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Christchurch Harbour


Christchurch Harbour
Photo Information
Copyright: Paul Haynes (PaulH) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1108 W: 23 N: 3644] (13051)
Genre: Landscapes
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08-06
Categories: Savannah
Camera: Canon EOS400D, Sigma 10-20mm / F 4-5,6 DC EX HSM, UV + Circ. Polar + Cokin Grad.
Exposure: f/16, 1/5 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): lovely landscapes [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-08-07 11:50
Viewed: 1225
Points: 38
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hello,

this was taken last night at Christchurch Harbour, the nearest place to where i live that nature has retained a decent foothold, despite the ever encroaching urban sprawl. This is primarily down to the excellent conservation work that is done by local volounteers who strive to keep this place wildlife friendly, despite it recieving alot of visitors day in and day out.

I was unsure as to whether to post this shot, as i feel the clouds are a bit too over exposed (despite some unsuccessful attempts to reduce the highlights using selective areas in PS), but it does capture the scene quite well as it was, so hopefully you'll enjoy it too. The thing that struck me most was the contrast between very bright light and dark shadow in the long strip of cloud that seemed to stretch from horizon to horizon.

Those of you interested in things winged and that crawl would i'm sure find this a great place to shoot.

Some facts from Dorsetforyou website:


This is a rich site for invertebrates. About 260 species of beetle have been recorded, several of which are local or rare. There are at least 4 nationally rare hoverflies and 14 breeding species of dragonfly. Other well represented groups
include spiders, grasshoppers and bush crickets, and moths.
The birds of Christchurch Harbour are well recorded and there is an impressive list of species. Rare breeding birds include CettiÕs Warbler Cettia cetti and Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus, and spotted Crake Porgana porgana is frequently recorded. Jack Snipe Hymnocryptes minimus is regularly present in winter with the commoner wintering species which include good numbers of Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. The site is very important for bird migration, frequently holding large numbers of migrants with Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, Whinchat Saxicola rubetra and Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus particularly well represented. Osprey Pandion haliaetus is also a regular visitor on passage.

shot in RAW, levels adjusted to reduce highlights in the cloud, exposure kncked down a tad, converted to JPEG, resized and sharpened

thanks for looking
gracious, SunToucher, Silke, nglen, Jamesp, cicindela, gannu, marhowie, kuhufu, Adanac has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Silke: February in BournemouthPaulH 2 08-08 06:22
To Jamesp: LocationPaulH 1 08-08 01:06
To SunToucher: thank youPaulH 1 08-07 12:13
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Critiques [Translate]

Paul

Glad you decided to post this after your days deliberating. I think that it is a powerful shot in respect to the colours and it captures a scene I know only too well. Dont keep hiding shots like these away.

Top draw my man

Jai

Hello Paul,
You tried well to keep the OE to the minimium but the whole scenery is definately worth posting!
Best DOF, POV and details involved here
the reflection really a big bonus in it
thanks for sharing
cheers
Tony

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1351 W: 0 N: 5494] (16522)
  • [2007-08-07 14:21]
  • [+]

Hi Paul

I think the clouds are excellent - the colours are most unusual. It gives a very good impression of the harbour, though I am not sure where you were exactly - is that the Priory on the horizon?

James

well composed picture, really like the contrast between ''two layer'' of sky, the reflection from dark water looks dramatized the view,excellent

  • Great 
  • demeve Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 603 W: 11 N: 1627] (5989)
  • [2007-08-07 23:45]

Hello Paul,
Fantastic picture, what a nice capture
Great POV and composition.

Everton.

Hi Paul,
Love the composition and the soft reflection of the clouds on the sea. The difference in light between the part below and clouds and above the clouds is stunning.
I can understand your concerns about the exposure in the clouds. In fact I think that leaving it would have been better. My main concern is the sharpening of this photo (now I have to be carefull with my screen compared to others) there are just a bit too much artifacts visable in the clouds and the beach became very contrasty.
TFS,
Niek

:) follows

Hello Paul,
Well, what to say about this picture? :)
At first I would like to say that I like a lot composition. Especially clouds are important elements of this picture as for me. I would even say that they "bring a climat" of the photo, a little dramatic and very aesthetic too.
Moreover, thanks to the water reclections (again the clouds! :>) a very unique light combination is kept on this photo. And together with panorami POV it makes a really nice image.
I am just thinking about the frame. Maybe the frame also on left and right sides would be good, but on the other hand probably it is just my vision taken from my personal pictures :)
Anyway, very interesting photo.
TFS and best regards,
Radomir

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2007-08-08 5:46]

Paul, Very nice shot with such an interesting angle. Excellent shot showing lovely landscpae. Ganesh

Hi Paul.
It's always good to post something you're not sure about and let us vultures pick the heck out of it!!! He he! Just kidding. But more of a problem than the over exposed clouds in my opinion is it looks over sharpened. But that's only a small thing, easy fixed. It's a beautiful composition and lovely light and colours. Well done.
Best regards, Steve.

The composition and light in this image are really exceptional Paul. The loss of detail and texture in the OE clouds is unfortunate as it grabs a bit too much attention. The image does look a bit oversharpened on my monitor also.

TFS
Evelynn ; )

Hi Paul,
Well I like the overall composition & it is an interesting sky, albeit a bit OE..You said taken last night...You mean late evening? Great note & TFS!
Howard

Hello,
Breath taking shot and a spectacular view.Eexcellent clarity and sharpness as well.
Thanks for sharing
Ugur

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2904 W: 34 N: 8600] (32056)
  • [2007-08-08 12:19]

Hi Paul What a way to spend an eve after a days work.the clouds look like they have a storm in them. good reflection in the sea. rich colours. well done TFS. good notes too,
Nick..

  • Great 
  • Silke Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 727 W: 98 N: 1694] (5406)
  • [2007-08-08 16:14]
  • [+]

Now I am even more jealous, Paul!
I didn't get to this spot last time -- next time for sure!
Superb colours, fabulous details, excellent composition
TFS
silke
:D ok

p.s. There is a slim possibility that I may come to Christchurch in February (a project that I am dying to follow up on). Just how cold and dreary does it get? I have been warned by someone who sometimes seems over sensitive about weather.

Very nice Paul. I think a bit of a warmer white balance would help take some of the overwhelming blues out and add some warmer tones. Yeah I don't think there's much you can do with the highlights here other than what you've already done.

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1899 W: 36 N: 5578] (18516)
  • [2007-08-10 11:23]

Hi Paul,
Splendid view with such a fabulous sky and amazing cloud formations. The atmosphere and the ambience is portrayed well and the sheen on the water looks majestic. Excellent POV to present this beautiful scene and very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2256 W: 10 N: 2618] (15517)
  • [2007-08-10 13:49]

Hola Paul,
espectacular el efecto del polarizador...
buenos detalles amigo,
pov y dof,
sensacional trabajo,
saludos

Hey dude,

Been a while since I have visited TN, photography has been neglected since holiday - that must change but life has been far too busy. I digress, nice pic dude glad you have shown it, I think the over exposure adds something to this pic, afterall all the colours are very promenant so I see no issue with that.
Looking forward to coming home to get back in to photography.

Later mate
See you next weekend.

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 1 N: 5208] (17609)
  • [2007-10-05 4:30]

Hello Paul,
Another great landscape with great moody skies. great camera work, thanks and cheers.
Rick

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