Family Christmas (Westy 52)

This is number 52 of the 52 week project.

It had to be something Christmasy to end the year:

I chose a Macro shot of a Christmas ornament - As it summed up waiting for Christmas, and also included the family.

I set the ornament up with the Christmas tree as a background;

Using the 105 macro at f4 threw it completely out of focus, but still gave enough of a feeling of fairy lights that I was after.

The image was then imported into Photoshop. I applied a 'Monday Morning' filter to the image, which desaturated the colour, as well as adding a dreamy like effect.

I then applied a layer mask and painted in where I wanted the original colour and sharpness to show through (the stockings).

Pleased with the result.

Three Today (Westy 52)

It had to be a shot of Megan's Birthday this week;

D300 + 18-200vr with a single SB-900 with Fong Lightsphere II Cloud.

Set the flash to 'slow' sync to stop it ruining the glow from the sparkler and candles.

Reduce background levels in CS4 and added a slight glow to Megan's eyes to emphasis the glow.

I also had to clone one of the candle flames (it had gone out in the original shot).

Smoke and Mirrors (Westy 52)

Playing smoke this week;

I set-up a joss stick against a black backdrop.

It was lit by a single SB-900 firing into a softbox - The trick was to try to light the smoke, without spilling light onto the background.

To do this I aimed the softbox to the side, almost slightly behind the smoke - Being careful not to cause lens flare (a bit of trial and error!)

With the smaller aperture needed to capture the plumes of smoke properly (focusing is tough to say the least!) you lose quite a bit of light.

In order to freeze the motion of the constantly-moving smoke, you need quite a fast shutter time. I aimed for 1/125 or faster.

I shot in full manual to get the smoke as bright as possible without blowing out the highlights.

Taking the photos is just the start in this project - Photoshop is where they are transformed.

I cropped the image, rotating where I think it suited, and then used levels to adjust the contrast of the images.

Some work well with the Black background (as the main image), some I Inverted to give a black smoke of white background look (like this example)

To colourise the smoke, I used the hue and saturation tool. You can apply the colour to the whole image in one go, because your white or black background will be unaffected by this tool.

I prefer to colour parts of the image by making a selection of a part of the smoke, with feather set to 200px.

These are very much 'first attempts' but I pleased with how they went.

Tea for Two (Westy 52)

Really struggled for inspiration this week, but was saved by the Christmas Fayre at Caitlin's school on Sunday.

There were a couple of rides, including the girls' favourite (The Teacups) - This gave me a chance to practice my panning technique.

I pre-focused on the girls before the ride started, and then following them round, panning and shooting each time they passed me.

I must admit to having a few 'misses' but was pleased the the results from this shot.

Shot taken handheld with the D300 + 18-200vr.

Slightly adjusted levels in Photoshop.

Party Cakes (Westy 52)

Something very different for me this week - Macro and Food!

This shot was taken as part of a commission job for a friend who is setting up a website to promote her cake business.

Shot with the D300 + Sigma 105 at 1/80 @ f4.5 (Full Manual).

The cakes are lit by a large window camera right, with the shadows filled in by using a reflector (camera left).

Had a great day shooting - Really pleased with the results too.

Winter Sunshine (Westy 52)

This week's image is a 3 shot HDR taken with the Canon G9.

I used the tiny tripod built-in to the Wrap cover on the G9, on the roof of the car to keep everything still.

Shooting into the sun gave me the glare that I was looking for to emphasis the rays.

I love the 'warm' feel to the light, especially how it picks out the tree on the right of the frame, with an almost 'hair light' feel.

The three shots were combined in Photomatix as usual.

'Bisgetti' (Westy 52)

Back to a grab portrait this week of Megan, post 'Bisgetti' for dinner!

Simple handheld shot in natural light (the conservatory acting a a lovely big diffuser again!).

D300 + 85 1.4 (@ f2.2 to give enough depth of field for the face, but blur the background).

Slightly reduced the levels of the background in the CS4, but other than that, straight from camera.

I need to be able to do this with studio strobes!

Must practise more...

Remember, Remember (Westy 52)

This weeks' image was taken at the annual Fireworks party at Bedford Rugby club.

The shot was handheld using the G9 in full manual mode.

I selected a shutter speed of 3 second - Taking 3 separate images which were then combined in CS4 using layer masks.

Simple, but effective.

Ginger Spooks (Westy 52)

This weeks' image is a full length portrait shot of the girls in their Halloween costumes.

It was shot with the D300 + 35 1.8 (1/60 @ f8) with two Speedlights.

The SB-800 (camera left) firing through a Ezybox softbox (at about 45° to the girls), the SB-900 directly behind them (to separate them from the black background), all controlled from the built in commander flash.

The commander was also set to provide a small amount to front fill.

Even with the SB-900 behind them, the original shot had the girls lost in the background a little - so I had to do some work in Photoshop to help out:

Original Image

I added a new Layer (which I increased the levels on) to bring the hat and wig detail back.

Adjusted levels on Hat

I then masked out the rest of the image (which returned them to their original 'correct' levels).

I then did some other dodge and burn adjustments using the Wacom Tablet to increase / decrease the levels as required across the image.

Extreme Pay (Westy 52)

This week's image was taken at a local fun fair.

We had visited during the day, but I decided to go back in the evening with the D300 and tripod to grab some light trail shots.

I really liked the colours in this one, and the way the stationary group contrast with the movement of the ride.

The neon 'Extreme Pay' sign was an added bonus.

Shot in full manual - A full 2 second exposure at f25 on the D300 with the 18-200vr set at about 50mm (ISO 200).

Spin it! (Westy 52)

This weeks image was a little bit of trial and error.

I love the idea of suggesting movement in a still photo, so had the idea of fixing the camera to look at a point on the car, and then moving the background around the stationary camera.

I searched EBay and found the perfect thing to help...

This cost me £2.99 (!) - Allowing me to clamp the G9 (not brave enough to try it with the DSLRs yet) to the car door.

I set the G9 to fire automatically after 10 seconds (giving me time to jump in and drive the car to get the movement I was after).

I also set the ND filter on the camera to give me a slow shutter speed even though I was shooting during the day.

I boosted the contrast a little in CS4, but other than that, this is straight from the camera.

This is very much a 'work in progress' - A project that I will continue to explore in the coming weeks.

Looking forward to trying the technique out with the 'bike.

Wait for Dad! (Westy 52)

A grab shot of Clare, Caitlin and Megan this week, taken during an Autumn walk is a local forest.

Taken with the D300 + 35 1.8 (1/1600 f2).

Processed with Color Efex Pro 3 in Aperture by adding a Bleach Bypass filter, which was then selectively removed from the girls (so that it only effected the background).

Used sparingly I think the effect can work well - It lifts shots out of the 'snapshot' bracket.

Slightly sharpened using DFine.

Broken Morning (Westy 52)

We have had some great sunrises over Bedfordshire this week (most annoyingly on Tuesday when I only had the iPhone camera with me! - Lesson learnt.)

However, I was fortunate enough to be greeted with this scene early on Sunday morning, whilst on my way into the office.

This is a handheld 3-shot HDR image, shot in RAW.

I combined the 3 exposures in Photomatix Pro, then added a Polarising filter in CS4 to deepen the blue in the sky.

I am really pleased with how the road surface looks almost B&W in contrast to the range of colours in the sky.

I know that taking 'Landscape' shots in a vertical 'Portrait' format break the rules, but in this case, I think it works well.

Sometimes pushing the rules works to your advantage.

Images in Print

Professional ImageMaker Magazine arrived in the post today.

It is the worldwide magazine of the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers).

Great to see my 'Into the Blue' Image voted as a competition winners by other Pro Photographers.

For those that haven't seen the image before, this is the one...

The Phantom (Westy 52)

Really tough choice this week - I was all set to go for the Bugatti Veyron shot, but decided that this Rolls Royce Phantom image worked better as a whole.

I took more than 300 images at the Frankfurt Motorshow, so choosing one was not easy.

This shot is a 3-shot HDR taken with the Canon G9 compact.

I didn't have a tripod with me, so I used a glass barrier to rest the camera on during the three shots.

Converted to HDR in Photomatix, and then to B&W using Silver Efex Pro.

I love the range of tones, especially how the light background makes a natural faded frame for the car.

G9 HDRs from Warwick Castle

Took a few shots with the G9 during our trip to Warwick Castle today.

I seem to have it constantly on 'Bracket' at the moment to practice HDR images.

Here are few from today...

All "3-shot" images converted in Photomatix Pro

Happy 50th (Westy 52)

A simple grab shot this week, taken during the MINI's 50th Birthday celebrations at my local BMW dealer.

I used the D300 + 18-200 zoomed to 105mm @ f5 to narrow the depth of field, but still keep all of the cars recognisable as MINIs.

I was also pleased with the colour tones of the cars, which I think works really well here... Sort of 'B&W in Colour".

The natural lighting was perfect for what I was after.

This is straight from camera - No Photoshop needed this week!

The 18-200 VR is a long way from a Pro lens, but it just about the perfect 'walkabout' - The results can be very nice too.

Brace! (Westy 52)

As expected, this weeks' image was taken during my trip to Interlaken in Switzerland.

I shot more than 400 images, recording our work trip that included Rafting and Canyoning.

The scenery was amazing, so choosing one shot was tough.

I decided to go with this image as it feel it captures the swell of the water well.

I am also pleased with the range of emotions captured on the faces of the Managers in the boat!

D300 + 18-200 (@ 112) - ISO 400 to allow a speed of 1/1250 sec to freeze the water splashes.

Contrast boosted in CS4, with a slight raise in Luminance levels to make the yellow boat really 'ping'.

Big School (Westy 52)

This weeks' image is more 'sentimental' than 'technical skill' I guess.

It is Caitlin's first day at 'Big School'.

Taken with the D300 + 35 1.8, using natural light - Slight edge burn added in CS4 to focus the eye.

(She had a great day by the way!)

Work Access Update

I have managed to get my Smugmug site white listed (again!) so my work colleagues should now be able to view my linked images as before.

I will only link to Smugmug from the Blog now, as FlickR is still blocked.

Weapon of Choice (Westy 52)

Weapon of Choice
Originally uploaded by Westy Photography

This week's image is a B&W shot of my Canon G9 pro compact, taken with the D300 + 85 1.4 (at f5.6 for this shot).

I love the amount of detail the 85 picks up, and of course the gorgeous background Bokeh it produces... No wonder it is known to Nikon users as the 'Cream Machine'!

The image was converted to B&W in Apple Aperture using the excellent Silver Efex plug-in.

Herne Bay Panorama

Herne Bay Panorama
Originally uploaded by Westy Photography

This is a 10 shot Panorama taken at Herne Bay Beach on Saturday.

I set-up the D300 on a tripod with the 18-200 at f8.

I then took two '5 shot' bracketed images, which I combined into two separate images using Photomatix.

I then 'stitched' the two new images together in Photoshop to create the Pano.

Finally I applied a filter to bring out the blue in the sky a little.

Lots of work for one shot, but I think it was worth it.

Goodbye Legend (Westy52)

This weeks' image was taken with the Canon G9 outside Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground.

It shows the growing tribute to ex-England and Ipswich Manager Bobby Robson. As you can see it is not just Ipswich fans paying tribute, as the Arsenal and Liverpool scarfs testify.

I added a slight 'bleach by-pass' effect in photoshop to achieve the look I was after here.

I also like the way the scarfs and shirts lead the eye towards Sir Bobby's statue at the end of the frame.

Award Winning - SWPP Recognition

Hi all,
Just a quick update to say that 'Into the Blue' was voted 'Gold' - Macro image of the month for July by the SWPP.

This image will now feature in Professional Imagemaker Magazine - I will scan a copy when I get it.

Thanks for the support.

Wired for Sound (Westy 52)

Trying out the 35 1.8 this week - Seems to be a pin sharp portrait lens - Light and fast too.

I also picked up a copy of Topaz Adjust, so I thought would combine the two products.

Natural light portrait of Caitlin (along with iPod), taken with the D300 + 35 1.8.

Imported into Photoshop, and Topaz adjustment applied. It gives a nice overall contrast boost, which I like, but was too much on the eyes.

I added a layer mask and bought the eyes back to how they were in the original image, which I think works far better.

More practice needed on the Photoshop plug-ins front I think!

A game of opinions (Westy 52)

This weeks' shot was taken at Wembley Stadium during the 2009 Community Shield.

It is a handheld two shot HDR using the G9.

Once the two images were combined, I bought back the original 'pitch' image in photoshop (as the players had moved, causing ghosting in the HDR).

I have also applied a Topaz 'Colour Pop' action, which I think works well here.

I like the way the two guys at the edge of the frame help emphasis the feeling of watching and discussing the match.

Isolation (Westy 52)

This weeks' image was taken at Wild Britain in Bedford.

I really liked the way this single flower was standing on it's own in isolation.

I shot at 200mm f5 to further isolate the flower from the background.

Shot with the D300 + 18-200vr (not the ideal lens, but it did a fine job here).

Slight saturation boost in CS4, and darkened corners to emphasise the colour of the petals.

Blue and Blonde (Westy 52)

Back to the Portraits this week..

This is a quick grab natural light portrait of my friend and work colleague Faye.

Taken with the D300 + 17-55 2.8.

The 'studio' is a front door step - I positioned Faye so that she was just inside the door as the soft light fell on her face.

Spot metering on her eyes threw the background into darkness, as well as giving me the 'high key' feel I was after.

The background has been burnt slightly to make it even darker and eyes and lips sharpened a little.

I love the contrast between the almost porcelain like skin tones and deep blue eyes and dress.

Storming Ahead (Westy 52)

This week's image is another three shot HDR image taken with the G9.

This time I am a little closer to home (River Ouse in Bedford).

The shots were combined in Photomatix - Then imported into Photoshop.

I applied a grad layer to dark the sky the little (although it didn't need much!).

Fly the Flag

Fly the Flag
Originally uploaded by Westy Photography

Thought I would revisit the 'Polar Coordinates' actions that I made in photoshop.

Great way to make 'marbles' - The effect works really well with colourful images (like this Peugeot 207 rally car).

Colour vs B&W (Westy 52)

A macro shot this week, taken with the D300 and Sigma 105 2.8 Macro.

This was taken during a visit to "Wild Britain", at Wilden in Bedfordshire. (More details on Wild Britain are HERE)

I really liked the way the striking Black and White of the Tree Nymph Butterfly contrasted with the colour in the flowers.

The Macro lens at f4 really threw the background mainly out of focus, but still kept enough detail to give the feeling of being in 'the wild'.

I still struggle with focussing with the Macro - In this case I went to manual focussing, which seemed to work much better than auto for this kind of image.

The Butterfly kept nice and still too, which helped!

The image is slightly sharpened in photoshop, with the corners 'burnt' to emphasize the central focus.

Wide-angle Rally

This was taken at the Forest Rally Stage at Goodwood.

A nicely panned shot... The reason I posted it here though was the fact that it was taken with a 35mm wideangle lens!

This shows just how close to the action you are at Goodwood, but more importantly demonstrates what is possible with VERY affordable glass.

Brilliant little lens.

Easy Rider

This is actually Peter Fonda, re-united with the Harley Chopper that he road in Easy Rider.

Taken at the Goodwood Festival of Speed - D300 + 70-200vr, handheld.

Lift Off (Westy 52)

A really tough choice this week - I took loads of shots at Goodwood, many of which I was really pleased with.

In the end I decided to go with this shot of a Bowler Rally Raid racer at full chat;

The shot was taken using the D300 + 70-200vr, coupled with a 1.7 teleconverter, giving me a range of 119 - 340mm.

The Teleconverter does make the image a little soft, so I sharpened slightly is CS4, and applied a tonal curve to give the 'gritty' contrasty look I was after.

The full Goodwood FoS gallery can be viewed Here

Sunset Beach (Westy 52)

This weeks' image was taken at Praia d'El Rai beach, on Portugal's Silver Coast.

I didn't take an SLR away with me, so all of my holiday photos (including this one) were taken with the Canon G9.

It really is the ultimate 'compact' for me - It may not be the smallest around, but it really packs a punch.

The image here is actually an HDR (high dynamic range) image generated by taking three photos at different exposures and then combining them in photoshop.

I shot at 'flat' and +/- 2 stops to record the Highlights (sun), mids. and shadows.

The image is 'stitched' together using the tone mapping function in Photomatix.

I then re-imported the generated image back into Photoshop and layered the original three images over it - exposing the parts that I wanted to show through using layer masks.

Landscapes really aren't my thing, but I think this one works...

Now back to the beach!

Still Waiting (Westy 52)

This weeks' shot was taken with the G9 following Friday's Pet Shop Boys concert at the O2.

It is a 2 second exposure taken at the DLR station as Clare and I waited for our train home.

I had no tripod with me for support, so this is actually taken with the camera perched on Clare's shoulder as a make shift tripod.

I dialled the G9 down to 80 ISO to minimise grain and give me the exposure time I needed for the train to go past.

A mild 'bleach by-pass' filter was then applied in Tiffen DFX in Aperture, to add a little contrast.

Night at the Theatre (Westy 52)

This weeks' shot is a classic portrait of Caitlin.

She is so hard to capture at the moment, but was willing to have this taken as she was about to go out to the Theatre (thanks Grandma!).

The shot was taken using natural light (just inside the front door) with the hallway as the background.

Spot metering threw the hall into darkness.

This was my first play with the Nikon 35 1.8 (at f2.8 here) - It is just about the perfect length for a portrait lens, and looks really sharp for a lens of it's low price.

I converted to B&W in Silver Efex Pro via Aperture, and slightly sharpened her eyes.

She is growing up WAY too fast!

Two new additions...

The girls got their first iPods yesterday, ready for 'keeping them quiet' on the 'plane!

Thought I would tie this in with trialling my new Nikon 35 1.8 - Lovely sharp lens!

The depth of field is pretty narrow, but it does produce a lovely Bokeh for the price level.

Oh, by the way, we now have a total of 7 iPods in the house now!

Burning Bright (Westy 52)

This weeks image was taken at Bedford Kite Festival.

As I was out with the family I only had the G9 with me.

The shot was taken through a perspex screen with the G9 in RAW mode - I over exposed slighty to get some detail in the background.

The artist makes glass animals by hand - Really interesting to watch him at work.

The focusing is the key here I think - Exposure is always going to be a compromise... No camera would be able to handle the intense light, and get full detail in the background.

I decided to emphasis this instead, by burning the corners slightly to darken them down, bringing the focus to the torch and glass work.

Into the Blue (Westy 52)

Hi all - A little early this week, but I have a busy weekend ahead, so thought I would get the shot 'in the bag'.

The shot is very simple to set-up:

A baking tray filled with water, with a bag suspended above it, dripping water (in this case, with red food colouring in it).

Manual focus on the 'splash area'.

The shot is lit from the back, by firing a single flash onto the white backdrop.

The blue tint to the water is simply achieved by setting the WB on the camera to tungsten.

It takes lots of trial and error, but occasionally, you get a really nice shot!

SB-900, D300 + 105 2.8 Macro.

Second this time

Another shot of mine was voted second in Kate Day's Telegraph blog last week.

The shot was taken at Woburn Safari park, during the Birds in Action display.

Kate runs a photo competition every week - The quality of entries is usually excellent.

The link to Kate's site is: Here

The full size Parrot image is viewable on my Flickr site, by clicking on the image below: