Re: Today in pictures
 

Number 4 couldn't be bettered , so atmospheric .

I also like the colours in number 5 .

Re: Today in pictures
 

Nice blur effect on the running water, did you have to balance the camera on a rock for them.

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Thanks, number 4 almost looks like a HDR picture, but its not, the colours in 5 are due to a brief waft of sunshine which passed over very quickly.

The blur effect was an exposure of 15 seconds and I had a small bendy tripod in my pocket, now that the light is going around 3.30pm I took it with me just in case.

Re: Today in pictures
 

I`ve seen that effect on quite a few photos just recently on another forum i`ve just joined (for photoshop tips)

Re: Today in pictures
 

Not something I have done a lot as I don't take a tripod out on a regular basis.
What with a new camera and learning from a forum for pictures, we will all have to watch out.

Re: Today in pictures
 

New camera or not, i`ve a long way to go to get to your standard Dave.
I like to have a go at learning something new every now and again, so decided to have a go at photoshop. It`s slow going as there are a lot of settings, but it`s very interesting seeing what others can do.
I`m sure i`ve mentioned before my camera has a rather nasty scratch on the lens that shows up in some pics (angel of the north in the last comp for one), from what i`ve learned so far, I can now fix a lot of those.

Re: Today in pictures
 

I would strongly recommend Photoscape.......not to replace what you have already got, but as another tool. It is very easy to use and has lots of different applications.
Dave recommended it to me and I have had hours and hours of fun manipulating pictures.

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It has to be number three for me...though I do like number 5 too.....but the composition of number three just does it for me(not that I really know much about composition - I just know what I like!)

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I`ve looked at that also Margaret, you mentioned it in a previous post (the one with the sketch pics I think) and I had a look then, i`ve also tried GIMP, both are very good, and free which is another bonus.

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Yes...I like FREE!
I like that photoscape is easy to use...it doesn't confuse me with vectors and rasters.

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Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey, i`m nowhere near vectors & rasters. At the moment it`s been curves, levels, lasso tool, magnetic lasso, sharpening and clone stamp (this is the tool to fix the scratch mark). These are the only things i`ve had a play with at the minute.

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I haven't found any editing tool that can sharpen a fuzzy image - though I have tried. If I find that if I have a fuzzy picture, I ditch it.....saves wasting time trying to make it something it is never going to be......sharp and clear.

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It`s more when you`ve resized it to post on the forum rather than out of focus, and I haven`t used it a lot really.
A good example of what can be achieved is the cat in this link -
Free Photoshop Tutorial - Sharpening I.

Re: Today in pictures
 

This Photo software can be a very personal choice, I bought Paintshop Pro x5 thinking it would help, it just boggled my mind, so I went back to Photoscape as it did just what I wanted it to do, with plenty of stuff still to learn later.
I even dabbled with RAW, now that did mess with my melon, so its JPEG for me. However its all down to what you feel confident using, and that will always be different for each of us.
One thing that did help, now keep this to yourself or everyone will be doing it, tutorials on You Tube, I found that the series by Tony Northrup was at my level and he didn't have a voice that annoyed me, he does plug his book a bit, but that is the price for watching.

Two things guide me when I am taking a picture, the rule of thirds, and lead in lines, everything else is down to moist gussets and falling over, the last two have to be experienced by each person on a private basis. When you have experienced a moist gusset encounter you will have a moment when you say, that dave mac was right. Just a word of warning to the person new to the moist gusset, a coating of dubbin will help in the initial stages until you build up antibodies.

Having got that off my chest, has anyone else got any tips or tricks they use when snapping ?

Re: Today in pictures
 

Dave I had an earlier Paintshop Pro...bought the book that was supposed to make it all clear.......came away from that thinking I must be thick because it still didn't make much sense.
As for tips.......I shoot first, rarely think about the lead in lines, or the rule of thirds......I snap what appeals to me and sometimes, just sometimes it works for me.
I have ideas in my head about what a pic should look like...about the kind of capture I would like to make.
Some of yours Dave, make me weep...because you got 'em and I didn't(and I mean that in the nicest, humblest way).

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I`m going to have a play with RAW also, but have to use a program provided by sony as photoshop can`t read the RAW images from my camera, I think I would have to upgrade to cs6 for that.
You`re right in that it`s what suits the individual, and i`m sure the more I learn, the more complicated things will become and I am finding I get more help if I ask a photoshop question rather than a GIMP question. I actually would have preferred to stay with GIMP as it`s also available for linux but a lot less people use it than photoshop so help is not as easy to come across.

Roll on weekend when my new camera can have a proper outing.http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/w...1136752897.gif

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I hope we get a nice dry bright weekend for you to test out your new camera...and that you have a very enjoyable time.

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I would like to think that if any of us takes a photo that appeals to others then they could go out and put their slant on the snap, or build on an idea.

This rule of thirds just means don't bang things in the middle, either vertically or or horizontally, and once you get used to it, you do it without thinking.

Its good to have ideas to work on,it keeps the interest there, I myself am looking for a specific type of street furniture, but not spotted it yet.

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Press the shutter

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I am now trying with RAW and adobe lightroom 5

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I think there is more help for photoshop, it seems to be the one that is referred to in magazines , and the pro's use it. Anyway good luck in your quest.

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What new camera have you got Dave?

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Today in Pictures, after heavy rain overnight to subject for today just has to be moist.

1. First we have to head down to the wet bits.
2. Now the leaves are off the trees, they can be a big spooky, or is it me being a big softy.
3. It doesn't look it but it is wet underfoot.
4. Just over to the line of trees, and the wet bits.
5. That large tree is on borrowed time, close up it is riddled with fungi.
6. And now the wet bits.
7. Sitting down to take the shot starts off the moist moments.
8. As they say, you have to be in it to wet it.
9. From here it feeds into the Calder.
10. A slight detour, Clapper Bridge, with Dean Brook flowing underneath.

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Dave your moist moments are great.It's a good job I can't hear the water.

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Not me, its Mr gpick who has a new Sony, and a very nice camera it is too.

If you run the tap in the bath and look at the pictures it gives you a good idea of how noisy it was.

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Thanks, although I wouldn`t call it a quest, just something i`ve kind of fell into, but as I said, I like to try to learn something new every now and again. Sometimes it works out OK, sometimes it`ll last a short time and get fed up. Who knows how far i`ll get, only time will tell.

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Contributing to this thread will do two things, it will keep you interested, and with time, will fine tune your picture taking. I don't think you would have got a new camera just to get fed up.

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I`ve always been one for taking pics, I don`t think that will go away, but photoshop may just be a passing fad. At the moment it`s something to pass the time at work in our yearly quiet spell.

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Got it, stick with the software, it will get better.

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Thanks for helping us to see beauty in what we so easily take for granted . :)

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Thanks for the kind words, I like to think I get a moist gusset so you don't have to.

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Hello again everyone! I still have a lot of catching up to do on Accy Web, but for now here are a few photos from last week: Runaway Bay Jamaica.

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Welcome back, hope you are well rested before you get stuck into the festive season.

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well, you didn't need your woolly vest.
Some lovely pictures......could do with a spot of that warm sunshine.
Glad to have you back Carolyn.

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Drama in the 'hood today:

Fire at a construction site just down the street. And the crane operator was trapped on his crane.
And here comes the cavalry:alright:

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That was close ... I had the critters all loaded up and ready to leave.

Massive Kingston, Ont, fire traps crane operator - Ottawa - CBC News

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I had to use Photoshop for my graphics job back in the 90's. I just knew enough to get by, but they kept sending myself and members of my office for workshops in it. I got so fed up, my eyes would glaze over too! It's even more complicated now than it was back then, but I still use it occasionally on a very basic level.

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Whew! A lucky escape for all concerned.

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Thank you - it I'm a little too laid back now for my own good! Christmas? What's that?

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Thank you Margaret. After I got finished shovelling snow off my driveway today, I've enjoyed going back and looking at all the great photos I've missed!

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Today in Pictures, a late departure put me close to sunset, and as a result I was able to catch the sun building up to a fiery departure.

1. Just started to walk around Huncoat Colliery site.
2. How am I going to get my dog over that................ (I snapped this some time ago but forgot about it until I came across it again).
3.The cloud cover is reflecting the sun into red colours.
4. Looking in the other direction Whalley Nab on the left, Pendleton Moor on the right, with the Leeds Liverpool canal wiggling through the picture, and the herds of Caribou feeding on the frozen tundra in the foreground,........... I think I just have over egged it there.
5. Pylons and turbines dancing in the evening sky.
6. The RSPCA Centre at Altham basking in the evening twilight. There is a sound of sadness here, the barking of the dogs rescued from bad homes, and those that are no longer wanted, yet, all they want is to be a friend to someone.
7. All this fiery sky and not a wet bit in sight.
8. Oops.
9. The sun is going down now, and the colours are fading.
10. Time to head for the way out, it is dark now and the temperature is falling.

Re: Today in pictures
 

You must be fed up of me saying this
Dave.......'brilliant pics, wish it had captured them'.
They are all lovely, but I really am drawn to number 4 and the last pic....superb!

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Thanks for that, number 4, I was stood on the footbridge over the motorway, a bit giddy making as the traffic whizzed underneath, and the last one was just that, the last picture before time for tea. I was going out earlier but got delayed, if I had gone on time I would have missed it all.

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More fire pics:

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Hot damn are those search and rescue guys ever good ... way to go RCAF. Look how close that chopper is ... and with all the heat rising from the fire just below ... amazing flying. And let's not forget the Kingston Fire Department ... Great work guys.:alright:

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BBC News - Daring helicopter rescue of man trapped on crane above fire

You made the BBC news, Eric. That pilot must have had cool nerves.

Some people will do anything to stop rowdy students moving in.

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Amazing flying is right......right over a fire and close to power cables(or at least they look like power cables).....the pilot deserves a medal!

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Yes, they are power cables ... and only about 150m from where I live ... I was lucky 'cause the wind was from the NE, blowing the smoke and the flames away from me ... the crane operator was a smart lad; before the fire got too intense he pointed the boom into the wind and crawled 65m to the end. Temp was in the minus 20s. Amazingly, no one was badly hurt. The crane operator had only minor injuries. The crane is still standing, barely ... engineers are trying to figure out how to get it down without its crashing on residential buildings ... it is a residential area. But there is a chance that it will come down on its own. Kingston police have the area blocked off ... as soon as I can get close I'll try to get more pics of the damage.

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best taxi in accrington?:D

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Neat looking cab ... but isn't the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car:confused:

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Maybe for you

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More great shots, Dave Mac. Thank you.

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Great photos Eric.

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Today in Pictures, only had 30 minutes to play today, so a quick scuttle around Lower Barnes Street.

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love the monochrome in no 1

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The monochrome effect works wonderfully for No.1 - especially on the cobbles! I like the way the eye is led into the picture.

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A few more from Jamaica...
1. A cheeky Egret waiting to be thrown some goodies
2. The entrance to the Bob Marley mausoleum gift shop (yes, I kid you not!)
3. Some interesting flotsam washed up on the beach. I don't know what the green things are. Maybe egg casings or jellies?
4. I seem to find one wherever I go! This guy was super friendly and has the run of the resort. I thought he was a she, until he turned his back on me.
5. Some orchids.
6. A rooftop in the mountains at Nine Miles.
7. A rooster just wandering around, also at Nine Miles.
8. Sparkly tiles at the resort, and my sister's manicured tootsies.
9. The moon and the wing that got me home. One of them, anyway.
10. Back to reality. I wanted to spend more time on shooting the icicles, but the snow plough kept getting in the way.

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Sunshine to snow ploughs, that must be a shock to the system ! nice pics.

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I like the way it took me back to the 50s when I used to wander around down there.

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bash Christmas trees .. and a sign in the window of the arden pub ...:D oh and sunset on rising bridge boulevard ...

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Jen...these pics of the decs need to go into the comp...they are brill!

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I taught him all I know :D

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Mr Puss so reminds me of my white cat who died in May this year....he had very similar markings and a coon type tail.

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Today in Pictures, another late start, the sky was on fire briefly, then it was gone.

1. A quick snap from the canal tow path.
2. Almost at the park.
3. Park gates.
4. Forts Arms.
5. Heading back up Hygiene.
6. Looking back down Hygiene.
7. Across the road to Checkers.
8. The canal is at the top.
9. At the canal.
10. Looking back down Checkers.

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Your hand is getting steadier.

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I think practice makes it a bit better.

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I send you my sympathy for your loss, Margaret. Our feline friends leave us too soon, but always leave lasting and fond memories.

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Spectacular night scenes! I viewed these backwards from #10 to #1. At #8, I said "Ah!". At #7, I said "Oh!."
Number 6 elicited a gasp, and #5 had me in awe. Need I say, great photos?

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I seem to have got a castle theme into my pics.
1 & 2. Raby Castle
3 & 4. Barnard Castle
5 & 6. Brough Castle
7 & 8. A couple of stream pics.
9 & 10. A Viaduct.

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Nice collection of Castles and wet bits, a couple look a bit like HDR, are you giving it a go ?

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That wasn`t my intention, but you are right some have been given the HDR treatment a little, although it was from a single file so not ideal. It did bring out the clouds a bit though.

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I think you have to give various techniques a go, I am not a fan of HDR however the last one works for me.

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I`ve seen some good HDR pics recently, thought I would give it a go. I think it`s best done when taking the photo though, but as an afterthought, they don`t look too bad.
I`ve been after a pic of that viaduct for months, seen it from the motorway but took three attempts to find it.

Re: Today in pictures
 

Great photos again - have enjoyed a catch up on the thread, such an amazing range of subjects and places. Some lovely ones in for the competition too -I'm in to Cremona tomorrow morning Xmas shopping - will take my camera and check out the xmas lights and decorations as I look for presents. :)

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Today in Pictures, today I was as busy as a very busy person with extra busy bits, however I was determined to at least grab a few snaps.

1. Woodnook water as it whooshes past The Pals centre.
2. In the background, the chimney of the old toffee factory.
3. Stanchions and a wet bit, I am happy.
4. You wouldn't want that biting your bum.
5. Moleside and Hameldon Hill in the background.
6. The toffee factory again, I cant for the life of me remember the name.
7. That's a bears behind on the left.
8. I just heard a shot from behind the grassy knoll.
9. I think this is the first time I have shown you my baubles.
10. Why is he smiling, he is sat in the snow.

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And they`re dry as well.:D

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Well they are 12 foot from the ground!

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Now that`s just bragging.

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Stilts.

Re: Today in pictures
 

That`s the horrible mixture of age and gravity. Them women have it easy.

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Isn't the toffee factory Stockleys ,Dave?

Re: Today in pictures
 

That's the one, I couldn't bring it to mind, I think at one time it was on the chimney.

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I think they have moved to Ossy Mills

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They did, I think they also had premises in church up by the library.

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They are now at Shadsworth Ind. Est.

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Ice Storm Round 1: hunkering down for round 2 this afternoon. Expecting widespread power outages, so sandwiches for dinner!

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How picturesque

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A very windy day today, we did get a bit of sunshine as well though. No HDR tomfollery today, in fact, nothing but re-sizing.
1. Up near the windmills.
2 & 3. A couple of stream pics.
4 & 5. Some doggy mug shots.
6. I slipped on my ass more than once going down there.
7. First try at this effect.
8. Wasn`t expecting to see mushrooms at this time of year.
9. Don`t think that sunshine will last much longer.
10. It`s still poking through the clouds on someone.

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The dogs look in their natural environment on the moors.Great Pics

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Thanks, if only she`d stop trying to chase the windmills.:rolleyes:

Re: Today in pictures
 

well she is a spaniel

Re: Today in pictures
 

She chases anything that moves, shadows, reflections, leaves blowing about. When she saw them spinning around she was off.

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The detail in 4 and 5 good, along with the depth of field. Some of my snaps are very similar today

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Thanks, finding the manual controls on this new camera much easier than my old one. Especially liking the manual focus, one of the most frustrating things about my old one was it never seemed to focus on what I wanted it to focus on.

Edit - Made a mistake in original post, all pics are untouched except the last one, just a bit of photoshopping on that one.

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Practice is the best way to learn. You don't have to explain a manipulated photo that's what photoshop is for. If you ask a professional photographer how many of them manipulate photos, he will say they all do.

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In my original post, I said I`d done nothing to pics except resize, then afterwards realized that the last pic had been altered slightly. I just wanted to be honest and and correct what i`d said earlier.

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Today in pictures, chasing the light.

1. The sun has gone over the hill.
2. It appears to be a turbine day.
3. Transporting power.
4. And now the wet bits.
5. I think after this shot I should get wet.
6. There we are, moist.
7. The waterfall from one side.
8. And the other.
9. Pot House Lane.
10. A moment on Moon Street.

Re: Today in pictures
 

Git it now, I understand.

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Lovely pics as usual Dave, No.7 has me a little befuddled, you have the long exposure effect on the waterfall, but some splash/spray that you wouldn`t get with a long exposure.
Have you been making a pact with the Pendle witches whilst up there.:)

Loving the silouettes also, especially No.1

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It was a bit of a blunder really but I used it a few times after, and it gives that effect. On my camera there is the option to dial up specific locations, this one was "night shot" which has predetermined speed, aperture and ISO already calibrated. however I had flipped the flash up for a previous shot and left it up. When I pressed the shutter it fired the flash, but the exposure was about 4 seconds (I have a tiny tripod) and the picture was the result. So I cant say its down to technique, more being a Muppet.