Fantastic set Derek, the one looking over the bridge (colour version) is a wow shot and my favourite in this post.

Regards
David

Great thread Nigel, your information and tuition on the use of flash are fantastic and I think are much appreciated on here by a lot of people.

Regarding the images, they are great, the only comment I would make on possible improvement is the distance of the subject from the back-lit wall. Because the wall is not quite blurred out (especially on the 3rd and 4th images), you can see the square pattern in the wall covering.

Nevertheless, I think you were illustrating the use of flash for good lighting effects rather than trying to take perfect images and you have succeeded in spades.

Regards
David

That is an absolute belter!

Regards
David

Hi Gareth

Another great set, 7 is fantastic and 8 is truly stunning!

Regards
David

Thanks all, there are some great comments on this set.

Hi Nigel, thanks for your comments, they are very much appreciated. Regards No. 7 and the green emergency sign, I choose to leave this in because my objective was to photograph the house as it is, warts and all. My interest wasn't in making pretty photos, although I do try to get interesting compositions, I just wanted to document elements of it that are there now.

Hi Graham, thank you for the comments, it's very interesting to hear everyone's views about aspects of these images. The mention of the double socket in No. 6 fascinates me because I purposely included this element in the shot to show the contrast between the absolute luxury of the fantastic fireplace and fire basket, and the bodged attempt at installing an ugly 'modern' socket, with poor quality plastering around it to fill in the gaps! Without this, the shot wouldn't work as I intended it to work, but the context of this was in my head as I shot it and I appreciate it's difficult to understand this by just looking at the image.

Hi Nigel, great to hear your comments and I think you have hit the nail right on the head! I purposefully chose the 50-135 to focus in on the smaller details and give views of things that people may not ordinarily notice. I think in a place like this using a wide angle lens can result in 'ordinary' looking images, I try to do something a bit differently. I did have another lens with me on the day (Sigma 17-70), but it stayed in the camera bag as I didn't feel it wouldn't have given me what I was looking for.

Thanks again to all for the comments.

Regards
David

If you are interested in architecture you will probably know about Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the most stunning Stately Homes in the UK. This magnificent property is in a state of decay, which would have been worse had it not been for the previous owner, a local businessman who poured millions into restoring parts of it. However, the house is huge and is still falling apart in many areas. It's now owned by a trust who are in the process of starting full restoration to bring it back to its former glory. Even in its current state it is a national treasure and a fascinating place to visit. It has been used by the BBC and various film companies for costume dramas including Victoria, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Darkest Hour, King Charles III and Billionaire Boy. If you live in the South Yorkshire area and are interested in architecture, local history or photography it is a 'must visit' location. The house runs tours for small numbers of people (around 15 at a time maximum) which offers opportunity for some interesting photos without loads of people milling around. I would love to go there for a full day with a tripod and do some serious photography, but don't think this would be possible. All of these are 'grab shots', hand-held in pretty low light and at slow shutter speeds, so please excuse any camera shake.

All shots with the K-3 and DA*50-135.

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Comments welcomed as usual.

Regards
David

Great set as always David, your images are always so acutely observed and technically excellent. In this set, the Lowry Centre image has to be my favourite.

Regards
David

A fabulous set Derek, I agree with some of the other comments that the BW shots are very strong and I particularly like the October entry. Hope to see more great stuff like these in 2019.

Regards
David

My DA*300 also has its original motor and shows no signs of failing, I'm confident it will continue to perform well, which is something I can't say about the DA*50-135. I have two of these now as my first is on its way out.

Regards
David

Thank you Adrian, that's really helpful. I'm teetering on the edge of going K-1, but the lens investment required is putting me off at present. It seems at least I could get good results from my 12-24 in most circumstances, so that's good to know.

Regards
David