Yesterday I had a day off. I didn’t have an internet connection for ninety percent of the time. After a wet start it was a grand day. I spent the best part of the afternoon repairing a bonnet catch for the lass staying next door. That’s her car bonnet or hood not the bonnet or hood on her head.
We are back from a couple of hours wandering the forest and the shores of Loch Morlich. It was bitter cold and I’d forgotten my gloves. In between the squally showers it was just about bearable. 
I saw something today that I’ve never see before and that was a Dipper flying backwards and forwards over the surface of the Loch. It must have thought it was a Swallow.
That’s all for today.
Just a thought ~ what would happen if you increase the transparency of the background to improve the contrast between the tree and the background? Might work to make the tree 'pop' a bit ~ that's my new technical term with my students.
ReplyDeleteCarol, yes it would work. It would be a nightmare selecting the tree. It can be done but it is quicker just to go and reshoot it. Once the tree is selected then I can add lens blur or even pull it right out of this picture and pop it on the beach. There is a limit to both my patience and duplicity. The former rather than the latter if I'm honest.
ReplyDeleteAdrian, I don't know what you're complaining about..I think you're having us on? It doesn't look like it's one bit cold from these images, more like a lovely sunny, warm spring day?
ReplyDeleteI like that gnarly old pine tree, I can see you having hours of fun with it.
What.....no pictures of the Dipper?...[;o)
Trevor, I've had hours of frustration with it already. I love this place.
DeleteIt has just got to 4.5C when the wind is blowing 30MPH it feels horrid in the hail.
It'll be there will the Dipper. Difficult to spot shot through a 24mm on full frame though. Harder still if you add a mucky filter into the equation. I keep forgetting I've got tilt to play with. I'll pop my lying down clothes on tomorrow and get the tripod really low and have a serious pop at it. there is another one or two Scots Pine worth a serious look.
I don't find the background distracting on the first image Adrian I find it helps put a touch of context to area you were in to be honest.
ReplyDeleteI just love the overall image in the second and gald there was a touch of blue sky before the tops of the mountains rather then completely moody/grey skies...do I need to say Godd Luck with the Dipper :o)
Douglas, I'll still get out for yet another go.
DeleteBarely a cloud in the sky this morning but it's still cold and windy.
I've had about five goes at the Dipper. I will get there.
Adrian what is beautiful there.
ReplyDeleteBas, it is wonderful here.
DeleteThose pictures I'd die for, magnificent photos. And you saw a Dipper going backward, phew, tell us more.
ReplyDeleteBob, the dipper was flying about over the water as if it was catching insects. I don't know why as it was too cold for insects.
DeleteBeautifu place... I have no words how it looks to me such familiar place in a strange way (don't know...).. l without internet sometimes it's ok too!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to ask you how is your leg!? You say that you are walking very long. I think it's good or?
Laura, the leg is fine now.
DeleteI shall get out with the camera again later.
Hope you have an occasional glance out of the window tonight. Reports of Aurora seen in Scotland and northern England in the last hour or so.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I did see a faint green shimmer but when I got the camera set up it had gone. I should have driven up the mountain.
DeleteI'm not forgetful when I go backwards and forwards, I'm just being a dipper. I like it! Would love to see what it looks like.
ReplyDeletePauline, I have been trying for pictures on and off for a month.
DeleteWe don't do bonnets of any kind here...not car bonnets nor hat bonnets. We know about the car bonnet but never use the term.
ReplyDeleteRed, we rarely use it for head wear but always for car hoods.
DeleteActually like Douglas I like the trees in the background because they provide the 'now' and life against the 'then' and death of the fallen tree. Just a thought. You see I do have them occasionally. I think the last one was in the '70s mind you.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I'll take some more of it. I'm glad the forestry commission left it. They do have some soul.
DeleteI have been enjoying your scenery, also the stacking you and Midmarsh John have been doing. Sounds like you've been busily enjoying yourself.
ReplyDeleteGlo, the software, has come of age. It used to be a nightmare of a job and very hit and miss.
DeleteHI Adrian I hope by now you have got your old clothes on and ready to capture the Dipper shots!! I like the tree in the background and love the old tree. also like the peace in the 2nd shot. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I will take a medium lens out but not Bertha. There are too many people about to make it worthwhile.
DeleteFocus stacked? Circular polariser? Adrian, please tell me what you're talking about. And can I do whatever it is?
ReplyDeleteFrances, of course you can. Whether you would want to is another matter.
DeleteFOCUS STACKING
There are two sorts of polarisers both do the same job if you have the sun at ninety degrees to the camera it allows you to see through water has it eliminates reflections. I use circular polarisers because they allow the cameras auto exposure to function. Linear ones don't.
THERE IS AN ARTICLE HERE
Lee filters are expensive you don't need to spend that much.
Have fun.
I am glad you made the bonnet/hood distinction; otherwise, I would have pictured you fiddling with a hat hook for hours, which sounds more like the kind of thing I would be called upon to do. I am awful with cars. Beautiful pictures as always!
ReplyDeleteNathaniel, I have to make the distinction. Two nations separated by a common language.
ReplyDeleteI love the first picture!!!
ReplyDeletea hug
Laura, es un trabajo que no está terminado. TodavĂa estoy trabajando en ello.
DeleteEs una hermoso árbol viejo y muerto.
I like the pine image a lot, you can play with that one as it's a good composition.
ReplyDeleteMaria, it is a wonderful dead tree. I have done a fair bit of work on it and will post later.
ReplyDeletePersonally I like the way the foreground and background of the Pine hang together, it gives it some meaning.
ReplyDeleteJay, I never did capture it to my satisfaction but it is interesting.
Delete