weekly Marsha's photo 52 2012 is complete. NSF Dieters!

Blank_Canvas said:
When you said earlier you may have a go at photographing kites, I was expecting something plastic or fabric with a bit of sting attached to it. Ornithology has never been a subject I have excelled at. Memo to self must try harder....
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:LOL: Do you mean must try harder at birdy shots? I'm not that good at them either to be honest!

Thanks John, I was quite impressed at the outline showing the beak and wing tip feathers in detail. Mot bad as all other shots we're OOF!

Mike, they're very beautiful birds, just wish they wouldn't hide as soon as my camera appeared!

Cheers Mark, I was a bit flat and boring until I tinkered and got some colour back into the sky. Only a slighy crop was needed too.

Dark Knight said:
Flight - I like that too... I think the silhouette of the Kite in the sky really helps show the freedom of flight - Nice one !!!
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Cheers DK. These birds glide more than fly. I know they are very common around here but they still are amazing to watch.

Delta Skies said:
At first I wanted to see the classic shot with detail showing in the feathers but I actually like the loneliness of a bird in flight that this portrays.
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gramps said:
It's a very different option Marsha, it has its appeal but the Red Kite is such a beautiful bird that it doesn't really do it justice.
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Peter and Gramps, this wasn't the shot I was after at all! I wanted the full detail, feathers and all, alas the crappy UK weather doesn't play the game! It was either raining or bright sky in between black clouds:wacky: I am intending to try again, tweak my settings and see what happens. That's if they come and pose for me!!! I may need to find some road kill to catch them eating!

Although there was an story on Jeremy Vine yesterday as apparently they're attacking animals linky!!!

Thanks Neil.

I'm also still hoping to catch a shot of something fast and noisy, weather dependant!
 
nice silhouette but I know what you mean about wanting the detail of the feathers I tried something like that and couldn't get it right but yours is certainly better than anything I got
 
Ok, so as promised, the perk of my job....

Getting VERY close to the runway when some Typhoons came to visit.
1.

F4, 1/1000 sec, ISO-400, +1 step EV. 145mm focal length.

I blagged a spot with the RAF photographer, he had a Nikon (big camera) with the 300mm F2.8. What a heavy beast that was. It made my 70-200 F2.8 look rather pathetic:wacky: I escorted him out to the holding point just off the edge of the runway. I stole some of his settings thinking if it's good enough for him then it'll do for me. The weather was crap, very overcast but a bit bright. ISO-400 helped in the darker areas, but adding some exposure compensation prevented under exposure.

I have cropped this and cloned out some of the airfield clutter. Tweaked the levels and given a little sharpen, I'm afraid the sky was beyond my editing skills!

Note to self, these things are rather fast, especially when stood close! Zooming out to 200mm = chopping nose or tail off aircraft! I willhopefully get a little more practice this weekend, but I was happy with this shot.

Same aircraft a nano second later:
2.


3. And for a bit of fun, spot the VERY serious guys in the background:


And out of interest if you look at these photos The top one is the one that the RAF tog I was with took!
 
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I like those! Especially number 2! My Dad used to work on (though sadly not fly), Fleet Air Arm jets: Phantoms and Buccaneers, and I've always loved them.

Don't tell him because he presumably has access to firearms, but I think your shots are better than the RAF tog's :). Sharper, better composed, LEVEL, and more vibrant, though to be fair it's a pretty low res version on your linky.

Great work, and I'm very jealous!
 
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Cheers Michael.

Southdowns said:
I like those! Especially number 2! My Dad used to work on (though sadly not fly), Fleet Air Arm jets: Phantoms and Buccaneers, and I've always loved them.
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I joined up just in time to see the Buccaneer retire from the service. It was a mighty fine aircraft, but also very dirty, noisy and broke a lot. But very much a sad day when it went!

Southdowns said:
Don't tell him because he presumably has access to firearms, but I think your shots are better than the RAF tog's :). Sharper, better composed, LEVEL, and more vibrant, though to be fair it's a pretty low res version on your linky.
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Oh no, his is clearly straight out of the camera! We compared them after we took them and they're almost identical! His photo was published on the defence web site. Mine was edited (as mentioned) I just forgot that I'd straightened it too:bonk: I'm quite sure his would be better than mine given a quick spin through photoshop!

On the res issue, I upload mine to Flickr resized. Should I be uploading the full size versions? I'm crap on Flickr!!!
 
Hi Marsha. I meant his is low res, but re Flickr, I think it depends how you use it. I always upload the full size version, because I use it as a second backup for all my shots, and so friends and family can download them. But if all you're using it for is so people can see your shots on the web, either on Flickr itself or here, then there's no point: 1024 wide is probably as big as you need.

The good thing aboutFlickr is that even if you upload at full size, you can still link to a smaller image. It's a good way to have a range of sizes available easily.

The goblin said:
I joined up just in time to see the Buccaneer retire from the service. It was a mighty fine aircraft, but also very dirty, noisy and broke a lot. But very much a sad day when it went!
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True, but it kept my dad gainfully employed fixing them!
 
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Great opportunity Marsha, lovely clear set ... you must have had the other togs green with envy :)
 
Mark I've uploaded the full size versions to see if it makes a difference! I think it only really helps for quite cropped/ edited shots like my kite, that looks a tad better now! I need to sort my Flickr account out, I've only really started using it since I started this project.

Cheers Gramps. I've seen some of the pro's shots via Google, they put mine to shame, no need for them to be so close! But then there's always the kick out of being very close to something so cool as it roars past! Especially the last one that didn't land, he touched down and went around again, the neighbours won't like that noise!!!!!
 
My vote goes to the plane photographs Marsha(y)
There's a career change in there for you, you've given the RAF tog a run for his money :LOL:

I do like the kite photograph too, lovely sharp silhouette. I can see where others are coming from with wanting to see detail in the bird but I understand how difficult that may be. Definitely a subject where your panning skills are put to test. Iain
 
Hi Marsha,

The comment 'Must try harder' was directed squarely at myself as in my 'memo to self' comment :LOL: I would never be so blunt to a fellow TP'er. That said, however, if you happen to serve in any of HM Forces then your fair game in my book... :LOL:

Your Typoon images are really good, I bet they rattle the windows when they take off. It's a good call getting some input from anyone from the Photographic Wing, they are pretty knowledgable bunch of guys and girls. I did the all-arms photographic course at RAF Cosford a few years back which was really good but that was on conventional not digital photography. Happy days.

I used to really like the Buccaneers too who used to fly off the last-but-one Ark Royal, I can't believe two Ark Royals have been scrapped since then !

Really nice work Marsha keep up the good work (y)
 
Ahh, Ark Royal :) My dad served on her, and in fact was aboard when they filmed the "Sailor" series in the late 70's. We even got to see the back of his head once!!!!!!!

I'll never, ever, forget the sequence they shot of fighters flying an exercise, firing cannon, all set in perfect synchronisation to the Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Part One). Best telly ever! Off to do a YouTube search in fact :)
 
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Your Typhoon have bought back some memories. I remember standing near the runway at Warton with my dad many years ago watching what was then the MRCA (Tornado). Having been brought up in a forces family I have many memories of watching planes!:)

Your first shot is excellent and looks far better than the pros one!!:) It's not easy to get the correct exposure and you have nailed it on these!:)
 
Great shots. We spent a few days at the fence around Coningsby last year so I know how difficult it is to get a decent image of these beasts especially on grey days. You've done really well.

Having witnessed the first flight of the Eurofighter I'm a bit partial to a Typhoon or two. I worked at British Aerospace at the time (like Sarah's Dad I was based at Warton) so was able to get up close to them. I never needed an excuse to wander through the manufacturing hangers :naughty:
 
Southdowns said:
I'll never, ever, forget the sequence they shot of fighters flying an exercise, firing cannon, all set in perfect synchronisation to the Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Part One). Best telly ever! Off to do a YouTube search in fact :)
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FOUND IT!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ThKrI3dG8

Stunning all the way through, but the part starting at 3.45 just takes my breath away! Can't imagine anything better than getting the BBC, the Royal Navy, and Pink Floyd together!
 
blakester said:
My vote goes to the plane photographs Marsha(y)
There's a career change in there for you, you've given the RAF tog a run for his money :LOL:
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Cheers Iain, I only have 688 days left in my current employment, so it’s a hobby I’m hoping to do in the hope it may make a few pennies!!!

blakester said:
I do like the kite photograph too, lovely sharp silhouette. I can see where others are coming from with wanting to see detail in the bird but I understand how difficult that may be. Definitely a subject where your panning skills are put to test. Iain
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It’s persuading the critters to come down out of the sky that’s the hardest part! I may have to stalk a dead bunny :puke: and see if they’ll come for some fresh carrion for some more detailed shots!

Blank_Canvas said:
The comment 'Must try harder' was directed squarely at myself as in my 'memo to self' comment :LOL: I would never be so blunt to a fellow TP'er. That said, however, if you happen to serve in any of HM Forces then your fair game in my book... :LOL:
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:LOL: Banter is the way ahead in my book! My hubby is aircrew, they’re fierce, almost to bullying standards so I’ve learnt from the best ;)

Blank_Canvas said:
Your Typoon images are really good, I bet they rattle the windows when they take off!
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Cheers. OH YES they do! Two got airborne this morning for a local trip, OMG they were loud and the after burners looked impressive! Shame I’ll probably not get another opportunity to take another shot:(

Blank_Canvas said:
I used to really like the Buccaneers too who used to fly off the last-but-one Ark Royal, I can't believe two Ark Royals have been scrapped since then!
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I can’t believe that we have no aircraft carriers left at all!

*Sarah* said:
Your Typhoon have bought back some memories. I remember standing near the runway at Warton with my dad many years ago watching what was then the MRCA (Tornado). Having been brought up in a forces family I have many memories of watching planes!:)
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I spent thee years on a tornado Sqn, happy days! Thankfully that is one aircraft that we still have!

*Sarah* said:
Your first shot is excellent and looks far better than the pros one!!:) It's not easy to get the correct exposure and you have nailed it on these!:)
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Thanks. I read an article in Practical Photography last month about shooting aircraft at air shows, it was his tip to use exposure compensation. Makes sense as I have a LOT of photos over the years of dark shapes in the sky!

Cheers Peter. They are a very impressive aircraft, I’m hoping to have a nosey around one this weekend!

Cheers for that Mark, I’ll watch that video later.
 
Hi Marsha
Lovely shots. I have been looking forward to seeing them since you alerted us that this was a possibility. Captured really well, equally as good as the RAF togger.

Awesome machines and who cares about a bit of noise.:D Saw a Tornado at the Blackpool air show a few years ago and the pilot pulled it up into a steep climb and the ground just shook. Great feeling.

I live near Warton and many a jet brought here for testing although a little high in the sky for me to shoot.


And thanks to Mark for posting this. Good clip - I remember really enjoying that series and cannot believe that it is so long ago.

Southdowns said:
FOUND IT!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ThKrI3dG8

Stunning all the way through, but the part starting at 3.45 just takes my breath away! Can't imagine anything better than getting the BBC, the Royal Navy, and Pink Floyd together!
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Is there a blonde in the mist?
 
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The goblin said:
:LOL: Andrew, no that's not me, it's possibly one of my colleagues taking snaps with his new Nikon d3100! I was watching from the tower today, they were VERY loud!
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I did hear you had your hands over your ears! ;)
 
Ah, with you now :)
 
Hi Marsha


superb set of shots for the Theme......1st 2 particularly impressive , lovely n sharp & well....spot on for me :clap::clap: As someone else mentioned...you'd give the official tog a run for his money thats for sure....excellent (y)

Alos like the bird shot for the theme....lovely calming feel to it...nice work girlie (y)
 
superpippo said:
Hi Marsha
Lovely shots. I have been looking forward to seeing them since you alerted us that this was a possibility. Captured really well, equally as good as the RAF togger.

Awesome machines and who cares about a bit of noise.:D Saw a Tornado at the Blackpool air show a few years ago and the pilot pulled it up into a steep climb and the ground just shook. Great feeling.

I live near Warton and many a jet brought here for testing although a little high in the sky for me to shoot.
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Cheers Alan.

I think the Tornados win on the noise stakes! The ones we had beating the airfield up last year were both swept and VERY VERY loud! I was taking photos and ramming my fingers in my ears!!!
 
blondie606 said:
Alos like the bird shot for the theme....lovely calming feel to it...nice work girlie (y)
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Cheers Lynne. I am still planning on trying to photograph another kite and typhoon shot at some point! I'm working this weekend so who knows!

I have to add the RAF tog was a really nice guy, we had quite a good chat whilst waiting for the aircraft to arrive!
 
Still thinking about this weeks theme, in the mean time here are some more Red Kite and Typhoon shots. I've used the triptych go save space, the full size shots are on Flickr if you're interested.

I was out with the kids yesterday when a number of Red kites appeared over my house!



Now I just need to figure out how to get these birds in better detail!

Some Typhoon shots from the weekend:

I was out with the photographer again (only for the day shots) and stood close to the runway! The shot bottom left shows our normal sort of customers!

Typhoon Launch



A night launch
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2.
 
Very nice photos!
 
Will check them out when I get home on the big screen, but love the night shots.
 
I'm loving the Kite shots, especially the first silhouette, its nice to see something different done with Kites.

I have to say, i really hate you sometimes. Its bad enough you have all those Kites in the area, but you then go to work with the Typhoons. the only excitement i get at work is Andrew winding the secretary up!

But those Typhoons shots are great, i really like that last night shot, the way the light of the cockpit is visible. I think i may be asking for some high res versions for my screen saver at work :)

Oh and your SSD has turned up. Saves me having to txt you :p
 
beanbandit said:
I have to say, i really hate you sometimes. Its bad enough you have all those Kites in the area, but you then go to work with the Typhoons. the only excitement i get at work is Andrew winding the secretary up!
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You should have joined up when you had the chance ;)

The best thing about the latest kite shots is they're not cropped!


beanbandit said:
Oh and your SSD has turned up. Saves me having to txt you :p
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You are lazy!
 
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