Dun na Cuaiche, Inveraray

This weekend Julie and I walked up to the lovely Dun na Cuaiche folly above Inveraray castle. At 248 m high, not a major hill-walk, but with our near-10 kilo baby, (yes really!) in a backpack carrier, it turns into some serious exercise. To my shame, despite visiting Inveraray for 8 years on a regular, (like twice weekly) basis, I have never walked up to the folly, (Dun na Quaiche). Anyway, it is a lovely walk, if steep, of about an hour taken easily. These are two views from inside the folly, which I believe was always decorative, not functional. The first is a tripod shot using my smaller EOS 500D and my carbon-fibre Giottos tripod. The point I think might be interesting to photographers is that the first shot uses the extensive adjustments now available in Lightroom 4 to create a virtual HDR effect from a single exposure. (ISO 200, f16, 1/25 sec, 22mm (x 1.6 crop factor))

This next similar picture is a genuine 3-exposure HDR from the same tripod and camera. The three exposures were blended in “photomatix pro” and exported back into Lightroom. I chose monochrome mainly because I love monochrome HDR images, but also to give variety in my post, but the point is that using a Raw file on a tripod exposure, Lightroom is now good enough to get close to an HDR look, without the “ghosting and softening” of real blending of exposures. The first is arguably a better, truly sharp, High Dynamic Range image; Lightroom just gets better and better!

Stepping out of the tower, this is the lovely view of the planned town of Inveraray. (Really worth a visit if you haven’t been there). Loch Fyne is the adjoining loch. The very gothic Inveraray castle, the seat of the Campbells I believe, is obvious on the lower right.

And now using my 70-300, fully extended, I thought you might enjoy the sheer gothic wow factor of the very striking castle from above.

The 70-300 employed now to frame the promontory town that is Inveraray. Am I the only person who sees a vague resemblance to Ullapool in the way it juts into Loch Broom in the Highlands.

These are some really straight and tall trees by the path on the ascent. I love the effect of a wide-angle lens and very straight trunks with nice warm light striking them.

This one is an abstract, picked out from the folly, 250 m above using my 70-300 again. I love the simple curves of the shore against the trees.

Here’s a snatched shot of Hannah’s gorgeous mum using her beloved 500D and Sigma 18-70 capturing Inveraray as well!

Back at the castle estate on the way down, I realised that you could see this unusual little Doocot (dovecot) in the distance along one of the avenues. I thought it would be interesting to try the 70-300 again to compress the distance and to allow the road to lead you to the building. Just as I was focusing a grouse strolled across the path forming a blurry moving silhouette against the shockingly white building. (read about it here).

 That’s it from our stroll, but there is on more thing to relate of great importance to a photographer. Julie kindly gave me these pictures which she took to illustrate an important point. As we were ascending, the buckle in the waistbelt of the baby carrier parted, and my camera bag, which was held on that loop fell to the ground. It is in my right hand in this picture and is a Lowepro SLR plus single lens bag with decent padding, ideal for keeping at your waist while having a somewhat inconvenient-for-nipping-into-your-rucksack baby on your back. Anyway, despite the padding, the UV filter which was on the front for protection in accidents just like this, shattered.
However, despite the glass dust and shards, the front element of the Canon 17-85 IS behind is largely, if not totally unscathed. The moral of the story is that all of those photographers who advocate keeping an optically useless UV filter n the front of your lenses as a sacrificial element in case of accidents, are very wise. I was able to unscrew the broken part, (taking it home for safe disposal), and use the lens for all the wide angle shots in this post. I will get a new one to replace this one in case it happens again. This lens is currently on Amazon UK for £325. The 67 mm UV filter (Hoya) is listed at £30. An expensive droppage, but only slightly less than 10% of what it could cost. You might consider a filter if hillwalking just for peace of mind.
Posted in Architecture, Canon 17-85 IS, Canon 500D, Landscape
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Castle Dounie Circuit Argyll

Last weekend Julie and I put Hannah in her “Bush Baby” backpack carrier and tried a beautiful small hillwalk with great views over Jura and Scarba and the Corryvreckan. These are three images of Julie holding Hannah after her urgent feed, (despite me being the one that carried her!), I got a tiny cereal bar!!!

This one is a candid shot of Julie revealing what is becoming apparent about her, she is becoming a photographer of some passion herself. I bore anyone I can corner about my views and learning about picture taking; the amazing thing is that I might not have put Julie off. Julie is seen here with her Canon 500D and Sigma 17-70 IS lens, lost in looking. Even the photo-backpack makes me feel it’s time to start nervously glancing over my shoulder at my rival:-)

The final corner on the well kept path before the summit of Castle Dounie, (which seems like a play on the old word “dun” for a hill-fort or hill dwelling), gives the most visually dramatic lead in to the best viewpoint over Jura that I have yet seen. This view is just south of Jura.

This however is the view of the famous Paps of Jura in the distance from the Iron Age fort that is Castle Dounie. I think this might be my favourite viewpoint from Argyll so far. The forestry track below gives some scale to the picture. Can I tell you that Hannah’s 8+ Kilos plus pack were taking their toll on my non hillwalking shoulders by this point.

This is the Southern view from the same spot looking over the Argyll coast in the Oban direction.

Nearly back at our car, this is the starting point of the walk. It begins at Crinan Harbour with its dense pack of moored boats.

This final image is of some Montbretia or Crocosmia, (keep me right gardeners), which I particularly love, picked out by my Canon 500D’s onboard flash. I like the dramatic shape of these flowers so much.

 

I took my Canon 500D and Sigma 18-200 lens on this stroll as I could easily hang it from the waist-belt of Hannah’s carrier. I don’t often use my 500D as I have a beloved 7D and 5D which always take preference, but for walking, smallest wins every time. The sensor in the 500D is as good in many settings as my 7D. The observation I would like to make here is about the Sigma 18-200; this lens is compact for walking and supremely flexible, but it doesn’t delight me. I am spoiled now by using pro quality Sigma zooms for wedding work and various fast primes for my portraiture. Although you begin to get critical about image quality between those, returning to an optical compromise lens like my 18-200 really reminds me how great they all are. This is a convenient and occasionally fabulous lens, but if my life depended on me losing just one of my lens collection, this would be the one; I like it but I don’t love it. Please don’t think I’m saying its bad, because it really isn’t, I’m just finally becoming the photographer who notices barrel and pincushion distortion as well as the lack of critical sharpness at the focal point. My ex-partner once bought a 17X zoom Fuji bridge camera and what seemed too good to be true was indeed to good to be true. You can’t make one zoom lens to cover the whole focal length range and give you sharp, low distortion pictures. Once realised, the Fuji went on Ebay. Basically you get convenience or you get quality. You dont easily get both. I suppose it begs the question, ” what is the best compromise”?

 

Anyway, if you are near the Crinan Canal and fancy a 2-hour walk with views, this is the grail-stroll. 

Posted in Baby Photography, Canon 500D, Landscape, Portrait, Sigma 18-200 OS
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Alexander Hamilton

The latest in my series of Argyll Artists is this striking gentleman. Alexander is a theatrical prop maker and designer as well as an artist with a particularly creative and quirky approach. He sees found objects like old animal bones and chunks of dead tree and sees wonderful imaginative objects in them. That of course is something that many creative people can see, but Alexander has a wide and impressive set of skills to then turn his imaginative leaps into beautiful or playful objects. This dead tree in his  grounds almost symbolises the growth of ideas as Alexander looks at the world; but then a few hours with Alexander and you do start to look differently at  everything! This is my favourite image of Alexander.

This one shows Alexander in one of his many studio/workshop areas.

As does this; the strong side-lighting and the cross in the background make me think of the darker side of Alexander’s art. Although many of Alexander’s objects have a dark side and he has the kind of angular, Dali-esque appearance that could speak of a tortured-soul-rending-form-from-pain, the reality is that he is one of the nicest and most humour filled gentlemen you could ever meet. He just has a great artistic expression.

Perhaps this one shows the ever-present smile and ready humour that I am referring to. I like the idea of the artist as the work on the easel instead!

But the simple portrait here shows the obvious fact that this is a handsome man who is a pleasure to spend time with. I am really pleased with the arrangement of the lighting here. These are real sparkling eyes.

I have selected a variety of expressions for this blog post, as I enjoyed seeing so many aspects of Alexander’s expressions while photographing him last weekend, but this one is interesting as I asked him to look more serious for it than I think he naturally wanted to be. There was something about the framing device of the doorway behind that made me think of a more old-style formal portrait. I should mention that Alexander’s lovely wife and fellow artist Polly held my remote flash here, as Alexander’s face would have been far too dark without it. (I hope to photograph Polly for this series at some time in the very near future). Actually, the more I look at this, the more I like the formality of stance and expression; it suits him.

Polly tells me that soft furnishings, are not really how she sees Alexander, but again, this expression is one that I saw a lot of during the pleasant hours I spent meeting  him and Polly; frankly I could chat with him for hours, and perhaps the comfortable seat and relaxed expression is just right for that! The natural window light has shown Alexander’s eyes perfectly too.

And one final one, using my seldom used but stunning quality Sigma 70-200 f2.8. I mentioned that Alexander has a Dali-esque appearance at times, well this one nails that for me. Simple, nicely lit and relaxed. For the pixel-peepers out there, when you are zoomed in on the results of this lens using the full res file, it really is impressively sharp. I might consider using it more often, the shame is that it is large and intimidating; I feel that a close and intimate lens like a 50mm is more pleasant to work with for portraiture.

As you have probably gathered, I liked Alexander a lot. The good news is that you can go and visit the “barn” where Alexander, Polly and daughter Kate display their work. I really like the variety of styles and pieces on show, and can guarantee that you will fall for something from their collection. As a bonus you will certainly enjoy some great conversation about the art.

Find Alexander at: http://www.studiobarnargyll.co.uk/index.html

 

A final reflection for me, is how strange it feels as a photographer to try to capture Alexander, with Polly helping out. No matter how kind and charming they both are (and they are), they are clearly fabulous artists, and working with them made me wish I could be more creative and artistic in my approach. Part of my process of photographing people, is to show them the images as I go along so that we can home-in on the photos that are working best. Much of the process for a photographer is in the post-processing using software, and I was painfully aware of how pedestrian many of the images can look, “raw” in the camera, and while I am confident in processing them, I wonder whether I am depending too much on the processing and not enough on the “art” of the setup. I have been listening to another much admired photographer talking about being in his comfort zone and needing to challenge himself more, so it was on my mind anyway. There is something about being in the company of artists that makes you think. That can’t be a bad thing!

Posted in Argyll Artists, Canon EF85 f1.8, Portrait, Sigma 28 f1.8, Sigma 70-200 f2.8
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Martin and Moira’s Wedding

This first image perfectly captures what Martin and Moira’s wedding day was all about last Thursday. Just two short days after the pre-shoot Julie and I were with the happy couple to photograph the event.

However, the first image while beautiful, is rather getting ahead of ourselves. This was the most personal and thoughtful of ceremonies. Julie  was instantly taken with this signpost to the day’s big event.

Meanwhile I said a quick hi to the bride and the girls as they prepared for the ceremony. Mum might have been the centre of attention today, but mums are never fully off duty! Here she is attending to Meave’s hair.

Julie captured what I am informed is the true centre of the day, the shoes of course. I understand that Moira became gripped by some kind of diamante sickness. She did the shoes herself which is laudable, but the shirt is one of Martin’s finest, which she pinched to feed her addiction; it is cute though!

Moira’s feathery hair decoration was lovely.

What I haven’t mentioned yet, is that the whole event was held in Moira’s house, with a marquee in the garden. This wedding was personal in every possible way with Martin and Moira’s two families coming together in a perfect celebration. I just loved the little touches and decorations in the garden.

Within the marquee, everything is ready.

No rest for mum however, Nairne now receiving some hair-care!

It may have been personal and “garden” scale, but the little details were beautiful. Julie captured this.

Sadly Moira and Martin’s fathers have passed away, but the decanter and cricket ball were touching reminders of them. Julie got this dreamy look by shooting through the windows of the marquee.

She then focused more directly on the table all ready for the registrar’s arrival. Again, in addition to the mementoes of their fathers, there are other little personal and playful touches like the candleholders matching the colours of the girls’ dresses; more of these to follow of course.

At one level it was very professional of Julie to capture the beautiful shoes again, on another, well she has a lot of shoes, I’m just saying…

Meave is all ready here and sporting her more comfortable hair decoration before switching to her flowery circlet for the ceremony.

Some more hair care for Nairne. I just love her eyes in this picture. There is an opening behind me in this image with a conservatory letting in lots of soft light and it has really picked out Nairne’s eyes perfectly.

This flame-haired young beauty is Genevieve, Martin’s youngest daughter. The green dress is a beautiful choice, isn’t it?

Meave’s dress is just as boldly coloured and helps make the colour themes for the day.

Finally, I see mum getting looked after a bit by her girls; all dressed and ready and the ceremony now imminent. Doesn’t Moira look beautiful!

By now Martin’s family have arrived. This is his daughter Victoria with a stunning dress on show.

And one of gran, with Meave again sporting the less-comfy-but-seriously-gorgeous-flower-circlet. The moment must be approaching…

Everyone all ready now in the garden, what a setting!

One of Ric here looking striking with the Marquee behind.

And one of my personal favourites of Meave with such a great expression and such lovely eyes.

Finally we have the Groom waiting with son Patrick. The lovely local registrar Elaine waiting also. Could that be just a hint of concern on Martin’s face.

But no worries, the arrival of Nairne and Gen announce the arrival of our bride from the house. How lovely is that purple dress on Nairne?

But what is this, to my surprise they have returned. Presumably with the welcome news that Martin is indeed waiting and ready. Again, what gorgeous colours and what a smile from Gen!

A first glimpse of Moira.

And now Moira and Meave make their entrance.

Martin and Moira’s expressions say it all here.

The family watching as the ceremony begins. Nairne’s cheeky glance is just lovely in this image.

Here she is just having finished a reading as part of the ceremony. The reading was as you might have expected personal and touching in the extreme.

The marriage proper begins now under Elaine’s guidance.

And if ever tears were beautiful to see… Julie tells me she struggled not to join in at this point.

They were of course shared tears.

With this ring…

and with this kiss…

The family celebrate in traditional fashion.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Jagger!

And so to the traditional formal pictures. I’ll just let these speak for themselves. We had great fun with a lovely laughter filled family doing these. They even pulled a surprise on us by having Julie and I with the Bride and Groom in  a picture taken by the family. You can imagine the “but I have no makeup on” moment. Julie was taken by surprise too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one was again a lovely gesture to the fathers who would have surely enjoyed this wonderful event.

Julie worked her magic on this one to turn important artefacts into a hopefully treasured image.

The party really began after the ceremony, and Moira and Martin made sure everyone had a drink to celebrate before joining us for some more garden pictures.

Of course that is when we took the lovely kiss image that I teased you with at the beginning of the post.

A few more of the newlyweds looking so happy together. Photography is easy when a couple are as relaxed and together as Martin and Moira are.

 

Martin particularly liked the bunting on the hedge, so my 70-200 f2.8 got a brief outing to catch the line of the bunting taking us to the happy couple.

A similar picture here with an aged photo treatment. I am particularly fond of this one.

You really just cant stop them. I might have suggested “a little kiss” but what they heard was pretty much what they wanted to hear…

The smiles say it all here.

Sometimes you just steal a shot because someone is looking good. Marriage to Moira is clearly suiting Martin from the start!

Here is a shot of Martin’s family, snatched before we took our leave.

And one last one of Moira’s daughters

As we packed and went, the family had retreated from the drizzle into the marquee for some family pictures; I couldn’t resist catching one last celebratory moment through the plastic window.

We would like to offer our huge congratulations to Martin and Moira, and to wish them all the best for a happy future. We really enjoyed meeting you, and appreciated your families being so welcoming to us on such an intimate and personal wedding day.

I would also like to thank my girlfriend and so-called-second shooter for the day Julie, who is blossoming into a talented photographer herself; I particularly appreciate her artistic eye for filling in the details and arrangements that make an album really special. Watch out for her own photoblog shortly.

Posted in Canon 500D, Canon 50mm f1.8, Canon 5d MK2, Canon EF85 f1.8, Portrait, Sigma 10-20, Sigma 24-70 f2.8, Sigma 70-200 f2.8, Weddings
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Martin and Moira pre-shoot

This evening I had the pleasure of photographing these lovely people as they are getting married on Thursday (2 days time) and I have the pleasant task of photographing the wedding. It is always best to try and meet for a more relaxed preshoot to get to know each other a little and to try out some pictures together with no real pressure; if this goes well then the wedding day can feel more relaxed for everyone as you no longer have the uncomfortable feeling that the photographer is a complete stranger who might not care about your pictures! We had planned to go to a nice local spot, but the Argyll rain put paid to that, and plan B was implemented. (Staying in Moira’s house for the shoot). This first picture is of Martin and Moira with Moira’s beautiful daughters Meave and Nairne. It’s easy to see that Martin is going to be made to feel very welcome in this family!

This one is of Moira showing her ever present smile. This dress is gorgeous, but I can’t wait for Thursday to see her wedding dress.

Meave kindly tolerated a few solo photos. She is the most lovely natured girl and was just a pleasure to talk to. She is naturally very excited about Thursday! Did I mention that the wedding will be at home, with Martin and Moira’s families coming together for a simple ceremony in the garden; the kids are going to have a huge and very personal role in the day.

And now one of Nairne who has just amazing eyes and another huge smile! Now, where can she have inherited that from? I really enjoyed chatting with Nairne about reading in particular, and her current enthusiasm for the “Hunger Games” may just have persuaded me to add it to my summer reading list.

And here is the lucky man himself. Martin was as warm and pleasant a host as you could hope to meet, and I think this image of him pretty much reflects his charming and engaging nature.

One of the nicest things about doing couples photography is the privilege of catching moments like this; think of it as a rehearsal for Thursday if you will, but it was quite spontaneous for Martin and Moira!

These two images captured how together Martin and Moira are, I couldn’t choose a favourite, so you’ll just have to see them both; I just love these.

 

Julie kindly assisted, as she will for the wedding, and she was delighted by the “HMV” gramophone. She suggested this image and we both felt a little “yesteryear” processing would give us a fun image.

And finally, pushing the low light capabilities even of the Canon 5D Mk2, we had one last playful shot with natural light only, (of which there was very little in the Argyll monsoon outside), in a favourite spot in the kitchen. The light that was coming in from a window to the left of the image was very diffuse and really picked out the green of Moira’s dress as well as the soft blue in Martin’s shirt. We tried a few with soft flash through brolly, but although that allowed a lower ISO and less graininess, the shaping and warmth of the natural light alone made a more warm and engaging image.

We had a really fun time meeting you guys, and we can’t wait till Thursday to play a little part in your special day.

Posted in Canon 50mm f 1.4, Canon 5d MK2, Canon EF85 f1.8, Portrait, Sigma 24-70 f2.8, Weddings
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Capri