Rendevouz, Bologna

Rendevouz, Bologna, originally uploaded by flatworldsedge.

Just chanced upon this one the other day, a candid from Bologna back in September. I'd had it in colour for the traditional Italian stone and a deep blue sky, but it seemed a little ordinary. In the potentially mistaken, but increasing, belief that all candids look better in black and white I did the conversion and think I like it.

I confess to being one of the sly street photographers who, rather than facing people down like an impromptu one man shooting squad, conceals his intent by pretending to photograph some thing like the fountain to the left of this frame.

Still catching up - some awesome shots posted by everyone since I was last granted access by my wretched, soon to be changed broadband supplier. Hope you're all having a great end to the week and looking forward to some good days to come.

See Rendevouz, Bologna on Flickr for additional notes and comments.

Forever Ever? (Cartier Diamonds), Vienna

Forever Ever? (Cartier Diamonds), Vienna, originally uploaded by flatworldsedge.

Night shot taken with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 from a bench top. Only a quick one with company, so quite a bit left to be desired, but I liked the scene with this couple and, between them, the warm glow of the Cartier window display and a stranger, balanced by the clock and the shifting crowds beneath Vienna's wealth of Christmas decorations.

As we were on the way to dinner I didn't have time to wait for the crowd by the store's door to move, and asking them might have alerted the couple, so I dusted off my cloning stamp and have done my best to remove them. I've not killed myself over it, if I'm honest, but have posted the original SOOC below for anyone interested in seeing the scope of the job.

Wish there was a little more room in the frame, but the 50mm is a prime and the bench was set in concrete, so one takes what one gets sometimes.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the week. I'm delighted with the Front Page showing of www.flickr.com/photos/flatworldsedge/5233410987/ - thank you all for your kind comments and other such prodding of the Magic Donkey's critical eye. I'm off for a couple of days, but will make sure that I have the time to read all your thoughts and repay your kindness as soon as I'm back. Can't wait to see all your images.

See Forever Ever? (Cartier Diamonds), Vienna on Flickr.

Original Forever Ever

Going Nowhere Fast (Unhappy Couple On Scooter), Bologna

Going Nowhere Fast (Unhappy Couple On Scooter), Bologna, originally uploaded by flatworldsedge.

I think this one makes a nice juxtaposition to my significantly happier couple on a scooter, shot half an hour earlier; www.flickr.com/photos/flatworldsedge/4986711850/in/photos.... I was going to post it flipped horizontally in collision course with that image, but the "Liberty" text on the scooter was too neat to wreck for so minor a thing a consideration.

There's no small amount of supposition in my titling and tagging of this one. If you're one of the riders and you'd like to set the record straight, so to speak, please drop me a note. The expressions are so comically miserable, though, I can only think this follows some epic argument.

See Going Nowhere Fast (Unhappy Couple On Scooter), Bologna
on Flickr.

Love At First Light (Light Painting), Kent

Love At First Light (Light Painting), Kent, originally uploaded by flatworldsedge.

First attempt at light painting having invested £19 in a remote shutter release. I took five or six attempts to get the man worked out, using a basic flashlight/torch, dressed in navy and thoroughly hooded. This was my first attempt at the couple and the hearts. I'm delighted with it! Lots more long exposure work to come.

It was taken around 2:00am last night in Loose valley just above the village. The scene is lit across the grass with light from a bright moon, with fluorescent light from Maidstone on the horizon, which is tweaked only with the camera's WB. I cropped slightly in from the left as a third heart had strayed half off frame, and gave a minor boost to vibrancy and blacks. Lightroom 3 did a great job with noise reduction - a fair number of random (single) bright green/red/blue pixels from the long exposure were pruned without hassle.

Details: 229 seconds ¦ f/8.0 ¦ ISO 100.

Update: Explored #14 and front page! Many thanks to everyone who has commented, fav'ed and viewed. I massively appreciate the attention and insights offered, and will be working through everyone individually as soon as I have a chance. Thanks to all!

See Love At First Light (Light Painting), Kent on Flickr.