12 from 2016

A selection of 12 shots from 2016, I have picked one from each month of the year.


January

Took this while walking around Salisbury. I used a low point of view to emphasise the low view he has while sat on his skateboard. I did not realise at the time that the photographer I shot would later contact me and ask for a copy having seen it on Flickr.

210mm, f8, 1/180s, ISO 800

 

February

This was taken in Bath. I really like the stolen moment as they grab a kiss in public, also his body language. You can almost see her smiling as reaches for the kiss.

50mm, f4.5, 1/200s, ISO 200

 

March

Sometimes things just jump out at you in the street when looking for photographic compositions. I titled this shot “Ooh smelly” which I think is a perfect title. The rubbish bags waiting collection are doing a great job of covering up the writing on the poster. She seems to be covering her nose because of the smell, all with wonderful eye contact. One of my favourite shots of the year.

50mm, f6.7, 1/125s,  ISO 100

 

April

Showers in April. I was out and about and quickly took shelter in a shop doorway during a rain shower. I noticed the woman opposite me had done the same. I like the way she filled the left of the frame leaving empty negative space on the right. Just as I took the shot I had what is known as a walk through by the people on the right. I decided to leave them in as I think it is a stronger shot for their walk through ignoring the rain as she stands waiting for the rain to stop.

50mm, f6.3, 1/100s,  ISO 1600

 

May

Taken at a local street fair. I saw this composition in my head before I even lifted the camera. Such vibrant colours and symmetry. The girl in the centre really helps to draw the eye to the centre of the shot. It was also my first ever photo to be Explored on Flickr.

18mm, f4, 1/320s, ISO 100

 

June

Taken in Bath at a fringe festival for performing street artist. I chose a low point of view for this and I love the double take of the people as they walk past and realise the artists are only wearing a small brush holder apron.

21mm, f6.3, 1/400s, ISO200

 

July

Wayne with his trusty camera talking to complete strangers on a bench in Bath, doing what he managed to do so easily.

Wayne was one of my Flickr contacts (Just Ard) and was an excellent street photographer and a wonderful person to know. We arranged to meet up in Bath for the day having exchanged many e mails previously.

We spent a few hours chatting and taking photographs, a very memorable day for me.

Wayne sadly passed away a few months after this was taken.

50mm, f8, 1/640s, ISO 400

 

August

Another shot taken in Bath. I was experimenting with one of my old manual focus prime lenses to see if I could still manage to focus on a modern digital camera without the split screen focus of an old analogue camera. I was pleased with this result both with my ability to still manual focus and the quality of the image.

I was drawn to these by the contrast between their way of wearing sunglasses and covering their heads.

135mm, f4, 1/125s, ISO 200

 

September

My first photographic trip to London and highly successful it was too. So many places to visit, so many pictures to take. I learnt a new word as well after taking this ; pareidolia. The guy on the bench was perfectly placed for this shot to complete the face.

135mm, f5.6, 1/1000s, ISO400

 

October

This was what I call a grab shot. I saw the couple walking towards me in a busy street and only had a few seconds to lift the camera, focus and grab the shot. Hoping that it would be the result I wanted. Street photography is often about quick reactions and hoping to get the desired outcome. I like her infectious laugh as it seems to spread to her sharp dressed partner in the shot.

135mm, f5.6, 1/750s, ISO 400

 

November

My second trip to London with a camera. I have seen several versions of this before, both day and night shots. I was happy to take my version of this. It was a bright day with low winter sun and lots of people on the bridge. I had to lean backwards on the railings in order to get in as much as I could with the lens that I had.

50mm, f6.3, 1/200s, ISO 200

 

December

Some lights at Christmas. Shooting at night requires a different approach than a brightly lit summers day. Using available light without a flash often means the use of a tripod, this was achieved hand held with a fast lens and high ISO. I like the result especially the reflections in the wet pavement.

85mm, f1.8, 1/125s, ISO 1600

 

 

 

2 comments

  1. Excellent choice of images Phil, some of which I have somehow missed.

    Great story about the first one with the guy on his skateboard, what were the chances of him spotting it on Flickr? :0) The Smelly shot made me smile again when I saw it….perfect juxtaposition and right up my street….and the ice cream seller is still an super eye catcher.

    However the one that moved me the most was of course the one with our friend Wayne. I’ve never seen this shot before and as you said it just captures him doing what he done best…..getting on with people. Either in real life or online he was such an easy guy to get on with and this was a nice surprise for me. Thanks.

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