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.