Classic_View
The classic view across the Thames, one of the best spots to capture the Palace of Westminster at Sunset.
Post-processed with a fine-art style.Read more
The classic view across the Thames, one of the best spots to capture the Palace of Westminster at Sunset.
Post-processed with a fine-art style.
I must say it makes a cracking canvas pano.
Read less
Post-processed with a fine-art style.
I must say it makes a cracking canvas pano.
Read less
Feb, 2015Views
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People's Choice in The Spirit of London Photo Challenge
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Top Choice
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This particular image was taken on the south bank of the Thames looking back across to the Houses of Parliament and Palace of Westminster.Time
So after a long Ocotber day showing my mother-in-law around London’s sights on her first visit to the capital, she retired to a local coffee shop just before dusk giving my wife and I (both photographers) the opportunity to set-up and wait for just the right evening light. Being patient and waiting - beyond when you think the drama is over, often yields the greatest colours and atmosphere.Lighting
As with most of my landscapes this was shot with natural light (excluding the office lights and street lamps :-) ) I would say that after an over cast dull day just the glimpse of the sun setting created the glorious colours. I have often found that going out with the camera, no matter how bad the weather is or rubbish the light looks. It always looks worse from inside. “ Nothing happens when you sit at home. I always make it a point to carry a camera with me at all times…I just shoot at what interests me at that moment." – Elliott ErwittEquipment
This shot was taken using my trusty Nikon D7000 set into its RRS L-plate, a hire lens I was trying out - Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX II (at iso100, 14mm, f/11, 121 sec) With all my long exposure shots a tripod is a must. I used my custom contraption: an old Manfrotto 055XPROB with Giottos head and Wimberley clamp. Not for getting a cheap and cheerful ‘wired’ shutter release for use in bulb mode. *Needless to say I quite liked the Tokina 11-16mm and Santa just happened to have one around Christmas time.Inspiration
I’m guilty, like so many others, that I will drive, fly, hike 100s of miles to explore distant locations but never quite get loud to documenting what’s on my doorstep. So this image was inspired my some research using google, view bug etc to identify locations that also fitted into a tour of London’s famous sights. I city full of images waiting to be made and was right on my door step.Editing
Trade secrets… if I tell you, I will have to kill you. Basic edits in Lr then some more advanced retouching in Ps. I love fine art prints, especially on gorgeous textured papers this has lead me to experiment with using textured overlays. If i am planning to print an image, I will do an initial edit, leave it for a week or two and have another look each time comparing the before and after. Hopefully feeling that I have advanced my vision towards a physical presence.In my camera bag
“ You don’t take a photograph, you make it." – Ansel Adams For travel and landscape photography I have to admit to loving my F-Stop bags with ICUs. The only problem is that I can fit too much in. Coming from a climbing and mountaineering back ground I always have a spare waterproof and/or insulated jacket, gloves, hat etc. As far as camera kit I try and pack with a style in mind. My general go to lenses Nikon 17-55 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8. Spare SD cards and batteries, x-rite colour checker passport, cable release. For landscapes I add an ultra wide-angle 11-16mm and my filter set (Lee holder, Sigma 105 polariser, mix of Lee and Hi-Tec NDs, Grads and a Big Stopper)Feedback
Take your time, be patient. Some days the weather and light want to play some days they don’t. This often dictates how/what I shoot. Of course the golden hours are best but if you happen to be there in the middle of the day try it. I would rather click a few frames to test an idea and composition, go home check The Photographers Epidermis and plan a follow up visit. Most importantly have fun, enjoy looking back. I have a passion for recoding moments, emotions and memories so much sot I made it my career! “ Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow." – Imogen Cunningham
