I especially like the first one, lovely patterns in those crystals. I also really like the last one. There is something not quite right with the third one though. Perhaps a different crop? Or too blue a cast? Or a bit of both? I cannot quite put my finger on it! It feels as though there is a picture there but that isn't quite it. Great stuff, though, as always!

K.

Actually not any more. Photomatix Pro will align pictures using features in the picture. I use the "Take all the bracketed photos with one push of the shutter button" feature on the K20D to minimise camera movement between shots and it is fine. I usually use a tripod as more often than not I am doing a building interior and want to make sure everything is square (and have quite long exposures).

Freequently, however, I end up not using HDR but just taking whichever picture is "closest to the right" (i.e., the brightest exposure but with no or minimal blown highlights) and then using the "fill light" slider in Lightroom to lighten the dark areas without blowing the highlights. Provided the difference is not too extreme this will often work without too much noise.

In terms of this photograph, I find that it is very difficult to convey the beauty of gently rolling or flatish landscapes. It is no accident that "Outdoor Photography" tends to be full of shots of mountainous landscapes or rocky coastlines, it is much easier to convey the appropriate feeling! The main piece of advice I can think of is to always try and find something interesting to go in the foreground as well as the interest given by the view and the skies. There are lovely bits of Hertfordshire landscape where I have never managed to get a shot I am happy with because the light wasn't right, or there wasn't anything interesting in the foreground, or the sky was bland, etc. I just keep going back in the hope that one day all the elements will come together.

Hope this helps! K.

If I was being picky I would say I prefer the tone in the second shot to the first one. Also, in the first one I would prefer not to crop the top of the head, although it doesn't bother me that much really.

Both shots seem really good to me, and the sort of thing I have never tried to do myself. More a muddy field kind of guy!

K.

I sent my lens to them late November. I had a quote, accepted it, then was told the cost would be more, accepted that, and am still waiting... The lens went to Germany I believe!

In this case I am just glad the lens is repairable at all.

K.

Give SRS a call? One of their employees told me they had a drawer full of old filters!

K.

I'd happily look after the FA Ltds too if you need to make some room...

Yes, that is the one.

The UK version does have some equipment reviews but usually just one a magazine. I buy it mainly for the pictures

K.

Very nice photo indeed. Congrats. K.

Yup! K.

Good deal. Again.