eye brain camera fingers

fireworks

2011-11-07T13:33:00.001-08:00

firework 1, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

I love taking pictures of fireworks, it's a shame that it usually only comes around once a year. My formula is to to put the focus to manual and set it to infinity (there isn't time or anything for the camera to focus on). Initially I set the exposure to manual and then the time to 1 second and the aperture to f8. After taking few shots I review what I have taken, If the firework is too bright I change the aperture f16 to saturate the colours. If the firework size is too small I increase the time, if it is too large I reduce the time. I am then free to to concentrate on when the next firework is due to explode by the trail of the rocket going up. i take hundreds of shots to get a few good ones as it free!

Kilham Morning

2011-11-04T01:41:00.001-07:00

Kilham Morning, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

However the next morning I knew it would be another misty morning with a good sunrise so it was off at 7 am to go over to Kilham (fog hollow) to make up for yesterday's missed opportunity. Of the pictures taken this was one of the best with the church above the mist and the soft morning light creating layers in the landscape. I sent it in to the local television programme Look North where it was chosen as the picture of the day.

Misty morning 3

2011-11-04T01:37:00.001-07:00

Misty morning 3, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

I had to go to work today on such a stunning morning. I could have stopped a dozen times to take photos but that would have made me an hour late so I restricted it to this one scene.

Vate

2011-09-20T10:23:00.001-07:00

Vate, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

This is where the use of the software tries to achieve the image in the mind's eye. Sometimes this picture whivch you originally imagined changes during the process to something completely new.

Thursday 28th July

2011-09-07T06:53:00.001-07:00

train above the Fraser, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

Sat for, what was for me, ages (well, 15 minutes) for the train to appear from the tunnel. No patience me!!

rude glove

2011-07-03T07:45:00.001-07:00

rude glove, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

The most mundane things such as a discarded glove have a picture hidden in them.

Eliza again

2011-07-03T07:44:00.001-07:00

Eliza again, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

When I took this I already had this picture of a burnt out mono in my mind. It took photoshop for me to realise the seen image.

Old barn with storm

2011-07-03T07:42:00.001-07:00

Old barn with storm, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

The moment is here, the moment passes. 30 seconds later the barn was in shadow and raindrops were falling.

fungus

2011-07-03T07:41:00.001-07:00

fungus, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

Driving to work on a back road one day I saw this fine fungus out of the corner of my eye. The advantages of living in rural East Yorkshire include the ability to put on the brakes, pull over and have time to compose a shot.

shadow

2011-07-03T07:39:00.001-07:00

shadow, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

The same evening. Never forget to cast your eyes upward from time to time to see that extra interesting picture.

Pocklington churchyard 2

2011-07-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

Pocklington churchyard 2, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

On a night out in Pocklington, always ensure that you keep your photographic brain at the very least on standby and that you have a camera handy.

lissett memorial

2011-07-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

lissett memorial, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

There's always a new angle to explore. i must have been past here a dozen times in all weathers, mainly because I think it is a marvellous memorial. Today the wild spring flowers provide a great foreground to emphasise the rural position.

blue door

2011-05-27T12:45:00.001-07:00

blue door , a photo by howarew on Flickr.

Sometimes things just sort of fascinate you and blue doors do it for me. I cannot resist photographing old peeling distressed blue doors which I love to highlight by desaturating the rest of the image. We all need our quirks / signature images.

Tulip Development

2011-04-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

The (almost) original, the first reworking and the second (and possibly) final development of this picture of the heart (or sexy bits) of a tulip. The main idea was to concentrate the attention on the stamen by increasing the blur and darkening down the surrounding area whilst increasing the sharpness and contrast of the area of interest. Which of these you prefer is up to your preference.

Nordman sprig

2011-04-29T22:26:00.001-07:00

Nordman sprig, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

Smallest of things can be interesting if you you look, see, think and present

Burton Agnes Manor House Undercroft

2011-04-08T03:40:00.001-07:00

Burton Agnes Manor House Undercroft 2, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

I am trying out duotoning to add mood to monochrome. With the right image and the careful choice of tone I think in enhances the picture. Given the wrong tone it could well ruin it! This undercroft of the old Norman Manor House next to Burton Agnes Hall is a lovely subject although the vast contrast in light is a real problem. Next time I shall take the tripod (I was in the middle of an 8 mile walk when I stopped for this shot) and try High Dynamic Range (not something I am very skilled at. However the best way to learn is to do!

View from Bassett Brow

2011-04-08T03:34:00.001-07:00

View from Bassett Brow, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

One of the joys of photography is its ability to recall the feelings and sights of great moments. Walking over the top of Bassetts Brow near Settrington brings you this vista looking over towards Malton and the far North York Moors. Adding the two walking companions personalises the moment forever.

Bridlington morning

2011-04-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

Bridlington morning, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

If you try to take a picture every day for a year, some days the weather, or more accurately the light, is against you. Sometime the mojo is rather weak and you just can't seem to see a photo anywhere. However, there is always photoshop and a bit of post prouction imagination.

All Saints Kilham 2

2011-04-06T12:47:00.001-07:00

All Saints Kilham 2, a photo by howarew on Flickr.

The need to fit the presentation to the subject matter to enhance the mood is shown well here. This is a timeless picture which probably hasn't changed much in the last 100 years. So why not try to emulate the pictures of 100 years ago.

skeleton leaf

2011-03-16T10:58:00.001-07:00

skeleton leaf 5 a photo by howarew on Flickr.

Holly leaves which have overwintered on the ground or in leaf mould can be reduced to a skeleton state which can lend themselves to great photos. Just be very gentle with them and have fun playing with the light source to optimise the shadows.
It is always good to look at other people's work to get inspiration but you should always try to put your own spin on the image to mke it yours.

Rebirth

2011-03-11T03:53:00.001-08:00

Day 312 - new rhubarb a photo by howarew on Flickr.

One of my goals for 2011 is to get a photo into the readers photos of the Guardian weekend magazine. Sometimes the set subject is so obscure that I have no chance of even entering. A couple of weeks ago the subject was "rebirth" and I thought this was a suitable piture of a new rhubarb leaf poking out of a mass of old decaying stalks. Having duly sent it off I sat and waited but alas it only made the shortlist.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2011/mar/05/readers-pictures-rebirth?INTCMP=SRCH#/?picture=372282638&index=5

Ah well, keep trying

soul window

2011-02-26T03:00:00.001-08:00

soul window
Originally uploaded by howarew

I need a portrait image for a competition but I don't do portraits, so I have done this. Hopefully the judge will see what I saw!

piggy bank

2011-02-19T01:28:00.001-08:00

piggy bank
Originally uploaded by howarew

There are pictures all around. It took a bit of finding to get the best angle of this piggy bank. Whether this is the best that can be done is a moot point as this is the angle which I think captures the expression and appeal of the object.

feeding frenzy

2011-01-26T09:24:00.001-08:00

feeding frenzy
Originally uploaded by howarew

Does a photograph need to be sharp? If so, how much of it needs to be sharp?
Answer: As much or as little as YOU as the photographer want.

ice crystals 2

2011-01-25T09:12:00.001-08:00

ice crystals 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

Ice crystals on the car windscreen. The sun caught them and five minutes later they were gone. Sic transit gloria mundi.

trails

2011-01-25T09:11:00.001-08:00

trails
Originally uploaded by howarew

simplicity of line makes a lovely picture

Above Bishop Wilton 3

2011-01-25T09:09:00.001-08:00

Above Bishop Wilton
Originally uploaded by howarew

Another view from the same location highlighting a small area of the suns light and the far power station (Eggborough I think)

Above Bishop Wilton 2

2011-01-07T12:14:00.001-08:00

Above Bishop Wilton 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

Sometimes light is the most transient and beautiful. I always carry a camera because remember, the best camera in the world is the one you have with you. Any other is useless.

Stanage edge 4

2011-01-07T12:12:00.001-08:00

Stanage edge 4
Originally uploaded by howarew

If you can't get it in with one photo, take several and merge the. This is two pictures merged with Panorama maker. It does tend to give you a curved horizon but I often feel that this is sometimes an advantage such as here.

Chatsworth 3

2011-01-07T12:11:00.001-08:00

Chatsworth 3
Originally uploaded by howarew

Use them lenses.

Lawn of frost

2011-01-07T12:10:00.001-08:00

Lawn of frost
Originally uploaded by howarew

Photos are everywhere, just look.

New Year

2011-01-07T12:08:00.001-08:00

New Year
Originally uploaded by howarew

Sometimes even mistakes can turn out to make interesting atmospheric photos!

string and nail

2011-01-07T12:07:00.001-08:00

string and nail
Originally uploaded by howarew

Simple things can, in the right light, make lovely simple photos

Belclair cattle go home 3

2010-12-04T05:53:00.001-08:00

Belclair cattle go home 3
Originally uploaded by howarew

The final crop of the image from France.. going in tight allows the connection between the seated figure and the cattle to be seen better, also the flies buzzing around the cattle heads.

kings mill river in winter

2010-12-04T05:48:00.001-08:00

kings mill river in winter
Originally uploaded by howarew

Again think how the lines lead the eye. Think I should change the figure on the bridge's coat to red!

trees in snow

2010-12-04T05:45:00.001-08:00

trees in snow
Originally uploaded by howarew

Just stop for a minute and think what your eyes do in a photo like this.

snow walking

2010-12-04T05:44:00.001-08:00

snow walking
Originally uploaded by howarew

Nothing like snow to stimulate the monochrome in you is there?

time

2010-12-04T05:43:00.001-08:00

time 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

I have been neglecting my blog recently but I have decided that from now on I shall try to post at least every week from my flickr site. You have been warned.

York Christmas is coming

2010-12-04T05:39:00.001-08:00

York Christmas is coming
Originally uploaded by howarew

Even when your wife takes you shopping there are photos to be snapped.

French scene 2

2010-09-29T23:25:00.001-07:00

French scene 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

Small details such as the stockings hanging on the makeshift line and the cat in the window add detail to this street scene.

Duilhac sunrise

2010-09-29T23:23:00.001-07:00

Duilhac sunrise
Originally uploaded by howarew

Sometimes you just have to get away, put on your photographers head and look for a few photos. Here it was an early morning with the sun streaming down the valley. The three old bells were the silhoutted highlight I needed.

Belclair cattle go home

2010-09-29T23:20:00.001-07:00

Belclair cattle go home
Originally uploaded by howarew

The great advantage of bridge cameras is their adaptability and speed of use. Whilst out walking I always carry my camera in a bag at my hip on my belt. Here, all 14 if us saw the old man and his cattle come around the corner but I was the only one fast enough to get the camera out, turn it on, compse and capture the image of the backlit group walking up the street. The other old Frenchman on the right just completes the scene.

straw bale planet

2010-08-29T13:18:00.001-07:00

straw bale planet 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

And photographer created a whole world...

A question of tomatoes

2010-08-29T13:17:00.001-07:00

A question of tomatoes
Originally uploaded by howarew

If it doesn't exist, create it.

traction engine

2010-08-29T13:15:00.001-07:00

traction engine 4
Originally uploaded by howarew

Trick the eye to see what you want it to.

scarborough belle

2010-08-29T13:13:00.001-07:00

scarborough belle
Originally uploaded by howarew

Always reach for the sun.

walking the toad

2010-08-29T13:12:00.001-07:00

walking the toad
Originally uploaded by howarew

Look at everything as a photographer.

stairs

2010-08-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

stairs 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

The eye is drawn in, must follow, must follow......

dying

2010-08-29T13:09:00.001-07:00

dying 3
Originally uploaded by howarew

Even the dying flower has a beauty.

stump

2010-08-29T13:07:00.001-07:00

stump 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

Knees bend, or even grovel on stomach to get what you want.

Wharram Percy

2010-08-29T13:05:00.001-07:00

Wharram Percy 5
Originally uploaded by howarew

Walk around, look, think, capture.

the shadow photographer

2010-08-29T13:04:00.001-07:00

the shadow photographer
Originally uploaded by howarew

Now you see me taking a shot, camera bag on the hip.

Above Thixendale

2010-08-29T13:03:00.001-07:00

Above Thixendale 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

See a sunset, find a silhouette, choose your angle, capture it.

Mothers at Driffield

2010-08-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

Mothers at Driffield 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

I love what photos tell you, what they make you feel.

dandelion

2010-08-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

dandelion 12
Originally uploaded by howarew

So small, so delicate, so full of life.

dandelion

2010-08-29T12:56:00.001-07:00

dandelion 4
Originally uploaded by howarew

Off fly the seeds, a new weed to make.

horse print

2010-08-29T12:54:00.001-07:00

horse print
Originally uploaded by howarew

sic transit gloria mundi

Derwentwater trees

2010-08-29T12:53:00.001-07:00

Derwentwater trees
Originally uploaded by howarew

The eyes play tricks, the camera captures, other eyes see.

tree

2010-08-29T12:49:00.001-07:00

tree
Originally uploaded by howarew

simple, simple simple.

towards Hornsea

2010-08-29T12:48:00.001-07:00

towards Hornsea
Originally uploaded by howarew

It is funny how photos split people. I and a few other photographers love this but most non photographers don't.

Bridlington Harbour sunrise

2010-08-29T12:47:00.001-07:00

Bridlington Harbour sunrise
Originally uploaded by howarew

Even when you are called out at 6 am, go and watch the sunrise (and capture it).

staxton evening

2010-08-29T12:45:00.001-07:00

staxton evening
Originally uploaded by howarew

Rule one, always carry a camera. This was on the way home from work one day.

red amaryllis

2010-08-29T12:44:00.001-07:00

red amaryllis 5
Originally uploaded by howarew

Sex is rather artistic isn't it?

six trees

2010-08-29T12:42:00.001-07:00

six trees take 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

I love simple images, and the winter simplifies nearly every image.

Poppy Heart 3

2010-06-13T11:50:00.001-07:00

Poppy Heart 3
Originally uploaded by howarew

I am getting into macro pictures of flowers which are just simply beautiful when you get up close. In order to concentrate the eye on nthe stamen and pistil I have zoom blurred the surrounding flower in photoshop.

dew pond above Wetwang

2010-05-30T12:47:00.001-07:00

dew pond above Wetwang
Originally uploaded by howarew

A panorama of three pictures. Notice that it has a dome on the horizon, some of which was there naturally and some was due to the lens effect exaggerated by the stitching and panning. There was really no way to get this view in one shot but the panorama of three does give the open countryside feel very well. I like at least, which is all that matters!!

new leaves

2010-05-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

new leaves
Originally uploaded by howarew

Playing with photoshop is real fun. It can create some lovely photos (if you have the right picture to start with, have the vision to see the hidden image and know how to be able to get there).
Hope this is OK by you all. If it is, then I have done my photographer bit correctly.

pale amayllis 7b

2010-04-10T22:38:00.001-07:00

pale amayllis 7b
Originally uploaded by howarew

Rather proud of my messing around with this photo.

Showed it to a group of friends the other night and and they were divided on whether it was an improvement on the original or not.

That is what I like to achieve, controversy and discussion and people thinking and communicating.

daffs 3

2010-04-08T09:17:00.001-07:00

daffs 3
Originally uploaded by howarew

sometimes you get a bit fed up with taking the same old thing and try something different. Sometimes it works, sometimes not......

tunnel and bridge 2

2010-04-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

tunnel and bridge 2
Originally uploaded by howarew

Or the longer lead in, suggesting the rail lines but I couldn't get that and the daylight view through the tunnel

tunnel and bridge

2010-04-02T10:28:00.001-07:00

tunnel and bridge
Originally uploaded by howarew

Choice time. Which to prefer? This is the closerpicture, more of the frame is filled, Lead in in slight green, a view through about on a third, and a repeating frame of the second arch.

tree and pond

2010-03-28T07:51:00.001-07:00

tree and pond
Originally uploaded by howarew

I have take innumerable pictures of this tree and dew pond, in the snow, in the spring, in the summer, at sunset, reflections of the tree in the water etc. I just find it aesthetically pleasing somehow. It is in the fields behind our house about 5 minutes walk away.
Today the wind was stiff, the sky had puffy clouds and the atmosphere could only be called fresh.
You can't hear the lorries and motorbikes roaring down the bypass from the photograph.
You can't hear the birds singing.
You can't feel the wind on your cheek and neck.
You can't smell the odour from the dog food factory on the industrial estate upwind.

Enjoy the photograph for any emotions, feeling or senses it does engender in you.

horse print

2010-03-23T11:15:00.001-07:00

horse print
Originally uploaded by howarew

I actually took this on Sunday at Skipsea beach. I am only publishing it to see how this blog thing works and it may well disappear as soon as I get a few more pictures taken.

Welcome to my blog

2010-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well Erik has set me off on a future of blogging!

This is one for photos which I have taken and I particularly like.

I will start posting as soon as I have taken something worthy of this site. It will be at infrequent intervals, not too far apart hopefully.

Hopefully I will enjoy seeking, seeing, capturing, presenting and publishing images which can elicit a feeling or emotion from you, the viewer.