Monochrome conversion

 I have a couple of whole day/weekend lecturing commitments in March next year concentrating on monochrome so I thought I better start in good time to prepare some example files/prints showing the 'magic' of using Nik Silver Efex Pro to bring out the best in architectural studies. For the piano, I have provided the original raw conversion, a monochrome conversion using just the raw converter and a final image where SEP has been used. Other examples have the Raw conversion in colour or monochrome followed by the SEP image. The amount of detail that can be extracted is remarkable.

Lakenheath Sunset

Beautiful sunset at Lakenheath RSPB Reserve today completed by views of Hen Harriers and Marsh Harriers coming into roost in the reeds. They were a long way away but still worth an i.d. shot. Top two Marsh Harriers; lower two and left picture male Hen Harriers.

Hundreds of Rooks and other Corvids roost in the poplar trees. The first shot shows them earlier in the evening with the sunlight catching their glossy plumage making them appear to have light areas. The later shot is taken as they come into roost using 1/10th second - interesting shapes as the fly about in the trees.

Tidal Surge 2013 at Cromer, Norfolk

 I had been looking forward to a visit to Snettisham for the Wader Spectacular and wished for a northerly wind to ensure the waders were driven off the mudflats at today's Spring Tide (4.1 metres). Be careful what you wish for as yesterday there were the highest tides along the Norfolk coast since 1953 and Snettisham Reserve was closed today as was much of the A149 coastal road. We visited those areas that were accessible - at Moreston Quay the car park was half under water and seal trips definitely off.
We also visited Cromer where the waves were still topping the pier well after high tide. The final images show the extensive damage to the shops and beach huts at Cromer.

In some cases, the doors on the beach huts stayed firm -  one owner said as a result of extra mortis locks at the top. Where the door caved in then the window, front wall and all the contents were washed out. 

Bradford Contrasts

 Some images from the trip to Bradford - a real mix of reconstructed Central City Park area, the old Cathedral area and the Wool Exchange Building - now a Waterstones. The mirror pool contains the highest fountain in any UK city, shooting water up to 100 ft (30m) into the air. There are more than 100 smaller fountains, laser light projectors and loud speakers.Through the middle of the mirror pool is a slightly raised Y-shaped walkway which allows visitors to pass over the pool in relative dryness during the day. Access to the water is encouraged and there are 40 low-powered play fountains at the pavilion end of the pool. Each morning the fountain produces a mist effect before the pool fills. At dusk a light show begins and continues until the pool is drained overnight.

 Below a couple of monochrome conversions of the older areas of Bradford.

Rudolph Run

Full set of images are on
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28596054@N07/sets/72157638278046336/

Rudolph charity Run in Cambridge

 To complete an eccentric English weekend, we photographed the Rudolph Run at Addenbrookes Hospital today - organised by Mercy from the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust. Father Christmas signed on to run as number 59 and was joined by a celebrity or two. The giraffe completed the 3km circuit still smiling and was even interviewed on Radio 105.