Gerry started off the evening demonstrating focus stacking in Photoshop, and also other sorts of stacking (eg exposure). He showed us examples of landscape and also astronomy images to great effect. Judith continued with the astronomy theme with images of the Neowise comet, with one in particular being exceptionally clear.
Steve was next with some 'lock down' images from his garden, showing plants, and various creatures. All hand held and remarkably sharp. Steve explained that he has recently started to use Topaz filters, (sharpen and denoise), which had a dramatic effect on the image. Steve felt it was like having a new camera. Worth checking out Topaz. Steve also showed some black and white images where he had experimented with HDR effects and also selectively lightening and darkening using the radial filter to add contrast and direct the eye. Amazingly one of Steve's image of a pub garden in the Cotsworlds had my daughter and family in the foreground. What an amazing coincidence!
I then led the discussion on the interview podcast between Alistair Benn and Julia Anna Gospodarou. We all agreed that Julia produces some stunning black and white architectural images, but we all struggled when she says she uses photography to express her feelings, to explore ideas and to answer life's questions. None of us really understood this, not in any practical way. I asked the group if we should repeat this type of discussion. There were mixed views and we agreed to do it again, but only occasionally.
Peter Whitehead was the final contributor with some images from his weekend away at Snettisham (?), in Norfolk. Peter showed some long exposure beach shots and also some impressive bird murmurations with 40,000 birds deciding to rise up at the same time. I recall an interview with Chris Packham where he said bird murmurations are one of the great wild life events to observe. We discussed whether Peter used his wildlife images to express feeling and emotions (like Julia Anna above) but Peter explained he was driven by a different set of motivations.
Steve was next with some 'lock down' images from his garden, showing plants, and various creatures. All hand held and remarkably sharp. Steve explained that he has recently started to use Topaz filters, (sharpen and denoise), which had a dramatic effect on the image. Steve felt it was like having a new camera. Worth checking out Topaz. Steve also showed some black and white images where he had experimented with HDR effects and also selectively lightening and darkening using the radial filter to add contrast and direct the eye. Amazingly one of Steve's image of a pub garden in the Cotsworlds had my daughter and family in the foreground. What an amazing coincidence!
I then led the discussion on the interview podcast between Alistair Benn and Julia Anna Gospodarou. We all agreed that Julia produces some stunning black and white architectural images, but we all struggled when she says she uses photography to express her feelings, to explore ideas and to answer life's questions. None of us really understood this, not in any practical way. I asked the group if we should repeat this type of discussion. There were mixed views and we agreed to do it again, but only occasionally.
Peter Whitehead was the final contributor with some images from his weekend away at Snettisham (?), in Norfolk. Peter showed some long exposure beach shots and also some impressive bird murmurations with 40,000 birds deciding to rise up at the same time. I recall an interview with Chris Packham where he said bird murmurations are one of the great wild life events to observe. We discussed whether Peter used his wildlife images to express feeling and emotions (like Julia Anna above) but Peter explained he was driven by a different set of motivations.
