Project 52 by Geoff F

[Letrow]

I like it Geoff, the shadow is much less noticeable as well in this photo. This photo is less distracting for me than the two others, where I kept looking at details instead of the overall photo.

[johnbharle]

I've had a quick go at a B&W alternative but used another shot which had a bit of a background problem. I think I've just about overcome a background hot spot issue.

I like the b/w look, but it feels somewhat flat to me. Maybe try adding in a color filter? That might make it a little more contrasty. The capture of the welding arc is brilliant, however (no pun intended :-) )

[Geoff F]

Thanks. I was considering trying a little bit of LCE but was worried about increasing the problems with the material from his overalls.

I might try doing that on a layer and editing to vary the effect.

[Geoff F]

OK then, here is the B&W version with a little bit of selectively applied local contrast enhancement.

[Geoff F]

Totally misquoting Oscar Wilde (Ballard of Reading Gaol)

That little patch of blue
Which an Englishman calls a Summer.

7D with 24-105 L lens. 1/620 F11 Iso 200.

I spotted this little patch of blue between stormy clouds over Dartmoor, in the distance, and some really black low cloud which was quickly passing overhead.

So I just grabbed the camera and rushed outside. Managed a couple of quick shots, then it was all over and back to the usual gloom. I used 1/640 so the passing cloud wouldn't blur and F11 to try for a bit of 'depth'.

[wlou]

Morning Geoff, nice patch! Although I have not read Oscar Wilde, the quote fits the scene to a T.

[Geoff F]

Thanks, Louise.

If I remember that quote correctly, and I only know a few extracts from Wilde.

That little patch of blue
Which a prisoner calls a sky.

[Geoff F]

All around the little coastal town where I live, lovely old Victorian and Edwardian houses are being demolished and replaced with larger square blocks of concrete and glass.

This week I had to go around a few building sites and record the activities for your local history society. It was a dull overcast day but at least the rain held off for just long enough.

Buckets



7D with 24-105 L lens. 1/320 F11 Iso 400.

Demolition



Demolition - another view



In all fairness this site, the Marine Hotel, was starting to look a bit 'tired' for a posh hotel and the new plans appear to retain much of the original appearance which will hopefully be in keeping with their surroundings.

1/160 F13 Iso 400.

[Geoff F]

Another view. I've experimented with different crops of this scene but finally decided on this version.

[wlou]

Geoff, it looks like it would be noisy around there. Its a good thing there are those little saleboats to soften the scene. Without the view of the water one could be in any city center where there is always those huge machines and the dust and the horrible noise! If the theme is man & machine at work, then it is well rendered.

[Geoff F]

Yes, Louise, I was attempting to include something of the general location to put everything into perspective and show life going on as normal around the demolition.

We had a guided tour of the site, which meant wearing yellow jackets, hard hats and safety boots, so there wasn't much 'thinking time' to be had; just a case of trying to manage a few quick snaps while keeping up with the site foreman.

[Teton Chuck]

Geoff, I like the crop on the picture of the backhoe. If places the focus on the demolition and still shows that the activity is taking place next to water and boating activity.

Interesting project. Chuck

[Geoff F]

A little piece of agricultural history which I often pass. But ignored by most walkers.



7D with 24-105 L lens, 1/125, F11, Iso 200, flash used on a tripod.

This old water pump is housed in a small brick unit around 3 ft wide.

Hydram water pumps were first produced by Accrington engineer John Blake in the 1880's and modern versions are still made.

They work without using any power, and with few moving parts, simply by using water pressure to force water from a feed tank to a smaller outlet.

Effective for supplying water to cattle drinking troughs etc. And many other uses.

I don't know anything about the age of this unit which isn't working, although it appears to be still connected to a water supply.

A little further along the path this 'creature' suddenly appeared from the bracken; I just managed this quick shot.



If that image makes any sense to you - you're as daft as I am!

[rtbaum]

It's official.................I'm daft.

[wlou]

I am too, daft! As proof check my thread:Earth day, a tree in conversation, watching with one eye.
Yep, I see things too!

[Geoff F]

OK then - so long as I'm not the only one.

Incidentally, I've been checking out a bit more about the Hydram pumps and have discovered a lot of information including a very comprehensive catalogue from 1938 at this site, which is the present manufacturer of the equipment.

http://www.allspeeds.co.uk/blake-hyd...-powered-pumps

[johnbharle]

daft I am. Reminds me of one of the Muppets.

[Geoff F]

While traveling to an insect hunt I drove past this scene; then changed my mind and returned to take some photos.



7D with Canon 70-200 lens, 1/400 F11 Iso 200

And here is a slight edit following a suggestion from Nicola. The blue highlights have been selectively slightly reduced. Not sure if it will make much difference here but a print does look clearer.



My house is just visible in the far distance.

And the same scene taken from further up the creek on the previous day.



1/160 F14 Iso 200 on a tripod

[FrankMi]

Nice images Geoff; looks like an idyllic place to live. The second one might benefit from a bit of LCE. Now you have wondering what is upstream and downstream from here! This might be a good place to do 2:1 ratio panorama?

[Geoff F]

Left and right of that exact scene, there is nothing of interest. Which is why I have specifically cropped to that size.

But at the head of the creek, turning 180 degrees, is that little old bridge which I posted previously, at low tide. Here it is again at high tide.



ps. I am thinking about moving a few sheep around to place some in the middle of the field.