Ramsons - Cressbrook Dale

[Richard G.]

Around this time of year I usually pay a visit to Cressbrook Dale in the Peak District to the see the Ramsons in the woods there. I keep going back year after year, partly because it's a fabulous spot, but also because I've never been entirely satisfied with the pictures I've taken. I'm quite sure there is a stunning picture in the woods there somewhere, but don't seem to be able to find it.

Here's my best effort so far this year from yesterday evening, comments welcome. I was probably a week or so early I'd say with many flowers yet to open, if anyone is in the area and fancies a visit.



Had a little play at something a bit different too, can't really decide if I like this or not...



And finished off at the pub at Monsal Head, which is a view I could stare at for hours...

[pammosley]

Hi Richard, the view is stunning.The Ramsons picture is lovely too. It`s hard to get the feel of a wood full of flowers across, you`ve done it well

[Jez]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

A completely different way to look at Ramsons on mass, but I like it!!!

[ron1863]

Snap, I was out with the dog to a little wood just up the road from me where the Ransoms go on for miles, it's great if you love the smell of Garlic.

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

Here's my best effort so far this year from yesterday evening, comments welcome. I was probably a week or so early I'd say with many flowers yet to open, if anyone is in the area and fancies a visit.

ok I'm going to be a bit critical - only because the starting material is of such a high quality!

I would have tweaked the contrast on the "woodland full of ramsons" pic - to more contrasty (but that's just me)

I honestly don't think the "zoom" pic works - though I would definitely keep at it - there just isn't anything sharp enough in the image to anchor it IMHO

the view of Monsal Dale is glorious (are you absolutely sure that it wasn't taken in Yorkshire? - it looks too good to be anywhere else)

great stuff

Chris

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by pammosley

Hi Richard, the view is stunning.

Thanks Pam. Actually this would have been the better picture, showing the viaduct and Monsal Trail (as seen in episode 1 of Julia Bradbury's Railway Walks), but incompetence has ruined it. Will try and remove the flare in PS, but think it'll be tricky

Originally Posted by Chris Yeates

I would have tweaked the contrast on the "woodland full of ramsons" pic - to more contrasty (but that's just me)

I know what you mean Chris, I have several like this, but I find the contrast too high mostly. In fact the first shot is an HDR composite of three shots, +2, 0 and -2 EV. Maybe I'll try it again with just the +2 and 0 EV exposures and see how it looks

Originally Posted by Chris Yeates

I honestly don't think the "zoom" pic works - though I would definitely keep at it - there just isn't anything sharp enough in the image to anchor it IMHO

No agreed, the more I look at it the more I dislike it I think Again I've several others with more/less zoom, so maybe there's a better shot amongst them; fun though, not a technique I've ever found much use for before.

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by ron1863

Snap, I was out with the dog to a little wood just up the road from me where the Ransoms go on for miles, it's great if you love the smell of Garlic.

Lol Ron, I know, I could still smell it hours after I'd left Looks like a lovely spot you've got for walking the dog there

[Richard G.]

Well, where did the last 12 months go?

Made my annual visit to Cressbrook Dale again last Friday, still trying to capture the elusive perfect shot of the Ramsons

Seems like they're in good condition this year though, so I might try another visit this week. Also, as predicted, Spring is a little late; the Bluebells are normally past their best by the time the Ramsons come good, nice to see them mingled together for a change.

[pammosley]

Lovely photos Richard, especially the first one. A great mix of aromas I guess

[FungiJohn]

Lovely images Richard

The technique used for your second image is always hit and miss IMO but if you don't try it you will never know. It's fine! A larger central focus point / subject usually helps.

Your third image from Monsal Head pub is excellent, no doubt about that one, a real stunner!

John