedral was back in June where I had borrowed a Canon TS-E24mm f/3.5L II (Tilt/Shift) lens. This type of lens is ideal for architectural photography. I have now purchased a second hand lens and this was one of my first proper outings with it - It's been 'burning a hole in my camera bag' since June.

The Tilt Function allows you to correct converging verticals while the Shift Function allows you too 'stitch' together shots to create a high resolution panorama.

Adobe has introduced in Lightroom a feature to create HDR Panoramas and I had not really tried this out yet.

Not only was this trip using the TS-E24mm lens but also my new Canon EOS R Full Frame Mirrorless Camera. To say I went out a 'happy bunny' was an understatement :)

When I arrived at the Cathedral I noticed that the 'normal' ropes around the alter were removed as was the centre floor under the Octagon. This was photographically and ideal opportunity.

All the shots here are from my experimentation.

• I had the camera on my tripod with a Benro geared head, ideal for Architectural photography.
• With the camera in Landscape format. 
• I used the Lens tilt function to correct the converging verticals initially. In fact I was shooting almost straight so I did not need much adjustment. 
• I then used the Shift function to move the lens vertically to create the panorama. 
• I was sooting in HDR, 3 shots with plus/minus 2 stops.

To start with I was taking the panorama shots in four or five different shift positions but I soon realised the I could cover the range I was looking for in three 'shifted' shots.

Post processing was done in Adobe Lightroom using the HDR Panorama with perspective projection selected in the HDR Panorama dialog.

I am very pleased with the results. I know the Lens has many more possibilities for me try out.

Sandringham ICM and InCamera Multiple Exposures

As you will have seen on some other blogs and on Instagram I have been playing with In Camera Multiple Exposures. Coupled with Intentional Camera Movement can be quite an interesting way to develop abstract ideas.

Armed with my new Camera, A Canon R mirrorless Full Frame Camera I played with these techniques as I was out with Sue on our walk around the campsite.

Most shots were from 2 - 4 exposures. Some with the White balanced changed on some all the shots.

Post camera processing has been done in Adobe Lightroom with just the basic panel plus adding vignettes and gradients to the images presented here. In some cases I have found increasing Texture and reducing Clarity and adding dehire quite an effective 'artistic' adjustment. Well I like it :)

Sandringham Fungi

Sue and I look our new camper van off to Sandringham this past weekend. We have only had the van since the beginning of October so this was our first outing. We arrive on Saturday and set up and played with the van. Sunday morning we got and decided to go for a walk around the area. we were not going to stay on the site as such but we found these glorious Fungi.

I have spend a little while trying to identify the types with little certain success. The red ons below are I think, Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria. Whatever they were called I think they are very beautiful and highly poisonous.

Points of View

This years Cambridge Camera Club Competition was set in Ely by Ann Miles.

Here is a quote from the competion instructions

1. River Ouse - A shot to include the Ouse – plenty of scope here from boats to buildings to meadows. Whatever you choose it must include the river as part of the scene.
2. Three - An image that in some way illustrates ‘3’ – could be part of a sign but also images that include three objects, people, artefacts etc
3. Ely Folk - an image including a person or people and/or their pets. A degree of humour or quirkiness will score well.
4. Cathedral Curves. An image emphasizing the use of curves in the architecture and decorations. Here you may convert your images to monochrome though colour images are just as acceptable. It can be taken inside or outside the cathedral. A permit to visit inside the Cathedral costs £9 or £6 over 60 and can be exchanged for a 1 year free pass.
5. Double Take. Any technique can be used to produce an image that comprises two or more separate elements – this can be In-camera multiple exposure, Photoshop layers or, more simply, use one image to frame another or reflection in a shop window, water etc.

There were 25 entrants. The winner of the competition sets and helps judge next years competition. There is great banter in the club that the real winner is the person who comes second.

This year the competition was won by Sue Badcock :) with a score of 88 out of 100

The Photographer who cam second was Ian Wilson with a score of 87 out of 100

Just one point difference. Well done to them both

I came joint joint third with 86 out of 100

The Judging was, as expected, extremely good. Anns comments were constructive and helpful.

Here are my pictures.

River Ouse (Scored 19 out of 20)

Three (Scored 15 out of 20)

Ely Folk (Scored 16 out of 20)

Cathedral Curves (Scored 20 out of 20)

Double Take (Scored 16 out of 20)