Lens Flair

Lens Flair is a showcase of the images created by Peter Simcoe on his journeys around the world and features a selection from his home town of Chester in England. The book presents different techniques from traditional to High Dynamic Range (HDR) to 360 photography. It is a collection designed to inspire you in your own work and also features a section explaining some of the basic principles of photography.

Photographs taken in in Cuba, USA, Spain, Mexico and back home in England. In addition, there are a selection of High Dynamic Range photographs from Wepre Park in Wales and images featured in an exhibition from Valley of Fire (near Las Vegas), San Diego and Venice Beach, Los Angeles, USA.

Vehicles ranging from classic cars such as the Hillman Imp to a Spire Kit car to a modern Ford Mustang. In addition, decommissioned Russian jet fighters at Hawarden Airport in Wales, a helicopter and a locomotive in San Diego.

Flora and fauna are great subjects when practicing macro photography. Here are a few favourites from a local park and garden.

Following the launch of 360 Video Handbook (available from Amazon https://my book.to/360video), JK Imaging based in California, USA asked Peter to take their newly launched AZ901 camera for a test drive. A variety of images were captured with their AstroZoom lens including the moon, birds of prey and flowers. In addition, the built in mirror effect was used to create surreal landscape images 'in-camera'.

Since 2016 there has been a marked increase in the number of cameras capable of capturing 360 or 3D 180 images and video. This section features some of the images I have captured with a Samsung Gear 360, Vuze XR and XPhase S2 camera including Chester Cathedral, view from the castle in Alicante and Folke Bernadottes Bro in Stockholm, Sweden.

A brief overview of the principles of image capture including exposure and the basics of image compression. Understanding these basic principles is a key part of developing your own creative flair. Even if you do not have access to a dedicated digital device, most modern mobile phones have cameras that allow manual adjustment of exposure such as ISO and shutter speed. This level of control can improve photographs in a variety of situations especially backlit, low light or night shots.