View allAll Photos Tagged Predictive
Our City Botanical Gardens are not far from the Uni and at times in the day there is a steady stream of students walking to uni or to their flats / accommodations so plenty of chances to predict someone will walk past and choose your focus point and framing. Taken while I was waiting for my wife's meeting to finish.
The weather forecast predicted clear skies to the West at sunset… which coincided perfectly with our planned visit to Neist Point… the most Westerly point on the Isle of Skye.
The sky was indeed (fairly) clear when we arrived at the point about half an hour before sunset… but the wind was blowing like crazy… and cold… my fingers were numb even before I’d managed to set up my tripod. Finding a unique and strong composition in these conditions would be quite a challenge… actually… in those conditions… standing up straight was quite a challenge!
I liked this composition as soon as I saw it. I liked how the two large rocks on the extreme left grabbed my eyes and drew them into the frame in the direction of the large cliff and lighthouse. I also liked how the rocks and cliff were roughly the same size in the frame… and I really liked that the cliff was approximately half-way (in the frame) between the rocks and the lighthouse.
The only problem with my composition… was that it felt a bit too heavy on the left. I might have been wishing for clear skies earlier in the day… but now I needed a big dark, heavy cloud on the right to balance out the composition. When I looked out to sea to my right… I noticed a low, light-grey cloud approaching fast. It took me a few seconds to realise that the low clouds was in fact rain… and it took less than a five minutes before I felt the first drop. That was when I took this photo.
Seconds later the rain was pelting down… I packed my camera away… huddled up behind a rock to escape the wind… and sat there with a huge grin on my face for a full five minutes. The approaching rain had created the perfect balance that I was looking for in my (completely unique) composition… magic moments… yeah this felt good!! This is what landscape photography is all about!
I do apologize for not having had much time for Flickr this week… I haven’t even had time to process more than a couple of images from Skye… but I promise to catch up with all your latest images sometime over the weekend.
Nikon D800, Nikkor 14-24 at 20mm, aperture of f11, with a 1/20th second exposure.
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My monthly self portrait to illustrate some of the feelings I experienced in 2022.
Anticipation Anxiety
Anticipation is a barrier
It stops you in your tracks
Paralysed by fear you cannot move forward
The void engulfs you
You don't know when it will be over
You cannot predict it
It just hangs in your soul weighing you down
If only the cannon would fire
Then, and only then, can you move on
P.S. Just for the record, this isn't how I am feeling now
these delicate snowflakes are a mere warm up for the two feet of snow predicted tomorrow. gird your loins and ready the shovels!!
"None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free." - Goethe
It is a huge belief of mine that none of us are free. Its also something that I wish I didn't believe. Its like the snooker-ball example - if you position the cue at a certain angle and input a certain amount of power, the white ball will move a certain distance, in a certain direction, and depending on the circumstances will cause a certain effect, that can be predicted, given that you knew all the circumstances (the positions of the other balls, for example). It's possible to predict with 100% accuracy the outcome of the shot.
The same thing can be applied to life, just in a really really really complex way. Because of every single circumstance in the world, everything that is going to happen is mapped out and ready to happen, right down to the millisecond. And we can't change it or argue with it because thats down to circumstance, too. You might want to leave a comment with an opposing argument - but BAM, you don't have a choice in that because thats the kind of person you are because of a whole other load of circumstances. You weren't free to choose. We are not free. Some like to call it fate. We are all fishies in the tank, not free to be able to choose to get out or not. And if we do get out, thats not our choice either, because thats just the kind of fish we were destined to be.
Mind vomit!
Here it is another night shot, long exposure, portraying the righteously world famous Swiss side of the Matterhorn mirroring in the calm waters of lake Stellisee (2.537 m).
I have already posted a few shots taken during the very same night.
Although these may look similar, each shot is a new scenario in itself, thanks to the movement of the clouds, which are stretched due to their movements during the exposure.
In this case I liked how they formed a sort of eye, within which lies the Matterhorn.
Actually, you can never exactly predict how the clouds will look like at the end of a long exposure, and this is certainly one of the most fascinating aspects of this photographic technique.
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©Roberto Bertero, All Rights Reserved. This image is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.
Well, as predicted, the second winter storm in a span of a week hit the Sedona area. This latest storm hit during the overnight hours so it was cool to wake up to a blanket of white on the red rocks and desert vegetation. Unfortunately, Mother Nature forgot to turn on the lights until mid morning so it was difficult shooting. The light went from flat to retina burning in a very quick period of time! This shot of Coffee Pot Rock is probably my favorite of the morning.
Tinderbox
Elton John
Nostradamus said "I predict
That the world will end at half past six"
What he didn't say, was exactly when
Was he listening to the radio?
Was he listening to the government?
Well he got us spooked anyway
We'd been running hot up until today
But a wind of change blew across our sails
We were coasting on a winning streak
We were kings until the power failed
We've been living in a tinderbox
And two sparks can set the whole thing off
Rubbing up together around the clock
Lately we've been getting more roll than rock
You and me together in a tinderbox
We've been shooting this great old barn for a few years now, and during the week, we got the sad news that it had succumbed to a grassfire.
My mate Paul did some investigation, and to our relief, and I'm sure the owners, it somehow escaped the fire relatively unharmed.
I've had a look back at some of my past images of it, and it looks like it held up pretty well.
In the unpredictable land and climate that we live in, this is one of the reasons I spend so much time looking for and photographing these beautiful character filled buildings. You just never know when they will be razed to the ground and gone forever.
This is why I love photography so much.
Capturing moments in time, and preserving memories.
Hope you like "Tinderbox"
Cheers, Mike
I checked the aurora predictor site I used and it called for activity this evening. Peeking outside, I could see faint moving light to the north, even with maladjusted eyesight. So I quickly bundled up (it was -26 C) and hopped in the car to zip down to my usual north-facing lakeshore view.
I set up very close to the shore because despite a few weeks of cold, there was still slush on the ice and I felt and heard frequent booms of the ice cracking.
This image is a panorama comprising 8 vertical shots using my manual 24mm Bower lens which handles night shots beautifully. The lights were dancing somewhat., and pretty brihgt, so I could use nice short shutter speeds.
Hugin didn't know how to stitch this image automatically, so I had to manually select individual stars in each image to use as control points. I'm pretty pleased with this, although I will try again with another set of shots which were darker but had more distinct aurora lines.
I wasn't sure this shoot would work because of the waxing moon, but it lit the snow nicely.
TE1742 (SN09CFX) blinded for Route 207 to White City, which could happen if this batch transfers to HZ
The Britain's WWII aircraft positional predictor with two operators. They always sold this model with one operator but in reality this needed about six people to operate it.
I was given one of these as a small child and it was always with my military models but, at that time, I did not know what it did.
See here for a Youtube video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG6Rr5Kg6Qk
There was no Youtube when I was small !!!!!!!
I have photographed this pine for 20 odd years and many of the creatures that lived in, on and around it. In recent times it has formed a texture layer in my multiple exposure adventures in-camera.
I know that our youngest granddaughter will be really upset when she learns that her old tree friend is no more.
A sad day.
The forecast for Thursday evening was looking promising, there was a predicted KP4 due to a CME and a cloud free sky, we thought this would be our big chance, finally a break in the weather so we could get to see the Northern Lights! We drove all the way to Kirkjufell (as the conditions were looking most favourable there) with the plan to camp in the car over night to give us the best chance of capturing a good image and then we could do sunrise in the morning and drive back to the hotel. This certainly was not the case!
Kirkjufell looks to most people to be a giant mountain with it's impressive silhouette, however at a tiny 463m, it is actually smaller than Mam Tor (for all you locals).
When we arrived, we couldn't even see Kirkjufell due to the low cloud, fog and snow storms. We kept our fingers crossed that it would clear up.... We got absolutely battered for most of the night by strong winds and heavy snow storms!!! Sunrise didn't exist, although I was able to capture some big stopper images from the water, making the most of the shore and snow lines. Who needs good weather eh?
To top it all off, we were warned by the locals to head back to Reykjavik as quickly as possible as a huge storm was going to hit Iceland within the next few hours, little did we know at that point, we'd be receiving a phone call from our hotel to our room informing us that whilst our car was parked 'safely' outside the hotel, a flag pole had blown over in the storms and landed on our car! I swear we can't go away without some kind of drama occurring! Suppose it wouldn't be an adventure otherwise!
Copyright ©2015 Sarah Louise Pickering
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No snow so far this winter, although La Niña apparently has now officially arrived, with colder temperatures forecasted this week, but still dry, which is still okay weather to go for a walk and take photos, and a punch of colour can still be found here and there.
This was a good chance to try out another Konica Autoreflex T, which is working wonderfully, including the meter. What I really wanted to try though, was the Hexanon 57mm f/1.2. Big lens, but very smooth to focus. My focus was off on this one though, which I predicted might be hard for me at f/1.2 and my jittery hands. I did manage a couple of "sharper" f/1.2 photos at the end of the roll.
Konica Autoreflex T, #2, test roll
Konica Hexanon 57mm f/1.2
Fujicolor C200, expired, frozen
Unicolor
Pakon F135
Previously in Chapter 6 The Two Societies
This piece gave me the title to this chapter and was what I listened to much of the time when writing. It perfectly sets the tone for these scenes and the events that take place in our story.
⚜️The voyage had been long, just as Tabitha Kinkade had predicted. And while not terribly eventful overall, there was one mystery that troubled them throughout their journey. Quite often they were watched by an ominous, dark figure. A man in a dark, hooded cloak. He always kept his distance, holding to the shadows. And while he never approached, he loomed over them the entire trip. At one point, Prince Jelani grew tired of the enigma and decided to confront the man. However, Tabitha advised caution, as situations such as these would usually reveal themselves in time. Tabitha had learned long ago in her training, that without provocation most things or people that lingered around her, would eventually proclaim their identity. And if provoked they might flee or be lost, which could result in a costly delay. Besides, he'd done nothing thus far that would warrant a confrontation. And so, they would allow circumstances to run their course.
⚜️Once safely landed at the port in Calcutta both Tabitha and Lexington needed a warm bath and some much-needed rest away from the constant bumping ride of the ship's cabins. One of their porters was from Algeria and spoke Tamazight, a native tongue of the Berber people. It was obvious that Lexington was delighted to talk to someone from his native lands, which made Tabitha smile watching her friend speak in a language she had not heard for so long.
⚜️When the two travelers finally arrived at their hotel, both Tabitha's and Lexington's multilingual skills came into play when dealing with her pets and the porter's fears. Tabitha had taken just two of her wolves on the journey, Rolf and Kiva, as they were natural mates. Neither offered any hostility toward the porters or anyone else for that matter without Tabitha's command. However, aside from their daily walks on board the ship, they'd spent a great deal of time in their cages and were quite restless. Fortunately, with some gentle persuading, they were able to calm the porters and settle into their rooms.
⚜️The next morning was Easter. It was Sunday and their contact from the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary had sent a carriage to pick them up for services.
"We're to attend the Christian services, my lady?" Lexington inquired as he held his hand to help her into the carriage.
Tabitha grinned politely before answering him with a lofty and nonchalant demeanor, as was her custom when jesting with her friend,
"But of course, Dear Lexington. It's Easter! You didn't believe we were going to escape services today of all days, did you?"
At which point, she patted the seat next to her in the carriage.
"Now, come along."
Lexington's grumbling, as the rickety carriage made its way along the bustling streets of Calcutta, nearly made her laugh aloud as they rode toward the church. Not having the heart to tease him farther, she looked over at the handsome Berber while placing her gloved hands around his arm.
"Dear Lex, I've gone too far this time."
At which time she did laugh.
"The look on your face.... oh, dear Lexington, I adore you so!"
Lexington began to smile a little himself watching Tabitha giggle then asked. "What has brought this on my lady?"
Tabitha finally composed herself and assured him that she didn't expect him to attend the Easter services at the church as it was not his faith. While Catholic herself, she nor her parents had ever forced Lexington into their religious beliefs. They believed the workings of the soul were God's work.
Lexington breathed a sigh of relief at the news but in the end decided to attend anyway, out of respect for Tabitha and for their host.
⚜️Father Thomas Haskell was a lean man in his sixties. His bald head looked slick and shiny in the bright sun and his white hair gleamed. When he shook Tabitha's hand, she felt how rough and callused they were, and his skin was leathery tan. It was obvious Father Haskell spent much of his time in the gardens around the church. He wore the traditional robes of a parish priest and as with most Catholic holy men of that day, he appeared humble and somewhat trite. After introductions were made, he did not hesitate to reveal to the duo that he not only believed in the evil beings that scoured the earth but were unfeigned in his support of the Shadowhunters.
"You and your kind my dear are destined to rid the world of these heinous creatures. I am at your disposal of course."
As the bells of the church rang and the church doors began to open the priest looked at the church and then smiled when he turned back toward his guest.
"It is a delight to have you both visit us this morning and if you'll forgive me Lady Kindake I must attend to my flock. Services are about to begin, and I am expected inside. I've reserved seats for you both, won't you follow me."
Tabitha nodded and smiled as did Lexington
"Of course, Father Haskell," she responded.
And with that, they both followed the priest toward the grand doors that opened to the church's foyer.
As they approached, both Tabitha and Lexington noticed a striking man standing near a fountain. His hair was dark as a raven's wing and his equally dark beard was neatly trimmed. He wore a very smart-looking cutaway coat and silk vest that gave away his social status and as the man began to walk in their direction Tabitha could see that he was of average height and appeared to be in his peak years. She also noted how mysterious and mesmerizing his eyes were, and it was at that moment a commotion could be heard at the entrance to the church which caught all their attention.
Father Haskell began to walk faster and broke into a run with Tabitha and Lexington close behind him. When they reached the onlookers, the priest was determined, but not overly aggressive as he made his way through the congregation that had gathered there. Once through the crowd, Tabitha was surprised to see that the mysterious man she'd noticed outside was already just inside the large doorway. Lexington reached to touch her arm quietly, his way of letting her know he'd noticed as well. Turning quickly to rejoin the priest, they were greeted with the most morbid sight. At the top of the staircase, hanging from her neck, and high into the massive, vaulted ceiling was a young woman. Her face, though discolored and contorted was still beautiful as her lifeless body swung several feet above the top of the staircase.
Wanting desperately to help, Lexington started to climb the staircase but quickly came back to his senses realizing the poor woman's body was well out of reach. Looking over at Father Haskell, Tabitha watched as he moved his hand over his chest making the sign of the cross. His eyes were filled with dread and tears as he gazed up at the woman's corpse. She thought he might be in shock as she walked over to him.
"Father! Father Haskell!"
Shaking his head, he looked at Tabitha and then back at the woman's corpse.
"Dear God, whatever shall we do?!"
Tabitha motioned for Lex to join her and as he approached, she responded.
"This is your church Father and your congregation. They're depending on you. I'd suggest you postpone services this morning or at least move them to another location as quickly as possible."
Father Haskell nodded, still bewildered when he gazed back up at the woman's body hanging there, but when he looked back at them both again, he appeared to be himself.
"Quite right Lady Kinkade. We can set up chairs and move services to the garden."
Lexington looked back up at the girl's body and then back to Tabitha.
"My lady, the local authorities will be here soon. I'd suggest, well, if Father Haskell would allow us to represent the church in this matter, we could begin an investigation."
Tabitha looked at the girl again then back at Father Haskell.
"Father, do you know this woman?"
He nodded as he answered.
"Yes, she came to me about a week ago, she told me she was having nightmares, very vivid nightmares that were very real to her."
Tabitha and Lex looked at each other then back at the priest.
"She said she'd been sleepwalking as well. I.. well, I just can't think. I must get this situation under control!"
Tabitha nodded, reaching to hold the priest’s hands. "That's quite alright Father. From what you've told us this young woman may hold clues to the mystery that's brought us to Calcutta and you. Will you allow us to represent the church and aid you?"
Father Haskell nodded as he knew the Kinkade name very well and Tabitha's father had been a friend. He also trusted Cardinal Antonio implicitly.
"Yes, yes of course. Cardinal Antonio has sent you to us after all. And as I said before, if there's anything you need, anything at all. Please let me know. For now, however, I have much to do and must leave you."
⚜️Her name was Malini Gadhavi. She had been a mother and wife and her father and mother owned a bakery in town. She helped her parents with the business as did her children. Her husband, Harshad worked on the docks. They had all been notified of her death. Malini's body was taken to a crypt beneath the church where so many people in the community had been taken for decades. Out of respect, Tabitha and Lex had not examined the body yet. When the family arrived, they both bowed their heads, watching as they were escorted to the undercroft. Neither Tabitha nor Lexington were looking forward to questioning them.
⚜️The afternoon wore on and with their interrogations near completion, they'd learned very little. That was until the woman's mother told them about one of Malini's dreams. Sitting with them in Father Haskell's office the poor woman stared blankly at a candle's flame as Tabitha held her trembling hands, listening. She said that on one occasion her daughter had been able to remember one of her dreams completely. Melini had said it was so clear in her mind, and unlike most dreams, it felt as though it had happened. In this nightmare, she had emerged from a cave not far from her home. She also told her mother there was a man there with her in a cloak and a hood over his head. This dark, ominous being followed her to the mouth of the cave. Malini said the man never came close but watched her from the shadows. Her daughter told her that in the dream she roared like an animal and when she peered into the trees, she could feel the forest come alive with the heartbeats and movements of every living creature. And then she told her mother that even at that distance she could not only hear but smell the people in town. It was then her mother began to cry. Tabitha comforted her, giving a nod to Lexington and Father Haskell. The interrogations were now over.
⚜️It had been a long day. Nighttime was upon them, and they all needed rest. Standing there in the small tomb, the air was cool, and the smell of old dirt filled their nostrils as they began to examine Malini Gadhavi's body. Her fingernails and toenails showed no signs of dirt, blood, or flesh. Her body, as well as her hair, was clean as though it had just been washed. There were also no injuries, not even a scar, and when they turned her on her side to look at her back there was no tattoo, no brand of any kind. Holding a candle over the young woman's corpse, Lexington glanced over at Tabitha.
"This is peculiar my lady. She should have some sort of brand on her even if she wasn't a member with the pack we seek."
Tabitha nodded but didn't look up as she continued to scan the woman's body for any evidence and clues.
"Agreed Lex, this is odd. Melini's dream was not an uncommon one for a werewolf, other than the presence of the dark man of course. And yet, I do not see a brand anywhere on her. Or any physical evidence she was Lycan for that matter. We must be missing something."
Lexington pulled his candle away to poor some of the melted wax onto the dirt floor and as he did, Father Haskell brought his lantern closer to help Tabitha see. Then just as Lex brought the candle back Tabitha gasped and cried out.
"Wait! I saw something. When you brought your candle back Lex. It was yellow like, like... It was something on her skin!"
Lexington and the priest looked at each other then back at Tabitha as she continued.
"The lights... somehow. Father, bring your lantern back to where you had it, and Lex you take the candle away, and then bring it back just as you did before."
Both did as instructed but Tabitha only sighed with disappointment asking them both to try again. Shaking her head, she was both exhausted and frustrated when she pounded her fist on the stone slab. After which time she folded her arms to lay her head down for a moment. Lexington watched her and then offered some sound advice.
"My lady let us retire for the evening and come back in the morning with rested eyes."
Tabitha looked up at him but didn't raise when she answered.
"No Lex, not yet. I know I saw something. We must find it!
With her head still laying on her arms, she looked at them both.
"Now let's do this again. And Lexington when you bring the candle back, do it very slowly please."
Lexington nodded unenthusiastically, then began to move the candle away from the woman's body when Tabitha screamed out.
"Stop! Don't move! Do you see it?! It's there on her shoulder. You must not move, either of you. It's the lights!"
Both men looked at each other, each wondering if the trials of this day had finally gotten the best of the hunter, then listened as she explained.
"It's the lights! Look see, the glass of Father Haskell's lamp is red, and so the flame gives off a deep red hue, while the candle's light of course is much brighter. Obvious of course but, if you carefully peer into the candle's blue flame and with the help of the red glow from Father Haskell's lantern you can see it!"
Taking a candle in hand she invited Lexington to take her place.
"Now as I hold the candle look through the blue of its flame Lex. Can you see it?"
Lex nodded and gasped, then excitedly scrambled for his journal. As he did, Tabitha looked at the priest's bewildered face and offered further explanation.
"My guess is it's phosphorous under the skin Father. The lights set off some sort of chemical reaction allowing it to be seen. Once Lex has studied the tattoo and made a drawing, we'll hold the lantern and candle so you can observe for yourself."
Having to peer through the flame made the study of the tattoo quite difficult, however, Lexington was able to examine it thoroughly.
"How very interesting Ms. Tabitha. The ink leaves no protrusions on the skin, and it's entirely undetectable under normal light conditions."
Tabitha smiled as she listened and nodded.
"Is it our pack Lex?"
"Yes, my lady. She was a member of the pack we're tracking.
Tabitha nodded once more and raised an eyebrow as she spoke.
"I think it's obvious that Malini Gadhavi was not a willing participant. The poor woman. Such torment."
Gathering herself she redirected her attention toward Father Haskell.
"Father, do you know of any caves in the area?"
The priest nodded as he spoke, the radiant red hue of his lantern causing his face to look very macabre under the low ceiling of the underground chamber.
"Why yes of course. There are several smaller caves, but Mawsmai Cave is the largest in the area. It's not far but it will easily be a day’s journey there and back."
Tabitha and Lexington listened intently,
"Could you show us on a map Father?"
"Of course. If you'll follow me to my office, I can set you on the right path."
Gathering their things, they followed Father Haskell from the dank black corridor where Malini Gadhavi's broken body lay. As they wearily made their way up the stone stairwell Tabitha muttered to herself.
"We will avenge you and your children Melini. Whoever did this to you will pay. I promise you."
A soft beam of light showed across the young woman’s corpse from the top of the stairs. From deep in the vault their faint voices could be heard and then the door closed, and all was dark, and all as silent, forever.
🐺🐺🐺🐺
⭐This capture and this chapter of this story could not have been possible without the help of some truly wonderful people who I'm honored to know as friends
.
⭐First of all I'd like to thank my dear friend and mentor Morgan Talbot who not only opened up his beautiful sim to me to I could take this shot but provided the build itself and many of the characters. He also took the time to model for this shot. Morgan's advice and support are always so very special to me. But perhaps calling him my friend is the most remarkable treasure of all. Thank you babes.💓
⭐Next, I would like to thank my dear friend Harper Blackwood for her help and for enduring my rough drafts for this chapter. Thanks for being the lab rat this time babes. Not a rat but like...in a lab. She gets it. lol But mostely I'd like to thank Harper for her support, her encouragement, and her precious friendship. You're the best girl.💓
⭐Lastly and as the say, certainly not least, I want to thank my very dear friend and mentor Marcus Strong. His unwaivering support and encouragement is precious to me. He's has always there to help in any way he can, whether thats advice, modeling, or just to tell me I'm doing a good job. I can never repay this man for all he's done for me. I'm honored to call him my friend. Thank you babes.💓
The weather forecast predicted cold temperatures and storm for the weekend ahead so I thought I should post a pic of blossoms I took yesterday ;-).
The spring feeling is better, if you view it in large.
Warm rich red, oranges and golds predict leafy new life to this unusual tropical tree that has delicate powderpuff flowers and dark foreboding chard-like bark.
Witches, trolls, ghosts... they seem to belong in this tree's world.Such a contrast to the rows of delicate new-red, orange and gold leaves that emerge from these fractured trunks. And the red and green mobile clusters that float about as they grow in the breeze.
Sabicu wood or sabicu comes from two species of the genus Lysiloma. Lysiloma sabicu (L.) Benth. occurs sparingly in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. It was named by George Bentham (1800-1884) from a Cuban specimen examined in 1854. Bentham went on to identify a second species, Lysiloma latisiliquum (L.) Benth., which grows best in the Bahamas. The latter is commonly known as 'wild tamarind' or 'false tamarind'.
The wood of both species is similar, mid-brown in color with a reddish hue, heavy (specific gravity of 0.40-0.75) hard and durable. Some timber is well figured, but most relatively plain. The wood has been used in construction, shipbuilding and furniture making, although its weight is a distinct drawback for the latter purpose. The stairs of The Crystal Palace in London, in which The Great Exhibition of 1851 was held, were made of sabicu due to its durability. Despite the enormous traffic that passed over them, the wood at the end was found to be little affected by wear.
Seen on my morning walk in Biscayne Park, a neighborhood in Miami FL
Captured at the predicted end of totality. This eclipse was moderately dark at totality and the colors of ozone band were muted for this event. I like the almost total time better than mid totality for photography as the solid red ruddy color gives way to other colors of blue and purple that grade across the Moon's disk. A bit more challenging to photograph but for me much more interesting. How the Moon sits in the Earth's shadow and as it moves through it results in a dynamic change in color that is fascinating to watch.
Captured with a Questar Telescope and Nikon Z8 in Tucson AZ. Tucson had severe weather rain high wind clouds that cleared as totality begin resulting in a quick set up when it was practical to do so. The Questar with its optics facilitates capturing the color gradation with its slower optics and high resolution.
Well well well, here's 667 again.
I correctly predicted that the Tiger European buses were doing something related to the university, and found them just a short walk from where I'd taken the previous photos. As a result, I was able to phot the Olympian and the Trident again, and in the sunshine this time! Y667 DRA departs Lincoln uni, with a load of unimpressed looking passengers, adjacent to Ropewalk on 29.6.23
Despite the fact that NCT's old Lolynes have ventured far and wide (and not so far in some cases), this is the first time I've ever photographed one with a different operator. I've just been unlucky enough never to see one at Marshalls, Paul S Winson or any other company besides NCT. Even with NCT I barely managed to get any Lolyne photos, as 668 at one of the Ruddington bus events was the only time I got to see one properly, and even then it was squashed between an E400 and an Omnidekka.
Like the Excels, the ELC Lolyne Tridents at NCT were mostly before my time as an enthusiast, but absolutely ingrained into my memories as a child. They were the sights and sounds of the city with their bright Go2 and network colours, howling engine idle, "ELC" on the rear and made far more of an impression on me than the Omnidekkas did - at least until the 36 got its Omnidekkas. The final 3 Lolynes were on their way out just as I got into bus photography, but I did at least get my photos of 668 plus one, terrible, grainy image of a green blob that's just about discernible as 666.
I never saw (or at least photographed) 667 while it was at NCT, so with today's photos I guess I could say I completed that batch... sort of!
The Night Before
19.00: Checked weather forecast. Hoar frost and patches of freezing fog predicted. Poured glass of wine.
19.00-20.00: Enjoyed another splash or two of the old vino while spending a frustrating hour of indecision determining a location for the best sunrise while maximizing the likely atmospheric conditions.
20.01: Tried to remember the exact physical mechanism that could explain how a bottle of wine could simply evaporate in the space of 60 mins. Thinking a Nobel prize may be coming my way if I ever crack it.
20.30: Discovered a smidge of brandy at the end of the bottle. In a fit of OCD housekeeping decided the bottle was littering the place up, so the only decent thing to do was finish off the contents and place in recycle.
20.31: Felt smug for doing my bit for the environment and household chores.
20.45: Finally decided on spot for tomorrow’s shoot. Plugged in camera battery to recharge. Excited to get back behind the viewfinder. Having done a good job of planning, it was time for a celebratory tot (or two) before setting the Casio for a ridiculous early start. Can’t remember going to bed.
The Day
05.30: Alarm went off. Hit snooze in a soporific haze. Repeated cycle. Repeatedly.
06.15: Woke up household has I stumbled around trying to simultaneously pack camera bag (last night I seemed to forget to gather lenses, sd cards, etc. can’t imagine why), get dressed, have a cup of tea (somethings are sacrosanct, no matter how late you are running), and work out why my head was feeling like a freshly washed pillow. Some swearing may have been involved.
06.45: Finally got in the car and headed off. Later than planned.
06.46: Released a tirade of Anglo-Saxon colloquialisms as I realised I would miss the exact moment of sunrise. More Tourette-esque outbursts as I looked out of the windscreen and saw the hoar frost had not materialised and the promised glorious misty morning was not looking very, well, misty.
07.25: Finally parked up in Normanton, Rutland. Rapidly donned wellies (note to self – check the auto spellchecker has not changed “wellies” to “willies”, like it did last time. The resulting confusion and threatened legal action took a long time to resolve) and hiked off to the edge of the reservoir.
07.40: Air temp: -1 deg C, all surfaces covered in a thin veneer of ice, courtesy of the night’s frozen fog (which had mysteriously disappeared)
07.41: Found a good location to set up… a sloping wall running down into the water that I could use as a base for my tripod.
07.42: Put camera and filters on wall as I placed tripod in position.
07.42 + 30 seconds: Heard a thud as camera slowly slid off ice-covered wall and fell onto the gravel.
07.42 + 35 seconds: Frightened local joggers and dogwalkers as I shook my fist at the heavens and (very) loudly berated the gods for my misfortune and noting, with extreme-prejudice, that gods have no fathers.
07.50: Attached ND filter on freshly cleaned up camera and placed on tripod.
07.51: Pressed button on IR remote release. Nothing.
07.52: Pressed button repeatedly while promising to have some severe words with any random deity that may come wandering in this general direction. Still nothing.
08.00: Finally worked out the battery was flat and long-exposure shots were going to be limited to 30 seconds.
08.01: Noticed that my foot was getting very wet and very, very cold. Bloody wellies had leaked. Badly.
08.02: Started taking 30-second snaps as a most glorious mist rolled in across the lake and the church was cast in a beautiful dawn light.
08.05: Soggy foot had gone completely numb. Mind started wandering to vague memories of a first aid course that described the signs and symptoms of frostbite.
09.30: Finally departed Rutland with a smile on my face because I had finally got out to take some photos.
Equipment: Nikon D7000, Nikkor 10-24mm @10mm. ISO 400, F3.5, 30 sec. 7-stop Hitech Firecrest ND filter. Manfrotto tripod
Post-production: 5-shot pano merged in Photoshop. Curve layers to control local exposure. Image warped to remove barrel/spherical distortion. Partially desaturated.
As predicted on The Film Photography Podcast - Beloved Chrome Slide Film is being reintroduced by Kodak Alaris and to be Available in Fourth Quarter 2017
35mm and Super 8!!!!!
filmphotographyproject.com/content/news/2017/01/kodak-ala...
As predicted, the California central coast was hit by high surf this morning. The big waves were 20 to 30 feet high, and the ocean was extremely unsettled.
The sky was blue, and fortunately the tide was low and the gentle wind was coming from the east. Otherwise, our house would be in danger.
Pacifica had a huge number of visitors, many from inland. Despite warning signs, one person, yet to be named, climbed down on the rocks and was taken by a sneaker wave, apparently while his family watched.
One wonders how anyone could fail to sense the danger that nature sometimes displays.
I observed that you could watch the waves and get an idea of what might be safe. HOWEVER, an area that is dry and for 20 minutes never gets hit, can be the next target of a surprise wave. These conditions are very dangerous, and people not familiar with the ocean can be fooled to death.
A 4 hour search by the Coast Guard, with 2 helicopters and 3 boats, turned up nothing.
I feel so sad for this man's family.
It has been a while since I shoot the ocean last time. When weather forecast predicted some light while the sunset was at negative tide, I had no hesitate to shoot the ocean to start this season.
First Leeds have invested in over 30 of these Wrights Streetdeck vehicles primarily for busy routes 1 & 6. They carry this bright new livery with Leeds City fleetname, the red being the specific corridor brand. No 35266 is seen here fresh from the wash departing for a publicity appointment in the city. Of course it reintroduces two tone green to the streets after many years, something many couldn’t have predicted.
With clear skies predicted for lots of my shooting locations on Friday night, my decision wasn’t one of “should I go out and risk it being cloudy”, but more the case of deciding which location I should visit. Although I was faced with a drive of over two hours each way, it had been a couple of years since my last trip to these silos south of Goulburn, Australia, so that’s where I went. Despite two different cloud-forecast services indicating cloudless skies all night, there was a large cloud bank to the south, and southeast of the silos, seen here at the bottom right-hand corner of the photo.
Even though this is a rural locality, there is a car speedway off to the east, and its carpark lighting seems to be left on all night. That was frustrating, but one of the lights did provide a nice “starburst” effect through the support structures that hold up the silos.
Almost as bright as that light below the silos is the planet Jupiter, rising into the heavens and situated above the line between silos two and three (counting from the left). Like all photographs this one doesn’t convey the smells that were assailing my nostrils as I stood outside the compound, clicking away to try to get a few good shots.
For this single-frame photo, I used a Canon EOS 6D Mk II camera, a Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 lens @ f/2.4, with an exposure time of 15 seconds @ ISO 6400.
As predicted, a more painterly edit of the Chinook pass Superpano. I'm to close to it to tell if I like it now, but I think I do. Compare to here
I think this will look probably look superb on my Hahnemuhle Fine Art Baryta
(and for goodness sake compare it large on black... its an epic landscape after all!)
One can consider the presentation of this spectacular hardtop coupe as an ultimate afford to gain attention of the audience to persuade them for buying a Packard. The financial position of Packard was terrible in 1956. But it wasn't much of a help.
Richard 'Dick' Teague (Los Angeles, 1923-1991) designed the Predictor. It was built at Carrozzeria Ghia, Torino in Italy on a Clipper platform. In ninety days the Italians managed to get this project ready, just in time for the Chicago Car Show.
The Predictor had all kinds of new automotive features, like tilting headlights, roof doors rolled back when opening the door, lowering back window, swiveling seats, dashboard design which followed the hood profile, a power operated trunk lid, and a wraparound windshield that curved into the roof.
Many car brands copied several novelties: the grille at the 1958 Edsel, the roof line at the 1958 Lincoln Premier, the rear bumper at the 1958 Oldsmobile, opera windows or portholes in the rear pillar at the 1957 Thunderbird, and the headlights at the 1962 Corvette.
Only one Predictor was made. It still exists and is on display at the Studebaker National Museum, South Bend, Indiana (see photo).
6128 cc V8 engine.
Production Packard Predictor: 1956.
Image source:
Video still from a movie of a visit to the Studebaker National Museum, South Bend, Indiana, by OldModelTGuy.
Seen on YouTube.
Halfweg, July 16, 2024.
© 2024 Sander Toonen Halfweg | All Rights Reserved
[EN]
This Sunday, October 17, the Photopills application predicted that the Moon would rise behind Mont Viso (Italy - 3848m) if we were at the top of Pain de Sucre (France - 3208m).
In addition to the loaded hiking bag (2 tripods, 2 cameras, 1 Sky Watcher 102/500 refractor, 1 300mm lens), the climb was dangerous because there was ice and there was no real path to get to the top of Pain de Sucre.
Although I am 9km from Mont Viso, it looks like a juggernaut.
In addition, helicopter rescue was not far away since the yellow helicopter passed in front of the Moon!
EXIFS:
- Canon 6D + Sky Watcher 102/500 (f / 4.9) on tripod.
- Panoramic photo composed of 4 images taken in portrait.
- Each photo is a single exposure of 1/800 ° of a second at ISO 200.
Location: Summit of Pain de Sucre / Hautes-Alpes / Queyras / France.
[FR]
Ce dimanche 17 octobre, l'application Photopills prédisait que la Lune se lèverait derrière le Mont Viso (Italie - 3848m) si nous étions au sommet du Pain de Sucre (France - 3208m).
En plus du sac de randonnée chargé (2 trépieds, 2 caméras, 1 lunette Sky Watcher 102/500, 1 objectif 300mm), la montée était dangereuse car il y avait du verglas et il n'y avait pas de vraiment de chemin pour arriver au sommet du Pain de Sucre .
Bien que je sois à 9km du Mont Viso, ce sommet emblématique se présente comme un mastodonte.
De plus, la surveillance aérienne n'était pas loin puisque l'hélicoptère jaune est passé devant la Lune !
EXIF :
- Canon 6D + Sky Watcher 102/500 (f/4,9) sur trépied.
- Photo panoramique composée de 4 images prises en portrait.
- Chaque photo est une pose unique de 1/800° de seconde à 200 ISO.
Localisation : Sommet du Pain de Sucre / Hautes-Alpes / Queyras / France.
Cloud pattern predicting a change in the weather. Later that day a second cold front (two in 24 hours) brought much cooler temperatures and dropped the humidity like a rock . . . the sky was right as usual :-)
As many predicted when they first showed up on the property, the Progress Rail (EMDX) SD70ACe-T4s being leased by KCS have become rolling dirt magnets. Exhibit "A" is EMDX 7209 leading the M-KCVN on the UP Springfield Sub, about to cross the TRRA Illinois Transfer at Valley Junction in East St. Louis, IL in order to enter KCS' East St. Louis yard. 7209 has become a regular on this run, bouncing back and forth between Kansas City and St. Louis.
In trail: KCS AC44CW #4587 and KCS (ex-CN) GP40-2LW #2906.
Although you can't see its replacement for the trees, that searchlight on the KCS main to the left doesn't have much time left. In fact, it may already be gone; I haven't been down here in a week or two. All of Valley Junction is on the same trajectory. Get your pics now.
October 9, 2007
Weather report is rain tonight. It's a fall day on the Pacific Ocean.
Pacifica, CA USA
5251_MamaClouds
Picked up this side table on CL this morning. Thinking it might be from Paul McCobb's Predictor Group. Anyone know for sure?
More snow was predicted today for the area I live in, but it hasn't arrived. So with no snowscapes to photograph, I've been looking through my summer photos. As this beautiful tower stands on such a high point, I can get photos of it with lovely blue sky behind it. I visited the tower during a day out with my friend
Broadway Tower was the brainchild of the great 18th Century landscape designer, Capability Brown. His vision was carried out for George William 6th Earl of Coventry
with the help of renowned architect James Wyatt and completed in 1798.
It is one of England's outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. Unrivalled views survey an expanse of a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 Counties.
from a real moon capture
General relativity
In 1915, Albert Einstein developed his theory of general relativity, having earlier shown that gravity does influence light's motion.
Simulation of gravitational lensing by a black hole, which distorts the image of a galaxy in the Background
The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass can deform spacetime to form a black hole.
A black hole is a region of spacetime exhibiting such strong gravitational effects that nothing—not even particles and electromagnetic radiation such as light—can escape from inside it.
Open questions
1. Entropy and thermodynamics
Without a satisfactory theory of quantum gravity, one cannot perform a computation for black holes.
2. Information loss paradox
Is physical information lost in black holes?
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Ein Schwarzes Loch ist ein Objekt, das in seiner unmittelbaren Umgebung eine so starke Gravitation erzeugt, dass weder Materie noch Information (etwa Licht- oder Radiosignale) diese Umgebung verlassen kann.
Nach der Allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie verformt eine ausreichend kompakte Masse die Raumzeit so stark, dass sich ein Schwarzes Loch bildet.
Eine direkte Beobachtung von Schwarzen Löchern gilt als praktisch unmöglich.
As predicted the timing of the shower and the presence of the Moon adversely impacted the shower's presentation in this time zone. But there were meteors, several captured, among them this one transiting the Big Dipper at 6:06 am as the blue glow of the predawn was appearing behind the foothills. The foothills are lit by Moonlight the Moon being out of frame slightly picked up by the curvature of the 14 mm lens
another meteor: flic.kr/p/2koExMu.