If you are interested in acquiring an AF400T or two, I might be persuaded to part with my "matched" pair. They are an indispensible part of the kit if you wish to look like a professional.

(And if you have an LX, what else would you want to look like?)

If you do go down this route, be aware that the various power packs made by Pentax are not fully interchangeable.

The AF400T takes the TR Power Pack. Later, 5 pin, flash guns can use either TR Power Pack-2 or TR Power Pack-3. The difference lies in the cable connection. It might be possible to get cables that connect the later packs with the earlier flash-guns, but the standard cables are definitely not compatible.

The original pack also powers the AF080C ring-flash. Another must-have piece of kit!

G

Barrie,

That's just right. Perfect.

I have previously quoted an American photographer, David Douglas Duncan. His motto was: "Get close. Then get closer."

G

Looks more like an old serviceman to me, a WWII veteran. He's too smartly turned out to be a farmer - can't see any hay, anywhere.

As JR says, a tighter crop would be good (I'd make it much tighter), but it's a really splendid picture as it is.

G

If I were "bad-mouthing" you would have a point. But I am not.

G

The cars all tend to be in the centre of the frame. I would try a little cropping to make then face into the picture from one side, and at the same time I would (in most cases) reduce the amount of road.

Rule of thirds stuff, and all that.

Cheers

G

I disagree, Dr O. Unless by plain-talking you meant unconstructive.

I have very little creative ability in the visual sphere (so why do I bother? you might well ask!), but I can tell a good picture from a bad one, and I can usually see what makes a bad picture bad, or how an imperfect one could be improved.

As you yourself say, good critics are not always good executants, although in making that point I am not claiming to be a good critic myself.

This forum needs more people to give honest feedback, rather than the fawning platitudes which too many people resort to, and which have become too prevalent in the past two or three years.

G

Yes, but you should have known better. English is your first language, and "sticking an oar in" is a common expression.

Now, can we leave the other issue out of this thread?

G

I agree, Simon.

Lovely landscapes, but bad light.

On another day, these could have been superb. As it is, we can see the potential, but, except for the penultimate one (which has a lot going for it, and would repay further experimentation in processing), they are not what they might have been on a better day.

Thanks, too, Simon, for having the integrity to go against the grain.

G

I particularly like the vibrant colour in 2, 3, and 4.

There is a tendency with digital to over-saturate, but I don't think that is the case here. It's just that you chose a day and a time when the light was especially favourable. And being in the right place at the right time to catch the right light is a large part of getting a good picture.

But not the only part. The compositions are pretty good too.

G

Nice girl, nice lighting, good poses.

For me, they look over-Photoshopped. The skin looks plastic. I know some people like this, and if that was your intention, fair enough.

I'm sure you need no encouragement to keep going. Working with pretty girls is not a great hardship!

G