Mikes Photography

derek · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject: Derek Under The Spotlight

Full Name – Derek Plummer

1) What gear do you use?
Canon EOS 350D
Canon Kit lens
Tamron 18-250mm
Canon 28-135mm
Sigma 70-300mm
Tripod
Monopod
Various Filters
Canon Ixus 750

Canon Powershot A80 (hardly used now)
3 camera bags of varying size

2) What got you interested in photography?
I remember one of the first photos I ever took was when I was just a lad and I took a photo of a steam train leaving Carlisle station. It was in full steam and I thought the photo was great – I wonder what happened to it. I have always taken a lot of interest in camera angles and clever photography in films and TV programs . I always admired the photography in EVO magazine (car mag) and in Top Gear where I believe Mr Clarkson has one preferred cameraman /photographer whose skill I always marvel at. A few years ago a friend was selling an Olympus digital camera and my mother bought it for my birthday. A couple of years later, my son became interested in photography and wanted to go halves on the Canon 350D. Once he lost interest, I was allowed to use it and that was when I got hooked.

3) Do you have a favourite category of photography and if so, what is it?
First of all it was cars – my own car, and then tracks like Silverstone and Bruntingthorpe. Then I started taking the camera out with me on walks and I would say landscapes is now my favourite category, especially sunrises and sunsets. Macro photography is something I would like to master in the future.

4) What is your most memorable photographic experience to date?
I would have to say my first trip abroad in 2007! Sitting on the beach at 6.30am taking photos of the sun coming up over the Med.

5) Do you like to manipulate pictures? Or do you prefer them as a true record of the event? What is your view on Photo manipulation?
I only make minor alterations using Picasa as I find Photoshop is too complicated. I wouldn’t want to drastically alter my photos but I would like to be a bit more proficient in Photoshop.

6) What, if any, are your photographic ambitions for the future?
Just to take better and better photos and to instantly know what setting is required for any shot I want to take! And I would love for someone to admire one of my photos so much that they would like a framed copy for their home. My thanks to everyone on this site who has helped me take better photos and understand my camera better.

Now for Derek’s favourite Five -

1. I'd often admired this country house near Weymouth and on impulse one Easter, decided to reverse into the drive and take a photo - as if I lived there!

2. I love photos with footsteps in sand and this was a perfect day at Durdle Door, sunny but blowing a gale so very few people about

3. I seem drawn to churchyards and took this of a local graveyard one very misty Sunday morning while searching for inspiration for the "Angel" competition on here a while back

4. Always a good subject in any kind of weather - the teasel

5. I like taking photos of sunrises and sunsets. This one was taken in Spain

I found it hard to choose 5 favourites and if I did this again next month I'd probably choose 5 different ones. It's like when someone asks you to choose your top 5 favourite records - not easy is it?

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happy 50th birthday - motown records

Gilly · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 6:21 pm Post subject:

Derek

Can I just say, as somebody who 'knew' you when you got your 350D, its been a real joy to watch your skills and camera finese grow and grow.

These 5 shots you have put up here are all great - I love the Octy (the car that initially got me and Derek talking, though he needs some schooling on colour choice Rolling Eyes

) outside your new home!

Do you have any of pictures framed and up on the wall at home? I only ask, as I have one of mine up at home, and its from there that folks see it and ask for copies Smile

Good job that man!
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Bring on the snow, for I feel the need to ride.....

derek · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 7:19 pm Post subject:

Thank You Gilly for your kind comments (apart from my SILVER car!) I do have a few framed in my hallway so maybe someone will ask for one someday.

Cheers, Derek
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happy 50th birthday - motown records

hil26 · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 8:32 am Post subject:

Derek, thanks for letting us all know, so glad you are happy with your photography.

Dave
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Always in search of that magic moment

jonH · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 12:56 pm Post subject:

about time we had another one of these Smile

derek - regarding photoshop, yes it's complicated but the best way is to run through a few tutorials or get a book, as there aren't _that_ many tools that you use on a regular basis Smile

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There is nothing in life that cannot be improved with either monkeys, pirates or ninjas
NPU Member

derek · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 9:29 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone. I promise to make 2009 the year I make better efforts to use Photoshop! Smile

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happy 50th birthday - motown records