SimonTALM's Photo 52 Thread [Archive]

SimonTALM

12-01-2009, 19:35

Kitten, Thank you, I've been away on business most weeks now for the last 18months and before that it was every other week for 2 years. When people say I'm off on another jolly they are suprised when I have a sense of humour failure.

I note others have been putting what they've learned this week so I think it's only fair to do the same.

1) Sometimes getting the camera out and just experimenting relying on the unconciouis mind to guide you works better than planning a shot.
2) When shooting reflections and you set the focus point on the reflection you need a really wide the depth of field to capture both the original item and the reflected image.
3) Setting the focus when doing a self portrait is very difficult.

If I was shooting this image again I would use a tripod and use a smaller aperture to try to get a bit more of the logo in sharp focus (the bottom of it is starting to get a bit soft)

staffitaxi

12-01-2009, 19:53

Toothie

12-01-2009, 20:05

the reflection works really well espically as you cant see the whole object

SimonTALM

12-01-2009, 20:06

Wow, I can't imagine being away from home so often. Part of me thinks it would be fun and part of me thinks it would be very tiring.

Great photo, but I hadn't twigged it was cider in fact I spent quite a while looking at it at work trying to work out what the glass said. Even though on closer inspection the word cider is extremely clear with only the i and r being upside down in the reflection. Blame it on being a Monday and not being a cider drinker!!

It is very tiring, but it does give me peace and quite away from the distractions of house work to focus on building my Photography Business. It can be fun, especially when you are with colleagues. The worst bit is that when the time for taking a holiday come round the last thing I want to do is get in a car, drive somewhere the other end of the country and stay in a hotel (as that's exactly what I do every week), unfortunately that's precisely what the GF wants to do. It's not all bad; I get my breakfast and dinner cooked for me every day, I don't have to tidy my room and I can get big brownie points ;) by taking the GF away for the weekend without paying a penny as the points I collect pays for the hotel bill :)

P.S. the drink is Dry Blackthorn Cider, and I'm about to go to the bar and get another before I go back to my room and carry on browsing the forums.

SimonTALM

17-01-2009, 19:37

Another week and another photo that gives a bit of insight in to my life. This is a photo inside the back of one of my mechanical One Arm Bandits despite its age I use it as my penny jar as handily takes 1p coins (although orginally it took the original sixpences).

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/216-3/DSC_4142+copy.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/week_02_-_history/DSC_4142+copy.jpg.html)
click for EXIF

The first few shots I took of this didn't seem to be that special and I nearly gave up, but for some reason I decided try to capture the action by using a slow shutter speed as the reels were spinning and use rear sync off camera flash (thank you Nikon for your built in commander on most DSLRs) to attempt to give the symbols some definition. I'm glad I did as I really like the results.

Once again I have a number of other shots that nearly made it this week - these can be seen here (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/week_02_-_history/runners_up/). I chose this over the others as I thought it better reflected the theme of History with it being sepia. There is a colour version of this and another similar image of the whole of the internal workings of the machine

Things I learned (or relearned) this week:

1) To think more about the effects that can be obtained from Slow Shutter Speed or Narrow/Wide Depth of Field before starting to shoot.
2) How difficult it is working with flash in daylight and wanting to use a slow shutter speed.
3) Smart Filters in Photoshop are really cool, but really need a powerful computer to use lots of them.
4) I really like vignettes.

As always C&C very welcome

Duckydoodle

17-01-2009, 19:40

Nice capture Simon. Like the sense of motion. Can almost see the symbols going round. The symbols look ghostly. Like the sepia tone which does give it an old, antique kind of feel. Great seeing the different interpretations of this weeks theme :thumbs:

jgs001

17-01-2009, 19:44

Very clever image Simon, and great result. Love the effect of the flash :thumbs:

maddog.mark

17-01-2009, 19:46

I really like that Simon, a beautifully thought out and executed shot.:thumbs:

Dark Star

17-01-2009, 19:52

SimonTALM

17-01-2009, 20:04

Good shot Simon - I remember these as a lad in Margate and Ramsgate eating up (old) pennies :) I think I prefer the colour shots as the device itself says 'history' to me and one arm bandits, in my day, were in bright colourful noisy amusement arcades so the colour, in a way, is part of the history!

Great shot :)

You raise a good point there about the location of the bandits and something I hadn't considered. I'll add that to my learnings this week.

5) Consider everything about the image and it's subject

jeangenie

17-01-2009, 20:49

This is a really interesting shot - I'd never thought about how the one-armed bandits of my youth stole my pocket-money pennies. Well, a jackpot of ten bob (50p) was riches indeed. I like the sepia treatment - it seems to go well with the inner workings of mechanical objects. :lol:

It's a very good use of off camera flash - the definition v. blur on the fruit symbols is perfectly judged. This challenge is pushing us all in different ways, imo. It's great. :thumbs:

The Mechanical Action shot in colour is my favourite of the 'best of the rest'. I presume the machine fitted back together and still works. What a great icon of the mid-20th century to have. :)

Jean

SimonTALM

17-01-2009, 21:01

Thank you,

All I did was take the back cover off and take the photographs, it works fine with the cover off :). I use the machine as my penny jar and it works very nicely, I have 1 other of my own and have one more from on loan from my father (who has quite a collection of them).

Interesting you like the Mechanical Action in Colour as the best of the rest as this nearly made it, I thought it was too square on.

Spartacus

18-01-2009, 10:58

What great subject to photograph... you got a great action shot.

Like Dark Star I prefer the colour one, but what do I know.:shrug:

Toothie

18-01-2009, 11:33

Well executed Simon - the spinning of the wheels really works with the added Flash :)

staffitaxi

18-01-2009, 20:47

That is a really cool penny jar and a great image.

I can remember we found an old aracade full of these somewhere when I was on holiday as a kid, just can't remember where. We had great fun putting our pennies in. I still like the old penny push machines, although a lot of them have been converted to 10p now.

EdBray

19-01-2009, 05:42

Nice image and gives a great feeling of nostalgia.

ScotlandTheScare

19-01-2009, 07:45

Class - interesting, fun and innovative :)

jaffamuffin

21-01-2009, 00:16

Very good. On topic, interesting, technically looks good, the rear sync flash adds that detail that completes it nicely.

John Lindsay

21-01-2009, 22:17

All looking good so far Simon, think the black and white in the second one works really well. Good Choice!

Took me a while to find this thread, as the one in the 52 directory just leads to the instructions, but I'll bookmark it now for future.

Keep up the good shots!

John

SimonTALM

21-01-2009, 22:25

Cheers for all the comments they are all really appreciated.

Graulges

22-01-2009, 05:45

Lovely image and a challenge really well handled problems identified and dealt with. For myself,I prefer the colour image but given the title of the theme Your choice is the better one in that context.

SimonTALM

22-01-2009, 21:04

A tough theme this week, so I wondered if the definition could help me and it struck me. The dictionary is the one book that sits on more student desks and ultimately provides learning to everyone. So I suppose the defintion did help me ;)

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/235-3/DSC_4200+copy.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/week_03_-_learning/DSC_4200+copy.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Sorry no other photos yet, but perhaps by the end of the week there may be...

Things I learned from this week:

Focus in macro shots is a nightmare
2 off camera flashes can really help control shaddows.
Extra props (in this case the pen) can make a dull photo more interesting by providing focus

Dark Star

22-01-2009, 22:08

Great shot, inclusion of the pen takes it out of the normal 'dictionary/page' shot - depth of field is working really well on this and the contrast is spot on!

Good stuff :clap:

Toothie

22-01-2009, 22:14

Really like that Simon, DoF is spot on and the pen really works :D

Graulges

23-01-2009, 05:54

:agree:

jgs001

23-01-2009, 09:39

me too, spot on shot, well done :thumbs:

The Matt

23-01-2009, 09:54

I love the shallow dof in this latest one. Very nice.

plumbjob

23-01-2009, 15:58

Yep thats good, sometimes you don't have to leave the house to get a good shot do you !:)
I hope to have something good soon myself :thinking:

jamlid

23-01-2009, 16:01

Nice! I like this one a lot :) DOF works excellently on it.

My girlfriend also pointed out, she likes that "Learning Curve" is actually a curve :)

jeangenie

23-01-2009, 17:16

My girlfriend also pointed out, she likes that "Learning Curve" is actually a curve :)

This was a masterly piece of planning, Simon. :clap:

Very well executed shot. Very shallow dofs are great fun but fraught with problems. You got it just right. :)

Jean

-Rob-

23-01-2009, 17:49

fabs

23-01-2009, 17:54

Can't believe I only just found this thread Simon. Three great shots so far and ones that fit the brief very well. Shall be keeping an eye on this from now on. :thumbs:

RichardtheSane

23-01-2009, 17:59

Without the pen that is a strong shot.
The pen is a stroke of genius - I really like what you did there Simon.

SimonTALM

23-01-2009, 18:17

Lovely shot Simon however looking at the Exif I see you shot at f6.3 which I wouldn't have expected to give such a short DoF. Did you achieve it in PP? However you got it, you ended up with a very nice result and that's all that matters.

Thank you, I did nothing to the DoF in PP, what you see is what I got straight out the camera. I think this is the joy of a 105mm Macro at close range :). I have a shot of the setup I'll post over the weekend

To everyone else, thank you, your comments are really appreciated. I'd love to say that "Learning Curve" being on a curve or the pen was planned from the start but they weren't I just started the shoot with the dictionary definition in mind and added as I went along. I think if I reshot this I'd move the pen up a fraction and have a bit (a mm at most) of white space above "Learning".

maddog.mark

23-01-2009, 18:56

very good Simon, I experimented with this for week 1 but decided against it as I couldn't get the shot I wanted. I think you've nailed it though:thumbs:

staffitaxi

24-01-2009, 20:04

I can only echo what everyone else has said Simon. Great DoF and the pen just gives that extra bit of interest. Well thought out.

Hyster

24-01-2009, 20:34

I was quite pleased with what I had managed for this weeks challenge, until I saw yours , superb.

Great idea, beautify shot.

kitten

24-01-2009, 21:40

i absolutely love this shot. Well done.

Daysleeper40

25-01-2009, 08:44

Great DOF - it's something I really struggle with too with my macro conversion lenses and I think you've done a great job :thumbs:

davekiddle

25-01-2009, 08:48

Great images here Simon (I'm just catching up with the 52's).

Very clean noise wise in the first shot considering ISO 1000.

Spartacus

25-01-2009, 09:01

When I fisted opened up your page I got a feeling we had done the same sort of thing and as you posted 2 days earlier..thought oh no...:eek:

But mine was not a macro shot and know where near as classy...:clap:

I like all your stuff so far...excellent...:thumbs:

fabs

25-01-2009, 09:18

Love your week 3 shot Simon. The pen really does add the finishing touch. :thumbs:

wrecker1971

25-01-2009, 09:47

great shot simon. that is a touch of genius..... really like that one

Bruja

25-01-2009, 14:49

Excellent capture Simon, can't say more than has already been written above :thumbs::clap::clap:

dizzy

25-01-2009, 15:28

Nice shot, Simon. I'm just trying to catch up on everyones shots from this week and initially was gutted to see this as it was about the only idea I'd had for 52.4!!! Very pleased you did such a good job of the capture!

corky

25-01-2009, 16:13

Good shot, nice composition

kelack

27-01-2009, 14:42

Great shots here Simon, the Learning one is really good, so sharp and composition is spot on :thumbs:

adrury

29-01-2009, 17:18

I like these photos and agree with all of the above comments that I understand!! I am becoming quite drawn to B&Ws

SimonTALM

29-01-2009, 19:59

Well, here it is... my Surprise photo.

I did originally thought of the Kinder Surprise Egg and took a few shots of one but quickly went off that idea. I had the idea to capture the surprised expression but only including the eyes. It was only when I tried to do this two eyes weren't working as I thought they would so I just focused on one of them. This is a large crop of a bigger photo (the original includes most of my face).

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/251-3/DSC_4236+copy.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/week_04_-_surprise/DSC_4236+copy.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Things I've learned this week.

It's very difficult to take a photo of your own eye in a mirror and use flash at the same time, something gets in the way.
Eyes (in particular the iris and pupil) really need to be contrasty and sharp to look great so when you convert to B&W and make most of it white you need to make reduce the effect in the iris and pupil.

Like the rest of you I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an less cerebral theme next week, but as it is drawn at random there is nothing I can do about it. Please be aware that unless the theme may not be with you until Sunday evening this week as I am a black tie do Saturday evening and it will take all day to get there and most of Sunday to get back.

The one that wasn't quite there (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/week_04_-_surprise/runners_up/)

maddog.mark

29-01-2009, 20:06

That looks like a difficult shot to get right, I think I would have preferred the dof to be a bit deeper so the eye was in focus too. I like the idea though, very clever.

SimonTALM

29-01-2009, 20:11

That looks like a difficult shot to get right, I think I would have preferred the dof to be a bit deeper so the eye was in focus too. I like the idea though, very clever.

Ah you are refering to the softness, I suspect this is down to the 1000ISO noise rather than actual DoF issues - it's f8 at 70mm.

maddog.mark

29-01-2009, 20:14

should've checked the exif:bang:. Must be the high iso noise then.

SimonTALM

29-01-2009, 20:20

should've checked the exif:bang:. Must be the high iso noise then.

I'm not 100% sure but it would make sense this is a big crop of a 1000ISO image which has been attacked by noise ninja which works through removing detail.

p.s. Yes the 1000ISO was a mistake that I was too lazy to correct ;)

Toothie

29-01-2009, 20:22

You can see how the pupil is dilated but i must admit i am not a big fan of shots of the eye.

jeangenie

29-01-2009, 21:58

I find this image mesmerising. There's lots of detail but I keep going back and looking to see what I can see reflected in your pupil! I'm obviously stuck in Week 1 somewhere. :lol:

I've never tried to do a self-portrait of any kind - and I've no idea how you achieved this. It must be really difficult. :clap:

Have a great time on Saturday. :)

Jean

jgs001

30-01-2009, 07:41

Well done Simon, that's a tough challenge to get that, and it's come out well. You certainly look surprised :thumbs:

Dark Star

30-01-2009, 08:02

I like eye shots and this one is great :) I love the soft B&W processing which gives it an almost dreamy surreal look! And it certainly looks like a surprised eye :)

Nice one!

SimonTALM

30-01-2009, 11:20

I find this image mesmerising.

Look in to my, not around the eye, into the eye :lol:

This was quite simple stand in front of mirror point camera, shoot, chimp and repeat until happy. Then do a big crop on just one eye cropping out the camera, the rest of my face and the mirror reflecting the OKish hotel room. I'm guessing the reflection would be of the camera and my new (to me 24-70 f2.8 :love:)

I've not tried a non reflected, non hand-held self portrait...yet

P.S. Thanks everyone your comments are keeping me going (and the fact you are all wanting the themes - it's so much easier when there's a group of you)

jeangenie

31-01-2009, 09:02

I'm guessing the reflection would be of the camera and my new (to me 24-70 f2.8 :love:)

I knew, just knew, there was something very attractive about gazing into your eyes, Simon :lol:

It's an amazing bit of glass. As a matter of interest, and this might be a stupid question, but did you consider using the 105 macro for this?

Thanks again for this challenge - I'm thoroughly enjoying it - even when the subject is 'hard' (so that's every week, so far :lol:) :clap:

Jean

Daysleeper40

31-01-2009, 16:45

I do like eye shots and I think you have caught the expression well for the theme. I'm not sure on the processing myself - It does look dreamy and surreal like Dark Star said but I think "surprise" might come across better if it had a bit more oomph / impact.

Good effort though on a very tricky subject :thumbs:

Graulges

01-02-2009, 10:55

I like the crop and the eye does show surprise. Would it have more impact if there was more contrast in the image? Difficult one well done.

RichardtheSane

01-02-2009, 20:57

A well executed attempt at a difficult shot - and a unique interpretation on the theme.

I think I would also like to see the overall sharpness improved - but as high ISO in these circumstances you did bloody good to get anything sharp!

staffitaxi

02-02-2009, 12:30

I know how long it took me to get my reflections shot and that was using multiple mirrors so it must have taken a little while to get the shot you wanted.

I think its great that everyone is coming up with such different ideas.

kitten

02-02-2009, 19:00

difficult shot to attempt - but worth the result! Well done.

Bruja

05-02-2009, 12:21

I like the surprise captured in this shot :thumbs: it would be a bit more punchier for me if the iris was a bit sharper, but I can appreciate the difficulties you must have had in getting a good capture.

kelack

05-02-2009, 12:47

Well done on getting a difficult shot :thumbs:

SimonTALM

08-02-2009, 11:02

There were so many options to choose from for opposites; tall and short, up and down, in and out etc. but the one I chose was hot and cold. Especially as this week was the week that the UK weather chose to dump the most snow for 18 years on to half the country. I originally wanted the ice cube to actually have flames coming from it but this proved a little difficult, so in the end I chose to just pour the flammable liquid over the cube and shot against a black plate.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/263-1/DSC_4381+800.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album/DSC_4381+800.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Things I learned this week are:

1) Don't leave it to the last minute as you'll only end up with one idea and you don't have time to make it work properly
2) Black bin liners don't make good back drops as they are partly shiny (I must remember to dig out my black material)
3) Remember to leave a fair amount of space in the frame for the flames to lick in to (I lost a fair number of shots as I had cropped in too close)

corky

08-02-2009, 12:17

I love this image and the thought that went into it
Jon

fabs

08-02-2009, 12:21

That's lovely Simon. I must have a go at some of these shots. I may not be doing the 52s but I am getting a lot of ideas looking through the threads. :thumbs:

Bruja

08-02-2009, 13:25

I really like this one Simon.. The ethereal quality of the flames gives it another dimension. :thumbs:

adrury

08-02-2009, 14:33

A lovely shot, I particularly like the way the light is catching the melted ice in front of the ice cube. :clap::clap:

I know where you are coming from with the last minute business.:bonk:

Well done.

Dark Star

08-02-2009, 14:40

Very clever Simon, well executed - your shot has a dreamy surreal quality :)

And is a perfect 'opposite' :)

As for doing it early like I did - it just means a long wait til the next challenge :)

EdBray

08-02-2009, 19:52

Nice shot and well thought out!

Spartacus

08-02-2009, 20:35

Now that look very classy...:clap:

Fire and Ice...what great interpretation for this week...:thumbs:

The Matt

08-02-2009, 22:43

Interesting. It couldn't fit the theme better at all. I wish I'd thought of that

Graulges

09-02-2009, 05:08

Great dramatic image. I especially like the reflections at the front of the water from the melting ice.:clap:

Daysleeper40

09-02-2009, 17:37

Nice shot Simon - at no point did I think of actually trying to set the ice on fire for mine. I like your thinking :thumbs:

kitten

09-02-2009, 20:24

this is excellent. Love the melted ice reflection :thumbs:

SimonTALM

10-02-2009, 21:46

Thank you all, I'd like to say the idea was all mine but it's been done many times before but it is fun to do :nuts:

jgs001

10-02-2009, 21:49

That's as may be Simon, but it's superbly done :thumbs:

SimonTALM

14-02-2009, 11:37

With the week's theme being special I first thought of the image of sun beams coming through clouds but then I realised that this would be quite difficult to get inside a week. I then went on to think about what is special enough for me to save from a fire and there was only one thing that came to mind - my childhood toy; Dog.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/269-3/DSC_4407squaresmall.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_001/DSC_4407squaresmall.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

What I learned this week

1) Posing a inanimate object to make it appear a bit more animate is very difficult.
2) I really have to get better at lighting, must head over the Stobist (http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/)website

maddog.mark

14-02-2009, 11:47

aww how cute...

I think you've done a good job here Simon, the lighting doesn't look to shabby to me.

Mark

fabs

14-02-2009, 13:35

Lighting looks good to me but if you want to get really technical, there is the shadow underneath his chin. ;)

Toothie

14-02-2009, 16:42

Simon your opposites is fantastic, shame the fire is behind the ice but great effect all the same :)

Love your teddy and the way you have positioned him all snuggled up (snuggeling if very special to me) not sure the vignetting adds to the image though.

jeangenie

14-02-2009, 21:37

I agree with the other comments, Simon - the lighting looks fine to me.

I know what you mean about trying to get a toy to look animated, but Dog has got a great expression and looks very well-loved.

It's a good shot - full marks. :clap::clap:

SimonTALM

15-02-2009, 10:11

Thank you everyone for your kind comments, Dog will be pleased :D.

Other than the shadow under the chin (I think some shadow is needed but the one there at the moment is rather harsh), the vignette and the focus not being perfect (the focus is not on the eye) is there any other way I can improve the image.

Dark Star

15-02-2009, 17:24

Lighting looks good to me but if you want to get really technical, there is the shadow underneath his chin. ;)

Even I had that with my special :)

Its a cutie and meets the brief , focus looks fine to me and the colours are good :)

Love the name: 'Dog' :D

kennysarmy

15-02-2009, 17:35

woof woof!

he is looking very well loved :D

adrury

15-02-2009, 17:47

Aahh what a lovely thing to keep from your childhood!

A nice clear shot. I like the fact that he is snuggled up, and the only other comment I can make is that in my very uneducated opinion, it may have been nice to show both paws.

well done:clap::clap:

Spartacus

15-02-2009, 18:45

Lovely shot...I've been amazed at how many people have still got their cuddly toys...:lol:

and how they want to share them...

It's a good effort and by and large you pull it off nicely...:thumbs:

jgs001

15-02-2009, 22:30

Ahh, what a great capture Simon, we did get similar ideas. Yours is much better implemented than mine. Good shot. (Don't we all come up with such imaginative names when we were small children :D)

Bruja

19-02-2009, 09:08

Good capture Simon and don't be so hard on yourself. Yes there's a shadow under the chin and you didn't focus on the eyes but that doesn't detract from the picture in my opinion. :thumbs:

You've also got a good white balance there. One slight niggle is the black (stitching?) on the RHS of the duvet cover.

Just to turn the tables :D what would you do differently?

kelack

19-02-2009, 12:17

I like the lighting in this. It was good reading how you would interpret special as well, I certainly wouldn't have thought about it like that :thumbs:

SimonTALM

20-02-2009, 01:07

Ahh, what a great capture Simon, we did get similar ideas. Yours is much better implemented than mine. Good shot. (Don't we all come up with such imaginative names when we were small children )

Thanks, I think the names we pick for our childhood friends actually come from our parents, as in "do you want your Dog / Bunny / Panda", we just pick up on that and we learn to call it by the descriptive name our parents use.

Lovely shot...I've been amazed at how many people have still got their cuddly toys...:lol:

and how they want to share them...

It's a good effort and by and large you pull it off nicely...:thumbs:

Thanks.

Aahh what a lovely thing to keep from your childhood!

A nice clear shot. I like the fact that he is snuggled up, and the only other comment I can make is that in my very uneducated opinion, it may have been nice to show both paws.

well done:clap:

Thanks, I did try some with both paws, but they didn't look right IMO as with both paws Dog looked very inanimate, I found that this looked better and a bit more natural (well as natural as a childhood friend can be :lol:).

Good capture Simon and don't be so hard on yourself. Yes there's a shadow under the chin and you didn't focus on the eyes but that doesn't detract from the picture in my opinion. :thumbs:

You've also got a good white balance there. One slight niggle is the black (stitching?) on the RHS of the duvet cover.

Just to turn the tables :D what would you do differently?

Thanks, the "stitching" on the bed cover is actually part of the design, you can see it more clearly in the rectangular version
http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/273-2/DSC_4407small.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_001/album/DSC_4407small.jpg.html)Click for larger version

As to what I'd do differently, other than making sure I'd nailed the focus I would probably try to bounce some light about or move one of the flashes to reduce the shadow, I don't think I'd try to eliminate it as I think it adds some depth to the image.

I like the lighting in this. It was good reading how you would interpret special as well, I certainly wouldn't have thought about it like that :thumbs:

Many thanks :)

SimonTALM

20-02-2009, 01:14

woof woof!

he is looking very well loved :D

The eyes' give it away every time don't they :lol:

Even I had that with my special :)

Its a cutie and meets the brief , focus looks fine to me and the colours are good :)

Love the name: 'Dog' :D

Thanks. To be fair the focus isn't dreadful but it's not spot on (I do like perfection) and the OOFness was much clearer in the full size version and also slightly clearer before I applied sharpening in pp to this web reduced sized

Duckydoodle

20-02-2009, 11:39

Opposites interpretation was very good and well executed :thumbs:

Like the bear for the special theme and the thinking that went into it. "What would I save from a fire?" -wonderful :clap:

SimonTALM

22-02-2009, 20:30

Well, with this week being Focus week I knew I had the chance of a reasonable crowds shot, I didn't know quite how difficult it was going to be though to get one. I was hoping for a high vantage point but I didn't spot one so I chose to go low instead. As I knew I was going for the slow shutter speed the camera had to be rested on the floor.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/296-2/DSC_4484+small.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_002/DSC_4484+small.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Other shots that didn't make it HERE (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_002/album/)

Things I learned this week (most important first):

1) Never take your Credit Card to Focus
2) Focus is very busy and tiring (I'm guessing it will be quieter later in the week)
3) Shooting in crowds is particularly difficult especially if you want to avoid being in the way. I found myself by the edge of stands crouching down as if I was tying my shoe laces with the camera protected from being stood on by the crowd by one of my feet.
4) Resting the camera on the floor works but you need to raise the front of the lens slightly to get a decent shot.

jeangenie

22-02-2009, 21:00

Things I learned this week (most important first):

1) Never take your Credit Card to Focus

So what goodies did you get at Focus? :D

I love the shot- it's got a great sense of movement and the low angle is intriguing. The location was well chosen - close to the Nikon stand, I presume? When I first looked at the shot I had a mental image of you sprawled out on the floor to get that worm's eye view. I'm glad your camera survived. :clap::clap:

It looks very busy indeed. I can't get up there until Wednesday, so I hope it will be a bit quieter.

Jean

SimonTALM

22-02-2009, 21:11

So what goodies did you get at Focus? :D

I love the shot- it's got a great sense of movement and the low angle is intriguing. The location was well chosen - close to the Nikon stand, I presume? When I first looked at the shot I had a mental image of you sprawled out on the floor to get that worm's eye view. I'm glad your camera survived. :clap::clap:

It looks very busy indeed. I can't get up there until Wednesday, so I hope it will be a bit quieter.

Jean

I went a bit mad and not only added a SB900 to my kit but I also added a 70-200 VR and a few B+W filters :nuts:

I can't remember where I took this shot now, it might have been near the Nikon stand but everyone had bags from the dark side, they were handed out as you went in with the show guide :D.

I'm glad the camera survived especially as it had my 24-70 on the front :)

jeangenie

22-02-2009, 22:07

I went a bit mad and not only added a SB900 to my kit but I also added a 70-200 VR and a few B+W filters :nuts:

I'm glad the camera survived especially as it had my 24-70 on the front :)

Ooooooo - :naughty: not jealous - much :lol:

I look forward to seeing what you think of the 70-200. My shopping list is already much longer than my bank balance and I think it could get even longer after Focus.

Enjoy your new toys. :)

It was a brave place to put all that expensive kit - on the floor in a crowded exhibition hall. :eek:

Jean

SimonTALM

22-02-2009, 22:46

It was a brave place to put all that expensive kit - on the floor in a crowded exhibition hall. :eek:

Not really, I had it very well protected :bat::bat:

jgs001

22-02-2009, 22:47

Superb image Simon, love the sense of motion.

SimonTALM

22-02-2009, 23:07

Superb image Simon, love the sense of motion.

Thank you

Toothie

23-02-2009, 09:36

Interesting shot, almost like a small childs point of view, hope you enjoyed focus :)

The Matt

23-02-2009, 09:38

I like this. The slight motion blur captures the busy atmosphere nicely. For my bank account's sake, I'm glad I didn't go to Focus...

Spartacus

23-02-2009, 10:57

The low angle works really well with this shot and nice to see some colour, most people seem to think they only work in B&W...:lol:

Very nice indeed...:clap:

maddog.mark

23-02-2009, 11:33

Fits the brief perfectly Simon. I like the angle too.

Duckydoodle

23-02-2009, 15:59

Nice interpretation executed well. That was actualy something I had in mind but haven't been able to get out so I think I'll leave it for another day and time now especially after seeing your great shot :thumbs:

adrury

23-02-2009, 16:36

Nice shot, wish I had known about this event earlier as it would have been nice to go. Unfortunately with work/study/kids things need to be booked well in advance. Oh well theres always next year!

I really like the angle on this shot and as someone else said it makes me feel like a child peering through the crowd.

well done :clap::clap:

Dark Star

23-02-2009, 16:39

Superb image Simon, love the sense of motion.

I agree plus the wonderful take of just legs and bags!!! Great interpretation Simon!

Graulges

23-02-2009, 17:03

Very nice image for the theme. The legs really convey the feel of being in a crowd and the motion blur emphasises the 'business' of the situation. Spot on!:clap::thumbs:

SimonTALM

23-02-2009, 17:57

Interesting shot, almost like a small childs point of view, hope you enjoyed focus :)

Thank you, I really like low angles and child like view points. It's interesting you say that because it brings to my mind a photo I took at a wedding last summer.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/307-2/WE-0040--DSC_4995+_2_-S.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/random_images/nice_photos/WE-0040--DSC_4995+_2_-S.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

P.S. I did enjoy Focus, (my CC didn't).

I like this. The slight motion blur captures the busy atmosphere nicely. For my bank account's sake, I'm glad I didn't go to Focus...

Thank you. I had planned to have motion blur on this for, it was one of the rare occasions my plan (as far as the blur) worked.

The low angle works really well with this shot and nice to see some colour, most people seem to think they only work in B&W...:lol:

Very nice indeed...:clap:

Thank you, Sometimes B&W work and sometimes it just doesn't, I haven't put this in B&W (I personally think the Yellow of Nikon is really critical to the success of this image)

However, for the wedding shot above check this comparison out.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/307-2/WE-0040--DSC_4995+_2_-S.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/random_images/nice_photos/WE-0040--DSC_4995+_2_-S.jpg.html) http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/305-2/WE-0041--DSC_4995-S.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/random_images/nice_photos/WE-0041--DSC_4995-S.jpg.html)
Click for Larger Versions & EXIF

Fits the brief perfectly Simon. I like the angle too.

Cheers :thumbs:

Nice interpretation executed well. That was actualy something I had in mind but haven't been able to get out so I think I'll leave it for another day and time now especially after seeing your great shot :thumbs:

No reason to hold back, get out learn my mistakes (no real focus point) and shoot a better one :D

Nice shot, wish I had known about this event earlier as it would have been nice to go. Unfortunately with work/study/kids things need to be booked well in advance. Oh well theres always next year!

I really like the angle on this shot and as someone else said it makes me feel like a child peering through the crowd.

well done

You missed a great one, the dates for next year are early March IIRC, come along it is great (especially meeting other TPers over lunch)

I agree plus the wonderful take of just legs and bags!!! Great interpretation Simon!

Cheers :)

Very nice image for the theme. The legs really convey the feel of being in a crowd and the motion blur emphasises the 'business' of the situation. Spot on!

Cheers, I agree the legs certainly bring about a slight sense of claustrophobia that I feel in large crowds.

Graulges

26-02-2009, 21:15

The low angle really makes this image, emphasises the feeling of the crowd because of the legs I think - twice as many legs as people.:clap:

Bruja

27-02-2009, 16:45

Blast, been really tired ths week and I'm only catching up now and it's all been said :(

Love the child's eye view, the blur, and as you said the yellow really sets it off :clap::clap:

antc

27-02-2009, 19:49

Some really nice images here. I really like the crowds shot from the Focus show it has a real sense of motion and works very well :)

SimonTALM

28-02-2009, 12:00

I found this week's theme particularly difficult, not only was I struggling with what to shoot I also wanted to use a few things I've not used before including my large 5in1 reflector and my flash stands and umbrellas in an attempt to get some more experience sill life lighting.

I'm not 100% happy with this as the shadows don't seem quite right to me. Plus I don't like the line reflection in the right eye. But I suppose improving my photography is why I started the 52 project.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/313-1/DSC_8907+800.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_003/DSC_8907+800.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Things I've learned this week:

1) Lighting is difficult to get right and I don't yet have the ability to know I've nailed it just by looking at the camera screen (even on a 3" D700 screen :D)
2) Don't dismantle the set before looking at images on a larger screen :bang:
3) Even with using a white reflector as a base it's difficult to get that nice white background we all want without resorting to photoshop (as I did, although I think that's where the shadow problem I don't like is made worse).
4) The mask function in CS4 is great especially it seemingly new ability to feather masks and adjust the feather of the mask) but I need more practice to get it right.

Toothie

28-02-2009, 15:15

quick Simon he's eating your money.

as you say there are a few little bits and bobs that arent 100% but i do like the image, he looks like a cheeky little feller :)

adrury

28-02-2009, 17:17

Very nice. :)

A good clear image and a nice clean background. Your comments re cs4 are beyond my realm but whatever you did it works :clap:

This character is sooo sweet, and the colour is good too.

Excellent :clap: :clap: :clap:

Graulges

01-03-2009, 06:09

That's why I've avoided using lights in my images but unless you use these things there's no chance of learning stuff. Nice image and your reflection you don't like isn't too noticable thigs like that seem to be really difficult with a curved surface. I'd be pleased to have manages that image.:clap:

jgs001

01-03-2009, 07:00

Simon, I think it's worked well, lovely colour definition, the DOF works well, it looks well lit to me :thumbs:

maddog.mark

01-03-2009, 07:11

yep works well for me, I see what you mean about the reflection, but I can live with it.

Mark:thumbs:

corky

01-03-2009, 10:57

I don't see any problems with the image. Works well

Jon

SimonTALM

01-03-2009, 13:30

quick Simon he's eating your money.

as you say there are a few little bits and bobs that arent 100% but i do like the image, he looks like a cheeky little feller :)

He is and thanks to my GF for letting me take it's photo.

Very nice. :)

A good clear image and a nice clean background. Your comments re cs4 are beyond my realm but whatever you did it works :clap:

This character is sooo sweet, and the colour is good too.

Excellent

Thank you :)

That's why I've avoided using lights in my images but unless you use these things there's no chance of learning stuff. Nice image and your reflection you don't like isn't too noticable thigs like that seem to be really difficult with a curved surface. I'd be pleased to have manages that image.

Thanks, I think I figured what it was last night that caused it - I was shooting in my GF's dining room and shut the curtains to drop the ambient level. I suspect that I left a bit of a crack and this is the line I don't like :bang:

Simon, I think it's worked well, lovely colour definition, the DOF works well, it looks well lit to me :thumbs:

Thanks

yep works well for me, I see what you mean about the reflection, but I can live with it.

Mark:thumbs:

Cheers, I do think sometimes that I'm my harshest critic

I don't see any problems with the image. Works well

Jon

Thanks :)

Bruja

01-03-2009, 15:20

Spartacus

01-03-2009, 17:35

quick Simon he's eating your money.
:lol::lol::lol:

I can't see much wrong with this myself...:thinking:

think your being a little hard on yourself...:nono:

SimonTALM

01-03-2009, 21:04

He looks happy to be chomping on your money :D

Works for me and although I know the focus is on his mouth and the coin, the eyes being slightly oof draw my eyes a little. I suppose it's because you have used a figure and I expect the eyes to be in focus. Other than that it looks good to me :thumbs:

You are right, I'm partially blaming my new D700 ;) I've not yet got fully used to the reduced DoF that full frame brings. I think I'm going to need the high ISO performance to make up for the reduced aperture I'm going to need :lol:.

:lol::lol::lol:

I can't see much wrong with this myself...:thinking:

think your being a little hard on yourself...:nono:

Thanks, I do think I am a little hard on myself sometimes, but that I suppose is a good thing (especially when you are being paid for your work).

quick Simon he's eating your money.

Not as fast as Photography is :lol:

jeangenie

01-03-2009, 21:29

SimonTALM

02-03-2009, 19:09

I love the idea of this little character being stuffed full of money!

It's great you're pushing the boundaries with lighting and apart from the reflection you mentioned, there aren't any serious probs here. I know excatly what you mean about checking images on-camera. I find it difficult, too, especially when it's on a tripod.

What did you do to the background? And, how did you want it to look? What are you unhappy with? Sorry for the inquisition - I'm just interested. :)

Jean

Thanks Jean,

The background was my new 5 in 1 reflector on the white side. I'm unhappy with the shadows to the left edge of the robot that I introduced by using masks when I tried to correct the exposure (the original BG was more grey than white).

I was after an effect more like this

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/335-1/DSC_8907+take+2+800.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_003/album/DSC_8907+take+2+800.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Daysleeper40

02-03-2009, 19:42

jeangenie

03-03-2009, 11:08

Thanks Jean,

The background was my new 5 in 1 reflector on the white side. I'm unhappy with the shadows to the left edge of the robot that I introduced by using masks when I tried to correct the exposure (the original BG was more grey than white).

I was after an effect more like this

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/335-1/DSC_8907+take+2+800.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_003/album/DSC_8907+take+2+800.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Yep, I like this much better, too. :clap:

I think even 'white' reflectors can look off white. The catchlights in the robot's eyes suggest you had 2 lights in front of him. And the shadows seem to be coming from 2 angles. Did you try directing one light onto the backdrop and the other on the robot? I don't know what lights you're using, so I'm sorry if this is a stupid question. :)

Jean

SimonTALM

03-03-2009, 19:44

jeangenie

04-03-2009, 13:51

You are right there are 2 lights. But to be honest I can't remember.much about the setup. All I know is that the main one is a shoot through umbrella to the left .

As I said I need more practice, this was the first time using umbrellas, far more used to on camera flash :lol:

Well done - first-time-umbrella-togger :clap:

Like everything else, it's practice, time and at some point money. :D I find it helps to draw myself a little diagram sometimes - either for using again, or more likely, working out what went wrong. :lol:

Jean

Dark Star

04-03-2009, 18:00

Damn I missed this - cute fella ain't he :)

The colours are great and the lighting to me looks spot on!

Nice wealth shot :)!

ScotlandTheScare

04-03-2009, 20:27

I love that - especially the lighter/whiter version. Its a very charismatic photo - yellow is a friendly colour and he is so happy munching away on your coin :)

The Matt

06-03-2009, 17:08

Excellent. Very nicely lit.

SimonTALM

08-03-2009, 11:27

I find it helps to draw myself a little diagram sometimes - either for using again, or more likely, working out what went wrong. :lol:

Jean

That's a good idea, I might try that :thumbs:

Damn I missed this - cute fella ain't he :)

The colours are great and the lighting to me looks spot on!

Nice wealth shot :)!

Not to worry, it's difficult to keep up, there are so many of us in this project now. But thanks for the support :D

I love that - especially the lighter/whiter version. Its a very charismatic photo - yellow is a friendly colour and he is so happy munching away on your coin :)

Far too happy for my liking :lol:

Excellent. Very nicely lit.

Cheers :thumbs:

SimonTALM

08-03-2009, 12:01

Hmm, I've had a busy week this week so despite wanting to do the RESHOOT and the Identity photo at the start of the week I've reached Sunday only just managing to get the Identity shot.

I first thought about trying to get a portrait that really captured the person but that's a bit difficult to get in a single week so I sat down and drew up a mind map (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map) on the subject and settled on Fingerprint as the original form of forensic identity.

There were a number of ways I thought of presenting the prints, I did think of producing a police style finger print sheet but thought that the ink thing would be quite messy and didn't want to start cleaning my lenses. So I resorted to glossy surface and put my finger print down on the surface and then use a very thin layer of talc to highlight the print off.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/340-2/DSC_9037+small.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_004/DSC_9037+small.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Things I've learned this week:

1) Talc is very difficult to get to show finger prints
2) A very sharp lens (Nikon 105mm VR Macro) is not always what you want, the swirls and loops need a bit of softness to show up properly.
3) You need very low angled lighting to highlight the prints properly

I did do a recoloured version to make it a bit more CSI - which I like but I don't think it says Identity as well

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/345-2/DSC_9037+UV+Blue.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_004/album/DSC_9037+UV+Blue.jpg.html)
Click for Larger Version & EXIF

Hyster

08-03-2009, 13:27

I like it Simon, strong image, instantly recognizable and fits the theme well.

I had a go at the fingerprint thing with paint and it was a nightmare, you've found a better way.

maddog.mark

08-03-2009, 13:47

I also thought of doing fingerprints but decided they would be to difficult...you've done an excellent job though, really clear prints.

Dark Star

08-03-2009, 13:59

Very well done (not a SOCO by any chance are you ?:))

Looks authentic and the composition is spot on!

Good one Simon! :clap:

I think the B&W version works best!

Graulges

08-03-2009, 14:02

An unusual looking image. Very effective for 'Identity'. There seems to be something in the centre of the top fingerprint. It looks like a face :eek:

Nice strong image :clap::clap:

jeangenie

08-03-2009, 15:47

I like this Simon - and would never have thought of talc to do the job! And well done for tackling such a difficult shot in a busy week. :)

The B&W is definitely the best imho. Interesting that the macro wasn't the best lens for the job.

Great take on the theme. :clap::clap:

Toothie

08-03-2009, 20:18

Great detail in those prints, love the white on black :thumbs:

antc

08-03-2009, 21:09

I think this works very well indeed, its a very strong image. Wouldnt look out of place on CSI! :)

ScotlandTheScare

09-03-2009, 08:03

I like this - I too was trying to figure out how fingerprints might be photographed. It proved too much effort for me! But this image really works - great contrast - clear detail - excellent dof. Whats not to like :)

Spartacus

09-03-2009, 08:54

Ah the old finger print shot...how many thought of that one and backed away after trying it...:lol:

But yours looks amazing...not sure why but you just have to keep looking at it, it somehow draws you in to the shot...:thinking:

and yes the B&W works better for me too...:thumbs:

jammy_c

09-03-2009, 09:24

really like the identity shots! :) great DOF too! :thumbs:

I tried a similar this with calligraphy ink on thursday, and my fingers are still black now (monday!) try explaining that to people! :lol: i gave up because i couldn't do what i wanted :( doesnt look as though you had that trouble. lol

nice 1!

jgs001

09-03-2009, 09:36

Superb Simon, the talc has worked brilliantly. The B&W for me too.

Bruja

13-03-2009, 18:23

I really like this interpretation Simon, and as Marcus said, something keeps drawing me back to this. Well done :clap::clap: Can't see how you could improve this (and I prefer the b&w too)

SimonTALM

15-03-2009, 14:27

I like it Simon, strong image, instantly recognizable and fits the theme well.

I had a go at the fingerprint thing with paint and it was a nightmare, you've found a better way.

Thanks mate.

I also thought of doing fingerprints but decided they would be to difficult...you've done an excellent job though, really clear prints.

Cheers, it was quite difficult - I had to use a very fine paint brush to remove the dust outside of the fingerprints

Very well done (not a SOCO by any chance are you ?)

Looks authentic and the composition is spot on!

Good one Simon! :clap:

I think the B&W version works best!

No not a SOCO, just a frustrated forensic scientist (one of the jobs I wanted to do as a child). I spent ages dusting for prints as a child :lol:

I like this Simon - and would never have thought of talc to do the job! And well done for tackling such a difficult shot in a busy week.

The B&W is definitely the best imho. Interesting that the macro wasn't the best lens for the job.

Great take on the theme.

I love the 105mm macro as it is really sharp - it did actually take this image but sometimes lens sharpness can really be a downfall. I think for portraits this lens could be quite unflattering without a whole host of Post Processing going on.

An unusual looking image. Very effective for 'Identity'. There seems to be something in the centre of the top fingerprint. It looks like a face :eek:

Nice strong image

Thanks, I love the brain's ability to search out and find faces in the strangest of places :D

Great detail in those prints, love the white on black

I do too, I think for the theme it's the best option and hence why it was chosen

I think this works very well indeed, its a very strong image. Wouldnt look out of place on CSI! :)

Cheers :thumbs:

I like this - I too was trying to figure out how fingerprints might be photographed. It proved too much effort for me! But this image really works - great contrast - clear detail - excellent dof. Whats not to like

Thanks, it was quite a difficult shot but I was trying my D700 linked to the PC for this one (Live View on the PC - now that's fun)

Ah the old finger print shot...how many thought of that one and backed away after trying it...

But yours looks amazing...not sure why but you just have to keep looking at it, it somehow draws you in to the shot..

and yes the B&W works better for me too...

I do find myself going back to it too :lol: not sure why either, I am pleased with it though.

really like the identity shots! great DOF too!

I tried a similar this with calligraphy ink on thursday, and my fingers are still black now (monday!) try explaining that to people! i gave up because i couldn't do what i wanted doesnt look as though you had that trouble. lol

nice 1!

I hope your fingers have cleaned up - I didn't want inky fingers (especially near my D700 so I stuck to the old dusting method. I was thinking of doing the fingerprint trick from Beverly Hills Cop (the one with the superglue and a warm light source), but I couldn't find any real details about that way :(

Superb Simon, the talc has worked brilliantly. The B&W for me too.

Thanks mate :)

I really like this interpretation Simon, and as Marcus said, something keeps drawing me back to this. Well done, Can't see how you could improve this (and I prefer the b&w too)

Thanks :D

P.S. The limit of 10 smilies in an image is really irritating when you want to quote others - hence why I've removed all (?? most) smilies from the original messages

SimonTALM

15-03-2009, 14:37

Well despite being on holiday most of this week I've not actually done much photography :( I did manage to get out on Tuesday this week and really enjoyed myself.

I don't know about anyone else but I've found trying to capture Wisdom in a single shot really difficult. I'm still not sure I've managed it but I do like the photo.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/382-2/Photo52+Week10+-+Wisdom.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/380-2/Photo52+Week10+-+Wisdom.jpg)
Click for EXIF

Things I've learned this week

1) The U-Point controls in CaptureNX are really good and surprisingly easy to use.
2) The D700 and 24-70 are a magic mix in the field.
3) Even if you have plenty of time during the week it doesn't make getting the weeks shot any easier :D
4) Trying to capture a the wisdom behind a keep out sign to protect against the sea on a bright sunny day isn't easy

kitten

15-03-2009, 19:57

Nice shot :thumbs:

SimonTALM

15-03-2009, 20:20

Nice shot :thumbs:

Thanks :)

antc

15-03-2009, 20:40

I think this works, been processed nicey, b&w works as does the vignette.

Toothie

15-03-2009, 20:46

Well you would be wise to follow the sign so it works for me :)

The shot is very well done, I second what Ant said :thumbs:

jgs001

16-03-2009, 08:56

That's great, seems very wise to me to obey the sign. The conversion works very well and I love the captured movement in the sea behind the gate. How did you get the sign to look so bright ? Fill Flash ?

SimonTALM

16-03-2009, 12:29

I think this works, been processed nicey, b&w works as does the vignette.

Cheers :)

Well you would be wise to follow the sign so it works for me :)

The shot is very well done, I second what Ant said :thumbs:

Glad you like it :)

That's great, seems very wise to me to obey the sign. The conversion works very well and I love the captured movement in the sea behind the gate. How did you get the sign to look so bright ? Fill Flash ?

Thanks, I personally would have liked more movement but there just wasn't the power in the sea that day. Last tuesday was really quite nice and there is a slope running away from the camera towards the sea so it's splashing power is significantly reduced (damn costal engineeers ruining it for us togs - the world's against us).

The sign is a combination ot a Red filter on the B&W conversion so that highlights the yellow sign. But it is also helped the way I processed the RAW file in CaptureNX where I used the u-point tools and D-Lighting to selectively bring out the detail in this slightly shadowy area. If I had thought at the time you are right, an off camera fill in flash could have been used for the same effect.

jgs001

16-03-2009, 12:48

(damn costal engineeers ruining it for us togs - the world's against us).
:D:D it's a conspiracy :D

The sign is a combination ot a Red filter on the B&W conversion so that highlights the yellow sign. But it is also helped the way I processed the RAW file in CaptureNX where I used the u-point tools and D-Lighting to selectively bring out the detail in this slightly shadowy area. If I had thought at the time you are right, an off camera fill in flash could have been used for the same effect.

Thanks for the explanation. I don't know CaptureNX so you lost me with those tools, but it's worked well.

Spartacus

16-03-2009, 14:02

That works very well in B&W...:clap:

It's turned a average colour shot in to a fabulous B&W one...I like...:thumbs:

Bruja

16-03-2009, 15:29

Another creative take on the theme Simon, and I agree the b&w conversion plus the vignetting works really well and lifts the shot. :thumbs:

SimonTALM

16-03-2009, 17:45

Thanks for the explanation. I don't know CaptureNX so you lost me with those tools, but it's worked well.

It's Nikon Specific software used for converting RAW (although I suppose you could use it on Canon Images but you'd need to convert to TIF first :thinking:). However, you could do something similar in any photo editor that allows layer masks e.g. Photoshop

That works very well in B&W...:clap:

It's turned a average colour shot in to a fabulous B&W one...I like...:thumbs:

Thanks :) I'll be honest here normally when I do a B&W shot I'm normally thinking that the final image will be B&W when I take the shot; this was one of the few shots I didn't but when I saw what it looked like once I applied the B&W filter, I knew it had to be B&W and then came the vignette :D

Another creative take on the theme Simon, and I agree the b&w conversion plus the vignetting works really well and lifts the shot. :thumbs:

Creative?? - more like one I could crowbar close to the box :lol: Thanks for the comments though :D

jeangenie

16-03-2009, 21:26

dizzy

17-03-2009, 14:51

After using colour again this week I'm very pleased there's a nice Black and White in the overall 52 mix! This is similar logic to the idea I had for the road crossing and I think it works nicely.

SimonTALM

17-03-2009, 18:06

I really do like this one, Simon. Although it did cross my mind that the sea couldn't read! :D

Your learning point #4 made me laugh out loud. :thumbs:

The processing is great and it's interesting to read how you've used NX Capture. (I'm just waiting for this to arrive!) I certainly love the D-lighting. Was this a post shooting adjustment, or Active D-lighting?

Every time I use my D700 I fall in love with it all over again. :love:

Jean

This was post shooting D-lighting adjustment selectively applied in CaptureNX using the U-Point controls. TBH I don't generally use the in camera Active D-Lighting, I don't know why because I've just had a play and I'm very impressed at it's ability to drag back highlights and put details in shadows.

After using colour again this week I'm very pleased there's a nice Black and White in the overall 52 mix! This is similar logic to the idea I had for the road crossing and I think it works nicely.

Thanks :)

ScotlandTheScare

18-03-2009, 07:52

I had a good chuckle when I saw this - as did my wife who thought it was a great image :) Certainly a pearl of wisdom... nicely composed and I like the splash of the wave. Its almost like the sea represents wisdom and you're not allowed to go in and paddle. I.e. wisdom comes to those who wait, not to those who seek it... oops - getting all philosophical! Well done on the photo :)

jammy_c

18-03-2009, 13:24

do we have a theme for this week, Simon?

SimonTALM

18-03-2009, 21:36

do we have a theme for this week, Simon?

We do - Relationships

I did send an email to everyone who requested it, I posted a new thread (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=1383920) in the Themes, Challenges and Inspiration section, and it is also in my Signature which gets updated every week. You must have a lovely isolated spot to have missed that :p :D :lol:

SimonTALM

18-03-2009, 21:40

jammy_c

19-03-2009, 09:30

We do - Relationships

I did send an email to everyone who requested it, I posted a new thread in the Themes, Challenges and Inspiration section, and it is also in my Signature which gets updated every week. You must have a lovely isolated spot to have missed that

:( Oh, I didn't recieve the email. strange, I usually do :thinking:

good job I asked, I suppose :thumbs:

maddog.mark

19-03-2009, 17:44

Great shot, would have been better with a more powerful sea, but you can't have everything.

I didn't get the e-mail this week either btw.

Mark

John Lindsay

20-03-2009, 09:16

Sorry I've not been able to keep up to date with this Simon, struggling to keep up with my own even...all shots looking great, keep it up.

Like the black and white on week 10's shot.

John

SimonTALM

22-03-2009, 22:59

Had a great Friday taking lots of photos in the sunshine - nothing to do with the theme though as I thought to myself that the weekend would give me a good chance to get my idea down in pixels - two pairs of feet sticking out the end of the bed ;) However, someone had other plans for me this weekend as I have bad toothache and the GFs is ill and has been in bed all weekend (and not in a good way :shake:).

So I came home early so I can make sure I get a good night's sleep and get to the dentist tomorrow early and it struck me that I didn't have a shot for the week :eek: Desperately thinking what to do and missing my other half hoping she'll be OK I then saw my Valentines Day Card from the GF "I love you more than Jelly and Ice Cream" :love: and this idea came to me....

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/389-2/DSC_9497+800.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_006/DSC_9497+800.jpg.html)
Click For EXIF

Hope you like it.

Things I learned this week

1) Jelly is not a easy food to get out of a ramekin - I melted my first attempt buy putting the blowtorch on it for too long and ended with a big liquid mess :lol:
2) You need to work very quickly with ice cream before it melts too much to be useful.
3) I can get the theme shot even in the worst weeks :woot:
4) I really must clear a space suitable for using as a "studio" as I was working in a very messy kitchen.

Toothie

22-03-2009, 23:40

ok 8 hours singing im a pink toothbrush wishing i had jelly and ice cream, what are you trying to do to me??

Great idea, well taken shot.

Hope you all feel better soon :)

Spartacus

23-03-2009, 08:07

Now that's thinking outside the box...Mmmmmmmm and a truly tasty shot from you this week...:lol:

and top marks for working with icecream when you had a toothache:clap:

Nice DOF work...:thumbs:

jgs001

23-03-2009, 09:45

Well done Simon, a good relationship that one and a great idea.

maddog.mark

23-03-2009, 20:52

Well done Simon, there's something about getting a shot in the face of everything life throws at you isn't there.

I think I would have preferred the jelly to be slightly more in focus but still a really good idea!

Mark:thumbs:

Hyster

23-03-2009, 21:46

Well done Simon for getting a shot in, hope this week is kinder to you Sir.

SimonTALM

23-03-2009, 22:06

ok 8 hours singing im a pink toothbrush wishing i had jelly and ice cream, what are you trying to do to me??

Great idea, well taken shot.

Hope you all feel better soon :)

Thanks

I'm on 2 types of Antibiotics so that should clear things up nicely I just have to eat lots of pro-biotic yoghurt to counter some of the side effects (more yum)

Now that's thinking outside the box...Mmmmmmmm and a truly tasty shot from you this week...:lol:

and top marks for working with icecream when you had a toothache:clap:

Nice DOF work...:thumbs:

Thanks, I've still to get the DoF on FF sorted in my head, I would have liked a bit more.

Well done Simon, a good relationship that one and a great idea.

Cheers, it's amazing how you brain can work sometimes when it needs to :lol:

Well done Simon, there's something about getting a shot in the face of everything life throws at you isn't there.

I think I would have preferred the jelly to be slightly more in focus but still a really good idea!

Mark:thumbs:

Completely agree about the jelly, it wasn't one of my best, but given the situation I was pleased to get anything (and if you noticed the time I only just made that). I do need more practice with the 105mm Macro on Full Frame (might consider doing some focus stacking next time :thinking:)

Well done Simon for getting a shot in, hope this week is kinder to you Sir.

Cheers, so do I !!

jeangenie

24-03-2009, 21:25

Things I learned this week

1) Jelly is not a easy food to get out of a ramekin - I melted my first attempt buy putting the blowtorch on it for too long and ended with a big liquid mess :lol:
2) You need to work very quickly with ice cream before it melts too much to be useful.
3) I can get the theme shot even in the worst weeks :woot:
4) I really must clear a space suitable for using as a "studio" as I was working in a very messy kitchen.

I love the story behind this shot, Simon - and how fantastic to be loved more than jelly and ice cream. Who could wish for more. :)

I like the shot - food is never easy to work with - you either can't resist eating it or it changes before your eyes.

I love your learning points and have a brilliant mental picture of you applying a blowtorch to the jelly. :lol: Try dunking it in hot water next time. :) "Ice cream" works better if you use mashed potatoes!! At least that doesn't melt!

It sounds like your 'studio' is like mine - it moves around the house from week to week, creating chaos everywhere.

Anyway, congratulations on getting a very creditable shot in ill-health and under pressure. :clap:

Jean

SimonTALM

25-03-2009, 12:28

I love the story behind this shot, Simon - and how fantastic to be loved more than jelly and ice cream. Who could wish for more. :)

I like the shot - food is never easy to work with - you either can't resist eating it or it changes before your eyes.

I love your learning points and have a brilliant mental picture of you applying a blowtorch to the jelly. :lol: Try dunking it in hot water next time. :) "Ice cream" works better if you use mashed potatoes!! At least that doesn't melt!

It sounds like your 'studio' is like mine - it moves around the house from week to week, creating chaos everywhere.

Anyway, congratulations on getting a very creditable shot in ill-health and under pressure. :clap:

Jean

Thanks, I know I am very lucky :love:

I was only using the blow torch as I saw Heston B using that method a few weeks ago and anyway a blow torch is much more fun and dangerous than mere hot water :naughty:

Unfortunately I didn't have any mashed potatoes only Ice Cream so it just had to be eaten afterwards - never mind :D

I'm slightly wishing I'd missed getting the shot in now. The only reason is it has set a standard; the first time I don't get a shot in I'll need a very good excuse :lol:

Bruja

25-03-2009, 13:18

Thanks, I know I am very luckyYou and me both :D

I was only using the blow torch as I saw Heston B using that method a few weeks ago and anyway a blow torch is much more fun and dangerous than mere hot water :naughty: Hah, Boys and Toys :lol::lol:

I'm slightly wishing I'd missed getting the shot in now. The only reason is it has set a standard; the first time I don't get a shot in I'll need a very good excuse :lol:

I love the story behind this Simon and well done for getting one in this week. :clap: :clap:It reminds me of a patient I had who missed an appointment and it wasn't until a couple of weeks later that I found out that on her way to me she had had a car accident and had to be air-lifted to hospital and was in ITU for 3 days with broken ribs etc, so she set the bar for reasons to miss an appointment. :shake: She's fine now though. :thumbs:

At more DoF would have just lifted I think. But a great combination.

PS did you send her a card saying I love you more than cameras and lenses? :D

jeangenie

25-03-2009, 21:51

I was only using the blow torch as I saw Heston B using that method a few weeks ago

hehehe

...... and look what happened to Heston B. :shake:

Jean

SimonTALM

29-03-2009, 12:50

At the start of this week I knew one thing about my shot; I knew I didn't want People in it. I struggled with the topic until about Friday when I was driving back in the car listening to my favourite radio station (BBC Radio 4). I suddenly remembered a piece they did a few months back on poverty and how it is measured across the world.

The concept is easy, if you are living on under $1 (US) a day then you are classed as poor. In reality it is much more difficult than it first sounds as $1 will buy you a different amount of stuff in each county so they started talking about the Big Mac index of poverty and relating how much a Big Mac sold for in each country and linking that to $1. Anyway it gave me the start of my thought for my photo this week.

I first wanted to get a $1 coin but unfortunately try as I did I couldn't find a Dollar Coin, I ended up going in to our local travel agent and asking them for a single dollar bill expecting a funny look (I was very surprised when the lady promptly asked me for 72p and handed over $1 as if it was something that happens every day). I then went home and started shooting and this is what I ended up with...

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/404-1/DSC_9570+800.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_007/DSC_9570+800.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

Things I learned this week:

1) Very low angle flash really does help bring out texture.
2) You can make a piece of paper stand out from it's background by putting it on something and raising it.
3) No where on a $1 note does it actually say One Dollar or $1 in a size or location that makes it easy to photograph (ONE DOLLAR is there at the bottom but makes for a pretty ugly photograph).
4) Radio 4 is brill in all sorts of ways
5) People don't react in a way you think they will.

Spartacus

29-03-2009, 16:12

I like the idea and the way you have gone about it...

and I would never have thought that you could buy just one dollar like that...:lol:

my first reaction was no no no this is not working for me...:nono:

but it is growing on me...the colours and bold print doe's work...:clap:

and it's a good interpretation for poverty...so I guess that means...

yes it's a :thumbs: from me...

adrury

29-03-2009, 17:10

well done on another fab shot. I like the way you have made it stand out from the background, I will be using that idea myself in the future I'm sure!

You have captured the texture of the dollar bill perfectly and the colours are nice on the eye.

well done :clap::clap:

maddog.mark

29-03-2009, 19:36

Ohh learnt some lessons tonight, the texture is superb, exactly how low was the angle of the flash?

I love the way the bill stands out from your background too, and, with the information behind the shot it certainly fits the theme.

Mark

Toothie

29-03-2009, 21:27

amazing detail and great idea :thumbs:

Hyster

29-03-2009, 22:46

Good idea and there is good texture and colour in the pic, i can almost smell it.

The background, does it have any significance to the pic?, when I first looked at it, I kept trying to relate the dollar to the 17. Maybe just me.

I like the low angle flash thing, I may well steal that....

jgs001

30-03-2009, 00:21

SimonTALM

30-03-2009, 05:52

I like the idea and the way you have gone about it...

and I would never have thought that you could buy just one dollar like that...

my first reaction was no no no this is not working for me...

but it is growing on me...the colours and bold print doe's work...

and it's a good interpretation for poverty...so I guess that means...

yes it's a :thumbs: from me...

It surprised me how easy it was too to buy just a single dollar - I wouldn't have thought it was worth their effort :lol:

well done on another fab shot. I like the way you have made it stand out from the background, I will be using that idea myself in the future I'm sure!

You have captured the texture of the dollar bill perfectly and the colours are nice on the eye.

well done

Feel free to pinch the idea, I'm sure I'll be using it again myself :D

Ohh learnt some lessons tonight, the texture is superb, exactly how low was the angle of the flash?

I love the way the bill stands out from your background too, and, with the information behind the shot it certainly fits the theme.

Mark

The flash was really low angle... it was actually resting on the note (hence why the left of the image is really quite bright).

amazing detail and great idea

Thanks :)

Good idea and there is good texture and colour in the pic, i can almost smell it.

The background, does it have any significance to the pic?, when I first looked at it, I kept trying to relate the dollar to the 17. Maybe just me.

I like the low angle flash thing, I may well steal that....

I don't think you want to smell notes - the aroma is quite unpleasant :gag:.

There is significance to the 17. It is actually Saturday October 17 2009 (http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/social/intldays/IntlDay/index.html), I did wonder if someone would spot it, well done :clap:

Well done Simon, that's superb. The DOF has worked brilliantly, as has that little trick of lifting the note. As for low angle flash... It's worked superbly, I'm just not sure what you mean, but would love to know.

Thanks :), not quite sure what you would love to know - the only thing I can think of is my learning point 5, and all I meant by that was I expected the travel agent to ask a load of questions about why a single dollar, when all she did was treat it like any other transaction.

jgs001

30-03-2009, 08:01

The Low angle flash bit Simon... Do you mean you pointed the flash so it was aimed just above the note ?

SimonTALM

30-03-2009, 11:48

The Low angle flash bit Simon... Do you mean you pointed the flash so it was aimed just above the note ?

What I'll do is recreate the setup tonight and take a photo of it and post it here (be alot easier than exlaining it :lol:)

jgs001

30-03-2009, 11:57

Thanks Simon :thumbs:

antc

30-03-2009, 17:20

Well done Simon, that's superb. The DOF has worked brilliantly, as has that little trick of lifting the note. As for low angle flash... It's worked superbly, I'm just not sure what you mean, but would love to know.

I agree with this, its very nicely done and great detail in the dollar bill. I look forward to seeing your setup when you post it too!

SimonTALM

30-03-2009, 17:59

In essence this is the setup I used (not the actual one as I took that apart but it's close enough)

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/423-2/DSCF1483.JPG (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/random_images/album_001/DSCF1483.JPG.html)
Click for Larger & EXIF

Basically as you can see a soft light source (SB900 through a shoot through umbrella) close to the right and a SB800 literally on top of the note. As you can see the note is resting on my Compact Card Flash Safe thing which gives it that little bit of height. Obviously underneath all this would be the printed page of a calendar.

maddog.mark

30-03-2009, 19:10

Thanks Simon,

I see what you mean now, very nicely done.

kennysarmy

30-03-2009, 20:54

crisp...just bugs me you missed the "A" off...any reason for that :D

SimonTALM

30-03-2009, 21:05

crisp...just bugs me you missed the "A" off...any reason for that :D

I could try and blag some arty junk about poverty being the lack of money and to represent that I deliberately cut off the A, alternatively I could admit the truth and say I was just focused on getting the lighting and the 17 right I missed the A :lol:

On reflection a 10x8 crop on the middle portion may have been better :thinking:

kennysarmy

30-03-2009, 21:17

I could try and blag some arty junk about poverty being the lack of money and to represent that I deliberately cut off the A, alternatively I could admit the truth and say I was just focused on getting the lighting and the 17 right I missed the A :lol:

On reflection a 10x8 crop on the middle portion may have been better :thinking:

man..next time just blag it ;) lol

John Lindsay

04-04-2009, 08:25

Hi Simon,

Just popping in with a quick comment, all yours shots are looking great!

Have I missed something though, what's the significance of the 17, in the dollar shot? I see you mentioning it and trying to get it right.

John

Bruja

04-04-2009, 16:22

Hello Simon, having a mega catch up as only just recovered from Paris!

I really like the texture of the dollar bill and the way your lighting set-up has worked. :thumbs: And you are right about 1 dollar being relative, in Paris it wouldn't have even paid for the sugar to put in your coffee :(

jeangenie

05-04-2009, 07:23

Glad I've managed to get a comment in on your Poverty shot before Week 13 is posted! :lol:

I love the texture - very crisp and well-judged (macro lens?) Sorry if you've already said what lens - I'm struggling to catch up and my brain is a bit fried! The date idea was neat - needless to say I didn't realise until it was pointed out!

Also well done on the initiative of getting a crisp new dollar bill. Thanks, too for sharing the set-up. It's always interesting to see how a shot's been done. :clap::clap:

Jean

SimonTALM

05-04-2009, 10:31

man..next time just blag it ;) lol

:lol: I might just do that

Hi Simon,

Just popping in with a quick comment, all yours shots are looking great!

Have I missed something though, what's the significance of the 17, in the dollar shot? I see you mentioning it and trying to get it right.

John

Cheers John,

This is October the 17th - which is World Poverty Day

Hello Simon, having a mega catch up as only just recovered from Paris!

I really like the texture of the dollar bill and the way your lighting set-up has worked. :thumbs: And you are right about 1 dollar being relative, in Paris it wouldn't have even paid for the sugar to put in your coffee :(

Thanks, it is actually quite interesting to note that according to the adjusted $1 index the UK is actually worse off due to our relatively high prices.

Glad I've managed to get a comment in on your Poverty shot before Week 13 is posted! :lol:

I love the texture - very crisp and well-judged (macro lens?) Sorry if you've already said what lens - I'm struggling to catch up and my brain is a bit fried! The date idea was neat - needless to say I didn't realise until it was pointed out!

Also well done on the initiative of getting a crisp new dollar bill. Thanks, too for sharing the set-up. It's always interesting to see how a shot's been done. :clap:

Jean

I can't remember where I saw the low angle tip for texture but I'm glad my brain stored this piece of information.

Yep, this is the magic Nikon 105mm VR :love:

SimonTALM

05-04-2009, 12:32

Up is such a wide theme I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do when the week started. I did think about taking a photo of some large structure (e.g. Portsmouth's Spinaker Tower) from the bottom but I didn't get round to that. So on Saturday morning this week just after I tidied the house (the GF is staying for a few days) I realised I had to get something so I looked at my stairs in the house and thought - well they go up and an idea was born.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/459-1/DSC_9635+800.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_008/DSC_9635+800.jpg.html)
Click for EXIF

I called this "Stairway to Knocking on Heaven's Door"

This was achieved by using a flash though a shoot through brolly just above the camera, a flash at the top of the stairs to the right with +1 stop to make the top of the stairs bright and a flash in the room on the floor facing up to help blow out everything in the room (the room was quite bright as the sun was coming through the window.

Things I learned this week.

1) I'm really pleased I have 3 Nikon CLS flashes.
2) Nikon CLS does have its limitations, specifically if there isn't line of sight you rely on bouncing light to trigger the flash (which sometimes doesn't work).
3) A DVD case can act as a barndoor for a floor standing SB600 (it stopped the light leaking and creating a shadow of the top of stairs on the left wall).
4) Sometimes a small aperture to throw the foreground out of focus just doesn't work.

Toothie

05-04-2009, 14:04

very nicely done Simon, the lighting works verywell :thumbs:

adrury

05-04-2009, 15:27

Good shot, I like the focus being on the door with the light behind. The black and white treatment works well and I like the shadows in the corners.

fab! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Daysleeper40

05-04-2009, 16:22

Goot shot, I like the focus being on the door with the light behind. The black and white treatment works well and I like the shadows in the corners.

I agree - the lighting works well :thumbs:

maddog.mark

05-04-2009, 18:40

An interesting shot and quite some work to get it just right.

I tried something similiar without the lighting setup and was frankly disappointed with my efforts, I now know why!

Good work:clap:

Mark:thumbs:

SimonTALM

05-04-2009, 19:30

very nicely done Simon, the lighting works verywell :thumbs:

Thank you :)

Good shot, I like the focus being on the door with the light behind. The black and white treatment works well and I like the shadows in the corners.

fab! :clap:

Cheers :D

I agree - the lighting works well :thumbs:

Thank you :)

An interesting shot and quite some work to get it just right.

I tried something similiar without the lighting setup and was frankly disappointed with my efforts, I now know why!

Good work:clap:

Mark:thumbs:

Thanks :) It was a bit of work but worth it :) I think I could have achieved a similar result just using normal lights though.

Hyster

05-04-2009, 20:19

The lighting at the top of the stairs adds a little intrigue, nice one Simon.

jeangenie

05-04-2009, 21:20

This is an astonishing image, Simon. Can anyone else see the ambiguity in perception?

I saw a flight of stairs going up, AFTER I'd seen a flight of stairs going DOWN to an open trap door at the bottom. How wierd is that? What a cracking image.

Thanks for sharing the lighting as well, Simon. It's very effective.

:$:exit: to lie down in darkened room.

Jean

jgs001

06-04-2009, 08:32

:clap: excellent shot Simon, the lighting is spot on.

Bruja

06-04-2009, 18:47

Great interpretation, fantastic light and the mono conversion really makes it stand out. Can't find a thing wrong with it. :clap::clap::clap:

PS - Letter :cuckoo::cuckoo::cuckoo:

I hope whoever put that in the hat is still playing :naughty::naughty:

SimonTALM

07-04-2009, 09:14

The lighting at the top of the stairs adds a little intrigue, nice one Simon.

Thank you :D

This is an astonishing image, Simon. Can anyone else see the ambiguity in perception?

I saw a flight of stairs going up, AFTER I'd seen a flight of stairs going DOWN to an open trap door at the bottom. How wierd is that? What a cracking image.

Thanks for sharing the lighting as well, Simon. It's very effective.

:$:exit: to lie down in darkened room.

Jean

I hadn't seen that but I can see it if I really try, the GF had to point it out to me

:clap: excellent shot Simon, the lighting is spot on.

Cheers :thumbs:

Great interpretation, fantastic light and the mono conversion really makes it stand out. Can't find a thing wrong with it. :clap:

PS - Letter :cuckoo:

I hope whoever put that in the hat is still playing :naughty:

Wow, thank you for such strong words of encouragement :D

P.S. I'm glad it's not just me who is struggling this week

Spartacus

07-04-2009, 09:59

:clap: excellent shot Simon, the lighting is spot on.

I agree that's a great shot...:clap:

and just was crying out to be B&W...:thumbs:

SimonTALM

10-04-2009, 17:26

A difficult week for me this week, but I got there in the end. I didn't want to do the obvious so I tried to find letters hidden in other objects and not anything printed / embossed etc. I did want to try and get the whole alphabet but after 2 days of togging I was missing C, F, G, P, U and Z but this was more down to not realising what letters I had taken than not being able to find them. I know that if I spent another day I could complete the list but I don't have the time this week - I will complete the list at some point.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/501-1/LETTER_001.jpg

As this is a composite there is no EXIF in the main photo but all the constituent photos do.

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/499-2/L.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_009/album/L.jpg.html) http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/505-2/E.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_009/album/E.jpg.html) http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/507-2/T.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_009/album/T.jpg.html) http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/509-2/T+2.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_009/album/T+2.jpg.html) http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/511-2/E+2.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_009/album/E+2.jpg.html) http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/513-2/r.jpg (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_009/album/r.jpg.html)
Click Individual Photos for EXIF

Things I learned this week

1) Letters are everywhere if you look for them.
2) I should have crossed letters off the list as I was taking them.
3) Joining photos together is time consuming and not very interesting.

Dark Star

10-04-2009, 17:34

4 to catch up on:

Relationships: Yum :) great shot and a good example of a non human relationship! Love the colours!

Poverty: Like to have seen the A and not sure of the significance of 17 in the bg (did I miss something or am I being dopey :)) But I like it from a conceptual point of view and a technical point of view! A Crisp Dollar - very nice!

Up: I like it - shades of Psycho :) an everyday Up :)

Letter: Bloody cleverly seen and done - very original, I like this one best of all :)

maddog.mark

10-04-2009, 18:15

Damn that's clever.....I like that a lot.:clap::thumbs:

-Rob-

10-04-2009, 18:38

10 out of 10 for imagination on this one Simon and perfectly executed as well. Really well done.

adrury

10-04-2009, 19:30

Excellent, very clever, who knew we were surrounded by the alphabet!! Individually they are great shots, together even better. Well done! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Toothie

10-04-2009, 19:37

very cleaver :) i have to say though i perfer them with the white around them - as seperates on here no idea why though :)

liss

10-04-2009, 19:54

very clever didnt notice it at first and then it clicked, you must have a great imagination

jgs001

10-04-2009, 20:40

Very very clever Simon, you didn't even get near the box for this one. Well spotted, thought out, implemented and such a great interpretation :thumbs:

Hyster

10-04-2009, 21:05

Very creative Simon, great vision.

Shorty

10-04-2009, 21:22

:clap: :clap: great thinking behind this, really like this week's shot - brilliant. Very clever indeed :clap:

jeangenie

11-04-2009, 16:46

... and the prize for the most original shot this week, goes to ...... (pause for dramatic effect) ..... Simon (loud and prolonged applause)

:1st:

I thought you were struggling this week with no ideas and ready to do dark deeds to the person who suggested 'Letter'. You've come up absolute trumps with this one. It's very, very clever and well executed. The colours all work together and the textures are excellent. :clap::clap::clap:

Jean

SimonTALM

11-04-2009, 17:42

Sorry I've had to remove lots of smilies in order for the post to go through.

I have to say I am blown away by all these comments - I thought this was one of my worse weeks and the post was a cop out but then what am I to know?

4 to catch up on:

Relationships: Yum great shot and a good example of a non human relationship! Love the colours!

Poverty: Like to have seen the A and not sure of the significance of 17 in the bg (did I miss something or am I being dopey) But I like it from a conceptual point of view and a technical point of view! A Crisp Dollar - very nice!

Up: I like it - shades of Psycho, an everyday Up

Letter: Bloody cleverly seen and done - very original, I like this one best of all

Thanks - the 17th October (which this 17th is BTW) is World Poverty Day - I didn't explain in the post but have later.

Damn that's clever.....I like that a lot.

Cheers :)

10 out of 10 for imagination on this one Simon and perfectly executed as well. Really well done.

Thanks :D

Excellent, very clever, who knew we were surrounded by the alphabet!! Individually they are great shots, together even better. Well done!

Thanks, I didn't realise quite how many letters there were until I started looking for them.

very cleaver, i have to say though i perfer them with the white around them - as seperates on here no idea why though

Thank you, I hadn't thought of using a white background but now you mention it it does look quite good doesn't it :)

very clever didnt notice it at first and then it clicked, you must have a great imagination

Cheers :D - I wouldn't have put imagination anywhere near top in my skills list but I am starting to think that I must have :thinking:

Very very clever Simon, you didn't even get near the box for this one. Well spotted, thought out, implemented and such a great interpretation

Cheers, as I said at the top I thought this was one of my worse weeks :D

Very creative Simon, great vision.

Thank you :)

great thinking behind this, really like this week's shot - brilliant. Very clever indeed

Thanks :D

... and the prize for the most original shot this week, goes to ...... (pause for dramatic effect) ..... Simon (loud and prolonged applause)

I thought you were struggling this week with no ideas and ready to do dark deeds to the person who suggested 'Letter'. You've come up absolute trumps with this one. It's very, very clever and well executed. The colours all work together and the textures are excellent.

Jean

Thank you :D - I can assure you I was struggling and I still think it's not my best week but that's because I don't think all the individual letters are as good as I am capable of. However it appears to have pretty global support for it, who am I to argue with you lot ;).

Bruja

20-04-2009, 18:10

What a fantastic shot and great interpretation Simon. Fantastic imagination and each individual shot works for me too (but I love abstracts :love:)

Definitely top of the class for this one :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

antc

21-04-2009, 17:20

Very clever, nicely done, well seen, what can i say, i like them!

SimonTALM

21-04-2009, 21:48

Well I may be a couple of days late posting this but I did take it during the week (check the EXIF if you don't believe me :))

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/522-1/DSC_9928.jpg
Click for EXIF (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_010/DSC_9928.jpg.html)

OK not my best shot but last week was not the best for me for a whole host of reasons which I won't go into, but needless to say this image has a number of meanings for me this week.

Things I've learned this week

1) I don't react to things how I expect (do us a favour and ignore this one please)
2) Even when you are laid up not able to walk you get ideas for photos (I did say it wasn't a good week)
3) Live view focusing on the D700 is not ideal but it does work (ish)

adrury

22-04-2009, 16:30

Well that's a nice set of Frodo Baggins's that you have there!! :D

I think the colour treatment is the only way in which a man should get his legs out, unless of course he has the matchin knotted hankie! :lol:

Seriously this is a fantastic treatment of a mundane object that turns it into something outstanding. Late or not, it gets my vote. Well done :clap: :clap:

jeangenie

22-04-2009, 18:13

SimonTALM

23-04-2009, 22:30

SimonTALM

23-04-2009, 22:34

That's an amazing bit of processing, Simon. It looks almost like an x-ray - I was looking for bones. :D :thumbs::thumbs:

You've reminded me I haven't yet tried live view on my D700 - but I have only had it since Christmas. :lol:

Sorry you've had what sounds like a particularly bad week - hope this one's going better.

Jean

Thanks, I enjoyed the processing this week but I couldn't put my finger on why but I think you've got it - it's the x-ray look :D

Get out there and try Live View - I thought it was a gimmick to start with but it is quite handy (a bit like Climate Control and Cruise Control in the car) you don't use it all the time but you'll never get another without it again.

dizzy

24-04-2009, 00:24

Very unusual and sorry to hear about your week. Hope you're up and roaring soon!

jeangenie

24-04-2009, 17:22

Get out there and try Live View - I thought it was a gimmick to start with but it is quite handy (a bit like Climate Control and Cruise Control in the car) you don't use it all the time but you'll never get another without it again.

Mmmm - I'll have to give it a go. :)

You've made me think, though! Climate control and Cruise control - I use the heater in winter and I don't know how to use Cruise control! :$ In fact I don't know if my car has it. :$:$

Jean

SimonTALM

25-04-2009, 22:20

Well I had planned to take a simple still life of Dohnuts this week. The reason for this is that I did a Geology degree and on field trips we often stopped off at bakers to get the departmental food stuff. I know they are bad for me but I still long for an occasional Doughnut.

However, the plan changed when I was talking about my idea with Nails and she suggested the longing to lick your lips when you eat doughnuts and even volunteered to be a model, so with suitable credit to Nails...

http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/d/526-2/DSC_9951.jpg
Click for EXIF (http://www.simon.justsee.co.uk/gallery/v/photo_52/album_011/DSC_9951.jpg.html)

Plus the other element to this is the Longing I have for these lips ;) :D