weekly B-S'S 52 FOR 2015 Watery

I'm going to be contrary. Initially I thought that croping the branches on the rhs out would improve the composition, but having seen the edited image, I actually prefer the original.
It's almost as though the branches are pointing at the castle, directing your eyes towards it.

Like Lorraine, I love a good castle picture, and I think this is one :)
 
Cobra said:
I agree it looks better without the branches.
The original does look a little over sharp to me.
Somewhere between this version and the first perhaps?
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Your tempting me to re-edit now Mr Cobra,;)
I must confess I do get a bit heavy handed with the sharpen tool,:p

Thank you for looking in and commenting Sir, Always appreciated !! (y)

Manc Man said:
Fragile.

A great photo with very vibrant colours....

Scenic
#3 the one without the branches.
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Thank you !!! Much appreciated !! :)

LC2 said:
I'm going to be contrary. Initially I thought that croping the branches on the rhs out would improve the composition, but having seen the edited image, I actually prefer the original.
It's almost as though the branches are pointing at the castle, directing your eyes towards it.

Like Lorraine, I love a good castle picture, and I think this is one :)
Click to expand...

Thank you for reviewing again Tim,
I'm delighted you mentioned the branches leading in, that was my original thought, but without the masts and black conservatory. :)
 
Barney Strumble said:
Your tempting me to re-edit now Mr Cobra,;)
I must confess I do get a bit heavy handed with the sharpen tool,:p

Thank you for looking in and commenting Sir, Always appreciated !! (y)
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LOL sorry about that Barney.
(No not really :D)
 
Hi Barney, welcome to the 52's.

Fragile, lovely silhouettes and colours in the sky. I agree with a crop off the LHS.

Scenic, I prefer the castle, the edited version with the branches removed is better. Maybe crop the RHS so the castle isn't so central in the image?

A good start to your 52, good luck for the rest of the year.
 
I'm liking your edited version for Scenic, but loving the shot for Fragile! Colours, clouds, silhouette - all spot on!:clap:
 
Cobra said:
LOL sorry about that Barney.
(No not really :D)
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I thought so !! :p
I bet you'd like it, if I could edit a Lion in the image, I know I would. If I could. :D
(y)

Pinkbikerbabe said:
Fragile - a super take on the theme I like it very much.

Scenic two stunning images for the theme, I am not to keen on the processing used on the second image. And your edit on the castle works so much better without the branches.
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Thank you Mandy, your comments are always much appreciated !! :)
I feel another edit brewing.

Bruja said:
Definitely Scenic and much better without the branches (y)
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Thank you Jill, Your review is much appreciated !! :)

rpn said:
I quite like that and the colours too. However, just feel the image is a touch over saturated! :thinking:
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Thank you for reviewing Stan, :)
I must confess, I like the saturation tool, probably to much on times
I just like the vibrancy it adds, but I've wrecked a few by overdoing it. I think I'm a colour-holic !! :wacky:

The goblin said:
Hi Barney, welcome to the 52's.

Fragile, lovely silhouettes and colours in the sky. I agree with a crop off the LHS.

Scenic, I prefer the castle, the edited version with the branches removed is better. Maybe crop the RHS so the castle isn't so central in the image?

A good start to your 52, good luck for the rest of the year.
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Hi Marsha, Thank you for the welcome !! :) Your review is much appreciated !!
I see what mean being to central, I often forget to offset objects, but must agree it would look better to the right. (y)


XenosElaine said:
I'm liking your edited version for Scenic, but loving the shot for Fragile! Colours, clouds, silhouette - all spot on!:clap:
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Thank you Elaine, Your review and comments are always much appreciated !!! :)
 
Barney Strumble said:
I thought so !! :p
I bet you'd like it, if I could edit a Lion in the image, I know I would. If I could. :D
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LOL no problem, where would you like it? just to the right of the castle? :D
 
Cobra said:
LOL no problem, where would you like it? just to the right of the castle? :D
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Are you offering to place some wildlife in Sir, I would be most grateful if you are. I've not mastered the art of cloning yet, and would probably mush it.
Plus your Animal shots are much better that mine after all. (y) :)
 
Barney Strumble said:
Are you offering to place some wildlife in Sir, I would be most grateful if you are. I've not mastered the art of cloning yet, and would probably mush it.
Plus your Animal shots are much better that mine after all. (y) :)
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LOL I was actually joking, but it really isn't that hard ;)
 
WOW !! I've just finished my dinner, and come back to find this, Excellent work Chris, I really must learn how to do that, don't get me wrong, I know how to clone with one image, but never really tried using two different images, I guess it helps if the background is similar, I'll have to give it a try, I can see all sorts of wildlife turning up in Pemb's if I can suss it.
Thank you for taking the time to edit that Chris, really is much appreciated !!! it looks fantastic !! :ty: (y) :)
 
Barney Strumble said:
Thank you for taking the time to edit that Chris, really is much appreciated !!! it looks fantastic !! :ty: (y) :)
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No problem Barney.
& Yep you got it, try and find two images that are similar in colour & light intensity.
And of course with the light coming from the same direction.
This is the image I started with, place the lion layer on the background. (castle)

I then used the eraser tool on the background, of the lion,
then scaled to try and fit the picture.
A few minor tweaks, and then merge the layers.

You may find that easier than trying to clone directly onto the background,
from a second image.


View attachment 29050
 
Thanks for explaining the technique Chris, I'll try that. Your help is as always, much appreciated !! :)
 
Barney Strumble said:
Thanks for explaining the technique Chris, I'll try that. Your help is as always, much appreciated !! :)
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Feel free to nick that image of the lion and give it a try Barney :thumbs:
(right click and save as if you didn't know)
 
I just popped back in for a sneaky peeky, and I find a lion by the castle. I think it reminds me of Aslan from the chronicals of narnia, keeping an eye on his kingdom. And may I say @Cobra you have some pretty good cloning skills, I should hire you for my photos lol.
 
Pinkbikerbabe said:
And may I say @Cobra you have some pretty good cloning skills, I should hire you for my photos lol.
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Thanks Mandy & Very reasonable mates rates can be negotiated :D
And yes it does have a slight Narnia feel to it, not that I'd noticed until you mentioned it :)
 
Fragile - Nice colours and a good silhouette. I'd be tempted to crop one of the sides to move the subject to a third (I know rules can be broken)

Scenic - I prefer the edited castle shot although I'm thinking a slight rotation may help straighten it in the frame.
 
Hiya Barney, that's some cracking colours you've caught on the castle shot. I agree with Lorraine that a crop works better - and would be tempted to crop a bit further in on that right hand side to remove more empty sky (although the clouds are nice). I'm glad you waited till that pesky lion went away as I don't think he added much to the image ;)

I'm not a massive fan of HDR processing, so if I were processing it I'd probably reduce the sharpening and saturation a touch, but it's all personal choice and falls into the "punchy" category for me rather than "ouch"! :)

A good take. Would be interesting to see the castle at more of an oblique angle as a follow up shot if you're ever over there again...
 
Cobra said:
Feel free to nick that image of the lion and give it a try Barney (y)
(right click and save as if you didn't know)
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Thank's for offering your Lion for edit Chris, much appreciated !! (y)

Delta Skies said:
Fragile - Nice colours and a good silhouette. I'd be tempted to crop one of the sides to move the subject to a third (I know rules can be broken)

Scenic - I prefer the edited castle shot although I'm thinking a slight rotation may help straighten it in the frame.
Click to expand...

Hi Peter, I think I got carried away with editing jetties in the fragile shot, then forgot about composition, I'm thinking I should have placed the figure more to the left of the crop, I should upload the unedited version, I wanted more than just another sunset shot, I wanted a clear view out of the harbour image, A view as the fishermen of the time would remember, I'm sure you'll see what I mean if I upload the original.
As for that wonky Castle, what a pita that was to try getting level, I agree it still doesn't look quite right.
Thank's for the review Peter, much appreciated. :)

pjm1 said:
Hiya Barney, that's some cracking colours you've caught on the castle shot. I agree with Lorraine that a crop works better - and would be tempted to crop a bit further in on that right hand side to remove more empty sky (although the clouds are nice). I'm glad you waited till that pesky lion went away as I don't think he added much to the image ;)

I'm not a massive fan of HDR processing, so if I were processing it I'd probably reduce the sharpening and saturation a touch, but it's all personal choice and falls into the "punchy" category for me rather than "ouch"! :)

A good take. Would be interesting to see the castle at more of an oblique angle as a follow up shot if you're ever over there again...
Click to expand...

Hi Paul, I thought HDR processing meant stacking images with different focal range, I've just read something about tone mapping, but must admit I don't understand that subject much at the moment, I know I'm guilty of over doing sharpen and saturation though, and dropping highlights to much.
I like the sound of the oblique angle, I'll have to contact the management for access on that one.
Thank's for the review, and kind comments, Much appreciated !! :)
 
I must appologise for always being late to reply, I'm sharing the use of my Son's pc at the moment, until my laptop is repaired.
I've include one of the almost unedited versions of the fragile this time, and another view of the Castle, I was positioned just to the right of the Gates for the other shot,
Here's a couple of links for anyone wanting to find the Castle, with tale's of viper's and crazy going on !! "
A legend told of the castle's founder, Adam de Rupe, whose fear of a prophecy that he would be killed by a viper's bite led him to choose this isolated site. Apparently he was unable to avoid his fate, for a viper, concealed in a bundle of firewood, found its way into the castle and fulfilled the prophecy. "
http://www.castlewales.com/roch.html

View attachment 29214 View attachment 29215
http://www.rochcastle.com/
 
Week 4 Companions, I'm not really happy with this image, I was new to dslr at the time, and focusing was quite hard in the slight chop. that's my excuse anyway !! ;)
Lighthouse Keepers, Sadly a dying trade these days due to automation during the 80's, there would have been two keepers assigned to each lighthouse back in the early years, with monthly hand over, weather permitting ! The lighthouse pictured below was built in 1861, to replace the old structure originally built from timber and iron in 1776.
The old lighthouse brought about a change in lighthouse policy in 1801 after a gruesome episode. One of the two man team, Thomas Howell and Thomas Griffith, were known to quarrel,
and so when Griffith died in a freak accident, Howell feared that he might be suspected of murder if he discarded the body into the sea. :exit: As the body began to decompose, Howell built a makeshift coffin for the corpse and lashed it to an outside shelf. Stiff winds blew the box apart, though, and the body's arm fell within view of the hut's window and caused the wind to catch it in such a way that it seemed as though it was beckoning. Working alone and with the decaying corpse of his former colleague outside Howell managed to keep the lamp lit.
When Howell was finally relieved from the lighthouse, the effect the situation had had on him was said to be so extreme that, some of his friends did not recognise him.
The rules changed after this tragic event, and rosters of three men to man the light, at any one time was to become the rule. These groups of three men where known as,
Companions. :)

Message in a Bottle by still.driftingpembrokeshire, on Flickr
 
Thank you Mandy, Your comments are much appreciated !! :)
I love the Sea, but it must have been terrifying stuck out there in a storm. I was hoping to capture some Fin whale images on the day, with reported sightings in the area a few days earlier, but no show that day, but it's nice to just get out there anyway, there was loads of Storm petrel and Manx Shearwater about, but failed to capture them too,
It's easy to see which way the biggest waves come from though, judging by the washed out paint work facing the West. Hoping to get back out there for some better shots this year.
Thanks again for viewing and commenting !! :)
 
I wasn't quite sure how the lighthouse fitted the companions theme, until I read the narrative,
that's an interesting story :thumbs:
 
Wondered about the picture at first but the explanation was most interesting; I did not know that. From a technical point of view I feel the picture could have been a bit brighter but the subject matter itself is well shot.
 
Cobra said:
I wasn't quite sure how the lighthouse fitted the companions theme, until I read the narrative,
that's an interesting story (y)
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Cheers Chris, One of my favourite tales of the Sea that one, it's a shame I didn't get a better capture of all the Atlantic Grey Seals that live around the rocks, most of them keep to the shallower side of the rocks to avoid predators like sharks and the occasional Killer Whale, that lurk in the deeper waters to the West. That would be a sight I'd like to capture.
Thanks for looking in and commenting, Much appreciated !! (y)

ShinySideUp said:
Wondered about the picture at first but the explanation was most interesting; I did not know that. From a technical point of view I feel the picture could have been a bit brighter but the subject matter itself is well shot.
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Thank you Martin, The darkness is probably my overdoing again ! the original was way to bright in my opinion, so dropped the highlights almost all the way, I find that helps rid any glare,
Thanks for looking in and commenting, Much appreciated !! (y)
 
Well not wanting to fall behind, I thought of visiting the beach yesterday, in search of Elegant. Then I noticed special agent 007 James Swan, waddling out of the sea, with great elegance, lol, not the best I feel, but was quite happy with focus. :)
Elegant by the Seaside.
Elegance by the Seaside by still.driftingpembrokeshire, on Flickr
 
Barney Strumble said:
Then I noticed special agent 007 James Swan, waddling out of the sea,
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Wot no cygnet ture tune? :D

Nice close up Barney, but I'd try a slight levels boost, to highlight the swan a bit more.

BTW fixed the linky for you.
 
LOL !! Nice one Chris, All tunes were Mute at the time Im affraid ! :exit:
Are you sayin I've dropped my highlights to much again ! lol, :D
Thank you very kindly for fixing that link, I try, honest, I do, but every time it don't work and I give up ! lol ! :eek:
but I will read that helpful thread on the subject again, and get it right next time, maybe, hopefully !! :)
Cheers for the review Chris, Much appreciated !! (y)
 
Companions: great story behind the photo.

Elegant ; Swan elegant indeed. Like the crop. looks like he was still at the time. They tend to move when they see me coming.
 
Pinkbikerbabe said:
Elegant - again the young man Cobra has got it spot on the money with his crit. I like the image I agree they are very elegant birds, I only wish my own photos of swans did them justice.
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Thanks Mandy, Much appreciated !! You shouldn't knock your own captures though, they really are very good, and better lighting than mine IMHO. (y)

Cobra said:
What no time to Penn a new one then? :p
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I don't think he was in the mood Chris, seemed to have a bit of a Cob on,, ;)

HeartandSoul said:
Companions: great story behind the photo.

Elegant ; Swan elegant indeed. Like the crop. looks like he was still at the time. They tend to move when they see me coming.
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Thank you Mandy, Much appreciated !!
Yes he was pretty still, I was hoping to catch him stretching his wings but just missed the opportunity, the only problem with this Swan, is he's to tame, and will happily walk right up inches away from your feet, that's not really a problem of course, it's wonderful, but to close for my 75-300mm to focus, lol. :)

Thank you all for taking the time to review my images, really is much appreciated !! :)
I have one more submission for Elegant if that's okay, the focus is worse on this one, but I think the composition is better.
Elegance II - Soft Focus by still.driftingpembrokeshire, on Flickr
 
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