Photography Thread
Comments
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masjer said:
It looks like the trees have it tough at the best of times. Shallow free draining soil with dry summers?
I suppose after the fire, the organic matter must be stripped out of the soil, slowing any regrowth.
I think the 'soil' cover is very variable, and it certainly looks like whatever's left in the worst bits is very denuded. That said, there is opinion that the fire could, in the long run, be beneficial for creating an environment where other sorts of plants, especially the more Mediterranean ones, can get a foothold and even flourish.
That said, it's surprising what has survived such an intense fire, and I spotted a couple of small oaks, in the middle of charred pines, that seem to be ready with buds on the upper branches: it's clear that the most intense heat was at ground level, with badly charred trunk bases. I think the areas that suffered total devastation were the ones where the upper foliage also 'exploded' in fireballs. Those flames must have been 100-200ft high.
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It's all quite concerning really. The place could recover only for another fire to come along.
Spain has already had forest fires in March this year.seanoconn - gruagach craic!0 -
pinno said:
It's all quite concerning really. The place could recover only for another fire to come along.
Spain has already had forest fires in March this year.
Yes, forest fires are almost a certainty now with the intensity of summer weather. This year the rivers are already low, and they need sustained periods of rain through the spring to dent the deficit.
The only consolation is that last year's fire has at least cleared out the most flammable material in the forest here, so it would be much harder for it to spread for the next few years, as the bands of forest like the one in the photo are effectively firebreaks.
And yes, I'd seen the Spain forest fire... in March, it's nuts!0 -
Dry spring weather doesn't help.seanoconn - gruagach craic!0
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pinno said:
Dry spring weather doesn't help.
Normally Easter would be very showery here, but not a drop so far. One of the attractions to me of this area is that it actually has (normally) roughly the same amount of rainfall as Exeter, so has very varied and lush agriculture and vivid greenness, unlike Provence. Most of the rainfall happens in the autumn and the spring. It looks like that pattern might be changing.0 -
Anyway, today's walk... mostly flowers, as you're probably bored with big mountains.
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More boring postcards.
Still, on the plus side, I reckon I'm building a portfolio for a job with the tourist board, and I'll not need an estate agent if I have to sell the house before I croak, as I seem to have persuaded quite a lot of people with my photos that my house is in paradise.
On a serious note, I do find it harder to be interestingly creative when the subject is already pretty. I'm not even very good at being creative when it's not, but at least I've got an incentive to try.3 -
I think your theory the prettier it is, the less inclination there is to be creative is true. When scenery is less favourable (here), I often find myself thinking as much about what to try and leave out of a pic, as what to include. Weather conditions obviously become increasingly important. Come on weather!
My creativity comes in waves, but usually the tide is out.
I wasn’t going to, but here’s another flower (a pretty one, though)
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masjer said:
I think your theory the prettier it is, the less inclination there is to be creative is true. When scenery is less favourable (here), I often find myself thinking as much about what to try and leave out of a pic, as what to include. Weather conditions obviously become increasingly important. Come on weather!
My creativity comes in waves, but usually the tide is out.
I wasn’t going to, but here’s another flower (a pretty one, though)
Flowers are my standby too. Quite pleased to have a couple of wild tulips in my garden this year - a protected species here.
Agree with the "what to leave out" bit. My creativity tends to be limited to how to leave out pylons or wires, especially in France, as their electricity cabling is comically intrusive.
Actually, I feel really lazy when I take the same view for the umpteenth time, telling myself that the lighting is different, or some other crappy excuse. Ought to try harder, but the followers seem to like what I do. Jeez, I got almost 500 likes for a picture of a Lindt rabbit in my garden. Now I feel dirty.3 -
Sometimes it doesn't need a twist or an angle. Just as there are some really great portraits that are taken in a very conventional format, I think you should be able to do the same with a landscape. I also think there's a lot to be said for taking the same shot again and again in slightly different light until you find the right one. Or display them as multiples rather than single images. Creativity isn't necessarily doing something novel.briantrumpet said:More boring postcards.
Still, on the plus side, I reckon I'm building a portfolio for a job with the tourist board, and I'll not need an estate agent if I have to sell the house before I croak, as I seem to have persuaded quite a lot of people with my photos that my house is in paradise.
On a serious note, I do find it harder to be interestingly creative when the subject is already pretty. I'm not even very good at being creative when it's not, but at least I've got an incentive to try.1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition1 -
Not an evening to go venturing out. Brian, if you are still in France, I'd aim to stay a little longer.
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Red Kite leaving its nest, Rotherfield Greys, Henley on Thames. Certainly not a great photo or even a good one, but the first time I've seen a Kite from above as they are normally just silhouetted against the sky.1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition0 -
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That's like a micro version of Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall.briantrumpet said:As we were saying about creativity and plants...
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Ha, a creative head-on selfie. I've wanted to catch a feel of this corner for ages, and I twigged how to do it today. I'll admit it did take a few goes, as I worked out I had to ride close to the wall on the corner to get what I wanted.
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masjer said:
Not an evening to go venturing out. Brian, if you are still in France, I'd aim to stay a little longer.
Here till Sunday, then needs must. Yes, I've seen it's grim up north.0 -
Ain't nature bloody wonderful.briantrumpet said:As we were saying about creativity and plants...
How it's all evolved n stuff.0 -
From my run on Easter Sunday, felt like an appropriate image
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Wow, it's wild out there!
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More touristy tat... definitely a day when the HDR came into its own, as it was so contrasty that none of the non-HDR ones kept any detail in the clouds/sky at an aperture which suited the rest of the photos. The greens are ridiculous after last night's rain.
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I’m not sure that they qualify as tat (If you are serious?).briantrumpet said:More touristy tat... definitely a day when the HDR came into its own, as it was so contrasty that none of the non-HDR ones kept any detail in the clouds/sky at an aperture which suited the rest of the photos. The greens are ridiculous after last night's rain.
To me, they convey the grandeur of the mountain scenery. No2 works particularly well. Having little sky above the mountains seems to increase perception of scale, and the roads add to that.
Not exactly what I hoped for, a bit overcast, but nice reflections nevertheless.
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masjer said:
I’m not sure that they qualify as tat (If you are serious?).briantrumpet said:More touristy tat... definitely a day when the HDR came into its own, as it was so contrasty that none of the non-HDR ones kept any detail in the clouds/sky at an aperture which suited the rest of the photos. The greens are ridiculous after last night's rain.
To me, they convey the grandeur of the mountain scenery. No2 works particularly well. Having little sky above the mountains seems to increase perception of scale, and the roads add to that.
Not exactly what I hoped for, a bit overcast, but nice reflections nevertheless.
Nice - a decent reflection always improves a sunset.
And yes, I am vaguely serious about it being tat, as I just point and shoot, though I realise, from looking at other people's efforts, and some of the nice things people say, that maybe I have some skill in producing decent tat proficiently. Also, looking back at the tat I was doing here 10 years ago makes me realise I've got better at it, both where I point the camera, but in my light-touch editing (cropping, mostly, and getting the photos to display, as I remember them, on screen). The camera's auto settings do a lot of the donkey work too, cos I'm lazy. Oh, and knowing to junk a lot of the photos that I take. I could probably junk more, but on a decent walk, I like to 'tell the story', preferably with some flowers and birds to break up the scenery shots, and 20-30 photos seems like the right amount. I expect most people to flick through them, but to linger longer on ones they particularly like, and comment.
I think having the Facebook Page has helped - an appreciative audience in their comments, but where they put their likes focuses the mind somewhat on what Jean-Paul Public digs. Well, in my case, it's mostly Jeannes and Paulettes of a certain age and above. Just a bit annoying when I'm quietly pleased with a particular shot, but it gets fewer likes than more obvious (or weaker) shots.
Currently running at 107k post views in the past four weeks, and 50k interactions, so doing OK. Can't be bothered to try to monetise it though, as it's 'just for fun', and, I suppose, bringing smiles to people's faces. For all its faults, Facebook is still a pretty awesome way to share stuff and build a network.0 -
Why not? ...and then retire in France.briantrumpet said:
Currently running at 107k post views in the past four weeks, and 50k interactions, so doing OK. Can't be bothered to try to monetise it though, as it's 'just for fun', and, I suppose, bringing smiles to people's faces. For all its faults, Facebook is still a pretty awesome way to share stuff and build a network.
seanoconn - gruagach craic!0 -
pinno said:
Why not? ...and then retire in France.briantrumpet said:
Currently running at 107k post views in the past four weeks, and 50k interactions, so doing OK. Can't be bothered to try to monetise it though, as it's 'just for fun', and, I suppose, bringing smiles to people's faces. For all its faults, Facebook is still a pretty awesome way to share stuff and build a network.
1) I CBA to formulate/set up a subscription system
2) It would somewhat change my relationship with what I deliver and the people who 'consume' the product
3) I genuinely just like sharing the photos as widely as possible
4) I have a vague sort of plan anyway to spend progressively more time in France
5) F**king Brexit0 -
On a photographic note, often it's just about being in the right place at the right time, but that becomes more likely as you get to know how stuff works where you are and keep an eye out for possibilities. Below is the 'story' of a 10-minute hail shower last night. My house, at the bottom, got about two drops, and where I was standing got one - right on the lens. Fortunately I noticed.
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And on the creative front, I'm reasonably pleased with these ones from this morning's trip to the shops, getting angles I've not got before... I was trying to catch some of the overnight snow in the background.
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A nice coffee table book with the best 20 shots? A calendar?😉briantrumpet said:pinno said:
Why not? ...and then retire in France.briantrumpet said:
Currently running at 107k post views in the past four weeks, and 50k interactions, so doing OK. Can't be bothered to try to monetise it though, as it's 'just for fun', and, I suppose, bringing smiles to people's faces. For all its faults, Facebook is still a pretty awesome way to share stuff and build a network.
1) I CBA to formulate/set up a subscription system
2) It would somewhat change my relationship with what I deliver and the people who 'consume' the product
3) I genuinely just like sharing the photos as widely as possible
4) I have a vague sort of plan anyway to spend progressively more time in France
5) F**king Brexit1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition0 -
^^ A nice collection there ^^.
With a touch of dramatic weather, some nice light, interesting backdrops, French charm, and a twist of creativity, all traces of “tat” just disappear.
I know this won’t be to everyone’s/anyone’s taste, but I’m quite chuffed with it, especially the background rendering. Vintage lens wide open and no processing to speak of.
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rjsterry said:
A nice coffee table book with the best 20 shots? A calendar?😉briantrumpet said:pinno said:
Why not? ...and then retire in France.briantrumpet said:
Currently running at 107k post views in the past four weeks, and 50k interactions, so doing OK. Can't be bothered to try to monetise it though, as it's 'just for fun', and, I suppose, bringing smiles to people's faces. For all its faults, Facebook is still a pretty awesome way to share stuff and build a network.
1) I CBA to formulate/set up a subscription system
2) It would somewhat change my relationship with what I deliver and the people who 'consume' the product
3) I genuinely just like sharing the photos as widely as possible
4) I have a vague sort of plan anyway to spend progressively more time in France
5) F**king Brexit
There are a few ideas about how a book could work, and it's the sort of thing that probably would do quite well here, with the right text. But very few people get rich from books, especially niche ones, so it would probably feed the ego more than the bank balance. Plus, of course, I'm not allowed to work in France without a permit...
I suppose it would be easiest just to set up a funding page and to ask for donations to 'help with my expenses' (mostly bakeries and cafés), but I still CBA. I'd probably make more money with the mafffia (middle-aged French female fans) if I had a saucy channel removing cycling gear on request... mind you, I could combine that with the calendar idea... 🤔0 -
masjer said:
^^ A nice collection there ^^.
With a touch of dramatic weather, some nice light, interesting backdrops, French charm, and a twist of creativity, all traces of “tat” just disappear.
I know this won’t be to everyone’s/anyone’s taste, but I’m quite chuffed with it, especially the background rendering. Vintage lens wide open and no processing to speak of.
Thanks. The weather set isn't creative (it framed itself), but I'll credit myself with getting myself into the right place. I probably ought not to admit that I was actually there for what I thought might be a spectacular rainbow. This was the consolation prize.
Yes, I'll not argue that the town set isn't better than tat, as they aren't necessary obvious angles & framing. Especially pleased with the bottom one, as I've never got that 'tardif' building without intrusive cars, from other angles, and the light was perfect to get the texture of the walls.
In yours, interesting how the lens has 'processed' the out-of-focus stuff behind. It would have been interesting to compare with a modern lens... maybe it would have been just the same... dunno.0
