tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39214432497129948862024-03-13T01:04:20.793+00:0021st Century Technology and Camera GroupBlog for the 21st Century Technology and Camera GroupAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-24112813805545946462017-07-18T19:40:00.002+01:002017-07-18T19:40:30.022+01:00Fionna Owen has asked us if we would be interested in creating an exhibition during the first two weeks in September..<br />
The theme should be Middlewich in Summer and Photos should be taken in July/August 2017.<br />
<i><b>HOWEVER NO PHOTOS OF THE BOAT & FOLK FESTIVAL</b></i> (this is catogary on its own)<br />
<br />
Preferred size is 16 * 20 Ins (standard frame size) Preferably the photos should be mountedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415905350112032528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-75934887458009438122017-04-20T15:41:00.000+01:002017-04-20T15:44:02.369+01:00A little on Landscapes...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw57jdTO2aLfaNSm5pugtTbdzJ-5FuQD0EomaTjfSM7hL3MMrqRHehCrs7ibWRTUfk4NvlQzQXT2EvT1WZQuJQE3QpZ7B845eycD-V388sl9s4XjPRxZxbK6hdvfmvMkEmbnG73_ZFXErk/s1600/Landscape+by+Andy+Boyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw57jdTO2aLfaNSm5pugtTbdzJ-5FuQD0EomaTjfSM7hL3MMrqRHehCrs7ibWRTUfk4NvlQzQXT2EvT1WZQuJQE3QpZ7B845eycD-V388sl9s4XjPRxZxbK6hdvfmvMkEmbnG73_ZFXErk/s400/Landscape+by+Andy+Boyle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Landscape by Andy Boyle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">There was a lot of discussion on focusing for
landscape photography last night. Advice ranged from how to pick up the camera
and shoot to how to plan a shot (that ‘one in a million- “I just happened to be
in the right place at the right time” shot’. ;-) )</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I would normally arrange a follow up to answer your
questions but the next two meetings are booked and then we have a summer break.
So I have tried to answer some of the issues here. There are, as we discussed
last night, several different approaches; the main factors being time and
experience. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">My first recommendation would be – GET THE SHOT! If
time is critical then get the shot, it might just be that ‘one in a million’. If
you shoot in raw then you have some ‘wiggle room’ re. the exposure* but not
with the focus so this is key. The quick, down and dirty answer is to reduce the
aperture size (not number) and set the focus to just below infinity. This will
give you the quickest shot but won’t give you the maximum usable depth of field**
(assuming having everything in focus is your goal). If you have a foreground
that you want to be in focus then you need to start thinking about focusing on
the ‘middle ground’.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>(“But there is no ‘middle
ground” they chorused.) This is the </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">hyperfocal distance that Bill mentioned
last night. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Imagine you are focussed on infinity; the depth of
field is then centred on infinity, with half of it ‘behind’ the subject of your
camera. This means that, although you are technically achieving the longest
depth of field available for your aperture, you are not using it all in your
photograph. Reducing the depth of field but centring it on an area which is
nearer the foreground maximises the amount of your picture which will fall
inside the depth of field and increases your chance of having everything in
<a href="http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/hyperfocal-distance.htm">focus. Find out more about it here.</a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://digital-photography-school.com/5-tips-for-setting-the-focus-in-your-landscape-photography/">Another handy post which also briefly explains the lens diffraction issue that Andy Boardman mentioned and focus stacking which KenRane spoke about can be found here.</a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">* Underexpose slightly with DSLR cameras to preserve detail in the shot. Overexposed (blown out) areas will lose detail but underexposed areas will have detail that post-processing software can use. Very important for sky detail. If in doubt then use bracketing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">https://digital-photography-school.com/bracketing-what-is-it-and-what-to-do-with-the-images/</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">**To be in focus an item must be within the depth of field which is a distance that centres around your point of focus. The smaller the aperture the larger the depth of field.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Useful apps for mobiles:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://appcrawlr.com/ios-apps/best-apps-hyperfocal-distance">A<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">pps for calculating hyperfocal distance on iOS</span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-hyperfocal-distance">Apps for calculating hyperfocal distance on Android</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.basicapp.gl_compass&hl=en_GB">Compass link for Android</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alokmandavgane.sunrisesunset&hl=en_GB">Sunrise/sunset times for Android</a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> Mel :-)</span></div>
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-6107544544702589812017-02-06T20:05:00.000+00:002017-02-07T12:58:30.323+00:00A Little HDR<div align="CENTER" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HDR?</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have been
banging on for a while now so I thought I should add something here..</div>
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</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I know some
HDR pics are a bit overdone and can be a bit harsh on the eyes. This
is a easy mistake to make as when you first start playing the the
software you tend to push it to its limits just to see what it can do
(and forget to reset it afterwards) . I must confess that I have done
this myself in the past.
</div>
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</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The main
reason for using it is to reduce the excessive Highlights and Shadows
that can be found in some pictures. To give a colour boost to a
“Flat” picture I find that can be done with one frame.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Some people
also say that it reduces noise in dark areas of a picture..</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
An example
of this may be a church interior. Normally the camera will attempt to
meter for the average light and in a church this may give very dark
interiors with correct light from windows or correct light of the
interior with 'Blown Out'* windows.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
HDR uses a
series of 3/5/7 frames which are the Reference frame with other
frames darker or lighter. Personally I use three frames :- Normal, +
2stops under exposed & 2 stops over exposed</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
<br /></div>
Many cameras
have the “AE Bracketing” function built in so this can be done
automatically (and if you are lucky handheld). If this is not
the case you should use a tripod and:
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Go to
Aperture priority mode (You need a fixed focal length. The shutter
speed will vary.)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1 Take a
normal picture</div>
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2 Set the
exposure adjustment to -2 stops and take a pic</div>
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3 Set the
exposure adjustment to +2 stops and take a pic</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you check the pics on your LCD you should have something like the
following :-</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD7vNulHh6C32oJqg4WfoBP2_dOg_tGch6opy9pkpK6jO-SHT46QA18TdrGvezsXi_Qq8_RPY-pexTId4zCXV7GZPLoJeEOBPc8qx6Isw6v4hR6O_ighEpSwruFZUZKH_TTZVwtFHQEQZ/s1600/DemoHDR+%25283+of+5%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD7vNulHh6C32oJqg4WfoBP2_dOg_tGch6opy9pkpK6jO-SHT46QA18TdrGvezsXi_Qq8_RPY-pexTId4zCXV7GZPLoJeEOBPc8qx6Isw6v4hR6O_ighEpSwruFZUZKH_TTZVwtFHQEQZ/s320/DemoHDR+%25283+of+5%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>Normal<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUr1I7Un_jLuta3tGmb6yucISBwduBSz8pqtSsD0_asBHX89ois2DNY_2tde1ry7G6GgoCNROM3QmwB45FbQJWu95chFi-cDq3sRbyPUXhg3P3vjx7cPI-ULUuFdPxhboZod11uKk7b4f/s1600/DemoHDR+%25284+of+5%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUr1I7Un_jLuta3tGmb6yucISBwduBSz8pqtSsD0_asBHX89ois2DNY_2tde1ry7G6GgoCNROM3QmwB45FbQJWu95chFi-cDq3sRbyPUXhg3P3vjx7cPI-ULUuFdPxhboZod11uKk7b4f/s320/DemoHDR+%25284+of+5%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><i>Underexposed by -2 stops</i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ucorqsz4qGIP79na976yYcBK-R4maVs6mX2yndtd-0d4zUO4eCDSglAIXOgYQwJSz8eGlG57Ffh7CaJohF0B2I5mdT8O6FuT3GO-j4GvC7bFgQr4qcntVaYvK0H1DdfxO1jwiGIIOIsS/s1600/DemoHDR+%25285+of+5%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ucorqsz4qGIP79na976yYcBK-R4maVs6mX2yndtd-0d4zUO4eCDSglAIXOgYQwJSz8eGlG57Ffh7CaJohF0B2I5mdT8O6FuT3GO-j4GvC7bFgQr4qcntVaYvK0H1DdfxO1jwiGIIOIsS/s320/DemoHDR+%25285+of+5%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Over
exposed by two stops.</i></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Perhaps the
easiest way of processing the HDR pics is lightroom.. All you have to
do is highlight the three pictures and press CTL H (CMD H on a mac
I believe) or “Photo”, “Photomerge”, “HDR”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This will go
to the HDR preview screen. On the side of the screen are a couple of
tick boxes.</div>
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Make sure
the auto align box is ticked as this will attempt to correct for
movements of the camera.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The other
option is for ghosting – this is for anything that might move in
the picture (between the 3 frames). I would recommend setting to
either “None” or “low” - This should reduce the processing time
required. If there is a large amount of pink areas on the preview set
the ghosting higher.</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Once you
have done this press “Merge” and it will take a short time to
process the picture depending on your pc. Once complete it will
return to the normal Lightroom screen..</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>The
processed frame might not be visible right away as the you are
looking at imported files. You will have to go to your normal
“Library” view of the folder</i></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg0Sd9Be4PAE2GLMfkYwiVf6anr9Fy0ikn9IXQpYYFmt2xyDIOgYu2P3n6hid84GII84Ituz3p63aPRF7wKp2O4aJPvea5CUhCXhEZbK-2WeUslwU5BHQSzGtUOqo2hQocU_-RD984uDe/s1600/DemoHDR+%25283+of+5%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg0Sd9Be4PAE2GLMfkYwiVf6anr9Fy0ikn9IXQpYYFmt2xyDIOgYu2P3n6hid84GII84Ituz3p63aPRF7wKp2O4aJPvea5CUhCXhEZbK-2WeUslwU5BHQSzGtUOqo2hQocU_-RD984uDe/s400/DemoHDR+%25283+of+5%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Initial
Result of HDR process</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At first
glance the picture does not look greatly different from your
reference image but you now have a greater dynamic range of colours
and controls available to you..</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
By reducing
the Highlights & White sliders you should be able to fix that
“Blown Out” window and the Shadow & Dark sliders should
improve the darker areas of the picture.</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The vibrance
and saturation sliders will allow you to control the colour (along
with the other colour controls)
</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Also
remember these controls can be applied locally by the filters and
correction brush as well!</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ7wi47ANYi3x2DkQjEimWpmc7OaLfOP-ZOB9rFeH_IjuQpaxZJ5FfovMDEByoB1KsWgfBQh_wUgkogZWKO_C4CMSOoMlAaLrA-JkkH-BO2EVU3vPA97cVo-vympfm0_IwPW_ukpPBQA1/s1600/DemoHDR+%25281+of+5%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ7wi47ANYi3x2DkQjEimWpmc7OaLfOP-ZOB9rFeH_IjuQpaxZJ5FfovMDEByoB1KsWgfBQh_wUgkogZWKO_C4CMSOoMlAaLrA-JkkH-BO2EVU3vPA97cVo-vympfm0_IwPW_ukpPBQA1/s400/DemoHDR+%25281+of+5%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After
processing</span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Photoshop</b></i></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I believe
there are two ways of processing HDR files in Photoshop. As I am not
a PS expert I will give the most straightforward.</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Open P.S.</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Files”</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Automate”</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“Merge to
HDR PRO”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You will be
prompted to open your pictures and then a 'Processing Dialogue' will
open on the screen.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><b>Photomatix</b></i><b>
</b>is a HDR processing program that can act as a stand-alone or a
Lightroom plug-in</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You can
download a trial version to play with but this will put a watermark
on any pictures it creates. These can be removed by purchasing a
license.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><b>HDRefex
Pro</b></i> is part of Google's free (NIK collection) designed to act
as a plug-in to LR or PS.</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With a
little playing around it is possible to run this as a stand-alone
program (run the exec file from within the program files folder).</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 9.96cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ken</div>
<br />
*Blown out -An area where the image appears bright white and the camera hasn't stored detail that may have been available to the naked eye.<br />
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<div class="kisb" id="balloon_parent_div_ab" style="left: 279px; position: absolute; top: 1221px; visibility: hidden;">
<div class="kl_abmenu">
Add to Anti-Banner</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415905350112032528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-89041709037465343032016-12-15T22:04:00.001+00:002016-12-15T22:14:48.631+00:00Middlewich's Craft Fair - Great stalls - you can still catch 'em all<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MBfMj8cGL9K7t6JR3bADZwauqjM2PldTlG8JV2zPuWdQwjP66VnXhiw6X5XWzIScrq6_RQ66igDnhjDnemVPXebfyLdW9EGQhFKOXTkcUPn8njhBWkJWfs8ZT_dar4C6PQU40zFcPA1U/s1600/20161208_185102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MBfMj8cGL9K7t6JR3bADZwauqjM2PldTlG8JV2zPuWdQwjP66VnXhiw6X5XWzIScrq6_RQ66igDnhjDnemVPXebfyLdW9EGQhFKOXTkcUPn8njhBWkJWfs8ZT_dar4C6PQU40zFcPA1U/s320/20161208_185102.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/derek.lomas.14?fref=ts" target="_blank">Derek Lomas's woodturning</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paul.shipley.58323?fref=ts" target="_blank">Paul Shipley's bird houses</a></div>
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</tbody></table>
So the festive music was in full swing and the hall was full of amazing stalls all displaying seasonal goods and more. Rarely had Middlewich seen such fayre but did you miss it? <br />
Don't worry, there is still a chance to catch up. There are links to the stalls here which will allow you to catch up and grab a bargain or two just in time for Christmas!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/amandaowen02/?fref=ts">Amanda Owen</a><br />
<a href="http://middlewichcrafts.co.uk/">Middlewich Crafts</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/helen.ireland.397?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser">Helen Ireland</a> (Local Body Shop representative), also at Willowmere<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/laura.estcourt?fref=ts">Laura Estcourt's cakes</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/julie.shannon.942?lst=1414272794%3A100000911446519%3A1481828923">Julie Shannon's brooches etc.</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pintail-Jewellery-180992761955181/?fref=ts">Pintail jewellery</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/paul.shipley.58323?fref=ts">Paul Shipley's bird houses</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/derek.lomas.14?fref=ts">Derek Lomas's woodturning</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/personalcanvas/">Personalise your canvas</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AspireGlobalJenni/?__mref=message">Aspire Global (Jenni)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorthlandsNaturals/">Northlands' Naturals</a> (new page, photos soon)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If I have missed you out or you have a preferred link then just let me know by messaging <br />
<div class="_3-98">
<a class="_2wmb" data-hover="tooltip" data-tooltip-content="People can search for @NorthlandsNaturals to find your Page easily. You can change your @username in the Page Info section." href="https://www.facebook.com/NorthlandsNaturals/#" id="js_5g">@NorthlandsNaturals</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAznekE5s82aZiqFA01ljYezYY1DokC1zXRy-XuPD1m5Nw80B9Vi2R5ZO7WIALe7avfnK0-S3qojS1cNIg2NB9oBnIPEHW-2vU860G9nEGjwkiA3g4yE4FDRD2tyV-dwtXCEIxpvpiI9yL/s1600/Willomere-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAznekE5s82aZiqFA01ljYezYY1DokC1zXRy-XuPD1m5Nw80B9Vi2R5ZO7WIALe7avfnK0-S3qojS1cNIg2NB9oBnIPEHW-2vU860G9nEGjwkiA3g4yE4FDRD2tyV-dwtXCEIxpvpiI9yL/s320/Willomere-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-22364507573865388422016-11-07T12:07:00.000+00:002016-11-07T12:13:08.234+00:00Christmas Shopping Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCseCmTvos27qUJe6w6cNZIUio5mlgPMyh063I1fqxmzY1cfYrJU0_BhNo7K_AGkzvDiJlolIcB-JS_x5Z6ByFFkaMV21mteqDFnN3hs8tOOhuJXYpqYghw0_zNluwG4bUYLiw1hK33c1k/s1600/bauble+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCseCmTvos27qUJe6w6cNZIUio5mlgPMyh063I1fqxmzY1cfYrJU0_BhNo7K_AGkzvDiJlolIcB-JS_x5Z6ByFFkaMV21mteqDFnN3hs8tOOhuJXYpqYghw0_zNluwG4bUYLiw1hK33c1k/s640/bauble+poster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-30705808686926055402016-06-14T17:42:00.001+01:002016-06-17T14:17:40.347+01:00Our first exhibition!<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is finally here! Our very first exhibition.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has been hectic to get it in place once the group decided to go for it, but well worth it! I hope you get a chance to pop down and check it out (details below).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The idea of printing out work for a display was quite daunting and challenging for group members for several different reasons. Is my work good enough? Will it look good in print? What type of file should be used? What quality is required? How do I share large files? All questions that members of the group have been asking and discussing recently. I hope that most of you have gained some new knowledge and insight into this process. It has certainly helped me identify some areas where the group could do with more education and Phil Tomlinson is on the case with that already :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What a great way to end the group year. Our last evening meeting is the AGM then we have several group outings coming up over the summer and our evening meetings recommence in September.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See you all on the17th,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mel</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYb2crJ3suUgxRI-XwJwD3uuduYnvpdkXetIVIgYcLCl8tz_XfHZN1ofnmvUPR6pj5pmLOgFr3YqXXQW-pP5Z2tRRCPPFBZpcSnzMuyfc2fnO5eiOaOgncZN8qJ5SP6JCLLMcVRAlOVdi/s1600/IMG_9371+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYb2crJ3suUgxRI-XwJwD3uuduYnvpdkXetIVIgYcLCl8tz_XfHZN1ofnmvUPR6pj5pmLOgFr3YqXXQW-pP5Z2tRRCPPFBZpcSnzMuyfc2fnO5eiOaOgncZN8qJ5SP6JCLLMcVRAlOVdi/s320/IMG_9371+email.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodrell Bank by Alan Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Check this out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A local camera group, 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> Century Technology and
Camera group, have organised an exhibition in Middlewich’s ‘Art and Frames’
shop, next door to the Pet Shop on Wheelock Street. It is on for a fortnight
starting today (14/6/16), so don’t be shy - do pop in and have a look. There is
a wide range of subjects including local scenes and wildlife. Please go to our
website <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk/</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to find out more about the group. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Many thanks to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Personalise Your Canvas Cheshire </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/personalcanvas/?fref=nf"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">https://www.facebook.com/personalcanvas/?fref=nf</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for their printing
skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-83632032281660994872015-10-12T16:22:00.002+01:002015-10-13T18:04:00.725+01:00Is your photo a 3-course meal or an appetiser? <span style="font-size: large;"> It seems so simple...you look at a photo and hit 'like' but why? What is it that makes you like a picture more than another? There are the obvious social reasons involved, but I am talking about real appreciation here. What is it that draws your attention? Are you a sucker for technical expertise and experience, because sometimes it just shines through? Do you love or hate HDR? (It seems to be that you either belong in one camp or another.) Do you like a picture that tells a story? Brings back a memory? Makes you stop, take a coffee and just look? Maybe you're just greedy and you expect a little of everything?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As a photographer do you try to create your 'perfect' image? Do you specialise in a 'comfort' zone or do you experiment and try to push your boundaries when you are behind the camera? However you approach your photography an understanding of what makes the difference between a good photo and a great one is important and could be argued over many a pint, but understanding what it is that makes a photo work for you? That's something we all need to be able to accomplish - to look at a photo and understand what it is that makes it stand out from the crowd for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9slKos6bwfUC2MRU1UZ_6Ih3smd0PBAH5XhS2LdhO_5vjrrbch9ho0GhSpojxazWiJVyxsKC4IHfUp7lQdoRizvGG2l7NEe_qWpZ3jAj5QjSzw9Vik_U-OQ3Uk1Zut8dPgGlVqtXETz9/s1600/Scottish+Landscape+by+Bill+Armsden.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9slKos6bwfUC2MRU1UZ_6Ih3smd0PBAH5XhS2LdhO_5vjrrbch9ho0GhSpojxazWiJVyxsKC4IHfUp7lQdoRizvGG2l7NEe_qWpZ3jAj5QjSzw9Vik_U-OQ3Uk1Zut8dPgGlVqtXETz9/s320/Scottish+Landscape+by+Bill+Armsden.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> A couple of favourites that I have seen recently appealed to me for completely different reasons. This first one, a landscape by photographer Bill Armsden struck a chord for me. It worked for the simple reason that it is complete. It's foreground, mid-ground and background is a full three course meal. Each one leading on to the next, guiding the 'consumer' to fulfilment; From the lobster pot, with its rope wrapped frame pointing to the boat and the boat aimed neatly at the house, each item fitting into a classic 'rule of thirds' composition. Add in the perfect combination of late summer colours and it works.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu06MVeIFBvM5sPnbjPG8G2bRvSQiGXvvCEdkBOn27m-OHE0W989IoLJNEmuXQyPOkIom4zgBZ13bCqwHbHXM8683TAhEuSPVu6Gl5RUdf7coS9AKbUqX2ilpUX-_s0uBDKXl7f5h1he-s/s1600/the-long-climb+by+Mike+Finley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu06MVeIFBvM5sPnbjPG8G2bRvSQiGXvvCEdkBOn27m-OHE0W989IoLJNEmuXQyPOkIom4zgBZ13bCqwHbHXM8683TAhEuSPVu6Gl5RUdf7coS9AKbUqX2ilpUX-_s0uBDKXl7f5h1he-s/s320/the-long-climb+by+Mike+Finley.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> That first choice was an unusual one for me as I am not a great landscape fan. I tend to prefer images that form part of a story or evoke emotions and this is exactly where my next choice comes in. A picture that a friend, photographer Mike Finley, has recently put up for sale at an exhibition. Entitled 'The Long Climb', it is the perfect 'snapshot' of someone's life. Who is she? Who does she represent? What has she experienced? What was her 'Climb' and where will it end? I think the decision to show it in black and white is just perfect and the rough edge used enhances rather than detracts from the image. Her position on the steps is just perfect too. She clearly has seen a lot of life go by but there is still more to come. I would so love this to be part of a set, with a child at the lower end of the steps but that in itself would raise so many questions. Should it have colour? I would be drawn to a colourful children's dress in yellow with a large daisy print, with the rest in black and white but would have to see it to be sure. It also gives rise to the question should there be an image of a mother with her children halfway up the steps, giving a 'Three Ages of Woman' effect (<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">á la Klimt)? Just the fact that the original image gives rise to these questions is probably enough and if the other images are staged (as they almost certainly would have to be), it would take away from the candid nature of the original shot.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"> There are a whole set of wonderful images </span><span style="background-color: cyan; color: white; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bokeh.digitalrev.com/article/winning-images-from-the-british-wildlife-photography-awards-2015" target="_blank">here (click on link)</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> that I could discuss but will leave you to review and comment on below. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Personally I love the cleverness of the title, "Mite Walking in Frog Valley" and the 12-18 year old entry (Just how did a 16 year old produce such a perfect example of bokeh?) But I would love to hear your comments.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Mel</span></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-15600349030115107152015-09-22T22:50:00.000+01:002015-09-22T23:07:57.120+01:00Just a little wine...<span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Calibri;"><u></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Ok! So a little while ago I started the ‘Challenge of the Century’. The idea of this was to create a photographic challenge with a learning objective and without a strong competitive element. This seemed to meet the general feeling of the group that I have picked up over the time I have been involved with it and I hope that we can continue with this. (In fact, pretty much as I am writing this, Mal has suggested taking shots of local landmarks each month to complete 'in camera'. I love this idea but would like to alternate this with a learning challenge so that we have variation to keep it fresh – Let me know what you think.)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The inspiration for the challenge was a mixture of requests from group members for a competition, and me considering how we can cover previous topics in a fresh light for new members, and refreshing the skills of those who have covered the topic before. Around
the same time, a Digital Camera World tip for achieving a ‘bokeh’ effect appeared in my news feed which ‘hit’ the mark for considering ‘depth of field’.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Link to the article <a href="http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/02/19/photo-ideas-add-sparkling-bokeh-still-life-shots/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffe599;">here.</span></a></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Definition of Bokeh:</span></span></div>
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<span class="st1"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">In photography, bokeh (Originally /ˈboʊkɛ/, /ˈboʊkeɪ/ BOH-kay — also sometimes pronounced as /ˈboʊkə/ BOH-kə, Japanese: [boke]) is the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image produced by a lens.Bokeh has been defined as "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We had a scenario set up for people to have a go at during the last meeting at Willowmere and I know that a few of you have also had a go at home. I decided that I wanted to have a go at the set up but didn’t have time on the night, so a home set up it was.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The first thing that struck me during the whole process was how long such a simple sounding thing took! I had a bunch of grapes and always have wine around ;-) so I chose the title 'Bacchus Bokeh’ and set up a still life for the subject. I rubbed a little coconut oil on the grapes for a natural shine (I wanted to eat them later so didn’t fancy some of the alternatives) but found the length of time I took to set up the shot allowed the coconut oil to solidify by the time I got what I wanted and the shine turned dull (so don’t try that at home guys).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> With a little bit of tweaking and a red light, the scene was set and I started to think about camera settings and here was the rub… this was the first time since using the DSLR that I have really needed the f2 that I used to have on my old Zenit SLR. To get the background anywhere near out of focus I had to have it on the other side of the kitchen to separate it from the subject. The best I could get is the first picture of the set (It is just cropped to tidy up the edges), where, really, the background still looks like scrunched foil. Not the effect I want, particularly as the whole idea of bokeh is to minimise the background, not create the ‘busy’ effect I achieved.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1pGGxgLAf_fM2EG9zm5v5HRpgZcyEX2SaHPnH7WO9bdbaARNyoqTo-0uBPLJ00p0vYdjpCy1nsQPkLUUtm9vP2pMKRmht-eSV25Y9fyHT_87fFWhxfXO7qBzZITcmrEWVhFx6mv4x53u/s1600/IMG_0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1pGGxgLAf_fM2EG9zm5v5HRpgZcyEX2SaHPnH7WO9bdbaARNyoqTo-0uBPLJ00p0vYdjpCy1nsQPkLUUtm9vP2pMKRmht-eSV25Y9fyHT_87fFWhxfXO7qBzZITcmrEWVhFx6mv4x53u/s320/IMG_0509.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So, based on the restrictions of my equipment I was going to have to resort to Photoshop. This then gave me more options. Before I ‘broke set’ I
took an out of focus frame of the background only. The first thing I tried was selecting the subject from the original photo and placing it in in a layer above the out of focus background. This gave me the second image. Using a genuine shot as a background is useful as it avoids some of the artefacts that you can get with post
processing software. It is a good idea to ensure that you match your settings as much as possible, particularly ISO so that the levels of ‘noise’ match.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqB_xvrHmQeuXEsVENgSdx9y-LdPJdKz_iqgSOmWR58qQE6aZTVITMlRfkPmmoLvfNQnsldH-e5U7y3Vk9gy5XCJbxXOVgKZYyUt_WJdGLbXrIfZ0s3qhCILvGEuwfoAlR1OnK0ulO8lES/s1600/Baccus+Bokeh+selection+with+out+of+focus+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqB_xvrHmQeuXEsVENgSdx9y-LdPJdKz_iqgSOmWR58qQE6aZTVITMlRfkPmmoLvfNQnsldH-e5U7y3Vk9gy5XCJbxXOVgKZYyUt_WJdGLbXrIfZ0s3qhCILvGEuwfoAlR1OnK0ulO8lES/s320/Baccus+Bokeh+selection+with+out+of+focus+background.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The third image has the same selection above a background which has had the PS bokeh effect applied and the fourth has the PS field blur applied.</span></span></div>
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<aref accus="" background.jpg="" bokeh="" bp.blogspot.com="" effect="" fxfz1gte="" gfs8hw93ti="" hwxcfyyqtf0="" imageanchor="1" in="" okeh="" s1600="" selection="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" with=""><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA_MmyDNIKx9KLQWpCvaOEX9Y7wqxWpO64CHwmzrzkVcK_SN_7WSk35FFvag7DE2ma1S-iC9HqAks0CEPEco5HppO6t2DKY32O-8HoxspHQltT0NXSQfAZEfLUU8N_Lm5aCqp5f0rW3Xk/s320/Baccus+Bokeh+selection+with+PS+bokeh+effect+in+background.jpg" width="292" /></aref></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroREGJXLhMspsIODiB5IfHRwlqDM4InrfR1qu8LEBo_2JWvBXa0XYIRZxUx8EL4cdoFPOZEyzu_NmBNIpoKr3vZ3hYBLDc13w7_iETeeEWlUYa7lETbeF8y9MwDW_gfBW9Gmi0bNIZ4FW/s1600/Baccus+Bokeh+selection+with+PS+effect+out+of+focus+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroREGJXLhMspsIODiB5IfHRwlqDM4InrfR1qu8LEBo_2JWvBXa0XYIRZxUx8EL4cdoFPOZEyzu_NmBNIpoKr3vZ3hYBLDc13w7_iETeeEWlUYa7lETbeF8y9MwDW_gfBW9Gmi0bNIZ4FW/s320/Baccus+Bokeh+selection+with+PS+effect+out+of+focus+background.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For my ‘two-pennith’ out of them all, I prefer the 2nd image with the natural, out-of-focus background but although it was an interesting exercise which I recommend trying just because of </span></span></div>
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</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> the way it makes you think about what you are trying to achieve</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">makes you consider what your camera is capable of</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">helps you focus (pardon the pun) on ‘depth of field’ and</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">is a great exercise for still
life composition<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the image didn’t really encompass the best of bokeh. What was most fun? Trying to get the shot ‘in camera’ - a challenge
which I will look for more opportunities for in the future. (Macro lens – here I come.) <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/article/h0ndz86v/bokeh-for-beginners.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffe599;">There’s more about bokeh in this link with some cool examples.</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And finally, here’s one of Alan’s from Alderley Edge which I particularly like and, by coincidence, there’s also another example of bokeh by a young photographer in my next blog on the award-winning images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015, coming soon. Must stop now, there's not 'mush-room' for any more!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHERTCKUs3Bno9XoRVIHfv3oEOz6MzVAzOqkSta9GTMKF0oejOd9D0I5XkqsiGKlgHOLaUtUhwk6_IevYUPhmThtcr6apcY1Our9UC93aoEaq3GqePqP30QOCNGyNHCxIH-xf97glKK_S/s1600/There%2527s+not+mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHERTCKUs3Bno9XoRVIHfv3oEOz6MzVAzOqkSta9GTMKF0oejOd9D0I5XkqsiGKlgHOLaUtUhwk6_IevYUPhmThtcr6apcY1Our9UC93aoEaq3GqePqP30QOCNGyNHCxIH-xf97glKK_S/s320/There%2527s+not+mushroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Hope you like the
idea of ‘Challenge of the Century’ and this blog. If you want to comment, please feel free. You may need to be on Google + to comment directly but if you want to pm me with a comment on fb I will post it for you.
When commenting please remember this is about trying to improve the skills and experience of all of the group members, thank you. :-)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, where's that wine...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Mel</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-7744467433043662592015-09-18T15:55:00.000+01:002015-09-18T15:55:13.269+01:00Fundraising<div style="text-align: center;">
Working on getting enough funds for lots of fun things!</div>
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<a data-ved="0CAcQjRxqFQoTCPWR4vbcgMgCFUqdGgodkbMDFA" href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCPWR4vbcgMgCFUqdGgodkbMDFA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjaggo.deviantart.com%2Fart%2FMoney-magnifying-glass-110407345&bvm=bv.102829193,d.d2s&psig=AFQjCNE1LKwHwP7nRiBj5GYcUn0VDWRmOA&ust=1442670583079368" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://img00.deviantart.net/301b/i/2009/023/2/6/money_magnifying_glass_by_jaggo.jpg" height="150" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /></a></div>
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The committee have had their meeting about fundraising and it was decided that besides applying for grants and funds from the CVSCE and other sources that the group would benefit if we had at least one major raffle a year with tickets available to all and a few more, regular, smaller ones for members.</div>
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The larger raffle will require members to use any contacts they have with local businesses to get them to support our group. This time round I will be contacting Morrison's, Tesco and some of the smaller shops that are left in the town to see whether they will be able to donate a prize. I will also try my luck with Creativelive and Udemy. <strong>Phil Tomlinson</strong> has already very kindly offered to donate a canvas print of a picture (MANY thanks Phil) and I hope that if any of you know any business that might like to donate, that you enquire to see what they might be able to offer. If we can get the prizes set up for the beginning of October we can sell tickets for the first two/three weeks in October. I can provide a standard letter requesting a donation for the raffle if you need one.</div>
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We will also be having smaller, in-house, raffles for cakes, used photography books etc. that members have donated at some of our regular meetings. </div>
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Some of the money raised from these activities will go towards printing costs of all-occasion cards and/or Christmas cards. The sales of which will again bring in more funds. I will set up a few suitable sections of our Flickr group for you to put forward the images which you think are suitable for use and you do not mind be used in this manner. If your images are chosen, you will not be losing your copyright, just signing a form to agree to our printing of your image for the purpose of raising funds for the group. Your name as photographer and the groups id as a not-for-profit charity will appear on the cards. A range of pictures will be chosen, ie. a set of insect cards seems likely given the output of recent weeks.</div>
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Please let me know if you can help with any of this. It is very important for the group.</div>
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Many thanks,</div>
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Mel Smith</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-92018639840584751002015-09-18T14:42:00.001+01:002015-09-18T14:42:26.903+01:00Upcoming Opportunities!! I have so much to say...<br />
<br />
..or as Dave W might put it, "She can 'narf talk, that Mel." :-)<br />
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I was so pleased with the way the meeting went on Wednesday, particularly the sort of discussion that was going on and the feedback from the audience was very welcome. It is so important for the group to be exactly that, a group! People with an interest to get more out of their photography and technology, who want to work together to help each other do exactly that.<br />
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As a relief from all of my chatter, there were a couple of tutorials and practicals aimed at helping you get ready for the next photo outing and hone your 'camera settings' skills. Mal has very kindly written a few comments about the evening which can be found <a href="http://www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk/#!previous-news/c14nn" target="_blank">here</a>. (Links to the two tutorials are also available on this page too.) The practical activities are something that I feel we should do more of and your feedback seemed to indicate that you agree with this which is great.<br />
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During the evening I mentioned a lot of outings and opportunities that were coming up for the group. The next outing which Dave is currently arranging, should be an opportunity to photograph radio controlled models. Date to be announced ASAP.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynwDFaTXIX4-3C4DkhfNbbaz7lPYHCduMD4XYuyhaHI1Uzb6mxx6yv5zD3sK-LFohnbK9XZYkU6RG8nmEefccuVYQzhd8wh14DGdY1OWQL5VTH8G83edb8xtna0h3IGj9UxYzYAWVLuWc/s1600/IMG-20150906-00527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynwDFaTXIX4-3C4DkhfNbbaz7lPYHCduMD4XYuyhaHI1Uzb6mxx6yv5zD3sK-LFohnbK9XZYkU6RG8nmEefccuVYQzhd8wh14DGdY1OWQL5VTH8G83edb8xtna0h3IGj9UxYzYAWVLuWc/s200/IMG-20150906-00527.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9DH596EJkpcMagTrRPWaxHWHAQkINNa9h-sc6ngim7TEQDLw7gWqrFI5okBDNiDjFDiF3KjWQbfHxTt3KeaQMMxnqMse2AYq12jXbYPSNbc5-x8NowkoTehfkC96bgqpf6yghnbKrzg_/s1600/IMG-20150906-00529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9DH596EJkpcMagTrRPWaxHWHAQkINNa9h-sc6ngim7TEQDLw7gWqrFI5okBDNiDjFDiF3KjWQbfHxTt3KeaQMMxnqMse2AYq12jXbYPSNbc5-x8NowkoTehfkC96bgqpf6yghnbKrzg_/s200/IMG-20150906-00529.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3oiqUkIU9d_gZhOVwLw0-8_BN0Py2Kh9Cit4xfQfH8PcrGAdmJkvHVSfqYF0YxH2RK_uAC6USfGAZskN6Adi68mla1G8c3eEQckxkHzAE16fW92Wq3P1TL66IZ2dpMfU6HkHxRzlxoSN/s1600/IMG-20150906-00535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3oiqUkIU9d_gZhOVwLw0-8_BN0Py2Kh9Cit4xfQfH8PcrGAdmJkvHVSfqYF0YxH2RK_uAC6USfGAZskN6Adi68mla1G8c3eEQckxkHzAE16fW92Wq3P1TL66IZ2dpMfU6HkHxRzlxoSN/s200/IMG-20150906-00535.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfEGxHqw1zys1Vtpx1E2WedW-ehDK8wAW_j1JP2XvYWmOxiau6m763rgEgOu61iaTU2ZyaIUBMqHwNo_n6yxj0nOLkcR10mU_USiqMAA5xOBhS_uu8syWhhnkOU1HP_dTNENTVGC3G6Rn/s1600/IMG-20150906-00530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfEGxHqw1zys1Vtpx1E2WedW-ehDK8wAW_j1JP2XvYWmOxiau6m763rgEgOu61iaTU2ZyaIUBMqHwNo_n6yxj0nOLkcR10mU_USiqMAA5xOBhS_uu8syWhhnkOU1HP_dTNENTVGC3G6Rn/s1600/IMG-20150906-00530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfEGxHqw1zys1Vtpx1E2WedW-ehDK8wAW_j1JP2XvYWmOxiau6m763rgEgOu61iaTU2ZyaIUBMqHwNo_n6yxj0nOLkcR10mU_USiqMAA5xOBhS_uu8syWhhnkOU1HP_dTNENTVGC3G6Rn/s200/IMG-20150906-00530.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
There is also the potential of going down Woods Mine at Alderley Edge. Alan and I went down there a couple of weeks ago (sans camera so can only provide a couple of phone shots I'm afraid) but there were a couple of interesting 'waterfalls' where the copper deposits have left beautiful green and blue trails on the rocks and a large cavern where we can do some light painting.<br />
When I mentioned this the interest was good so I will now go ahead and start making arrangements. I am suggesting the afternoon of Saturday 14th November as the first Saturday in the month (which we usually do) will clash with fireworks events. The price is £6 a head and I will need the money when you put your name down for the event. I will start collecting from confirmation of the date. This outing, as indeed any other, will also be made available to Middlewich Photographers. Money will be refunded if the club has to cancel the event due to lack of interest. If somebody doesn't turn up then the fee will usually be forfeited depending on circumstances. Certainly any cost to the group will have to be deducted. Myself or Kyla will also investigate the chance of a warm fire and snacks in the Wizard afterwards.<br />
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On the subject of light painting, I believe that Bill Armsden is going to do a local walk about in Middlewich one night in the autumn with the intention of doing some lightpainting so when I find out a date I will let you know. I know that everyone who went last year had a great time and loved their photos afterwards.<br />
<br />
In December, we will be looking at 'light on skin' at Willowmere Meeting and our outing will be the Christmas meal.<br />
<br />
The final opportunity is that Ian Hill Smith has invited any member of the group to consider showing their photos for sale in his Artspace. Phil Tomlinson kindly gave us more information on this and has a service where you can get your photos printed for this purpose (and other forms of display). I suggest that he is one of your first ports of call if you want to check your image is of the right technical quality to print. (How about a blog on it Phil? - hint, hint :-) )<br />
<br />
Like I said, lots of opportunities, lots of chatter!<br />
Mel<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02633441914654436674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-28120848311350528762015-05-20T14:48:00.000+01:002015-05-22T17:45:36.850+01:00Battle of Middlewich 1643-Member Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wxD4_8fCxL0TQuHk6sEvH8cVpNq8w1rFPkvSVeiFVPIRjE4Km3CInSdudhor-Y7ofLNNZPhviEhhqQ0y4opqK9SVtlZ603M2aEgT6RLcm1V29K1ELBDzXkZSOB0yhV76W8EcxXMp1qY/s1600/IMG_2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wxD4_8fCxL0TQuHk6sEvH8cVpNq8w1rFPkvSVeiFVPIRjE4Km3CInSdudhor-Y7ofLNNZPhviEhhqQ0y4opqK9SVtlZ603M2aEgT6RLcm1V29K1ELBDzXkZSOB0yhV76W8EcxXMp1qY/s640/IMG_2288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Photo by Cliff
Astles.........Royalist troops line up, ready for battle, at the
Battle of Nantwich 1643</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next weekend, May Bank Holiday Weekend, will see troops line
up in similar order, to re-enact the Battle for Middlewich. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel sure that many of our group will be out and about
with their cameras taking similar photos of the action. If this is the case
please, make sure you get your best photos (large Jpeg ), to the local Guardian
Series of newspapers , where there is every possibility that some of our members photos will be used by the paper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Guardian Newspaper Group have been very good in
publishing a number of articles about the success of our group, and as they
have today requested from myself some photos, I thought many of you would also wish
to do this for them as well.<br />
<br />
IF, YOU DO HAVE PHOTOS, GET THEM TO THE NEWSPAPER QUICKLY !!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cliff</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-59367356549152583562015-05-19T10:46:00.000+01:002015-05-19T19:42:51.119+01:00North Wales Group Photo Outing-Post Visit-Report.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_yfKdnRVE-BJ8yzSJO_jn1uPV5pE3Cn3PqeKnEvd9jSWz6-vy5TezkHYspxCs7_EWr1g6WG2fmEKPeM7nLqSwihPmv2zIO0DKFo7LGc3kI7zLXES8lHrZvpbw5VtHVvbdamhpsR6nJE/s1600/LR4-9562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_yfKdnRVE-BJ8yzSJO_jn1uPV5pE3Cn3PqeKnEvd9jSWz6-vy5TezkHYspxCs7_EWr1g6WG2fmEKPeM7nLqSwihPmv2zIO0DKFo7LGc3kI7zLXES8lHrZvpbw5VtHVvbdamhpsR6nJE/s640/LR4-9562.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<b>Betws-y-Coed-From the rocks under the bridge, as river
Llugwy passes under the road.</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Another most enjoyable trip was undertaken by members of the
group on Sunday 17<sup>th</sup> May, and in spite of the rather cloudy start
and the odd spot of rain as we went over the Llanberis Pass, it was a good
photography day, being cloudy, but nice and clear for most of the time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We managed to take a number of photography stops starting at
the aquaduct at Pontcysyllte, the waterfalls on the river Conway, and Betws-y-Coed, to a late afternoon stop at the small stream along the Llanberis Pass. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With the rain now beginning to be a problem for clear photos,
and being early evening time, we decided to call it a day stopping at the lake
in Llanberis for a few last minute shots, as the weather had improved
sufficiently to get shots of the lake and back along the Llanberis Pass.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Great to see members getting together and having a good
time, whilst being able to gain even more experience, photographing differing
places of interest. A selection of photos by members taking part can be seen on
the group Facebook page, and also very many more on the group FLICKR account
link, on the web page:-(<a href="http://www.watch-it-andc.co.uk/">www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk</a>)
.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What a big difference in quality of shot and perspective is
now being shown by members of the group, with some member shots, I would consider,
surely good enough to go into photo magazines.
The group is obviously making a big difference to our members’ photography and understanding
of their cameras. Great to see, and it can only get better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The next group photo outing will take place at <b>BUNBURY MILL,
on Saturday afternoon 30<sup>th</sup> May, </b>from 2.00 till 4.00 pm. ( £3.50
entrance fee, payable on entrance, parking free). Make sure you make this next
photo outing day, so that you can gain even more experience using your own
camera, with a group of sociable, like-minded members.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Cliff<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-60631228109613996742015-05-16T12:56:00.000+01:002015-05-16T12:56:58.525+01:00June Group Meeting-AGM-Plus.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP1nUmc5_dnSw1FMInCtOlod2hEY3wvEIyFdAGQ1Qb7GECUx_hgMyod11OEeCHHeFjBAjq0_4Wk7JyWpFgqTQFYWJLDKqLJ3NYGLtGLq4CvJDsLEmJa2_npxLDn6g33W0Ioac3l9qHqI/s1600/LR4-9432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzP1nUmc5_dnSw1FMInCtOlod2hEY3wvEIyFdAGQ1Qb7GECUx_hgMyod11OEeCHHeFjBAjq0_4Wk7JyWpFgqTQFYWJLDKqLJ3NYGLtGLq4CvJDsLEmJa2_npxLDn6g33W0Ioac3l9qHqI/s320/LR4-9432.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Monthly Group Member Meeting-Wednesday 24<sup>th</sup> June-2015-7.00
till 9.00pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The meeting in June will commence at 7.00 pm PROMPT, with the
first groups Annual General Meeting, followed by the normal break for
refreshments at 8.00 pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There will be NO-CHARGES for attendance at the group AGM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Member’s, will have the opportunity to meet the group
committee and ask any further questions they may have about the group, and help
by providing any suggestions to improve or enhance the present ways in which
the group operates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We would like as many members to attend the meeting as is
possible, to ensure we have everyone’s input to what is being planned by the
group, and that any input provided enhances the current format, to ensure this continues
successfully into the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This will be the last monthly group meeting at the
Willowmere-Middlewich, before the Summer break in July and August, re-starting
in September, date TBA. However, we plan to have a number of local instructional
photo outings during July and August. Watch the group Web Site ( <a href="http://www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk/">www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk</a>) for
details of these increasingly popular outings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Following the group meeting we plan to have a curry meal at a
local Middlewich restaurant where all are invited. Members wanting to attend
the meal should make contact with Cliff Astles, using the group e-mail of </span><a href="mailto:21stctncg@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">21stctncg@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Number of seats / places may well be limited at the
restaurant, so please make sure you book early, requesting number of places
required. Members will be required to pay for their own food and drinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cliff
Astles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Group
Chairman.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-67856223020953684912015-05-14T10:41:00.000+01:002015-05-14T10:41:12.992+01:00North Wales Photo Outing Update-Plus.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj394HMzHZX3ywSDgMQQVDd-HcsPI15fxh3VX2SkIJN31h42BrVsWeWWasT56HZnZGZSGtrU9v2OS52s1rRxfNdHScUySeehMEwh2sIjE1nau7ckOflhQxbvYkkM-kwyxnz1xEJQPVKPI/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj394HMzHZX3ywSDgMQQVDd-HcsPI15fxh3VX2SkIJN31h42BrVsWeWWasT56HZnZGZSGtrU9v2OS52s1rRxfNdHScUySeehMEwh2sIjE1nau7ckOflhQxbvYkkM-kwyxnz1xEJQPVKPI/s640/IMG_0530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">General Group Membership Update-Thursday 14<sup>th</sup> May 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">North Wales
Photo Outing. Sunday 17<sup>th</sup> May-2015-Meet at 9.00 am- leave at 9.30
PROMPT!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> A) There is a
Fun Fair on the proposed car park and meeting place, so we will now be meeting
on the SALINAE Centre car park, at the same time. The SALINAE car park is opposite
Middlewich Town Library, on Lewin Street. Go through the towns traffic lights
on the road to Sandbach, the Library is </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">on the right hand side, 400 yards from the traffic
lights. Turn LEFT next by the small DIY Centre, the car park is on your left,
and also at the rear. WE WILL ALL MEET AT THE REAR CAR PARK.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We will then make sure we all have each driver’s
mobile numbers (emergencies and any
other reason) and then commence the journey going by Nantwich Road in
Middlewich, then Wrexham, to Llangollen, but calling at the first photo spot of
where the Llangollen canal crosses the river called the PONT CYCLLTE Aquaduct,
then through Llangollen to Betws-y-Coed for more photos, stopping on the main
car park in the town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Having had our fill of photos at Betws-y-Coed, we will
go via Chapel Curig, to the Llanberris Pass. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We will stop a number of times along these roads when
we reach a number of photo spots indicated to me via a North Wales
photographer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As we have quite a long journey it is considered that
packed lunches may be best, as we do not at this time, envisage stopping for
any long time (this may change as the day progresses). A tripod will be useful,
if you have one to use. It is likely there will be many stops for a quick toilet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There are a few places still available, so anyone
wanting to go on the trip needs to make arrangements by making your wish to go
on the trip known on the groups FB site. People with cars will make contact via
FB to fill up the places in their cars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bunbury
Mill Photo Outing-Saturday May 30<sup>th</sup>-2015.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b> B)</b>The photo trip to Bunbury Mill carries a minimum
charge of £ 40.00 (this is a special trip, organised for group members only, on
a Saturday afternoon, hence the minimum charge). Trip info can be found on the
Web Site Blog Page. Member charge is £ 3.50 per person, payable on admission. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cliff<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-53552823790403506522015-05-05T18:27:00.001+01:002015-05-05T18:27:58.758+01:00Member photos-Marketing & Press.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7x_xI-BT2bxRxFmAm0KNlH3ighKDBwppE3sL5Cboh8T8ryyz96seTWFj0E3l-slbu_fkidJJxJwVVklAeG2E0FlM-9Mfd_M07bZ44eqNen24-wK7kTfGnTWOfStmKUQz80iV-T130OI/s1600/LR4-060169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7x_xI-BT2bxRxFmAm0KNlH3ighKDBwppE3sL5Cboh8T8ryyz96seTWFj0E3l-slbu_fkidJJxJwVVklAeG2E0FlM-9Mfd_M07bZ44eqNen24-wK7kTfGnTWOfStmKUQz80iV-T130OI/s1600/LR4-060169.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Winter Sunrise-Over the old ICI Lime
Beds-Middlewich-Cheshire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Group use
of member photos for Marketing and Press.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is now some time since we asked group members for their
permission for the group to use any of their photos submitted for use in order
to create marketing and press interest. With the recent move to Flickr by the
group to better display photos, I thought it was worth mentioning again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We would obviously wish to continue to use member photos,
but ONLY if members have no objection to them being used in this way.
Therefore, would members not wishing for their photos to be used, please let me
know via e-mail, so I do not make any mistakes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group has been able to gain many more members by using
photos in this way, and we will continue to use them in the future. Additionally, it is in the group’s future interest
to gain more members and I would like to think that members will continue to
send photos to any of the local papers, as they continue to request local
photos to be submitted to them, where a mention of the group would not go
amiss.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cliff</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-36409856359507499102015-05-05T17:13:00.000+01:002015-05-05T17:17:58.225+01:00Photo Topic Reminder for MAY 2015.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAnKGOydR-ruq3KwQYBSnR0O8-YZtP2swPJHlxku8MlwkP3yCDxVHQlfdGl1lLxFzweoLrDPxzXGtz5QPKJauDM0B3bJLZrNORj2mnshZj2oMoJFIVXMEpHfc0kAazBMKv966b5x8-98/s1600/IMG_8009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAnKGOydR-ruq3KwQYBSnR0O8-YZtP2swPJHlxku8MlwkP3yCDxVHQlfdGl1lLxFzweoLrDPxzXGtz5QPKJauDM0B3bJLZrNORj2mnshZj2oMoJFIVXMEpHfc0kAazBMKv966b5x8-98/s1600/IMG_8009.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b>Photo by Cliff Astles-River Wheelock from the Bridge on Forge Mill Lane-Warmingham-Cheshire.<br /></b><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Member photos-May Group Meeting-Willowmere-Middlewich.</b></h2>
<b></b><br />
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<b><br /></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<h3>
<b>Reminder-TWO TOPICS for photos are CHESHIRE COUNTRYSIDE and MACHINES.</b></h3>
<h3>
<b><br /></b><b>Make sure you use your own and the group FLICKR Galleries to place your photos on-line, and to make them available to be sorted and placed into a photo presentation.</b></h3>
<h3>
<b><br /></b><b>The quality of Flickr for photo presentation is allowing for some GREAT member photos to be shown, and is so very much better for the group to use than just using Facebook.</b></h3>
<h3>
<b><br /></b><b>Cliff</b></h3>
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</tbody></table>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-89506182539268328812015-05-01T18:58:00.000+01:002015-05-01T19:00:45.774+01:00Group members working together.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N9iYblcTtm4DHGfg9K2_jgF6UrvNh5s13eQVogH8YcZ_TBLG7K_VDgv20j921ieQwmpEP-hcwTIPhqENxZ22ScYmGCgD4Cd6SqhwkeWqnjDJs8VSk-mtJ8NN4ngLFpoBBu-8tYTqMaQ/s1600/2+Heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N9iYblcTtm4DHGfg9K2_jgF6UrvNh5s13eQVogH8YcZ_TBLG7K_VDgv20j921ieQwmpEP-hcwTIPhqENxZ22ScYmGCgD4Cd6SqhwkeWqnjDJs8VSk-mtJ8NN4ngLFpoBBu-8tYTqMaQ/s1600/2+Heron.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo by Paul Macready</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M9g_2cM5mhGhVG5GL2bHZBGv0ikSzqFjO_ZEHcw40CTigzQiSPipCelQOvr2viKG20KGMdZtTYZ8JfTBGGQUN14lxJMJH9IwboBbFkEdh8rMiluzzY9X8cv49A0d_le8OMa7NYyZg8Y/s1600/Seagull+Marbury+Mere+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M9g_2cM5mhGhVG5GL2bHZBGv0ikSzqFjO_ZEHcw40CTigzQiSPipCelQOvr2viKG20KGMdZtTYZ8JfTBGGQUN14lxJMJH9IwboBbFkEdh8rMiluzzY9X8cv49A0d_le8OMa7NYyZg8Y/s1600/Seagull+Marbury+Mere+(1).jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><b>Photo by Paul Macready</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Group members, working
together to improve their photography.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">One of the main objectives when initially forming the Group
was for the more skilled members to offer help, and give guidance to other
members, who were just, perhaps starting to use a digital camera, and wanting
to get up to speed quickly. We believe we have achieved this in no short
measure, with many new to photography, quickly creating photos of merit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It was very satisfying therefore to see recently, that Paul
Macready (using his excellent photos above) was helping member Donna, to also
try to achieve a similar quality photo by providing photo settings and other
advice, for her future use when presented with a similar photo opportunity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With the move from placing group photos on Facebook, to
members now using Flickr, we can not
only now see members photos in much better quality, but Flickr also provides
all of the technical information
regarding photo settings for members to see for themselves, so they may use the
information in order to improve their
own photo skills. A BIG step forward for the group members. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">
The group continues
to grow with new members and the more conversations that take place of this
nature, the better and stronger the group becomes. Thanks to members like Paul, Mal Wetton, Brian Roberts, and
others that help in this way, we are achieving one of our main goals with the
group.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Getting members to shoot quality photos, all of the time <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
</span><br />
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<b>Cliff</b></div>
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</tbody></table>
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Two pictures (see wingtips) are to show what happens when you use a shutter speed of 1/640 sec. </div>
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<b>Heron</b>............ slight blur at the wing tips), which does give a nice motion effect, that you may wish to have?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Seagull</b>...........when you use a much higher shutter speed (1/2000 sec). The wing tips are quite clear, with no motion to speak of.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-50591343373509568942015-04-28T11:21:00.000+01:002015-04-28T15:38:20.378+01:00Bunbury Mill-Group Instructional Photo Outing.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCcbfQ4DKh70r0ZqTc_dhX4T0LCctNc3wC9TqVCtZlpLFRe5dsTIK3xgO-zP_4iAjfaVZwHAOGsNKDzm3ZwmKHpKTYP8EkjpXkXOr10pDJEO_oDsZST-ePfa4TW4MFbdG_oL_Tu5hC6Y/s1600/P4190269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCcbfQ4DKh70r0ZqTc_dhX4T0LCctNc3wC9TqVCtZlpLFRe5dsTIK3xgO-zP_4iAjfaVZwHAOGsNKDzm3ZwmKHpKTYP8EkjpXkXOr10pDJEO_oDsZST-ePfa4TW4MFbdG_oL_Tu5hC6Y/s1600/P4190269.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><h2>
Bunbury Water Mill-Bunbury-Cheshire</h2>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">Instructional Group
Photo Outing-Update<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have received formal notification for the group to
visit </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bunbury </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mill, for a photo outing on Saturday 30th MAY 2015. 2.00 till 4 / 4.30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is quite an extraordinary opportunity for the
group, and I have added this extra visit in MAY as I am not too sure how many
can make the North Wales trip on Sunday 17th May.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bunbury Mill is run today by a local group of
volunteers, much like our group, and they are prepared to open the Mill for our
group for a full afternoon at a time when they are not normally open to
visitors. We will be provided with a 45/50 min’s guided tour of the Mill and
shown it’s operations, with the water wheel operating as it would have when it
was operational. The cost per member will be £ 3.50 each, paid when at the venue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We would like to make this a great local photo outing,
so please try to make sure you attend, as there is a minimum charge for the
group of £ 40.00 for this special open day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will need to use flash for some of your indoor
shots, as it is quite dark in many of the most interesting places. A tripod
will also be useful. There is a Mill pond with ducks as well as many different
spring flowers and a visitor centre. (This may not be open).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>NOTE: -</b> Access to some of the floors, as you would
expect, is via some steep stairs, but has also has been made user friendly for
disabled access. However, loads to see and photo anyhow, as both inside and outside
is just full of history, and in my view a photo opportunity not to be missed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Cliff</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-66110426923614472582015-04-22T14:57:00.000+01:002015-04-22T14:57:30.820+01:00Bunbury Mill-Cheshire-Potential Visit- Saturday 30th May-2 / 4.00 pm.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGB_Sm9qBhHwM5YAnD_CDCi90FBOPx7hCVPJTLq468ca3NipM2D5caVWdkqavjbXPsAoh7jwVaLizLLN6ao-3SuzXxgNTcFxy6syjTa0B_uJ5IyYh49mdOXEtAAzl1A5tnqhS8Qv3RBY/s1600/P4190269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGB_Sm9qBhHwM5YAnD_CDCi90FBOPx7hCVPJTLq468ca3NipM2D5caVWdkqavjbXPsAoh7jwVaLizLLN6ao-3SuzXxgNTcFxy6syjTa0B_uJ5IyYh49mdOXEtAAzl1A5tnqhS8Qv3RBY/s1600/P4190269.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Bunbury Mill-Cheshire.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Potential Instructional Group Photo Outing</h2>
<div>
Just to give advance notification to the group I have requested that they will allow for the group to visit Bunbury Mill, for a photo outing on Saturday 30th MAY 2015. 2.00 till 4 / 4.30</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will confirm this to members as soon as they have said AOK.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is quite an extraordinary opportunity for the group, and have added this extra visit in MAY as I am not too sure how many can make the Wales trip on Sunday 17th May.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Want to make this a GREAT local visit so please make sure you try to attend. You will need to use flash for some of your indoor shots, as it is quite dark in places. A tripod will also be useful at times. There is a Mill pond with ducks as well as flowers and a visitor centre. Cost will be £ 3.50 per person.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NOTE :- Access to some of the floors, as you would expect, is via some steep stairs. However, loads to photo anyhow, as both inside and outside is just full of history.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cliff</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-29586022536328259052015-04-19T18:03:00.000+01:002015-04-19T18:03:17.685+01:00Bunbury Water Powered Mill-Photo Outing Opportunity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSJuiGFiKzh_i8ytRQzWaxcVmvZv9Sp5YG9rCkK7V2o7mslI08sUULAJvdhtqYgH2PrLNnY3-jqM4rD55CTyj6ZOIUKgjvkhYRAFGgpWMIGwp2lyzTs8763ktGeAmz4nnMyH5wEJhb-Q/s1600/P4190269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSJuiGFiKzh_i8ytRQzWaxcVmvZv9Sp5YG9rCkK7V2o7mslI08sUULAJvdhtqYgH2PrLNnY3-jqM4rD55CTyj6ZOIUKgjvkhYRAFGgpWMIGwp2lyzTs8763ktGeAmz4nnMyH5wEJhb-Q/s1600/P4190269.JPG" height="404" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bunbury-Working-Water Powered-Corn Mill</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Previously recommended by Brian Roberts, I was today in the
vicinity of Bunbury Mill, Bunbury-Cheshire, and finding it open, went to
investigate the potential of using this excellent working Mill, for an instructional
photo outing for the group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Meeting with one of the volunteers I explained what we would
wish to do as a group, and he was very keen to help us out, and gave myself a
quick look around to view the potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He was prepared to open the Mill for the group to visit on a
Saturday afternoon (they are not normally open on a Saturday afternoon), when
we have made the proper arrangements with them. It would only cost £ 3.50 per
person for a 45 / 50 mins official guided tour of the Mill, and after that time
we could then spend all afternoon taking whatever photos we wished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is also a visitor centre, that serves tea / coffee and
a cake etc, but that would be extra. However, there are NO parking fees, and is
just up from a set of staircase locks, also at Bunbury, on the Shropshire Union
Canal, which we could visit after the Mill tour, should the weather be kind to
us. It will only take some 20 / 30 mins for most of the group to travel to
Bunbury, so looks to be a good place to visit.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Additionally, as it is 90% inside for photos, even if the
weather is not too good, we could still do most of the photography, as well as
seeing some very important Cheshire countryside history brought back to life,
in a very striking and personal way, as the volunteers do dress up in clothes
of the era, and for a short while you feel as though you are back in the
1800’s. What a place to take some great photos, so would hope for a good number
of members to take up this opportunity to take some excellent historical
photos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cliff</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-32056176159008270242015-04-16T20:48:00.002+01:002015-04-16T20:48:55.364+01:00Flash Photography Presentation by Owen Lloyd<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwuQbjepRck_0gSnt4a4Sjm-XRzmpD68uXmOx3K6SgPMzz0TPweiXsX-GLDmW831HujgUBfCWD0Gv6Yyk3-aMywfWqyg8g-g4Kh0gjNMafF_PryP2koWaX8Owgkz49PuZ7r0OciL5WgI/s1600/LR4--8674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwuQbjepRck_0gSnt4a4Sjm-XRzmpD68uXmOx3K6SgPMzz0TPweiXsX-GLDmW831HujgUBfCWD0Gv6Yyk3-aMywfWqyg8g-g4Kh0gjNMafF_PryP2koWaX8Owgkz49PuZ7r0OciL5WgI/s1600/LR4--8674.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Flash Photography by Owen Lloyd<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Last evening the group were again delighted with the
presentation by Owen Lloyd, of Owen Lloyd Photography, who provided not just
another great presentation, but with the amount of photography gear he brought
with him in support of his presentation, we could have set up a full photography
shop and studio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Owen’s presentation took members on a very interesting
journey from the basics of Flash photography, to using all kinds of studio lighting,
and also covered many other topics where the use of the many types of studio lighting
made photography a real art form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Owen has almost become a key associate member of the group
with his various photography presentations he has provided, and he assures me
there are many more to come from him, and others in the future. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Next month (Wednesday May 13</span><sup style="line-height: 115%;">th </sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Willowmere-Middlewich-7.00
till 9.30) we will be entertained by a work colleague of Owen’s, who will be
speaking about the latest mobile phone cameras, and where this type of
photography is heading in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Interested? You may wish to check out the group web site (<u><a href="http://www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk/">www.watch-it-and-c.co.uk</a></u>) for more
information on how to join this friendly community group, of like minded
technology and digital camera members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The group also have free monthly instructional photo outings,
which are very well attended, with both male and female members taking part. It
is not unusual for the group to have 15 to 20 members attending these very
popular outings. Make sure you are not missing out!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cliff Astles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-78325326219260843712015-04-16T12:31:00.000+01:002015-04-16T12:31:25.656+01:00North Wales-Group Photo Outing.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tAfflGdRgS4Gk1HLwkjHxBPJwZAQM2w7lDu1rmEAff-JxA3v5C78HyHrcG2DlXndxkLnrGFDGlit84XRmgnybPMRzwtltNbtpFIaDAMBTNUHMluQL4i9ZbQYSrb8nbfFTgl7m7kn0As/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tAfflGdRgS4Gk1HLwkjHxBPJwZAQM2w7lDu1rmEAff-JxA3v5C78HyHrcG2DlXndxkLnrGFDGlit84XRmgnybPMRzwtltNbtpFIaDAMBTNUHMluQL4i9ZbQYSrb8nbfFTgl7m7kn0As/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i>Photo by Cliff Astles-Llanberis Pass & Stream<br /></i><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">North Wales Coach Tour-Sunday 17<sup>th</sup> May 2015..........Cancelled</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Due to lack of members planning to go on this
Coach Tour we have had to cancel :(<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Members who have paid for the trip will be
re-reimbursed when next at a group meeting at the</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Willowmere-Middlewich.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">HOWEVER..................<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A number of members
are still planning to go on the trip by using their own cars, and a number also
have SPARE SEATS available for members who would wish to take these up!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is therefore
suggested that members using their own transport, but with spare seats
available for other members, should make this information known to members via
the Group Facebook page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">DO NOT PLACE ANY OF THE INFORMATION WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE WHAT YOU ARE PLANNING. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">USE THE FACEBOOK MESSAGING
SERVICES TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is suggested
that members, wishing to take up these spare seats will need to make contact
with the person directly, via the Group FB page to make arrangements with the
person providing the transport. It is up to individual members to make their own
transport arrangements.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Suggested Plan of Action.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Members with transport place their seats
available info onto the 21<sup>st</sup> Group Facebook Page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">B)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Members
wanting to take up these spare seats make contact with the member using the FB
messaging services to arrange to use the spare places.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">C)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the spare
seats have been taken up by members, the car owners should delete their
information from the Group Facebook Page (or tell me to do this for them).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">D)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This way the
trip will hopefully take place. One exception. We will NOT be stopping at Llangollen.
Parking of cars on a SUNDAY is useless in the town, and we would never get a
number of cars to be able to park close by each other. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">E)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">PLEASE take
packed lunches / drinks as food is quite expensive in the area, and we are not
planning to stop long at places, unless we are taking photos, or visiting
toilets </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">F)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Meet at the
TOWN HALL (was Civic Hall) Middlewich at 9.00 am, Sunday 17<sup>th</sup> May.
We will be leaving as soon as all of the cars are full, or 9.30 pm latest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope these new arrangements work as the group
have been looking forward to the photo outing for some time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cliff<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: center;">
<br /></h2>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-35404560261694239272015-04-15T08:53:00.002+01:002015-04-15T08:53:56.501+01:00Middlewich Town Council-MFAB Festival-Photo Request.<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7We3Lg2NBpFSupShRIU5KNh-M-PfTNEJ4Xx-ybXcCJvU3zlYfW5WCdhw_txJIRdp6x_l07Skl4ASt6pDevfj_plxzteAEY-eGst0GoNVNMsrVSZKTIWNAgZnRjx1c5dqKPcvOp_SZ4CM/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7We3Lg2NBpFSupShRIU5KNh-M-PfTNEJ4Xx-ybXcCJvU3zlYfW5WCdhw_txJIRdp6x_l07Skl4ASt6pDevfj_plxzteAEY-eGst0GoNVNMsrVSZKTIWNAgZnRjx1c5dqKPcvOp_SZ4CM/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i>Photo by Cliff Astles-Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival-Town Wharf</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Middlewich
Town Council Photo Request<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The 21<sup>st</sup> Century Technology and Camera Group have
been approached by Middlewich Town Council (Mr Dave </span><a href="mailto:Thompson-events@middlewich.org.uk"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thompson-events@middlewich.org.uk</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">)
requesting that the group may wish to help them by providing photos they may
take over the weekend in June, when they hold the Middlewich Folk & Boat
Festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Photo’s requested from members could be used in future years
to promote the event and when provided members should state that the photos are
to be used for Press and Marketing, as deemed necessary by MTC and are free of
any copyright.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is something I would like to think that members may wish
to do for the Town Council, who have in the past helped the group get started
by providing financial assistance in the form of a grant last year. It is also
something that members have suggested as a group photo outing previously, so it
looks like our photos could be put to good use both with the Group Flickr
Gallery, and by helping to promote the fantastic event and photo opportunity for the group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Photos provided should be suitable to be used to promote the
event, and can cover ALL topics, and no bigger than 5 Mb and in JPEG format.
Attach your photos to an e-mail to Dave Thompson, as above, and state they are
from a member of our group and are free from copyright.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cliff</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-44394711885503668362015-04-12T11:31:00.000+01:002015-04-12T11:31:13.366+01:00April Group Meeting Reminder<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwSEE-yPF_Z-WBYx2h3A2kOy3KEi41WAc7IYR7YaF_drDiusBRVhpwOw4p27_HhKBUNSxUfHs0DyrPLditAvTGcSmLgrlSakaVXAngbHF-JVlcsatog1cFLFgPm4gUnGi4obpp24tEEU/s1600/IMG_8514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwSEE-yPF_Z-WBYx2h3A2kOy3KEi41WAc7IYR7YaF_drDiusBRVhpwOw4p27_HhKBUNSxUfHs0DyrPLditAvTGcSmLgrlSakaVXAngbHF-JVlcsatog1cFLFgPm4gUnGi4obpp24tEEU/s1600/IMG_8514.JPG" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo taken on the group’s visit to Queens Park, Crewe.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>APRIL Group Meeting-WILLOWMERE-MIDDLEWICH-Wednesday 15<sup>th</sup>
April 2015.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Reminder, for members (and guests) that the next 21<sup>st</sup>
Group Meeting is this NEXT WEDNESDAY, and will feature a presentation and a practical demonstration by Owen Lloyd, of
Owen Lloyd Photography. </div>
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This month’s presentation
will be about the use of FLASH in photography, and where and when this is best
used to improve your photos and to stop motion in action shots.</div>
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<br />
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Cliff Astles</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3921443249712994886.post-81351611577286290392015-04-11T20:10:00.001+01:002015-04-11T20:10:43.472+01:00Queens Park Crewe-Instructional Photo Outing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zhyphenhyphen4i1-yFr1dyZM5zFIh8QAaiOUwKwsGglCDVZN1QNTf-E1DcVwNZEfsZpvsjiegwLD9cAUz2W4FsWSJGNzj02hbIWYvfjl6woMoXmFDsKw3ZLbxpd1V07qERDCrchiaNYt1R6Bemz8/s1600/IMG_8515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zhyphenhyphen4i1-yFr1dyZM5zFIh8QAaiOUwKwsGglCDVZN1QNTf-E1DcVwNZEfsZpvsjiegwLD9cAUz2W4FsWSJGNzj02hbIWYvfjl6woMoXmFDsKw3ZLbxpd1V07qERDCrchiaNYt1R6Bemz8/s1600/IMG_8515.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Instructional Photo Outing-Queens Park-Crewe-Cheshire-April 11 2015<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I would like to thank members for
an excellent group turn-out, yet again, for the latest photo outing at Queens
Park Crewe. The morning’s rain had cleared by the time we arrived, and although
it was cold and a tad windy to start with, it soon cleared and the day was a
very good day for photos.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Not quite as many flying birds as
I had anticipated, but as this is the time for the male birds to strut their
stuff, there were many of the male Canadian Geese doing just that, and making
their presence well know to the other male geese. There were plenty of other
photo opportunities, in particular this year’s crop of spring flowers and with
a total of 16 members on the photo outing, these photo outings are still proving
to be very popular, with numbers attending growing all the time.</div>
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Member photos taken during the
visit will no doubt be soon available for all to view, on the Group Web Site
Flickr Galleries.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Cliff Astles</div>
<br />
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Saturday 11<sup>th</sup> April 2015.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0