Some recent work.

 Well the new camera is really proving to be a marvellous asset. I try to get out with it most days, even on the shot walks along the lane when I am giving bailey his run out. I love fiddling with the various settings of exposure, aperture and timings, it really takes me back to the days of film cameras.
 Currently I am only using 2 filters, a UV filter which is really there to give the front glass of the lens a bit of protection and a circular polarising filter. This helps to reduce reflections off water and enhance clouds and sky.

Pony in the Eden valley.

I just liked the setting, the pony on the fellside with the light on the lands behind.

Rutter Force.

This delightful waterfall is not far from Appleby. It is a wonderful setting even though the opportunities are limited due to footpath restrictions.

Hudeshope Beck

I took a wander up this small river and decided to give longer exposures a bit of a try. The polarizing filter came into its own here and the longer shutter speed really caught the swirl of the water.

Long-horned Cow.

Using a shallow depth of field I was able to focus on the cows head whilst putting the distant farm out of focus and less of a distraction.

All in all I am really rather pleased with my efforts with the camera so far. I don't think you can beat actually getting out and using a camera such as this. The main thing is not to be afraid of it and use the full range of settings and features.

Website re-vamp.

Well with the new camera it is more likely that the quality of my images will hopefully be improved so I have been spending some time thinking about a new way to display them. The current website is Ok but it certainly needs a better format. in the next week or two I will be investigating further into how to go about this. Those of you who also follow my gallery website will have read that recently I have had issues with uploading the sketches and photos from recent outings on that page so the whole look to what I do will get a total re-vamp. This should be fun!
 In the meantime, here's a couple of shots from the past day or two as I have been getting to grips with the new camera.

Hen grouse near Cotherstone.

Evening light on Bowes.

The quality of the images is really something, I can see that I will have plenty of fun with this kit.

 

 

At last!

 Many of you who know me or have been following my blog and website will realise that I have long since have had the aim of acquiring a decent DSLR camera. Up until now all my images have been taken using a small Lumix LX5 which as you will possibly agree has produced some wonderful quality images. However, it has limitations.
 My aim was to only get a DSLR when I could totally fund it through my photography work and that day has arrived. In fact it arrived about 2 weeks ago.

With a trip to Kendal I was able to purchase the camera set up which I have been eyeing up for some time, a Nikon D7100 with a 16-85mm lens. The choice was made after doing lots of online research into the camera which fitted my needs. I suppose that's the advantage of having to wait to before making a serious purchase, time can be spent doing background investigations instead of leaping in and grabbing the latest offer or "must have" kit.

Nikon D7100 with 16-85mm.

In the last week or so I have been getting to grips with all of the features and settings. Much more to learn yet but so far it is hard to fault. You will have to watch this space to see how I get on with it. Of course the LX5 is not going to sit on a shelf collecting dust, it deserves better than that. it will still be with me and continue to get used on a regular basis.

 Finally I would like to thank those of you who not only have commented on my work but more importantly to everyone who has made purchases of my  greeting cards and prints. Your support has funded this step up for me and my photography.

Thank you.

 

Teesdale 2014 Calendar film

 We have put together this short film to promote the calendar. Do take a look and spread the word. Thank you.

Teesdale Calendar 2014 from Andy Beck Images.

 After interest shown in my photographs on this blog, the website and on social media I have taken the decision to produce a calendar for 2014. I have selected images taken from around the dale and that show the area in varying seasons and viewpoints but I wanted to show the dale to its best advantage, so many options and just narrowing it down to 13 photographs was no easy task.
 The main reason for producing such an item was that I saw it as a great opportunity to raise funds for two local charities Cancer Research UK (Teesdale Branch) and Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue. Both of these do marvellous work here in the dale and charities which I considered most of us could relate too.
  With not much effort we were able to persuade some great local businesses to sponsor a page each and thus allowing us to give even more of the sale price to the charities. Consequently of the calendar cover price of £10 we will be able to donate £7 to these causes.

  In early September you will be able to purchase the calendars from local businesses and shops throughout the dale, look for the posters on display in the windows. You may also wish to order online which does incur a P&P cost of £3.
 Even though they are not available yet you may pre-order the calendars online, see the link below and as soon as the calendars are in stock they will be dispatched.

 I am most grateful to the following businesses for their support: Boho Boo, Brookes Outfitters, Chocolate Fayre,  Clarendons, David Harper Antiques, Doe Park Caravan Site,
GSC Grays, Picture This, Saks, Spice Island, Spitfire Cycles,
& Zine.


For more information and a preview of the calendar and to pre-order do check out the website:
www.andybeckimages.co.uk

Thank you for your support.
Andy

Keep it Real.

 Just a post about my basic thoughts on the use of Post-processing on photographs. Obviously these points are just my opinion and I completely understand that some may strongly disagree with my comments.
 Many years ago when I began photography we all were using film cameras where unless you were lucky enough to have access to full darkroom facilities you took the photographs, sent them away to be bulk processed and accepted the results. I was fortunate to have the use of a darkroom and spent many an hour developing and printing my own films. Amazing how much was learnt in the processing of black and white prints. Exposure adjustment, contrast, dodging and burning etc were all part of the procedure and some great effects could be made in this "after camera" period and I am glad that I was privileged to gain this experience. Of course slide or transparency film was different, I did process some but most I sent off to Kodak and awaited expectantly the return of the little plastic box. Once I had taken the shot the process was out of my hands and there was no such thing as enhancement once the shutter had clicked. The skill here was using the camera to capture the shot, correct exposure, film speed settings etc had to be spot on.
 How things have moved on...the digital age is here and almost everyday and new camera is developed with high megapixels, extreme ISO ratings and many other features which would have been unheard of just a few decades ago.
 Now don't get me wrong, I am fully embracing of this technology and all it brings to the field of photography but oh how I would love to see my old Olympus OM1 just converted from film to digital with a decent sensor and a bit of an ISO rating of say 64 to maybe 1200 and just one or two digital settings. Impractical I know, but just a thought.
 As for the post-processing of digital images that we see now my thoughts are quite simple. Contrary to what some may think, I have absolutely no problem with the full use of facilities such as Lightroom or Photshop in fact I use these programmes myself (currently PS Elements 10). What I do have a problem with is the obvious poor restraint used by some in the use of these programmes. To me you need to begin with a good photograph captured "in camera" then, with the tools provided in Lightroom the file can be enhanced to bring out it's full potential. In my opinion the trick here is to produce a final photograph that retains a full natural look. I am here talking about images which are aimed at the traditional type of look, I fully appreciate that there are some wonderful abstract and arty photographic works out there which have been produced with the clever use of filters and effects.
 Poor post-processing skills show, sometimes in subtle ways sometimes more obvious. Over saturation of sunset or sunrises seems to be a classic, yes sure, if you feel the need to add a little more colour then fine but don't let your finger slip on the saturation slide. It only takes a tweak to go from the stunning to the ridiculous. I also have issue with adjustments that have been made to some landscapes which leave horizons with a halo or a false pale rim. I have no idea how this effect is achieved in post processing but it can easily ruin a decent shot. I could go on....
 Am I starting to sound like a grumpy old git? I don't mean to. I love great photograph and admire those who take shots which make you look more than once. I aspire to their level to which I will probably never reach but we all must have a target in life. If they have used post processing cleverly then I shouldn't notice it.
 In conclusion lets use all the technology available but lets not get carried away. I get a thrill from seeing skilful stunning shots on Facebook, Flickr etc but you overdo the enhancement then don't expect too many likes from me (unless you have done it for art-effect ;) ). In the next few weeks I will be sharing links on my Facebook page with some of those whose work I admire. Do come and take a look.
 Thank you for listening, feel free to comment.

Rainy Night in Durham

  With a delivery to do of a painting over in the Durham area this evening I decided it was a good opportunity to have a bit of an evening out. Delivery done to a happy customer we headed into the city. Durham is a compact historic city centre which is a "must do" if you have never been.
 After a bit of supper I thought it was a great opportunity to have a look at the cathedral. Even though the weather had turned and it was now raining steadily as we walked up to The Green. I had come prepared, tripod and umbrella to hand.

Durham Cathedral.

So impressive to see the cathedral lit up at night, the cloud filled skies perhaps added to the atmosphere. We spent some time just looking at the scene and the surroundings.

Golden reflections.

To some the weather may have been a deterrent but I was glad that we had made the effort, the rain on the pavement looked like gold and it was a thrill to try and capture the scene. I plan to return soon to get more aspects of this World Heritage Site which is so close to where we live.