tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39185925951066428292024-03-14T00:23:14.320+13:00ReflectionsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-89344258666187774072013-07-19T14:48:00.000+12:002013-07-19T14:49:04.090+12:00I've moved!Some of you may have noticed a lapse in posts of late. Well, I've been trying to get <a href="http://nzcjs.com/">my webpage</a> up and running. Using this new site I can display a few galleries and albums of my work as well as use it to write my blog. It seems to be tidier for me as it keeps everything in one place. Interested? Maybe <a href="http://nzcjs.com/wp/blog-2/">take a squiz over here</a> ... be lovely to see you there ;-)<br />
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Recent events have been a mixture of good and bad. Good for the number of new assignments, bad for the problems I've been having with focus on the D800. An irritating intermittent fault that the Nikon engineers failed to identify. The frustration is that confidence in the camera has been diminished and I'm always waiting for it to fail, which thankfully isn't that frequent!<br />
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I'll leave you with a shot from a gig held at the weekend and hope to see you at <a href="http://nzcjs.com/wp/">my new home</a> real soon ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8e-gYuyD78/UeiomzHyIbI/AAAAAAAAMxI/wxbgVkT1X3A/s1600/20130712_202852+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8e-gYuyD78/UeiomzHyIbI/AAAAAAAAMxI/wxbgVkT1X3A/s640/20130712_202852+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie from NZ Reggae band, Three Houses Down</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-67028684443769991112013-03-29T12:28:00.000+13:002013-03-29T12:28:08.928+13:00Some new toys!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDZNNNbk9kI/UVTNSgsYWXI/AAAAAAAALMg/dC5aHV9wtGA/s1600/20130328_213549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDZNNNbk9kI/UVTNSgsYWXI/AAAAAAAALMg/dC5aHV9wtGA/s640/20130328_213549.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Semi Leo on a gorgeous acoustic bass guitar</td></tr>
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Some of you may be aware that I'm very fond of Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro. I find this to be a wonderful tool for the processing of digital monochrome images. Recently, Nik Software was obtained by Google and <a href="http://www.niksoftware.com/nikcollection/usa/index.php?view=intro%2Fmain.shtml">a pretty good deal for the acquisition of all the Nik Software</a> was announced. More than slightly tempted I have to admit to now being the possessor of most of Nik's software.<br />
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When shooting the bands one big problem I face is noise in the images. Often the light levels are low and I have to use high ISOs. At other times the choice of light colour is great for the atmosphere but really doesn't help when I'm taking photos. Red is the bane of my life!! Nik Software have a suite of product that seemed to offer some opportunities to address the noise and sharpening issues as well as perhaps let me be a little more creative in the way the images are interpreted ... and in colour too!<br />
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Bear in mind that I'm no expert here and, to be honest, will need to watch the on-line videos multiple times to get better appreciate just what can be done with these new tools. So far, however, they seem to provide some wonderful options and I'm delighted with my new toys!<br />
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So, with the new toys installed on my machine I headed off to see <a href="http://aqstiksoul.com/">Aqstik Soul</a> in Botany. Light wasn't bright and was pretty "flat". No real contrast on the face or instruments. This was ideal really for the tests I wanted to conduct at home. Truth be told, I'm still working on the images to see how the Nik tools work, but thought I'd share one shot from last night. The first image in this post is an unprocessed underexposed pretty bland image with no real atmosphere or emotion. The second image in the post is after a few tweaks in Nik's software suite.<br />
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By no means a perfect image, but there is something about it that intrigues me.<br />
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There's much more "texture" in the shirt and Semi's face has more depth and structure to it.<br />
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Perhaps let me know what you think - it'd be good to hear what other folks have to say. Right now I need to get back to my experiments :-)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-61973271737000568812013-03-17T13:58:00.000+13:002013-03-17T14:04:15.646+13:00To HDR, or not?I've been considering of late the benefits and risks associated with using HDR techniques for property shots. I'm pretty happy with the use of HDR for exterior images, but am becoming increasingly dubious about the advantages of this technique for interior shots instead of using flash or studio lights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRkJ--v1wFs/UUUMmLUmm2I/AAAAAAAAK-w/_JGVt1Bg7_0/s1600/20130311_115802_3_3_01_3_0+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRkJ--v1wFs/UUUMmLUmm2I/AAAAAAAAK-w/_JGVt1Bg7_0/s640/20130311_115802_3_3_01_3_0+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 shot HDR blend processed in Photomatix Pro</td></tr>
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It was a comment from one of the agents that really made me think that HDR for interior shots may not be the best solution. The remark was that the images looked "dark", which I didn't really think was the case. However, "dirty" may be a better description!<br />
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Some shots seem to work OK, but are they really better? In cases where there's many reflective surfaces the use of flash is quite challenging, but in "normal" rooms I can't help feeling that HDR techniques produce a less than realistic impression of the scene. It tends to have a more "artistic" or painted look about it, which in some cases is entirely appropriate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-BS35tMxEg/UUUOKG75k7I/AAAAAAAAK-4/yqKMZGzeXJI/s1600/20120921_100057_101_fused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-BS35tMxEg/UUUOKG75k7I/AAAAAAAAK-4/yqKMZGzeXJI/s640/20120921_100057_101_fused.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tone mapped interior shot to balance window light and interior light.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hfLnHKGyEY/UUUOKU8iHrI/AAAAAAAAK-8/oAwAKH_Otxk/s1600/20120921_100202_8_fused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hfLnHKGyEY/UUUOKU8iHrI/AAAAAAAAK-8/oAwAKH_Otxk/s640/20120921_100202_8_fused.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HDR blend to emphasise the warm tones in the timber interior of this Lockwood home.</td></tr>
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Is it quicker to produce an HDR image as opposed to using lights? Well, in some cases yes, but in others most definitely not. One bit problem I find is with whites. I've played with HDR photography for several years now and have worked my way through the various effects achievable yet still find it awkward to produce "clean" whites as well as provide the necessary contrasts in the image. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdiCGdMyBp4/UUURCWPexBI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/kZQVwyyLdIU/s1600/4184459538_8c901a3e66_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdiCGdMyBp4/UUURCWPexBI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/kZQVwyyLdIU/s640/4184459538_8c901a3e66_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single frame HDR image to illustrate the "grittiness" or "dirtiness" achievable with HDR techniques.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QffzIO4QWxg/UUURhGF_S3I/AAAAAAAAK_Y/2B_fKUvGrmw/s1600/4371437573_ca00a61b13_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QffzIO4QWxg/UUURhGF_S3I/AAAAAAAAK_Y/2B_fKUvGrmw/s640/4371437573_ca00a61b13_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single Frame HDR image the accentuates the textures in the concrete. "Dirty" perhaps?</td></tr>
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Speaking of being "easy" or less time consuming consider the image below. This was shot with a single light source, a 300W studio light with a 1m ball diffuser attached. The aim being to scatter light all around the room and present the impression a clean, bright, white kitchen. Little to no post processing and ever so easy to setup the lights and camera. Would I be able to obtain the same effect with HDR? I suspect not ... but perhaps you could! If you can, then perhaps let me know how!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4swS5q85rb8/UUUP3Vrq3jI/AAAAAAAAK_I/GYxo1aCwJL4/s1600/20121113_120734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4swS5q85rb8/UUUP3Vrq3jI/AAAAAAAAK_I/GYxo1aCwJL4/s640/20121113_120734.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single shot image using a single studio light and ball diffuser.</td></tr>
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Just for fun, lets take a look at two shots that may help illustrate what I mean by "dirty". When working with HDR processes I've often been amazed by the extra details that appear in the processed images. When looking for clean whites the unfortunate effect here is the details appear dirty. Below are two shots taken at a wedding reception. I'll let you decide which is HDR and which is not!<br />
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OK, so perhaps I've been a little enthusiastic with the HDR processing, but I think you can see the "dirtiness" in the second image. The first image has no hint of this grubbiness on the walls, whereas the second seems to accentuate it.<br />
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As I said at the start, I'm still contemplating the relative benefits of using lights and HDR for property shots. As such, comments, hints and tips are, as usual, most welcome. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-62423708336024847852013-03-14T17:06:00.002+13:002013-03-14T17:06:58.673+13:00An avenue ... ... a road having having trees at regular intervals along its sides. I think they're lovely. Wonderful dappled light and often quite cool. There's a lovely avenue of oak trees in <a href="http://www.cornwallpark.co.nz/">Cornwall Park</a>, but of special interest is the plaque at the start of the avenue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commemorative plaque in Cornwall Park, Auckland.</td></tr>
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It's entitled "The Trees" and it is inscribed thus,<br />
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<i>They who plant an avenue of trees cannot in the nature of things hope to enjoy them in their maturity and grandeur. They plant for generations unborn. Much that we have and prize today comes to us from our fathers. they did not make or build to last their time but rather that something worthy should mark their passage and be their memorial.</i><br />
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Makes you think a little doesn't it? In this world in which we live I seem to be finding fewer people with the attitudes of the avenue designers and planters of old. No real thought for tomorrow, just the here and now and most things are disposable rather than maintainable and repairable. Somewhat sad really ... or is this just progress?<br />
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Besides lovely trees and views there's also Acacia Cottage which has the distinction of being Auckland's oldest timber building. Quite a bit to see and enjoy at Cornwall Park really!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaUcxpQ-d2g/UUFLVDJQjaI/AAAAAAAAK9s/RE4EQ95xkWc/s1600/20130314_094916+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaUcxpQ-d2g/UUFLVDJQjaI/AAAAAAAAK9s/RE4EQ95xkWc/s640/20130314_094916+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many fine specimen trees in Cornwall Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ln747NtRJy4/UUFMLvlSDZI/AAAAAAAAK90/NG4cqg6Q8l4/s1600/TMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ln747NtRJy4/UUFMLvlSDZI/AAAAAAAAK90/NG4cqg6Q8l4/s640/TMP.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Cottage in Cornwall Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m10Yb-YmwYE/UUFMbvxbX2I/AAAAAAAAK98/OWsmAq2asm4/s1600/20130314_095651+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m10Yb-YmwYE/UUFMbvxbX2I/AAAAAAAAK98/OWsmAq2asm4/s640/20130314_095651+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Auckland City's Skytower from Cornwall Park.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-43322974156001552013-03-08T20:58:00.001+13:002013-03-08T21:00:07.345+13:00Ponsonby and Grand Central again.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan Brown on keys last night.</td></tr>
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Every other Thursday night at the Grand Central in Ponsonby there's a chance to hear some very talented musicians. It's the Alan Brown Project with vocals by Cherie Mathieson. Last night was really rather good fun and I think each member of the band was having a great time.<br />
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Light levels were quite low ... as is usually the case at the Grand Central ... so I set the camera to ISO5000 and the lens wide open at f1.4. Focus wasn't the easiest, and at such a high ISO the shots are a little noisy, but perhaps that adds to the atmosphere?<br />
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The light was red ... oh I hate red lights at these venues!! It really doesn't help me with colour shots at all, so quite a few of the shots I've converted to black and white. I'll just post a few images of the band members in this post. Maybe let me know what you think. Perhaps let me know if you prefer colour or monochrome?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeiB9BsQYKQ/UTmXB_08D5I/AAAAAAAAK2E/zBmJXJiN9II/s1600/20130307_215621+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeiB9BsQYKQ/UTmXB_08D5I/AAAAAAAAK2E/zBmJXJiN9II/s640/20130307_215621+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A monochrome treatment of Andy Smith </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URFMcbme3ek/UTmXCsaxgdI/AAAAAAAAK2M/Hfuhw_Ce3mE/s1600/20130307_215619_01+-+cep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URFMcbme3ek/UTmXCsaxgdI/AAAAAAAAK2M/Hfuhw_Ce3mE/s640/20130307_215619_01+-+cep.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's Andy having fun in colour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16oSz2_UTRM/UTmXfRZq7dI/AAAAAAAAK2U/NbmKCGYCCJU/s1600/20130307_213333+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16oSz2_UTRM/UTmXfRZq7dI/AAAAAAAAK2U/NbmKCGYCCJU/s640/20130307_213333+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junior Turua lurking in the shadows under the stairs! VERY low light!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOZrGMJ_w30/UTmYh2iW1gI/AAAAAAAAK2g/4OakXxFi0xY/s1600/20130307_212757+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOZrGMJ_w30/UTmYh2iW1gI/AAAAAAAAK2g/4OakXxFi0xY/s640/20130307_212757+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I told you the light was red!! Here's the gorgeous Cherie Mathieson.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94vjdLME4zU/UTmZ4BxaWOI/AAAAAAAAK2w/Q1Pa8_FBGSM/s1600/20130307_215057+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-94vjdLME4zU/UTmZ4BxaWOI/AAAAAAAAK2w/Q1Pa8_FBGSM/s640/20130307_215057+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jono Sawyer at the back in the rhythm section!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-85228378031971860612013-03-05T19:13:00.000+13:002013-03-05T19:13:53.520+13:00Puhinui Reserve<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ao6MwK1mvLg/UTWJYnXSH6I/AAAAAAAAK0E/F2gOzpgyQnE/s1600/20130305_122312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ao6MwK1mvLg/UTWJYnXSH6I/AAAAAAAAK0E/F2gOzpgyQnE/s640/20130305_122312.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puhinui Reserve</td></tr>
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I'd had a meeting at the airport and on the way home decided to pop into Puhinui Reserve. This has long been the place for horse trials so there's some wide open spaces as well as a few copses and a very nice lake close by the entrance to the park. It was this lake that I wanted to see again. You may remember <a href="http://nzcjs.blogspot.co.nz/2009/06/time-to-spare.html">a post from back in 2009</a> where I shot the same scene onto which I superimposed my mother's favourite poem? The weather was quite different then and the trees were a lovely autumnal colour. Being as we've had hardly any rain I was curious to view the scene again.<br />
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I must admit to finding the light on the trees somewhat awkward due to deep shadows, and the scene just didn't have the same appeal as it did under autumnal conditions. I tried a portrait shot (see left) and a couple of landscape shots ... I even tried a conversion to monochrome ... as well as a few different crops. Was I happy with the results? Well, not really :-( Perhaps let me know what you think and how today's shot compares with the one from 2009. I'd be especially intrigued to hear what you think of the black and white image.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3derrLA8Aj8/UTWJUgPyKuI/AAAAAAAAKzc/mre2p5nortU/s1600/20130305_122312+-+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3derrLA8Aj8/UTWJUgPyKuI/AAAAAAAAKzc/mre2p5nortU/s640/20130305_122312+-+c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscape view of the lake in glorious colour ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTWo9YLO46U/UTWJUx_KT_I/AAAAAAAAKzg/EnZ2CWMO6m8/s1600/20130305_122312+-+mc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTWo9YLO46U/UTWJUx_KT_I/AAAAAAAAKzg/EnZ2CWMO6m8/s640/20130305_122312+-+mc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscape view of the lake in monochrome ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qrwwvLoFXk/UTWJXmJS80I/AAAAAAAAKz8/wblKZPY8QN8/s1600/20130305_122338+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qrwwvLoFXk/UTWJXmJS80I/AAAAAAAAKz8/wblKZPY8QN8/s640/20130305_122338+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I suppose the final version. 2:1 crop and tweaked in Color Efex.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-54351731687347252832013-03-03T17:21:00.000+13:002013-03-03T17:21:06.912+13:00Bella Kalolo at Jellicoe Park.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bella Kalolo on stage at the Music in Parks event in Onehunga yesterday.</td></tr>
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Great to see Bella on stage again yesterday and judging by the audience's response I wasn't the only person who enjoyed her music.<br />
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I must admit to finding the Music in Parks events challenging in a different way to the low light shots I usually take of the bands. Now the issue is more of "interest" in the shot than available light. What with tents, parked cars and plain white tents for a backdrop there's not a not of interest really! Also, all those things that often blend into the background are now quite well illuminated by the sunlight. Under a tent the light is diffused and very even, so contrast levels are significantly different to the artificially lit shots in bars and events centres. I try to keep the lens wide open to blur the confusing backgrounds, but this can cause focus problems. The shots in this post were taken at f2.8 with a 200mm lens and you can see in the first image that Bella's left eye is nowhere near as sharp as hr right. Quite different to shooting in the studio! Here the "model" is in constant motion and correct focus with shallow depth of field is challenging.<br />
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The aim for me yesterday was to get a few shots of Bella. I'm still going through the images and trying to decide if there's any worth keeping. She's a very attractive lady and puts a lot of emotion into her songs. I need to be careful that the emotion from the singing and her natural beauty is not lost or confused in my images. Perhaps let me know what you think of the three shots in this post? It's always helpful to get comments from people that can help me do a better job next time!<br />
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Anyway, I'll keep working through my images, but really wanted to share a few with you and encourage you to visit <a href="http://www.bellakalolo.com/">Bella's website</a>. Who knows, she may be visiting somewhere near you and it'd be such a shame to miss her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tN90U4kEuW8/UTLKq-f3LkI/AAAAAAAAKzE/Fxs-7zACxck/s1600/20130302_163801+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tN90U4kEuW8/UTLKq-f3LkI/AAAAAAAAKzE/Fxs-7zACxck/s640/20130302_163801+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bella Kalolo in monochrome again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5C4yH9x_zM/UTLKqUgASnI/AAAAAAAAKy8/ovl0bQX1YiY/s1600/20130302_163428+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5C4yH9x_zM/UTLKqUgASnI/AAAAAAAAKy8/ovl0bQX1YiY/s640/20130302_163428+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This time you can see Bella in colour. Any preference?</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-87025106080154663022013-03-02T20:10:00.000+13:002013-03-02T20:10:27.273+13:00Music in the Parks ...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful hat design at the park today!</td></tr>
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A few folks grumble about the way Auckland Council performs, but the Music in the Parks initiative is something that I think is something quite special as well as something for which they should be congratulated. During the summer months the council provides free concerts in its parks at which some web know New Zealand artists perform. It's wonderful, and judging by the people at today's event on Onehunga, well liked and appreciated.<br />
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Today's event had <a href="http://www.bellakalolo.com/">Bella Kalolo</a> supported by <a href="http://www.funkommunity.mpmsite.com/">Funkommunity</a> and was really very good indeed. Such a relaxed atmosphere, easy parking, very family friendly and best of all, great music! I'd not heard Funkommunity before but was quite impressed with their performance. Perhaps checkout their website as there's options to hear their performances on there. To be honest, I'd popped along to see Bella. Such a gorgeous voice and quite an entertaining lady on stage too! I'm still sorting through the shots of Bella and her band and will post those in a subsequent posting. for now I'll leave you with a few of shots of Funkommunity.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-40005555486282329572013-02-26T20:47:00.000+13:002013-02-26T20:47:22.095+13:00A walk with my daughter :-)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out for a walk at Duder's Regional Park a little earlier today.</td></tr>
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I can't say I was feeling the best at the start of the day, so the suggestion that I went for a walk with my daughter seemed a much better idea than working in my office. We headed off to Duder's Regional Park which is between Clevedon and Maraetai here in South Auckland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mi3_4yekPQ/USxgG6UhGQI/AAAAAAAAKoM/btUJ2qG3Z64/s1600/20130226_125509+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mi3_4yekPQ/USxgG6UhGQI/AAAAAAAAKoM/btUJ2qG3Z64/s640/20130226_125509+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter enjoying the view.</td></tr>
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The plan was to take the usual route up the hill to get some views from the high points in the reserve. However, tempted by a route to a beach, we headed for the water. As it happened, the tide was out, so we managed to walk right the way around the headland. It was wonderful. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the walk. We'd always been much higher up looking down at the sea, but now we enjoyed quite different views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkY5EHn9L54/USxgHLofoqI/AAAAAAAAKoQ/Ub8kFilUG4Q/s1600/20130226_122457_7_01_7_02_+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkY5EHn9L54/USxgHLofoqI/AAAAAAAAKoQ/Ub8kFilUG4Q/s640/20130226_122457_7_01_7_02_+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the coast as we walked around the headland.</td></tr>
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<br />Getting back to the car was rather more of a challenge than we expected. Some challenging hill climbing was necessary to get back on the track and thankfully neither of us was injured nor was anything dropped. I must admit that the hill was significantly steeper and higher than we originally thought. Views from the top were quite special, but as you can see from the photos ... we need rain!<div>
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Most of the images may be viewed larger than you see in the post if you click on them. The first image should go quite large.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ypRSMi53Ok/USxm851GkGI/AAAAAAAAKp4/8WtnsI4xGME/s1600/20130226_143354_4_01_4_02_+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ypRSMi53Ok/USxm851GkGI/AAAAAAAAKp4/8WtnsI4xGME/s640/20130226_143354_4_01_4_02_+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter enjoying the view from close by the trig point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NTheH0zTag/USxgIbjnXDI/AAAAAAAAKog/KQXoXORCB7I/s1600/20130226_142620+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NTheH0zTag/USxgIbjnXDI/AAAAAAAAKog/KQXoXORCB7I/s640/20130226_142620+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the trig point. As you can see ... we need rain!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out toward Kawakawa Bay. Such lovely blues in both sea and sky.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-33924296715850949742013-02-23T16:44:00.000+13:002013-02-23T16:44:34.651+13:00At the Temple ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaJ-y454iwA/USg2CYCm30I/AAAAAAAAKew/PZOFlbTFYh4/s1600/20130223_134030_0_01_1_1_0+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaJ-y454iwA/USg2CYCm30I/AAAAAAAAKew/PZOFlbTFYh4/s640/20130223_134030_0_01_1_1_0+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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I'd gone to see the Police's Family Day at the Sir Barry Curtis Park, but it was pretty hot with no shade and I soon decided a change of location would be a good idea! Just across the road is the Fo Guang Shan Temple which, I have to admit, is a bit of a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Plenty of shade and quite a lovely place to just unwind.<br />
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There's a number of buildings on the site and I really wanted to take some images that gave the viewer the sense of space inside the complex. The first shot in this post was taken with a fisheye lens and gives a wonderfully wide view of the place. The next two shots I've added so you can compare the difference between the fisheye and a 24mm lens which, when I was much younger, was a dream wide angle lens to have in your kit bag!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0CuD-vR70tY/USg1_D7OmiI/AAAAAAAAKeg/Ob9mYCi1WQw/s1600/20130223_134535+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0CuD-vR70tY/USg1_D7OmiI/AAAAAAAAKeg/Ob9mYCi1WQw/s640/20130223_134535+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fo Guang Shan Temple with a 24mm lens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fo Guang Shan Temple with an 8mm fisheye lens</td></tr>
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I haven't attempted to correct the distortion on either image. The 24mm shot seems surprisingly free of distortion, but the 8mm lens is very bendy!! Maybe let me know what you think?<br />
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One thing I do find difficult with the fisheye lens is exposure. I'm not sure if it's because, as the field of view is so large, the difference in light levels within the scene is often greater than my camera can capture with a single shot. As such I usually bracket the shots (5 with the sun behind me, 7 when shooting into the sun) and then blend them together later. Each of the fisheye shots above are 5 image blends done with Photomatix Pro. The 24mm shot is a single shot.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-50709664741058202782013-02-22T21:25:00.000+13:002013-02-22T21:25:12.739+13:00Night time cats.Some of you may be aware that there's a stray cat that frequents our compost heap. Tonight, the mother cat and a kitten came to the back door. It was dark, but I thought I'd try a few shots anyway. Lens wide open at f1.4 and ISO 5000 I thought I's get some reasonable shutter speeds and avoid blur. Just a few quick snaps, but I quite like a couple of them. Perhaps let me know what you think :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVxvtyo2Ld0/UScpoCdO5RI/AAAAAAAAKa0/F1QX2_LH8Ro/s1600/20130222_210529+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVxvtyo2Ld0/UScpoCdO5RI/AAAAAAAAKa0/F1QX2_LH8Ro/s640/20130222_210529+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum approaching me obviously thinking the camera is a food dispenser!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tB8zw5ELHxk/UScpoM-cyTI/AAAAAAAAKa4/TRZOyJm8Zpw/s1600/20130222_210552+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tB8zw5ELHxk/UScpoM-cyTI/AAAAAAAAKa4/TRZOyJm8Zpw/s640/20130222_210552+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitten waiting to see what happens to mum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6ImuGGEOB4/UScppD1a5SI/AAAAAAAAKbM/CRp9e7o14Jw/s1600/20130222_210616+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6ImuGGEOB4/UScppD1a5SI/AAAAAAAAKbM/CRp9e7o14Jw/s640/20130222_210616+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very shallow DoF at f1.4, but look at those eyes!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8wMelBgZWM/UScpppwiDeI/AAAAAAAAKbU/2QyF_cVqkCQ/s1600/20130222_210617+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8wMelBgZWM/UScpppwiDeI/AAAAAAAAKbU/2QyF_cVqkCQ/s640/20130222_210617+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever hopeful there'll be some food!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Zn_nR4XDM/UScppxOxCtI/AAAAAAAAKbY/W4uldJqWsvw/s1600/20130222_210626+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_Zn_nR4XDM/UScppxOxCtI/AAAAAAAAKbY/W4uldJqWsvw/s640/20130222_210626+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting light on the kitten keen not to miss out on any food!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9fVJ_y-Csw/UScpqTw-koI/AAAAAAAAKbk/ELGD16a5PrU/s1600/20130222_210641+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9fVJ_y-Csw/UScpqTw-koI/AAAAAAAAKbk/ELGD16a5PrU/s640/20130222_210641+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always wary of any move I make and ready to run for cover.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-70943913151210685092013-02-21T16:27:00.000+13:002013-02-21T16:27:37.580+13:00St. Luke's Anglican Church<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f81pNYpM4Es/USWQcJZ_NgI/AAAAAAAAKZg/3lFVv36lAJU/s1600/TMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f81pNYpM4Es/USWQcJZ_NgI/AAAAAAAAKZg/3lFVv36lAJU/s640/TMP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisheye lens view of St. Luke's Anglican Church in Manurewa.</td></tr>
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<br />I must admit to being more that a little intrigued with the history of my local town, Manurewa, here in New Zealand. You may recall an <a href="http://nzcjs.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/orford-lodge.html">earlier post about Orford Lodge</a>? Orford Lodge was the second home of the lawyer Mr. Edward Russell after whom Russell Road is named. Mr. Russell's first home, "Sunlands", used to be accessed via a long driveway from Russell Road, but it now has a reduced section size and is just another house amongst many others in a South Auckland sub-division. I was going to take some photographs of the building, but as it is now a private residence I wanted permission first. It's certainly interesting to see the similarity in style between Orford Lodge and Sunlands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxXdf4cXsQ/USWQb8rIyWI/AAAAAAAAKZY/E4QkzVl5fzA/s1600/20130221_120156_6_01_6_02_+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxXdf4cXsQ/USWQb8rIyWI/AAAAAAAAKZY/E4QkzVl5fzA/s640/20130221_120156_6_01_6_02_+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertical fisheye view of St. Luke's Church</td></tr>
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Besides having two houses built in a similar style there was also an Anglican church built that has a similar appearance. I found it quite interesting to see the same style of exterior wall and window in the two houses and church. This church still stands today and in this post I've added a few images for your amusement. There is <a href="http://www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz/footprints/FOOTPRINTS_01225.jpg">an early photograph of the church from the 1920's</a> that may interest you. The church seems very similar now to back in the 1920's. The trees are considerably larger now and the building seems also to have grown in length!<br />
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I suspect there are a few more buildings of interest in Manurewa, but they're a little hard to find! However, should I find anymore I'll be sure to post some images on here.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-1461263201946730772013-02-20T13:02:00.000+13:002013-02-20T13:14:51.967+13:00Orford Lodge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9BYVaa9wRQ/USQPjU0HaaI/AAAAAAAAKWs/SVwP0CpBk6c/s1600/TMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9BYVaa9wRQ/USQPjU0HaaI/AAAAAAAAKWs/SVwP0CpBk6c/s640/TMP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orford Lodge, Manurewa</td></tr>
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Quite a surprise to see such a lovely old building amongst the more modern buildings in the Hillpark area of Manurewa. Built in 1910 by the lawyer Mr. Edward Russell this building carries the name of its 1928 purchaser, the Earl of Orford. Interesting to note that the Earl of Orford was a descendant of Sir Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of England. Not just an ordinary house then, but one with quite a bit of history associated with the people who have lived here as well as the structure itself!<br />
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The grounds to Orford Lodge were quite extensive at over 20 acres and a team of up to nine gardeners would maintain the immaculate grounds. I'm not sure what happened to the gardens during the war as both the lodge and grounds were used by the US Army. The gardeners cottage and "garage" was used as the officers' mess and apparently many of the officers' signatures remain on the fireplace.<br />
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The attached image to this post is a five shot HDR image processed in Photomatix Pro and then antiquated thanks to Silver Efex Pro.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-15209913994362918362013-02-19T13:36:00.002+13:002013-02-19T13:36:37.392+13:00Car park view.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpark rooftop view, Auckland, New Zealand</td></tr>
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I must admit that when matters medical arise I prefer to leave. Today I was required to visit the hospital for a checkup which didn't exactly fill me with glee. Thankfully, all is good, so the visit was short and sweet. Just the way I like it! Parking on the top floor of the hospital carpark afford some rather pleasant views however, so I thought I'd take a few images to share with you folks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WnhFN-366w/USLHZ69TvfI/AAAAAAAAKS8/PdFBK69NRYo/s1600/20130219_104932_2_01_2_02_3_3_01_tonemapped+-+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WnhFN-366w/USLHZ69TvfI/AAAAAAAAKS8/PdFBK69NRYo/s640/20130219_104932_2_01_2_02_3_3_01_tonemapped+-+again.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Skytower from Auckland's Hospital</td></tr>
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I took a fisheye lens with which I must admit to finding exposures awkward. As a result I usually bracket the shots, and then ... well ... they usually end up being processed in Photomatix Pro. That's what's happened here. I often find the clouds look VERY ominous and black with a very heavy and dark feel to them. Hopefully they're not too bad in these images.<br />
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Looking across to the city from the carpark I can't help thinking some night time shots with all the tower blocks illuminated may be a good idea one day.<br />
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No tripod today, but plenty of things on which to rest the camera ;-)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-63648376262962973562013-02-18T15:01:00.000+13:002013-02-18T15:01:59.805+13:00Just a thought ...I was curious, and somewhat intrigued really, but the way our behaviour changes. When I was much younger, telephone conversations and letters were the way we would often communicate with people out of earshot. Telephone calls weren't always the most cost effective way of communicating, however. I can recall international calls costing significantly more than the old aerogrammes. I also remember that on every holiday we took there'd be the ritual postcard writing session! I suppose these days it's as quick to post things on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChristopherJohnPhotography">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://gplus.to/nzcjs">G+</a> or your <a href="http://nzcjs.blogspot.co.nz/">Blog</a> ... and it's rather more personal as you took the shot. Mind you, I still find we buy a few postcards when we visit places. Often postcard images are taken at times that show the venue off to its best advantage. Sometimes, however, it's difficult to obtain postcards of the place you're staying. Unless the town is a regular tourist destination the chances are there won't be a postcard for the place. This makes me think of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Frith">Frances Frith</a>. Frances Frith and his team were pioneering Victorian photographers who embarked on the colossal project to photograph as much of Great Britain as possible during the second half of the 19th century. Many of these photographs remain and the <a href="http://www.francisfrith.com/">Frances Frith Company</a> is still selling prints of these images from a era long past.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YGcQ1Gyxcs/USGHRMPiJ8I/AAAAAAAAKQA/KJ95cEGOHb8/s1600/20130216_162556_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YGcQ1Gyxcs/USGHRMPiJ8I/AAAAAAAAKQA/KJ95cEGOHb8/s640/20130216_162556_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan Homestead, Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand</td></tr>
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I suppose I'd be curious to know if you buy postcards ... and if you do ... why? Where I live, in South Auckland, there are some quite lovely scenes and locations, but hardly any postcards of this area. Is this because nobody wants to buy them, or are the margins so small that the various postcard companies only supply the biggest selling images?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tCwN8QDtIM/USGIIjxd8KI/AAAAAAAAKQI/L2uD6-QTT50/s1600/20130218_111518_8_01_8_02_9_9_01_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tCwN8QDtIM/USGIIjxd8KI/AAAAAAAAKQI/L2uD6-QTT50/s640/20130218_111518_8_01_8_02_9_9_01_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Family" sculpture, Manukau, New Zealand</td></tr>
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Perhaps people pass through South Auckland as fast as they can to get to the "famous" places in New Zealand? If so, then I could well imagine little demand for postcards for any town not on the main tourist routes. Maybe it's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a> or <a href="https://maps.google.co.nz/">Google Maps</a> that people rely on to see "what's there"? Somehow though, when I look at Mr. Frith's images I can't help feeling we'll be missing something in a few years time.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXhDlX3vSpY/USGKjym6bcI/AAAAAAAAKRU/3RDmE312wpk/s1600/20130218_113343_4_4_01_4_02_5_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXhDlX3vSpY/USGKjym6bcI/AAAAAAAAKRU/3RDmE312wpk/s640/20130218_113343_4_4_01_4_02_5_tonemapped.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-84797249403814973442013-02-10T15:02:00.000+13:002013-02-10T15:44:54.850+13:00Conifer Grove for a stroll.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poMmL83Iybk/URbzLrXFqvI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/SOmWzKAve20/s1600/20130209_195120_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poMmL83Iybk/URbzLrXFqvI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/SOmWzKAve20/s200/20130209_195120_01.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f16, 1/1600sec ISO 100</td></tr>
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It was such a lovely evening that we decided a walk was a good idea, especially if there was a chance of a sunset over the water. An acquaintance of mine had emailed me with some sunsets and was asking a few questions. I thought I'd take the camera along with me and take note of what I did ... and didn't do when taking sunset shots. Bear in mind that this really was a evening walk with my wife, so I didn't take my tripod which os really something I like to use for landscapes and sunset photographs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f16, 1/800sec ISO 100</td></tr>
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Well, to be honest, I like to use the tripod wherever possible! Anyway, back to the sunsets! Often I find that what I thought I saw as the sun started to set, and what I captured with the camera are quite disimilar. It's not a fault of the camera, and I suspect it's not a vivid imagination on my part, it's just the way the camera interprets the scene and exposes the frame for the available light. Colours also tend to appear less vivid or intense as I remembered them, but much of this can be resolved when you get home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5l4XQR_OzTo/URbzOePtF1I/AAAAAAAAKCo/7sLxyKrR0XE/s1600/20130209_195121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5l4XQR_OzTo/URbzOePtF1I/AAAAAAAAKCo/7sLxyKrR0XE/s200/20130209_195121.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f16, 1/400sec ISO 100</td></tr>
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One of the reasons for taking the tripod is ensure that if multiple shots are taken there's a good chance I can line up the images if I was to blend any together. I was told some time ago by an HDR guru that he takes seven shots at 1EV intervals when shooting into the sun, so that's that I did last night. Down the left hand side of this post you'll see seven images at varying exposures and can see how the scene varies as exposure times are modified. The one at 1/400 second is the one the camera thought was the "correct exposure".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQwcKxYxoHs/URbzMl19XII/AAAAAAAAKCY/g71wJ-eTh5c/s1600/20130209_195120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQwcKxYxoHs/URbzMl19XII/AAAAAAAAKCY/g71wJ-eTh5c/s200/20130209_195120.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f16, 1/200sec ISO 100</td></tr>
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As you look at the images you'll notice how foreground detail is lost in the top shots, but preserved in the bottom shots. However, sun, cloud and sky detail is lost in the bottom shots, but preserved to some extent in the upper shots. The problem with this scene is the large variance in light levels that are difficult to capture in one image. A "trick" sometimes used by photographers with digital cameras is to blend two or more images to preserve the details in the very light and very dark areas into a single image.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJiP7CX8FI0/URbzR47XROI/AAAAAAAAKC4/MHe2QYjT3VQ/s1600/20130209_195121_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJiP7CX8FI0/URbzR47XROI/AAAAAAAAKC4/MHe2QYjT3VQ/s200/20130209_195121_01.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f16, 1/100sec ISO 100</td></tr>
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This can be achieved by using layers in Photoshop and "painting-in" the lost detail in one frame with the detail from another, or, several frames may be combined "automatically" with HDR software. In this post I used the latter technique and allowed Photomatix Pro to work it's magic on the seven RAW images you see on the left. There was a little breeze last night causing a little movement in the leaves to camera left. Fortunately, there is a reasonable de-ghosting feature in Photomatix to help out with this!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzo0Vu0OWHQ/URbzRLQhKhI/AAAAAAAAKCw/SPRnXYrWxcY/s1600/20130209_195121_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzo0Vu0OWHQ/URbzRLQhKhI/AAAAAAAAKCw/SPRnXYrWxcY/s200/20130209_195121_02.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f16, 1/50sec ISO 100</td></tr>
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Once in Photomatix you can play around with various sliders to get the effect you're looking for. Very easy to get carried away with the effects. I chose to keep the result quite natural in an attempt to recreate the scene as I remembered seeing it. Well, apart from the lens flare in the trees to camera right! Something I don't get with my eyes, but can sometimes add to the scene in certain photographs. I then use the contrast, colour and sharpening options to fine tune the effect before loading the resultant image into Photoshop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f16, 1/25sec ISO 100</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSfq-BFaz70/URb-PgFOWvI/AAAAAAAAKEM/mCfo_uC6Ixs/s1600/20130209_195120_0_01_0_02_1_1_01_1_02_1_03_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSfq-BFaz70/URb-PgFOWvI/AAAAAAAAKEM/mCfo_uC6Ixs/s640/20130209_195120_0_01_0_02_1_1_01_1_02_1_03_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conifer Grove Sunset. 7 shot HDR image processed in Photomatix Pro.</td></tr>
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The main reason for using Photoshop is to tidy up the edges - remember the shot was handheld, so the images won't align perfectly and you'll get some rough edges afte the images have been combined. I'll also use a little lightening or darkening in certain areas before moving on to the next shot. Sharpening will have a big effect on the final image, but can give a "grainy" effect if you're not careful. Sometimes this is desirable, but not always. The large shot below has just been cropped in Photoshop to sort out the rough edges, but otherwise it's as Photomatix would output the combined files. I think, if you look at the colour saturation in the final image and the detail retained in the light and dark areas when compared to the seven shots above you'll agree it's an interesting technique to investigate and perhaps add to your arsenal of image processing methods for that tricky lighting situation.<br />
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Just in case the above image is a little too saturated for you, I've attached a monochrome HDR image taken on the same walk, just a little later in the day. Any preferences? Maybe message me and let me know.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4M0-Im4r07U/URcJJhxXBMI/AAAAAAAAKGU/6HbziSzldo4/s1600/TMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4M0-Im4r07U/URcJJhxXBMI/AAAAAAAAKGU/6HbziSzldo4/s640/TMP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 shot HDR image processed in Photomatix Pro and converted to monochrome with Silver Efex.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-67712041066784081502013-02-07T15:32:00.000+13:002013-02-07T15:32:39.128+13:00Mellons Bay<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZjxv5KlKes/URMOcjIRdxI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/Y8Utc_VayCg/s1600/20130207_112913_4_4_01_5_5+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZjxv5KlKes/URMOcjIRdxI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/Y8Utc_VayCg/s640/20130207_112913_4_4_01_5_5+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mellons Bay Reserve, Howick, New Zealand</td></tr>
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I couldn't decide whether to take my camera or not. When going to the shops I never like to leave things in the car, and I often feel a bit self conscious when I'm doing some shopping with bags of camera gear in tow. Problem was, if the shopping finished early I might miss a photo' op'. In the end I took the D300 and a 12-24mm lens. The shopping was quick - just the way I like it and I did have about 10 minutes spare time before I had to collect my son from school. Great excuse to head down to Mellons Bay and see if there was anything worth shooting.<br />
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In some ways I was disappointed that I hadn't brought a longer lens as the light on Rangitoto was really quite lovely. Rangitito is the green volcano you'll see in the distance. The clouds were lovely and, to be honest, I could have stayed a lot longer if I wasn't required to collect my son. Maybe next time I have to collect him I'll take a picnic and stay a little longer ;-)<br />
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I'll close this post with a few more images from my brief pause at Mellons Bay.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-91655476793524320822013-02-04T19:37:00.000+13:002013-02-04T19:37:38.899+13:00Clevedon Jazz and Wine Festival<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4Ly3abKnyQ/UQ87N2pXvFI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/dACL2gR8DVc/s1600/20130203_132256+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4Ly3abKnyQ/UQ87N2pXvFI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/dACL2gR8DVc/s640/20130203_132256+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alan Brown Project on a somewhat "rural" stage.</td></tr>
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After being somewhat challenged shooting Alan and the band at the Grand Central with very low light levels, a chance to take photographs during the day seemed like an opportunity not to be missed. New challenges now though! As you can see from the first image in this post, the stage setup was a little different to say the least. Tractors, Ambulances as well as a very large rescue boat were background objects not normally found at a jazz performance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeVFSvMEQBw/UQ891Ih7uPI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/4hKUjYSwaVw/s1600/20130203_132408+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeVFSvMEQBw/UQ891Ih7uPI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/4hKUjYSwaVw/s640/20130203_132408+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan Haines</td></tr>
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A special treat for the listeners was the appearance of Mr. Nathan Haines performing along with the Alan Brown Project. On vocals we were treated to the very lovely Cherie Mathieson. So there you have it, a wonderful line-up, but something you can enjoy every other Thursday at the Grand Central in Ponsonby. Maybe I'll see you there one day ;-)<br />
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Thankfully, unlike today, the weather was warm and sunny, with stalls providing plenty of food and drink to help make it a lovely afternoon.<br />
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I'll just leave you with a few more images of the band on stage and encourage you to take a look on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChristopherJohnPhotography">my Facebook page</a> where you can see some more photographs. Perhaps you might "Like" what you see ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ket4CKICRac/UQ9EAHqhpAI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/L5IoMpFjZnI/s1600/20130203_135023+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ket4CKICRac/UQ9EAHqhpAI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/L5IoMpFjZnI/s640/20130203_135023+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Karika Turua</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGkhcDrpxaE/UQ9EAMJOTxI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/SVx8XZXogvE/s1600/20130203_134936+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGkhcDrpxaE/UQ9EAMJOTxI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/SVx8XZXogvE/s640/20130203_134936+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Smith</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpPXL0N4OJM/UQ9ECEYHvuI/AAAAAAAAJ5g/fe20iKh27CM/s1600/20130203_135333+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpPXL0N4OJM/UQ9ECEYHvuI/AAAAAAAAJ5g/fe20iKh27CM/s640/20130203_135333+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan Brown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EPQXuOFMkoc/UQ9EEh5rScI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/Ya8HNFRrnP0/s1600/20130203_152717_01+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EPQXuOFMkoc/UQ9EEh5rScI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/Ya8HNFRrnP0/s640/20130203_152717_01+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherie Mathieson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6RwsA7KwBM/UQ9EISAHLgI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/rmhy85UqBMs/s1600/20130203_145144+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6RwsA7KwBM/UQ9EISAHLgI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/rmhy85UqBMs/s640/20130203_145144+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherie Mathieson</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZhkwwLYK7Y/UQ9ERrU8-yI/AAAAAAAAJ54/BkH1LflI8yg/s1600/20130203_152920+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZhkwwLYK7Y/UQ9ERrU8-yI/AAAAAAAAJ54/BkH1LflI8yg/s640/20130203_152920+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jono Sawyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF0xOjPgQoQ/UQ9ETZGCJwI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/GIdjNAOo4KI/s1600/20130203_152950+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF0xOjPgQoQ/UQ9ETZGCJwI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/GIdjNAOo4KI/s640/20130203_152950+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jono Sawyer</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-43836152443391807672013-01-25T10:40:00.000+13:002013-01-26T11:23:21.187+13:00Alan Brown at the Grand Central, Ponsonby<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nZUGW7pb00/UQGjblLmIGI/AAAAAAAAJrY/ynLI9Wgxz7g/s1600/20130124_213611+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nZUGW7pb00/UQGjblLmIGI/AAAAAAAAJrY/ynLI9Wgxz7g/s640/20130124_213611+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Alan Brown</td></tr>
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It seems like ages since I've updated my blog, but hopefully I'm back now with renewed vigour!<br />
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Last night I went down to Ponsonby to see the <a href="http://www.alanbrown.co.nz/">Alan Brown</a> Quartet play at the Grand Central. Usually there's Cherie Mathieson on vocals, but last night we were treated to Leza Corban. Wow, this girl can sing!
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The music was superb, but the light levels for taking photographs was somewhat low, and, to cap it all off, they were using red lights! It's a couple of years ago now at <a href="http://nzcjs.blogspot.co.nz/2010/04/ivory-lounge.html">The Ivory Lounge, Parnell</a> that I discovered the unfortunate effect red lights have when you try to photograph people. Often I find converting the image to monochrome seems to work the best, and, perhaps adds a little to the shot anyway. The second image in this post is a monochrome treatment of Leza Corban.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cp0JxICRj8/UQGoDjLNR2I/AAAAAAAAJtg/z_QGydZb3vM/s1600/20130124_213217+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cp0JxICRj8/UQGoDjLNR2I/AAAAAAAAJtg/z_QGydZb3vM/s640/20130124_213217+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Leza Corban</td></tr>
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As for the other members of the band? Outstanding! Thanks to Yuli Quay for filling me in with the band member names. I hope I spelt them all correctly guys ;-)<br />
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There's a few more shots on Facebook of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=496155250427422&set=a.496155130427434.108569.160056364037314&type=1&theater">Jono Sawyer</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=496144840428463&set=a.496142800428667.108563.160056364037314&type=1&theater">Leza Corban</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=496150920427855&set=a.496150833761197.108567.160056364037314&type=1&theater">Alan Brown</a> if you fancy taking a squiz.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoqr1j6X0pY/UQGiRQVW50I/AAAAAAAAJq8/dhKptEKrf4M/s1600/20130124_211605+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoqr1j6X0pY/UQGiRQVW50I/AAAAAAAAJq8/dhKptEKrf4M/s640/20130124_211605+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jono Sawyer</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThSZmKfwK04/UQGiPgOBI9I/AAAAAAAAJqg/LvxRxhevPgM/s1600/20130124_211436+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThSZmKfwK04/UQGiPgOBI9I/AAAAAAAAJqg/LvxRxhevPgM/s640/20130124_211436+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junior Turua</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNMPj3q9NRQ/UQGiPZ3CNHI/AAAAAAAAJqo/XYw6T-wO1wk/s1600/20130124_211420+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNMPj3q9NRQ/UQGiPZ3CNHI/AAAAAAAAJqo/XYw6T-wO1wk/s640/20130124_211420+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Smith</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkT471yZlT4/UQGiNyUdLaI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/kXd6fQ0dpKI/s1600/20130124_211157+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkT471yZlT4/UQGiNyUdLaI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/kXd6fQ0dpKI/s640/20130124_211157+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Smith</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ez0XvYrcJu4/UQGiNi_LlEI/AAAAAAAAJqI/RUClBcyo690/s1600/20130124_211241+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ez0XvYrcJu4/UQGiNi_LlEI/AAAAAAAAJqI/RUClBcyo690/s640/20130124_211241+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jono Sawyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3GCI7ln29Y/UQGjbrx0SbI/AAAAAAAAJrU/Wcm_DdnZQhs/s1600/20130124_212305+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3GCI7ln29Y/UQGjbrx0SbI/AAAAAAAAJrU/Wcm_DdnZQhs/s640/20130124_212305+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan Brown</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-57943140853972141022012-11-30T17:28:00.001+13:002012-11-30T17:28:44.983+13:00Wenderholm for a change<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAIN21slVCk/ULgxOIRI4kI/AAAAAAAAIuI/dOp4o_6HkA8/s1600/704499_10151341040867803_901575669_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAIN21slVCk/ULgxOIRI4kI/AAAAAAAAIuI/dOp4o_6HkA8/s640/704499_10151341040867803_901575669_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A somewhat gloomy Wenderholm beach</td></tr>
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Arriving at Wenderholm we had high hopes of a lovely warm sunny day at the beach. As you can see from the first shot, it was somewhat moody and cloudy. Lots of lovely textures both in the rocks, the windswept pools of water and, of course, the clouds. Whilst composing the first image you see in this post I could only think of a monochrome shot. Perhaps let me know what you think?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFHqludi9GI/ULgxKVJ4OvI/AAAAAAAAIt4/aEbCMq_Oxm4/s1600/478119_10151342635037803_338877787_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFHqludi9GI/ULgxKVJ4OvI/AAAAAAAAIt4/aEbCMq_Oxm4/s640/478119_10151342635037803_338877787_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the day progressed it became brighter.</td></tr>
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As the day progressed the sun came out a little more and things started to brighten up. there remained lots of drama in the clouds and, to be honest, the sea was quite a way out, so I thought I'd stick with monochrome for the second image. I was really taken with the textures and patterns in the sand in the foreground and felt a monochrome treatment would work well with this. You can just make out my son and daughter paddling in the sea centre right of the image.<br />
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Truth be told, as the day progressed it just got better. Wenderholm is quite a lovely place to visit should you ever get the chance and I managed lunch at one of my favourite lookouts. We were fortunate to visit during the week when most other folks are busy at work - great time to visit the parks and beaches!! The last shot in this post was taken from close-by my lunchtime picnic table, and, as you see by the use of colour now, the day didn't turn out too badly at all!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1oCpKJm-RE/ULgxMaVD9qI/AAAAAAAAIuA/midR53sDQwg/s1600/680308_10151341073242803_2044363904_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1oCpKJm-RE/ULgxMaVD9qI/AAAAAAAAIuA/midR53sDQwg/s640/680308_10151341073242803_2044363904_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite a nice spot for a bit of lunch.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-12528177027087022522012-11-21T12:30:00.003+13:002012-11-21T12:30:42.032+13:00In the compost heap!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AnUnFcVFFI/UKwRH5A_sXI/AAAAAAAAIhw/BV_PWegAiP4/s1600/20121121_114829+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AnUnFcVFFI/UKwRH5A_sXI/AAAAAAAAIhw/BV_PWegAiP4/s640/20121121_114829+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not really what I was expecting to see in the compost heap!</td></tr>
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I've been working in the garden of late, trying to get some semblance of order into a somewhat chaotic weed ridden patch we've been calling a garden for quite some time now. Part of this work has been to uncover a compost heap started a few years ago that is full of very reach loamy soil that I'm using in other parts of the garden. Imagine my surprise when last night I noticed a cat with three kittens sitting atop my compost heap! Time for some shots this morning and I suspect more shots will follow as the gardening goes on hold for a while.<br />
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I'm not sure who owns the mother, but suspect she may have been abandoned and is now hiding around the back of my compost. She looks thin, but the kittens look very healthy. We'll keep an eye on the family and see what happens. For now I'll leave with you with a couple more snaps of the kittens.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-52888771279872809532012-10-28T19:50:00.002+13:002012-10-28T19:50:41.998+13:00Well and truly delighted.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIDgQtNztZg/UIzQAtPTWBI/AAAAAAAAIdI/OcZMukRLciQ/s1600/20121027_171834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIDgQtNztZg/UIzQAtPTWBI/AAAAAAAAIdI/OcZMukRLciQ/s640/20121027_171834.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nikon D300, Nikkor 24-70mm @70mm, ISO1600, 1/80sec, f2.8</td></tr>
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At last I've had a chance to try a D800 in the field under the types of conditions that have frustrated me with my D300. I had a couple of lenses to use, a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 on the D300 and a Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 on the D800. The event was the Gospel Summit at Takapuna, Auckland at the Harbourside Conference Centre. A really lovely venue, but as is usually the case, the lights are more set for a stage show and aren't that intense. This means high ISO and slow shutter speeds.<br />
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Using the D300 I try to keep ISO 2500 as an upper limit wherever possible as things soon start to look a little noisy and gritty. Problem then, however, is that performer movements or camera shake cause blur. It's been a challenge and I've often wished I could use higher ISOs and get the colours I wanted. Last night was a chance to see what the D800 would do!<br />
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I put the 24-70mm on the D300 as I thought I'd use this for wider shots that I wouldn't be cropping. The 70-200mm would be used to capture closer images of the performers that may be cropped to get just that little bit tighter.<br />
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The first noticeable thing to me was the weight. The D800 with the 70-200mm isn't the lightest of combinations and after a few hours working with this setup you begin to think weightlifting at the gym may not be such a bad idea after all.<br />
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So, what did I think of the D800? Is it a keeper? The short answer is yes. Focus was snappy and precise. Face detection works a treat and performance at higher ISOs was very good indeed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Bf7EMm410/UIzQL7WiRaI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/satGYr9kjTg/s1600/20121027_171935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Bf7EMm410/UIzQL7WiRaI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/satGYr9kjTg/s640/20121027_171935.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nikon D800, Nikkor 70-200mm @200mm, ISO2500, 1/125sec, f2.8</td></tr>
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I took two shots at practice time of one of the performers with each camera as I tested out the light levels. The difference is clarity between the two images is quite stark. Granted there's some motion blur in the D300 shot and this will be due to the slower shutter speed. The D800, however, with the 70-200mm with VR switched on was a gorgeous combination.<br />
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Colour rendition was good, noise levels were quite low and I was well and truly delighted by the way the camera behaved. It's a dream.<br />
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I've attached a few more shots for you to consider taken with the D800 and 70-200mm lens. These images have been cropped yet still provide some lovely detail even though they were shot at a higher ISO (3200) to get a faster shutter speed (1/250sec).<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-18360718226911392512012-10-24T16:08:00.000+13:002012-10-24T16:08:24.238+13:00Leaves - new ones!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F3yc3Xgcmg/UIdYiunQofI/AAAAAAAAIZg/qi5i6yE5sgY/s1600/20121024_153552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F3yc3Xgcmg/UIdYiunQofI/AAAAAAAAIZg/qi5i6yE5sgY/s640/20121024_153552.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid amber and looking skywards.</td></tr>
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I mentioned earlier that today has been a wonderful day. Clear blue skies, lovely and warm and a gentle breeze. Gorgeous. I just couldn't resist taking a few photos, but it's been hard to get away for other tasks and jobs. One thing I did want to show you however, were leaves. Very often I get carried away with the various colours of the flowers and forget about the fresh green of the new leaves. I often take photos of the leaves when they die and go yellow, red or brown, but nowhere near as many of the fresh green blooms. What's more, they really look quite lovely against a clear blue sky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpBbpaZ_XMU/UIdYV4gcOtI/AAAAAAAAIZI/7iXr_Cyqoug/s1600/20121024_152900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpBbpaZ_XMU/UIdYV4gcOtI/AAAAAAAAIZI/7iXr_Cyqoug/s640/20121024_152900.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Robinia leaves.</td></tr>
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Even on the same tree you'll see a variety of shades of green as the leaves age. The second shot illustrates this with some Robinia leaves where you can see the fresh yellowy green of the new leaves in contrast to the deeper greens of the older ones.<br />
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There's textures, different shapes and a huge variety of contrasts in leaves - perhaps more that you realise. Perhaps next time you're out and about take a few moments to look a little more carefully at the leaves as well as the flowers.<br />
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The third shot in this post is of some Agapanthus leaves. I can't say I'm a big fan of these plants, but some members of our household are! Even so, the leaves are quite lovely. I was struck by all the lines in the leaves and the range of contrasts between all the leaves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6oFrArasPM/UIdYYuZQdoI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/2PTC-B___z4/s1600/20121024_153035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6oFrArasPM/UIdYYuZQdoI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/2PTC-B___z4/s640/20121024_153035.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agapanthus leaves.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-52283028414325192862012-10-24T12:21:00.000+13:002012-10-24T12:21:21.899+13:00Stoked!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07V3vZqYaLo/UIciLdTH9LI/AAAAAAAAIWY/9F30Es_rM0w/s1600/20121024_110439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07V3vZqYaLo/UIciLdTH9LI/AAAAAAAAIWY/9F30Es_rM0w/s640/20121024_110439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous colours at Auckland's Botanic Gardens</td></tr>
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Or perhaps delighted is a better description. I took a gentle stroll around Auckland's Botanic Gardens a little earlier and they really are quite lovely presently. We're heading into summer here in New Zealand and there's some quite wonderful colours on display. I'm still coming to terms with a new lens and wanted to see how it performed at different apertures. I'm curious about it's background blur and also how sharp it is when wide open. I really like to open up the lens to reduce depth of field to emphasise the subject in the image where ever possible, and thankfully this lens seems to behave rather well. As is happens, the first shot in this post of some mesembryanthemums was taken at f5.6 in an attempt to get more than the odd bloom in focus!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmh_bNgqmqw/UIch-dsymKI/AAAAAAAAIWI/rvNIVcGR6aw/s1600/20121024_110028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmh_bNgqmqw/UIch-dsymKI/AAAAAAAAIWI/rvNIVcGR6aw/s640/20121024_110028.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kniphofia at f2.8</td></tr>
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The second shot was taken with the lens wide open at f2.8. the colours were so rich and vibrant; makes me think of Kodachrome! At the end of this post there's a couple more images taken from a less pleasing vantage point using f2.8 and f22, just to see how much I can get in focus at the extremes of the lens's aperture range.<br />
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Still on the theme of Kniphofia led to shot three. Here the lens was wide open again and the rather curiously shaped tree used as a backdrop to the blooms. You can see from this shot a little vignetting and also just how blue the sky was today for us here in Auckland!<br />
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Oh well, time to get out in the sunshine again methinks, don't forget to click on the images to look at a larger version of the shot ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdfkG4pL8Ng/UIciDp2in1I/AAAAAAAAIWQ/ULkVRxt2ojA/s1600/20121024_110241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdfkG4pL8Ng/UIciDp2in1I/AAAAAAAAIWQ/ULkVRxt2ojA/s640/20121024_110241.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kniphofia again ... still at f2.8</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiwMgMNREfs/UIclan33yPI/AAAAAAAAIXg/uEPzgN-vI7o/s1600/20121024_110153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiwMgMNREfs/UIclan33yPI/AAAAAAAAIXg/uEPzgN-vI7o/s640/20121024_110153.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lens closed down ... f22, just to see how <b>much</b> I could keep in focus.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkgkCKcKlFU/UIclgn-9SAI/AAAAAAAAIXo/dOVP3yzNq-8/s1600/20121024_110203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkgkCKcKlFU/UIclgn-9SAI/AAAAAAAAIXo/dOVP3yzNq-8/s640/20121024_110203.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lens wide open ... f2.8, just to see how <b>little</b> I could keep in focus :-)</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09374017832175028457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3918592595106642829.post-78299623437909044682012-10-22T17:45:00.000+13:002012-10-22T19:59:46.420+13:00Depth of fieldSome folks have been curious regarding the effect changing the aperture has on an image. Here's four shots of some chives in my back yard. The focus point is the same on each image, but the aperture has changed from f2.8 through to f16. You'll notice that not only is there an increase in the number of chive flowers that are in focus, but also the background becomes a little busier and more distracting.<br />
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Looking at the last image highlights just how many daisies there are in my grass!! As such I much prefer the first image as you can't tell they're there at all :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQVF0zGc5Uc/UITN9QW9N2I/AAAAAAAAIQw/hVY5JjTPqpE/s1600/20121022_173002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQVF0zGc5Uc/UITN9QW9N2I/AAAAAAAAIQw/hVY5JjTPqpE/s640/20121022_173002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives, 200mm, f2.8</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aXDMJcbdQc/UITOD_aS5rI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/kIKOMvXMiO4/s1600/20121022_173018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aXDMJcbdQc/UITOD_aS5rI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/kIKOMvXMiO4/s640/20121022_173018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives, 200mm, f4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ui3bp_ht8lE/UITOHfsg93I/AAAAAAAAIRA/8t7N2CY6r2k/s1600/20121022_173034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ui3bp_ht8lE/UITOHfsg93I/AAAAAAAAIRA/8t7N2CY6r2k/s640/20121022_173034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives, 200mm, f8</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYxJHrBul0E/UITOLHtmsdI/AAAAAAAAIRI/k0iI7mLPz-4/s1600/20121022_173051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYxJHrBul0E/UITOLHtmsdI/AAAAAAAAIRI/k0iI7mLPz-4/s640/20121022_173051.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives, 200mm, f16</td></tr>
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<div>
<br />
Here's a couple more shots for comparison for you. This time the apertures are f1.4 and f2.8. It doesn't seem like there'd be a big difference between shots taken at these two apertures, but perhaps there's more than you expect? With the white flowers there's more patches of blur that I find a little off putting when compared to the second shot at f2.8. Also, if you look at the flower in sharp focus it's rather better defined in the f2.8 image.<br />
<br />
Looking at the last two shots f1.4 really helps the flower stand out from the background and I was quite amazed by the difference in depth of field between these two shots.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_hSjwAcBeY/UITtS7OYISI/AAAAAAAAISQ/qpwdHTby9aw/s1600/20121022_191925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_hSjwAcBeY/UITtS7OYISI/AAAAAAAAISQ/qpwdHTby9aw/s640/20121022_191925.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">85mm, f1.4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxLHTWMSTts/UITtWXBrfFI/AAAAAAAAISY/pLBW7lvoqg0/s1600/20121022_192002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxLHTWMSTts/UITtWXBrfFI/AAAAAAAAISY/pLBW7lvoqg0/s640/20121022_192002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">85mm f2.8</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMqQX4DJXsY/UITteOXcU2I/AAAAAAAAISo/cU3ChCzauM4/s1600/20121022_192230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMqQX4DJXsY/UITteOXcU2I/AAAAAAAAISo/cU3ChCzauM4/s640/20121022_192230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">85mm f1.4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZvl5a2RajY/UITtboPAQMI/AAAAAAAAISg/x5Ui1qK9x0c/s1600/20121022_192205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZvl5a2RajY/UITtboPAQMI/AAAAAAAAISg/x5Ui1qK9x0c/s640/20121022_192205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">85mm f2.8</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
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