Image of the Week ( W/C 21st December 2020)

Colour makes a well deserved comeback to take Image of the Week. Taken at Pen-y-Fan Pond the crisp winter light and lack of wind served up a lovely mirror effect on the foreground of the image. I used a polarizer to add deeper colours in the sky and even the exposure .

Taken with the Nikon D3200 fitted with my go to lens for landscape with this body , the Tamron 10-24  

Settings 10mm , F7.1 , 1/125thSec and 200 ISO 

28th December 2020 

Pen - y Fan Pond

Pen - y Fan Pond

Image of the Week (W/C 14h December 2020)

Once again Black and White Rules. This image taken at Pen-y-Fan Pond a go to place to visit to get some images . To capture the height the photo is presented in portrait aspect the low winter Sun delivers long shadows to aid contrast . I like the wind turbines in the back ground that add 3 tall eliments within the composition. Leave a like on the website and comment 

Taken with a Nikon d3200 and Tamron 10-24 lens . Settings 19mm, F7.1 , 1/160thSec and 200 ISO

21st December 2020 

The Tall One (Click Image for Full View)

The Tall One (Click Image for Full View)

Image of the Week ( W/C 7th December 2020)

Black and White image maintains the prominance for last weeks Image of the Week. . Taken on Penarth Pier the strong sun light create solid constrast serving up complementry leading lines and dramatic sky sets off the background altogether a pleasing  composition . This photo, ticks off a lot of like box's and is not surprising it created  positive social media responce on 500px

Taken with a Nikon D2X fitted with a Tamron 10-24m Lens Settings 15mm,F8,1/125thSec and 160 ISO

14th December 2020 

On the Pier

On the Pier

Image of the Week (W/C 30th November 2020)

With the lifting of the travel ban,  been able to get out and about, Top image comes from a short trip to Roath Park Cardiff . Taken by the rowing boat storage area, looking out to the lake. It was quite dark in this area so I used the onboard flash to light the  foreground whilst maintaining the correct exposure across the lake and park  in the background 

Taken with the Nikon D3200 fitted with the Tamron 10-20mm Lens settings at 16mm, F6.s 1/100thSec and 400ISO. 

7th December 2020 

Boat House

Boat House

Image of the Week ( W/C 23rd November 2020)

Image taken looking across the Bristol Channel from Penarth. Very much a minimalist seascape capturing oncoming rain , which landed Penarth side 30 minutes after this photo was taken 

I enjoy taken dramatic sky images so this was a must and did get a lot of responce on 500PX.

Taken with the Nikon D2X matched with the Tamron 10-24 lens setting at 24mm,F7.1 1/125Sec and 160 ISO 

30th November 2020

Storm Clouds

Storm Clouds

Image of the Week (W/C 16th November 2020)

Despite some strong performance by a number of landscape images Top image last week, taken as an opportunety shot , a Japanese Maple leaf blown and stuck to my patio window . Been featured on the home page, I love the colour of the leaf in its Red Autumn coat , add rain and its a real statement about the weather at this time of year

Used Nikon D2X and for the first time with this camera  I used 50mm Prime Yongnuo . Its a cracking budget lens see link to Amazon for the Nikon mount. (Also available for Canon) 

Settings F3.2, 1/200thSec and ISO400 

23rd November 2020

Wind Blown

Wind Blown

YONGNUO YN50 50mm F1.8 Lens Large Aperture Auto Focus Compact Lens for Nikon Camera

Click Link  on Amazon

Image of the Week (W/C 9th November 2020)

Top image is again a product from the restricted travel in place at the time it was taken.

Location just a mile from home a field at the edge of  Caerphilly, afforded views of the valley entering Autumn with red and gold colours contrasting with green and blue . Used a polerizer filter to aid the colours in the composition 

Taken with a Nikon D3200 fitted with the Tamron 10-24mm lens. Set at 14mm F6.3 1/100Sec and 100ISO

1th November 2020

Autumn Colours

Autumn Colours

Image of the Week ( W/C 2nd November 2020)

Bit of wildlife photography takes last weeks most liked image . Thanks to a new bird feeder located just outside our patio door, great fun watching the birds chew down on all sorts of delights . This Sparrow taking some seed. Even though it was shot through the glass patio door got quite a bit of detail with crisp edges on the bird and a rich green background

Nikon D2X used sporting the Tokina 10mm F2.8. 

Setting F4,1/320thSec and 160 ISO  

9th November 2020

Sparrow Feeding

Sparrow Feeding

Image of the Week (W/C 26th October 2020)

Still life makes Image of the Week, a photo taken as a 52 frame challange  titled "reading glass's" I've used an old pair of my daughters glass's and the book is Sir Don McCullins Unreasonable behaviour, a great read well worth it real life adventure

Nikon D2X with Tokina 10mm used set at F4 ,100thSec , 160ISO . Light via 2 soft box lights 

Image on licence at ALAMY

2nd November 2020

Reading Glass's

Reading Glass's

Penallta Parc

Penallta Parc

Image of the Week ( W/C 19th October 2020)

Top image for last week was this landscape of the walkway at the bottom part of Penallta Park . Lots of contrasting and complementry colours with a strong leading line anchoring the composition 

Taken with the Nikon D3200 and Tamron 10-24 lens fitted with a polarizer to assist the colour.  Setting 13mm, F5,1/160thSec and 100 ISO

26th October 2020  

(Published in Western Mail and South Wales Echo 27th October 2020)

Max Spielmann

I've been a customer of Max Spielmann for over 30 years originally processing 35mm. A top end processing lab, that now offer a massive range of processing,.Still my go to company for Film processing, but I've also used their printing service, the canvas printing and mounting are outstanding 

My local shop in Caerphilly are amazing great customer service. 

Check them out Hit the link and see their extentsive offer 

19th October 2020

Image of the Week ( W/C 12th October 2020)

A macro of this beastie takes the Image of the Week slot , living on my Lavender bush sits there waiting to jack flys and other flying bugs nature is a beast 

This close up taken with Nikon D3200 fitted with the 18-250 Tamron set at 250mm F8 1/200Sec and 200 ISO , light supported by a Cobra Flash 

19th October 2020

Hunter

Hunter

Moat and Castle

Moat and Castle

Image of the Week ( W/C 5th October 2020)

Covid lockdown imposes more travel restrictions so location travel is out of the question, so back to my old friend for Images. This one tops the engagement on social media for last week . On a bright clear Autumn day the colours pop in this image of Castle and Moat , I'm lucky to have such a iconic castle on my door step 

Taken with a Nikon D3200 and Tamron 18-250mm lens set at 18mm, F8,1/200thSec and 200 ISO

12th October 2020

Image of the Week ( W/C 28th September 2020)

Second week an image taken last year and taken from unused stock hits the top spot . The Overflow at Pontsicilli image captured in black and white a format that always get positive responce when shared on social media. Great location just north of Merthyr Tydfil (see Map)  

Taken with the Nikon D3200 and Tamron 10-20mm Lens set at 12mm F9, 1/250Sec and 200ISO

5th October 2020

Over Flow

Over Flow

Image of the Week ( 21st September 2020)

Top image last week this Black and White photograph taken later part of last year at Kenfig Hill Pond , had an airing on Instagram but only realised to the  stock agency last week . Portrait aspect with lots of negative space interesting twist on what is a much loved genre of "Lone Tree"

Taken with the Nikon D3200 and Tamron 10-20 mm Lens set at 19mm,F11,1/60thSec and 200ISO

28th September 2020  

Kenfig Hill Pond (Click Image for Full View)

Kenfig Hill Pond (Click Image for Full View)

Image of the Week (W/C 14th September 2020)

All ten top images last week were Landscape, demonstrates the relaxing of the full Corona lockdown . At time of writing back in a local lockdown that impacts on location work, more challenges to creativety, more opportunety to tune up other skills 

Top image last week comes from a set taken at Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons  well worth a trip out when you can, I've attached a map for information 

Image is available for sale at Alamy

Photograph taken with a Nikon D3200 fitted with a Tamron 10-24 Lens set at 10mm F6.3 , 1/250Sec and 100 ISO 

21st September 2020

Llangorse Jetty

Llangorse Jetty

Image of the Week ( W/C 7th September 2020)

Top Image comes from a set taken at Penarth, a typical Summer day, raining, gray but very moody . The Bristol channel was clocked in mist , I spotted these 2 boats on the horizon . Processed to emphasis the mood of the day, soft and gray.  Negative space emphasis the expance of the view 

Wet days can be great days

Taken with the Nikon D3200, and Tamron 18-250 lens set at 250mm F6.3,1/25oSec and 200 iso

14th September 2020

Two Sails

Two Sails

Image of the Week (W/C 31st August 2020)

Taken from the top of Rhigos mountain view across towards Aberdare, the location is a pull in point and has the most stunning views looking down on Llyn Fawr Lake, I've attached a map, its well worth a visit, there are bench's to sit to relax and take in the best of Welsh countryside 

Taken with Nikon D2X and Tokina 11-16mm lens set at16mm F7.1 160thSec and 100 iso

7th September 2020

Craig - y- Llyn

Craig - y- Llyn

Image of the Week ( W/C 24th August 2020)

Top Image for last week has again come from a set taking at the Knap, vivid blue sky, great contrast to the earthy colours of the cliff edge path compliments the composition

Taken with the Nikon D3200 and Tamron 10-24mm lens. Set at 10mm,F7.1 1/80Sec and 100iso

31st August 2020 

The Knap

The Knap

The Knap (Click to See Full Image)

The Knap (Click to See Full Image)

Image of the Week ( W/C 17th August 2020)

Number 1 image for last week taken at The Knap Barry Island included a lone Sunbather to emphasis the scale of the Image. The Knapp a complete contrast to the popular Barry Island  beach. Pebbles as far as the eye can see . Well worth a visit with a sweeping walk to the headland and a park and boat lake behind the prominade (See Map) 

Taken with the Nikon D3200 , Tamron 10-24 Lens set at 13mm F7.1, 160th/Sec and 100 iso

24th August 2020 

Image of the Week (W/C 10th August 2020)

My Hydrangia's have been amazing this season and as well as bee's they've attracted me with my camera. This image has taken top slot for last week part of an ever expanding set I have of these flowers with Shutterstock licensing supporting efforts.

Another close up image taken with the Nikon D3200 / Tamron 18-250 lens set at 78mm, F5.7,1/160Sec and 200 ISO

17th August 2020

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

More Hydrangea
More Hydrangea

Image of the Week ( W/C 3rd August 2020)

Top Image last week was again a product of lockdown travel restriction taken between Machen and Caerphilly, this spot overlooks the valley. The road leads down to an Ice Cream cafe closed due to Corona , yet the sign warns of no parking, an irony I thought.

Photo taken with Nikon D2x and Tokina 11-16mm lens set t 12mm,f7.1 1/250Sec and iso 100

10th August 2020

No Parking

No Parking

Image of the Week (W/C 27th July 2020)

Our top image comes from a newly discovered walk, just below where I live, the Corona Lockdown has forced restrictions to travel, so looking for a location close by has been a challenging and rewarding past time.

This wide open space on the edge of Caerphilly, about 2 miles from the town centre is a gem, and on a Summer day offered up some image oportunities. This one of  twin gaints trees surrounded by the colours of Summer really hit the mark (See Map for location )

Taken with the Nikon D3200 Kit lens set at 29mm F6.3, 1/124Sec and iso 100 Fitted with a polarising filter

3rd Agust 2020

Twin Giants

Twin Giants

Image of the Week (W/C 20th July 2020)

Top image last week was this still life of yellow flowers, a get well gift to my wife. Whilst sitting in a vase I dropped a black cover as background sprayed some water to creat the dew effect, used the on camera flash defused through a tissue.

Taken with my Nikon D3200 and Tamron 18-250mm , I'm getting a warm feeling using this lens it's close up deliver is spot on and is ranking high on buy of the year. More to come with this combination of Lens and Camera

Settings 110mm,F13,200thSec and iso 200

27th July 2020

Yellow

Yellow

Image of the Week (W/C 13th June 2020)

Top image for last weeks comes from the end of my street, taken late evening with low setting sun coming from the right.Taken with the Nikon D2X that had an old 28mm manual Tokina prime lens . Its great piece of glass that produces great colours .

With restrictions on distance of travel lifting  time to start venturing further afield.

Can't Wait !!

Seetings for this image F6.3.1/125Sec and 100 ISO

20th July 2020

Evening Light

Evening Light

Image of the Week ( W/C 6th July 2020)

Again another studio photo tops the bill for image of the week.

I used a light box with a white background and a mirror base, oh no not again I hear but I'm a bit of a fan of this representation . (Check Link for Light Box's on Amazon) 

Taken with the Nikon D3200 Kit lens set at 55mm, F7.1, 1/160thSec and 200 ISO. Light delivered via 2 soft box lights.

13th July 2020

Amzdeal 16in/40cm Photography Light Box

Amzdeal 16in/40cm Photography Light Box

Face off

Face off

Image of the Week (W/C 29th June 2020)

Still life  taken the top slot this week , a single Viburnum Opulus  again another product of lockdown. This Snowball flower blooms April /May (UK) the tight packed petals lens itself to eye catching patterns I've put a selection far right for you to view and enjoy

Studio set up taken with the D3200 Kit Lens set at 38mm,f7.1 !/50thSec and 200 Iso. Soft box light

6th July 2020

Viburnum Opulus

Viburnum Opulus

Viburnum Opulus
Viburnum Opulus

Image of the Week ( W/C 25nd June 2020)

Another Image from my first trip to Eglwysilan Common, a classic leading line composition . The subject of the hill track solid, hard in nature, is contrasted with the soft feel of the clouds

Supported by contributors to 500PX and Instagram easily made the top slot of favoured Photo's for last week

Image taken using Nikon D2X , Tokina 11-16mm Lens set at 11mm, F11 1/250Sec and 100 ISO

29th June 2020

The Way Ahead

The Way Ahead

Image of the Week (W/C 15th June 2020)

Top image this week comes from a scouting trip to Eglwsilan Common. Due to the Corona Lockdown in Wales we're restricted to taken exercise within 5 miles from home. 

The common is 5 minutes  behind where I live on what was a very hot May Saturday I captured this gent walking on the track cutting through the hills with a shopping bag in hand I can only imagine he was taken a visually stunning walk up the valley . More to come from this location, (See Map)

Taken with a Nikon D2X fitted with Tokina 11-16mm lens set at 16mm,F11 1/250Sec and 100 ISO

22nd June 2020

Mountain Walk

Mountain Walk

Image of the Week (W/C 8th June 2020)

A Lockdown walk Image take's the top slot this week,. Northern aspect of Caerphilly Castle. part of a set taken of this side of the castle . Taken with a dramatic Spring Sky . Never get bored of the castle challenge is to find different views 

Used the Nikon D3200 and Tamron 10-24 Super Wide Zoom set at 19mm, F8 , 1/250Sec and 100 iso 

15th June 2020 

Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle

Image of the Week (W/C 1st June 2020)

Last week as with the 2 prior weeks the top Image of the Week is a still life studio image . Another product of Lockdown. A Macro photograph of a part blown Dandelion with water sprayed on the seeds.

Macro photography is a real challenge and as with all skills needs practice , I can assure you failures out way success ,management of the depth of field and light to get it right is a real test. As the say Test and Learn.

Taken with a Nikon D2X , Tolina 100mm Lens set at F14 (For depth) 200th/Sec , iso 100, Flash assisted and supported on a tripod 

8th June 2020

Dandelion Part Blown

Dandelion Part Blown