Blog 134

A few selected photographs from my recent visit to Laycock Abbey.

The Abbey building, I have used Photomatix Pro to combine five images and tone map them, Ps CS5 used to correct converging verticals.

Entrance gateway. I have again used Photomatix Pro to combine five images and tone map them, then I have used Topaz Simplify to stylise it.

The famous Oriel Window which I have photographed from the outside. A photograph of the inside of this window was the subject of the first paper negative produced by William Henry Fox Talbot in 1835.

A copy of the paper negative it measures approximately 1" across.

Laycock was formerly a nunnery and these cloisters and vaulted roof can be seen within the Abbey buildings.

Oak door coming off the cloisters, toned with Silver Efex Pro, Antique Plate 1 and colour popped for the red ribbon on the keys.

Corridor, I used Photomatix Pro to blend and tone map five images, then Topaz DeNoise to remove some of the noise.

Blog 133

Went over to Mickleover Meadows, on Wednesday 30th March 2011, to capture the Fritillary's. Common Name: Snake's head fritillary, Genus: Fritillaria, Species: meleagris and the Pussy Willow. I have used Topaz Simplify on the images.

Blog 132

Polar Panoramics
These are by way of experiments in preparation for the 19th April 2011 Techniques Tuesday meeting at Derby City Photographic Club. A member has indicated that these would be of interest.

They are prepared from a series of hand held photographs taken by rotating one's body through 360°. The total number of photographs taken will depend on the focal length of the lens used and whether the photographs are taken in portrait or landscape mode.

Taken on a very foggy morning. Grange Farm - Weston on Trent, Derbyshire, UK

Weston on Trent, Derbyshire, UK

Weston on Trent - The Green - Weston on Trent, Derbyshire, UK (The Plough Inn has been demolished since the photographs were taken.

Aston on Trent, Derbyshire, UK

Fellbrigg Hall - Nr Norwich, Norfolk, UK

Blog 131

Just trying my hand at enhancing these foggy morning photographs at la Irene Froy. I attended one of her workshops on Sunday 27th March 2011. I have included the before shots too.

Blog 130

Three out of the several types of Heinz cream of tomato soup, the missing one is the organic variety.

This is my favourite soup of all time. I just love the first spoonful and the tangy bite that it has on my tongue.

Long time visitors to my blog may realise that the first image that I posted, see here, was of a single can of this soup with an invitation to visitors to stay a while and share my photographs.

The first image has been squirted through Nik Software Silver Efex Pro, Antique Plate 1.