Pointless photographic experiments #2

First, there was Tom's sweet wrapper. Now, if you've ever wondered what happens if you use a cheap pair of sunglasses as a "grad" filter (I noticed the sunglasses in question were darker at the top than the bottom so stuck it in front of the camera) this is what you get.

It's Barmouth viewed from Fairbourne beach, by the way.

Tripod matters

For Toby: not sure if I described how I carry tripod...pic tells a thousand words and all that.

Mini Challenge - late entry!

Like Toby, not a huge number which fitted the brief to choose from. Particularly liked this one:

50mm saves the day!

Firstly, I have a huge queue of photos needing sorting and processing, which include some shots from the party...which I will upload eventually!

Thought I'd post about photography at the Great British Beer Festival last week - which always proves to be the most challenging location photographically for me every year.

As you'll see from the first pic (for information really, it's technically messy!), it's a nightmare of not-very-bright mixed lighting (white balance is always fun), bad backgrounds, hot spots, high ceilings and nothing to bounce flash off.

Initially, I tried using the flash, but with no bounce opportunities, found I was getting harsh foregrounds and too much drop off in the backgrounds (second pic). Forced to use ISO 800 and a wide aperture anyway to try and balance everything a bit more - with the associated noise - I figured I might as well try some flash-free shooting with the 50mm...and got some much better shots - like the third pic.

Interestingly enough, having snooped on the file info for the shots taken by the pro on the first day, he took a very similar approach - no flash and ISO 1250...his shots with a Canon 1D3 and rather more expensive zoom lens were outstanding considering the difficulties.

16-85@16mm, 3s, f/22, ISO100



16-85@38mm, 1/50s, f/4,8, ISO800



50mm, 1/50s, f/2.5, ISO800

Tripod stuff

Mentioned this to Kev at the party, the other end of the spectrum from my Manfrotto!

(Did post a link to this in the original tripod posting, but to save Kev searching!)

Party Photo

Good to see you both there yesterday. Checked through my photos and there was nothing stunning. Checked again, and still underwhelmed.

This one, however, amused me. I make no claim for artistic merit: a decent enough exposure, but a distracting background, and it looks a bit too posed (although it wasn't). But it kind of sums up Sarah on that day: silly grin, big tray of drinks.

35mm, f5, 1/500 sec, ISO 400.

Mini Challenge: Party Tomorrow

Here's an idea. We're all going to be at the same event tomorrow with our cameras.

Challenge: pick one image only from the day (to capture any aspect of the party) and post it to the site by this time next week (Friday 24 July).