Infrared London Eye (4 photos)

[Don Ellis]

We managed about a day and half in London on our recent trip to the U.K. We arrived in town about 3pm and the the first thing we did was head for the London Eye because of the time -- we figured we could take off while it was still light and catch the setting sun before we were kicked off again. Surprisingly enough, we were right... which was just as well because the last thing you want for photography or personal comfort is to be up in the capsule at high noon.

Thanks to Pekka and his clever coding and generous spirit, the only image that is not full-size is #2 -- you'll have to click on that one to see the original.

Before we boarded, I took this shot of the capsules...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/fm/london_eye1.jpg

And another from the side as a capsule is coming into the platform on the right. For those who haven't been, the ferris wheel doesn't stop for boarding... you just climb on while it's moving... approximately 15 to a capsule (I didn't do a head count)... (this image needs to be clicked for full-size)...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/fm/london_eye2.jpg

The only mild irritant regarding the ride is that they constantly refer to it as a flight -- presumably because it's really the British Airways London Eye...(News Flash BA: it's a ferris wheel)...:)

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/fm/london_eye3.jpg

And so ends our four-picture journey... there were so many contrails over England while we were there that it was hard to take a photo without at least one...

http://www.kleptography.com/dl/fm/london_eye4.jpg

One last bit of traveler's advice -- you will have to go through security screening to board the London Eye -- something I hadn't noticed because I was too busy talking to Leela -- and if you are carrying a locking-blade knife, it will be taken away from you and never returned. Although I never saw a warning sign in the airport or anyplace else, it seems they're illegal in England.

Even you can purchase these knives by mail, they make no provisions for you to mail it home (charge 20 pounds, drop it in a one-size-fits-all-knives mailer, have the tourist fill out an address label, win another friend for England). Nor will they they break the blade in front of you so that you know it's really been destroyed; rather than added to some security guard's collection.

On the subversive bright side, once they discover one knife on you, they don't send you back through screening to find any others.

Cost of the ride is 11 pounds... plus US$130 in my case. :)

Cheers,

Don
__________________________________

This is my first image post in the new forums. My initial reaction to automatic resizing of photos is that it will make them less attractive and require more work to see the originals -- which some people may not want to do. I've taken enough time with post-processing that I don't really care to have them seen any other way -- although after clicking a few new members' photos and having images in the 1500-pixel range appear, I can understand why Pekka did it.

Any comments you would care to make -- along with my own perception of these photos -- will help me decide whether to post again.

[phili1]

They are super shots, I can see how the R72 infrared filter has a place in our bag. They make normal shots very dramatic.

[Ikinaa]

These are really nice pictures, the bright capsules against a nearly black sky gives a nice contrast.
What is the exposure time? When you take IR pictures, the exposure time is increased. Do you mind to share the data?

As for the automatic resizing of the pictures, I believe it's not a physical resizing but only a feature of HTML to limit the representation size (not the file-size) of pictures.
(right-click on the picture and save gives you the orig picture)
So the loading time is the same as with pictures that are not 'resized'.
That's why when you click on the picture and a new window opens with the orig picture, it goes so fast, because the picture has not to be loaded.
Anyway, as the in text, the picture is only referenced, it never passes though the forum-server (if it would, I guess the server would be a lot slower), the pictures are not stored on the forum-server.

[Leighow]

Hi Don:

THE EYE : I must admit that your IR images do shine! Consequently, these sun & snow days (not today its -27C) as I walk the woods I have been asking myself whether IR would bring out something beyond colour -- sort of the way that Laz's recent lanscape images did. Anyway, I love all of your shots here -- especially the first two that hit me like a scene from a more mechanical version of Bladerunner!

I FAVOUR IMAGE SIZES THAT FIT A 17 in MONITOR: As regards image sizes, I do agree with your concern. I always sized mine at about 6 in by 9 in. At those times, I thought that they fitted OK on the face of a 17 inch monitor and within Pekka's allocated column space– they certainly did just that on my 19 inch monitor when viewing with MS Explorer. I would favour an approach that accepts original image sizes, reducing them only when they will not fit Pekka's allocated space on a 17 inch monitor. I admit that I am an HTML novice and that this sizing may be too large for portable PC’s and other devices with small screens.

I WILL NOT BE ENLARGING MOST IMAGES: I have already noticed that I have not been enlarging images – there are just so, so, many to review and so little time. For example, take original images of other photographers that I have “touched-up”. After I post my touch up, I always review the “family” – beginning with the original images at the start of the thread. I never re-click to view family members because to view all members at the same scale it is simply easier to scroll the page.

DON- KEEP POSTING GUY: It is impossible for you to support all the image activity on these forums – but when you have, your comments and complements – have encouraged the rest of us always stretch.

[msvadi]

Don,

Excellent compositions, amazing photos. Please, keep posting. Your work is an inspiration for many of us. :)

Regarding resizing : I don't like it. I'm sure that many posters here invest a lot of time to make photos look as good as possible on the Web. Resizing simply ruins their work, because, I believe, that only on rare occations viewers will be checking originals. May be we should let Pekka know how we feel (of course, if that's how the majority here thinks).

PS. I've noticed that resizing is being discussed now in the following thread http://photography-on-the.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=133194#133194 .

[Ikinaa]

I don't understand either why the pictures are resized to 400 pixels wide without reducing file-size.
Ok, some people put sometimes pictures here that are the original 4,5,6 MPixel, so that without a 50inch-screen, you can't see it in a whole...
But they are exceptions...

So Pekka... let's come back to no-resized pictures, or is there a really good reason to resize them?

But perhaps leave the link for opening the picture in a new window, because some sites don't allow pictures to be referenced, but when opened in a new brwoser window, they work...

[marie]

I could'nt delete the message I had here (copied below now)
or I could'nt edit it either
so I had to wipe it out by 'hand' as I wanted to add on something re the question Don asked about what we think of the sizing of the pictures

something happens the ' x and edit ' at the top of the forum posts .
they are not there all the time and also when replying in the little box (where we put our message )
it keeps hopping up and down and never stays put , if we (I) want to correct something which may need adjusting in the message.

regards
marie

[johnmate]

Don,

Those pictures are great. They give a good feeling and atmosphere.

And keep posting :!:

[marie]

Your pictures are exceptional as usual Don
I especially love the view of the plane trails over Westminster and Big Ben. and the first shot showing the half circle of the wheel plus 'bubbles' is terrific.
all of them are

I am sorry to hear you had that bad experience .
four of us had a trip up on the bubble (London's eye) last August.
I don't even remember any security at all but maybe there was a checkpoint where metal etc would have been detected
(I have no recollection of that happening though)

we all have our worries about security, either the lack of it or too much , yet we all want to feel safe.
especially nowadays

I would hate to be in one of those 'bubbles' ( my name for those enclosed 'see through' cages )
and suddenly have a lunatic come at me with a gun or a knife .
there would be no chance of a quick rescue (from a madman) until we landed .
as it was I didn't like being up there that much
I even cried a little, covering my face when I entered it (at first)
trying to hide away somewhere (not to let anyone see me crying)............... but I loved the view ........when I opened my eyes

the movement of the 'bubbles' is so very slow I can't imagine it being jerked down quick enough for one of us to have been still breathing from lack of blood (if attacked with a gun or knife )


I think if it had happened me (regards security check and I had a knife) I would have refused to go on the wheel at that point.
no matter how short my visit to London was.
Or I would have left the knife with someone else (whom I knew or trusted ,if they were around ) until I alighted.

some of the friends with you could have gone up when you came down.
( in the meantime held onto the knife safely for you.)

I don't think I would have handed it over to the security guards.

it was unfortunate that you just happened to be the holder of such a ' weapon ' at that particular time.
today everything but especially a knife , is a potential weapon
it must have quite spoiled your time up there.

right, they should have returned it when you alighted
but as you state you had just found out that it is illegal in England to carry such 'articles'.
(here also it is by the way )
I guess they had to seen doing their 'duty'
pity something couldn't have been sorted differently

many thanks for showing the great pictures. (always)

I understand what you mean about the size of the pictures posted now and I agree that the impact when viewing is completely lost.

there were some posts with a lot of entries ( included in one post ) which took up a lot of space .
also it didn't help our systems when downloading. it was never too comfortable viewing them.
.... our minds trying to cope with so many different aspects of maybe the one image when there are too many ( all on the one post ) difficult to see properly or to express an opinion sometimes
and especially when we want to see everyone's else shots (or as near as everyone elses ) :roll:

in time all will be sorted

(I like the new low key way our names are now showing by the posts)

best wishes
marie

[neil_r]

Fabulous pictures, Excellent,

Why do you feel the need to carry a knife? I bet you didn’t bring it over the pond in your hand luggage.

Security always feels intrusive when you have nothing to hide, however it could have been worse, at least they didn’t photograph you and take your fingerprints when you arrived at Heathrow Airport!

Neil

[Don Ellis]

They are super shots, I can see how the R72 infrared filter has a place in our bag. They make normal shots very dramatic.

Thanks very much for your comments.

I should have mentioned the equipment... these were taken with a G1 whose hot mirror was replaced with clear glass, and a B+W 093 true infrared filter.

The result is near black-and-white images and fairly normal shutter speeds that allow handheld infrared photography.

All were shot in P mode with auto-focusing. Details of each photo below:

Photo 1: 1/50th second, f3.2
Photo 2: 1/50th second. f4.0
Photo 3: 1/13th second, f2.0
Photo 4: 1/50th second. f4.0

Cheers,

Don

[Don Ellis]

These are really nice pictures, the bright capsules against a nearly black sky gives a nice contrast.
What is the exposure time? When you take IR pictures, the exposure time is increased. Do you mind to share the data?

As for the automatic resizing of the pictures, I believe it's not a physical resizing but only a feature of HTML to limit the representation size (not the file-size) of pictures.
(right-click on the picture and save gives you the orig picture)
So the loading time is the same as with pictures that are not 'resized'.
That's why when you click on the picture and a new window opens with the orig picture, it goes so fast, because the picture has not to be loaded.
Anyway, as the in text, the picture is only referenced, it never passes though the forum-server (if it would, I guess the server would be a lot slower), the pictures are not stored on the forum-server.

Hi,

Thank you for your comments. The camera information and exposure data is in the message above.

And thank you for the reminder that these photos are resized for no reason. If there's no speed benefit, then there's really no reason to resize. One of the more irritating aspects of the resizing is clicking on a photo to realize that the "resize" is the same and the "posted size."

Cheers,

Don

[Don Ellis]

Hi Don:

THE EYE : I must admit that your IR images do shine! Consequently, these sun & snow days (not today its -27C) as I walk the woods I have been asking myself whether IR would bring out something beyond colour -- sort of the way that Laz's recent lanscape images did. Anyway, I love all of your shots here -- especially the first two that hit me like a scene from a more mechanical version of Bladerunner!

Hi Howie,

Thank you... I got the Blade Runner feeling myself, especially from the second shot, which is simply a long landscape crop of a normal image -- to eliminate all the ground junk.

I FAVOUR IMAGE SIZES THAT FIT A 17 in MONITOR: As regards image sizes, I do agree with your concern. I always sized mine at about 6 in by 9 in. At those times, I thought that they fitted OK on the face of a 17 inch monitor and within Pekka's allocated column space– they certainly did just that on my 19 inch monitor when viewing with MS Explorer. I would favour an approach that accepts original image sizes, reducing them only when they will not fit Pekka's allocated space on a 17 inch monitor. I admit that I am an HTML novice and that this sizing may be too large for portable PC’s and other devices with small screens. [/img]

Inches don't mean much in terms of on-screen display, simply because you can set a 21-inch monitor to 640x480, or a 15-inch monitor to 1600x1200 (maybe). What's important is the pixel dimensions of your monitor resolution and your photo. These tend to run 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x1024, 1600x1200 and more. I have a feeling that the majority of people are using 800x600, but an 800x600-pixel photo is still going to require a bit of scrolling because of the screen real estate taken up by the web browser with its menu bars, scroll bars, etc. Still, 800x600 is perfect wallpaper for these resolutions.

Rather than automatic resizing, I would prefer to see a size limit on photos -- a maximum of, say 800x600 or 1024x768 (Pekka's original size on his G1 gallery and a deciding factor in my own choice for my galleries), with code that would simply not display anything larger (if that's what Pekka wants).

I WILL NOT BE ENLARGING MOST IMAGES:[/img]

Which is why I don't think I'll be posting images again. The four in this topic look terrible unless they're enlarged... and I think you're right -- most people won't enlarge them.

DON- KEEP POSTING GUY: It is impossible for you to support all the image activity on these forums – but when you have, your comments and complements – have encouraged the rest of us always stretch.

Thank you... but I probably won't. I don't really need the crummy appearance of resized photos. Perhaps Pekka will change the display.

Cheers,

Don

[Don Ellis]

Don,

Excellent compositions, amazing photos. Please, keep posting. Your work is an inspiration for many of us. :)

Regarding resizing : I don't like it. I'm sure that many posters here invest a lot of time to make photos look as good as possible on the Web. Resizing simply ruins their work, because, I believe, that only on rare occations viewers will be checking originals. May be we should let Pekka know how we feel (of course, if that's how the majority here thinks).

PS. I've noticed that resizing is being discussed now in the following thread http://photography-on-the.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=133194#133194 .

Thanks a lot for the compliment... and for the link to the other thread. I've just left a message with my preference for no resizing.

Cheers,

Don

[Don Ellis]

Don,

Those pictures are great. They give a good feeling and atmosphere.

And keep posting :!:

Thank you... I'm glad you liked them. As for new postings, we'll see... these look like trash until they're enlarged.

Cheers,

Don

[Don Ellis]

[quote=marie]Your pictures are exceptional as usual Don
I especially love the view of the plane trails over Westminster and Big Ben. and the first shot showing the half circle of the wheel plus 'bubbles' is terrific.
all of them are

Thank you, Marie... nice to be in touch again after such a long time.

I am sorry to hear you had that bad experience . I think if it had happened me (regards security check and I had a knife) I would have refused to go on the wheel at that point.

Once you're identified, that's no longer an option. Nor is giving it to someone else... it's contraband. Two things were annoying: 1) no way to salvage the knife (as in mailing it home), and 2) no follow-up security to see if I was carrying anything else (so what's the point).

Anyway, the story was meant as a traveler's warning... not a rant.

Cheers,

Don

[Don Ellis]

Fabulous pictures, Excellent,

Thank you, thank you.

Why do you feel the need to carry a knife? I bet you didn’t bring it over the pond in your hand luggage.

Same reason I feel the need to wear pants -- utility. Hardly a day goes by that I don't find a knife useful for cutting threads or plants or food or for forcing my way into modern bubble-packing to get at the item I bought.

Of course, I didn't bring it in hand luggage... but I was flying British Airways and it was in my checked luggage. How about a note telling me what's illegal in the carrier's own country.

Security always feels intrusive when you have nothing to hide, however it could have been worse, at least they didn’t photograph you and take your fingerprints when you arrived at Heathrow Airport!

They don't even have a loudspeaker system in Heathrow (or if they did, they didn't use it), so I doubt if they have anything as sophisticated as photo and fingerprint gear. :)

I don't mind the U.S. fingerprinting and photographing... but they should save themselves the international outcry by doing it to everyone, including citizens. When they don't, it's like the slack security on the London Eye... just a superficial effort at seeming efficient.

Cheers,

Don

Neil[/quote]

[neil_r]

... just a superficial effort at seeming efficient.


We aspire to be many things in the UK, but efficient… never :oops:

Sorry this caused a bummer on your trip, and you really should keep posting.

All the best

Neil

[Don Ellis]

[quote="Don Ellis... just a superficial effort at seeming efficient.


We aspire to be many things in the UK, but efficient… never :oops:

Hi Neil,

Well, now that you mention it... :)

It was a different experience on the public buses in Hertfordshire to see the negotiations with each boarding passenger to figure out where they were going and how much they owed and the giving of money and taking of change and paper receipt... while there are 10 more in line and the bus door is open and IT'S FREEZING. But I've found that you remember the painful and painfully funny moments most of all.

And at Heathrow it wasn't until one minute after our plane was supposed to take off that staff finally got around to telling us that there was a computer problem and that everyone would be getting on and the plane would be leaving... and they sent the softest-voiced woman in England to quietly announce it about 30 yards from us.

Sorry this caused a bummer on your trip, and you really should keep posting.

Really, it was only one incident in a beautiful trip. Although we didn't get out and about much because it was a family trip, we had a great time. I love the fact there is so much history at the turn of every corner. My favourite pub in Hoddesdon was built in 1520. Marvelous.

As for posting, I'm hoping Pekka will change his mind about resizing.

Thanks for your comments... and for taking mine in a kindly spirit.

Cheers,

Don

[CyberDyneSystems]

Well,. I certainly clicked to enlarge them, and allways will!

If you do decide to refrain from posting here,. please let us know whre we can see your latest efforts .. I would miss your work trremendously :(

[jinushaun]

Absolutely brilliant. 8)

[Don Ellis]

Well,. I certainly clicked to enlarge them, and allways will!

If you do decide to refrain from posting here,. please let us know whre we can see your latest efforts .. I would miss your work trremendously :(

Thanks, CDS... Pekka was kind enough -- and hardworking enough -- to modify the scripts he's using to allow for images up to 800 pixels on the longest side. That's an excellent size, in my opinion.

So, I'll definitely be posting again... and, as for the photos in this thread, the only one you now need to click is #2 for a full-size version.

Cheers,

Don

[Don Ellis]

Absolutely brilliant. 8)

I like the shades and the sentiments... thank you.

Don

[marie]

Your pictures are exceptional as usual Don



Once you're identified, that's no longer an option. Nor is giving it to someone else... it's contraband. Two things were annoying: 1) no way to salvage the knife (as in mailing it home), and 2) no follow-up security to see if I was carrying anything else (so what's the point).

Anyway, the story was meant as a traveler's warning... not a rant.

Cheers,

Don[/quote]


Thank you very much for your reply and for explaining Don.
I understand what you say about the knife (re having one on you)

my dad must have had one on him a lot also as when out with children in the countryside many years ago he would cut some bark off the trees and make whistles by tapping all around and cutting it in certain places.
the whistles made a beautiful sound when he had finished
I would like to think I could ask him today how he done it exactly.

but yes, he was always needing a knife handy as far as I remember
and as regards the bubble packaging I agree too.
I nearly went crazy a while ago trying to extract something .
I forget what it was but it was well nigh impossible.
oh yes, it was a part of the computer which I was putting together.
all the parts were all around me
and the bubble wrapping was OTT
and stuck together with loads of selotape which I couldn't 'see' to rip apart either.
usually these things are ok but when done so tightly can be very difficult.

I have looked at your pictures again since the resizing (and before ...again )
:) and the one I never saw properly is the two bridges . its just beautiful
I took a shot of almost the very same spot ( but nothing like yours )
but especially as you have the extra bridge in, its really something showing all the details like it does.

I wonder could I show you my shot here.
I was debating with myself as I wanted to show you the coincidence
but thought it may spoil the 'infrared' thread here
( certainly not spoil any of your shots )
:roll:
its not very nice to come along with one of our own on someone else's post to show this coincidence .
:roll:
(although I do like it when someone does )
and then you may say 'what in 'ell other thing could be shot from up there in those bubbles' ! :lol: 'only the same type of shots' (showing the same scene I mean ) :lol:

I want to show you what I saw from up there.. not wanting praise , :lol: you know what I mean, I just wanted to run and show you the shots like people would if they were in each others houses.

I got the date of my visit to the wheel wrong in my reply to you.
it was the year before.
this year (last) I only took shots of it from below it
and from across the river.
I did post a 'warped' version of the wheel on the forum a good while back (for fun)
I had a few other pictures.
but you took that beautiful shot of the two bridges in almost exactly spot (only much better all over ) as mine.
I love it the bridge 'nearest' the camera
its wonderful
and that's the one I missed.

I wonder were you in the same bubble :lol: :lol: :idea:

:)
marie

[Don Ellis]

Thank you very much for your reply and for explaining Don.
I understand what you say about the knife...
my dad must have had one on him a lot also

Hi Marie,

Knives are some of our greatest tools and I wouldn't be without one. I prefer locking-blade knives because they won't fold up and cut you.

I have looked at your pictures again...
and the one I never saw properly is the two bridges . its just beautiful

I took a shot of almost the very same spot...
I wonder could I show you my shot here.

That shot did come out quite well, especially at 1/13th of a second.

Please post yours... I'd be glad to see it. It was thoughtful of you to ask.

Cheers,

Don

[marie]

Very many thanks Don
Its hard to believe you took the shot @1/13 of a second.
:!:
they are all excellent
and the 'glass' up there was grubby too.
you will see it in my shots :lol:

( re delay....I had to go out since I posted last message to you earlier)


the second shot down is the one which I mentioned.
I had them all listed like this
and if I mess it up now........ to put that one first
I may lose them all :lol:



http://www.pbase.com/image/21962989/original.jpg
http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100543/102575/05080003y5066.jpg


http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100543/102575/05080006y3892.jpg

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100543/102575/05080007y2819.jpg

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100543/102575/05080008y1445.jpg


the third shot down is showing some of the buildings (westminster and big ben) which are also in your shot ( which show the the trails across the sky)
the trip lasts about three quarters of an hour far as I remember
I guess anyone going around sees these sights exactly as we did but I see where you have cut out a lot of the mess in places.
in the shots .
so , its very interesting to compare like with like Don :D
thanks a lot.

marie
(ps forgive me
but honest, I did cut off a few others which I had also :lol:
:lol: :lol:

[Bu Yao]

Beautiful work.