Your R System Images - December 2023

[PKM-UK]

We hope you have fun making wonderful images this month!

(And for those of you who celebrate the festive season, may Mr and Mrs Santa bring you plenty of cheer - along with love, good health, happiness, world peace and all that kind of stuff!).

Stay safe and well…

Phil and Karen

——

Any R System images (stills or movies) can be posted. If you would like to say something about them in terms of the subject, settings, or post-processing, that will be very welcome.

Remember, you don't have to only post things you took this month - sometimes people don't get around to processing/ editing images straight after shooting them. (Think of it more as an ‘images I’d like to post here this month’ thing). Images taken with non-R System lenses are also very welcome - this adds to the interest and diversity.

Images posted here will also be available to view in a dedicated Monthly R System Images Galley, which can be found Here.

Commenting on other people’s posts is encouraged, as it keeps everyone interested and coming back. (Please aim to be considerate, thoughtful and constructive).

We’ll aim to provide some feedback too - but please note we are away for part of each month and busy with ‘life stuff’. The lack of a comment from us is not a sign of disfavour!

Finally, please post in accordance with the RF Shooters Community Guidelines.

Thank you!

 

[PKM-UK]

Images from our recent visit to Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England.

(Shot raw and processed using: DxO PhotoLab Elite/ ViewPoint and Adobe Lightroom Classic/ Photoshop with TK-9 Panels).

You can find out more about Wentworth Woodhouse by clicking Here and/ or Here.

Phil and Karen


1. The original Jacobean house was rebuilt by Thomas Watson-Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham (1693–1750), and vastly expanded by his son, the 2nd Marquess, who was twice Prime Minister. In the 18th century, the house was inherited by the Earls Fitzwilliam and the family of the last earl owned it until 1989.

2. The recently restored South Pavilion Tower. The vane connects to the dials which depict the direction the wind is blowing. House historians believe the tower may have been used in the mid 18th century by Mary, the wife of the Second Marquess of Rockingham. The son of the Fourth Earl Fitzwilliam, Charles Viscount Milton, used the top floor as his study in the years leading up to his inheritance of the title in 1833.

3. During World War II the house became a Training Depot and HQ for the Intelligence Corps and from 1949 through to 1988 it was mostly used as an educational establishment.

4. King George V and Queen Mary stayed at the house for four days in July 1912. A crowd of 25,000 gathered on the lawn to witness the King and Queen on the balcony of the portico, from which the King gave a speech.

5. Wentworth Woodhouse has more than 300 rooms and has featured in films such as Downton Abbey and Darkest Hour, and TV series including Victoria and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

6. The house was purchased by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust in 2017. Since 2022 the National Trust has worked in partnership with the Trust in managing the property.

(Sources: Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, The National Trust and Wikipedia).

 

[JoeTheSnowPlowGuy]

What an absolutely awesome place and great photographs. I hope to make it to the UK someday.

 

[MikeZ]

Phil, another beautiful set. Thanks!

 

[PKM-UK]

What an absolutely awesome place and great photographs. I hope to make it to the UK someday.

Hi Joe,

Cheers - appreciated!

This is one of the bigger properties - though sadly largely devoid of any furnishings. (Hopefully by the time you arrive, it will have stopped raining... ).


If/ when you get here and would like to visit our historic properties, most organisations here have reciprocal arrangements with similar ones overseas.

Otherwise we'd recommend you consider a National Trust Touring Pass (they offer 7 and 14 day versions - though note this doesn't include the usual reciprocal visits with National Trust Scotland) and/ or an English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass (they offer 9 and 16 day versions). These work out a tad cheaper than the full annual memberships and - hopefully! - include the necessary arrangements to ensure visitors can readily get hold of and use them during their stay.

(If you intend visiting lots of places in Scotland/ Wales, check out the Scottish National Trust and Cadw).

We're also in Historic Houses, but while this provides access to some otherwise expensive/ exclusive properties, access and availability is more limited.

In addition, if you like zoos, some have partnered up and offer free reciprocal entry - we're members of Chester Zoo, but get access to seven other zoos.



Phil

 

[PKM-UK]

Phil, another beautiful set. Thanks!

Hi Mike,

Cheers - much appreciated!

As usual this was a fascinating property, but on a truly bewildering scale.

P&K

 

[Woodbadger]

P/K,
As usual, a wonderful set. I am constantly amazed by how you manage to get these images taken devoid of other people. I enjoy visiting historical sites and photographing them, but very seldom have much luck in this regard. What is your secret…a cloak of mass invisibility?

 

[PKM-UK]

P/K,
As usual, a wonderful set. I am constantly amazed by how you manage to get these images taken devoid of other people. I enjoy visiting historical sights and photographing them, but very seldom have much luck in this regard. What is your secret…a cloak of mass invisibility?

Hi Ian,

Cheers - much appreciated!

Ask that question of Karen and she will give you one of her looks, which would basically say ‘I’m married to someone obsessed with getting people-free shots’.

Of course, this is true - partly because I want to show the subject without distractions, partly because I don’t feel comfortable about posting images of people without their express permission.

If you promise not to tell anyone I’ll let you into my secrets…

1. Get it right first time - arrive there early, or when it’s quiet (or preferably both).
2. Have infinite patience. (I have zero - but this is significantly more than Karen).
3. Plan B - take a number of shots with identical framing/ settings and people in different positions - ideally enough so that every part of the scene is ‘people free’. (Unfortunately, this is often closely tied in with point 2). Load these as layers into Photoshop, align them and then use masking to ‘eliminate the people’. (A very satisfying process).
4. Plan C = Plan B plus use Photoshop‘s healing tools to ‘eliminate the annoyingly persistent people’.
5. Karen’s preferred option - embrace the presence of people to show scale, and/ or use them artistically.
6. Always smile, always remain calm and polite - and remember other people have every right to be there.

In fairness, particularly when inside tighter rooms and spaces, many people endeavour to get out of the shot.

A very useful and powerful Photoshop technique (which I really must get round to trying!) can be viewed Here.



Phil

PS. Another handy trait is to time it so the weather is grim. As we appear to be ‘rain gods’ this isn’t usually a major issue…

(At Wentworth, it was mid-week, raining - and we were the first ones through the door. It was much busier by the time we left).

 

[Hali]

Images from our recent visit to Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England.

(Shot raw and processed using: DxO PhotoLab Elite/ ViewPoint and Adobe Lightroom Classic/ Photoshop with TK-9 Panels).

You can find out more about Wentworth Woodhouse by clicking Here and/ or Here.

Phil and Karen


1. The original Jacobean house was rebuilt by Thomas Watson-Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham (1693–1750), and vastly expanded by his son, the 2nd Marquess, who was twice Prime Minister. In the 18th century, the house was inherited by the Earls Fitzwilliam and the family of the last earl owned it until 1989.

View attachment 22677

2. The recently restored South Pavilion Tower. The vane connects to the dials which depict the direction the wind is blowing. House historians believe the tower may have been used in the mid 18th century by Mary, the wife of the Second Marquess of Rockingham. The son of the Fourth Earl Fitzwilliam, Charles Viscount Milton, used the top floor as his study in the years leading up to his inheritance of the title in 1833.

View attachment 22678

3. During World War II the house became a Training Depot and HQ for the Intelligence Corps and from 1949 through to 1988 it was mostly used as an educational establishment.

View attachment 22679

4. King George V and Queen Mary stayed at the house for four days in July 1912. A crowd of 25,000 gathered on the lawn to witness the King and Queen on the balcony of the portico, from which the King gave a speech.

View attachment 22680

5. Wentworth Woodhouse has more than 300 rooms and has featured in films such as Downton Abbey and Darkest Hour, and TV series including Victoria and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

View attachment 22681

6. The house was purchased by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust in 2017. Since 2022 the National Trust has worked in partnership with the Trust in managing the property.

View attachment 22682

(Sources: Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, The National Trust and Wikipedia).

These are absolutely wonderful, Phil and Karen! I love the way you showcase the beauty of these places. I feel like I'm standing there.

 

[Hali]

I'm still in my weird creative phase. This is a focus stack of 25 images of frozen flowers with a texture applied with the subtract blending mode in photoshop applied to the top layer (for those inquiring minds)
The RF 100mm macro is probably tied for my favorite lens of all time.

 

[Ferenc MÓGOR]

Just scrolling through my shots recently taken at the Vienna Christmas Market in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) around the blue hour. Among them I think this one turned out to be the money shot. How do you like it?

 

[Lost In Vermont]

I'm still in my weird creative phase. This is a focus stack of 25 images of frozen flowers with a texture applied with the subtract blending mode in photoshop applied to the top layer (for those inquiring minds)
The RF 100mm macro is probably tied for my favorite lens of all time.

View attachment 22690

I think this is very nice indeed. And I agree about the 100 Macro. I might be interesting to see the original stacked image as well.

 

[Hali]

I think this is very nice indeed. And I agree about the 100 Macro. I might be interesting to see the original stacked image as well.

Thank you so much. Here is the original, stacked image.

 

[Hali]

Just scrolling through my shots recently taken at the Vienna Christmas Market in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) around the blue hour. Among them I think this one turned out to be the money shot. How do you like it?

That's lovely. What a beautiful place all lit up.

 

[PKM-UK]

These are absolutely wonderful, Phil and Karen! I love the way you showcase the beauty of these places. I feel like I'm standing there.

Hi Hali,

Thank you for those very kind words - much appreciated!

This was one of those places where you often had to pause to take it all in.

P&K

 

[PKM-UK]

I'm still in my weird creative phase. This is a focus stack of 25 images of frozen flowers with a texture applied with the subtract blending mode in photoshop applied to the top layer (for those inquiring minds)
The RF 100mm macro is probably tied for my favorite lens of all time.

View attachment 22690

Hi Hali,

An absolutely beautiful and enthralling image, certainly well worth all your efforts.

A fascinating technique, which must surely inspire others - thank you for sharing…

P&P

 

[PKM-UK]

Just scrolling through my shots recently taken at the Vienna Christmas Market in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) around the blue hour. Among them I think this one turned out to be the money shot. How do you like it?

Hi Ferenc,

We think it’s absolutely superb - the festive season personified!

Well seen and beautifully captured, thank you for sharing…

P&K

 

[PKM-UK]

Thank you so much. Here is the original, stacked image.

View attachment 22694

Hi Hali,

I remember this from when you originally posted it (I think we touched on digital framing?). The re-edit you posted took an already wonderful image and added an equally wonderful alternative take. (I wouldn’t have made the connection unless you mentioned it).

Very nice work indeed…

Phil

 

[Woodbadger]

In order to celebrate my retirement (and also to be out of reach should my employer need me!!!) my wife and I took a two week trip to Spain at the beginning of October . Over that period we flew 8200 miles, rode trains 1800 miles, walked an average of 10 miles a day, visited 7 cities...and had a BLAST!!!

The following are a series of images I took of the Royal Alcazar (palace) in Segovia. Since I had only recently got my R7 I shot all in auto mode (shame, shame) as I did not want to risk my lack of knowledge destroying the memories of this once in a lifetime trip. I chose these somewhat in response to my discussion with Phil earlier about getting "people free" interiors. This was really the only location where we were moderately successful due to the popularity of the locations we visited.

All are straight from the camera JPEGs - I have CRAW versions, so processing in Lightroom is my next learning curve!
Anyway, here goes!!!!

 

[David Berry]

All are straight from the camera JPEGs: I have cRAW versions, so processing in Lightroom is my next learning curve!

Woody…

Spain was our first destination after retiring. Wonderful memories… but none recorded on an R-series Canon (didn't exist in 2007!).

I think you made the right decision shooting JPEGs using fully auto, but having the RAW files to tweak later precludes any chance of beginner's remorse!

The choice is yours, and I realise that you didn't seek 'sage advice', but I'll suggest using Lightroom Classic – LrC (files on your computer) rather than Lightroom – Lr (files on Adobe's computers) for organising and editing images.

… David

 

[Woodbadger]

Woody…


…The choice is yours, and I realise that you didn't seek 'sage advice', but I'll suggest using Lightroom Classic – LrC (files on your computer) rather than Lightroom – Lr (files on Adobe's computers) for organising and editing images.

… David

David - thanks! Yes, I should have been more specific, I do intend on going full-blown Lightroom Classic. It is going to be a bit overwhelming at first, I am sure! I shoot three different types of image mainly! Landscape, buildings (like above) and birds. All of which appear to require somewhat different editing approaches. I am also eager to try astrophotography (can you tell I am getting into retirement with enthusiasm? ). Anyway, my philosophy is to keep on learning so here I go!

 

[PKM-UK]

In order to celebrate my retirement (and also to be out of reach should my employer need me!!!) my wife and I took a two week trip to Spain at the beginning of October . Over that period we flew 8200 miles, rode trains 1800 miles, walked an average of 10 miles a day, visited 7 cities...and had a BLAST!!!

The following are a series of images I took of the Royal Alcazar (palace) in Segovia. Since I had only recently got my R7 I shot all in auto mode (shame, shame) as I did not want to risk my lack of knowledge destroying the memories of this once in a lifetime trip. I chose these somewhat in response to my discussion with Phil earlier about getting "people free" interiors. This was really the only location where we were moderately successful due to the popularity of the locations we visited.

All are straight from the camera JPEGs - I have CRAW versions, so processing in Lightroom is my next learning curve!
Anyway, here goes!!!!

View attachment 22703

View attachment 22704View attachment 22705View attachment 22706View attachment 22707View attachment 22708View attachment 22709View attachment 22710View attachment 22711View attachment 22712

Hi Ian,

A fantastic set of images to record your adventures and cement those precious memories - often on these longer tours we fit so much in it’s only when we get back and work through the files that we finally get to reflect on all the things we’ve experienced.

These are wonderful examples - and well done on minimising the number of people (it’s very difficult at the more popular venues). Despite everything I’ve said, I think the person stood in image #8 really adds value to that particular shot (both me and Karen like taking the occasional ‘staring in awe’ capture - there’s an example of ours coming up which is due to be posted soon).

We fully support your decision to shoot in A mode plus Craw with your new camera (secure a set of bankers and still have the files to play with later - very sensible!). When we’re in difficult, or unusual, scenarios Karen will often pop a couple off in A mode to see what it gives her - I typically forget as I’ll be busy working through chapters 1-5 of ‘Phil’s Book of Random Camera Settings‘ - and guess who most often gets the winning shot in these cases?

These files should be great fun to work with in LrC - if you need advice or tips and tricks, I’m sure people will endeavour to help.

Thank you for sharing…

Phil

PS. Happy Retirement!

 

[PKM-UK]

A European Robin spotted (and bribed with wild bird seed!) in our local woods yesterday - Hartshill Country Park, Warwickshire, England.

(Shot raw and processed using: DxO PhotoLab Elite and Adobe Lightroom/ Photoshop with TK-9 Panels).

Phil


Happiness is... (aka - You know you've probably made friends when you can use an RF 24-105).

 

[Chris Summers]

Stopped at the old City Cemetery on my way home from Galveston yesterday. It was very overcast and grey with a misty drizzle, perfect for grave yard walking. The old Catholic section has the best statues, sadly some are missing appendages. Couldn't help myself editing one angel into the clouds as it had a lot of ugly power lines behind.

 

[StevenAunan]

Street market photos from today in Sacramento CA. I think the first one (parent approved) is my favorite. I'm finding that I enjoy street photography more than I thought I would...

 

[PKM-UK]

Stopped at the old City Cemetery on my way home from Galveston yesterday. It was very overcast and grey with a misty drizzle, perfect for grave yard walking. The old Catholic section has the best statues, sadly some are missing appendages. Couldn't help myself editing one angel into the clouds as it had a lot of ugly power lines behind. View attachment 22790View attachment 22791View attachment 22792View attachment 22793View attachment 22794

Hi Chris,

Excellent work - we will quite often wander through the graveyard when visiting churches, a fine way to pause for a while and to remember those lost.

These are wonderful, thank you for sharing...

(Power lines are fair game in our book!).

P&K

 

[PKM-UK]

Street market photos from today in Sacramento CA. I think the first one (parent approved) is my favorite. I'm finding that I enjoy street photography more than I thought I would...

View attachment 22807

View attachment 22808

View attachment 22809

Hi Steven,

A fine set of colourful images which showcase both the market and characters within it (nice subject isolation and control of the light).

It's always fascinating to catch a glimpse of life in different parts of the world - thank you for sharing...

P&K

 

[PKM-UK]

Happy Birthday to 'Frank' our camper van...

(Seen here steadfast in the face of a bracing coastal gale, bravely awaiting the incoming rain storm. Image taken near Tintagel, Cornwall, England).

Phil and Karen

 

[StevenAunan]

Happy Birthday to 'Frank' our camper van...

(Seen here steadfast in the face of a bracing coastal gale, bravely awaiting the incoming rain storm. Image taken near Tintagel, Cornwall, England).

Phil and Karen

Happy Birthday indeed! My wife and I are lucky to have "Grace", a 30-year-old 30-foot Monaco RV we bought used a few years ago. We look forward to many more trips after my wife retires next year.

 

[PKM-UK]

Images from our recent visit to Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire, England.

(Shot raw and processed using: DxO PhotoLab Elite/ ViewPoint and Adobe Lightroom Classic/ Photoshop with Tony Kuyper TK-9 Panels).

You can find out more about Whitby Abbey by clicking Here.

Phil and Karen


1. The Whitby headland was settled during the late Bronze Age, after which it is thought to have been occupied by a Roman signal station, a large Anglian community and Danish Vikings.

2. In about 1078 a monk called Reinfrid founded a monastic community at Whitby and from around 1100 a stone church and conventual buildings were built in the Romanesque style.

3. In the 13th century the monastery church was rebuilt in the Gothic style. This was a massive undertaking, including major landscaping of the whole site.

4. The Abbey fell victim to the dissolution of the monasteries (1536-1541) after which the abbey’s buildings and the core of its estates were bought by Sir Richard Cholmley. Ownership of the abbey ruins eventually passed to the Strickland family (descendants of the Cholmley’s).

5. In 1914 the German High Seas Fleet shelled Whitby and struck the abbey ruins, causing considerable damage to the west front, though this was repaired.

6. Bram Stoker arrived in Whitby, at the end of July 1890. He was working on a new story, set in Styria in Austria, with a central character called Count Wampyr. While visiting the town’s public library he found a book which mentioned a 15th-century prince called Vlad Tepes who impaled his enemies on wooden stakes. He was known as Dracula – the ‘son of the dragon’. The publication of his novel Dracula in 1897 gave Whitby a major literary association, ensuring the sinister count would forever be associated with the town.

(Sources: English Heritage).