[Les Meehan]

OK, let it rip...

[Markulous]

Bet it looks good in colour, with that sky!

[Gary Bagshawe]

Now I really like that, sky looks a bit wierd though.

[Les Meehan]

Originally Posted by Gary Bagshawe

Now I really like that, sky looks a bit wierd though.

This is not a manipulated image, the scene was as shown. The sky was simply amazing that day!

This image would not have been possible without digital technology. The original was made using my Mamiya RB67 and 37mm fish-eye lens (of course the fish-eye with it's almost 180 degree view helped dramatise the sky further for me). I used Ilford FP4 plus BUT the batch was faulty (unbeknown to me until after processing) and the negative has the backing paper numbers and marks all over it (obviously batch exposed to light during manufacture I suspect). If it wasn't for the fact that I could scan the neg and retouch out all the crap courtesy of Ilford this image would never have seen the light of day.

It is one of my favourite images. Having said that many people don't like the name carved into the rock, Mr Riley, but this is a piece of history. Marks left by someone from the 1920's I believe.

[_MB_]

God bless Ilford... although the faults you found sound annoying.

Gut feeling is "wow" and I think it would be very unkind to pick holes in this image. But it is in critique so I'll just highlight one or two things that imo don't sit right if you view it for a few minutes.

from "Perry" above, there's not a thing wrong. Its the sort of sky you'd lie on your back and feel like falling up into. The tonal range captured in the rocks is second to none.

The rock with the names on is the only part I think looks a bit odd. It may be because this rock is not dead parallel to you (although this would probably have resulted in a shadow of yourself falling on the scene), it may be because the names are not as prominent as I somehow feel they should be, it may because the face of that rock appears to be being lit nearly head on by the sun, making the detail here less impressive than the shaded rocks higher up. I think its fair to say I would not have these criticisms had there been no carving on the rock. But had it been me, I'd have had those names occupying a much bigger part of the frame, whilst not sacrificing the wonderful rock formations higher up.

You're quite right to consider this a favourite, it is excellent.

[Les Meehan]

MB

I know what you mean about the lighting, one of the odd things about images done with such a wide angle is that since the image contains so much of the scene it tends to contain areas with lighting seeming to be from different angles, which of course it does.

The foreground rock in this image always seems to be a love it or hate it kind of thing for people.

Remember also that there is a heck of a lot of lens distortion going on in this image. Although since the rocks have 'organic' shapes this is more of a visual ambiguity than an obvious problem as it might be with say a building. I love the fish-eye on the RB67 and now want to get out and use it more!!

[Rob Barron]

I find this an intriguing picture and keep going back to look at it again, the mark of a great pic in my opinion.

I love the fact the rock has writing on it and would have had to give you a stern talking to had you removed it Old names and messages carved in rock in places that look inaccessible have been part and parcel of wild and rugged scenes for donkey's years. Hunt around the craggy limestone outcrops around the Lake District and you'll find many a name, often with a date going back to the C18th.

In this case it adds an air of intrigue that fits perfectly. The sky DOES look a bit weird because of the way that cloud trail looks like it is being swirled around the rock outline but you said this is not manipulated and I entirely believe you. But to me it just adds to the whole quirky feel of the whole shot.

Great stuff Les,
Rob

[Les Meehan]

Thanks Rob.

Yes, it was exactly that cloud shape that drew me to the scene since it echoed the shape of the big rock. This is quite a landmark near Littleborough, north(?) of Rochdale, and is well worth a visit for a brisk walk (nice pub grub close at hand for afters too). There is also a superb example of a Roman road as part of the walk.

[IanHoughton]

This I really like, great effect by using the wide angle and I love that sky.

The writing on the rock has a real intrigue about it, makes you wonder who they were and what they were doing back then in that area.

[Rob Barron]

Cheers Les, sounds a nice 'brisk walk' but being north of Rochdale it's also a brisk 250-mile drive before I start the walk

Rochdale isn't a town I've ever driven through to be honest so not sure I'll be passing any time soon.

Guess I'll just have to look at your pic and be jealous

Cheers,
Rob

[Les Meehan]

[sawdust]

Wow Les what a fantastic photo this one will run and run you have to keep coming back too have another look

[Les Meehan]

Cheers Sawdust.

BTW, everyone spotted the second 'face'?

[Ali]

I really enjoy looking at this image.

The sky is fantastic, the writing on the rocks intriguing. The more I look at the rocks the more 'faces' I can see, whether they are the same faces other can see remains to be seen!.