On the back of a 3-day Masterclass

[Donald]

Just been on a 3-day IR Masterclass with aspect2i. Like the B&W Masterclass I went on earlier this year, it was worth every penny. There being only 4 students means that you get plenty of time to ask questions and take in what is being taught.

I now know what do to and how to do it. All I need to do is find out whether I have the ability to apply that knowledge.

We visited the area around the Ribblehead Viaduct. Your comment and critique will be welcomed.

[John 2]

Living so near in comparative terms, I have seen a lot of images of the viaduct that are repetitive. This is the first that I have seen for a long time that can genuinely be said to be imaginative. It could be said that the conditions were right and that is chance but you made the most of them and remained true to your own inimitable style of maximum headroom. Very nice. I could live with that.

[Donald]

Thank you, John.

The conditions being right was one of the key statements of Michael Pilkington (Course Leader) during the three days. We all know that and we all try to abide by it. But when we are in a place we are not often are, the temptation is to go for what we find. The message has got to be - enjoy the place, but don't try to make an image. Stay firm in your resolve. We need/want conditions to be right. Don't go for a 'good enough' version of the right light. If it's not right, leave it. A colour photographer, or even a B&W visible light photographer would not have got a good light, but by learning how the infrared light would react we could see the options. Part of the course was an exploration of how different leaves, grasses and mosses reflect different amounts of IR. They are most certainly not the same.

We were wanting the sky to have definition. What has been brought out here is subtle and that is what was intended. Didn't want a flat sky, but we didn't want to stretch the contrast and the clarity.

I am hugely delighted to read you saying that the image is imaginative. Going on the course, I didn't know we'd be going to the area of the Ribblehead Viaduct. When I realised we would the next thought was how do you get an image that hasn't been shot a million times already.

[John 2]

………………………... When I realised we would the next thought was how do you get an image that hasn't been shot a million times already.

….by not waiting for a steam train to cross.

[FootLoose]

Nice image, Donald. It took a minute for me to realise that it is IR. I think that is a good thing.

[Donald]

I think that is a good thing.

A very good thing. That is a compliment. Thanks, Greig.

[wilgk]

What a wonderful opportunity for you & I can imagine the continued learning challenge will bring you great joy.

[mugge]

I like the composition a lot. The way that the land behind the railway line merges with it is so well thought out. I do think that there is too much sky not by much though, just a slight reduction. Oh I forgot! I still hate IR.
Cheers Ole