1st January, 2020
And we're off! Staying up to see the New Year in gives a head start to my challenge of a photo a day. I chose this image because it's my first successful attempt at long exposure to capture a firework explosion! What I learned is that I need to choose a location and stay there; it's impossible to capture such an image by anticipation.
My settings were 1.3 secs, F5.6 and ISO 800.
And we're off! Staying up to see the New Year in gives a head start to my challenge of a photo a day. I chose this image because it's my first successful attempt at long exposure to capture a firework explosion! What I learned is that I need to choose a location and stay there; it's impossible to capture such an image by anticipation.
My settings were 1.3 secs, F5.6 and ISO 800.
2nd January, 2020
I had a few images I wanted to try and capture in mind this morning having resolved to get out early. The weather map wasn't clear whether I'd be able to achieve a sunrise, so I chose a location with another element just in case. I'm making use of other apps to see in which direction the sun/moon rises and sets (TPE) as well as Google Maps for 3D images to help with location for a chosen subject.
Arriving three quarters an hour before sunrise was due at my selected location, I was delighted to see a fleets of small fishing boats just off the beach. Trying to get sharp photos as they moved in the sea swell, not over-expose the lights as well as cope with near darkness wasn't easy. Good practice though.
The photo I have chosen for today was one I felt I could see mounted on a wall. It was a bonus as it was not how I envisaged this capture turning out and reminded me that it's always worth keeping an open mind and looking around when one scenario doesn't materialise.
Settings: 0.8 secs, F7.1 and ISO 400
I had a few images I wanted to try and capture in mind this morning having resolved to get out early. The weather map wasn't clear whether I'd be able to achieve a sunrise, so I chose a location with another element just in case. I'm making use of other apps to see in which direction the sun/moon rises and sets (TPE) as well as Google Maps for 3D images to help with location for a chosen subject.
Arriving three quarters an hour before sunrise was due at my selected location, I was delighted to see a fleets of small fishing boats just off the beach. Trying to get sharp photos as they moved in the sea swell, not over-expose the lights as well as cope with near darkness wasn't easy. Good practice though.
The photo I have chosen for today was one I felt I could see mounted on a wall. It was a bonus as it was not how I envisaged this capture turning out and reminded me that it's always worth keeping an open mind and looking around when one scenario doesn't materialise.
Settings: 0.8 secs, F7.1 and ISO 400
3rd January, 2020
My photo for today is selected from a number of possibilities as I concentrated on composition. The main elements I was thinking of were, leading lines, balance & symmetry, reflections, rule of thirds and framing. The image of the inside of the church includes three of these elements.
1/5th second, ISO 3200, fish eye
My photo for today is selected from a number of possibilities as I concentrated on composition. The main elements I was thinking of were, leading lines, balance & symmetry, reflections, rule of thirds and framing. The image of the inside of the church includes three of these elements.
1/5th second, ISO 3200, fish eye
4th January, 2020
An overcast day and I thought it unlikely that a landscape image with which I'd be happy, would be possible. I wanted to suss out some places for sunrise/sunset captures and went to the coast to investigate. The sea was gentle and I thought it a good opportunity to play with filters again. I am more than happy with the outcome with my photo for today and think the light today worked better than a setting sun would.
0.8 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
An overcast day and I thought it unlikely that a landscape image with which I'd be happy, would be possible. I wanted to suss out some places for sunrise/sunset captures and went to the coast to investigate. The sea was gentle and I thought it a good opportunity to play with filters again. I am more than happy with the outcome with my photo for today and think the light today worked better than a setting sun would.
0.8 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
5th January, 2020
A bonus trip out this morning when I noticed that the recent cloud cover had begun to dissipate and I could see some stars. Heading towards a recently identified spot for a sunrise, I just had time to have a quick look around as to where I would stand for the imminent rise of the sun.
I managed to capture several images which I liked, however the one I have chosen for today was one I purposefully looked for as gulls kept circling and passing through a beam of sunlight across the sea.
1/400 secs, F7.1, ISO 500
A bonus trip out this morning when I noticed that the recent cloud cover had begun to dissipate and I could see some stars. Heading towards a recently identified spot for a sunrise, I just had time to have a quick look around as to where I would stand for the imminent rise of the sun.
I managed to capture several images which I liked, however the one I have chosen for today was one I purposefully looked for as gulls kept circling and passing through a beam of sunlight across the sea.
1/400 secs, F7.1, ISO 500
6th January, 2020
I thought that today I'd be posting a different image rather than landscape, however, out for a walk and I spotted such a classic composition with contrasting colours, that I decided to choose it for my photo of the day. It is a simple image and uncomplicated often works.
1/800 secs, F7.1, ISO 125
I thought that today I'd be posting a different image rather than landscape, however, out for a walk and I spotted such a classic composition with contrasting colours, that I decided to choose it for my photo of the day. It is a simple image and uncomplicated often works.
1/800 secs, F7.1, ISO 125
7th January, 2020
I had taken a few photos on the beach this morning including some close ups of parakeets, however I wasn't overly thrilled with the results. I was wanting to practise focussing to get as clear an image as possible and a subject came into view; one of our cats. I was in luck as he sat still whilst I zoomed in and focussed on his eyes. I was pleased with the result.
1/2000 sec, F7.1, ISO 2500
I had taken a few photos on the beach this morning including some close ups of parakeets, however I wasn't overly thrilled with the results. I was wanting to practise focussing to get as clear an image as possible and a subject came into view; one of our cats. I was in luck as he sat still whilst I zoomed in and focussed on his eyes. I was pleased with the result.
1/2000 sec, F7.1, ISO 2500
8th January, 2020
I came across my macro lenses the other day and had wanted to find an opportunity to practise focussing at close range. Not having time to look further than the garden today, I spotted a lemon and thought it would make a good subject. I love the detail and shapes captured by my lens and shall have to remember to take it with me at times to capture different images other than landscapes.
1/80th secs. F7.1, ISO 160
I came across my macro lenses the other day and had wanted to find an opportunity to practise focussing at close range. Not having time to look further than the garden today, I spotted a lemon and thought it would make a good subject. I love the detail and shapes captured by my lens and shall have to remember to take it with me at times to capture different images other than landscapes.
1/80th secs. F7.1, ISO 160
9th January, 2020
Had notification yesterday that I am in the top 10% of photographers for the second year running in Viewbug, a community of photographers. Don't think it's of much significance, however it's at the least a small recognition!
My photo for today is one I imagined before I went to the location. Knowing the area quite well, I think of locations when in the gym and then make a decision when I see what the weather is like later. The weather was overcast with a thick blanket of cloud, however there seemed to be colour low on the horizon. The image I have chosen incorporates more composition elements than the others I took.
1/320 secs, F7.1, ISO 160
Had notification yesterday that I am in the top 10% of photographers for the second year running in Viewbug, a community of photographers. Don't think it's of much significance, however it's at the least a small recognition!
My photo for today is one I imagined before I went to the location. Knowing the area quite well, I think of locations when in the gym and then make a decision when I see what the weather is like later. The weather was overcast with a thick blanket of cloud, however there seemed to be colour low on the horizon. The image I have chosen incorporates more composition elements than the others I took.
1/320 secs, F7.1, ISO 160
10th January, 2020
I thought about capturing a sunset, however never went further than the thought because I playing around with settings on my new camera. There's quite a bit to learn if I want to get the most out of my new acquisition and especially before my trip in March to Norway. I'm concentrating on histograms to help make sure I have a reasonable range of tones and no blownout highlights as well as using hyperfocal distance to ensure sharp images.
My photo for today was achieved using these techniques.
1/160 secs, F16, ISO 100
I thought about capturing a sunset, however never went further than the thought because I playing around with settings on my new camera. There's quite a bit to learn if I want to get the most out of my new acquisition and especially before my trip in March to Norway. I'm concentrating on histograms to help make sure I have a reasonable range of tones and no blownout highlights as well as using hyperfocal distance to ensure sharp images.
My photo for today was achieved using these techniques.
1/160 secs, F16, ISO 100
11th January, 2020
First time out with a local walking group which will not only help me maintain fitness, I shall also get to find other areas to take photos. Most of the time when walking, it's not easy to stop and take meaningful photos, however if any locations look promising I can always go back later when perhaps the light is better as well.
The photo I have chosen is one I visualised before we arrived at the meeting point. It was early enough in the morning for the lioght to still be good.
1/160 secs, F14, ISO 200
First time out with a local walking group which will not only help me maintain fitness, I shall also get to find other areas to take photos. Most of the time when walking, it's not easy to stop and take meaningful photos, however if any locations look promising I can always go back later when perhaps the light is better as well.
The photo I have chosen is one I visualised before we arrived at the meeting point. It was early enough in the morning for the lioght to still be good.
1/160 secs, F14, ISO 200
12th January, 2020
Unexpected trip to a local location which afforded some mountain views. It wasn't the best time of day to try to capture something special, however it does still five me a chance to concentrate on composure.
The mountain view I've chosen for today includes several important elements and as it was achieved by a high climb up a narrow castle tower, I had a sense of achievement in other areas too!
Unexpected trip to a local location which afforded some mountain views. It wasn't the best time of day to try to capture something special, however it does still five me a chance to concentrate on composure.
The mountain view I've chosen for today includes several important elements and as it was achieved by a high climb up a narrow castle tower, I had a sense of achievement in other areas too!
13th January, 2020
Super pleased with this image. I'd worked out everything I could, such as where the sun would go down in relation to the rocks, what time to get there and composition. It's my best effort to date and this is just the first month of going for a photo a day which I feel I am creating and not simply snapping.
0.5 secs, F14, ISO 100
Super pleased with this image. I'd worked out everything I could, such as where the sun would go down in relation to the rocks, what time to get there and composition. It's my best effort to date and this is just the first month of going for a photo a day which I feel I am creating and not simply snapping.
0.5 secs, F14, ISO 100
14th January, 2020
Trying to use light conditions I have taken another photo of the sun rising on our tallest local mountain. I'm using post processing techniques to emphasis and make the image of more interest without distorting that which I see. I feel more that I am creating and not simply snapping nowadays which makes me feel that I am moving in the direction where I'll achieve more satisfaction with my work. Already this month I can look back and see significant changes. I like what's going on!
1/20 secs, F14, ISO 100
Trying to use light conditions I have taken another photo of the sun rising on our tallest local mountain. I'm using post processing techniques to emphasis and make the image of more interest without distorting that which I see. I feel more that I am creating and not simply snapping nowadays which makes me feel that I am moving in the direction where I'll achieve more satisfaction with my work. Already this month I can look back and see significant changes. I like what's going on!
1/20 secs, F14, ISO 100
15th January, 2020
Another corker of a sunrise this morning. I am making the most of being able to leave home at reasonable hours to capture images. It will only be a few more weeks when the effort will be much greater!
4 secs, F14, ISO 100
Another corker of a sunrise this morning. I am making the most of being able to leave home at reasonable hours to capture images. It will only be a few more weeks when the effort will be much greater!
4 secs, F14, ISO 100
16th January, 2020
Another day another sunrise. I wasn't sure what to expect as there were no clouds. However I wasn't disappointed as the sun started to rise out of the sea on the horizon. It's so magical watching a new day dawn even though it is getting noticeably colder.
I must remember to set the aperture correctly as well. I know that to get lights pinpoint sharp, the aperture needs to be small. I went the opposite way which didn't matter in the end as the light increased, fortunately!
1/640 secs, F4.5, ISO 100.
Another day another sunrise. I wasn't sure what to expect as there were no clouds. However I wasn't disappointed as the sun started to rise out of the sea on the horizon. It's so magical watching a new day dawn even though it is getting noticeably colder.
I must remember to set the aperture correctly as well. I know that to get lights pinpoint sharp, the aperture needs to be small. I went the opposite way which didn't matter in the end as the light increased, fortunately!
1/640 secs, F4.5, ISO 100.
17th January, 2020
I had intended to go to the beach and play around with waves, rocks, filters and long exposure. However, sometimes life intervenes and instead I found myself travelling in the opposite direction from the sea. Knowing there was a reservoir in the area to where I was headed however, gave me a chance to use long exposure techniques on the clouds. Unfortunately the wind wasn't strong enough to move the clouds fast enough the create much distortion of the clouds.
I had a chance to look around the lake and found another prespective which was pleasing. I've chosen the long exposure for today's photo as it did give a bit more to the image rather than the straightforward exposure.
41 secs, F5.0, ISO 100
I had intended to go to the beach and play around with waves, rocks, filters and long exposure. However, sometimes life intervenes and instead I found myself travelling in the opposite direction from the sea. Knowing there was a reservoir in the area to where I was headed however, gave me a chance to use long exposure techniques on the clouds. Unfortunately the wind wasn't strong enough to move the clouds fast enough the create much distortion of the clouds.
I had a chance to look around the lake and found another prespective which was pleasing. I've chosen the long exposure for today's photo as it did give a bit more to the image rather than the straightforward exposure.
41 secs, F5.0, ISO 100
18th January, 2020
Rain was forecast, however the hope was that it would hold off long enough to get in a walk. Starting off out of the village meeting point was hard and steep. As we rose higher, each time we stopped for a rest, spots of rain became more persistent. I managed a few photos, however the one I was most pleased with was just before a shower hit us and the decision was made to turn back. My camera was safely packed away anyway so I wasn't looking for possible images and was happy to turn back.
1/50 sec. F16, ISO 100
Rain was forecast, however the hope was that it would hold off long enough to get in a walk. Starting off out of the village meeting point was hard and steep. As we rose higher, each time we stopped for a rest, spots of rain became more persistent. I managed a few photos, however the one I was most pleased with was just before a shower hit us and the decision was made to turn back. My camera was safely packed away anyway so I wasn't looking for possible images and was happy to turn back.
1/50 sec. F16, ISO 100
19th January, 2020
With the help and guidance of an Australian photographer, I feel I am really beginning to create the sort of photos which really please me. Just having someone of note who will critique my work, gives me a confidence to experiemtn much more, both with composition and post processing. I still have to learn to develop my own style which will then help to determine how I approach my captures, however I feel more confident that I'll get there now. It's so nice to meet people who just want to help as well and not the numerous number of people offering courses for which large sums of money are requested.
The image I've chosen for today is one of three that I like. In this image I feel I have been able to capture the rolling waves coming in which meant a bit of experimentation using long exposures.
0.6 secs, F16, ISO 100
With the help and guidance of an Australian photographer, I feel I am really beginning to create the sort of photos which really please me. Just having someone of note who will critique my work, gives me a confidence to experiemtn much more, both with composition and post processing. I still have to learn to develop my own style which will then help to determine how I approach my captures, however I feel more confident that I'll get there now. It's so nice to meet people who just want to help as well and not the numerous number of people offering courses for which large sums of money are requested.
The image I've chosen for today is one of three that I like. In this image I feel I have been able to capture the rolling waves coming in which meant a bit of experimentation using long exposures.
0.6 secs, F16, ISO 100
20th January, 2020
My photo of today is one which I feel really pleased. It's not easy to create impact when there's so much white about, however I made sure I composed the image with just enough greenery in the foreground. The hills in the middle distance were in shade which contrasted with the whilte of the snow on the mountain. I finished up with the type of atmospheric image which I like a lot.
1/800 secs, F5.6 ISO 200
My photo of today is one which I feel really pleased. It's not easy to create impact when there's so much white about, however I made sure I composed the image with just enough greenery in the foreground. The hills in the middle distance were in shade which contrasted with the whilte of the snow on the mountain. I finished up with the type of atmospheric image which I like a lot.
1/800 secs, F5.6 ISO 200
21st January, 2020
A visit into Malaga today and a walk through the port area yielded a photo opportunity of a galleon mooring near to the lighthouse. I decided to have a go at created a 3D effect and although I like it when looking at my laptop, I'm not sure I'd dare print it off and hang it on a wall.
I ordered some prints on canvas today! I felt I needed to put I an order before I decided I'd wait. I shall pick them up next week and will hope it isn't money wasted.
1/400 secs, F11, ISO 100
A visit into Malaga today and a walk through the port area yielded a photo opportunity of a galleon mooring near to the lighthouse. I decided to have a go at created a 3D effect and although I like it when looking at my laptop, I'm not sure I'd dare print it off and hang it on a wall.
I ordered some prints on canvas today! I felt I needed to put I an order before I decided I'd wait. I shall pick them up next week and will hope it isn't money wasted.
1/400 secs, F11, ISO 100
22nd January, 2020
A day of rain and one which required a stay indoors to await visitors. I did have a go with my macro lens to capture water droplets, however and was pleased with one image which captured a droplet within a droplet. Once the rain eased a little just before sunset, I ventured out onto the upper terrace to see if I'd be lucky with colours creeping through. They didn't, however the cloud formations were spectacular and this is the image I've chosen for today.
1/10 secs. F7.1, ISO 100
A day of rain and one which required a stay indoors to await visitors. I did have a go with my macro lens to capture water droplets, however and was pleased with one image which captured a droplet within a droplet. Once the rain eased a little just before sunset, I ventured out onto the upper terrace to see if I'd be lucky with colours creeping through. They didn't, however the cloud formations were spectacular and this is the image I've chosen for today.
1/10 secs. F7.1, ISO 100
23rd January, 2020
Forecast rain continues and it's not only humans getting wet. I watched the parakeets and decided to focus in on them.
1/250 secs, F14, ISO 1600
Forecast rain continues and it's not only humans getting wet. I watched the parakeets and decided to focus in on them.
1/250 secs, F14, ISO 1600
24th January, 2020
Another rainy day and a trip to a local town. I tried to highlight the rtoad out of the town towards the coast whilst retaining the feel of an urban area near to the sea.
1/500 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
Another rainy day and a trip to a local town. I tried to highlight the rtoad out of the town towards the coast whilst retaining the feel of an urban area near to the sea.
1/500 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
25th January, 2020
The last day of forecast rain and we decided to try over the other side of the mountain rain to see if things were different. It looked positive for a while and then the cloud closed in and the heavens opened.
I was pleased with the way my camera and I coped in our raincoats! All good practice for Norway in March.
1/500 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
The last day of forecast rain and we decided to try over the other side of the mountain rain to see if things were different. It looked positive for a while and then the cloud closed in and the heavens opened.
I was pleased with the way my camera and I coped in our raincoats! All good practice for Norway in March.
1/500 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
26th January, 2020
The results of my labours in recent weeks; my first ever pictures of my images. Super pleased.
The results of my labours in recent weeks; my first ever pictures of my images. Super pleased.
28th January, 2020
A trip into the mountains and a more challenging environment in which to take photos. Trying to find elements of interest for the foreground amongst all the white wasn't easy, however I was pleased with the images I captured. My favourite on involved a lake which I knew was on the way down the mountain. We happened to pitch up just at the right place for the image I wanted.
1/1250 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
A trip into the mountains and a more challenging environment in which to take photos. Trying to find elements of interest for the foreground amongst all the white wasn't easy, however I was pleased with the images I captured. My favourite on involved a lake which I knew was on the way down the mountain. We happened to pitch up just at the right place for the image I wanted.
1/1250 secs, F7.1, ISO 100
29th January, 2020
A trip to a rtocky beach to capture one of the last rocky beach sunsets that will be possible in this part of the world for a while. The sun will be behind land masses morning and evening pretty soon. I'm not too disappointed, the rocky beaches here aren't all that easy to access of to compose decent images and I want to experiment with other compositions anyway. Still, for virtually all of January, I have enjoyed the experience of looking for the best perspec tives and have seen some stunning sunrises/sunsets.
The image I've chosen out of several I really like is of the sun catching a wave crashing against the rocks.
A trip to a rtocky beach to capture one of the last rocky beach sunsets that will be possible in this part of the world for a while. The sun will be behind land masses morning and evening pretty soon. I'm not too disappointed, the rocky beaches here aren't all that easy to access of to compose decent images and I want to experiment with other compositions anyway. Still, for virtually all of January, I have enjoyed the experience of looking for the best perspec tives and have seen some stunning sunrises/sunsets.
The image I've chosen out of several I really like is of the sun catching a wave crashing against the rocks.
30th January, 2020
I had a play around with the globe this evening, hoping that I'd be able to capture a worthwhile image. I didn't really like any of the results, however I did get to learn how to use a particular tool in Photoshop which cut out so much work when dealing with shapes.
I had a play around with the globe this evening, hoping that I'd be able to capture a worthwhile image. I didn't really like any of the results, however I did get to learn how to use a particular tool in Photoshop which cut out so much work when dealing with shapes.
31st January, 2020
A fun afternoon setting up a new water droplet kit that I had acquired. Instructions were very limited and I had to use Youtube videos to get to grips with it all. Then I needed to sort out lighting, backcloth and a place to work. In the end, I'd dumped quite a few of the images I captured during the learning process, however I did finish up with one which will do for a start!
First month of my reconnecting year complete. On to the next month!
0.5 secs, F16, ISO 100
A fun afternoon setting up a new water droplet kit that I had acquired. Instructions were very limited and I had to use Youtube videos to get to grips with it all. Then I needed to sort out lighting, backcloth and a place to work. In the end, I'd dumped quite a few of the images I captured during the learning process, however I did finish up with one which will do for a start!
First month of my reconnecting year complete. On to the next month!
0.5 secs, F16, ISO 100