David Wright's Blog - Photography

nospam@example.com (Dave) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:46:42 +0000

Walk Alone

I took my 1982 Series E Nikon 50mm 1.8 with me on a walk with the kids and came up with this photo. I quite like it. Although quite frustratingly I didn't spot the telegraph pole. Ah well you live and learn. Magenta was in a bad mood and wondered off in a huff.

This was run through UFRaw for the RAW conversion and then converted to black and white using the GIMP. I also added a slight vignette but I didn't have the patience to make it any better.

Let me know what you think.

First Plymouth Photography Group Meeting

nospam@example.com (Dave) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:58:31 +0100

Sun rays near Prince Town

Now that I am getting better at my photography I thought it would be nice to meet up with fellow 'togs. I hang around in a Facebook group for photographers in Plymouth setup by Andy Laidlaw, a Plymouth based photographer. He had arranged the first Plymouth (Facebook) Photography Group meeting on Sunday, 30th March 2008.

The idea was to meet up at the Plume of Feathers at Princetown for lunch and drinks. Only a few turned up in the end but we had good fun. Howard Nowlan also joined along with Kat and Pete Welsh. After the introductions we set off on a journey of photo taking mayhem. Well not quite but it was fun. Pete had a top secret location in mind so we all followed in a convoy through narrow winding roads. Andy had to keep stopping, I thought he needed to keep using the bathroom at first. But not quite, his keen photographer's eye kept seeing things to snap.

Back from their walk. From left to right; Howard, Kat and Andy

We eventually arrived at our destination which was a nice woodland area with a river running through it and a nice picturesque bridge over it. I shan't be divulging the location.

Pete at work.

With the weather being perfect for once we all set off on our own agendas. I kind of snapped randomly really. Watching Pete at work was quite good as I picked up a couple of tips. Pete has a great portfolio and definitely a good eye. Whilst Howard and Andy had modelling in mind, after all Kat was there.

Well seeing as I had brought my family we soon had to leave as the kids had school then next day. But seeing as The Plume of Feathers was on the way we thought we would avoid cooking at home and have dinner there. As usual it was great. It's not often I don't finish a meal.

Natural Light Workshop

nospam@example.com (Dave) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:41:00 +0000

Natural Light Workshop Photos

I had the opportunity to attend a photography workshop focusing on the use of natural light for portraiture work. I was invited to attend by Howard Nowlan after expressing my interest in learning more about portrait work.

So when I first arrived I was extremely nervous. This is the first time I have done anything like this let alone working with a model, Kat who was easy to work with and get on with. I also only realised after the session that my camera (Nikon D40) does have a black and white option. For some reason I got it in my head that it didn't have one as it is only an entry level DSLR. This wasn't a major issue as I converted to black and white during post processing.

Also helping out were Maureen Douglas-Green and Tony Smith who gave great inspiration and mini lectures.

So after listening to Howards introduction and pointers we got straight into it......

Continue reading "Natural Light Workshop"