M10 - the Image Thread

[Guest Nowhereman]

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M10 | DR Summicron | ISO 200 | f/8.0 | 1/125 sec | Bangkok – Empire of Signs

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[Danielnotnow]

M10 / Noctilux 0.95

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[Dabbler]

3 hours ago, Danielnotnow said:

M10 / Noctilux 0.95

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In another post you said you wanted honest critiques, so here goes - Dramatic sky and a mood that fits your title. Also the color palette is pleasing but oversaturated which detracts from the realism of the image. The dominant hill loses its impact because it overlaps with the boat. Would be better separated so that there's a more distinct relationship between them. There is a thin halo around the hill from over processing that distracts. I think, in general, the strength of the Noctilux wide open is its ability to isolate a subject from the background in a beautiful way. With a seascape like this, the lens doesn't have a chance to do what it does best. Hope that helps. John

[Dabbler]

Not meant to be artistic - Quick and dirty test in low light of the M10 Monochrome and the Noctilux 75 1.25 ASPH. I'm impressed with the richness of the tonalities from the Mono and the film-like grain pattern at ISO 3200. Crispness of detail and smooth Bokeh from the Nocti 75.

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[Danielnotnow]

1 hour ago, Dabbler said:

In another post you said you wanted honest critiques, so here goes - Dramatic sky and a mood that fits your title. Also the color palette is pleasing but oversaturated which detracts from the realism of the image. The dominant hill loses its impact because it overlaps with the boat. Would be better separated so that there's a more distinct relationship between them. There is a thin halo around the hill from over processing that distracts. I think, in general, the strength of the Noctilux wide open is its ability to isolate a subject from the background in a beautiful way. With a seascape like this, the lens doesn't have a chance to do what it does best. Hope that helps. John

Thank you John.  This is exactly what I had hoped to hear. The halo around Morro Rock was something I missed completely. Over saturation is something I always struggle with.  This is sort of how I see/remember things. So when I am processing an image to reconstruct it in LR I always keep in mind how it might appear to “normal” people.  It is a fine line that many times I cross. If I had noticed the halo, that would have given me a clue. I saved your final criticism for last because it is an aesthetic one, one that I may have a form of blindness by familiarity. The “hill” is Morro Rock, a local visual icon that is so overly represented that I consciously try to never show the whole thing. So it is hard to judge how someone who isn’t overwhelmed by images of this might react. And finally I’m wondering if the compress at work here on the forum exacerbates the over saturated look.  There is no question that the JPEG exported (from the processed RAW) from LR to my Flickr feed shows much more detail. While I didn’t post this photo there I did post one take during the same shoot a few moments before. Perhaps, if you have the time, you will look at that shot and see if you think the over saturation is the same (BTW this shot only hints at Morro Rock, haha).  Thanks again, Daniel

[MikeMyers]

Thanks to the coronavirus haunting much of the USA, there aren't really very many place I can safely go with my camera.  My balcony is one of them, so I went out there this afternoon watching for anything interesting.  I saw this scene developing in front of me, and of the five photos I took, this is my favorite.  I used the 90mm f/2 Summicron (I guess if I say f/2 that's enough).  This is a little under half the image - my way of editing is not only what to include, but what NOT to include.

As with any photos I post here, comments are welcome, no matter how critical they may get.  If you think a photo is boring or stinks, just come out and say so.  

I took about 25 images today, and cut it down to my best three using (only) Lightroom.  I guess I should start using the Nik Collection again.  

If I live through the coronavirus stuff, maybe by next year I will remember to ALWAYS check the focus.  Twice today I forgot.

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[mjrp]

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Afternoon

I hope everyone has had a decent week despite all the chaos.

I have been out feeding reindeer today with friends from the Sami community, never a bad day in the forest with reindeer, really bright sun was not helpful photography wise though. Just a couple from first look through.

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[MikeMyers]

Wow, what a fun thing to do!!!!  Much more enjoyable than thinking about the latest news!

I like the color shot more - but I've never been this close to a reindeer.

[MikeMyers]

One more photo from yesterday, as the sun was setting.  This view is facing South, but I wanted to include the cruise ships with all their lights on.  I rested my camera on the railing on my balcony - next time I'll use a tripod.  I can't find my cable release from so many years ago, so I'll buy another one of them as well.  I'm still not "there" yet, but I'm doing better at photographing things as the sun is vanishing.  Again, 90mm Summicron.  Next time I may take the same image with my Nikon D750 for comparison.

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[Dabbler]

20 hours ago, Danielnotnow said:

Thank you John.  This is exactly what I had hoped to hear. The halo around Morro Rock was something I missed completely. Over saturation is something I always struggle with.  This is sort of how I see/remember things. So when I am processing an image to reconstruct it in LR I always keep in mind how it might appear to “normal” people.  It is a fine line that many times I cross. If I had noticed the halo, that would have given me a clue. I saved your final criticism for last because it is an aesthetic one, one that I may have a form of blindness by familiarity. The “hill” is Morro Rock, a local visual icon that is so overly represented that I consciously try to never show the whole thing. So it is hard to judge how someone who isn’t overwhelmed by images of this might react. And finally I’m wondering if the compress at work here on the forum exacerbates the over saturated look.  There is no question that the JPEG exported (from the processed RAW) from LR to my Flickr feed shows much more detail. While I didn’t post this photo there I did post one take during the same shoot a few moments before. Perhaps, if you have the time, you will look at that shot and see if you think the over saturation is the same (BTW this shot only hints at Morro Rock, haha).  Thanks again, Daniel

Ok Daniel, I found your Flickr image - "The ever changing bay". The halo is much more subtle in this image on Flickr as are the colors.But I think the subtler colors are because there's a lot less blue and orange sky in this one. Browsing your Flickr stream it's apparent that you like your colors to POP. Nothing wrong with that if they don't become the unwarranted star of the show.. The colors in your "Cafe" image below are subtle and this allows the formal qualities to come through. The lines and shapes of the image are not "shouted down" by the colors. For me, this is a very strong photograph. Have you ever thought about shooting in black and white for a while? Or at least convert your color images to B and W in LR. This would help you to concentrate on form, structure, light and shadow. This experience gained can then be brought over to your color work. Hope this helps. John

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[Danielnotnow]

49 minutes ago, Dabbler said:

Ok Daniel, I found your Flickr image - "The ever changing bay". The halo is much more subtle in this image on Flickr as are the colors.But I think the subtler colors are because there's a lot less blue and orange sky in this one. Browsing your Flickr stream it's apparent that you like your colors to POP. Nothing wrong with that if they don't become the unwarranted star of the show.. The colors in your "Cafe" image below are subtle and this allows the formal qualities to come through. The lines and shapes of the image are not "shouted down" by the colors. For me, this is a very strong photograph. Have you ever thought about shooting in black and white for a while? Or at least convert your color images to B and W in LR. This would help you to concentrate on form, structure, light and shadow. This experience gained can then be brought over to your color work. Hope this helps. John

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First, thank you for taking the time to look through my Flickr feed. That was very generous of you. You point out an issue I have wrestled with the whole time I have been taking pictures: forcing myself to do black and white to focus on and improve the other non-color elements that make a quality photo. I’ve gone so far as to contemplate selling my Q2 and M10 to get an M10M as my only camera body. The problem is that I don’t really enjoy black and white photos. Even in that mode it is the luminosity that catches my eye, with form, composition, texture, etc, not even being seen if the black blacks and silver whites don’t open the door. (And I have not been able to replicate that level of intense b&W in LR when converting from a “color” DNG). Sigh. It is the particular hues of color that cause my stomach to flutter with metaphorical butterflies. And it is to experience that physical feeling in my stomach that drives me to go out and take pictures. So the core question I face is: are  my photos too personal/subjective to be of interest/value to anyone else? And is there a way I can improve as a photographer without losing that physical joy I feel somatically, or to even intensify it?

Thanks for listening to me rant. Daniel

[pattyfrank]

2 minutes ago, Danielnotnow said:

1 hour ago, Dabbler said:

Ok Daniel, I found your Flickr image - "The ever changing bay". The halo is much more subtle in this image on Flickr as are the colors.But I think the subtler colors are because there's a lot less blue and orange sky in this one. Browsing your Flickr stream it's apparent that you like your colors to POP. Nothing wrong with that if they don't become the unwarranted star of the show.. The colors in your "Cafe" image below are subtle and this allows the formal qualities to come through. The lines and shapes of the image are not "shouted down" by the colors. For me, this is a very strong photograph. Have you ever thought about shooting in black and white for a while? Or at least convert your color images to B and W in LR. This would help you to concentrate on form, structure, light and shadow. This experience gained can then be brought over to your color work. Hope this helps. John

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First, thank you for taking the time to look through my Flickr feed. That was very generous of you. You point out an issue I have wrestled with the whole time I have been taking pictures: forcing myself to do black and white to focus on and improve the other non-color elements that make a quality photo. I’ve gone so far as to contemplate selling my Q2 and M10 to get an M10M as my only camera body. The problem is that I don’t really enjoy black and white photos. Even in that mode it is the luminosity that catches my eye, with form, composition, texture, etc, not even being seen if the black blacks and silver whites don’t open the door. (And I have not been able to replicate that level of intense b&W in LR when converting from a “color” DNG). Sigh. It is the particular hues of color that cause my stomach to flutter with metaphorical butterflies. And it is to experience that physical feeling in my stomach that drives me to go out and take pictures. So the core question I face is: are  my photos too personal/subjective to be of interest/value to anyone else? And is there a way I can improve as a photographer without losing that physical joy I feel somatically, or to even intensify it?

Thanks for listening to me rant. Daniel

Daniel, Had this ambivalence too. I love color and started with sunrise/sunset, so definitely into color. However, I too, have found it invaluable to shoot in B&W and do it often. It focuses my mind on the subject at hand in a way I might otherwise miss.  It doesn't mean that ultimately a particular image doesn't end up in color, but it was probably framed in my B&W-mind's eye. But I warn you that this exercise might convert you.  ;0)  Regards.

[Kwesi]

Hi Daniel,

Hope you don't mind me joining in the group critique.

I just checked your flickr page and first of all "Bravo" for wrestling down and mastering the 28 focal length. that's huge in and of itself.

I'm going to gently disagree with pattyfrank and Dabbler's suggestion regarding shooting in black and white. its invaluable advise for everyone ( I just came off 2+ years of working strictly with the monochrom because i was having trouble seeing graphically in color) but I'm not sure it is the best move for you at this time.

The way i see it, you have a great love for color. Your main issue is that you are saturating globally so your images are lacking depth and at times this makes it hard for the viewer to see what you want them to first see as they explore your image. in other words because all your colors have the same value, the overall image appears flat. If you are working in lightroom i would suggest choosing the element/s that most excite you in the image and then enhance just that color. Start there, see how it looks then continue if you think its necessary.

My link to my website is below if you are curious about what kind of images i make. All shot with Leica M digital cameras.

[Danielnotnow]

36 minutes ago, pattyfrank said:

Daniel, Had this ambivalence too. I love color and started with sunrise/sunset, so definitely into color. However, I too, have found it invaluable to shoot in B&W and do it often. It focuses my mind on the subject at hand in a way I might otherwise miss.  It doesn't mean that ultimately a particular image doesn't end up in color, but it was probably framed in my B&W-mind's eye. But I warn you that this exercise might convert you.  ;0)  Regards.

Patty, thank you for the encouraging advice. I am currently doubly housebound, first because of the Shelter In Place orders, and second because of a nasty cold, (yes, poor me). When the cold has run it’s course I think I will try monochrome only days, perhaps with the Q2, and alternate with my normal color outings. Whoa, this may be kind of exciting! Stay healthy, Daniel.

[Danielnotnow]

20 minutes ago, Kwesi said:

Hi Daniel,

Hope you don't mind me joining in the group critique.

I just checked your flickr page and first of all "Bravo" for wrestling down and mastering the 28 focal length. that's huge in and of itself.

I'm going to gently disagree with pattyfrank and Dabbler's suggestion regarding shooting in black and white. its invaluable advise for everyone ( I just came off 2+ years of working strictly with the monochrom because i was having trouble seeing graphically in color) but I'm not sure it is the best move for you at this time.

The way i see it, you have a great love for color. Your main issue is that you are saturating globally so your images are lacking depth and at times this makes it hard for the viewer to see what you want them to first see as they explore your image. in other words because all your colors have the same value, the overall image appears flat. If you are working in lightroom i would suggest choosing the element/s that most excite you in the image and then enhance just that color. Start there, see how it looks then continue if you think its necessary.

My link to my website is below if you are curious about what kind of images i make. All shot with Leica M digital cameras.

Thank you for taking the the time to consider my questions and to look at my Flickr page. Your insight about global saturation, (vs enhancing the particular/important colors), creating a flat image, really seems like something I want to explore. I am guilty of attempting to create a preset emulating how I remember Kodachrome and applying it to everything. This may not have been the best path.  And thank you for sharing the link to your website. Your photos are an inspiration.  Stay healthy, Daniel

[Kwesi]

Thank you for your kind words about my pictures.

We both share a love for Kodachrome. I grew up shooting it with my M3 and M4 in tandem. a 50 on the M4 and a 35 with goggles on the M3 - much simpler times!.

In case you aren't familiar with the photos of Nathan Benn, here is a link to his website, Kodachrome Memory. Hope you enjoy while you convalesce.

https://www.kodachromememory.com/pittsburgh

 

[tonyniev]

a 7 image hand-held panorama, M10 Summarit 50 from June 2018, processed today

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Edited March 20, 2020 by tonyniev
corrected spelling

[tonyniev]

Half Dome, Yosemite- M10 Elmarit 90

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[MikeMyers]

4 hours ago, Dabbler said:

 

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One quick question - why do the clouds look so strange - my guess is they got all burnt out from overexposure, meaning it's impossible to recover the detail.  Am I right, or is something else going on that I'm not aware of?  The rest of the photo is a very nice effect, but the "clouds" detract from it.

 

[Danielnotnow]

14 minutes ago, MikeMyers said:

 

Hi Mike, yes you are exactly right.  I was focused on capturing the colors and textures in the sign and building trim and totally blew out the sky.  This was as much as I could recover post. I was still tending  to shot like I did in film days, one shot, no chimping.  Thanks for the input. Stay healthy, Daniel.