This is an image I'd forgotten that I'd shot with djn whilst up in Blackpool a few weeks back. I think we both marveled at the chance of drinking a cup of Bovril, it warmed me up just reading it. Hence the photo.

A beach to my right, dunes to my left, clouds and a seascape to the right, searing sunlight and contrast to the left. Which way would you shoot?

So we "finished" the game of Conkers tonight. Fin won of course ;-). My puny effort of a conker split under the power of a 4 year olds swing (with a little help from Dad)....

This Image was an intentional attempt at shooting in the opposite direction to djn on our beach wander a few weeks back. I seem to get some mileage out of shooting with him, for some reason I end up with quite a few images I am happy with. Strange really, because I often go out alone and never release the shutter.

I guess that the images I create aren't really most peoples "cup of tea" but there is always a single element that caused me to shoot the image, some obvious, some not so. In this instance, in my head at least, It was an ironic statement that our usual coffee stop was neither to the left nor to the right, from my standpoint at least, but was simply over the brow of the dunes, and was literally 200yds from where I was stood. Nothing especially amazing, but for some reason I felt the need to record it. Don't ask me why..... I really can't articulate why......

Oh but to bring this image to the fore, I did however use the video of Black and White conversion Part 2 from Chromasia's Tutorials for Photographers, take the link to the right to see it, or click here. I followed djn's video through the method of Black and White conversion that involved using the Black and White adjustment layer and biasing the image towards the red channel, but I also pulled the Blue channel back to around -148 to bring out the sky. If you play with this method, it really can help you properly master B&W conversion, something I regularly bust my head over when I get it wrong (which is quite often!!!).

When I go shooting with Dave (@chromasia) from Chromasia, I have a sense of freedom that I don't really experience in any other walk of my life. I switch off from anything and everything around me, something I think only my wife Mel knows helps me to relax.... I am very lucky to have that understanding in her to be honest.

I'm in Blackpool, helping DJN out tomorrow, we are photographing a wedding in Kendall in Cumbria. Ironically Blackpool is my fresh air, culturally and spiritually, I love being here, and just shooting whatever I see. A kind of freedom if you will.

I haven't blogged in months, I guess its just been one of those years, and I figure that whilst I enjoy doing it, I'm not sure if its a legacy that anyone appreciates. Seeing Dave is always inspiring, seeing him twice in a month will be great, time will tell if I start blogging again. I wish it was just that easy. Anybody who has tried to sustain a blog will know exactly what I mean. You know who you are.

I was just flicking through Lightroom, and noticed a few frames that I'd missed from the trip the other week, also there was a quickedits folder with a few images that I edited quickly to see there possibilities. That was alongside the RAW workflow folder, and the original RAWS, and then my dated folders, and my POSTS folder with the 4 images that are used to make a post here in Moveabletype.

To say that filing is a nightmare at the moment is an understatement, and to be honest if it wasn't for the brilliant OSX Time Machine remembering to back everything up with out me thinking I am sure I'd loose track of things pretty quickly with my images.

I have started rebuilding the file structure on my Drobo, and then I'm going to do a master rebuild of the Lightroom Catalogue once I have everything in date order. I am sure there must be a quicker way to do this, but I cant think of one. Its almost like an OCD moment, and whilst I'm worried about it, I loath the thought of sitting there re-organising files, but I guess I need to do it. Am I the only person with a photo filing nightmare?? I know that Lightroom itself reads files in by date and re-organises itself but it makes it an issue if I need to scour the drive manually. I have now decided on the following file ordering workflow.

On the laptop I'll have a RAW Files Folder / 2009_02 / 090201 / [files] / [titled post folder] structure on my laptop, then on the Drobo the same structure which will actually be one month behind my current laptop files. The laptop is docked for 8hrs a day, and Time Machine runs 100% successfully at the moment, so I'm happy with the backup it creates. I have also archived one complete TM Backup and stored it away, and rotated one month giving me two months of Full and Incremental restore options. I do as a matter of course transfer the RAW files to the Drobo pretty much straight away, so at the moment feel confident in my backup routine. The home PC uploads to MOZY Online Backup and whilst its slow, it happens overnight when we arent using the Network, so thats fine also. I have completed 20GB so far so only 880GB to go ;-) (about 4 months I recon), and whilst it sounds like madness, when it completes the incrementals should be relatively quick. So there you go, my Friday morning thoughts for the day!....

This image was one that I spotted, being post Xmas i assumed it was a random decoration left behind by a party reveller, but later found out it was a sea wall memorial for someone that had been a little too close to the edge and was taken out to sea...... I guess the huge sea wall and the KEEP OUT signs should have been warning enough, but obviously not. Makes you think eh!........ csj

A cold weekend ahead, means if the weather pans out, I may get an opportunity to get some good shots. I am charging the batteries ahead of time and hope that it goes in my favor. I have also tasked myself with re-structuring, or at least attempting to restructure the image archive on my Drobo but I'm not sure that I'll find that much time between friends, and running the kids around.

This image is another from St Annes pier in the NW of England and whilst I know that Dave's final post from this time is on Monday, we have decided that I'm not so fussy (picky) about my work, and I reckon I have at least another 2 weeks material to work on ;-)....

That just goes to show the difference in quality over quanitity that I have been a terrible judge over in the past. And I don't seem to be able to edit down the amount now as I get older..... ho hum, I assumed that I'd get fussier but in fact I think I like almost everything i shoot on the basis that if I didn\t like it I wouldn't have attempted a photo in the first place.

That said I wont be posting again now until Monday evening, its a tricky post aswell as a.its going to be in tandem with Daves' post and will kind of spar off of his image (which I've already seen) its a great image and b. I am quoting a poem by Poet - Paul Bradbury to go along with the image something I've never tried, but I did like the words in this piece of work..... so pop back on Monday and let me know what you think..... csj

I've been playing with layers and textures, and masks, and new bits of software on the MAC and trying to come up with a good file ordering system for a TB of images on the Drobo, and well this image has nothing to do with any of that....., but instead is pretty much a straight shot, tweaked with a pseudo hdr effect in Photomatix Pro.

Its not an epic image its just something I saw whilst up at Daves, and I thought for mid winter it summed it up for me. Not a lot else to say tonight, I am bushed..... thanks Paul!!!..... csj

I made an effort on this weekend away to get up North as early as possible (I left to go at 3.30am and arrived at 9.30am) so that I could make the absolute most of my short time away with the camera. It was real luck getting cold but dry weather for 2 days out of three, and to be honest the first day was like a cold grey day, but late afternoon we had a bit of luck with the sun and we were able to get down as far as St Annes, the tide was out, and I MEAN OUT I couldn't see it at all, but I was mightly re-assured that it can come in at faster than walking pace if you catch it wrong.

With that piece of health and saftey in mind, Dave (of Chromasia) had me climb onto the old Victorian Pier, that had no ladder, and signs saying DO NOT CLIMB, so that we may take some photos of this unique structure.

This image is a 3 frame HDR, but I went easy on the process, and a little heavier in the black and white and toning. I was quite pleased with the end result. I'll post a few more of this set over the next week or so.

As always thanks for stopping by...... csj

I spent yesterday watching the presidential inauguration with intent, and I hope from what I heard of Obamas speech that the new president fulfils the promises and hopes of the American nation, we are feeling the ramifications of the previous administration only now, and whilst its not directly connected I guess, watching new unemployment figures and listening to local disasters and watching major high street chains disappear is such a shame.

Which brings me onto tonights' post. Whilst most of the images over the next few weeks will be from one weekend in Blackpool with Dave at Chromasia.com I will be going out in between these posts trying to stock up with a few more images. But its like a dinner that you cook for yourself it never tastes quite the same, if you catch my drift, in as much as my local surroundings seem a little dim in comparison. This image is directly inspired by the tutorials at Chromasia, the link to the right will take you to the latest issue. Its my first go and I was quite pleased with its gnarly, dark, mildy gloomy vision of the NW Coastline in winter, did it work?............. csj

OK and don't be cross In the cold light of day, and not sat in the dark with my lovely MAC 17" the image was nowhere near dark enough, so I re-edited it a tad this morning.... call it artistic license..... ;-)

Sorry for the last post, I think via Twitter a few people were edgy about the change of registration on the vehicle but it was honestly because of some law about posting registrations that we identified, and also a slight miscommunication between me and Dave (Chromasia), anyway it was simply a case that Dave had modified his plate, so i modified mine differently and then he changed his to mine by which time, it had all gone a bit Pete Tong

Aside from this, its been a strange week back, work has been a little disjointed with impending cutbacks, and I guess it was just a matter of time before it hits every level.

A weekend away was just what the doctor ordered, and I find time spent in this guys' company inspiring. I am sure lots of you would also. A technical genius, the guy sees life in histograms and dynamic range, and I see it in 16x9, with thirds.

I know strictly speaking I shouldn't do a 3 Image HDR portrait, as its a little over the top, but as it was of the man himself I guess DJN wouldn't mind my abusing the technique, just this once, I promise not to do it again............. csj

Oh my life, I had to post this image after watching tonights amazing news, of the Airplane that crash landed into the Hudson river, everyone survived after the plane hit a flock of birds and had to make an emergency landing. The pilot is a hero..... jeezus what a professional.

When I saw this subject, it obviously gave me a feeling of doom and gloom, but actually after watching that amazing video with everyone from on board standing on the wings of the craft (here), it now gives me quite the opposite feeling....

The weather had turned by this point, and both Dave and I were trying our hand at shooting in the rain, to be honest it would have pushed the "splash" proof title of the camera I use to its limits, but I think I have gotten away with it. Dave was ok, with his fancy weather seals. Grrrrrr...

There was a comedy moment when my gloves tripped the self timer on, and I thought the camera had stopped working, truth be told I didn't even realise I had a self timer... but hey that'll teach me to not read the manual.....csj

Trying to make the most of the little time I had up NW, I decided to wrap up and head out on my own before meeting up with Dave later on. I literally walked the front, and found lots of shooting opportunities.

It's strange being in someone elses environment, I almost felt like I shouldn't be shooting some of the subjects I saw. It almost felt like theft. One thing that the NW coast is short of in winter is people, and whilst I'm sure there were plenty about, I certainly didn't come across too many. It was only just after 9am, and about -4 degrees when I shot this. Not something I'd fully recommend to everyone, but it was good fun being out with my camera again. I absolutely loved the time I had, I guess it was uninpinged (is that a word?), what I mean to say is that I didn't have to think about the kids (too much), as I'd been releived of that stress for a couple of days, something I'd like to return to my wife when i can afford to do it.

Anyway I did meet up with Dave an hour or so later and we ventured back upto the railway / powerstation, an image from which I will blog tommorow night.

This image is a 3 image HDR in 1Stop increments either side of the exposure below, created in Photomatix Pro, and I followed the tutorials written by my good friend at Chromasia which enabled me to give it a go. Like I've said before I'm not necessarily a major league fan of HDR I thought I'd give it a go. And quite enjoyed it.....csj

So its strange.... I sign up to Facebook to get in touch with a few old friends, and in my position of work I advise people as to the dangers of using this kind of technology. But yet its compelling and fun, and dare I say slightly addictive. But in this day and age where the web is accessible by phone, laptop, pda, fridge? It kind of makes sense to at least try these things out, so as to become aware of their potential faults.

Its been great getting in touch with some old photographer buddies, and I am sure there are lots of stories to tell over the next few years, about the last 22.!!!, yes I felt old when I heard that figure.....jeeez, anyway still got 5 to find. Back to the search tool, to scan around....

The photo was a chance shot, that for me represents the difficulties of getting old, and I guess not being able to reach out to the opportunites that are afforded by everyone. Make the most of what you have right now.

Yesterdays' post didnt really grab anyones' attention, so its back to the old stock. The weekend was washed out again, and I only managed two half hearted frames which I may or may not use this week.

I think I have a couple of frames I can use during this week.

I seem to grab peoples imagination with these old wrecks, so I might see what I have available to me along this coast and get out and shoot some more.

On another note, I really must try one of those little planet shots that Dave from Chromasia has been posting recently. Anyway I'd like to leave you a little quote of the day today, and its one that rings true to me anyway.

Richard Avedon: "If a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it's as though I've neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up."

Anyway enjoy the shot, and lets hope I get a chance to shoot soon. I have an itchy trigger finger.... ;-) csj

What can I say, I took a heap of useable shots at this location, and until I get a good stock of something else, you'll have to look at them ;-).... Seriously tho, this one works in black and white for me, just a couple of adjustment layers to balance the sky and forground, and a quick curve, and I was done. Let me know when your bored. csj

Another from this popular series, which I will call #6 but actually it is titled alongside the entry from two posts ago and the previous 4, if that makes sense, if not just trust me its number 6 ;-).

This was shot in the shadow, and style of a fellow photographer.

This was a challenge as whilst I took this image, I am sure a thousand other photographers have had a go from here aswell. Anyway I was pleased with the result that I share with you here. It was a slight change of view from the #3 in the series. Enjoy ;-)

Long day today, sorry for not much input on this image, but its one I've been looking at for a while without making a solid decision to post it, was it worth it?, I dont know. Its moody for sure. Out this weekend, need more material for the blog. The pressure is on. Come on England.

So all this talk of commercial photography got me thinking. Its not as if taking images has to be stressfull, or totally dictated, right?. I mean I havent spoken to Dave in length about his trip to Germany recently, but I would love to get his opinion on whether he felt as free of spirit to shoot in his usual style, or whether he was technically castrated by the requirements of the client.

Interesting to see a series of his latest posts, which in terms of quality are still excellent but again I'm not sure they display as freer spirit of Chromasia, as we are all used to seeing. Dave please don't take that as a negative comment towards your images, its just a subjective view, thats all, and I totally understand that whilst you are away earning the money you cant do your normal stuff, but do you miss it? or resent the time lost?. Click here for Chromasia

I really hope the pressures of commercial work dont change his view over being free to shoot whatever and whenever (Tescos - Libby?! for example) he feels, to bring us the images that we photograph, neigh live by. If you catch my drift.

Tonights post is of Dave doing what he does best I guess, looking at the strangest of subjects, to bring us a view we are not used to, from an unusual angle, and against a wicked sky.

Enjoy ;-)

Apologies for yesterdays blog entry, ooooh I was as mad a mad thing. Anyway back to the image, todays' entry is another in the series from 'up north'..... Not much else to say, apart from that it applies a similar technique to the first in the series here:-

http://www.id7.co.uk/portfolio/archives/0709261900_clean........

Let me know if this image works aswell?, and if not, why not in your opinion, I was struggling but something kept making me go back to it. I like it now thats its finished.