Shapes at Hastings

I recently read a photography article on shapes (and form). It suggested limiting yourself to one focal length to concentrate on composition rather than just zooming in or out to make a composition. On my outing to Hastings, I took two pieces of glass, my 17-40mm and the nifty fifty (50mm 1.8) partly to concentrate on compositions and to limit weight in the camera bag. I tried as much as I could just to use the 17mm end of the wide angle lens. Doing this meant I needed to either get really close to an object to isolate it, which would cause distortion, or work on composing the shot. I then saw this tunnel known as bottle alley and thought it would be a perfect shot for the shapes article I'd just read. I had intended to use my 50mm lens for this type of shot, not wanting to change it over, I used the 40mm end of the wide angle zoom. I saw on a photography forum a similar shot taken at a different time of day. It helps demonstrate how important light and the time of day are in photography.

Tech info:- taken with 17-40mm at 40mm, f/11 for 30 secs, processing includes photo filter to reduce some of the yellow cast caused by the lights; contrast boost using curves and red channel as protective mask - this stops the darks becoming black and the whites becoming white. Although some areas were already blown from the initial exposure.

Congratulations Jet Harris - MBE

I would like to dedicate this post to Jet Harris who has just been awarded an MBE on the New Years Honours List for services to music. As many will know we (The Rapiers) back Jet Harris, although recently he has been diagnosed with cancer and currently having chemotherapy for it.

Jet Harris was the original bass player and leader of The Shadows, Cliff Richard's backing band. They also had hit singles and albums on their own. Jet Harris can be heard playing bass guitar on Apache and the intro to Cliff Richard's 1st number 1 'Living Doll' amongst other. He left the shadows and had a solo career then teamed up with fellow ex Shadows Drummer Tony Meehan and had a number 1 single with 'Diamonds' which stayed at the top spot for 3 weeks.

I would also like to wish a Happy 2010 to you all.

Hastings at twilight

I went on a photo met with some other photographers. By the time I got there, due to traffic and other commitments, everyone else bar one person had gone. So we got some twilight shots together. Here is one from under a walk way (which had a rather pungent smell toilet) looking out to sea with Hastings pier to the left.

tech info:- 17-40 at 17mm f11 for 30 secs. Post processing, corrected lens perspective and adjusted interior colour balance slightly to reduce yellow cast.

Nicola Mclean at Christmas

Another festive shot I took last year. Last years 'I'm a celebrity, get me out of here' contestant Nicola McLean opening the Ultimo store at Debenhams in Romford. She appeared at 3 stores on this day, including Oxford St (London) and Colchester.

I would like to wish all my followers (3 people I think) a merry Christmas and all the best for 2010.

Nathan

Bianca Gascoigne at Christmas

All the seasonal shots from previous years are gonna come out now. Well from me they are. Here is a shot of the gorgeous Bianca Gascoigne. I had a santa hat and asked if she wouldn't mind putting it on. She obliged for me, not so sure if she would now.

The shot appeared in the Star and was sold via ISO images last year. I haven't used this agency for a while now. I still use Famous pictures, Film Magic and Wire Image (latter two own by Getty Images).

How to wrap up warm

Well after quite a few comments via my facebook on the previous post on the D3, I thought I change completely. As it's cold, I though a shot demonstrating the breast way to wrap up warm for the cold weather would be in order. Aimee Luis is the willing model who I think does a fantastic job with her gloves and scarf.

Nikon D3

I just had to post this shot. I just lined up a shot, only for someone to stick their Nikon D3 infront of my camera. Is this trying to tell me I should also jump ship and go to the Nikon system. Probably not, I' have been considering for a while though.

Gold iPod

Frank Lampard has just endorsed a gold iPod, with all profits (I understand) for charity. Only limited to a run of 500, which Frank and the creators will have their own ones, leaving approx 496 available, I suggest you rush to harrods post hast for your own special edition.

Mystery Monkey

I was walking through an area of London and can across this chap. He handed me a small bottle of Blitz Energy Shot. I then noticed the notice round his neck. It seems he was looking for Stacey from the x-factor. I don't know if he found her, so I took some photos of him.