About the Image(s)
Sony a6600 ??“ Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Prime ??“ ISO400 ??“ 1/4000 F5.6
Processed through Lightroom, Photoshop and Niks Silver Efex 9.
Southsea Castle (Chaderton Castle, South Castle & Portses Castle to give it it’s other names) Was first built by Henry VIII with four others to protect Portsmouth Harbour and its valuable assets. Its has been expanded over the years with its last development in the first and second world wars where the final gun turrets were put in place. The Lighthouse was built in 1828 and was in operation till the new maritime rules were bought in for the heavy Aircraft Carriers, where it was discontinued and the light was removed and put on display within the castle. Some bright spark from the council thought it would be good to put up the letters to mark the Jubilee and they have never come down. Shame.
I had to take the image with that heavy layer sky behind it, and I could see the dark tones I could get when turning monochrome. Hope you enjoy.
Bob Rickert
Paul, I really enjoy this image. The lighthouse lends itself to a monochrome treatment and you've got really good blacks and strong whites. The contrast in your image is really exceptional.
With the strong subject matter I wonder if you really need the bottom part of the image, which I suspect is a seawall.
Either way, it's a really excellent image! Posted: 07/05/2026 21:49:25
Mary Ann Carrasco
Paul, what a history this lighthouse has. Thank you for sharing that information. I like the detail with texture in the wall and sky with the monochrome version. You probably could crop a bit off the bottom and not lose that. The lighthouse itself is very interesting with no light and the lettering. It appears to be leaning a bit to the right and I wonder if it is with the age and history. Nice image. Posted: 07/07/2026 22:51:44
Adrian Binney
Paul - yes, I am enjoying this - made by the dark sky at the top. The first thing I noticed was the lighthouse's angle, but the wall is straight - curious.
The only thing I don't like is the bottom wall which takes the eye unnecessarily downwards - especially as it has light areas.
I will have passed this many times on a cruise ship! Posted: 07/08/2026 15:15:53
Vincent Cochain
I agree with all the comments (interesting story, strong picture, ...), but at first glance (just when seeing the picture), I was not attracted by something (even if there is contrast, interesting layers in the sky, ...) and I thought "why not having taken this picture in landscape orientation"? Just a question. It would have raised questions with a vertical subject, but there are lines with the wall. Posted: 07/15/2026 14:49:22
Paul Hoffman
Big horrible wheely bins just off to the right, and a horrible green fence off to the left to protect the public from the small drop into the moat. Had to be portrait. But I do get your point. Posted: 07/16/2026 07:09:58
Paul Smith
When the lower wall is removed, your image is more interesting, IMV. I like Adrian's "catch"...the wall is level while the tower is at an angle. Perhaps the tower has tilted, over time! The contrast you present, with the clouds in background make your tower stand out. It is clear and focused. Very good job here, Mr. Hoffman! Posted: 07/17/2026 16:17:09
Butch Mazzuca
(Groups 7 & 67 & 73 & 97)Paul - Butch Mazzuca here DD groups 7, 67, 73, 97 - I just moved from Colorado and am familiar with the area. I also saw your question to Larry Treadwell (my hero :-) - anyway, check out my VF on your barn image - I don't think the tone of the fence was as much as issue as the fence being clipped along the bottom of the frame so I added the foreground grasses and completed the fence using PS generative fill. - also, your horizon was slightly canted right so I straightened. I also opened the shadows a touch. Lastly I reduced the amount of sky (I thought it pulled the eye too much) and added texture, clarity and toned down the highlights - minor adjustments save for the fence, Great image, evoked some fond memories. Posted: 07/20/2026 14:21:25
