Werner's World

WUMB

2011-10-27T22:25:00.002+02:00

Relaunch of my photo blog and new address http://world.werner-kunz.com

2010-02-10T19:00:00.005+01:00

http://world.werner-kunz.com

After the some weeks of experience with this blog, I realized that this blog needs a real purpose besides just featuring my photos. I do this already on flickr (and I think that is the right place for it).

I'm on a continuous journey to improve my photography. Thus, I try a lot of different photography as well as post-processing techniques and continuously looking for new techniques and inspirations to improve my photo work.

Therefore, the relaunched blog is meant to illustrate my journey to get a better photographer. Besides showing my photography and I explain the story behind the final result. I try to give tips and share experiences, what I think I have already learned about photography. Further, this website is my little place to highlight some of the artwork, photography, and tips I found across the Internet.

I would be more than happy, if you would make my new blog (http://world.werner-kunz.com) to one of your regular visit websites. You can also subscribe to the newsletter to get right away my new posts in your mailbox.

All the best and cu soon here

Werner

Photo: Columbia sits on Launch Pad 39A before its maiden flight on STS-1 [1680x1050], originally uploaded by TopTechWriter.US.

Eye on Boston Down Town

2010-01-14T08:58:00.001+01:00

Eye on Boston Down Town, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

One spot where you have to go, when you are in Boston.
View from the Prudential Centre down to Back Bay and the Boston Common.

HDR, 3x3pics, Photomatix, Lucys Art

Town Hall of Bamberg in Germany

2010-01-13T07:21:00.001+01:00

Town Hall of Bamberg in Germany, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

In the past I showed you already the view over Bamberg. Now it's time to go into this beautiful city. Fortunately, Bamberg was not destroyed in the second World War. Such pearls are seldom, but they exist.

Technique: 2*3EX+-2EV HDR Vectogram, photomatix, topaz adjust

Fenway Park in the Sunset

2010-01-12T07:25:00.002+01:00

Fenway Park, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

The fenway park in Boston is the Holy of Holies of a real Red Sox Fan. I had now as a german the first time the chance to experience such an event. Althought Baseball is not as fast as Soccer, the Red Sox Nation comes close to a German football stadium experience. I know now the text fo "Sweet Caroline" ;-) Go Red Sox!!!

Siegestor in Munich at Day

2010-01-11T08:21:00.001+01:00

Siegestor in Munich at Day, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

I'm back in munich, one of the best cities in Europe. The photo is from the Victory Gate. What the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triumph is for the people in Paris is the Ludwigstrasse and the victory gate for the people in Munich. (Pretty likely it was also copied from Paris). I worked there at this place during my study times and it was all the time nice for me to cross the street exactly at this point day and night ;-)

The same Gate at Night

The Birds from Boston

2010-01-10T09:44:00.001+01:00

The Birds from Boston, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

The faciating thing on post-processing is, how much you can do for a not so good shot and how much you can change it in a new direction. The scene above I liked in pretty much, but my focal lense was not close enough and there was too much distraction around it.

On my way to discover new techniques, I gave a texture by Tray Radclif a chance. I personally think the photo is now much more balanced and express more what I have seen in the bird group.

technique: 1Raw, f9.5, 1/350, iso250, 105mm, silvereffx B&W, texture bending: overlay

Boston Back Bay from a Roof Deck

2010-01-09T09:39:00.001+01:00

Boston Back Bay from a Roof Deck, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

In the last summer I had the chance to visit a roof deck party in Back Bay. We had an awesome view on the skyline and could from the prudential center to the John Hancock Tower. I must confess that I'm a bit proud on these shots because not every photographer in Boston will get this vantage point ;-)

technique: 2*3ex+- HDR Panorama, photomatix, f3.5, 1sec, iso 200, 18mm, topaz adjust, color contrast, sky light, glamour glow

The complete panorama:

The Open Window in Freiburg

2010-01-08T09:13:00.006+01:00

The Open Window in Freiburg, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

This shot is from my Freiburg trip in the last summer. I was amazed by how many flowers you can have in front of your window. It's really nice to see that so many windows are so rich decorated here in Freiburg.

Technique: 3ex+-2EV HDR, f5.3, 66mm, iso 200, photomatics,

Once upon a time in America

2010-01-07T10:58:00.002+01:00

Once upon a time in America, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Especially in Down Town Manhattan it is facinating how old these tall buildings are and how rich they were decorated.

This photo here was more an accident than on purpose. My lens was damaged so I needed to take my 35mm. It's a stitch of three exposures and as you can see the top is very distorted. But I like the final result. Looks a bit like in a comic. I thought the antique look fits also good to the architecture.

technique: 3ex stich, 35mm, f2.4, 1/350, iso 200, silver effx,

Oldtimer in Manhattan

2010-01-06T10:14:00.001+01:00

Oldtimer in Manhattan, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

This is now my second car HDR shot. The nice thing on cars as object for HDR is that there are so many reflection. Unfortunately, I don't know which car that is, but I maybe someone of you can help me?

Technique: 1ex HDR, photomatix, f5.6, 1/30, ISO 400, 50mm, Topaz Adjust, Galmour Glow,

Angel of Berlin (Victory Column/Siegessäule)

2010-01-05T10:40:00.002+01:00

Angel of Berlin (Victory Column/Siegessäule), originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

The victory column (Siegessaeule) is a monument that stands in the middle of Berlin. On the top of it is a golden Angel. You can see it almost from everywhere in Berlin or it can see you. This fact was the inspiration for Wim Wenders Movie "Sky over Berlin" or the US Remake "City of Angels" with Nicholas Cage.

I like the perspective beneath the Angel, because it gives you a feeling of how big he is and of his holiness that you can not touch.

Upper Lake in New York Central Park

2010-01-04T10:28:00.001+01:00

Upper Lake in New York Central Park, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

The Central Park is really a fascinating green in the middle of a loud and hectic city. I personally like very much the northern more calm part of it. This photo is of the upper lake towards the upper east side. You can see parts of the Guggenheim.

Technique: 2*3ex+-2EV HDR panorama, photomatix, f6.7, 1/180, 2*18mm, topaz adjust, glamour glow.

One Evening in the Biergarten

2010-01-03T16:38:00.001+01:00

One Evening in the Biergarten, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Bamberg is a lovely small German Town with a lot of young students, small houses, and old churches.

On a summer evening we went up to a nice Biergarten on a Hill. It was nice weather and a great atmosphere. I hope you can feel it a bit.

Crossing at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich

2010-01-02T10:50:00.002+01:00

Crossing at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

People who following me regularly, know that I once worked in Munich and have special connection to that place. Especially, the crossing near the Ludwig-Maximilians-University was everyday on my way. In a week I will have the chance to go there back again for a week. I'm really looking forward and todays photo is a tribute to this.

Technique: 3EX+-EV, Nikon D90, F13, 1/350, Iso100, photomatix, Nikon color contrast, topaz adjust.

same street a little bit down:

Boston Common in HDR infrared

2009-12-31T12:11:00.001+01:00

Boston Common in HDR infrared, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

This is my first attempt to combine infrared pictures with HDR.

My experience with this is mixed.
- the IF pictures have a reduced color specturm. Thus, HDR has not so much to play with
- IF photos can have some weird color effects. This gets really hard to handle in the HDR process
- IF needs ca. 10sec per exposure. The HDR needs this three times. Thus, movement of clouds and leaves cannot be prevent.

In total, I like the result above. Although I must confess, that not everything was under my control. The blurry edges are from the inferior equipment I used (I needed to take the IF filter between two lenses). Although I didn't had the color completely under control ;-)

The Clock in Central Station

2009-12-30T11:11:00.002+01:00

The clock in Central Station, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

This is my first attempt to use texture in my photos. Usually I'm not a big fan of such this art form, because it detroys usually a lot of information and make the picture grainy. But on the other hand, I have also seen very impressive results. I really don't have much experience, but texture techniques looks to me a bit like the challenge of B&W photography: You need to see in B&W (or here see the texture within the photo).

This photo is from a door clock at Grand Central in NY. Although I like already the original, I think the texture add a bit more to the picture. The texture is a sample texture by Trey Radcliff.

Technique: Nikon D90, F1.8, 50mm, 1/45 (was pretty shallow), ISO500, B&W with silver effex, Blending with texture softlight 60%,

Original photo:

The Sky above us

2009-12-29T20:26:00.001+01:00

The Sky above us, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

It is funny how eager we are looking for great possibilities to shoot something interesting and if we would look up, we would see all the time a great target: the huge big sky, with it interesting colors and shading. It the prefect photo target and I thank god for letting me see it every day.

This was the view out of my window a week ago.

Technique: 3Ex+-2EV HDR, Nikon D90, 18mm, F18, ISO 100, Photomatic, Topaz Adjust

This is a dualtone interpretation of the same picture made by a gradient filter. Really fascinating how much control you have over the picture with this tool.

Boston Back Bay at Night

2009-12-28T10:26:00.001+01:00

Boston Back Bay at Night, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

At night most cities develop a very unique atmosphere. All the artificial light shades develop a special light composition. Especially if your home town has a skyline.

Technique: 3Ex+-2EV HDR, F11, 30sec, ISO 100, Photomatics, Glamour Glow,

Nice Video with my winter shots by PIX in Motion

2009-12-28T00:19:00.001+01:00

Nuances d'Hiver :: Shades of Winter from Leo Bar PIX IN MOTION on Vimeo.

Winter around Boston and New England - A magical time, full of shades, peace, nuances and surprises.

Photographs: Justin Morgan, Steven Erat, Werner Kunz and Leo Bar
Music: Oiseaux Tristes by Ravel, piano by Felipe Sarro

Fire for the Cold Winterdays

2009-12-25T11:04:00.001+01:00

Fire for the Cold Winterdays, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Something for the cold days. Fire is an interesting element. I'm all the time complete captured to look into it, when I'm sitting close by one. And I can sit for hours there and watch the play of the light.

Sun over Amsterdam

2009-12-25T11:01:00.002+01:00

Sun over Amsterdam, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Some cities are just beautiful and romantic. Regardless how much you try to avoid this stereotypes. When you see all the grachts, the calm water, and nice boats in Amsterdam, you automatically get romantic feelings. Try it, when you are once in the region ;-)

Japanese Sweets in New York

2009-12-18T17:52:00.004+01:00

Japanese Sweets, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Japanese people are well known for their love for packaging nice gifts or decorating things. Thus, it is not surprising to see how wonderful theses sweets are crafted.

I found theses in a Japanese store close to the fifth avenue and around 45st. I can highly recommend you to visit this store, when you are in New York. Although it is a bit expensive, to see the nice small art is alone worth a visit. And watching is free ;-)

further perspectives:

Brooklyn Bridge at Night

2009-12-18T17:52:00.001+01:00

Brooklyn Bridge at Night, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Some architecture is just timeless beautiful and an art itself. Regardless how many people have already pictured it or made a photo. This shot was made on my last trip to NY. I couldn't resist to make this this exposure.

Tech: 3Ex+-2EV, HDR, photomatic, F5.6, 6sec, ISO 100, Topaz Adjust, Glamour Glow

Boston Common in Infrared

2009-12-18T17:51:00.002+01:00

Boston Common in Infrared, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

It's time for a new infrared shot. This was one of the last opportunities for me in this year. The Boston Common was nicely green and the sky blue. I would guess the first will disappear more and more ;-)

The Praying Children

2009-12-18T17:50:00.001+01:00

The Praying Children, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

The best photos you get, when you got the chance to shot something that is unusual and different how you would expected it.

These are stone statue that were dislocated in front of a fence because there is restoration work to do. I don't know the original location of theses statue but think the actual position is powerful enough. What do you think this picture means?

Technique: HDR, 3EV+-2EV, f5.6 (best I could get from my lens in this situation), 105mm, 1/125, ISO 250, dual-tone with sepia, vignette

Siegestor in Munich at Night

2009-12-18T17:49:00.003+01:00

Siegestor in Munich at Night, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

What the Champs Elysees and the arc de triumph is for the people in Paris is the Ludwigstrasse and the victory gate for the people in munich. (Pretty likely it was also copied from Paris). I worked there at this place during my study times and it was all the time nice for me to cross the street exactly at this point day and night ;-)

Emperial Garden in Boston

2009-12-18T17:49:00.001+01:00

Emperial Garden in Boston, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Boston is also a great place, because you are in contact with a lot of different cultures. Right in the middle in Boston Town town is an old Theater, that host an very famous Dim Sum restaurant of the Chinese community.

I hope you can feel the atmosphere of this place in my place.

Technical details: 3EV DRI, 1/10-1/45 (people are 1/45), f3.5, ISO 1600 (it was very shallow and I needed to shot quick to not disturb anyone, no chance for a tripod), tonemapping, color contrast, noiseware.

At the University in Munich (Day)

2009-12-18T17:44:00.002+01:00

At the University in Munich (Day), originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

I really love Munich. It is a very beautiful city with a lot of nice weather over the year and the chance to ski in the Alps at the weekend. I worked several year in that town and on the pictures you see the area where my office was. Isn't that great ?

here also at night.

Dark Sun over Boston

2009-12-18T17:43:00.003+01:00

Dark Sun over Boston, originally uploaded by Werner Kunz (werkunz1).

Some of you have seen my moon pictures over Boston. Because of the incredible high dynamic, it is most times a challenge to shot the very lighty full moon over a cityscape and see every detail.

If you ignore the details of the moon you get also a very nice effect. The moon looks more as a very dark soon that only powers on 1/8th. Because of the long exposure also all kind of lights of the city get into the sensor. I like it.

a little bit earlier and with detailed moon: