208 Theme 2 Nature - South and East Devon

Assignment 208 Principles of location photography Theme 2 Nature 

11th and 12th October 2011 images taken while on a short break to South and East Devon.

Research, assignment planning and influences
Before I went on this break to Devon I researched the places I wished to visit to obtain good photographs for my two themes of Nature and the Built Environment. I used the Internet and my reference books to help with good buildings to photograph. The nature images were taken when suitable subjects were seen but a knowledge of the area helped. I have been to Sidmouth many times and wanted to capture the cliffs looking east as the sun went down. The view over the Axe Valley was also known to me from a high viewpoint close to the village of Colyton. 
I was influenced by the work of Tim Parkin and Joe Cornish Professional Photographers whose work is shown elsewhere in this blog. 

Choice of equipment, safe equipment operation and health & safety

To cover the possible photographs that I would be taking I took my Canon 350D camera, 18 to 50 mm zoom lens and a 70 to 300 mm zoom lens on this assignment. It was not possible to use a tripod for these images from a health & safety point of view as there were many people in all of the locations and a tripod would have been a hazard. 

Choice of final images

The 4 images below were chosen from the 75 nature images taken on the assignment to best convey the time of year, and illustrate the colours of the trees and plants. Further information is given below on each one of the images.

Log of image capture

12th October 2011. This image shows the strong colours and textures of the cliffs, there is also a good tonal range. The eye is led into the picture by the perspective of the beach and cliffs. The horizon is in the middle of the frame but this could be changed by cropping the bottom of the image to move the horizon so that it was on or close to the bottom third if required.

I am pleased with the image as it captures the scene well and on this cloudy and windy day the majority of the time the cliffs were in shadow and not showing their best colour and texture.

 Focal length 46mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/640 sec, f/8

12th October 2011. Two views of the the Axe Valley, Nr Colyton, East Devon

Focal length 50 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/250 sec, f/8

Focal length 50 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/160 sec, f/8

11th October 2011. Coleton Fishacre Gardens Nr Kingswear, South Devon

Focal length 20 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 200, 1/125, f/5.6

11th October 2011. Taken from Cotehele on the river Tamar near Saltash looking towards the Calstock Viaduct on the other side of the river valley. 

By framing the image with the overhanging tree branches the eye is drawn to the focal point of the viaduct in the distance. The many shades and patterns of rich green foliage give texture and form to the photograph. The dome of a small building in the foreground has been placed on the lower right third to help with the composition of the image.

Focal length 31 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/160 sec, f/5

208 T1 Built Environment - Colyton Church

 

Assignment 208 Principles of location photography Theme 1 Built Environment

12th October 2011 images taken while on a short break to South and East Devon.

Colyton Church East Devon. 

Research, assignment planning and influences

Before I went on a break to Devon I researched churches of interest in the area and found that we were due to go through the village of Colyton in East Devon. Colyton has a church built in the main between 1769 and 1829 that has a beautiful white stone Lantern Tower on the top of the tower.

I was influenced by the work of Lance Wittenberg, Richard Southall and Paul Thetford Professional Photographers whose work is shown elsewhere in this blog.

Choice of equipment, safe equipment operation and health & safety

To cover the possible photographs that I would be taking I took my Canon 350D camera, 18 to 50 mm zoom lens and a 70 to 300 mm zoom lens on this assignment. It was not possible to use a tripod for these images from a health & safety point of view as there were other people around the church which has a small churchyard and a tripod would have been a hazard.

Choice of final images

The 2 images below were chosen from the 18 images taken on the assignment to best convey the style of the building and the setting of the church.

Log of image capture

The front of the church approached from the centre of the village showing the Tower and part of the Porch to the left. 

Focal length 23 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/250 sec, f/8

The rear of the church showing the Tower, Nave and Choir Vestry to the left.  

Focal length 23 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/500 sec, f/8

208 Theme1 Built Environment - Coleton Fishacre

Assignment 208 Principles of location photography Theme 1 Built Environment

11th October 2011 images taken while on a short break to South and East Devon.

Coleton Fishacre House Nr Kingswear Devon

Research, assignment planning and influences

I was visiting South Devon on a pre-arranged break and researched National Trust buildings in the area that would demonstrate how architectural styles have changed over time. This research was done with the aid of the Internet and the National Trust handbook.   

Coleton Fishacre House Nr Kingswear Devon was built in 1926 by Rupert D'oyly Carte, the architect was Oswald Milne who was an assistant to Sir Edwin Lutyens from 1902 to 1905. The building is in the Arts and Crafts style inspired by the positive simple designs of William Morris and Philip Webb.

I was influenced by the work of Val Corbett and Lance Wittenberg Professional Photographers whose work is shown elsewhere in this blog.

Choice of equipment, safe equipment operation and health & safety

To cover the possible photographs that I would be taking I took my Canon 350D camera, 18 to 50 mm zoom lens and a 70 to 300 mm zoom lens on this assignment. It was not possible to use a tripod for these images from a health & safety point of view as there were many other people around and a tripod would have been a hazard.

Choice of final images

The 6 images below were chosen from the 36 taken of the house on the day to reflect the age and style of the building.

Log of image capture

A view of the front of the house and entrance gateway.

Focal length 31 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/225 sec, f/7.1 

The rear of the house looking out over the gardens

Focal length 28 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/160 sec, f/4

The Loggia at the rear of the house used for informal dining.

Focal length 28 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/100 sec, f/4

Detail of the tall chimney characteristic of the Arts and Crafts style.

Focal length 29 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/250 sec, f/3.5

 

Detail of a archway leading to a courtyard with windows and a high roof typical of the architectural style.

Focal length 43 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/40 sec, f/7.1

Detail of a garden water feature with the balanced symmetry typical of the Arts and Crafts style.

Focal length 31 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/80 sec, f/7.1

208 Theme1 Built Environment - Buckland Abbey

Assignment 208 Principles of location photography Theme 1 Built Environment

10th October 2011 images taken while on a short break to South and East Devon.

Buckland Abbey Nr Plymouth. 13th century Abbey converted to a house in the 16th century.

Research, assignment planning and influences

I was visiting South Devon on a pre-arranged break and researched National Trust buildings in the area that would demonstrate how architectural styles have changed over time. This research was done with the aid of the Internet and the National Trust handbook.  

Buckland Abbey was founded in 1278 by Cistercian monks. After the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539 it was converted into a home by Sir Richard Grenville who sold it to his cousin, Sir Francis Drake in 1581. After a fire and a subsequent restoration the Abbey is a mix of period rooms.

I was influenced by the work of Val Corbett, Lance Wittenberg and David Churchill Professional Photographers whose work is shown elsewhere in this blog.

Choice of equipment, safe equipment operation and health & safety

To cover the possible photographs that I would be taking I took my Canon 350D camera, 18 to 50 mm zoom lens and a 70 to 300 mm zoom lens on this assignment. It was not possible to use a tripod for these images from a health & safety point of view as there were many other people around and a tripod would have been a hazard.

Choice of final images

The 6 images below were chosen from the 32 taken of the house on the day to reflect the age and style of the building.

Log of image capture

Two views of the main building. 

 Focal length 20 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/80 sec, f/5

Focal length 28mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/125 sec, f/2.8

A small doorway to the right of the main entrance with an interesting carving above. 

Focal length 33 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/60 sec, f/2.8

The interior of the great hall at Buckland. 

Focal length 21 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 800, 1/40 sec, f/2.8

A barn that dates back to the original Abby. 

Focal length 21 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/80 sec, f/6.3

Interior of the above barn at Buckland

Focal length 18 mm, st on manual exposure, ISO 800, 1/60 sec, f/2.8

208 Theme1 Built Environment - Cotehele House

 Assignment 208 Principles of location photography

 

10th October 2011 images taken while on a short break to Cornwall, South and East Devon.

Cotehele House Nr Saltash, Cornwall. A 16th Century Manor House.

Research, assignment planning and influences

I was visiting South Devon and Cornwall on a pre-arranged break and researched National Trust buildings in the area that would demonstrate how architectural styles have changed over time. This research was done with the aid of the Internet and the National Trust handbook. 

Cotehele is a Tudor house with medieval origins. It is one of the least altered medieval houses in Britain. There have been very few changes to the structure since the improvements by Sir Richard Edgecumbe when the manor house was rebuilt between 1490 and 1520. 

I was influenced by the work of Val Corbett and Lance Wittenberg Professional Photographers whose work is shown elsewhere in this blog.

Choice of equipment, safe equipment operation and health & safety

To cover the possible photographs that I would be taking I took my Canon 350D camera, 18 to 50 mm zoom lens and a 70 to 300 mm zoom lens on this assignment. It was not possible to use a tripod for these images from a health & safety point of view as there were many other people around and a tripod would have been a hazard.

Choice of final images

The 7 images below were chosen from the 41 taken of the house on the day to reflect the age and style of the building.

Log of image capture

Front elevation of the house. 

Focal length 26 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/320 sec, f/5

Rear elevation of the house. 

Focal length 18 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/160 sec, f/5.6

Detail of a doorway window and stonework to the side of the house. 

Focal length 38 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/250 sec, f/5

Interior of the main hall. 

Focal length 38 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/250 sec, f/5

Interior view of the chapel within the house. 

Focal length 18 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 800, 1/125 sec, f/3.5

Bedroom complete with original wall hangings and furniture. 

Focal length 18 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 800, 1/20 sec, f/2.8

Detail of an original window with oak shutters. 

Focal length 26 mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 400, 1/60 sec, f/3.5

Equipment

Equipment available for Assignment 208 Themes 1 and 2.

I will be using an Canon 350D SLR digital camera because it will give me the flexibility to take the images that are required for this theme.

 

Lenses available:

Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EX DC,

Sigma 55-200 f/4.5-5.6 DC,

Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro

Accessories:

Tripod: Manfrotto 055 with a 3D head

 

Canon Remote Switch RS-60E3 (Cable Release) 

208 Theme 1 Built Environment - David Churchill Professional Photographer

Assignment 208 Principles of Location Photography Theme 1 Built Environment

Research and influences - David Churchill Professional Photographer

David Churchill is an award winning architectural photographer who has worked with many leading designers and construction companies. For this reason the majority of his work is of modern new and refurbished buildings. 

This is an unusual image as there is no focal point as such. The frame is divided into thirds by the brightly coloured window shutters and grey balconies. The long shadows have linked the balconies and the windows. By concentrating on this small part of the building the photographer has conveyed the style of architecture.

This is a striking image which shows the beautiful curves of the staircase that gives such good shadows and smooth textures. The blue glass and reflections help to draw the eye into the frame and then up the curve of the stairs.

This image is possibly to show the building next to the Nat West Tower in London and its position compared to the other buildings. The exposure has been well handled as some of the old buildings in the foreground are in shade and some in full sunlight. The textures, details and colours are also well controlled.

This is an image of a famous and iconic building by the architect le Corbusier called Villa Savoie. It has been photographed many thousands of times so this photographer has taken an unusual view of the building by showing just a small part of the house but revealing its style and rural setting. The exposure and detail is very good as there is a large tonal range from the white of the building to the black under the elevated section. The eye is drawn towards the dark window and the white round elevation on the roof which is the focal point.  

This is a very well exposed image to balance the light of the foreground interior with the window light in the background. All of the details, colours and textures can be seen. The eye is drawn through the doorway into to the room and to the blue lit window which is the focal point.

For this image the camera was at a lower level and looking up at the building due to the different levels of the ground of the surrounding area. The image is well composed with good detail, texture and colour. The photographer has included some of the dark green trees on the left of the building to balance the trees that are in front of the right hand end of the building. As the roof domes are very pale the focal point of the image is the central part of the building with the dark doorway. 

A different view of a famous building. The photographer has made the statue the main subject of the photograph but the eye is then led to the clock tower which has been placed just off the centre of the frame. Not all of the main Palace of Westminster building is in the frame but by using this view it is probable that many other distracting items have also been left out of the frame. The lighting, exposure is very good which has given excellent detail and tonal range to the image.

By framing this stark modern building with trees the photographer has softened the image but retained the impact of the building. The deep blue sky complements the colour of the building and there is very good detail, tonal range and texture. The eye is drawn around the curve of the building from left to right to the lighter part of the frame which is the focal point.

A striking image of an unusual building. If the frame had been filled with the building the decorative architectural structures on the roof may have dominated the building. By having some space around the building the image is more balanced. The highly saturated sky and foreground colours lift the image from a record shot of the building. There is very good detail, texture and tonal range in the photograph. The focal point and single vanishing point of perspective is the darker entrance at the centre of the building.

A well composed street scene where as much of the road and parked cars as possible have been cropped to concentrate on the fine buildings. The eye is drawn towards the domed building which is the focal point and the lighter lower sky line at the end of the street. The image shows good exposure, colour, contrast and tonal range. 

208 Theme 1 Built Environment - Tutbury Church

Assignment 208 Principles of location photography Theme 1 Built Environment

28th September 2011

St Mary Church Tutbury

Assignment Planning

I photographed this church because it is 12th century with a very good example of a Norman arch doorway on the west end of the nave. 

Research and influences

This church was researched with the aid of the book England's Thousand Best Churches by Simon Jenkins. This book indicated that this was a very good example of a 12th century church. 

I was influenced by the work of Lance Wittenberg, Richard Southall and Paul Thetford Professional Photographers whose work is shown elsewhere in this blog.

Choice of equipment used

All of the images of St Mary, Tutbury were taken with a wide to standard lens, a Sigma 18 - 50 mm and with the aid of a tripod. I also had a 70 to 300 mm zoom lens available if required.

Health and Safety

It was possible to use a tripod because there were no people walking around the churchyard so the tripod did not create a health and safety issue. 

Log of image capture

This is a wide view of the church from the east end. It was difficult to obtain an image of the complete building as the churchyard is small so even with a 28 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens it was not easy to take an image that showed the size and proportions of this large church.    

Focal length 28mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/50 sec, f/14

The great west arch at Tutbury

 Focal length 24mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/200 sec, f/11

Details of the carvings on the great west arch

Focal length 38mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/400 sec, f/11

Focal length 38mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/250 sec, f/11

The south doorway arch at Tutbury

Focal length 28mm, set on manual exposure, ISO 100, 1/25 sec, f/20

Choice of final image 

I am happy with the images of Tutbury church as I think they convey the age and architectural style of the buildings. The weather was good and helped in being able to capture sharp images, however as the sun was very bright the images were of high contrast which would not have been the case on an overcast day.

Obtaining the right perspective of the church was not easy due to the small churchyard which made obtaining the right angle difficult. The west doorway was taken from the top of a earth bank that rises very close to the door. So the perspective is a little unusual as the viewpoint is well above the centre of the doorway arch.