Later that Day (Larger View Available)

Test driving my new D800 so I decided a day in the Lake District

would be a good bet. As it turned out the whole day was foggy, and

thus it wasn't the greatest of conditions to explore the possibilities of

the camera. But I liked the results.

I wanted to retain the natural appearance of the scene.

So a touch of sharpening, slight increase in saturation and a very

light vignette was all that the processing I carried out.

Your Thoughts and comments are always appreciated. Thank You

Alf, this is a beautiful composition, and I'm glad you let the fog be fog (it's too easy to increase the tonal range and essentially eliminate much of the fog effects).  The muted scene is very appealing.  You've taken steps to include the reflection of the tall tree near the center.  I think you could also forget trying to include all of those reflections, and instead crop more of the bottom, thereby eliminating much of the bright reflections and focusing attention even more on the lakeshore elements and the background hillside.  I hope the new camera works well for you, especially in large prints.

Hi Alf

WOW!..... I didn't think I could be anymore impressed with this image, until I viewed large.... This is an amazing image Alf..... I love the soft tones,the atmosphere the fog effect creates, the soft reflections are just right.... I got completely lost in this one Alf...... your new camera along with your superb ability as a photographer have worked perfectly together to create this stunning image.... Excellent Alf! 

Warm regards 

Jacqueline

Congratulations on your new acquisition.  This image is proof that it has served you well.  The presence of the fog works in concert with your attempts to sharpen and saturate at a minimum to create an amazingly peaceful scene.

My best,

michael

Congratulations on your latest purchase!  I would love to have 30+ MP.

 

I believe I am with Stephen and a bit more crop of the foreground, at least as far in as the green fir reflection on the right and some of the grey-brown elements on the left.  A very lovely scene well captured to maintain that foggy feel.

 

Best Regards

-Dave

Alf, this is exceptional.  Viewed large, I wander around from the lake to the hillside and find myself thinking of the almost hidden home in the woods, the  boathouse, and the woods (as well as the animals in  the woods) .  This makes me want to see more.

I love the mystical effects of the fog! Lovely light and muted colors; very peaceful mood. Thank you for sharing. :)

Hi Alf,

Well shot.

Congratulations on using the Sigma lens at F/2.8. It is a very good lens and at F/2.8 to F/5.6 will provide you with the highest performance level from the zoom lens for your new Nikon D800.

Nice work my friend, Mike

You definitely hit pay dirt this time with this wonderful image. The soft ,low,muted tones & the foggy atmosphere create a visual pleasure to sit, relax & enjoy.Love how the tall branches seem lean over protecting the boat shed.& the signs of a large home hidden by branches & in the distance the barely visible farm fields.This reminds me of one of my favourite sayings,"Don't know much about art, but I know what I like".& I do like this one. Best Regards-Ross

The reflections and the fog make a nice mood. Well Done

Ben

I really like images with mist and fog, they help to create a more intimate landscape.  This image conveys an atmosphere of peace and subtle beauty.  I like it very much!

Jim

Hi Alf,

   Beautiful peaceful scene with wonderful mystic feel to it.  Thanks for sharing.  Take care, Patsy

I always try to form my own opinion of an image before I read any of the images.....just to develop my skills of observation.  My first thought on this lovely image was that the foreground reflections take a back seat to the interesting scene and layers behind the tree line.  Also, as much as I love the dreamy look to some of your recent work, I actually find myself wanting to see the colors a bit more punched up on this one.  I tried it to see if it had validity.  See what you think......it's of course a matter of preference.  This is lovely as it is, as you always put so much thought into your creations, compositions and editing. 

I know how much you love the Lake District Alf, and what better place to 'test drive' such a wonderful new camera. I know the two of you will be 'best chums' in no time. The overall image is calm and serene, lovely details wherever I look, whether it be the beautiful hillsides softly appearing out of the fog, to even the minute details of that home behind the trees. I love 'trees' and the more interesting shape the more I like them. The trees around the boathouse are nice and 'knarly' while I love the evergreen with it's lofty branches to the right. This image would be beautiful framed and I think would have a 'wide appeal' among those who view it.

 

Most sincere regards, Gail

yes yes yes and a generous sprinkling of lo-cal croutons.

 

i applaud restraint, but never restrain applause.  it's not quite there, but the colour palette is spot on.  best, jamie

A truly wonderful image that is a testament to your skills and equipment.

All the very best,

It was very gratifying to read your words "I'm glad you let fog be fog" I have made that very mistake in the past, increasing contrast and tones with the consequence of losing the very essence of the mood.

I am a bit obssesional about including reflections, in as much as I always take them into consideration when composing the shot. The good thing about the D800 of course is that because of the file sizes, a crop doesn't need to be at the expense of image quality. The crop you suggested did occur to me also, but the watery pale pastel colours of the foreground appealed to me, so on this one I'm going to stick with the original. Even though I must concur from a "thirds" kind of viewpoint, your suggestion has much more validity.

I haven't had anything printed yet, but I'm hoping for decent results when I do.

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and imput Stephen I value your interest and comments.

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

JACQUELINE

 

Your enthusiasm is infectious!  Thank you so much for your thoughts and invaluable feedback. I'm not sure if a photographer is supposed to have favourites of thier own work, but I'm going to stick my neck out and admit that this is one that I am very pleased with and for all the reasons you have described so eloquently.  The camera is a demanding piece of equipment and doesn't suffer mistakes or sloppy use, so I guess I'll have to be even more disciplined in future.

Thanks again Jacqueline!

 

Warm Regards

 

Alf

 

MICHAEL

 

Early days Michael, but yes, so far so good : - )

From PP view I took the stance that with this image a "less is more" approach would pay dividends, and its very gratifying to read that your thoughts echo that.

Sincere Thanks & Best Regards

 

Alf

 

DAVE

 

Many Thanks for your interest and thougtful feedback, much appreciated.

30 + MP is great and does allow a bit more room for manouvre when cropping in to images. But the file sizes do have drawbacks. Slower to upload and takes more room on the hard drive to name but two. So careful consideration and a bit more discipline goes into every shot.

But that isn't a bad thing, and it makes things a bit more challenging.

I don't disagree with the logic behind the suggested crop, it is a valid observation, but on this occasion I just like it as it is, with all the watery bits included : - )

 Cheers Dave!

 

Alf

 

DOMINICK

 

This is a great place at any time of year and in any kind of weather. Its beauty does not fade no matter how wet or cold it gets. But I do have to say viewing it in this foggy condition was a priviledge, and I was most fortunate to be there for the sole purpose of taking photographs on a day like this.

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful feedback and encouraging words.

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

TRISHA

 

The fog varied in density throughout the day, but it never completely lifted.  I was fortunate though that the boathouse became visible and I was able to get a few shots.

Many Thanks for thoughts and kind words Trisha

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

MIKE

 

Many Thanks for your imput and interesting feedback, very much appreciated. I have found that when using a lens such as this at distance and without the need for close foreground sharp focus, the performance works very well indeed. I do not have the ability to test the lenses for sharpness and quality as you do, but it appears to my naked eye, that the sharpness is very good at f2.8 and equals at least that of the smaller apertures down to f8. after which the sharpness diminishes

Cheers Mike!

 

Alf

 

 

ROSS

 

It is really pleasing to read your words, as I like this one too and for the same reasons you have described. It isn't often I come away pleased with my efforts I usually find a few things to admonish myself about. But for a change I just like it as it is and after Stephens words I am thinking about printing it.

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and observations Ross.

oh and did you figure out the "Peter Pan" shape? I left a few clues with my reply with the image "Jagged Edge"  : - )

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

BEN

 

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words, much appreciated!

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

JIM

 

I remember commenting on some of your spectacular images with fog and I seem to remember that some of them were backlit with a low warm sun too, amazing stuff!. 

Well, the sun didn't put in an appearance all day, but that wasn't a bad thing in some ways, as it allowed me time to move about to a few different locations and get a few shots at each.

I'm really pleased the subtle aspect appealed to you Jim, its that very element that I wanted to retain.

Sincere Thanks & Best Regards

 

Alf

 

PATSY

 

I'm really pleased that the peaceful aspect has been conveyed to you, it was that quiet that the in focus "beep" from my camera sounded deafening.

Many Thanks & Best Regards

 

Alf

 

CHRISTAL

 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful observations and suggestions, very much appreciated!

Maybe a couple of years ago now, I would have, and actually did exactly the same kind processing as you have applied to a series of shots taken in foggy conditions, and at the time I was very pleased with the result. It was only at a much later date when I revisited the RAW files that I realised that the very elements that attracted me to take the shots in the first place (The misty atmosphere) had in fact been severely compromised by my processing.

And so although every suggestion you have made has validity according to taste, my own take and priority on this one was to ensure I preserved the orginal mood and consequently a "less is more" approach was taken with the processing.

Thanks again Christal its good to get a cross section of views and seeing an example of your vision is always interesting, even if I don't agree with them in this case : - )

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

GAIL

 

The Lake District is like a huge Garden of Eden, its beauty is legendary and has inspired the works of many poets and writers.

Of course it wasn't quite "fig leaf" weather : - ) But the peaceful mood and tranquility was another kind of Eden.

I hadn't really considered getting this printed until I read Stephens words, but I must admit to really liking this one myself and so maybe I will see how it looks in print.

Sincere Thanks for your posiitve feedback and most encouraging comments!

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

JAMIE

 

Positively Balsamic!  

Glad you like the muted colours, I processed this one with a "less is more"  kind of approach and must admit to liking the result myself.

 

Cheers Jamie!

 

Alf

 

 

TONY

 

I threw caution to the wind and let my wallet suffer the consequences.

A challenging piece of kit though but in a good way.

Sincere Thanks for your interest and positive feedback, much appreciated!

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Viewing this is the larger version really brings out the pastel beauty of the landscape. The mist even adds to the excellent appeal and mood of the image. Great image!

What beautiful soft tones! I love the overall mist and the clarity around the building. Gorgeous!

A nice shot of a nice camera. Congratulations for your new camera, one the bests in the market. New line of full frames made the processing very easy with excellent light setting and very low noise in all circumstances. It really deserves you and you deserve for the best camera and equipment. Waiting for more excellent shots from you.

My best,

Hamid.

Sincere Thanks for your interest and positive feedback, much appreciated!

It was the pastels and mist that clinched it for me also.  I have taken shots of this little boat house numerous times over the years, but this is the first time I've been able to catch it in this misty light.

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

PAT

 

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments and kind words.

I was quite smitten with this one myself : - )

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

HAMID

 

Yes, you are quite correct, it was very easy to process. no cropping, no cloning, no fill light, in fact a very slight selective contrast increase , some resizing for the web and minimal sharpening. is all that was required.

The camera is a great tool but a severe task master. It doesn't alllow for mistakes or sloppy practice, but its makes for good discipline.

Many Thanks Hamid

Best Regards

 

Alf

A beautiful shot with lovely atmosphere Alf! Congratulations on the purchase of your new D800. I know you'll enjoy that one. Incredible camera! We'll be enjoying your marvelous country in greater detail now too.

All the best,
Neil

A beautiful capture my friend.............. I liked Christals crop of this image, and her attempt for a touch more colour..... probably a touch of my original thoughts.......... that said, your logic comes through loud and clear and your conviction to stay true to your original reason for the capture, makes a lot of sense.

This is an image that "grows on you"...... the more I visit, the more I like.

Congrats........

Best regards

Many Thanks for your interest and thoughtful feedback. 

This one is a particular favourite of mine, I think maybe because its so understated and I resisted all temptation to change the orginal very much at all.

As for the camera, its a great peice of kit, but a harsh task master. Not only will you be able to enjoy the british countryside in more detail, you will be able to see all my mistakes too : - )

Cheers Neil!

 

Alf

 

GRAYHAM

 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and considerations, very much appreciated!

Christal did exactly what I would have done until releatively recently, and even now I don't think her version is wrong, it just doesn't suit my tastes.

I prefer a less pronounced contrast that is more in keeping with a foggy day, and more in keeping with what I witnessed. I do remember a few years ago taking photo's in similar conditions and spending endless hours processing them with a more defined contrast and colour. It wasn't until some months later when I re-visited the RAW files that I realised I had inadvertantly processed all the atmosphere and mood out of the said images.

I think the crop has merit though, but as I composed another shot similar to the crop, it isn't necessary for me to change this one, and I still retain a liking for the watery colours of the foreground.

Glad you like this one Grayham, come back and visit it often I'm sure it will grow a bit more : - )

Take care Mate!

 

Alf

 

 

 

Lovely setting again, Alf... and yes, great that you left the fog remain fog so to speak... It really adds to the subtle beauty of the moment and mood captured. A very quiet (also to the eye) setting one can allow to dream of (and in).... I do much prefer your composition, showing more of the reflections -- it enables the viewer to enter more deeply into the picture I believe.