End of Masterclass 2009

To end this Masterclass I have some thank yous to make, the first goes out to all my Masterclass buddies, I've really appreciated all your comments and have certainly learnt and been inspired by everybodies work.

Obsiously, it goes without saying that I want to thank Cheryl, I've had a blast and learnt SO much on all of your courses this year, you're a megastar in my book CJ!

And last, but not least, this heartfelt thank you goes to my mate Zena, because without her little email, sent to me way back at the beginning of the year, telling me of the forthcoming PWL course, I'd still be fumbling my way through the dark with my lovely new camera. Thank you Zena, I owe you one. x

Not much difference

I don't think I can tell any difference between these two, the top is the grayscale version and the second, layers - I'm probably just not doing it right because apart from opening an adjustment layer window, the procedure I carried out was exactly the same as for grayscale.

Second attempt at uploading

Ok, all seems to have gone well, I had to resave the file.

This version is marginally punchier than the greyscale option, do you think? I followed CJ's advice and tried the filter, sharpen, unsharpen mask procedure - I haven't used this before - useful!

Module 4

White balance is something I can honestly say I have been using, certainly since Christmas when I got this camera, I was amazed at the difference it made and it is part of my routine to check what setting it's on before I take a shot.

At the beginning of 2009 I hadn't a clue how to convert an image to b&w and now, I've got to grips with the greyscale option and I've tried the layers option that Jennine mentioned on her blog, not really sure what I'm doing but here's my first example

Ok, I've obviously done something wrong because it wont upload the psd (layer) version

Rain, rain and yet more rain

I didn't expect to get any photos today, but when the security light came on outside the front of the house this evening, I noticed the wonderful textures & reflections on the wet stepping stones and slate gravel. So these are first and only attempts this week, I do have some ideas but don't know if I'll get chance to put into practice.

All shots taken in manual - stepping stones F4.0, 1/50 ISO 1600, wet leaf F5.0, 1/25 ISO 1600 and the snail I know is blurred but thought I'd include it anyway - I really struggled with the lack of light and was very conscious that my camera was getting rather wet F4.5 1/5 ISO 1600

No photos today

No photos taken today, but a quote that caught my eye .........................

'You don't take a photograph, you make it' Ansel Adams

Not my garden but God's garden

I'm really pleased with this shot - Manual setting F4.5 1/2500, ISO 800 - I'm beginning to understand my settings so much better and that makes me happy!