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Click on thumbnail and click again on standard sized photo to see enlarged version
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Buildings
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| Photo code |
ex14B004 |
| Caption |
Staircase at Montacute House, Somerset |
| Author |
G Stebbing-Allen |
| Comment |
Interiors of buildings are often forgotten in architectural photography; here is an example of why we should do more of it. The dash of light on the wall does a great job of linking the real window to the light striking the steps. Excellent lighting, atmosphere and composition. No suggestions to improve this although a crop from the top, down to the top of the lower full window makes another good picture. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B007 |
| Caption |
Arla Aston Clinton |
| Author |
A Beck |
| Comment |
The Bucks Herald recently announced this building had won an award for "Outstanding Design" from Aylesbury Vale District Council. Like it or not we are forced to accept progress, but in this case the building is actually well blended, even disguised into its surroundings from a more distant viewpoint. We hope that the white covered blocks are temporary, and maybe a higher viewpoit, if possible, would have allowed them to be omitted. Good reportage photography. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B010 |
| Caption |
Aylesbury |
| Author |
A Bentley |
| Comment |
A very painterly-looking shot of a fine old part of Aylesbury. Nice to see that we still have some of the old preserved. The chap on the bike brings the picture to life and shows a modern element which doesn't look out of place. No changes suggested. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B019 |
| Caption |
Wheathamstead Wall |
| Author |
J Hockey |
| Comment |
Good example of the use of local materials in this close-up section of the wall. Even the colours match well and I presume are quite natural. They are also enduring materials. I thought the design was very pleasing, quite unlike modern brick walls, although this use of older brick and stone is a welcome feature in some new houses in the Chilterns. I wonder if the zigzag wall could have been a little higher up in the frame. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B021 |
| Caption |
Oxford |
| Author |
Q Barrett |
| Comment |
Loved the inquisitive pose of the typically modern man with jeans and baseball cap. Maybe he used to dress like that and is surprised that suits are still available in shops. I'd crop the part man on the left. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B023 |
| Caption |
Danesfield House Marlow |
| Author |
J Dryburgh |
| Comment |
This splendid building should be recorded just like this. Straight on and giving it a majestic look by setting it high in the frame. Good proportion of gardens without losing the importance of the building. If the converging horizontals were corrected, it would be perfect. The author has more well-photographed buildings in the Chilterns in this exhibition. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B029 |
| Caption |
The View from the Shard |
| Author |
C Smith |
| Comment |
We are going to see lots of views from the Shard: "The View" as it is called when you visit. This is probably the classic view we will all take; it just has to be done. But beware of reflections on the glass if you go up there. Buy and fit a rubber lens hood (they are only about £5) and press it on to the glass to eliminate as much reflection as possible. Being rubber you can then angle the camera as you wish without losing any contact. In this shot you will see, if you look closely, a band of reflection from the sky to Tower Bridge, just visible. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B031 |
| Caption |
Halton House, Bucks |
| Author |
T Hyde |
| Comment |
We don't see many pictures of this Rothschild creation and so good to have it in the exhibition. I was lucky to be part of a group visit some years ago, but it was at night. The RAF did an excellent tour for us. Apparently if you go on the roof you can see three other Rothschild houses. The locations were deliberately chosen for that purpose. Would a half stop less improve the density a bit? |
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| Photo code |
ex14B033 |
| Caption |
Fingest village, Chiltern Hills, Bucks |
| Author |
T Hyde |
| Comment |
So typically nestling in the Chiltern hills, and so beautiful at this time of year. With a low sun lighting up autumn colours and the church so well, we don't need quite such a saturated green in the central tree and foreground grass. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B035 |
| Caption |
Great Witley Church (Worcs) - "Britain's Finest Baroque Church" with paintings by Antonio Bellucci |
| Author |
M Parry |
| Comment |
Here again we have an interior architecture shot, and of a magnificent church. The height, the light, the airiness give a good idea of how it might feel to be in the church. I'd be inclined to darken the inside lights a bit, particularly the one on the left, and also the top of the stained glass window. On a minor point, if we want exact symmetry, then you must stand in the middle of the aisle. Or go way off centre to make it clear that it is not meant to be central. It's only important in this kind of work. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B037 |
| Caption |
The Marble Saloon |
| Author |
J Scafe |
| Comment |
A creative viewpoint shows the glass roof section being used in reflection to show the polished surface of the marble pillar to good effect. The "swirling" effect of the shapes comes over well. It looks as though the reflection was burned in, so try removing the blue cast from it to neutralise the reflection. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B039 |
| Caption |
Whitwell playground |
| Author |
C Howe |
| Comment |
I bet you spent some time in this delightfully colourful setting. Some kids in bright clothing would have been just the icing on the cake, but I guess it was too dangerous with the snow. But they might have just stood as if waiting to have a go. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B042 |
| Caption |
The Shard |
| Author |
E Morton |
| Comment |
Very well considered image with such amazing light and reflections on the wet ground. Well placed people. Very good use of miserable weather! Nothing needed to improve this one. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B045 |
| Caption |
Part of the Roman wall in Winchester, it is over 2000 years old but sits comfortably in the middle of its more modern surroundings of road traffic signs! |
| Author |
G Batsman |
| Comment |
Winchester is a beautiful city and never seems overrun by tourists. This wall at the edge is nicely contrasted with the slighly newer pub in the background and shows us a memorable part, marred only by the traffic signs. I'd crop the intrusive little bit on the left. |
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| Photo code |
ex14B050 |
| Caption |
Rear window |
| Author |
W Arthurs |
| Comment |
Who said the backs of buildings are not interesting? The outside plumbing qualifies this as a heritage picture on the basis that it was by design, as was the design of the Lloyds building which is hailed as a success. My enjoyment in the image is the messy, but in a way organised arrangement of drainpipes, and the dustbin at the bottom. It rather finished off the story. I think this would make a great B&W print. You could even crop the windows section on the right to get another picture altogether. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F008 |
| Caption |
"I'm nuts about you" |
| Author |
J Scafe |
| Comment |
The humour in this picture hides the true nature of these two different types of ladybird, but what an unusual find. And it's not often that a title matters, but in this case it adds value to an excellent shot. Can't see how to make it any better. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F016 |
| Caption |
Tulips |
| Author |
M Mee |
| Comment |
Fantastic bug's eye view of these glorious tulips. The colour groupings of green and yellow against the blue sky are very strong. It also has a determined vanishing point, right down between two rows stopping at one tulip in the middle of the frame. Imagine this as a giant canvas to brighten up any room. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F021 |
| Caption |
Fungi Gills |
| Author |
P Davis |
| Comment |
Almost an abstract with the feeling of gently moving fins underwater, is how I interpret this at first sight. How do you see it? Aside from that, it has a lovely wave form across the image and a well placed teasing source of light at the bottom, two-thirds from the left. Very artisitc use of this category. To make it a real natural history winner how about a little bug perched on the top of the fin above the light source? |
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| Photo code |
ex14F025 |
| Caption |
College Lake |
| Author |
M King |
| Comment |
Wonderful still, warm summery atmosphere here. And to get a well balanced image from such a scattered array of wild meadow flowers and their remains is magic. If you just burned in the few bright spots and stray grass in the top half, then it would be even stronger. Another canvas I think. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F032 |
| Caption |
Near Terrick |
| Author |
S McCartin |
| Comment |
Although this is mine, I thought it seemed so funny that this poor sheep has been sent to Coventry by the group. The poor thing seems to be looking back in disbelief as the others get stuck in. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F034 |
| Caption |
Red-legged partridge at Fingeringhoe Wick Nature Reserve in Essex. |
| Author |
S Tripp |
| Comment |
Good to see wild life apparently going about its day undisturbed, as this fella is. He/she has an air of pride in posture. Unusual, but interesting, to make a portrait format instead of the usual landscape. This shows more of its grassy habitat. I'm not a fan of increasing sharpness but just a tad on the bird would make it stand out and enhance the depth of field. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F037 |
| Caption |
Abbotsbury Gardens Waterlily reflected |
| Author |
G Stebbing-Allen |
| Comment |
This one's all about the reflection, and the way the flower head is quite isolated in the reflection. The dark water gives a very solid base and contrasts nicely with the soft light on the lily. Tone down the bright spots around the front leaf and just behind the lily and it's a finished piece. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F047 |
| Caption |
Rousham |
| Author |
A Bentley |
| Comment |
Well, what can one say? When I first eyeballed this I did a second take because I thought it was the eye of some monster. Alas no, and such relief. Would it be more striking in B&W? |
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| Photo code |
ex14F052 |
| Caption |
Snowdrops and aconites |
| Author |
C Smith |
| Comment |
The low down angle, like a previous picture, is great. The backlighting is very effective in giving depth and the arrangement of the little group of snowdrops is perfect. I'd try cropping the bottom third off to make a letterbox. It becomes even more dramatic. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F054 |
| Caption |
Bee in lavender |
| Author |
C Smith |
| Comment |
It's all about the colour and the gentle buzz of the bee. It needs nothing else. And if a picture tells a thousand words, this one does that, and also invokes the sense of smell. Beautiful! No adjustment needed. |
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| Photo code |
ex14F058 |
| Caption |
Autumn ferns, Ashridge, Bucks |
| Author |
T Hyde |
| Comment |
Yes, very Ashridge if I may say so. This stage of autumn can look quite dull and untidy, and not worth a photograph. But with this sort of lighting it becomes almost a fairy tale woodland setting. The little that remains of autumn colours all of a sudden spring to life. Try lightening the tree trunks a wee bit, and then the picture will sing. One for my wall. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H003 |
| Caption |
Chiltern Open Air Museum |
| Author |
M Mee |
| Comment |
This is a fine example of a smithy with excellent control of lighting. There is some green light on the back walls from the trees outside the window and although this is natural the greens could be desaturated a touch, then the far walls would become balanced with the neutral lighting from the door. The diverging verticals are fine because we are looking down into the room, but could be corrected if required.The Chiltern Open Air Museum is such a treasure of heritage, and has been growing ever since it first opened. A great venue for photographers, but also for the family because of its interest and educational values. I have been several time and can always find something new each time. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H010 |
| Caption |
London |
| Author |
M King |
| Comment |
It was only in use for the short duration of the event and yet there is so much to remember it by. This image is smashing because it reminds us of a tiny bit of the massive effort put in by so many. Is this a team, or a group of volunteers? Sometimes a title helps a picture. But photographically it is so pleasing because of the colours, and the wider story it tells. The brolly and T-shirt colours are so vibrant, but the grass behind looks about right so we assume no exaggeration has been done. Almost brings a tear to the eye, as we remember the excitement and fun of it all. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H013 |
| Caption |
Near Strathaven, Scotland |
| Author |
S McCartin |
| Comment |
This is the Whitelee wind farm in Scotland. It is the biggest land-based wind farm in Europe at over 300 turbines, and stiill growing. The boggy land on which it was built required additional work to anchor the turbines properly. It is quite an attraction for walkers and cyclists because it now has over 80 miles of trails around many of the turbines and further afield. Much of it is a "floating" raft construction to take account of boggy land movement. There is also a managed wild life habitat including Merlin, Black and Red Grouse. This picture shows just a small part of a vast panaroma of turbines. Needless to say, the turbines can be seen for miles around. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H017 |
| Caption |
Scallop |
| Author |
A Beck |
| Comment |
A good pictorial photograph of this reminder. Sometimes modern design has a place in heritage, and this one deserves its place. It is often useful to include a subject of known size so as to give an idea of the size of the sculpture, although I like the isolation and solitude. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H024 |
| Caption |
A Remembrance Day poppy floating in the base of a fountain in London’s Trafalgar Square |
| Author |
J Harrison |
| Comment |
Marvellous how images present themselves sometimes. Trouble is that most of us pass them by. What a strong graphical shot with that splash of red. And how it tells us exactly what has just been happening, and what happened many years ago. Admirable photography too. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H027 |
| Caption |
Cutty Sark |
| Author |
J Hockey |
| Comment |
I rather like the selective content here. Sailing ships are so fascinating to photographers, but rarely are there any really carefully photographed images. Like harbour scenes, it is difficult to pick out an interesting "part of the whole". This does a great job of that and is powerful in its parallel lines of ropes and deck boards. To show these lines to greater effect, a little hardening of contrast would maybe do the trick. Then think of an abstract of just harsh B&W with no grey tones. That's another picture though. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H032 |
| Caption |
Ashmolean |
| Author |
Q Barrett |
| Comment |
Lofty perspective adds a touch of humour with the wee boy looking up at this sculpture. Funny how the perspective makes the boy look so small. We normally see this technique used looking up. I've even seen it done in wedding photos, to make the groom look as tall as the bride, when in fact he's smaller. Now what was he asking the statue – which way to the loo? There is a fair bit of digital noise here, which although not a problem in the lighter areas, is quite obvious in the shadows, as expected. Try a noise reduction filter in the post processing stage. There are some good ones out there. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H037 |
| Caption |
Tallking sculpture trail, Aston Rowant, Oxon. |
| Author |
T Hyde |
| Comment |
The Chilterns are full of what I call natural sculptures. Really man-made but from naturally pre-formed components. And what a panaroma of landscape as a backdrop. Here we see a touch of neon grasses in some fields. I would suggest a half or full stop less exposure would give more natural saturation of the colours, and it would show a bit more of the wood texture on the sculpture. Good this is miles away from the HS2 route. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H041 |
| Caption |
Moore Sheep Piece |
| Author |
B Hunt |
| Comment |
I chose this photo because it contains several aspects of interest. First, the strength of the sculpture is well caught by the boldness in the frame. Second, two thirds of the background is sky and well-matched cloud patterns give a big effect. Third, the humour of the sheep. Nice to see that nature has made good use of mankind's intrusion, although I wouldn't call Moore's work intrusion; rather more like enhancement. It's a great photo but might just be better with a slight darkening of the bottom area under the sculpture. Then our eye would be drawn to the main elements of the picture, and in particular the sheep. |
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| Photo code |
ex14H043 |
| Caption |
Cutty Sark |
| Author |
B Hunt |
| Comment |
I went to Greenwich to see the exhibition of pictures of the universe from outer space, and I was also impressed at the multitude of things to see in Greenwich itself. The Cutty Sark is on my hit list for photography and this shot has put it up a few notches. A pattern picture, but with depth and almost a 3D effect due to the sharpness of the foreground and softness behind the glass canopy. No improvement needed. Well seen and well photographed. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L006 |
| Caption |
Bennetts Water Garden, Dorset |
| Author |
J Dryburgh |
| Comment |
A Monet picture by all accounts and one that rather suits gentle lighting, as opposed to strong shadows. In particular the grasses tumbling gracefully into the water and their reflections are a good focal point. They are at the end of a sweeping clear water path starting from bottom right, going left, then up and right, finishing st the grass reflection. Did we want someone on the bridge? I think not. Quite complete as it is and very well composed. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L015 |
| Caption |
Dawlish |
| Author |
M King |
| Comment |
Although this is Dawlish, isn't this like a Chiltern scene with its gently rolling hills, hedgerows and spurious trees? The soft lighting makes this easy on the eye, and one for the wall at home. There are some lovely long shadows from the trees, but they are a bit lost. Perhaps a little fiddle with curves could pull out the darker areas without spoiling the soft light. Then there would be more depth in the brightness range. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L023 |
| Caption |
Lake at Kew Gardens |
| Author |
S Tripp |
| Comment |
What I would call a well-filled photograph with much to see in quite a small space. The grasses nearest to the camera at the bottom (not the Pampas style grass), are just a little messy. A higher viewpoint might have lost them without spoiling the rest of the picture. Nonetheless a landscape with beautiful colours and well placed relief in the almost clear bit of reflection, middle bottom. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L030 |
| Caption |
Rydal Cave |
| Author |
M Mee |
| Comment |
I do like the depth in this image. It also displays good control of light when we consider the fully-lit distance, its reflection and then the inside of the cave. It is a good idea to put a very thin light coloured key line around images with dark edges so that we know where the picture stops. Here, without a line, it looks like there is too much dark area. But it really does catch the eye. We all hope you got out safely. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L034 |
| Caption |
Whitwell |
| Author |
C Howe |
| Comment |
It is amazing that there are so many shades of white (not grey please). Here we also have some hints of green but the snow and frost coat the trees with an almost mystic white shimmer. I'd be inclined to clone out the water tower, so allowing the glimpse of the village below to become the focal point in this lovely winter scene. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L038 |
| Caption |
Whitwell |
| Author |
C Howe |
| Comment |
Only the brave, dog walkers, milk floats and photographers are out this early in this weather. But see how the recessions of mist give us a long look to the back of the picture. Try a little crop off the top and bottom for even more effect. Wonderful atmosphere. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L045 |
| Caption |
Mull |
| Author |
Q Barrett |
| Comment |
Isolation, solitude, loneliness: all these emotions are evident here. A perfect landscape with enough in it and no more needed. Just look at the light. It might benefit by a little haircut to allow the land to hold our interest. But lovely. Two minutes later and it was probably teeming down. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L050 |
| Caption |
The view towards Tower Bridge and Docklands from the Shard viewing gallery in London |
| Author |
J Fitzgerald |
| Comment |
No one said that landscape excludes city scape, and here is exactly why. Such a fine "scape" of London with all the near, middle and far distances make the composition pleasant. The "S" shape of the Thames is always a tempting inclusion and we can see why. If the camera had been pointing slightly more to the right, we would have lost a bit off the left which would not have mattered, and we would have got the full S of the river. Funny how "The View" is so different in good strong sunshine, compared to evening or darkness. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L055 |
| Caption |
A conifer avenue |
| Author |
J Scafe |
| Comment |
Terrifically strong pattern picture which does qualify as landscape. And without the light at the end of the tunnel is would be just OK, but the vanishing point is critical in making an excellent image. A little burning in of the bright branch on the right would stop it being a slight distraction. Bet this makes a super B&W print. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L058 |
| Caption |
Fingest village, Chiltern Hills, Bucks |
| Author |
T Hyde |
| Comment |
Another beautifull Chilterns view with all the typical evidence. Tree clusters, hedgerows, sheep, gentle rolling hills and a pretty village tucked in the lower land. Swing the camera to the right to centre the village, and turn down the saturation to get rid of what I call "bloated" colours, and you'll have a painting. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L063 |
| Caption |
Loch Carron, Plockton |
| Author |
B Hunt |
| Comment |
All around this area is magnificent landscape territory. Just get up early, or stay up late, for the best lighting. The stillness here typifies the place for me. I was there as a kid and loved it, but not been back much since. Here, I think we've just missed the best of the sun as it is only hitting the tops of the hills, leaving the remainder of the contents a bit flat. If you are a dab hand with Photoshop or another product, then masking out the sunlit part and tweaking the brightness and contrast might do the trick. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L069 |
| Caption |
Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds |
| Author |
G Stebbing-Allen |
| Comment |
I know we don't like the expression "Chocolate box picture" but there is always a place for them in photography. I especially like this one which captures all that the village is admired for. In this case an unusual result is that the foot bridge is so open-structured that it does not stop the view along the river. It adds a solid compositional element, crossing from right to left while the river flows the opposite way. Verticals are fine on the right, but a bit tilted on the left. A wee rotation anticlockwise would be enough. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L070 |
| Caption |
Aldbury |
| Author |
C Bartram |
| Comment |
I could imaging Turner sitting here contemplating another masterpiece. Everything is right, from the light in the shadows, to the light on Aldbury, to the sky. The village is well positioned; cradled by the immediate foreground. This should be hanging up in one of the pretty pubs. Would Turner have added a few sheep in the fields? Only kidding; it's just fine as it is. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L073 |
| Caption |
Swaledale Wall |
| Author |
A Beck |
| Comment |
Simply delightful. Wish I was there right now. |
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| Photo code |
ex14L074 |
| Caption |
Upper Hartwell |
| Author |
A Bentley |
| Comment |
I often see skies like this on holiday on Holland's west coast. Great with the tree. Crop most of the grass off and that will really push the sky as the point of the picture. Reduce the brightness just a bit and that will deepen the colours to a more dramatic level. Very uplifting. I feel another canvas coming on. |
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Other comments on the exhibition
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Comments from website editor Quiller Barrett
A few thoughts about photography and art that I’ve culled from gurus over the years and may be of interest to our Exhibition entrants and browsers:
There are no great secrets in photography. It is simply a function of noticing things, nothing more. Elliott Erwitt
In photography one needs to find something in the external world which corresponds to an idea one wants to express. John Blakemore
Meaningful images . . . should in some way be a photographer’s self-portrait. John Sexton
Nobody really sees a flower – it is so small it takes time – and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time. Georgia O’Keefe
Art at its roots is association . . .the power to make one thing stand for and symbolise another. Robert Hughes
Merely copying the object is not art. What counts is to express the emotion called forth in you, the feeling awakened . . . Henri Matisse
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away. Thoreau
There are three photos that stand out for me in our 2014 Exhibition:
B011, B050 and L072
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| Photo code |
ex14B011 |
| Caption |
A café in Sheerness, typical of the type to be found in small seaside towns |
| Author |
J Harrison |
| Comment |
See above |
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| Photo code |
ex14B050 |
| Caption |
Rear window |
| Author |
Author: W Arthurs |
| Comment |
See above |
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| Photo code |
ex14L072 |
| Caption |
Carding Mill Valley |
| Author |
Author: A Beck |
| Comment |
See above |
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