23 Comments
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Anna's avatar

Beautiful. I love photography that has an abstract look about it. I want to learn photography. I'm not sure I'm ready to tackle the exercises. However, it offers possibilities. Thank you.

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James Hider's avatar

Give it a go Anna. There are even some apps that allow long exposure on a phone.

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Anna's avatar

Thank you for words of encouragement. Seeing the work of talented photographers is always inspiring.

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Lin Gregory's avatar

I like these - particularly that last one...it brings a real sense of the coast and its colours. It's interesting to read about your experimentation with layers and how you achieved each image - it's very generous to share this so thank you.

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James Hider's avatar

Thanks Lin - that last image reflected what I felt was a perfect moment at sunset walking along the beach. I am happy to share - I don't think there are any great secrets out there!

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Angie Dawn's avatar

I absolutely love these images - especially the softer version of the first one. Thanks so much for sharing the stacking technique you used to achieve it :-)

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James Hider's avatar

Thank you Angie. It's a fun technique - and works well with a whole range of subjects.

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of ICM. But I am a big fan of play and exploration, trying something different than the way we usually work. It is great that you did that and shared your tips and experiences along with it!

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James Hider's avatar

I completely understand Susanne. Sometimes I have a play with ICM just to help me see a scene differently (I find that even a little video on my mirrorless or phone can reveal something I hadn't seen).

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

Oh, absolutely! I did a similar thing with double exposures the other day. Whatever works and inspires! ☺️

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Kevin Hansen's avatar

My favorites are the first and the last. Bold colors and contrast, with a certain geometrical composition. And less representational.

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James Hider's avatar

Thanks for the feedback Kevin. I can see the attraction of those two - they best captured the colour in the landscape.

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Gill Moon Photography's avatar

I love these James. The colours are vibrant and so beautiful. I especially like the third image where you have incorporated the dunes as well. They are so different for the usual work you share but they really evoke the mood and freedom of the coast.

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James Hider's avatar

Thanks Gill. It's always fun to limit yourself to one technique (or lens) to play around with it.

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Terry Willows's avatar

Really interesting images James and great to get some tips on ICM

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James Hider's avatar

I am very pleased you enjoyed Terry. Have you tried ICM? (It looks like you mostly do film photography - that could get expensive!)

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Terry Willows's avatar

No haven’t tried it and - as you say - think I need to try it on my digital rather than film camera!

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Erik Hogan's avatar

This really expands the limits of creativity James! Nice work!

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James Hider's avatar

It is always nice to try something different, Erik. Thanks.

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Jane Wisbey's avatar

Beautiful. Brings back happy memories of deserted beaches and sunsets in the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast. I especially like your first and last images for revealing so many tones in the water.

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James Hider's avatar

Sounds like a beautiful part of the world Jane. There is nothing like time spent on the coast.

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Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

Yes they do remind me of the beach I visit every year . Though it’s very different from this. The images are exquisite James.

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James Hider's avatar

Thank you Shital - there is something so elemental about the ocean and how it meets land and sky.

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