Holyhead Lighthouse, a photo from Isle of Anglesey, Wales

Photographer's Note

This was journey's end - well almost I had to walk the 1.7 miles back along the breakwater! As you can see here there are the remnants of rail tracks that used to run the length of this breakwater. They carried the cargo to and from the ships that once moored in the port of Holyhead.

This lighthouse was apparently designed by John Hawkshaw, the superintendent engineer who was responsible for overseeing the Holyhead harbour works from 1857 to 1873. The lighthouse was completed in 1873 as work on the breakwater was coming to an end. The lighthouse light apparently has a range of fourteen miles. The three storey black and white tower is unusual because it is square. A square design was chosen because it made the living quarters more comfortable. Inside, much of the original living accommodation remains intact. The lighthouse was manned until November 1961 and was automated in the same year. One year before I was born!

Enjoy.

P.S. This is part of an experiment to provide proof beyond doubt that TE has an inbuilt prejudice towards black n white images!

macjake, delpeoples, brianmcc has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

brianmcc (5536) 2012-10-16 12:23

hi michael,
your black and white presentation is very dramatic and really eye-catching. the contrast is fantastic, and really emphasises the textures olong the walls. the lines created by your perspective all lead very nicely towards the focal point of the lighthouse.
regards,
brian

ACL1978 (5775) 2012-10-16 12:57

I'm always in favor of a good B&W image, even if they do sometimes get less attention, and this is a very good one - great contrasts throughout, especially in the breakwater concrete itself. Nice lines leading the eye to the lighthouse, and a perfect cloudy oceanside feel - reminds me of a cold day in Maine or Nova Scotia.

The train tracks are interesting - not sure I've ever seen train tracks on a pier like this. Is this common in UK port towns, or is this a special case?

Andrew

dkmurphys (36801) 2012-10-17 2:32

Hi Mike,
Artistic capture in a good b&w choice. I like the angle and the atmosphere. Well seen!

Daniel

macjake (39227) 2012-10-17 10:46

Hi Michael
oh man! where do I start with this critique! lots of thoughts going on inside this noggin of mine!

First of all, in all honestly i DO enjoy the photo and i'm NOT giving you a critique just out of pity (your note on your newest photo).

To me, again, it has an HDR type of look to it that totally catches my eye. the textures and the way the walls seem to 'move' because of their oddly shaped textures captured my attention immediately.

Its also very attractive how the clouds seem to mimic the lights and darks, I really like the dark patch of clouds in the middle area.

The photo has height, depth, texture, and a unique subject, not sure why anyone wouldn't love this one.

As for compo (i'm a huge huge stickler for compo), the photo would be even MORE visually keen if you ended the top left line directly coming out of the frame's corner...know what I mean? That way the lines look smarter, and it gives a zooming type of dramatic effect.
I'll never forget that, as a Pro photographer once gave me that advice and i'll take it to my grave.
Now i know that depending on straightening, horizon line tilting, and other 'distracting elements' in the scene itself, it cant' be done that way 100% of the time - but here, it would have been a perfect fit.

And as for your comment on Color and B&W images on TE.
For sure...i agree 100%.
Brightly colored photo's will garner more views and more points.
Its something that i'be just learned to accept on TE.
I can go on and on about this topic, but i'll leave it at that.

Love the photo, keep them coming!

PS - My next photo will be dedicated to YOU!
I've been planning it for a few days now.
I'll give you a hint...think camera tilt!

cheers
craig

Silvio1953 (98129) 2012-10-18 0:35

Ciao Michael, lovely B&W composition with fantastic perspective on lighthouse, excellent clarity and splendid light, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

delpeoples (44904) 2012-10-18 2:06

Gidday Mike

Well with a poxy 10 points and 141 views, I'd say you've done a Rumpole and proved beyond reasonable doubt that TEérs don't rate B&Ws with of course the exception of some of us more discerning members ;) I agree completely, whilst I don't give a rat's about points and smilies, they're certainly an indicator of what people like. And on all my B&W shots, they're well down from the coloured photos.

Anyway, to your photo. Tell us about the post-processing. Did you use PS/Lightroom or do you have the Nik Silver Efex add-on? It really looks like Nik, but I don't remember hearing you use it. A good low POV, excellent definition and I like the unusual shade of monochrome you've obtained, which has brought out the textures wonderfully. Nice job, please keep posting B&Ws.

Cheers
Lisa

willperrett (2955) 2012-11-07 3:12

Hello Michael
I've been away for a couple of months, which is why I didn't comment on this. Now's the time to make it up. Good moody lack of colour! Overall quite a low-key exposure, but also with pleasing strong contrast. I know you shoot RAW, and so you should: as you say it gives so many more options in the digital darkroom, even though I find it takes forever to process a batch of images. My only slight problem with this is the sky which you've obviously burnt in: too obviously perhaps, the evidence being the halo along the sloping wall. But overall a very satisfying photograph.
Regards
Will
P.S. You're right about the bias! I haven't given up on monochrome at all, though I will admit that most recent postings have been in glorious technicolor...