Alphabet Project day 29

British Sign Language Finger Spelling.

I decided on this to show another alphabet this time used deaf or hearing impaired people. I have worked with deaf people before and soon learned this was an easy way to be able to get the point across, without needing to learn full sign language. We are teaching this slowly to my children as they are also learning macaton signs at school at the moment.

I put this picture together by shooting the 26 different signs performed by my wife while also cuddling a picture frame wrapped in black paper as a background. I then made the title in publisher and arranged the 26 shots around it in publisher as well.

Project 365 day 119

Always look where you are walking.

I saw this lone shell amongst some pea-shingle on a pathway and couldn't resist capturing it.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of  f/11 for 1/800sec.

Project 365 day 118

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/11 for 1/80sec. I used a narrow aperture to keep the whole head of the flower in focus and although it was sunny outside I had washing drying on the washing line which creating a lot of shadows at ground level.

Alphabet Project day 28

Binary Code Alphabet.

I decided to show a different way of representing the alphabet and couldn't think of a better way than binary using a string of 0's and 1's to represent each character. I decided on this as it is the simplest form of computer language and without it digital photography, and the internet therefore flickr would not be possible.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/9 for 1/8sec. I then played with the contrast slightly to make the paper really white.

Project 365 day 117

Introducing Zog.

My kids decided to name our fish after their favourite book and TV characters, this is Zog from a Julia Donaldson book, we also have Gruffalo, Tom and Jerry, Waldorf and Statler, Thomas, Percy, Bash, Dash and Ferdinand and Jaws our silver shark couldn't really name him anything else.

Must admit the glass needs a bit of a clean, think my algae eaters are getting a bit lazy lately but I think it actually adds a bit of realism to this shot. Even though Zog is quite photogenic and sits still for sometimes long periods, I used aperture priority mode for this to ensure a first time shot, I used an aperture of f/2.8 for 1/5sec as I wanted to keep the focus on Zog.

I focused on his eye and then repositioned for composition, I held the lens on the glass to avoid any reflections.

Alphabet Project day 27

Alphabet Pangram.

I decided that as I had completed A to Z I would concentrate on the alphabet in a slightly different way. Most people with have heard this sentence before is some way or other such as in font examples on computers. The reason being it actually uses every letter of the alphabet (a pangram).

The word pangram comes from the Greek for all letters (pan = ALL + grámma = LETTER). A pangram is a series of words which contains all the letters of the alphabet.

Project 365 day 116

Order Out Of Chaos.

A bit like my life feels at the moment that order is only possible after much chaos also that you can't always see the wood for the trees.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.6 for 1/10sec. The shot was lit with natural light from a patio window. The background is the seat of a chair.

Alphabet Project day 26

Z is for Zucchini.

Also for Zipper, Zombie and as you all wanted it so much Zebra.

I wanted to see what lies beneath the skin of the zucchini so I convinced this one to open its zip and allow me capture this photo as long as I kept its identity secret, just after I got the shot something completely unexpected happened.

Id like to introduce you to Zorro the zombie zebra zucchini, with no thought for my own safety I caught this image of him as he zoomed through the zapped mess that was a pile of zucchinis moments before.

Project 365 day 115

The Floating Oreo.

I got this shot while trying to make the best of a bad situation, I dropped my last Oreo in a glass of milk so rather than panic I grabbed my camera and got this shot. I lit the with a macro ring light stood at the side of the glass. I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/4.5 for 1/320sec. I had to be quick as just after I got this shot the Oreo started to form bubbles I certainly didn't expect that.

Alpahbet Project day 25

Y is for Yellow.

Don't cry over spilt nail polish. I set this shot up by pouring a small amount of the nail polish onto a ceramic tile and lit it with a macro led ring light held above and in-front at about a 45 degree angle. I took this shot in manual mode with an aperture of f/5 for 1/125sec.

I chose this shot because of the multiple catch lights caught in the shot and because the swirls were clear in the pool of nail polish also the glimmer of the polish shows well.

Alphabet Project day 24

X is for X-ray.

Although I couldn't get a picture of a proper x-ray I decided to get a shot of the bones drawn on this hand.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/5 for 1/40sec and I used a macro ring light to light the shot.

Alphabet Project day 23

W is for Whiskey and White.

They say a little bit of what you fancy is good for you so I chose this miniature bottle of famous grouse a perfect edition to my alphabet project for W.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.6 for 1/13sec and I used a macro ring light held above and to the right of the bottle to light the shot and create a small catch light on the bottle. I used a polarising filter to reduce reflections on the glass. I chose this shot as I liked the shadow and the colour on the paper background caused by the light passing through the bottle.

Project 365 day 114

Forged Steel.

I decided to carry on with some more shots for my toolbox project rather than stopping.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of F/11 for 1/40sec and I used an led torch to light the shot.

Project 365 day 113

St Georges Day.

I couldn't let St Georges Day pass with doing a photo for it.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.6 for 1/250sec, I used an led torch to light the shot and a St Georges Flag for a continuous backdrop.

Project 365 day 112

All dosed up.

I couldn't get to my camera or my PC yesterday due to being laid up, hence this being a day late. I chose this as I seem to be functioning on painkillers and anti-inflammatory pills and cough mixture at the moment. I done something to my ankle on Sunday and can hardly walk and still have a cough from three weeks ago, so this seemed quite relevant to me at the moment.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.6 for 1/200sec, I used a macro ring light held slightly above the camera to light the shot.  

Alphabet Project day 22

V is for Views.

I know this is a bit late but I've been laid up for two days and only just been able to get to my PC and my computer.

This isn't the dramatic landscape I wanted to do for the V in my alphabet project but it seems fitting that it be in here as it has helped me reach 100,000 views.

Also my 500th picture on flickr.

Project 365 day 111

Day 111 of 365

I decided to keep it simple today so I raided the toy-box and found some dice to count the days.

I shot this in aperture priority mode (again keeping it simple) with an aperture of f/4.5 for 1/9sec. The shot was lit with natural light.

Project 365 day 110

Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) Pollination. Best viewed large.

At last my garden is starting to look like Spring has finally arrived after a long Winter and cold temperatures causing plants to appear later than expected. I saw this bee collecting pollen from a bed that is full of Muscari bulbs. I had to shoot in aperture priority mode as it would take a bit too long to set up in manual mode before the bee disappeared.

I like the tight focus on the plant and the bee while the plants behind are blurred but still distinguishable.

I shot this with an aperture of f/4.5 for 1/340sec and lit with glorious sunlight, sorry bee waiting for it for a while.

Project 365 day 109

Just a snip.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.6 for 1/50sec. I lit the shot with an led torch held at a 45 degree downward angle to the right of the camera with no other light in the room.

Project 365 day 108

Hot Stuff.

My toolbox project is coming along nicely this is another well used tool of mine, a gas soldering iron, really great for quick outdoor electrical repairs especially audio installs.

I like this shot as it shows the carbon covered metal as well as the fresh shiny chrome. I decided on a large depth of field so that the rings of soldier would show up with out losing the focus on the instruction sticker and detailing on the iron.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/11 for 1/40sec. I used a macro led ring light mounted on the camera lens to light the shot.

Project 365 day 107

A bit blowy.

Another shot for the toolbox project an air compressor blower attachment.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.2 for 1/8sec and it is lit with natural light.

Project 365 day 106

Test Result.

Next up in my toolbox project a multimeter. I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.2 for 1/6sec and the shot was lit with natural light.

Alphabet Project day 21

U is for Unusual.

Also for umbrella, underside, underwater and upside-down.

I set this shot up with the umbrella upside down and then filled it with water and captured the shot of the water being poured in. I then rotated the photo so it produced rain on the inside of the umbrella.

I shot this in aperture priority mode with an aperture of f/4 for 1/1000sec. I used the pop up flash on my camera to light the shot and freeze the water. I needed to use the flash as a fill light as I was shooting into the sun and wanted to get rid of distracting shadows.

Alphabet Project day 20

T is for Time.

When I thought about this shot I thought that it is east to make time stand still in a photo but how could I show the passing of time, what better way than a clock-face with the hands moving.

I took this shot in manual mode with an aperture of f/11 for 6 seconds. I used a polarising filter to remove distracting reflections in the glass on the watch face and I darkened the room slightly to allow the long shutter speed to be able to capture the movement of the second hand.

Alphabet Project day 19

S is for Sugar and Spice, Star, Star Anise, Sticks of Cinnamon.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/6.4 for 1/100sec. I used an led macro ring light held just in front of the camera pointing downwards to light the shot.

Alphabet Project day 18

R is for Razor.

I took shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/11 for 1/60sec. I used a macro led ring light mounted on the front of my lens to light the shot and then used an led torch at the right of frame to create the highlights on the blades.

I decided to shoot in monochrome rather than colour to bring focus to the details in the shot and prevent the focus being on the colours.

Alphabet Project day 17

Q is for Quiet.

Today's shot had to be a bit quick so I decided to capture the rare moment when both my kids are quiet.

Alphabet project day 16

P is for Pen, Pencil, Paper, Parker and Putting pen to paper.

I shot this picture in manual mode with an aperture of f/4 for 1/200sec and I used an LED macro ring light mounted on the front of my lens to light the shot.

Alphabet Project day 15

O is for Orange (the colour and the fruit).

I shot this image in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.2 for 1/160sec.

I made a light screen with a piece of white paper behind a sheet of glass and then lit it from underneath with my macro ring light. I had to edit the white slightly but apart from that no editing.

This is the first time I have tried this sort of photography and I am quite happy with the result, might have to try an invest in a small light box in the future and give it another go.

Alphabet Project day 14

N is for Needle and Noir.


I decided on this as soon as I saw my wife getting her sewing box out to sort some tags in my kids school uniform. It seemed to go together perfectly needle and noir (black in french). I decided to add to this by shooting it in black and white and adding some drama with a vignette my twist on film noir.

I shot this image in manual mode with an aperture setting of f/5 for 1/15sec and I lit the shot with a led macro ring light held above the subject.

Explore April 14th 2013 Number 28

Alphabet Project day 13

M is for Map, Mini-figure, Macro and Montage.

I decided to photograph 13 mini figures with the countries they could represent as it is the 13th day today.

I shot all the individual photos in manual mode (another M word), each one was lit with a torch as the light was a bit naff today. I then pieced them together in Google picasa to form a montage.

Explore 13 April 2013 number 25

Project 365 day 105

Spin your wheels.

Another one for my toolbox project wire and nylon wheels this time.

I took this shot in manual mode with an aperture of f/11 for 1/6sec and I lit the image with an led torch just out of frame on the right.

Project 365 day 104

Get a grip.

Carrying on with the toolbox project with this shot of an adjustable wrench. I'm thinking about bringing the toolbox project to a close at 12 shots an idea about a possible calendar in one of the comments sort of appealed to me, this is the 7th shot of this series so going to have to think of the best subjects for the next 5 shots.

I kept the focus tight on the adjuster in this shot hence the main light being concentrated there.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/4 for 1/20sec and i lit the shot with an led torch which is fast becoming one of my best recent buys.

Project 365 day 103

Multiple spanners.

Keeping going with my toolbox project again today with this shot of some combination wrenches (spanners).

I am enjoying this mini project in my 365 project because it is encouraging me to take everyday object and try to make them as photogenic as possible. I love black and white photos which is another  plus to this project.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.6 for 1/6sec. I used a torch to light the shot from the right hand side in line with the jaws of the spanners to create the shadows on the jaws.

Project 365 day 102

Hit the nail on the head.

Carrying on with my tool box project with this hammer which has seen quite a bit of use over the years.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.2 for 1/2sec and used natural light from the window to light the shot.

Project 365 day 101

Bit starts of the day.

Back to my toolbox project with this pic of some torx bits. I shot this min manual mode with an aperture of f/11 (to keep the whole row in focus ) for 1/10sec, i lit the shot with a macro led ring light mounted on the front of my lens.

Alphabet Project day 12

L is for Light-bulb, Light, Lamp and Lit. I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/11 for 1/800sec. I wanted to show the filament and the detail inside the bulb.

Alphabet Project day 11

K is for Keys, and Keyboard.

A picture of my keyboard for K seemed quite appropriate as I seem to be spending a lot of time in-front of it lately.

I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.6 for 1/5sec the shot is lit with natural light from the window.

Explore April 11th 2013 number 11

Wildwood Animal Park

Tawny Owl .

 Crispy fungus on a log.

Stork and reflection.

Project 365 day 100

Robin.
The UK's favourite bird - with its bright red breast it is familiar throughout the year and especially at Christmas! Males and females look identical, and young birds have no red breast and are spotted with golden brown. Robins sing nearly all year round and despite their cute appearance, they are aggressively territorial and are quick to drive away intruders. They will sing at night next to street lights.

 I was out with my family today at Wildwood Animal Park and while we were eating lunch this little guy came and sat next to us so I could not resist grabbing my camera and clicking away before he flew away. I shot this with an aperture of f/5 for 1/42sec. I captured a lot of photos that I expected of the animals in the park but didn't expect to get this one which is why I think it stands out so much to me hence me picking it for my photo of the day.

Alphabet Project day 10

J is for Jelly Babies and Jaffa Cakes. I shot this in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.2 for 1/8sec. the shot is lit with a 10led torch held above and shone straight down. The base is a black glass place-mat to provide the reflection and the background is a piece of A4 black card.
Explore 10th April number 38

Project 365 day 99

All cut up. I decided to get back to my toolbox project again today with this shot of my Stanley knife and blades. I took this shot in manual mode with an aperture of f/3.2 for 1/160sec i lit the image with a macro led ring light held just above the lens of the camera.

Alphabet Project day 9

I is for Ink, Indent and Italics. I shot this image in manual mode with an aperture of f/4 for 1/25sec and I used an led macro ring light to light the paper from above.

Wingham Wildlife Park 08/04/2013

 Left:
Captured in the Reptile House of Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Right:
Butterfly captured in the Tropical House of Wingham Wildlife Park. Not many butterflies in there yet as it is still a bit early in the year.

 Left:
Tiger captured at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Right:
Penguin captured at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Left:
Ring tailed Lemur captured at the Lemur walk through at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Right:
Tiger captured at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Left:
Peacock displaying its magnificent plumage at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Right:
Birds of prey captured at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Left:
Penguin captured at the Penguin pool at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Right:
Common Buzzard captured at Wingham Wildlife Park.

 Left:
Chilean Rose Tarantula captured at a meet the animals session in the Education Centre at Wingham Wildlife Park.

Right:
Feeding time for the Ring Tailed Lemurs at the Lemur Walk Through at Wingham Wildlife Park.