This last couple of weeks I have posted a fair number of night shots and I thought I would see the week out in the same fashion. This is one of my favourite subjects - Paimpont Abbey - seen in profile tonight from across the lake.
This was taken at ISO 4000, f/2 and 1/12 sec hand-held and as usual, the image is SOOC and is part of my ongoing OCOLOY project - you can read more about it in my profile.
Almost goes without saying that this one needs to be viewed on black!
Super moody. I do like it, although as you know, I might have taken a different approach. But yours is strong, and most legitimate. Oh dear, have I offended? I have offended a number of folks here lately, with my insistence on good "cold" technique. Sloppy technique for me can't be compensated for by "emotional" content. Sorry, that's just me and since this is a photography site and not a "slice of life" or "Instagram" clone, technique is the baseline below which I can't relate to. Oh well...
@frankhymus hahaha take a look around Frank, most people on this site are actually doing slice of life photographs in my opinion. learning technique is valuable so i am not discounting your opinions here, but we will educate you on the virtues of emotional content yet!
@frankhymus@kali66 Well Frank, you seem to be on a mission to make us all into Hymus clones when it comes to photography! Your interest is producing a 'technically perfect' image... judged by your criteria. Others on here have different and equally legitimate aims for their photography: some just want to do what Ross invites them to do on the welcome page and document a year of their lives. And there is no shortage of 'technically perfect' images on here that are about as interesting as cold, stewed tea. I guess your use of emotive phrases like 'sloppy technique' won't endear you to a lot of folk either.
I know you don't understand why I am working to a very strict framework this year... but it's my choice and I am learning a lot. This image was very carefully composed in camera and I varied the PoV and the exposure until I got exactly what I was looking for... and the EVF on the X100T showed me in real time the effects of my choices. I hope you're having as much fun as I am.
Not as technical a photographer as @frankhymus I have to admit that this photo really appeals to me. I like the drama in the sky and the beautiful reflection in the water.
Fascinating reading the comments here. I'm not going to wade in today ... However, Richard, I am full of admiration for your dedication to your project and your way of doing the year for your own learning. I like how you have highlighted the building here. And very moody as others have said.
Interesting How the reflection of the abbey seems to have greater dynamic range and detail, it would seem that the water has had a kind of neutral density effect to the reflected brightness of the abbey.
I probably would have been tempted to remove the white dots of light and their reflections and is one of the reasons why I prefer to edit my images. Even if it's only to remove the little eye catching distractions from the image I want the viewer to see. As you've stated, It's personal choice. I do like to see your images knowing that they haven't been edited. Good shot Richard.
@gamelee I think the problem is that in the direct view of the Abbey the highlights are slightly blown but not in the reflection. Overall, the dynamic range of the reflection is lower as you can see in the rendering of the trees. The dots of light are the street lights - it's interesting that in some cases you can see the reflection but not the light itself! My project is simply an extended exercise in getting it right in camera - I most certainly haven't renounced processing... indeed I miss doing it. I confess though that when I look back at some of my earlier images, I cringe at my heavy handednes!
I know you don't understand why I am working to a very strict framework this year... but it's my choice and I am learning a lot. This image was very carefully composed in camera and I varied the PoV and the exposure until I got exactly what I was looking for... and the EVF on the X100T showed me in real time the effects of my choices. I hope you're having as much fun as I am.
I probably would have been tempted to remove the white dots of light and their reflections and is one of the reasons why I prefer to edit my images. Even if it's only to remove the little eye catching distractions from the image I want the viewer to see. As you've stated, It's personal choice. I do like to see your images knowing that they haven't been edited. Good shot Richard.