* Wed C&C "No Theme" Thread #720 on 2022 02 09 *

minniev · Feb 10, 2022

Turner is one of my favorites too, and I love to run into a Turner-esque scene to try and capture. Amazing light, and probably was amazing in its more “normal” presentation as well. But I like this, it leaps out at the viewer and demands attention, then draws us gradually into the center of the city, following color and line. Beneath the dam, I often take liberties like this to enhance the already strange lighting in terms of color and tone. So I feel at home in your Turner version of reality. A captivating image.

P3T3S said:
Whilst in Valletta a few years ago, I was experimenting with long exposures, and even though technically this is badly overexposed, I liked it more than the "correctly" exposed version. Turner is one of my favourite artists, and this photo reminded me of his style. If he had had a camera, would he have had holiday photos like this? I doubt it. He was so creative, I am sure he would have found something better. But it is fun to try to emulate his use of light.

Pete

Maltese Apocalypse

P3T3S · Feb 10, 2022

minniev said:
These are not my newest batch but some I was working up to illustrate how the "runways" of the dam structure can be used to frame photos. I hadn't edited them before but I have probably shared some similar.

These are not just examples of framing, but also of leading lines, using the slopes of the concrete and the arcs of falling water to lead to the birds. In the second, there is also a more complicated line, using the line of sight of the heron in the bottom left to lead towards the egrets.

The overall tone is more sombre than usual, which is not meant as a negative, but is just an observation.

Pete

minniev · Feb 10, 2022

Your sense of humor is recognizable nearly half a century later!

What a fun thing to share! Maybe we should all do the same?

Thanks for sharing your memories!

Mike Fewster said:
Not a brilliant photo, this is more personal record stuff and just happens to be the very earliest photo of mine, I came across it a few days ago.

I had taken photos earlier, going back to primary school. This is the earliest shot I have taken that I think still exists.

It is a card we made to send out to the family at Christmas. We were hoping it wasn't going to rain. That's my first wife (we remain good friends). She has the original and sent me a scanned copy . The tone range has suffered. It was a Yashicamat 635 camera. I was very into contrast at the time and remember that this was printed on Ilford Plastica paper and the paper was developed with X ray developer which gave very velvety black blacks on Plastica

Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

P3T3S · Feb 10, 2022

Kumsal said:

This photo should definitely by seen in the original size. The subtle, but attractive, lighting on the woman and dog are not as visible in the small version, and the dog and lamppost merge into one , but not so much in the large version.

As you say in the title, the woman and dog really transform the photo, by providing an interesting foreground and by making good use of that shaft of light. The buildings and cobbled street then become a very attractive background instead of having to be the main subject.

Pete

P3T3S · Feb 10, 2022

minniev said:
An exquisite scene full of geometry, harmony, and a touch of Star Wars magic. Something worries me a bit with it, maybe similar to what Roel mentioned, that I think is caused by the overbright day creating too much contrast. You caught all the detail but the sensor seems to have got flummoxed by the contrast. I could not resist playing a bit with it to tame the contrast a bit, reveal more detail in the trees, and bring the two blue tones (sky and door) into better harmony.

Chris Oly said:

The David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill, Ontario (opened in 1935) is Canada's largest optical telescope with a primary mirror measuring more than 1.88 metres (74 inches) in diameter. At one time the second-largest telescope in the world.

Click to expand...

I agree with Minnie. It is a fine composition and photo, but was a bit dark for my taste too. I think Minnie has done a good job of brightening the photo without blowing out detail in the snow or the building.

The blue door was well spotted and worked into the centre of a very symmetrical composition, which works very well with this subject.

Pete

P3T3S · Feb 10, 2022

RoelHendrickx said:
Another image from the quick Paris photoshoot of the weekend before last.

And indeed, another image that might be considered as a potential book cover.

This is the "Kiosque des Noctambules", an art installation by artise Jean-Michel Othoniel that was commissioned on the occasion of the centennial of the Paris metro system.

The installation, made of aluminium and Murano glass orbs, adorns one of the entrances of the "Louvre-Palais Royal" metro station (the entrance on Place Colette).

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Kiosque_des_noctambules

I got up early in order to photograph "Arts et Métiers" (last week) with an almost empty platform, and then took the metro to Louvre-Palais Royal to catch early morning light on the installation.

There was a previous photo (by someone else) in an earlier edition of the book, but for my tastes, the art was obscured too much by the busy background of leafy trees, because of the chosen angle. In that respect, winter was the better season. The typical parisian lamppost was a bonus that I had not anticipated but gladly incorporated.

Ample space at the bottom of the image is once again intentional : if the image is used on the normal book pages, a crop is possible. But that space can accomodate the title card without obstructing the Kiosque, if the image were to be used as cover.

Another fine quirky scene, which will fit very well in the book.

Taking an attractive photo, which you have, is one thing, but having to work in the restrictions required by publication is an interesting extra layer in the creative puzzle. Leaving space for text, for instance, or loading the dice heavily towards a deserted street, to allow the viewer to see the entire structure, rather than the top rising above a crowd of commuters, which may otherwise have been an interesting alternative.

And all crammed into the confines of a flying visit. Well done.

Pete

Kumsal · Feb 10, 2022

This photo really caught my attention!
The writing on the blackboard is red, but it's actually just a distraction.
Two young handsome people looking for something.
The man seems tense, so his tongue is clearly visible.
Are they both waiting with big eyes for the rain or for Santa Claus at Christmas?
A photo that no one would want to miss when it comes to their life story.

Mike Fewster · Feb 10, 2022

RoelHendrickx said:
Another image from the quick Paris photoshoot of the weekend before last.

And indeed, another image that might be considered as a potential book cover.

This is the "Kiosque des Noctambules", an art installation by artise Jean-Michel Othoniel that was commissioned on the occasion of the centennial of the Paris metro system.

The installation, made of aluminium and Murano glass orbs, adorns one of the entrances of the "Louvre-Palais Royal" metro station (the entrance on Place Colette).

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Kiosque_des_noctambules

I got up early in order to photograph "Arts et Métiers" (last week) with an almost empty platform, and then took the metro to Louvre-Palais Royal to catch early morning light on the installation.

There was a previous photo (by someone else) in an earlier edition of the book, but for my tastes, the art was obscured too much by the busy background of leafy trees, because of the chosen angle. In that respect, winter was the better season. The typical parisian lamppost was a bonus that I had not anticipated but gladly incorporated.

Ample space at the bottom of the image is once again intentional : if the image is used on the normal book pages, a crop is possible. But that space can accomodate the title card without obstructing the Kiosque, if the image were to be used as cover.

Immediate reaction. Robbie the Robot and friends having a joyous celebration. Checked "Noctambules" = Nightowls. The combination of slick, shiny metal and the old fashioned is very French. We are in the right ballpark so bonus marks to the artist.

The photo shot with an eye to dual-use is also ingenious so bonus marks to the photographer as well.

Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

Mike Fewster · Feb 10, 2022

minniev said:
An exquisite scene full of geometry, harmony, and a touch of Star Wars magic. Something worries me a bit with it, maybe similar to what Roel mentioned, that I think is caused by the overbright day creating too much contrast. You caught all the detail but the sensor seems to have got flummoxed by the contrast. I could not resist playing a bit with it to tame the contrast a bit, reveal more detail in the trees, and bring the two blue tones (sky and door) into better harmony.

Chris Oly said:

The David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill, Ontario (opened in 1935) is Canada's largest optical telescope with a primary mirror measuring more than 1.88 metres (74 inches) in diameter. At one time the second-largest telescope in the world.

Click to expand...

Interesting. I looked at the GMT and did some quick, very rough, calculations. I'd make that around 7.00am on a winter's morning. In this case, I think the original version has the tones about right. It feels as though it is still dark and that's OK with me.

Telescopes are work places at night. The steps look to have been trodden recently, we have closed up for the day.

The shiny white surfaces are what we have been conditioned to expect in space related images. As Roel noted, very Kubrick. Or maybe Star wars? Troopers? I think they built much of their imagery on Kubrick anyway.

I like it more and more.

--
Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

Mike Fewster · Feb 10, 2022

Kumsal said:

Are we in Erlangen Germany? It's a cold winter's morning. The tourists are yet to arrive. Most of the people we see might be students?

As an image, there are many elements here that don't visually link to each other. I tried to figure the direction the rising sun might be moving here. I think (I might be wrong) that the shadows would be moving anti clockwise? If so, in another few minutes, the long shadows from the girl and dog would have run between them and the statue and that would have tied things together. Of course, the young lady might not have stayed on that spot.

--
Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

Mike Fewster · Feb 10, 2022

P3T3S said:
Whilst in Valletta a few years ago, I was experimenting with long exposures, and even though technically this is badly overexposed, I liked it more than the "correctly" exposed version. Turner is one of my favourite artists, and this photo reminded me of his style. If he had had a camera, would he have had holiday photos like this? I doubt it. He was so creative, I am sure he would have found something better. But it is fun to try to emulate his use of light.

Pete

Maltese Apocalypse

Add me to the Turner fans. Years and years ahead of his time. He'd have been a camera owner for sure and he would have relished post processing no matter what the academy said.

Loved what you did here Pete. I had to have a play. I figured that Turner being Turner he might have tried for bigger boats. Besides, I have some new Topaz versions to play with.

--
Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

P3T3S · Feb 11, 2022

Mike Fewster said:
P3T3S said:

Whilst in Valletta a few years ago, I was experimenting with long exposures, and even though technically this is badly overexposed, I liked it more than the "correctly" exposed version. Turner is one of my favourite artists, and this photo reminded me of his style. If he had had a camera, would he have had holiday photos like this? I doubt it. He was so creative, I am sure he would have found something better. But it is fun to try to emulate his use of light.

Pete

Maltese Apocalypse

Click to expand...

Add me to the Turner fans. Years and years ahead of his time. He'd have been a camera owner for sure and he would have relished post processing no matter what the academy said.

Loved what you did here Pete. I had to have a play. I figured that Turner being Turner he might have tried for bigger boats. Besides, I have some new Topaz versions to play with.

Yes, that’s a cool version, and you are right, I feel sure that Turner would approve of the more prominent boats. Actually, something which fascinates me about the scene are the enormously long sharp shadows cast across the water by the masts of the boats in the glare cast by that large patch of light above them, which I suppose are spotlights. I didn’t notice the shadows at the time, but have enjoyed them ever since discovering them when I got home.

Mike Fewster · Feb 11, 2022

P3T3S said:
Mike Fewster said:

P3T3S said:

Whilst in Valletta a few years ago, I was experimenting with long exposures, and even though technically this is badly overexposed, I liked it more than the "correctly" exposed version. Turner is one of my favourite artists, and this photo reminded me of his style. If he had had a camera, would he have had holiday photos like this? I doubt it. He was so creative, I am sure he would have found something better. But it is fun to try to emulate his use of light.

Pete

Maltese Apocalypse

Click to expand...

Add me to the Turner fans. Years and years ahead of his time. He'd have been a camera owner for sure and he would have relished post processing no matter what the academy said.

Loved what you did here Pete. I had to have a play. I figured that Turner being Turner he might have tried for bigger boats. Besides, I have some new Topaz versions to play with.

Click to expand...

Yes, that’s a cool version, and you are right, I feel sure that Turner would approve of the more prominent boats. Actually, something which fascinates me about the scene are the enormously long sharp shadows cast across the water by the masts of the boats in the glare cast by that large patch of light above them, which I suppose are spotlights. I didn’t notice the shadows at the time, but have enjoyed them ever since discovering them when I got home.

Yep. I saw those mast reflections and thought they would enjoy more space.

--
Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

RoelHendrickx · Feb 11, 2022

P3T3S said:
Whilst in Valletta a few years ago, I was experimenting with long exposures, and even though technically this is badly overexposed, I liked it more than the "correctly" exposed version. Turner is one of my favourite artists, and this photo reminded me of his style. If he had had a camera, would he have had holiday photos like this? I doubt it. He was so creative, I am sure he would have found something better. But it is fun to try to emulate his use of light.

Pete

Maltese Apocalypse

A few thoughts.

1) I like the full view with those different flavours in the sky (the whispy clouds, the fuller clouds, some clear sky behind them) and the shape of the coastline.

But I also like Mike's crop, that concentrates on the boats anchored and emphasizes their shadows. Very cool. Sunglasses at night.

2) For a night view, this is of course vastly overexposed. If I had shot this scene at night, it would probably have resulted in something exposed properly for the shadow parts, realistic and very boring.

The overexposure and the freaky white balance that results, help you succeed in making something completely different, like a vision from a Sci Fi movie (one of the crowded planets of the Star Wars Galaxy maybe).

It's an idea I am bound to steal at some time.

3) The title. Provocative, but also full of cultural reference (at least for me).

I remember the scene in Francis Ford Coppola's movie, where light flares illuminated a surreal battle around Do lung bridge :

Do Lung Bridge in Apocalypse Now (FF Coppola)

And so of course I wonder whether that was an intentional reference, or serendipity.

--
Roel Hendrickx
lots of images: http://www.roelh.zenfolio.com

RoelHendrickx · Feb 11, 2022

Mike Fewster said:
Not a brilliant photo, this is more personal record stuff and just happens to be the very earliest photo of mine, I came across it a few days ago.

I had taken photos earlier, going back to primary school. This is the earliest shot I have taken that I think still exists.

It is a card we made to send out to the family at Christmas. We were hoping it wasn't going to rain. That's my first wife (we remain good friends). She has the original and sent me a scanned copy . The tone range has suffered. It was a Yashicamat 635 camera. I was very into contrast at the time and remember that this was printed on Ilford Plastica paper and the paper was developed with X ray developer which gave very velvety black blacks on Plastica

Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

A handsome couple there.

Your former wife, in this image with the eyes upturned and the sleek blond hairdo, reminds me slightly of some moviestar from back in those days (Sharon Tate, maybe?).

The image is fun, tongue-in-cheek (well, actually, tongue in full concentration on upper lip); whimsical and memorable. You were already clearly a man with a certain vision and a desire to execute that vision well.

Cool idea : sharing some really really old images that we made. Thanks, Minnie!

Mine would probably be from a holiday in Venice and surroundings. I played around with my father's camera on those vacations. But my shots are mingled with his.

The first real images that I have, and that I made on a trip of my own, with my own little camera, are from a trip to San Juan in Puerto Rico with a stop in NY City. (I was part of a folk dancing group, believe it or not, and our group (cute children in traditional farmers dress, from Schoten) was globally popular because Schoten hosts a global dancing event.) Next week, maybe.

--
Roel Hendrickx
lots of images: http://www.roelh.zenfolio.com

Kumsal · Feb 11, 2022

A very nice effect, the city seems to be on fire.
And as if clouds of smoke rise into the sky.
The sky is very beautiful in this photo just for the colors, the contrast of colors and the smooth movement.
I would not crop anything from this photo.

Kumsal · Feb 11, 2022

The observatory and the snow stand out on this gray day, I think it's beautiful.
The stairs, slightly covered with ice and snow, lead the eye to the blue door.

Kumsal · Feb 11, 2022

Both photos are very good, but I like the second photo better.
The watching bird draws my eyes to the flying birds, all three form a curve, which makes it more dynamic.

Kumsal · Feb 11, 2022

Yes, in Erlangen, Mike.
It was a fairly mild late winter afternoon.
Tourists rarely come to Erlangen, they prefer to visit Bamberg.
But we have a lot of foreign students.
And, the students make our city much livelier.

Mike Fewster · Feb 11, 2022

minniev said:
These are not my newest batch but some I was working up to illustrate how the "runways" of the dam structure can be used to frame photos. I hadn't edited them before but I have probably shared some similar.

Your Dam location now qualifies as "legendary."

The happenstance of light, lines, solid blocks, mists, calm water, foaming water and ethereal birds is sublime. Photography food. As you say, it provides frames as well.

Here, we have a sharp division between the calm of one side of the wall and the turmoil of water within the frame. It is a powerful and dramatic contrast.

I like the mono, green/brown toning you have used here. In the second shot, the framed area appears to be a little more blue and this brings out the white of the birds somewhat. It also delineates the framed area rather more from the foreground. I very much like the three stages of launch along the same line. Each bird, left to right, gets brighter and suggests the transition to the full glory of free flight.

--
Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

* Wed C&C "No Theme" Thread #720 on 2022 02 09 *

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