tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28481623231315029562024-03-04T12:24:12.467-08:00Photo Fingerssbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-35319857307476558852010-08-25T09:31:00.000-07:002010-08-25T11:08:07.168-07:00Simon Bunting Photography - New Photography WebsiteHello unfortunately I will not be posting any longer on Photo Fingers :( this is because I have decided to set up a new wordpress hosted photography website called <a href="http://simonbuntingphotography.com/">Simon Bunting Photography</a> that contains <a href="http://simonbuntingphotography.com/galleries/">photo galleries</a>, a <a href="http://simonbuntingphotography.com/blog/">photo blog</a> and a <a href="http://simonbuntingphotography.com/forum/">photography forum</a>. I will not take down Photo Fingers but instead leave it as a sort of archive.<br />
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Thanks and Goodbye :)<br />
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My new website - <a href="http://simonbuntingphotography.com/">Simon Bunting Photography</a><br />
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</div><a href="http://simonbuntingphotography.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Simon Bunting Photography" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509386505274520114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrHR1_HTr4JBFk11A1TydT5V3fTyMaAjK3y-23yDZ7vlQ94nxtPh41_yP_s2ak7WklkGYJDYp2RUEcPT222RFbuELDL1cke53BPzSUQVyL_wfHJLaY-eXkmUwL0C8BzMg6O_P4BT-v0Q/s400/simon-bunting-photography-large.png" style="cursor: hand; height: 26px; width: 400px;" /></a>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-86805447040125428612010-08-06T04:54:00.000-07:002010-08-06T08:22:20.892-07:00Click Photography Book Review<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: left; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0823092372?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing07-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0823092372" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHguW6pZQxR6fnMXcNBI8pOWiUjjy2EZ1wdBT78wT-Obi8s0khDPV7tbOq9io1nFRPnKUag8T_5d3b1vHnKeSHAIlMka57UjAvo8wly4qsM2LQcGif_I4cA09Z1IS93-Y4ucuWLovv454/s400/Click.jpg" width="400" height="390" /></a></div><b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span">Well since I am on my summer holidays after my GCSE exams I have had a lot more free time than usual. I therefore decided to delve into my pile of books 'to be read'. So I decided to start at the top and gradually work my way down. So this is the first book, </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0823092372?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing07-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0823092372">Click</a></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none !important; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none !important; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none !important; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none !important" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing07-21&l=as2&o=2&a=0823092372" width="1" height="1" /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span">, by Charlie Styr, a teenage <b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal" class="Apple-style-span">award </span></b>winning photographer.</span></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><br /><em>The Book Review</em><br /><div><b></b> </div><div><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0823092372?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing07-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0823092372">Click</a><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing07-21&l=as2&o=2&a=0823092372" width="1" height="1" /> </b>proclaims that it is "The first-ever how-to <strong>photography book</strong> for teens, by teens". To a great extent I agree however I believe that it is ideal guide for a anyone, not just teens, even remotely interested in photography. Click takes you from the essential basics of photography such as Composition (The rule-of-thirds) and Lighting through to subjects to photograph such as pets, yourself and the landscape to finally retouching your images and what to do with them after you've photographed them such as entering them into competitions and selling them.<br /><br /><em>Sections in the book</em><br /><b><br /></b>1. The Basics You Need to Know (Camera, Lens, Flash, Exposure, Accessories, tech terms, composition and lastly lighting.<br /><br />2. Portrait Photography ( isolating the subject, composition, revealing a persons character, Photographing subjects Indoor, Outdoor and in the Night, photographing Pets, Groups and finally yourself.)<br /><br />3.Nature and Landscape Photography (The Basics, Urban and Night Landscapes, Photographing animals and insects and taking photos underwater)<br /><br />4.Sports and Action Photography (Photographing the right moment and sequences, Panning to add Motion Blur)<br /><br />5. Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (Telling a Story through your Photos, Taking Pictures of Day-to-Day moments, Travel Photography)<br /><br />6. What to do after capture (Why Alter an Image?, Basic Retouching Tips (Cropping, Saturation and Levels) to Releasing your Inner Artist)<br /><br />7. Getting Your Pictures Seen (Photo Competition and Selling your Photos)<br /><br />I particularly enjoyed the fifth chapter on Photojournalism as I loved some of the stories that the photos told. I especially loved the photograph on the first page of the section 'Shooting Everyday Moments' (pg 110) with a pair of pink well used converses sitting on a window ledge in my opinion waiting to be taken outside.<br /><br /><em>Top Things I learnt From Click</em><em></div></em><ul><li>How to photograph a sequence (didn't know before in fact about photographing a sequence)</li><li>Not to use a flash when photographing underwater as the water particles become more visible but rather a strobe.</li><li>What a Diptchs is! (two related photos next to each other)</li><li>That you can create some good photos by combing film and digital techniques.</li></ul><div><em>My Rating </em></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><em>10 Out of 10</em></div><div><br />I found this book a very pleasant read that was easy to understand and follow, and so I believe it fully deserves 10 Out of 10. I think it has greatly improved my photography, particularly the creative side and it will certainly improve your photography too. The book feels smooth and nice to touch and the printing quality is excellent. The example photos throughout the book are all stunning (I find it really hard to believe that all the photos where taken by amateur <strong>teen</strong> photographers), very inspirational and illustrate the points very well.<br /><br />I think that even if you didn't read a single word of this book (although I highly recommend you do) this book with it's great photos will firstly motiv<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ate you to go out and take some photographs and secondly change the way you see the world (You will start to s</span>ee photographic opportunities everywhere around you)<br /><br />So why not check out <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0823092372?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing07-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0823092372">Click</a><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing07-21&l=as2&o=2&a=0823092372" width="1" height="1" /> at Amazon where it is 35% off.<br /><br /></div><div>Have you read any good photography books? If so, I would love it if you shared them in the comment box below.</div>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com5Shropshire, UK52.7081738 -2.754321152.5001623 -3.2212400999999997 52.916185299999995 -2.2874021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-44243434653531699802009-10-21T03:55:00.001-07:002010-09-03T03:57:04.475-07:00Pistyll Rhaeadr WaterfallI couple of weeks ago I visited <strong>Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall </strong>in Powys in Wales. It was a great morning out and I really enjoyed the new challenge of photographing a waterfall.<br />
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At 240 ft (74 metres) tall, it's the <strong>highest waterfall in Wales & England</strong>. Here are some photos I took whilst at the waterfall. Although it is the highest waterfall in Wales and England I decided to focus just on the pools at the base of the waterfall as they gave me something to focus on, on such tall waterfall.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/4953986194/" title="Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall Smaller by sbunting108, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4953986194_879c9792d5_z.jpg" width="429" height="640" alt="Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall Smaller" /></a><br />
A portrait photo of the Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall. In this photo I cropped it, boosted the contrast, adjusted the hue and saturation to bring out the greens and yellows and sharpened it a little to bring out the detail on the rocks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/4953395449/" title="Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall by sbunting108, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4953395449_be24533d24_z.jpg" width="500" height="640" alt="Pistyll Rhaedr Waterfall" /></a><br />
Another portrait photo of the Pistyll Rhaeadr Watrerfall. Again I cropped it increased the contrast a bit, adjusted the hue and saturation to bring out the greens + yellows and sharpened it to bring out the detail on the rocks.<br />
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So what do you think? Have you ever visited Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall?sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com9Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Powys, UK52.8549917 -3.378538952.8031642 -3.4952684 52.9068192 -3.2618094tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-4433610286916141052009-10-20T13:07:00.000-07:002009-10-20T13:20:44.037-07:00Best landscape photos this year.Quick post, The BBC have just put up a <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/8314105.stm">slideshow</a> of the <strong>best landscape photos of the year</strong> in 2009. Check the slideshow out, the photos are truly stunning.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is a photo to tease your taste buds!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktKIcf0TDd5v_2rigu34f3-9crBMrQpiGwXXvP1QgljBaVXY9TA8S5qGo4MHufj3bY-xn_iAZ9ydPcCcKPOMUAZNUyvooOVXgt2_ZUssM_Gcl72zeOKLre7ApM81kwltaegxFy9sP1LE/s1600-h/landscape.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394778046523432642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktKIcf0TDd5v_2rigu34f3-9crBMrQpiGwXXvP1QgljBaVXY9TA8S5qGo4MHufj3bY-xn_iAZ9ydPcCcKPOMUAZNUyvooOVXgt2_ZUssM_Gcl72zeOKLre7ApM81kwltaegxFy9sP1LE/s400/landscape.bmp" border="0" /></a></div>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-31376401637673969052009-10-11T14:11:00.001-07:002009-10-11T14:29:46.731-07:00If you could photograph any past event in history what event would it be?Over the last week I asked the following question at a few places around the web 'If you could photograph any past event in history what event would it be?' I was overwhelmed with the number of responses I got and the quality of the them.<br /><br />Here are a few I would love to share with you:<br /><br />Man discovering fire. I'd love to see the expression on their faces!<br /><br />It would be Dinosaurs...to see if they really do wear underpants like my daughter keeps telling me.<br /><br />Nero playing the violin with Rome burning in the background.<br /><br />Drake beating the Spanish Armada.<br /><br />The sinking of the Titanic.<br /><br />The birth of Jesus.<br /><br />Construction of the pyramids... I'm a sucker for anything involving ancient Egypt.<br /><br />The Big Bang!<br /><br />The boston tea party<br /><br />The parting of the Red Sea, at sunset of course.<br /><br /><br />So I will finish off by asking you 'If you could photograph any past event in history what event would it be?'sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-65656033209615400122009-10-08T14:45:00.000-07:002009-10-10T09:46:39.189-07:007 Reasons To Subscribe To Photo Fingers1.You never have to check Photo Fingers for updates again
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<br />sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-67281767171230374032009-09-24T12:28:00.000-07:002010-09-03T04:05:34.317-07:00Gloucester CathedralI recently visited <strong>Gloucester Cathedral,</strong> the same bank holiday weekend I visited <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/09/severn-valley-railway-svr.html">Severn Valley Railway</a>. It was a great place to take photos because of it's great magnificence both inside and out.<br />
Gloucester Cathedral is located in <strong>Gloucester</strong> centre just off Westgate Street. It was built in 1100 as a Norman abbey church and survived the Dissolution thanks to its historical connection with the monarchy. It was from this church that William I ordered the Domesday Book. Recently the cathedral was used for the filming of more than one <strong>Harry Potter movie</strong>.<br />
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A photo of Gloucester Cathedral from the outside looking up at the pretty perpendicular Gothic Tower with a Tudor House in the foreground.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/4954001858/" title="Gloucester Cathedral by sbunting108, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4954001858_9becacbd39_z.jpg" width="347" height="640" alt="Gloucester Cathedral" /></a><br />
What I did: I cropped it slightly to exclude a bin by the wall, adjusted the levels generally and in the sky to make it more punchy and I did some sharpening on the Gothic Tower to really bring out the detail.<br />
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More info on <a href="http://www.cathedralsplus.org.uk/index.php/front_end/member/48/about.html">Gloucester Cathedral</a>.<br />
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What do you think of my photos? Do you like the HDR look on the second photo or not?sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com7Gloucester Cathedral, 13 Pitt St, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL1 2BH, UK51.868311 -2.24567751.8550615 -2.2748595000000003 51.8815605 -2.2164945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-67983192259654022592009-09-12T11:13:00.000-07:002010-09-03T04:17:41.894-07:00Miners Wheel: Black and White<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/4954012978/" title="Miners Wheel by sbunting108, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4954012978_75eb569c6f.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="Miners Wheel" /></a><br />
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Here is the <strong>Miners Wheel</strong> memorial in <strong>Highley</strong> (<strong>Shropshire</strong>). With this <strong>photo</strong> I did quite alot of photo editing.<br />
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<ul><li>Firstly I converted it into <strong>Black and White</strong> and then I played with the levels in lots of layers to boost the contrasts and to bring out the details in the photo particularly in the sky and the wheel legs to stop them blending into the hedge behind. </li>
<li>Secondly I did some dodging in the grass to boast the contrast giving the grass a infrared look. </li>
<li>I then did some burning in the sky to stop it looking so bland and lifeless. </li>
<li>Then I did some selective sharpening particularly on the rock and and on the grass to bring out the details. And Finally I added a vignette effect to draw the eye into the centre of the image. </li>
</ul>This is the book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591655?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591655">Digital Masters: B&W Printing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1600591655" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> that gave me the inspiration, it made me want to go out and have ago at some black and white photography<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1600591655" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />. Here is the review I wrote on it <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/09/digital-masters-b-printing-book-review.html">Digital Masters: B&W Printing Book Review</a>.sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0Highley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16, UK52.4487238 -2.38222352.4225683 -2.440588 52.474879300000005 -2.3238580000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-85556683425194405812009-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:002010-07-21T03:36:55.807-07:0025 Stunning HDR Photos<p align="left">Carefully applied, High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging can create visually stunning pictures which blur the difference between reality and illusion. HDR imaging is the process of taking several photographs of a scene at various exposures, then merging them into one file. So the entire photograph can look crisp and detailed, from highlights to midtones to shadows. So photographers needn't sacrifice any part of their image.<br /><br />This post covers 25 stunning HDR photos. Many of them might look surreal, too colorful, even magic or fake, but they are not. Keep in mind that they’ve all been developed out of usual photos, and not a single image is an illustration. </p><ul><li>This selection isn’t supposed to be complete which is why I encourage you to post links to further stunning HDR images in the comment box. </li><br /><li>There is no ranking, all pictures have been selected due to their outstanding quality and excellent execution.</li><br /><li>You can explore further works of the designers and photographers we’ve featured below by browsing through their sets on Flickr. </li><br /><li>All screenshots are clickable and lead to the pages from which they’ve been taken.</li><br /><li>You might want to take a look at this book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591965?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591965">Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography</a> I <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/08/complete-guide-to-high-dynamic-range.html">reviewed</a> earlier this year. Using this book is the easiest way to to master this exiting relatively new technology with this thorough easy to follow and visually stunning book. It covers everything you need to know to produce some great HDR photographs, from how to take great source images to how to merge and tone map your photos </li></ul><p>Here are 25 stunningly beautiful HDR photographs.<br /><br /><a title="Just behind those buildings lies the oncoming zombie horde. by [ Kane ], on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanegledhill/3612992147/"><img height="500" alt="Just behind those buildings lies the oncoming zombie horde." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3612992147_44d8ff8bdb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Golden Gate HDR by vgm8383, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vgm8383/2176897085/"><img height="374" alt="Golden Gate HDR" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/2176897085_946b7b66b8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><img class="img" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2349/2260851551_e605b2a7ee.jpg" /><br /><br /><a title="Reflections on the Arctic Sea by wili_hybrid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wili/2919044269/"><img height="335" alt="Reflections on the Arctic Sea" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2919044269_ca4628b610.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="New York - West Side Story by Philipp Klinger (back), on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcdead/3732349006/"><img height="337" alt="New York - West Side Story" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3732349006_a031529934.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="There Even Was A Rainbow! by Philipp Klinger (back), on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcdead/3697410779/"><img height="333" alt="There Even Was A Rainbow!" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3697410779_68ac349957.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Run to the water by [ Kane ], on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanegledhill/3179429770/"><img height="388" alt="Run to the water" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3179429770_7674b0e3a6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Lost in space by [ Kane ], on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanegledhill/3109421947/"><img height="426" alt="Lost in space" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/3109421947_09141e88a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Opera on Ice II by Philipp Klinger (back), on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcdead/3102162549/"><img height="334" alt="Opera on Ice II" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/3102162549_0f97eefe87.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Yacht Shopping by Philipp Klinger (back), on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcdead/3013465792/"><img height="334" alt="Yacht Shopping" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3013465792_fca6a92f78.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="hdr tree by Paulo Brandão, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulobrandao/2762313433/"><img height="500" alt="hdr tree" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2762313433_bc027466e3.jpg" width="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Something_to_see_here_3 by shoebappa, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shoebappa/1156912539/"><img height="334" alt="Something_to_see_here_3" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1047/1156912539_ecd588a316.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="untitled by stevenarens, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenarens/792191425/"><img height="331" alt="untitled" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/792191425_9210cd60d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="City at 60 degrees North / Icebreaker Krasin by photopavel, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photopavel/381939699/"><img height="351" alt="City at 60 degrees North / Icebreaker Krasin" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/381939699_c28c978b6c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="I have sailed the seven seas ... by asmundur, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/asmundur/133381950/"><img height="333" alt="I have sailed the seven seas ..." src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/50/133381950_a1c5a4b3f5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="One Night in Bangkok by Stuck in Customs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/300341306/"><img height="326" alt="One Night in Bangkok" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/118/300341306_9e15b08472.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Caracara takes off by wili_hybrid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wili/2090459727/"><img height="335" alt="Caracara takes off" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2090459727_9ffa28d8e3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a title="The Eyes Of London by BarneyF, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/barneyfinlayson/2074286765/"><img height="333" alt="The Eyes Of London" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/2074286765_f41daaa114.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="HDR photography by Apostolos Zabakas, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/azabakas/3527762387/"><img height="333" alt="HDR photography" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3527762387_8c837b612b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Tokyo Nightscape by /\ltus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/altus/322152193/"><img height="333" alt="Tokyo Nightscape" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/322152193_f1ab23b927.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="The Veins of Bangkok by Stuck in Customs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/310074290/"><img height="332" alt="The Veins of Bangkok" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/112/310074290_8c6e70b050.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="skyline of bruxelles by tudor tigau, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tudor_tigau/2231232282/"><img height="335" alt="skyline of bruxelles" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2110/2231232282_b526f8bf9a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="This is not a mirage ... by robotography, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robotography/3311816238/"><img height="360" alt="This is not a mirage ..." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3311816238_f1b57c30cc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Lava Streets by jpmiss, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpmiss/2180585258/"><img height="375" alt="Lava Streets" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2180585258_c7516db23c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="CBD, Singapore @ HDR Night by Erik's iMirror Photography Studio, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eestrada/2041366786/"><img height="342" alt="CBD, Singapore @ HDR Night" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2041366786_7caba0beec.jpg" width="500" /></a> </p><p> </p>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-15080909632565576952009-09-05T03:52:00.000-07:002009-09-10T12:24:13.528-07:00Digital Masters: B&W Printing Book Review<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591655?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591655"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379904904411445538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J6zwL50nyJSZLqUYAOq_qWN0YLRFg98I-GUEL4gN_mCmLhy5n2mdsY10RIOrSPuMLYM0lcITXpGY5ZWcsAAJHrLLjw83LpYbuYpPgp0NImajg6tYQ7roD3wxUHyYaWfvC5PQN0Eyd0Y/s400/DSC06658.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>The Book Review</strong><br /><br /><strong>Rating 8 out of 10</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591655?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591655">Digital Masters: B&W Printing</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1600591655" width="1" border="0" /> by George Dewolfe is in short a step by guide to creating a black and white 'masterpiece'. This book covers everything you need to know to create it.<br />This book is divided into 3 sections (Black and White, Image Workflow and a Conclusion) as well as a glossary, index and portfolio.<br /><br />The first section in this book is about the key qualities that make up a black and white photo (tone, luminosity, luminance, sharpness,softness,edges, depth, contrast and brightness) with great attention paid to the difference between Luminance and Luminosity. The difference between what is visually perceived by us and what is actually seen (recorded) by the camera.<br /><br />The second and the largest section is about Image Workflow. It describes how to design a workflow, how to setup your software, how to input your images on a computer, how to make global and local adjustments to a photo, how to optimize and fine-tune an image, setting up your workstation and last but not least printing and evaluating your print.<br /><br />The final section and the shortest section is all about photographing the known and unknown, honing your skills as a photographer and accessing and practicing your mindfulness.<br /><br />I particularly enjoyed the 2 pages on exploring tonal values in the first section and chapter where George DeWolf converts famous paintings into grayscale and looks at how the tonal values are distributed.<br /><br /><br />Top things I learnt from this book<br /><br /><ul><li>To make global adjustments then broad adjustments and then local adjustments when your editing a image.</li><br /><li>The difference between Luminosity and Luminance.</li><br /><li>How to outline in Photoshop to accentuate the depth of individual objects.</li><br /><li>And finally how to create a 'Masterpiece'.<br /></li></ul><p>A few minor criticisms</p><ul><li>He devoted a entire chapter to inputting your photos onto your computer, this is so basic as to be inappropriate in a advanced book like this.<br /></li><li>The book uses Lightroom and Photoshop exclusively with all his detailed explanations of image adjustments being done in Photoshop or Lightroom. As well as an entire chapter being dedicated to customizing Lightroom modules. This is not very helpful to those who use other photo editing programs.</li><br /><li>The screen shots which show an image together with the Lightroom controls side by side results in the control panel being so small as to be unreadable. This adds to the growing frustration of a non-Lightroom user trying to decipher & translate what is being done.</li><br /><li>Throughout this book he is constantly promoting his 'magic' plugin, this gets very annoying after a while. He tries to persuade you that your photographic life depends on getting his plugin.</li><br /><li>And finally the book states on page 71 that the plugin costs $19.95 but when you visit George DeWolfs website the price actually is $90.00.<br /></li></ul><p><strong>My Rating 8 out of 10</strong><br /></p><p>I found this is a good yet challenging read at times. I am giving it 8 stars because I found it difficult to read at times and because of George promoting his plugin excessively. Regularly now I go out to take photos specifically to be converted into black and white. This book feels good to the hands with a nice tactile finish on the front and the back of the book and the printing quality is excellent. This is a great book for anyone wishing to learn more about Black and White photography with lots or little experience.<br /></p><p>And if nothing else this book offers some great black and white photos throughout the book to motivate you. You really could buy this book just to see the photos.<br /></p><p>Check out the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591655?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591655">Digital Masters: B&W Printing</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1600591655" width="1" border="0" /> at Amazon where it is 25% off.<br /></p><p>Have you read any great black and white digital photography books lately? Give your recommendations in comments box. I'm Looking forward to discovering some other great black and white digital photography books!<br /></p>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-76593845034224501442009-09-01T04:34:00.000-07:002009-09-30T14:00:41.220-07:00Severn Valley Railway, SVRLast Sunday I visited <strong>Severn Valley Railway (SVR)</strong>, it was a lovely day even with the typical British weather. The Severn Valley Railway is a 16 mile heritage line that runs from Bridgenorth in Shropshire to Kiddiminster in Worchester along the river Severn. The trains don't just run sraight from Bridgenorth to Kidderminster they stop at some stations along the way allowing you to go out and explore the local area, this makes for a full day out.<br /><br /><a title="Highley Railway Station by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3877224277/"><img height="285" alt="Highley Railway Station" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3877224277_b9e6429b9f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Highley Railway Station was my first stop. It was a small yet beautiful station on the outskirts of Highley. After admiring the station I walked into Highley Village (instead of visiting the packed paid railway museum opposite the station). And i'm glad I did, it was a lovely signposted walk into the village centre through the green woodland.<br /><br /><a title="Miners Wheel by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3878017620/"><img height="335" alt="Miners Wheel" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3878017620_084c645f78.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />A photo of the Miners Wheel in Highley village park.<br /><br /><a title="Miners Clock by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3877224531/"><img height="500" alt="Miners Clock" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3877224531_66733dcfa9.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A photo of a Miners Memorial inside village centre. It also doubles up as village clock! (nifty)<br /><br />My second stop was at Bewdly Station. It was my favourite station because it felt so authentic and real as though it had been suspended in time.<br /><a title="Severn Valley Railway Station by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3877964436/"><img height="500" alt="Severn Valley Railway Station" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3877964436_3b211bc1d4.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A photo looking down on Bewdly station from the bridge crossing.<br /><br />After leaving Bewdley Railway Station I explored Bewdley. Bewdley is a pleasent historacal town with plenty of shops and places to visit.<br /><a title="Bewdley by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3878116090/"><img height="233" alt="Bewdley" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3878116090_764d12a756.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />A photo of the River Severn running under Bewdley Bridge, with the town in the background.<br /><br />The final stop was the end of the line. It was Kidderminster railway station. Kidderminster station was the largest of all the stations it had a waiting room, a tea room, a pub, a book store, a free admission museum and a ministure railway running around the parementer.<br /><br /><a title="Kidderminster Train Station by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3878166222/"><img height="500" alt="Kidderminster Train Station" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3878166222_f45074978a.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A photo of the train we travelled on throughout the day with Kidderminster Station in the background.<br /><br /><a title="Mini Train Kidderminster Station by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3877372929/"><img height="314" alt="Mini Train Kidderminster Station" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3877372929_92809bced3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />A photo of the mini train at Kidderminster Station that runs around the paremeters.<br /><br /><a title="Kidderminster Station Waiting Room by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3878166046/"><img height="335" alt="Kidderminster Station Waiting Room" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3878166046_052db9f25c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />A photo of Kidderminster Railway Station waiting room.<br /><br />At the station I visited the free railway museum. The musuem was small yet it was packed with railway paraphernalia. The museum was suprisingly hands on considering some items were hundreds of years old.<br /><br />To conclude I had I wonderful day out and I believe that the Severn Valley Railway is a great day out for people of all ages interested or not in railways.<br /><br />If you would like to see the Severn Valley Railway in action why not visit Youtube or you could purchase the DVD <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00009W363?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00009W363">British Steam - The Severn Valley Railway </a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00009W363" width="1" border="0" /> for £10 at Amazon.<br /><br />After visiting Severn Valley Railway, the following day I visited <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/09/gloucester-cathedral.html">Gloucester Cathedral</a>. It too was a great place to visit and I highly recommend it.sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-5459072185410377262009-08-21T03:13:00.000-07:002010-07-21T03:40:53.036-07:00Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography Book Review<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591965?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591965"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372346074667758034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5xR6Tz2Igd-ej_QWTtPTnaqyjulUYad9vYPUmOjOQPqo9L6fLQnG5m7B3oDtvxsmWlFq1coaNv2fWWd0llIkJ_AuNTROSaoNKTWED57TfBsVSQRxWRWUJonxJcKganIEH6-mv9Q-vI4/s400/DSC05478.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Over the weekend I sat down with the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591965?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591965">Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography</a>- one of my many unread photography books that have been sat on my desk for a while. This book was recommended to me by a Friend and thought that it was probably time that I checked it out for myself. I’m glad that I did.<br /><br /><br /><strong>So What is High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR) ?</strong><br /><br />According to <strong>Ferrell McCollough</strong> the author of this book, <strong>HDR</strong> is the process of taking several photographs of a scene at various exposures, then merging them into one file. So the entire photograph can look crisp and detailed, from highlights to midtones to shadows - and photographers needn't sacrifice any part of their image.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Book Review</strong><br /><br /><strong>10 Out Of 10</strong><br /><br />The <strong>Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography</strong> is the easiest way to to master this exiting relatively new technology with this thorough easy to follow and visually stunning guide book. This book covers everything you need to know to produce great HDR photographs, from how to take great source images to how to merge and tone map your photos.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sections in the book cover</strong><br /><br />1. HDR Photography: An Overview (chapter explaining technical details of how HDR works)<br /><br />2. Equipment, Controls, and Technique (raw vs jpeg, exposure compensation and using a Tripod and more)<br /><br />3. Merging and Tone Mapping (conversion options, tone compressor vs details enhancer etc)<br /><br />4. HDR Software and Post Processing (All the major software packages are examined and their virtues compared, The Creative HDR Look and lots more)<br /><br />5. Capturing Great Source Images (Judging Contrast, Number of Images and Bracketing Amount, Histogram analysis, Ghosting + more)<br /><br />6. Flash Merging, Architecture, and Panoramas (a shorter chapter on Flash Merging, Architectural HDR Photography and Panoramic HDR Photography)<br /><br />7. Single Image HDR Photography (shortest chapter on Single Image Tone Mapping and Graduated ND Filters vs HDR)<br /><br />8. Advanced Image Analysis (I think this last chapter should really be named extras or others as this is not really that much about analyzing images). The chapter includes Black and White HDR Photography, Night and Low Light HDR Photography, Macro and Flowers.<br /><br />When I first read about this book I wondered how a HDR photography would take 174 pages to cover. But I soon realised that this book covers everything about HDR and that 174 pages for everything about HDR isnt much. I particularly enjoyed the page on Extreme Tone Mapping in the last chapter as this really opened my mind on how creative HDR can be.<br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Top Things I learnt From This Book</strong><br /><ul><li>The technical details of exactly how HDR works<br /></li><li>That you can have shadow in your photos and have an HDR image<br /></li><li>That you can have black and white HDR images<br /></li><li>That HDR can help reduce noise in photographs.<br /></li></ul><p><strong>My Rating 10 Out Of 10</strong><br /></p><p>I found this book an enjoyable read and I think it fully desrves 10 stars. I now feel confident in producing good HDR images. Regulary now I take several photos of some scenes to see what that they would look like combined in a HDR image. The book feels nice to the hands and the printing quality is excellent. This book is an ideal starter book for anyone interested in HDR images, experienced photographer or not, it will guide you through the world of HDR. This is a book that will remain on my book shelf as a useful reference book for years to come as I continue my journey through the world of HDR. </p><p>And if nothing else, this book offers some fantastic inspiring HDR images to motivate you that really will motivate you. I think it is even worth buying the book just to see the excellent HDR images.<br /></p><p>Check out the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600591965?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1600591965">Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography </a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1600591965" width="1" border="0" />at Amazon where it is 35% off. Furthermore if you would like to see the potential of HDR photography check out my post <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/09/25-stunning-hdr-photos.html">25 Stunning HDR Photos</a><br /></p><p>Have you read any great digital photography books? Give your recommendations with your reasons why in comments box. I'm Looking forward to discovering some great digital photography books.<br /></p>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-45209516903418155622009-08-04T02:57:00.000-07:002009-08-04T03:10:27.753-07:00Guest Post: Lord Hills Column, ShrewsburyJust to let you know, I have posted a guest post on <a href="http://shrewsburyphotoblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/lord-hills-column.html">The Lord Hills Column</a> in Shrewsbury on Shrewsbury Photo Blog. It's the worlds largest doric column, being 13ft taller than Nelsons Column and two ft wider.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9LoPtFFcBUpF_lwp0Zdnityxo9lbI9pAIIpEZqhg7PVCr8X7aFz0HQfJ2pNQq-eDDHWtIUTw-JuyKtiKPCbE_SSQ5gOIqpL4BazHwdE2Wm6u4o_kjAy2kfwvNY8NvNQPUZypZ8A1C7s/s1600-h/lord_hills_column-shrewsbury.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326485003917844978" style="WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9LoPtFFcBUpF_lwp0Zdnityxo9lbI9pAIIpEZqhg7PVCr8X7aFz0HQfJ2pNQq-eDDHWtIUTw-JuyKtiKPCbE_SSQ5gOIqpL4BazHwdE2Wm6u4o_kjAy2kfwvNY8NvNQPUZypZ8A1C7s/s400/lord_hills_column-shrewsbury.JPG" border="0" /></a>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-17020618092297298852009-08-02T03:46:00.000-07:002009-09-01T07:01:48.642-07:00Temple Of Apollo, Turkey, SideThe <strong>Temple Of Apollo</strong> is located close to <strong>Side</strong> harbour, about a five minute walk from Side town centre. The temple apparently was given to Cleopatra as a token of Anthony’s love to her. It is dedicated to the God of Light, Beauty and Art (<em>Apollo). </em>In all the temple measures 17 by 30 metres. The temple has 8.90 metre <strong>Corinthian Capitals</strong>. The Temple Of Apollo consists entirely of marble. It was built in the second half of the <strong>2nd century A.D </strong>and it is surrounded by other important ruins that date back to 7th century B.C.
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<br /><a title="Temple Of Apollo by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3765469513/"><img height="500" alt="Temple Of Apollo" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3765469513_ddedf41687.jpg" width="339" /></a>
<br />A photo of The Apollo Temple in the day. This is my favourite photo of my holiday in Turkey. I love the white fluffy clouds behind the temple, they add alot of atmosphere to this photo.
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<br /><a title="Temple Of Apollo Side Classic by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3768750502/"><img height="500" alt="Temple Of Apollo Side Classic" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/3768750502_3fcbc85ba3.jpg" width="335" /></a>
<br />This is a classic view of The Temple Of Apollo as you would see on most of the postcards and books.
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<br /><a title="Temple Of Apollo Side Back by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3767950143/"><img height="500" alt="Temple Of Apollo Side Back" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3767950143_53f35aece2.jpg" width="344" /></a>
<br />A photo of the back of The Temple Of Apollo. I framed it nicely through a entrance to another ruin that was behind the temple.
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<br /><a title="Temple Of Apollo Night by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3766264686/"><img height="500" alt="Temple Of Apollo Night" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3766264686_2c0e4c0607.jpg" width="335" /></a>
<br />A photo of The Apollo Temple at night. This was the hardest photos of my holiday to take, everything was black apart from the illuminated temple.
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<br />Firstly I turned the flash off as I did not want to illuminate the people in the foreground and because I felt it would have made the photo look unnatural.
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<br />Secondly I increased the shutter speed as I was without a Tripod. But when increased the photos where black due to the lack of light. So I ended up shooting at 0.2 (1/5) seconds while resting on a rock hoping for a sharp one. And it worked, I got a sharp photo with the temple illuminated with a natural glow.
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<br />Other places I visited in Turkey;
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<br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/07/manavgat-waterfall.html">The Manavgat Waterfall
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<br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/07/aspendos-theatre.html">The Aspendos Theatre </a>
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<br />Perge(Perga)
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<br />The Kursunla Waterfallssbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-3493139002099031412009-07-27T11:30:00.000-07:002009-08-29T15:41:59.149-07:00Manavgat Waterfall<strong>Manavgat Waterfall </strong>is located 5 kilometres North of Manavgat Town Centre. Manavgat Waterfall is a gentle <strong>horseshoe waterfall</strong> on the <strong>Manavgat River</strong> which descends from the <strong>Toros Mountains</strong>. Visiting the waterfalls is not really a day out but really a 2 hour visit. An hour to admire the beauty of the waterfall and take some photos. And another hour to have a picnic in the surrounding green environment.<br /><br /><br /><a title="manavgat waterfall by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3766278176/"><img height="335" alt="manavgat waterfall" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3766278176_c5a7d80fe4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />As you can see Manavgat Waterfall is not very tall, infact some people even question whether it is really a waterfall as it is only 2 metres tall.<br /><br /><a title="manavgat waterfall by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3765525311/"><img height="500" alt="manavgat waterfall" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3765525311_4a63492a32.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A horizontal photo of the Manavgat Waterfall. I love the shining water in the foreground.<br /><br /><a title="manavgat waterfall watching area by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3765554177/"><img height="500" alt="manavgat waterfall watching area" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3765554177_7ef6d6af85.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A photo of the watching area that looks over the Manavgat Waterfall. As you can see the platform is part of the waterfall so you can also have a refreshing dip inside the ice cold water while you admire the waterfall and take some photos.<br /><br />Other places I visited in Turkey; <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/07/manavgat-waterfall.html"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/07/aspendos-theatre.html">The Aspendos Theatre </a><br /><br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/08/temple-of-apollo-turkey-side.html">The Temple Of Apollo<br /></a><br />Perge(Perga)<br /><br />The Kursunla Waterfallssbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-23641412084920282172009-07-27T07:32:00.000-07:002009-08-29T15:45:23.573-07:00Aspendos TheatreThe <strong>Aspendos Theatre</strong> was built in <strong>167 AD</strong> by the son of Theodorius, <strong>Zeno</strong> (a architect). It is by far the most well preserved <strong>Roman theatre</strong> in Turkey and one of the best in the world. In it's prime days it was able to accommodate 15,000 people on its 40 rows of banks built against a steep hilltop. The Aspendos Theatre was constructed in the reign of <strong>Marcus Aurelius</strong> (161-180 AD) by two brothers and was a gift to the city of Aspendos. The theatre is still being used for performances even now 2000 years later, because of its great acoustics inside it.<br /><br />It was a magnificent place to be in. But I would advise you, if you were to visit the Aspendos Theatre to go at the start or at the end of the day. Because it becomes overcrowded at midday with tour groups .<br /><br /><a title="aspendos theatre front by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3765102711/"><img height="335" alt="aspendos theatre front" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3765102711_9ee483ecf4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />A photo of Aspendos Theatre from the top from the top seats. It was quite a trek to get to the top as the only stairs are the steep Roman stairs by the sides of the seats. If you look at top left skyline you just see the Taurus Mountains behind the theatre.<br /><br /><a title="aspendos theatre by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3765897492/"><img height="335" alt="aspendos theatre" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3765897492_a4b4d7dc21.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />A photo looking down at a angle on the theatre. It shows the sheer size of the theatre especialy if you compare it to the people.<br /><br />Other places I visited on my holiday to Turkey;<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/07/manavgat-waterfall.html">The Manavgat Waterfall<br /></a><br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/08/temple-of-apollo-turkey-side.html">The Temple Of Apollo<br /></a><br />Perge(Perga)<br /><br />The Kursunla Waterfallssbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-63860965431588259872009-07-27T05:14:00.000-07:002009-08-21T08:19:56.640-07:00Side TurkeyI have recently returned from my holiday to <strong>Side</strong> in <strong>Turkey</strong>. Side (<em>pronounced see-dey</em>) is a stunning historical coastal resort situated on a small peninsular on the Mediterranean sea. <strong>Side</strong> is 15kms east to one of Turkey's largest cities Antalya. In Turkish Side actually means pommergranate. This is why all over Side there are many large pomergranates around in public areas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4yYNtN9FSYnEfGfHkFrWI8El38juKEmorwlhyphenhyphenYMr0AQR2rUqwJwUrYl5STnExRVy22icflvM7PxByM5IhIUxEdHeDPnKKlt0YJnb1XTjtNXXkKa5MWUEZpDA7hpvyn1RqSfLq3j-lRU/s1600-h/map-of-side-antalya-turkey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363836530259755378" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4yYNtN9FSYnEfGfHkFrWI8El38juKEmorwlhyphenhyphenYMr0AQR2rUqwJwUrYl5STnExRVy22icflvM7PxByM5IhIUxEdHeDPnKKlt0YJnb1XTjtNXXkKa5MWUEZpDA7hpvyn1RqSfLq3j-lRU/s400/map-of-side-antalya-turkey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.annaemlak.com/images/map-of-side-antalya-turkey.jpg"></a><br />A map showing where Side is in relation to the rest of Turkey.<br />You can also see where I went on holiday in 2005 to Fethiye in Turkey (number 11).<br />Here is a blog post I wrote about a day trip I travelled on in 2005 to Lycia <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/05/rock-cut-lycian-tombs.html">Rock Cut Lycian Tombs</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On my holidays I visited these historical places, these places are:<br /><br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/07/manavgat-waterfall.html">The Manavgat Waterfall<br /></a><br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/07/aspendos-theatre.html">The Aspendos Theatre </a><br /><br /><a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/08/temple-of-apollo-turkey-side.html">The Temple Of Apollo<br /></a><br />Perge(Perga)<br /><br />The Kursunla Waterfalls<br /><br /><br />Over the coming week I will be uploading some photos and videos and writing some little snippets of history about these historical places.<br /><br /><br />So not to miss anything in the upcoming week why don't you subscribe to my <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/PhotoFingers">rss feed</a>!<br /><br />Update<br /><br />I have now finished writing these posts, to see them click on the links on the places above.sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-8837813943718193052009-07-11T09:57:00.000-07:002009-07-11T10:46:01.773-07:00My Beatles Photo Selected For Liverpool GuideJust thought I would share my good news with you. Today I received a message in Flickr Mail. Here is it:<br /><br />From:<br />Emma J. Williams<br />Emma Williams<br /><br />Subject: Schmap: Liverpool Photo Inclusion<br />Hi sbunting108,<br /><br />I am delighted to let you know that one of your photos with a Creative Commons license has been selected for inclusion in the newly released eighth edition of our Schmap Liverpool Guide:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.schmap.com/liverpool/toppicks_attractions/p=126050/i=126050_24.jpg">Beatles Story Experience</a><br /><br />Please enjoy the guide!<br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />Emma Williams,<br />Managing Editor, Schmap Guides<br /><br />I was of course delighted to be included in the Liverpool Guide and find it a great privilage. Here is the photo that was selected.<br /><br /><a title="the beatles story yellow submarine by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3537939397/"><img height="500" alt="the beatles story yellow submarine" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3537939397_b95ed6713d.jpg" width="397" /></a><br /><br />This is a post I wrote previously about my trip to <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/05/liverpool-albert-docks.html">Liverpool Albert Docks</a>.sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-81854706866994604582009-07-10T06:41:00.001-07:002009-07-10T06:46:25.447-07:00Powis Castle Video Slideshow<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z6JVqE5_eAc&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z6JVqE5_eAc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>Here is a video slideshow of all the photos I took when I went to Powis Castle and the gardens. See post on <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/06/powis-castle.html">Powis Castle</a>. </p><p></p>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-43660662173949748822009-07-06T10:26:00.000-07:002009-07-30T03:11:44.171-07:00Laura's TowerThese photos are of <strong>Laura's tower</strong> at <strong>Shrewsbury Castle</strong>. It was built by <strong>Thomas Telford</strong> as part of the remodeling of the castle in the late 1800's. Laura’s Tower was named after the daughter of Sir William Pulteney. <strong>Sir William Pulteney</strong> was the Shrewsbury MP at the time and was also a private resident of Shrewsbury Castle.<br />Laura's Tower was built as a summer house (not as a tower to lock princesses away in). In fact if you go up to Laura's Tower, you'll also be standing on the site of the first Norman castle in England.<br />It offers fantastic views in all directions around the surrounding areas of Shrewsbry's townscape and further out to the countryside with a particulary good view of Shrewsbury Abbey. Here is a post I published earlier about <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/05/quick-tour-of-shrewsbury-abbey-in.html">Shrewsbury Abbey</a>.<br /><br /><a title="Lauras Tower by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3695043286/"><img height="500" alt="Lauras Tower" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3695043286_1977245076.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A photo of Laura's Tower on the top of part of Shrewsbury Castle.<br /><a title="Lauras Tower by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3695053262/"><img height="500" alt="Lauras Tower" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/3695053262_26504cc4e7.jpg" width="376" /></a><br />A photo looking at the top of Laura's Tower from the River Severn close to the English Bridge.sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-46022244584032254402009-07-03T11:34:00.000-07:002009-09-28T14:05:15.651-07:00Darwins Quantum Leap<strong>Shrewsbury's</strong> answer to The Angel Of The North.<br /><br />The <strong>Quantum Leap</strong> is a new 12 metre high 19 metres wide sculpture to mark the bicentury of <strong>Charles Darwin</strong>. A world renowned scientist who was credited for the theory of 'evolution by natural selection'. The Quantum Leap is being built in Shrewsbury (<strong>Darwins birth town</strong>) alongside the <strong>River Severn</strong> and is going to cost the taxpayer a hefty £350,000.<br /><br />According to Jon King the Darwin co-ordination officer he describes the sculpture as a “large supporting cradle that has been built so we can suspend the ribs of the sculpture as it takes shape. When the final rib is in place the cradle will be removed and it will be left as a free standing arch in all its glory."<br />"No structure like this has ever been built before – it’s unique."<br /><br />I am yet undecided about the Qauntum Leap. If The Qauntum Leap fits in with the area then I believe that it will be a great success and provide a major boost to Shrewsbury's tourism. But currently I am having reservations about it fitting in because of The Guidhall and The Theatre Severn not fitting in at all with there surrounding areas. But I will make my final decision about it when it is revealed in August.<br /><br /><a title="Quantum Leap by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3684412585/"><img height="335" alt="Quantum Leap" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/3684412585_f2af4c7f8f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />A photo showing The Quantum Leap under construction it is about two thirds finished at the moment.<br /><a title="Quantum Leap by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3685223548/"><img height="500" alt="Quantum Leap" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3685223548_7b9918e4aa.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A photo showing the giant crane that is needed to put the ribs in place. It also shows the large metal supports that are needed to support the sculpture until the final rib (keystone) is put in place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuHkE8WUk2IR6zk-GLdRrXfwXrAMNnL87fBJbQ7zplQSZghtOURZ7WyUa8sFrs5koYvn-FqD4R4Gwn5OtwbiwkUPIWKHClyKGgpF7C86eUyEc_MqdNyUTs9l7SPNx8XeCLnlnxT5wT00/s1600-h/quantum-leap-charles-darwin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354310513480586882" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuHkE8WUk2IR6zk-GLdRrXfwXrAMNnL87fBJbQ7zplQSZghtOURZ7WyUa8sFrs5koYvn-FqD4R4Gwn5OtwbiwkUPIWKHClyKGgpF7C86eUyEc_MqdNyUTs9l7SPNx8XeCLnlnxT5wT00/s400/quantum-leap-charles-darwin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />An artists impression of how Quantum Leap will look.<br /><br /><strong>Quantum Leap Video</strong><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6BvzhhrU6iM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6BvzhhrU6iM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />This video is a 'virtual fly' through the Quantum Leap.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Live Quantum Leap Webcam</strong><br /><br /><img class="aligncenter" id="quantumleap" title="Live Quantum Leap Cam" alt="Live Quantum Leap Cam" src="http://archive.shrewsbury.gov.uk/webcam/quantumleap/ql00001.jpg" /><br />This is a view of the site of the Quantum Leap sculpture, Shrewsbury, as seen from the top of Theatre Severn.<br /><br />This image is updated every 2 minutes. Please refresh (F5) the page to see updated image.<br /><br /><strong>Update July 31st</strong><br /><br />The Quantum Leap, is reportedly incorrectly aligned and as much as 18in off course at the top of the structure. Dominic Wallis (helping leading the project) has even said it was possible that the allignment problem could not be corrected.<br />More info <a href="http://www.shropshirestar.com/2009/07/30/darwin-structure-is-out-of-line/">Darwin Structure is out of line</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Update September 28th</strong><br /><br />The Quantum Leap is now behind schedule and £100,000 above budget.<br />More Info: <a href="http://www.shropshirestar.com/2009/09/26/fresh-uproar-over-artwork/">Fresh uproar over artwork</a>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-57905035361532519012009-06-15T01:48:00.001-07:002009-08-21T07:00:23.460-07:005 Items Every Photographer Should Carry In There Camera Bag<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH40EFZwAP9GOozRWxR239NoHQQ0TeRw0USoa7tTihv3LvWGlTz9u6JTyLpxOQL3lkdOM8lH7A7kX3jVmJVhbDNWP6rvLb_2gUoyyYxAmIP36BCt9SGJsKHIl099HETInjjuBsbLrl3xY/s1600-h/camera_bag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372416551559683602" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH40EFZwAP9GOozRWxR239NoHQQ0TeRw0USoa7tTihv3LvWGlTz9u6JTyLpxOQL3lkdOM8lH7A7kX3jVmJVhbDNWP6rvLb_2gUoyyYxAmIP36BCt9SGJsKHIl099HETInjjuBsbLrl3xY/s200/camera_bag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>1. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%26field-keywords%3Dmemory%2520card%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Spare Memory Cards</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" /> - Memory cards are available in a wide range of capacities ranging from 256mb to about 16gb. But even if you are lucky enough to have a large capacity card say 8gb it is still a good idea to purchase another one because what if you lose it?, what if it is stolen? So it better to purchase at least one extra memory card to stay on the safe side.<br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%26field-keywords%3D%2520batteries%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Spare Batteries</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" />- You never know when your batteries will run out on you. Even though batteries don’t tend to run out that quickly nowadays, it is still a great idea to carry an extra battery. For instance if you were taking photos all day or for when you forget to charge the batteries the night before. So always carry a spare!<br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%26field-keywords%3Duv%2520filter%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">A UV Filter</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" /> - These are thin glass filter designed to screw onto the end of your camera lenses. They filter out all the harsh UV rays of sunlight. They will allow your camera's sensors to record truer colors and details. They are the best £10 insurance policy you can provide for your camera lenses. They not only protect your lens from scratches and dust but they can save a lens or two. In fact they have already saved a lens of mine, the filter shattered instead the glass in the lens.<br /><br />4.<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%26field-keywords%3DCircular%2520Polariser%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Circular Polariser Filter</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" /> - Do you like shooting water scape's, sunsets or other sky/water involved scenes, if the answer if yes then a circular polariser is essential. If it is no it's still worth getting one. In appearance they are similar to UV filters but they are much darker in color, usually a darker deeper blue. Lots of dust particles in the air are constantly reflecting the sunlight. This causes your eyes (and your camera) to see the light reflected back, and not the true, deep lovely colors of the sky.<br />The same is true with light reflecting off of water particles. Polarisers eliminate these reflections and they allow your camera to record the true blues, greens and purples of the water and sky. Polarisers also eliminate the harsh rays reflecting back from the sand. I wrote a more detailed review of the <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/05/circi.html">circular polariser</a>.<br /><br />5.<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%26field-keywords%3DTripod%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Tripod</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" /> - Well it isn't strictly speaking a item to put in your camera bag. But it is the key weapon against the devil(camera shake). A Tripod could mean the difference between a great photo and a horrible blurry one. If you want to completely eliminate camera shake then use your cameras self-timer or purchase a cable release.<br /><br />Buy one; but if you do find yourself without a tripod, you can improvise by resting your camera on something flat. Or by finding something to lean on such as a wall or a lamp post. If there is nothing at all to lean or rest on then stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and tuck your elbows into your body. These tips are not as good as using a tripod, but are better than nothing.</div></div>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-22253014769269286182009-06-09T13:31:00.000-07:002009-07-30T03:13:54.138-07:00Llandudno<div align="justify">Last Bank Holiday Monday I went to <strong>Llandudno</strong> in Wales. It was a lovely day but you probably can't tell that because I took most of these photos in the late afternoon.</div><div align="justify">The following day I went to Powis Castle. See previous post <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/06/powis-castle.html">Powis Castle</a><br /><a title="llandudno_beach-wide by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3603687804/"><img height="335" alt="llandudno_beach-wide" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3603687804_81185f074f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I took this at the end of the day. I had taken a similar photo earlier on but the photo was really spoilt by the sheer number of people.<br /><br /><a title="llandudno_coastline (2) by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3601301338/"><img height="335" alt="llandudno_coastline (2)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3601301338_0a72b34376.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I took this while on the pier. Llandudno Pier is the longest one in Wales at 2,295 ft. And the fifth longest in England and Wales.<br /><br /><a title="llandudno_logo by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3600489013/"><img height="335" alt="llandudno_logo" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3600489013_5baf2f7447.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I also took this while on the pier.<br /><br /><a title="llandudno_coastline by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3601302050/"><img height="335" alt="llandudno_coastline" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3601302050_98812c689a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I went on the <strong>Great Orme Tramway</strong>. I got on it on the last leave. I went up onto <strong>Orme</strong> and the views were spectacular.<br /><a title="llandudno_tram by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3600489631/"><img height="500" alt="llandudno_tram" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3600489631_1d26c5da69.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />This is a photo looking down on <strong>Old Road</strong>. Look how narrow it is. Its closed to through traffic but it is used by road vehicles for access to properties.<br /><a title="llandudno_graffiti by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3601301702/"><img height="336" alt="llandudno_graffiti" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3601301702_e24336bdeb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I took this while on the <strong>Great Orme Tramway</strong>.<br /><br /><a title="llandudno-cable_cars by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3600489319/"><img height="500" alt="llandudno-cable_cars" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3600489319_56a1c3c286.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />I took this on foot once I had reached the top. It shows the <strong>Llandudno Cable Car</strong> in action which is longest passenger cable car system in Britain. It runs from the Happy Valley to the Great Orme Summit (which is where I was). It was built in 1969 and fully overhauled in 2006. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">More info on:</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llandudno">Llandudno</a> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llandudno_Pier">Llandudno Pier</a></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.greatormetramway.co.uk/">Llandudno Tramway</a></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.attractionsnorthwales.co.uk/attractions/llandudno-cable-car">Llandudno Cable Car</a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-21787134360585150492009-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:002009-07-29T14:15:07.015-07:00Powis CastleI went on a day out to Powis Castle last Bank Holiday Monday. It was a lovely hot day. I didnt go into the house but I had a walk around the large gardens for a few hours and took some photos. It was quite hard to get some good photos because there were so many people there.<br /><br /><a title="powis_castle (5) by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567439405/"><img height="335" alt="powis_castle (5)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3567439405_b586290538.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I took this 'front on' photo of Powis Castle from the woods opposite the castle.<br /><a title="big_foot (2) by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567397177/"><img height="500" alt="big_foot (2)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/3567397177_e08cd52019.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />I found this large foot situated deep in the gardens. It looked a bit boring on its own, so i injected a bit of colour by painting its nails with pink rhododendron petals. What do you think of my nail painting?<br /><a title="big_foot by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3568208382/"><img height="500" alt="big_foot" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3568208382_6e876b0184.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A 'front on' shot of the big foot.<br /><a title="powis_gardens (2) by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567345667/"><img height="500" alt="powis_gardens (2)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3567345667_67792eda2a.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />This picture shows the lovely manicured hedges inside the gardens. <a title="powis_castle-broken_tree by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3568142490/"><img height="500" alt="powis_castle-broken_tree" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3568142490_dbda92b3d2.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />A picture of a hollow tree inside the grounds. I went inside it, in fact i stood up inside it!<br /><a title="powis_castle-satue by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3568121728/"><img height="500" alt="powis_castle-satue" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3568121728_04c726494d.jpg" width="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="powis_castle-statue (3) by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567309871/"><img height="500" alt="powis_castle-statue (3)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3567309871_1072d117e3.jpg" width="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="powis_castle-statue by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567309485/"><img height="500" alt="powis_castle-statue" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3567309485_0541f1f67a.jpg" width="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="powis_castle-knight by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567309311/"><img height="500" alt="powis_castle-knight" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3567309311_4e642ca84b.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />This statue is called "Fame”it is attributed to the workshop of Dutchman John van Nost, it is now in The Courtyard (see photo below). The piece seems to have been struck from the same mould as the Pegasus and fame supplied by van Nost between 1705 and 1716 to Sir Nicholas Shireburn at Stonyhurst, Lancashire.<br /><br /><a title="powis_castle-knight by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567309091/"><img height="500" alt="powis_castle-knight" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3567309091_70177fa33d.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />This view of Powis Castle is the view you see when you just walk inside the gate.<br /><a title="powis_gardens-avenue by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3568087676/"><img height="500" alt="powis_gardens-avenue" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3568087676_e94aec3175.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />I love the symmetry in this photo.<br /><a title="powis_gardens-arbour by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3568087446/"><img height="500" alt="powis_gardens-arbour" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3568087446_9ca8aefdde.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />And the symmetry in this photo.<br /><a title="powis_gardens by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3568087190/"><img height="500" alt="powis_gardens" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/3568087190_dcb5316a79.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />I love the red in the top right hand colour. And again the symmetry.<br /><a title="powis_castle (4) by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3568074124/"><img height="346" alt="powis_castle (4)" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3568074124_485524e3ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I also took this photo from the woods. It looks asthough its slanting to the left.<br /><a title="powis_castle (3) by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567261343/"><img height="335" alt="powis_castle (3)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3567261343_738aaf6e14.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I love this photo, its my favourite of the day. Its shows most of the formal gardens and the castle. I took it while I was on the lawns. I was resting on the grass and soaking up the sun when I saw this photo opportunity. I quickly picked up my camera and photographed what I saw.<br /><a title="powis_castle by sbunting108, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbunting108/3567260987/"><img height="335" alt="powis_castle" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3567260987_519a6d72b7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br />I hope you like the skies in all these photographs of Powis Castle, there deep blue colour. I achieved these great skies by using a circular polarizer filter. I did an article about my circular polarizer, in my <a href="http://photofingers.blogspot.com/2009/05/circi.html">last post</a>.<br />My circular polarizer (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005KHTB?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00005KHTB">Hama Circular Polarizer Filter 55mm</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00005KHTB" width="1" border="0" />)<br /><br />More info <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powis_Castle">Powis Castle</a>.<br /><br />For even more info on the history, horticulture, garden history, history of art, architecture, social history, natural environment and conservation of the castle, you can buy the official National Trust book on Powis Castle. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1843591308?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1843591308">Powis Castle Book</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1843591308" width="1" border="0" /><br /><br />Or alternatively for even more info you can buy the official National Trust Dvd on Powis Castle. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000JFZ740?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000JFZ740">National Trust - Powis Castle [DVD]</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000JFZ740" width="1" border="0" />sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848162323131502956.post-1989235562477834512009-05-30T06:17:00.001-07:002009-07-30T03:22:54.957-07:00Circular PolarizerI recently purchased a <strong>circular polarizer</strong> for my camera (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005KHTB?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00005KHTB">Hama Circular Polarizer Filter 55mm</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00005KHTB" width="1" border="0" />) and it's great.<br />You've seen all those photos on magazines with lovely blue skies, you've probably wondered how they managed to do it. This is where the polarizer comes in, it darkens blue skies turning them a lovely deep, rich blue.<br />Polarizers are also great with greenary, making leaves less shiny by removing the reflections.<br /><br />They are also great for removing reflections in water. If for instance you were shooting a river scene and you wanted to see the river bottom, a polarizer will allow you to do this. It does this by removing the reflections in the water.<br /><br />Even if you are not shooting in any of these situations polarizers will enhance the colour saturation with almost any subject making the colours looking more intense. <strong>Polarizers</strong> are the second most used <strong>filters</strong> simply because the effects they create can not be replicated digitaly yet.<br /><br />You are probably now thinking 'I bet this mother of all filters is really expensive'.<br />But it is not, I bought mine for just £20. Here is the filter i bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005KHTB?ie=UTF8&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00005KHTB">Hama Circular Polarizer Filter 55mm</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00005KHTB" width="1" border="0" />. It did everything I hoped it would do (everything above) and the cherry on the icing was that it was £10 cheaper than Jessops own brand and £20 cheaper than the same one in Jessops.<br /><br />Some other <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fce%26field-keywords%3Dpolarizer%2520%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Delectronics&tag=photfing-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Circular Polarizers</a>.<img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=photfing-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" /><br /><br />More info on <a href="http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Polarizer">Polarizers<br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>sbunting108http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710558091311068312noreply@blogger.com0