What Would You Like to See?
Paul Malley • 3 July 2020
What would you like to see...?
Over the last 35 or so years in which I have greatly enjoyed my photography, there have been many advances as a consequence of technology. In the 'good old days' (so called), of film, before software programs were needed, these advances were mainly in the field of lenses and camera bodies/internal functions. The advent of Digital has produced some remarkable leaps forward in what can be attained, so much so that a basic 'entry level' camera, kit lens and free software can produce excellent outputs.
I have pondered what the future may bring, especially when we consider that certain things which we previously thought impossible, may, in the future be potentially achievable. With this in mind, here is my 'Wish List' for what is my first choice for new functionality in each of the following: Camera internal, Lens and finally Software:
1. Camera Internal - Sensor Development for ISO : It goes without saying that not too long ago, anything with an ISO above 400 was to be avoided, especially with film, unless you wanted grain the size of golf balls! Sensor development in Digital Cameras is astounding today, to the extent that an ISO of 12800 is eminently useable and, although I have never used it in anger, H+ at 104,000 ISO can easily identify details in standard photography. Personally, I do not consider flash requirement until I get to 6400 ISO, as I know the sensor is good and then software can assist further post capture. However, there is a difference in the ISO capability between full-frame and the variance of Crop. This is where I would like to see development further. We are aware of current limitations of the number of sites which can be placed on a sensor, their position on the array, their light gathering capacity, and even filtering (where used), to counter effect Moiré. Come the day that a crop Sensor comes very, very close to the capability of a full frame then I may look at changing bodies. The apparent extra reach in terms of the crop at the top end of a zoom, coupled to its general weight and fast shooting rate would be good for the wildlife genre I enjoy, but I don't wish to lose the full frame benefit of post production cropping without image detriment. This is a continual area for technological advancement, - since there must come a point where the physical limit of the Sensor is reached and then science can turn to the voltage variance across the sensor to assist the ISO.
2. Lens - Range and Weight : As I've mentioned above, I enjoy my wildlife photography. Because medical science cannot yet reverse the effects of aging, lugging a full frame kit round for the day can be tiresome. I use a 100-400mm zoom with a 1.4 extender (effective range becomes 100-560mm), which covers most options. My latest firmware update allows the camera to operate with f value at f8 or below for autofocus, plus values above. The alternative to this is the mighty 500mm f4 fixed prime. Zooms are great, but the images from a prime are generally accepted to be better (MTF charts as evidence). Optics nowadays cover 150-600mm with ease; my wish would be a 10-600mm f4, yes, that's correct 10mm-600mm. I would suggest f2.8, but I think the laws of optics may discount this, and the lens cap would be the size of a dustbin lid for the light gathering capability. I'd also have to hire Arnold Schwarzenegger, or a team of Nepalese Sherpas to carry the kit. The length of this beautiful optic must be less than 10" to keep the unit balanced. Improbable, maybe, but hey, it took just 10 years from nothing to get a man on the moon, so who knows...
3. Software - A return to single purchase programs (not monthly), which can be customised : There's two very good reasons why I do not use the current monthly payment for LR and PS; firstly, as a Yorkshireman I think its overpriced, and secondly its full of extra bits that I'd be paying for, which I would never use in a million years (I'm back to that medical ageing thing again). I know that the Adobe package is regularly updated and it's all done for you, but 3yrs+ at £10/month is £360.00+. I think there are better programs available. I currently use PS Elements13, (it's so old that some of the functions are written in Latin), however, it was a one-off purchase for £40 and it generally meets my needs. I say generally, because there are a few extras from other mixed programs which I would like and would use, therefore my reasoning for a 'customised package tailored to meet customer specification.' I would like to order a version of PS, or even the cut down version of PSElements which have the following embedded, and not as a bolt on: Fully backwards compatible RAW interface to open files in: Individual colour channel sliders for use in Black and White: A Curves adjustment rather than limited sliders, a quality Panoramic Stitch and a 75 image Stacking function. The closest I have seen to this, to date is Serif Affinity. I would go on-line, order my customised program and then receive the CD in the post - aaah, the good old days again.
So, there we go; that's my vision and aspirations to the Photographic Industry.
I'd like to hear your thoughts, hopes and wishes for where we could go in the years ahead.
Louth Photographic Society
Our “Studio Night” was held last night, this is an annual event, with a model being on hand for members to practice portrait, and fashion photography. This year, I wanted to try something a little different, with two sets positioning a model at one end of the room for the fashion shoot, and another set for portraits at the opposite end of the room. I tried booking a male model, and a female model for the shoot with a casting call on my usual modelling site, initially gaining interest from one male model, but unfortunately, he had to drop out. Re-advertising the shoot, yielded a female model from Rugby, and a male model from London. Where were all the Lincolnshire models? I pulled up a list of Lincolnshire models, and directly messaged several, without any response, until just 3 days before the event a female model under the name of Dahlia_Void (Megan) from Grimsby, responded and the “Studio Night” was on. Our very own talented Paul Rudd agreed to model for us, and both models did a superb job. I believe that the “Studio Night” was a success, with members seemingly able to take some excellent images of both models. Importantly, there didn’t seem to be a lot of waiting around for members to take their shots, and the models appeared relaxed. Megan was a little star, being very patient while we pointed cameras at her.
As a photographer, do you have a “style”? That’s a question that I’ve struggled with over many years. However, now that I think over what it is that makes me a photographer, I realise that being out with my camera brings me a lot of satisfaction, and none more so than working with models. My “style” if you can call it that, is encapsulated in what I call my “walkie / talkie” location shoot, which I’ve embraced for the last six years. I arrange to meet up with a model, male or female in a location, it may be a town, city, nature reserve, or a park. We walk around the location, chatting away until we find a suitable spot for a photo, I take a couple of photos then move on to the next location. The idea of this type of shoot is not to create the “picture perfect” portrait, but rather to capture a moment, some part of the model’s character. Travelling light, one camera, one lens, no reflectors, no lighting, just natural light, and a natural background. This “style” is perhaps more akin to street photography, but with a dedicated model. Here’s a sample of some of my favourite images from my “style” of photography.
Good Morning All We have just come back from a week in Northumberland, staying at Newbiggin by the sea. I took plenty of coastal photographs including many of the area's wildlife. Last week while I was away it was the monthly print competition. There is a blog on the website as well as all the results on the competition page. I really just need to congratulate Dave Turner who won both the subject and Open competition. I am not sure if Wednesday night's studio evening is going ahead yet but will let you know. Entries for the local competition, Local Events and Open need to be sent to Harry by midnight next Sunday. We judge this competition in house; I am happy to judge one subject if anyone else would like to judge the other subject? Regards Graham
We held a print competition at our meeting last night with the categories of "Curves" and "Open". Our judge for the evening was the very competent, and accomplished Diane Seddon. Diane gave excellent critique of the prints, and one of the main themes that Diane highlighted was the presentation of the prints, siting print sizes, mount sizes, mount colours, and more thoughtful cropping of images selected for printing. Definitely food for thought, and addressing those issues will improve members points scoring in future competitions. All the prints submitted into this competition were of a very high standard, however, it was Dave Turner who swept the board with 1st, and 2nd placing in the "Open" category, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placing in the "Curves" category, it was a well deserved placing with some stunning prints. The Competition page of our website has been updated with the full results. Thanks to Diane Seddon for judging the competition, and Dave Mann for the refreshments.
Dave Turner, and I attended the LPA Fosters Challenge at Nettleham. The judge for the competition was Sue Wilson from Clay Cross. Axholme took first place with 19 points, Grimsby 2nd, and Cleethorpes 3rd. Louth was awarded 13 points, consisting of: Damselflies Mating – Graham Harrison 4pt Saltwick Bay – Tony Gaskins 4pt The Thinker – Keith Rossington 3pt Muted Swan – Harry Kerman 1pt Pier Number 9 – Dave Turner 1pt It was an interesting competition with some amazing images, a big thank you to Dave Turner for selecting the prints and submitting our entry into the competition.
Good Morning All Last week at the club member Chris Birchmore took us back in time with old photographs and a very interesting talk on one of Louth's old shops Platts stores. Platts stayed traditional for many years but as like most of the old shops eventually disappeared along with it's upside down sign. There is a blog on our website as well to look at. This week, Wednesday 16th April, we will hold our Print competition with the categories of "Curves" and "Open" to be judged by Diane Seddon of Cleethorpes. Harry is also now taking entries for the local PDI competition, with the categories of "Local Events" and "Open". Regards Graham
Our member Chris Birchmore gave an illustrated talk last night titled "The Shopkeeper and his Assistant". Chris related details of his family origins, and family history in Louth, in particular his connection with Platts Provision Store in Eastgate. It was a very interesting talk which evoked many memories with those members who had themselves been raised in Louth. Many thanks Chris, the preparation, and talk was excellent.
Good Morning All With all this warm weather some insects are out and about to photograph, I took this photograph in our garden with a Sigma 105mm lens to get close in on the bee. It is another month now, so you need to think about your "Prime Time" project, if you are taking part. Last week at the club Brian McCarthy FRPS showed us his personal journey in photography, Brian takes most of his photographs in his shed building models with lighting and creating photographs that most of us would never think of. This week, Wednesday 9th April, our member Chris Birchmore who will be presenting a historical talk entitled "The Shopkeeper and His Assistant" specifically talking about a relatives memories of working for Mr. Platt the Shopkeeper. For those who have prints for the next competition, with the categories of "Curves and Open", you need to send Dave Turner a list of your entries and bring the prints in this week. Regards Graham
Good morning, All Last week we held our spring committee meeting, we discussed many topics including the new program which will be available to you all soon and did some preparation for the AGM. This week, Wednesday 2nd April, Brian McCarthy FRPS will be coming along to show us some more of his work. Brian is an ex-member of our club but has more recently been a member of Grimsby Photographic Society. You can also now start sending your print titles for the Curves and Open competition to Dave Turner. Regards Graham
This year’s project is “Prime Time”, simply one photo taken each month with the same prime lens. The resulting 12 images will be shown to members on our “Project Night” next January. Why a prime lens? Well, a lens with a single focal length, a prime lens, provides a photographer with creative options. Composition of the image when using a lens such as this is essential, a photographer must choose a subject and move around that subject to obtain the photo. Every photographer should have a prime lens in their bag, and it doesn't need to be expensive. I recently switched from Fuji cameras to the Olympus / OM Systems camera ecosystem. Now, I use the OM Systems OM-1 camera with two zoom lenses and three f/1.8 prime lenses. For the “Prime Time” project, I'll creatively use the Olympus 45mm (90mm full-frame equivalent) f/1.8 lens, this lens is typically employed for portraits. This tiny, sharp lens, which captures beautiful portraits, was bought used for £149 from a reputable dealer.
