View Full Version : John's Photo 52 PtII - Week 52 (28th Dec) - Texture
Continuing on from Part 1 (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=104690)...
Here's Fun
Another week that start out with zero inspiration. In fact this week has been mainly perspiration and no fun at all, but that's another story. Anyway, whilst thinking and thinking last night, wishing I could try and get shots of the storms blazing away outside whilst keeping the kids calm (like that was going to happen) an idea snuck quietly into the lesser known recesses of my brain. I'd shot some 'in fun' shots a while back... so decided to try something in the same vein... Anyway, there's a bit of a story involved here...
Last night Monkeh asked me if he could borrow my SLR to try something, I said "No way! but you can use my old Z2, it's more your size". So after setting up his Studio for him, he recruited a few characters from the toy boxes and proceeded to shoot a Thriller tribute shot. Of course I grabbed a shot of the proceedings...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_7489.jpg
Technically, I know there's lots wrong with it, but it's been one of those weeks and I'm not expecting it to get any better, so this will have to do.
For anyone interested, here's Monkey's shot too (He gave me permission to post it :D)
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/PICT0217.jpg
Lessons learned...
1) When under lots of different outside pressures, taking the time to do something you enjoy just doesn't seem to give the buzz as normal when something works. And it's much harder to be inclined in the first place.
I can't think of anything else, although I'm sure there's loads. This wasn't my first attempt at something, but the others just didn't work.
Here's a couple I also tried
Fun 1 (http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/?action=view¤t=IMG_7481.jpg)
Fun 2 (http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/?action=view¤t=IMG_7469.jpg)
hehe made me chuckle :D i monkeh's shot :D
That's good it worked :D. Thanks Ruth... I've just noticed... there's a smear of something on Monkeh's shot... Gonna have to go see what the kids have done to the Z2... They were the last ones to use it at Goodwood.
Time Passes...
Hmmm... will have to have words.... There's enormous splodgy fingerprints across half the objective.... Still easily dealt with...
I like this idea very much :lol: made me laugh too. I also quite like that second shot you got, of the Wii wheel :)
Monkeh has some talent there, watch he's not after our camera when you're sleeping ;) :lol:
Dark Star
17-07-2009, 14:03
Inventive and fun :)
Funnily enough as soon as I saw the image and before I read your words I thought 'Thriller' :D
Bubbles would be jealous ;)
You've acknowlegded the technical merits ;) so lets just accept this one as a good fun shoot :D :thumbs:
I like this idea very much made me laugh too. I also quite like that second shot you got, of the Wii wheel
Monkeh has some talent there, watch he's not after our camera when you're sleeping
Thanks, I keep it locked out of his reach :D... I just couldn't get the Wii wheel as I envisaged it. Maybe upping the brightness on the TV... not sure.
Inventive and fun
Funnily enough as soon as I saw the image and before I read your words I thought 'Thriller'
Bubbles would be jealous
You've acknowlegded the technical merits ;) so lets just accept this one as a good fun shoot
Cheers John. It wasn't my first idea for Monkeh's shoot, but I couldn't find a suitable toy... I'm glad the intent comes across clearly though.
SarahLee
17-07-2009, 20:10
:D :lol: I've had a terrible week at work and really needed cheering up. Those shots have definitely put a smile on my face !
Great interpretation of the theme, and I liked your second shot of MarioKart and Wii wheels too.
p.s. Monkey's effort is particularly impressive given that he had to operate the camera minus any fingers and thumbs.
Glad to help Sarah :D and thank you.
He did well didn't he :D
jeangenie
20-07-2009, 22:04
:lol::lol::lol:
You have one talented Monkeh there , John. :D
For a guy who had no inspiration last week both shots are great Fun and definitely brought a smile to my face. Full marks for a clever idea. :thumbs:
Jean
Thanks Corky.
Cheers Jean, it was just one of those weeks... if it could go wrong, it pretty much had a damn good try at it, or at least it felt like it.
Monkeh looks like he´s having fun, and straight away I spotted the Thriller connection. They both made me laugh so you´ve managed to get a couple of fun pictures out of what sound like a very unfunny week. I take my hat off to you :clap::clap:
Thanks very much Jill. Glad you got the connection and it made you laugh :thumbs:
When I saw this... I groaned, and Simon blamed me for it... It's not what I asked for at all... However, a brief think later and it occurred to me, that the easiest thing to do was to use a shot that was easy to get. No tricky lighting, not difficult framing, panning, flash, multiple exposures, stacking, image combining or any such thing. So here's what I settled on
A simply easy shot to shoot.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_7536-Version2.jpg
Your fun shots made me smile so they hit the spot, I love messing with light tents and tabletop lighting, great way to play with light and see how it affects an image.
Your easy shot is a strong image and would fit many of the themes we have had. Nicely done.
karmagarda
23-07-2009, 10:37
Nice shot! Don't know about you, but I'm hoping the next theme will be "hard" :lol:
Thanks Hyster. I probably ought to get the tent out and play more with it. I'm not inspired as I have nothing suitable to light it with, I need to look into it. I've got a couple of old flahsguns that'll work in slave mode ... if I can figure out a way to hold them up...
Thanks Karmagarda...far too many themes have been hard in the first 6 months...
SarahLee
25-07-2009, 10:38
I don't know about an easy to get shot, I think I'd struggle with that one :lol:
Absolutely stunning anyway. The lighting really sets it off and the details in the petals are beautiful. Is that your pond?
Thanks Sarah. It was easy... I had the camera in Aperture priority (the light was changing by the moment, blinking weather), bumped the ISO a little to get a decent shutter speed, pointed and shot :D... Lighting was what was there. I wish it were, but no, this is one of the ponds in the "The Princess of Wales Conservatory" (http://www.kew.org/places/kew/pwc_wettropics.html) at Kew.
Hi John, two great shots. The first really does sum up the element of fun, and the second, well there is nothin simpler and easier on the eye than a beautiful flower, which you have captured perfectly! :clap: :clap:
Wow, lovely shot. Easy for some, but not for me. Lovely colours!! :D
SarahLee
26-07-2009, 19:11
Thanks Sarah. It was easy... I had the camera in Aperture priority (the light was changing by the moment, blinking weather), bumped the ISO a little to get a decent shutter speed, pointed and shot :D... Lighting was what was there.
I suppose that's the beauty of a shot like that . . . it really looks like there was a lot of effort and planning that went into it.
I've yet to experience that pleasant surprise when a simple photo comes straight out of the camera looking perfect.
Daysleeper40
26-07-2009, 19:18
Fun - they made me laugh so fit the theme perfectly imo.
Easy - To be completely honest this one isn't doing too much for me. I think it's the composition - I'm finding the bud and leaf bottom left really distracting. Just the flower on it's own with a nice reflection would have had more impact I think. I am being picky though - and appreciate that sometimes random leaves are just there and have to be condended with!
Great colours and reflections i think the bits at the bottom distract a little though. :D
jeangenie
26-07-2009, 22:38
Until I read everyone else's comments I hadn't noticed the leaf and bud because the colours of the flower are so eye catching. So for me it works beautifully and looks as though you've spent hours getting just the right light. :clap::clap::clap:
Jean
Hi John, two great shots. The first really does sum up the element of fun, and the second, well there is nothin simpler and easier on the eye than a beautiful flower, which you have captured perfectly!
Thanks Angela
Wow, lovely shot. Easy for some, but not for me. Lovely colours!! :D
I suppose that's the beauty of a shot like that . . . it really looks like there was a lot of effort and planning that went into it.
I've yet to experience that pleasant surprise when a simple photo comes straight out of the camera looking perfect.
:D it doesn't happen to me very often
Fun - they made me laugh so fit the theme perfectly imo.
Easy - To be completely honest this one isn't doing too much for me. I think it's the composition - I'm finding the bud and leaf bottom left really distracting. Just the flower on it's own with a nice reflection would have had more impact I think. I am being picky though - and appreciate that sometimes random leaves are just there and have to be condended with!
Thanks DS. This was the best angle... and I don't think the gardners at Kew (or the fish in the pond) would have been too happy with me adjusting it :D. I cloned a leaf out of the lower right corner, but I will admit I didn't try with that much.
Great colours and reflections i think the bits at the bottom distract a little though. :D
Thanks Ruth... I agree on the bits
Until I read everyone else's comments I hadn't noticed the leaf and bud because the colours of the flower are so eye catching. So for me it works beautifully and looks as though you've spent hours getting just the right light.
Jean
Thanks Jean.
Dark Star
27-07-2009, 09:24
Easy is a beauty, I think your interpretation of the theme is cleverly done ;) Like Fi I would have preferred to have seen the flower on its own but then that wouldn't have met the theme would it :) The colours and light a very 'easy' on the eye and subtle ;)
Nice one :)
Spartacus
29-07-2009, 11:44
Wow that a lovely shot John...:clap::clap::clap:
You really did do this flower justice, works so well as a stand alone shot and would make a great wall picture...:thumbs:
and you may think it was easy but most would struggle to take that shot so well...
nicely done mate...:thumbs:
Wow that a lovely shot John...:clap::clap::clap:
You really did do this flower justice, works so well as a stand alone shot and would make a great wall picture...:thumbs:
and you may think it was easy but most would struggle to take that shot so well...
nicely done mate...:thumbs:
Not being Lazy John, but my first thought was ´that needs to go on a wall´ so Marcus sums it up for me. :thumbs:
Crumbs... 2 votes :D.. Thanks very much Jill... I'll have a look into getting it printed.
First off... I printed the flower and it's come out really nicely... it almost glows. Thanks for the suggestion
Anyway... Colour... or perhaps I should say Colours :D.. I had some ideas for this and I shot a few to see what I liked best.
First up a macro shot of some wrapping paper with coloured stripes on it. I quite like the effect this produces... in fact I was rather surprised
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_7765.jpg
But in the end... the kids had been making things yesterday, so I grabbed the tub, popped the raynox on the nifty, lit with the 300AFD bounced off a nearby wall.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_7795.jpg
I quite like the randomness of all the beads.
Dark Star
02-08-2009, 08:37
OOh hard to pick between those two - love the first abstracty one - almost hypnotic - but the second wins for me I think - a dynamic still life - it somehow has lots of movement for me and no sense of scale so the size of the 'bits' could be anything :)
Very good shot that- I like it! :clap:
karmagarda
02-08-2009, 13:22
mmm... don't know which to pick myself! Both are good shots. Both suit the theme! But probably the second one. I think the colours are more vibrant in it.
Spartacus
02-08-2009, 20:01
Well another good week for you I'm thinking...:clap::clap::clap:
Spot on with the themes subject matter, both are good in there own right but I'm with karmagarda and Dark Star if I had to choose it would be the second one...:thumbs:
Like em both. Well done on both counts
SarahLee
02-08-2009, 21:02
Everyone's done so well this week!
I like both those shots, but I think I prefer the second one if I had to pick.
The range of colours is really eye-catching and the definition on each bead is so crisp and clear. I can almost see that blown up on a canvas in some swanky office building.
Kiwi Jaz
02-08-2009, 21:08
Definitely the second one to me..lovely vibrant colours. Nice work.
Ooooh, I like these both. Prefer one, but I think it's for the simplicity against the texture, very well done :thumbs:
jeangenie
02-08-2009, 21:54
Two excellent shots, John. Your first isn't a million miles different from my first, so I'll choose #2 as my favourite - but it's a close call. :thumbs:
Glad you were pleased with the print of your flower. :)
Jean
OOh hard to pick between those two - love the first abstracty one - almost hypnotic - but the second wins for me I think - a dynamic still life - it somehow has lots of movement for me and no sense of scale so the size of the 'bits' could be anything
Very good shot that- I like it!
Cheers John, I left the chaos of how they ended up, I rather liked it... they are teeny tiny beads...
mmm... don't know which to pick myself! Both are good shots. Both suit the theme! But probably the second one. I think the colours are more vibrant in it.
Thanks KG
Well another good week for you I'm thinking...
Spot on with the themes subject matter, both are good in there own right but I'm with karmagarda and Dark Star if I had to choose it would be the second one...
Thanks very much Marcus
Like em both. Well done on both counts
Thanks Corky
Everyone's done so well this week!
I like both those shots, but I think I prefer the second one if I had to pick.
The range of colours is really eye-catching and the definition on each bead is so crisp and clear. I can almost see that blown up on a canvas in some swanky office building.
Thanks Sarah... Shame I don't have a swanky office building, or work in one :D
Definitely the second one to me..lovely vibrant colours. Nice work.
Cheers Jaz
Ooooh, I like these both. Prefer one, but I think it's for the simplicity against the texture, very well done
Thanks Shorty
Two excellent shots, John. Your first isn't a million miles different from my first, so I'll choose #2 as my favourite - but it's a close call.
Glad you were pleased with the print of your flower.
Jean
Thanks very much Jean. (even the OH was pleased with the flower print :D)
Wow, another clever clogs with 2 entries this week :lol:
2 cracking shots John, you are certainly on a roll and I'm glad you printed the flower. :clap::clap::clap::clap:
I love the abstract nature of the paper but for sheer vibrancy it's number 2 for me. As DS says, there's no sense of scale.
Just a suggestion but I'd like it even more if it was all in focus as I find the edges distracting
Thanks very much Jill. I'll have a look at another way to shoot it... with the raynox, the DOF vanishes away to next to nothing.... that was shot at f9....
both good strong images, i like the texture in the first and the random ness off the second :D
An interesting week this one... Lots of possibilities, and nothing really worked for me.. hey ho...
Anyway, I got my first oppo to try a shot for this last weekend. I was just getting everything setup, clearing the background etc, when I was promptly informed, by the rest of the family to just get on with it and only a snap was needed, they were all hungry... no fair... but there we go... so no chance to review and shoot more... Here's the shot... but it's not my theme entry... There's too many things wrong with it, that I had no chance to review and put right..
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_7846.jpg
So, a couple of days later, I thought I'd go for a shot of one of my favourite cakey snacks... A scone with cream and jam... hmm yum... I was up against one of my old bugbears... lighting... again. Although I did find a roll of white paper though... very handy.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_7861.jpg
I did bounce the flash off a white chopping board, but it didn't seem to make any difference, what I did, I got that shadow, this is the best one of them.
I also tried a little experiment, it didn't work and did odd things to the shadows... I did bounce the flash off a white chopping board, but it didn't seem to make any difference, what I did, I got that shadow, this is the best one of them.
an experiment (http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/?action=view¤t=IMG_7861.jpg)
jeangenie
09-08-2009, 22:44
Yum yum - tea at your house looks really good. :)
I think you were a bit hard on yourself about the first shot. It's a pity about the plate and place mat, but otherwise I like it. It looks like the scones were your fave on that shot as well as the second one. :)
The colours on the second shot are lovely. Do you mean the shadow under the plate? Because if you do, I think you need at least some shadow there or it will look more like a flying saucer than a plate! :) I like the jammy reflection under the scone on the left, but the window/door is a bit distracting on the right. I agree - it's so hard to nail the lighting on this type of shot, so well done for having a good go at it. :)
Jean
Nothing like a traditional cream tea :D
For me the cake stand is ok but the plate in the background is distracting, the scones with cream and jam are spot on though :D
Honestly... the cake stand needed more DOF, the plane of focus cuts through the top plate, serves me right for using the Nifty... if you have a look at the exif, it was f3.2 1/3200, I had so much leeway to play with.... I've also cropped it too hard at the top, but that was to remove the stuff beyond the table edge. And I didn't want the plate and mat in shot... but hey ho...
Thanks Jean, I was trying to reduce the shadow, not eliminate, I'm not sure I could with only the one flash, but minimise it. I didn't even notice the cupboard door (?) reflection (that's all I can think it is) on the write :bang:, I wonder if dodge or burn would solve it ?
Thanks very much Ruth :thumbs:
Spartacus
10-08-2009, 14:08
Stop being hard on yourself John...you have taken a couple of nice shots...yes not perfect but none of us are yet...:lol:
the second one works so well I can feel a cream tea coming on...:love:
nicely done Sir...:thumbs:
Ooooh, Yummy - however appetizing 1 looks. And I would eat more stuff off that as I'm not keen on scones etc.
I have to say its the second shot for me, very yummy looking, and you really get a feel for the texture of the jam etc. :thumbs:
SarahLee
10-08-2009, 20:40
Another vote for you being too harsh on yourself.
The first shot's not perfect, but none of us are. And I reckon if your family hadn't been so eager to start eating you would have got it spot on :D
It definitely had potential and it all looked very tasty.
Now the second one - that is a really good capture IMO
White cream, on a whitish scone, on a white plate, on white paper. It can't have been easy to get that right!
The jam adds a nice splash of red to all that white and you've managed to keep it all looking appetising.
I actually like the shadow underneath the plate to keep it grounded and I don't think it needed minimising.
Stop being hard on yourself John...you have taken a couple of nice shots...yes not perfect but none of us are yet...
the second one works so well I can feel a cream tea coming on...
nicely done Sir...
Thanks very much Marcus, go for it... these were the leftover scones (ooops, did I buy too many :lol:) the following day from the first shot.
Ooooh, Yummy - however appetizing 1 looks. And I would eat more stuff off that as I'm not keen on scones etc.
I have to say its the second shot for me, very yummy looking, and you really get a feel for the texture of the jam etc.
Thanks Shorty
Another vote for you being too harsh on yourself.
The first shot's not perfect, but none of us are. And I reckon if your family hadn't been so eager to start eating you would have got it spot on
It definitely had potential and it all looked very tasty.
Now the second one - that is a really good capture IMO
White cream, on a whitish scone, on a white plate, on white paper. It can't have been easy to get that right!
The jam adds a nice splash of red to all that white and you've managed to keep it all looking appetising.
I actually like the shadow underneath the plate to keep it grounded and I don't think it needed minimising.
Thanks very much Sarah. By minimising, I mean stopping it being a hard, harsh shadow, I was aiming for a little less than I got, but it's not as bad as I have had in the past.
I hereby promise to try very hard not to be so hard on myself over my pictures... not sure I'll manage it though :D
karmagarda
11-08-2009, 11:16
Love the second shot! I can see what you mean by the shadow under the plate. It's like there's a mix between natural lighting/room lights or bulbs/flash/bounce throwing in a second shadow. Maybe shooting it in almost pitch black with just a single flash or something? Dunno, there's far better lighting experts than me in here that could probably figure it out!
Thanks KG. As part of my promise :D... There's nothing wrong with that shadow... not anymore anyway. You may be right with in the dark, but that might cause a harsh shadow again. It may be that the lighting, with the bulbs that has allowed the not harsh shadow in the first place.
John :bat::bat::bat:
You know what will happen if you don't stop being hard on yourself :nono:
Yes there are problems with the first shot, but we all have problems sometimes and mine are usually because people are getting impatient and then I don't feel that I can take just a couple of minutes to set it up better :(
The second shot is spot on IMHO and I think the shadow adds to the 3D effect. Certainly makes me hungry looking at it :clap::clap::clap:
Thanks very much Jill... I promise... honest ;) I'll try to behave :D
Dark Star
12-08-2009, 20:48
Two nice shots and bugger this challenge - it gives me the munchies :)
The 3 tier grab shot is fine, I guess I agree with Ruth about the plate but hey, it was a quick shot and looks fine for it
Your set up cream tea shot is great :) The shadows add dimension and the colours are great :clap:
Very nice :thumbs:
Thanks very much John. Twas a very nice tea from the 3 tier... I agree about the plate too, but I wasn't allowed to do anything about it... hey ho...
As for the cream tea shot. I rewarded myself with demolishing the scones once I got the shot :D... yum yum...
Yes, I prefer the second shot....in fact I'd prefer to eat the secod shot! Well done:clap:
Thanks Corky... I did eat the contents of the second shot :D... and very tasty is was too.
I only had one idea when I read this theme, and I have to say, it wouldn't have been good for anyone... :D... After a couple of days and not coming up with anything else, I resorted to the dictionary.... and suddenly I had ideas by the barrowload... I did think about doing something clever (not really likely, no time) with a triptych and processing, along with other items within the shots... but no... in the end I went for something far simpler... and much more tasty too...
Exposed - Heart of the Malteser
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8093.jpg
Shot with the Nifty and Raynox to get in close, but not too close... Lit with daylight through the window.
I have to say, the other half, then these, and the rest of the large bag :D... went down a treat too.. Yum
My next couple of entries are going to be late, probably by a couple of weeks, I may not have net access for that time... how will I cope :D...
I would of gone with little less ISO, only about 100-200 as there seems to be a good light source. But im going a tad picky now and im trying to sound smart :lol:
Its a lovely idea with food or sweets (there's loads of food pictures recently isn't there?). Feels like I could just grab it and eat it.
Andy, you're possibly right, but, I was using the ISO to keep the shutter speed up to the point I could feasibly handhold. The Raynox, makes the DOF really narrow, therefore to get more I have to stop down a lot, with the consequence of slower shutter speed. I might have been able to work out a way to use the tripod and just done a much longer exposure, but noise handling at ISO400 is normally pretty good.
Thanks, I did just that, and very nice it was too.
Dark Star
14-08-2009, 07:54
More food :) Exposing your less fattening centre I see :D
I love the idea! (I have none for this week yet!)
Minor niggle: I would like to see a little more space below the sweeties though :)
Detail is great :thumbs: Idea simple and effective :)
Now wheres that dictionary!
Cheers John. I was using the second as a prop to hold the front half up... I've eaten them all now so don't have any at the moment to reshoot... Oh dear... that means I'll have to get some more :D... oh how we suffer for our art :lol:...
karmagarda
14-08-2009, 08:43
I love the idea behind this. What would have worked better for me is if there were more sweets in the photo and just that 1 "exposed". But I still like it all the same. :thumbs:
Kiwi Jaz
14-08-2009, 21:09
I like it. Seems to be a bit of a mark on the table on the right hand side but apart from that it looks great. I like the composition.
I love the idea behind this. What would have worked better for me is if there were more sweets in the photo and just that 1 "exposed". But I still like it all the same. :thumbs:
Thanks KG, you might well be right... Gonna have to get some more :D and try again I guess.
I like it. Seems to be a bit of a mark on the table on the right hand side but apart from that it looks great. I like the composition.
Cheers Jaz. It's some form of reflection I think. I used a plate as the base and didn't notice that...
bigsteve
15-08-2009, 10:17
Haha, I like the idea. A nice progression from the last theme, too! :)
Great idea and a nice shot, I was just wondering what you had used to light them, lovely soft light, then I read your post again, Daylight of course.
mmmmm that looks yummy :D
very nicely done :thumbs:
Spartacus
17-08-2009, 13:55
Ah another clever idea from you John, and it's so close to being a really great shot, a bit more room around the shot and a contrast boost and it's there...:thumbs:
kennysarmy
17-08-2009, 18:23
Good idea.
I'd have liked both in focus and perhaps you could have "cleaned" up the surface with some cloning in PP perhaps...
SarahLee
17-08-2009, 20:19
Now that's something I've never seen before!
Maltesers are normally gone in one mouthful :D
Nice simple shot, but heaps of lovely detail in the exposed one.
Hi John
I know what you mean about trying to prop up food :D
I'm going to be really picky here (and make you buy more Maltesers :lol:) but I'd like to see them diagonally in the frame with a little more space around them but that might have been a nightmare to set up :shrug:
And you seem to have the same aversion to tripods as me. I think, oh it's not worth it, I'll just play with the settings :D
That said, great interpretation on the theme :clap::clap:
Made me laugh this one. Enjoyed a good take on the theme
jeangenie
24-08-2009, 22:50
That's pure torture, John - fancy showing me a picture of Maltesers and not sharing them. :lol:
Good shot - no criticisms apart from as above. :clap::clap::clap:
Jean
Thanks very much everyone. Just got back from 2 weeks away, I'll post those shots from the last 2 weeks shortly... Some good ideas in there, thanks for the pointers... I'll have a think and play when I next get a pack :D...
Been on hols, so just catching up with the posting of the images now. Thanks very much John (Dark Star) for keeping me up with the themes...
Week 33 Mono
Not much to say about this, I went looking for something that was textured that Mono would help boost...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8138.jpg
Week 34 Season
A fine summer on hols for a change. This didn't come out quite how I hoped but it's not as dull as my original plan...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/hols/LPFR/IMG_8569.jpg
A bit rushed... far to many emails and things to deal with now.
tbh your mono shot doesnt do a lot for me sorry :(
Season i love but the tree creaping in on the rhs needs croping out imo :)
Thanks Ruth, sorry about the Mono... try this one...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/hols/LPFR/IMG_8211-Version2.jpg
And a crop of Season
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/hols/LPFR/IMG_85691.jpg
jeangenie
02-09-2009, 12:00
Hope you've had a good holiday. You were missed. :)
I definitely prefer the second Mono - lovely texture, composition, dof and a great abstract graphic quality. :clap::clap:
Season: I agree with Ruth - I'd crop out the tree on the right. But it's only a minor niggle and doesn't detract from a fine picture. I like the composition with the shadows on the grass - and how on earth did you arrange for those balloons to be just so! :thumbs::thumbs:
Jean
Spartacus
02-09-2009, 14:20
Welcome back...:wave:
Yes the second mono works for me...:clap:
I know this goes’ against the comments so far of some very gifted photographers, but I like the tree on the right. To me it gives the reason of the shadows on the long grass. I think maybe a panoramic shot just a touch of bottom and a bit more sky cropping would really work with the air balloons.
jeangenie
03-09-2009, 07:00
I like the tree on the right. To me it gives the reason of the shadows on the long grass. I think maybe a panoramic shot just a touch of bottom and a bit more sky cropping would really work with the air balloons.
I see what you mean about the trees, but if they're in, I'd like to see a bit more of them, pretty please. :)
Some people are never satisfied, are they. :lol:
Jean
Thanks very much for the comments... how's this Pano crop ?
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8569-Version2.jpg
SarahLee
03-09-2009, 11:56
I hope you had a good holiday. Judging by those pics it looks like you managed to get a few good days out.
First mono isn't really doing it for me either sorry. I struggled a bit to actually figure out what I was looking at.
I absolutely LOVE the second one though. Great contrast in the different texture between the wood and the nail heads and the perspective and dof works really well.
Season - really nice landscape shot and it's lovely to see abit of blue sky and sunshine.
Pano crop works best for me. I agree that you need the trees there to put the shadows in context and compositionally it just looks more balanced. Is that the moon that I can see just creeping out left of centre?
Thanks Sarah. I know what you mean about the first one... Not sure quite what happened to it, but never mind. The landscape was the right time of day.. about an hour before sundown (first time I've managed that...:D) and yep, you can indeed see the moon in there too. The balloons were just an added unexpected extra. We were on the way to that chataud (speeling ??) you can see on the bluff, having passed the balloons taking off, and I braked, slung the car off the road, leapt out amidst complaints from the 7 passengers and grabbed this shot as they were drifting in that direction, with the moon above the chataud.
second mono is much better
i really like the pano crop of season as well :thumbs:
SarahLee
03-09-2009, 18:19
We were on the way to that chataud (speeling ??) you can see on the bluff, having passed the balloons taking off, and I braked, slung the car off the road, leapt out amidst complaints from the 7 passengers and grabbed this shot as they were drifting in that direction, with the moon above the chataud.
:lol: :lol: I've got images of passengers flying halfway across the car now!
It was worth it though. Very nice shot.
I'm not going to be able to take something specifically for this, so I'm falling back on the shot I took on my hols.
A Colourful Lilly in Grungy water...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8363.jpg
SarahLee
05-09-2009, 19:57
That reminds me of your shot for "easy", just nowhere near as pretty.
I'm finding it a bit hard to comment on really. The lily is beautiful but the water and the little flies are just :gag: . . . but then that was kind of the point of the theme. I guess grungy photos are just not my thing :lol:
You've got the contrast between the elegance & delicate colour of the lily and the green, yucky water across well though and for a fall back shot it's a good fit for this week. I would have believed that you'd taken it deliberately.
This has definitely not been an easy theme!
that is grungy water :gag: but a pretty flower so it makes a nice change from all the grunge i have been looking at :D
maddog.mark
06-09-2009, 18:12
Time for a catch up, sorry to have missed so many.
Exposed, such a clever idea, love it
Mono, second attempt much better
Season - Like them all to be honest, a lovely summer scene.
Grunge - apart from the lilly it's definitely grungy... just goes to show you can find beauty most everywhere!
Spartacus
06-09-2009, 19:48
that is grungy water :gag: but a pretty flower so it makes a nice change from all the grunge i have been looking at :D
I agree :thumbs:
fits theme so well...:clap:
jeangenie
06-09-2009, 20:48
You could easily have lied and said you'd spent ages locating just the right sort of grungey pond with a beautiful water lily in it - I would definitely have believed you. :)
The contrast of the stagnant water and the flower work really well. The flies add to the grungy look, the composition works well. Not a Grngy week for you at all, John.
:clap::clap::clap:
Jean
Thanks very much everyone. I had originally planned to clone out the flies... but I decided to leave them in as the theme being grunge they fitted in so well.
karmagarda
07-09-2009, 20:11
Catchup time! Bloody eck, a week where you all have been rather busy.
Mono, the wood and bolts work so well. Mono and excellent DOF. Love it!
Season - Pano definitely works best. Nice photo.
Grunge - I really don't know what to do here, so well done getting a photo in is all I can say :D! It's a good photo too
Thanks KG, grunge certainly wasn't an easy theme.
Hi John and welcome back from me too. I'm 2 weeks behind on my comments, well 3 with you ;)
First mono looked a bit flat and so what to me but the second mono does it for me big time, I love that kind of shot :love:
Season, the pano crop is fantastic too. What would we do without feedback :shrug:, we'd probably never improve. (and it's Chateau, but I only know that because I did French at school, not cos I'm a show off ;))
Grunge, Such a different take on the theme, the beauty of the waterlily against the (in my case) stomach churning water.Good job we don't have smellyvision cos it looks foul.
Great comeback from your hols :clap:
Dark Star
10-09-2009, 19:13
Bugger I thought I'd commented on these :(
Sorry!
Mono: They are both good but the 2nd does it for me compositionally :) Nice!
Season: That pano is the one :) Lovely shot and great use of pano :)
Grunge: Lovely flower, grungey water - juxtaposition (great word) Nice :)
Hi John and welcome back from me too. I'm 2 weeks behind on my comments, well 3 with you
First mono looked a bit flat and so what to me but the second mono does it for me big time, I love that kind of shot
Season, the pano crop is fantastic too. What would we do without feedback :shrug:, we'd probably never improve. (and it's Chateau, but I only know that because I did French at school, not cos I'm a show off )
Grunge, Such a different take on the theme, the beauty of the waterlily against the (in my case) stomach churning water.Good job we don't have smellyvision cos it looks foul.
Great comeback from your hols
Thanks very much Jill.
Mono just goes to show, I shouldn't necessarily bother looking for things to shoot in Mono cos I've no clue what I'm doing :lol: but rather go for what I like and if it works mono it...
Thanks for the correction, my schoolboy french (which I failed 3 times) leaves a lot to be desired..
I don't recall a particularly offensive odour around there... maybe I had a cold ;)
Bugger I thought I'd commented on these
Sorry!
Mono: They are both good but the 2nd does it for me compositionally Nice!
Season: That pano is the one :) Lovely shot and great use of pano
Grunge: Lovely flower, grungey water - juxtaposition (great word) Nice
NP John. Thanks very much. Yes, good word that.
I had no clue when this came up, I hate trying to capture this sort of thing, that's why, I guess, I took up this challenge in the first place. Anyway, after checking the dictionary, I had a thought on something to try. So, today being the only chance to get the shot, I went out to the local cemetery to try and capture something. After seeing signs on the gate about damage to the graves, and seeing the debris, I changed my mind, and decided to capture something else. In this case, I've gone for the reverse and have tried to show
Lack of Respect
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8751.jpg
A Lesson
I've been reading a couple of togging books and it's certainly helped today. I was thinking far more about what I wanted my pictures to "say" rather than trying to capture what I saw. Not sure it's worked, but I feel it's a step in the right direction. That's probably why, I've been better at shooting birds and such as that's technical and less about story..
78seconds
13-09-2009, 14:04
This is the right title for this scene. Very good.
karmagarda
13-09-2009, 16:10
Excellent! Love that respect photo. Works so well for me. :thumbs:
Respect shot needs no explanation, the story is in the shot, well done.
jeangenie
13-09-2009, 22:35
John, your picture definitely tells the 'story' - well spotted and I like the selective colour in this case (not normally my fave thing!). The colour emphasises the 'modern' element and the b&w the 'old' element in the picture - works really well.
Just looked at the photo again - and it looks desaturated rather than b&w. Sorry - it's late!
It's great when you achieve what you set out to do, isn't it. :thumbs:
Jean
This is the right title for this scene. Very good.
Thank you
Excellent! Love that respect photo. Works so well for me. :thumbs:
Thanks KG
Respect shot needs no explanation, the story is in the shot, well done.
Thanks Hyster, glad it came across
John, your picture definitely tells the 'story' - well spotted and I like the selective colour in this case (not normally my fave thing!). The colour emphasises the 'modern' element and the b&w the 'old' element in the picture - works really well.
Just looked at the photo again - and it looks desaturated rather than b&w. Sorry - it's late!
It's great when you achieve what you set out to do, isn't it. :thumbs:
Jean
Thanks Jean. You're right, not selective colour, I desaturated the rest of the colours and pushed up the blues, I wanted to keep a hint of the greens etc in there. It wasn't easy finding the right angle that gave the cans the impact I wanted them to either, but hopefully that will become easier with practice. Aye, that it is :thumbs:
kennysarmy
14-09-2009, 09:52
Some photographs don't need much explanation....this is one of them...
Well done! Great idea..
Spartacus
14-09-2009, 14:19
Excellent and very thought provoking...
what a great idea...:clap::clap::clap:
Good job this week:thumbs:...
Thanks very much Marcus :thumbs:
SarahLee
14-09-2009, 19:00
Brilliant !
I came soooo close to submitting a cemetery shot and after seeing this I'm glad that I didn't.
It's one of those rare photos that really provokes a deep emotional reaction and need no words at all to back it up or explain it.
The processing is spot-on and draws the eye to exactly where it needs to be.
I'm not sure that "well done" is the right thing to say given the context of the image but you've really got it spot on this week.
Wow.. Thanks very much Sarah
I've posted the others from the set here (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=164558)
maddog.mark
14-09-2009, 21:29
An interesting and thought provoking take on the theme, very well done. Even the selective colouring.:thumbs:
Thanks very much Mark :thumbs:
That's a great interpretation John, and, like JG, I'm not a fan of selective colouring but that definitely gives this the edge.
The image speaks for itself, and it is so sad that people have such a lack of respect for the dead.
But a great shot for the theme :clap::clap::clap:
Thanks very much Jill :thumbs:
I think there's just be a general lack of respect in the world. I'm hoping I'm teaching my two better than that and to show respect to others and things around them.
really liking your respect shot, the processing suits and it fits the theme really well :thumbs:
Kiwi Jaz
16-09-2009, 17:26
Nice idea..you have pulled it off well. The cans really stick out and it certainly shows a lack of respect. Nice work jgs001.
really liking your respect shot, the processing suits and it fits the theme really well :thumbs:
thanks Ruth
Nice idea..you have pulled it off well. The cans really stick out and it certainly shows a lack of respect. Nice work jgs001.
Thanks Jaz, glad it came across clearly.
I had the idea... just finding the time to implement.. anyway I managed it..
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8777.jpg
jeangenie
19-09-2009, 20:52
Lovely - says it all, John - simply, beautifully and eloquently.
Love the b&w conversion too.
:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
Jean
Kiwi Jaz
20-09-2009, 10:22
That is a lovely shot. Superb bokeh and nicely processed.
Sorry I've not commented for a while, have been away.
Grunge, lovely flower, disgusting water :thumbs:
Respect - nothing against you or your new 'tries' but this doesn't do anything for me - again, nothing personal cos composition etc/ is spot on, as is Selective colouring....
Friendship, love this shot, looks great in Mono and is a fab picture, lighting is spot on :thumbs: :clap:
Spartacus
20-09-2009, 13:57
Lovely - says it all, John - simply, beautifully and eloquently.
Love the b&w conversion too.
:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
Jean
:agree: Yes I agree, lovely take on this weeks theme...:clap::clap::clap:
SarahLee
20-09-2009, 19:26
Beautiful shot.
It's actually very similar to what I've done this week, but yours is better.
Sums the theme up beautifully and I love the contrast of old and young. The B&W conversion really brings out the difference in the skin textures.
very simple...and spot on
Jon
Lovely - says it all, John - simply, beautifully and eloquently.
Love the b&w conversion too.
:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
Jean
Thanks Jean
That is a lovely shot. Superb bokeh and nicely processed.
Cheers Jaz
Sorry I've not commented for a while, have been away.
Grunge, lovely flower, disgusting water :thumbs:
Respect - nothing against you or your new 'tries' but this doesn't do anything for me - again, nothing personal cos composition etc/ is spot on, as is Selective colouring....
Friendship, love this shot, looks great in Mono and is a fab picture, lighting is spot on :thumbs: :clap:
Thanks Leanna, no worries. I hope you had a good time. I understand on your comments about Respect, it's not going to be to everyones taste.
:agree: Yes I agree, lovely take on this weeks theme...:clap::clap::clap:
Cheers Marcus
Beautiful shot.
It's actually very similar to what I've done this week, but yours is better.
Sums the theme up beautifully and I love the contrast of old and young. The B&W conversion really brings out the difference in the skin textures.
Thanks very much Sarah
very simple...and spot on
Jon
Cheers Jon
kennysarmy
21-09-2009, 10:24
..hehe...that was one of the ideas I had but just did nt get round to finding enough time to set it up - never mind persuading the poor kids to act as models (again!)...
I love the shot and the PP.
Good work.
karmagarda
21-09-2009, 12:55
Nice shot! I love this. Love the idea and the processing. :thumbs:
A nicely framed shot. I like the simplicity of it.
..hehe...that was one of the ideas I had but just did nt get round to finding enough time to set it up - never mind persuading the poor kids to act as models (again!)...
I love the shot and the PP.
Good work.
Thanks Jeff, I had but a slim moment of opportunity to capture this shot, but it worked.
Nice shot! I love this. Love the idea and the processing. :thumbs:
Thanks KG
A nicely framed shot. I like the simplicity of it.
Thanks very much Owen
Dark Star
25-09-2009, 17:06
Respect: I love it, simply love it! Well spotted and well framed and processed and a sad reflection on our times :( Well done!
Friendship: awww thats lovely and so well composed - good processing again - B&W suits the image so well and the hands meeting on a third gives the image a great balance!
maddog.mark
25-09-2009, 20:05
Superb and what a great idea! Sorry I'm so late posting!
Thanks guys. No worries Mark. Glad you both liked them.
You know, for both of the last two weeks, I've thought a lot about precisely what it was I wanted to convey in the image and how to shoot and frame it to do just that before taking the shot (I know I was sort of at the whim of what I found for respect) but it still holds true. I think it's made a huge difference to the resulting image. I've, so far, not managed that so well this week, although I've got a few shots ready. Still got a couple of days yet.
My first thought was oh no not another one... but an idea came almost straight away. I wasn't able to capture that, but several other ideas did come to mind, again not able to get any of those. However, I went out in the garden the other lunchtime and was having a wander round looking for targets of opportunity when I spotted several fresh starts that the plants were making..
I grabbed a few... so here it is for this week
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8892.jpg
and a few others
Fresh Start 2 (http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8885-Version2.jpg)
Fresh Start 3 (http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8888.jpg)
Fresh Start 4 (http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8891-Version2.jpg)
There's a second Fresh Start hiding in these images.. I've been experimenting with further processing and tools options within Aperture. (ok, maybe not fresh... but new options to me ...)
kennysarmy
28-09-2009, 15:15
Great idea...just think you;ve overdone the depth of field too much so that the flower in the foreground has just missed being in focus and the far flower has become too much of a blur for my tastes...
Ah Phooey :D... And the bud is no longer a bud either... Blast.
Ok, let's go with this one...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8885-Version2.jpg
jeangenie
28-09-2009, 17:36
Wow, so many Fresh Starts in your garden. :)
The Rose: I love the colours and as Jeff said, a slight tweak on the focus would have been great. The distant bud looks almost like a reflection. Was the sky really that blue. :love:
#2, the b&w, is gorgeous - but I'd love to see it in colour, because I can't work out what the plant is. The texture on the berries is lovely. :thumbs:
#3, the .....? (I should know this one, there's one in our garden) Not so sure about this, but it may be because every year when I go to cut the dead heads off our bush, I find one, just one, measely little flower still blooming and I haven't the heart to cut it off. :bonk:
#4, my favourite. Lovely colours and great dof. I'd have liked to see a bit more leaf on the left, but maybe that wasn't possible. I still like it. :thumbs:
Jean
Hi John
Friendship - absolutely spot on, focus, conversion and composition. I love it :love:
Fresh Start - I love the abstract nature of this but I'd like a tiny bit more DoF as on my screen the sharpest point is on the nearest green bud thingy.
Daysleeper40
28-09-2009, 18:15
MASSIVE catch up time... apologies
Colour: I much prefer the second - lots of vibrancy and like John says, somehow it's got movement. I find the colours in the first a bit lacking so for the theme the second has to take the prize.
Food: I'm glad you reshot this one - as you say there are things wrong with the first that could have been sorted given more time and less hungry people (damn them!). The shadow is the only issue I have with the second one but it still looks good enough to eat ;)
Exposed: Great idea but I think the BG is lacking a bit. I think you can get away with strong composition of a single sweet but you need to make it really pop against the BG.
Mono: I'm sorry the fist mono shot doesn't do a lot for me but I LOVE the second one you posted. Much bolder composition wise and the texture is great.
Season: The crop of Season is also better imo - got rid of the tree on the right which was a good choice. Actually no - scrap that - I like the pano best! Getting rid of some of the sky seems a bigger plus than losing the tree. I don't know why but it just looks more balanced.
Grunge: I've said the same about a lot of peoples grunge shots. Regardless of how technically good the shot is - manky stuff just isn't very photogentic! I think the flower looks lovely though.
Respect: Great take on the theme - something I considered but didn't get off my bum to do. I think the desaturation works well - it's not overpowering but helps tell the story of the shot. :thumbs:
Friendship: Great composition and entirely suited to B&W :clap:
Fresh Starts: The colours on the first shot are beautiful but the DOF & focus is not doing it for me I'm afraid. I still prefer it to the second effort though - It looks like more thought went into the composition of the first. I'm not seeing any main focus point in the second shot. I wish the bud was still a bud because if you could have another go at that rose I think it could be a great shot.
PHEW - I will try to keep up to date from now on! :bonk:
WOW, LOVE the first one, the colours, the DOF, the everything - Fabulous!!!
Second one does nothing forme after seeing the first.
:clap: :clap:
maddog.mark
28-09-2009, 19:28
The first picture definitely has the best potential, can I be awkward and say I think the 2nd in colour may be a good shot.;)
Great idea...just think you;ve overdone the depth of field too much so that the flower in the foreground has just missed being in focus and the far flower has become too much of a blur for my tastes...
Thanks Jeff, you're right, and I couldn't see it for looking :bang:
Wow, so many Fresh Starts in your garden.
The Rose: I love the colours and as Jeff said, a slight tweak on the focus would have been great. The distant bud looks almost like a reflection. Was the sky really that blue. :love:
#2, the b&w, is gorgeous - but I'd love to see it in colour, because I can't work out what the plant is. The texture on the berries is lovely. :thumbs:
#3, the .....? (I should know this one, there's one in our garden) Not so sure about this, but it may be because every year when I go to cut the dead heads off our bush, I find one, just one, measely little flower still blooming and I haven't the heart to cut it off.
#4, my favourite. Lovely colours and great dof. I'd have liked to see a bit more leaf on the left, but maybe that wasn't possible. I still like it. :thumbs:
Jean
Thanks Jean. The sky was sort of that blue... I gave it a helping hand ;). I'll sort out a colour version of the berries later, the berries are yellow with teeny white flowers. I think the third is spoilt by the fence in the background, I couldn't manage a short enough DOF with my 55-250 to blur it out. To get the composition of the bud in the frame as I wanted it, I couldn't get all the leaf in... sorry.
Hi John
Friendship - absolutely spot on, focus, conversion and composition. I love it :love:
Fresh Start - I love the abstract nature of this but I'd like a tiny bit more DoF as on my screen the sharpest point is on the nearest green bud thingy.
Thanks Jill. I'm a bit gutted I fluffed up the DOF for fresh start, but hey ho... I almost got it... :bonk:
MASSIVE catch up time... apologies
Colour: I much prefer the second - lots of vibrancy and like John says, somehow it's got movement. I find the colours in the first a bit lacking so for the theme the second has to take the prize.
Food: I'm glad you reshot this one - as you say there are things wrong with the first that could have been sorted given more time and less hungry people (damn them!). The shadow is the only issue I have with the second one but it still looks good enough to eat ;)
Exposed: Great idea but I think the BG is lacking a bit. I think you can get away with strong composition of a single sweet but you need to make it really pop against the BG.
Mono: I'm sorry the fist mono shot doesn't do a lot for me but I LOVE the second one you posted. Much bolder composition wise and the texture is great.
Season: The crop of Season is also better imo - got rid of the tree on the right which was a good choice. Actually no - scrap that - I like the pano best! Getting rid of some of the sky seems a bigger plus than losing the tree. I don't know why but it just looks more balanced.
Grunge: I've said the same about a lot of peoples grunge shots. Regardless of how technically good the shot is - manky stuff just isn't very photogentic! I think the flower looks lovely though.
Respect: Great take on the theme - something I considered but didn't get off my bum to do. I think the desaturation works well - it's not overpowering but helps tell the story of the shot.
Friendship: Great composition and entirely suited to B&W
Fresh Starts: The colours on the first shot are beautiful but the DOF & focus is not doing it for me I'm afraid. I still prefer it to the second effort though - It looks like more thought went into the composition of the first. I'm not seeing any main focus point in the second shot. I wish the bud was still a bud because if you could have another go at that rose I think it could be a great shot.
PHEW - I will try to keep up to date from now on!
Well done Fi on catching up with all the comments. And thanks for all the comments. I agree with you on the downsides to the shots, and I wish the bud was still a bud too... but hey ho... I also haven't had the same lighting and sky conditions since...
WOW, LOVE the first one, the colours, the DOF, the everything - Fabulous!!!
Second one does nothing forme after seeing the first.
:clap:
Cheers Leanne
The first picture definitely has the best potential, can I be awkward and say I think the 2nd in colour may be a good shot.;)
Thanks Mark, just a shame I fluffed it. As for the second one, you can be awkward ;) I'll get a colour version of it sorted and posted later when I can get at it.
Spartacus
29-09-2009, 09:23
I like the first shot the best, yes a tad over done with the focus but that really makes you look at the shot all the more deeply...:clap::clap::clap:
Love the red showing through the second rose with the great blue b/g...:thumbs:
Thanks very much Marcus :thumbs:
I went and grabbed another shot (not a bud this time) but with much greater DOF.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8916.jpg
and for those that asked
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8885.jpg
Spartacus
29-09-2009, 10:15
Oh now your just showing off...:lol::lol::lol:
more cracking shots John, you certainly nailed the flower shots this week...:clap::clap::clap:
:D... Thanks Marcus.. the second one is the non mono'd one I posted earlier, so it's not actually a new shot...
[QUOTE=Daysleeper40;1925339]Fresh Starts: The colours on the first shot are beautiful but the DOF & focus is not doing it for me I'm afraid. I still prefer it to the second effort though - It looks like more thought went into the composition of the first. I'm not seeing any main focus point in the second shot. I wish the bud was still a bud because if you could have another go at that rose I think it could be a great shot. QUOTE]
I have to agree with Daysleeper I'm afraid....the good news is you'll do better next week ;)
SarahLee
30-09-2009, 21:21
Wow. We're spoilt for choice this week !
Personally, I like the extreme dof in the first Rose shot . . . sort of an abstract reflection type thingy (note my precise technical description ;)) going on as Jean said.
Although I agree that the Rose in the front could be a touch more in focus I still really like this shot. :thumbs:
In fact I far prefer it to your second Rose shot with them in full bloom.
The Berry shot (No.2) : Compositionally this is my favourite out of the lot. I definitely prefer the colour version, but the B&W works too. Lovely dof and great texture on the berries. My only niggle is that it says Autumnal more than Fresh Start to me.
I like the subject matter on fresh start 3, but as you pointed out the fence in the b/g spoils it a bit. And I'm not quite getting the fresh start theme from this one either.
However, Fresh Start 4 would be my pick of the bunch for this week :thumbs:
I don't like the composition quite as much as No.2, but it's spot on for theme, and has lovely colours and great dof. :clap:
The bud looks so fresh and you've kept just the right amount of the leaves around it in focus.
The combination of yellow and green adds to the fresh feel too.
Definitely the one that I'd pick for this week's theme!
Jon,You're right... hey ho... I can but hope for this week ;)
Thanks Sarah for looking at them all. I just wish I'd got that first shot with the rose properly (it looked ok even fully zoomed on the camera) prior to the bud blooming. I nearly chose that fourth one as the entry, but preferred the Rose even with it's drawbacks.
i prefer the colour versions nicely done :D
Well... what to do for this one eh :naughty::naughty:
I glanced around and out the window and new where this one was going to go straight away. Just finding the shot...
Well, I finally managed to get it today. So here's this weeks shot..
Shot using the 55-250 and Raynox DCR250 using Focus Priority (a technique I'm still trying to get right with higher magnification but seems to work ok with less
The Bees Passion (Flower)
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_8962.jpg
Ok, I admit I'm reasonably comfortable with this sort of thing, but I do struggle with moving targets, and this bee was certainly moving. I'm also using a new technique.
Kiwi Jaz
02-10-2009, 08:02
Very impressive with all the pollen on the bee.
Coincidently it has the same colouring (yellow and purple) as a passion-fruit!
My only criticism would be the view point of the shot means my eye isn't drawn to the bee immediately but I guess you wouldn't have had much of a choice as if you went lower, you probably wouldn't have had a clear view of the bee over the bottom petals.
Just out of interest, how close to the subject can you focus your 55-250 with the Raynox?
Thanks Jaz. I know it produces some fruit, but I'm not sure they'd be edible... I see what you mean about not being drawn straight to the bee, it flew away as soon as it come out from under that bit of the flower...
It depends on the focal length. probably between 6 and 12 cm's... roughly... I've never actually checked it... I'll set up and measure it later. The normal min focus distance for the 55-250 is 1.1m.
kennysarmy
02-10-2009, 11:38
As I understand it the raynox 250 has a fixed focus distance, around the 115mm mark from the lens itself.
Hmm.. Not sure about that Jeff. I'll have to measure it to be sure, but I have to move the camera further back with greater focal length.
Edit... it's about 120mm.... You're right Jeff... I was being thick... As I extend the zoom, of course the front element moves towards the subject, so I have to move the camera back, but the distance between raynox and subject remains constant.
Wow, well done John! What a crisp, clear, colourful shot! :thumbs: :clap: :clap:
karmagarda
03-10-2009, 00:05
Fresh Start - I agree with the issues about the first. Something funny goin on with the DOF. The second attempt at that shot is perfect though. If you could mix the DOF of the second rose with the "fresh start" of the other you would have nailed the photo and the theme!
Passion - Love the pollen on the Bee, nice catch. I've never seen this in real life before, would love to catch a photo of it.
Thanks KG... yeah I fluffed up Fresh Start good and proper didn't I :D...
Fresh Start : Yeah - shame about the focusing of the bud version, as I prefer that one to the second myself. Colours and composition are ab fab for me.
Passion : Not sure about that one...it doesn't reallysay passion to me, and I've posted enough tenuously themed pics to know! ;)
SarahLee
03-10-2009, 16:18
Passion : Not sure about that one...it doesn't reallysay passion to me, and I've posted enough tenuously themed pics to know! ;)
I think the link is that it's a Passion Flower ;)
It was one of the things that I thought of (along with passion fruit)
Great shot John.
Bees are one of the first subjects I ever tried with my bridge camera. Definitely not easy subjects and you've captured it brilliantly. Great detail and I can't believe how much pollen it has on it.
I know that flowers are in your comfort zone, but it doesn't take away from it being a lovely clean, crisp shot. Purple also happens to be my favourite colour so a big :thumbs: from me on all counts.
Fresh Start : Yeah - shame about the focusing of the bud version, as I prefer that one to the second myself. Colours and composition are ab fab for me.
Passion : Not sure about that one...it doesn't reallysay passion to me, and I've posted enough tenuously themed pics to know! ;)
Thanks Kdot... Passion is a bit tenuously link, but Sarah has hit it... It's a passion flower.
I think the link is that it's a Passion Flower ;)
It was one of the things that I thought of (along with passion fruit)
Great shot John.
Bees are one of the first subjects I ever tried with my bridge camera. Definitely not easy subjects and you've captured it brilliantly. Great detail and I can't believe how much pollen it has on it.
I know that flowers are in your comfort zone, but it doesn't take away from it being a lovely clean, crisp shot. Purple also happens to be my favourite colour so a big :thumbs: from me on all counts.
Thanks Sarah, moving macro targets are really tough. Thankfully it was only walking at this point ;).
Thanks Kdot... Passion is a bit tenuously link, but Sarah has hit it... It's a passion flower.
That it explains it - I wouldn't know a passion flower if it came up and kissed me on the bum cheek! ;)
jeangenie
04-10-2009, 16:12
I'm really enjoying all the late summer flowers in your garden, John :thumbs:
Last week's berries - I think the colour version does your shot justice - love it. :love:
Passion: I'd be over the moon if I got a bee with this much pollen on it - even its wings are covered. The Passion flower is beautiful, intricate and exotic-looking. I think you've excelled in a very difficult shot this week. :clap::clap::clap:
btw - the fruits on the ordinary garden variety of Passion flower aren't edible. As far as I know, they're not actually poisionous, but not good to eat.
I've never put it to the test. :lol:
Jean
That it explains it - I wouldn't know a passion flower if it came up and kissed me on the bum cheek! ;)
:D... I'm not sure the flower will do that...
I'm really enjoying all the late summer flowers in your garden, John :thumbs:
Last week's berries - I think the colour version does your shot justice - love it. :love:
Passion: I'd be over the moon if I got a bee with this much pollen on it - even its wings are covered. The Passion flower is beautiful, intricate and exotic-looking. I think you've excelled in a very difficult shot this week. :clap::clap::clap:
btw - the fruits on the ordinary garden variety of Passion flower aren't edible. As far as I know, they're not actually poisionous, but not good to eat.
I've never put it to the test. :lol:
Jean
Thanks very much Jean. The Passion flower is a very odd looking thing, I always think they look rather like UFO's (Unidentified Flowering Objects ;D). We've never had any fruits ripe enough or full enough to warrant trying to eat them... so no danger of that happening. It seems to thrive though... it gets cut back to virtually nothing every year and a few months later has taken over 6 fence panels again. I was trying to get an angle for the shot, when I spotted the bee in the flower head... I couldn't resist :cool:
I'm afraid I woudn't know a passion flower from a dandelion! The shot works for me in every sense....provided it is a passion flower :lol: and that bee thingy
Cheers Jon. It's a passion flower ;)
kennysarmy
06-10-2009, 11:29
Great detail on the bee....you nailed the focus...I have a raynox 250 too and you;ve pulled off a tricky shot, especially with a moving target ;)
maddog.mark
07-10-2009, 19:34
Passion a superb shot of the flower and bee, love it.
Oh and thanks for the colour version of Fresh Start, much better than the mono imho.
Mark
For some reason I struggled with this one... a lot. I struggled to find time to get something, I struggled for inspiration. When I tried to set something up, I struggled to get the shot.... Anyway, such as it is...
A wet bud
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9080.jpg
Hopefully, I'll manage something properly for next week. Oh no reshoot, for the above reasons.
karmagarda
12-10-2009, 10:50
Hopefully, I'll manage something properly for next week. Oh no reshoot, for the above reasons.
Ah come on, yer havin a laugh? If you're not happy with that can I have it? :lol: I really like this. I think you captured some fantastic detail on both the bud and water drops. :thumbs: from me
Kiwi Jaz
12-10-2009, 11:17
Good shot. Notice that it looks like an alien head with two eyes and poking it's tongue out?
karmagarda
12-10-2009, 11:22
Good shot. Notice that it looks like an alien head with two eyes and poking it's tongue out?
:lol::lol::lol:
sure does!
It does doesn't it Jaz... Thanks very much both of you...
maddog.mark
12-10-2009, 17:28
lol you've seen my effort? This is a great interpretation and if Karmagarda drops out I'll have it!
great shot....wish I struggled like you do!!:thumbs:
jeangenie
12-10-2009, 22:10
Good shot. Notice that it looks like an alien head with two eyes and poking it's tongue out?
My first impression was 'Ohhh - son of ET' :)
I wouldn't mind struggling if I ended up with a shot like that. :clap::clap::clap:
Jean
Thanks very much for the kind words... Whilst it might look like ET's brother, it's not what I wanted to get and doesn't say water to me... the only water is stuff I sprayed onto it... No matter what I tried, I couldn't achieve a shot that said water to me...
SarahLee
13-10-2009, 08:23
Thanks very much for the kind words... Whilst it might look like ET's brother, it's not what I wanted to get and doesn't say water to me... the only water is stuff I sprayed onto it... No matter what I tried, I couldn't achieve a shot that said water to me...
Well that's doing a pretty good job of saying water to me :thumbs:
I've really been enjoying your recent flower shots and this is no exception.
Lovely dof and clarity on the water droplets. . . and if you hadn't told us that you'd sprayed it, I wouldn't have guessed that it was faked.
I'm just wishing that I hadn't read the alien comment . . . I keep seeing that instead of a beautiful bud when I look at it now.
Spartacus
13-10-2009, 11:47
Passion... that's a brilliant shot John...after trying macro a few times I take my hat off to you for this shot...:clap::clap::clap:
Water...yes works for me...looks so different when you get this close...nice one...:thumbs:
love the detail on your passion shot, and water works really well :D
Thanks very much, I'm glad water works...
Love both of them John :clap::clap::clap:
The Passion flower is spot on with great colour and detail. And to get that bee on there with it's Passion for nectaris fantastic.
Water - said Water to me straight away, then said Alien :lol: and <I just keep going back to look at it :thumbs:
Thanks very much Jill... As for the Alien... it's hatched now and it's got delicate white flowers...
My first thought was, here we go again. Then it occured to me, that if something is In Context, it's in it's correct place, so out of context means it's out of place... So I started thinking along those lines...
My first idea was sound, but far harder to realise than I thought it would be...
Healthy Plate (http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9217.jpg)
My second was to set a place setting formally and use a plastic cup instead of a wine glass or something like that.. but never had time to set it up (I'll remember this one for a reshoot though)... I did try something with some cutlery
A bunch of knives (http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/?action=view¤t=IMG_9239.jpg)
Then it occured to me when I went for a walk at lunchtime, that we have the ideal Out of Context image in town already. Of course when I got to it, the combination of bright sun and clouds made for a really tricky shot, coupled with being short on time didn't help. I had a first bash with my ND Grads and didn't do a very good job. I know I'm not going to get anything else (the weekend is just packed as ever) so this will have to do.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9277.jpg
I know the clouds are blown, but I quite like the effect and feel it sort of fits in with the context of the image (damn... that's not out of context :D) There's something weird going on with the contrast I don't seem to be able to do anything about either...
I did the reshoot a week late, but better late than never... So here is the reshoot of "Fresh Start"
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/flowers/IMG_9245.jpg
ND Grads are far harder to use than I'd thought they'd be and really need to practice with them... Oh no I hear everyone cry.... ;)
karmagarda
16-10-2009, 22:42
Hi!
Well, for such a horrid theme out of context wasn't bad! Only crit is the church doesn't scream "out of conext" for me... but I really wanna see that place setting photo! Go get the time to set that up! :lol:
Reshoot - now that's gorgeous. Love the second flower in the background, how it kind of silhouettes the first one. Nice! :thumbs:
Thanks KG... I guess it's hard to see... the old church tower is stuck in the middle of a modern building complex... I guess I didn't show it well... I'll do what I can...
Looks like I got the reshoot right though... gotta love the DOF at f8.... with a telephoto at point blank...
Spartacus
18-10-2009, 13:43
Not sure about the Out of Context shot...:thinking:
Look just a bit to flat for me, but fit the theme, so it's a good-un for the theme...:clap:
Reshoot that's a different story...I'm liking this one a lot more...brilliant DOF work John...:clap::clap::clap:
Thanks Marcus :thumbs:
Yeah... I had another play with it to see if I could increase the contrast... Hows this ?
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_92771.jpg
Daysleeper40
18-10-2009, 17:34
I'm sorry but I'm not loving Out of Context either - I get where you were going with it but it hasn't quite worked. The church itself does look better in the edit but there isn't much you can do about the sky unfortunately.
Re-shoot is a different story - nicely taken :thumbs:
SarahLee
18-10-2009, 20:25
:thumbs: on the edit on out of context.
It definitely looks better with the contrast given a bit of a boost.
As an interpretation of the theme . . . brilliant :thumbs:
Love the contrast of the old and new. The steeple definitely looks out of place in that modern setting.
As an image in its own right though, I'm not completely convinced. It's lacking a bit of something for me.
Reshoot . . . SUPERB :love:
I'm so glad that you reshot this one. I absolutely LOVED the original of this shot but the depth of field was just off. You've nailed it on the reshoot!
jeangenie
18-10-2009, 21:00
I like the idea and interpretation of the theme for Out of Context. That old church will probably still be standing when the modern buildings surrounding it are derelict.
I guess the light wasn't in your favour on this one and apart from the areas of blown cloud, there's not much contrast. The edit is a bit punchier though. Have you tried boosting the contrast and converting to mono? I don't know how well it'd work - it's just a thought. :)
Reshoot: This is gorgeous, but I'm a grumpy old woman tonight and I'm going to be picky! I think it would look even more stunning if you cropped out some of the blue space above the rose buds. It would be almost square, but the empty blue is a bit distracting for me. (hunts for the 'I'm not really jealous' smilie!)
Jean
I'm sorry but I'm not loving Out of Context either - I get where you were going with it but it hasn't quite worked. The church itself does look better in the edit but there isn't much you can do about the sky unfortunately.
Re-shoot is a different story - nicely taken :thumbs:
Thanks Fiona... Yeah not good for OOC...
:thumbs: on the edit on out of context.
It definitely looks better with the contrast given a bit of a boost.
As an interpretation of the theme . . . brilliant :thumbs:
Love the contrast of the old and new. The steeple definitely looks out of place in that modern setting.
As an image in its own right though, I'm not completely convinced. It's lacking a bit of something for me.
Reshoot . . . SUPERB :love:
I'm so glad that you reshot this one. I absolutely LOVED the original of this shot but the depth of field was just off. You've nailed it on the reshoot!
Thanks Sarah
I like the idea and interpretation of the theme for Out of Context. That old church will probably still be standing when the modern buildings surrounding it are derelict.
I guess the light wasn't in your favour on this one and apart from the areas of blown cloud, there's not much contrast. The edit is a bit punchier though. Have you tried boosting the contrast and converting to mono? I don't know how well it'd work - it's just a thought. :)
Reshoot: This is gorgeous, but I'm a grumpy old woman tonight and I'm going to be picky! I think it would look even more stunning if you cropped out some of the blue space above the rose buds. It would be almost square, but the empty blue is a bit distracting for me. (hunts for the 'I'm not really jealous' smilie!)
Jean
Thanks Jean... Hmmm...:thinking: well... what do you think ?
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9277-Version2.jpg
I'm still not convinced with it... If only I'd had more time
[Excuse-SobStory on]
I really didn't leave myself enough time for this... By the time I'd got to it (after taking some shots of the ducks in the park for the birds group shot challenge), I had 15 minutes to walk 1.5 miles to get back to work for a conference call... I managed to grab 2 shots, with a huge amount of guessing with the ND Grads (first outing and absolutely no clue) before I had to leg it... needless to say I was a few minutes late, but got away with it :bonk:
[/Excuse-SobStory off]
Still I feel it deserves a reshoot... Not sure when I'll get the chance.. but..
And just for you
Square...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9245-Version2.jpg
Hi John
Out of Context fits the theme and considering it was your first ND grad outing (I haven't even got an ND Grad filter) I think you coped ok but the picture as a whole suffers from the conditions it was taken in I think, and as I've just said to someone else, I too would have got a better picture for this theme if I could have moved the geography around a bit. :D
Reshoot knocks it out of the ballpark.I really love this shot and my only crit would be you cropped it a bit tight by making it square, a little bit more space at the the top and it's perfect :love:
And you don't half take on board what people say and repost where you can :notworthy:
I like the idea behind out of context, but I think the scene was against you. prefer the 2nd version of the two
Hi John
Out of Context fits the theme and considering it was your first ND grad outing (I haven't even got an ND Grad filter) I think you coped ok but the picture as a whole suffers from the conditions it was taken in I think, and as I've just said to someone else, I too would have got a better picture for this theme if I could have moved the geography around a bit. :D
Reshoot knocks it out of the ballpark.I really love this shot and my only crit would be you cropped it a bit tight by making it square, a little bit more space at the the top and it's perfect :love:
And you don't half take on board what people say and repost where you can :notworthy:
Thanks very much Jean... The position of the sun really didn't help, I will do it again at some point... maybe see about shifting the sun around... although, I don't think the tower will ever get golden hour... not that I ever have a camera with me during golden hour...
As for the reshoot... just for you ;)
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9245-Version21.jpg
I like the idea behind out of context, but I think the scene was against you. prefer the 2nd version of the two
Thanks Jon, I'll get it right at some point promise...
My inspiration has gone on holiday and didn't take me with it...
Anyway.... after much puzzling I came up with an idea, which didn't work that well
Bubbles 1 (http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/?action=view¤t=IMG_9355.jpg)
then as I was rinsing the bowl...
Bubbles 2 (http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/?action=view¤t=IMG_9360.jpg)
I decided to try an experiment with a glass of fizzy water... and this is it for this week
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9367.jpg
I'm not particularly happy with any of them... but, maybe next week will be better ;)
Spartacus
26-10-2009, 13:29
Great effort John...not to keen on the first two...but the one you went with was the best of them. It's not a bad shot but it lacks a little sparkle for me...but on the good side it fits the theme and we are all one step closer to the end of the 52s...:D
karmagarda
26-10-2009, 18:31
I agree. Definitely picked the best one. It is missing that little something or other, but spot on theme. :thumbs:
Well done John, No3 is indeed the best of the bunch. It is a bit "flat" though
Jon
Great effort John...not to keen on the first two...but the one you went with was the best of them. It's not a bad shot but it lacks a little sparkle for me...but on the good side it fits the theme and we are all one step closer to the end of the 52s...:D
Thanks Marcus... it's sparkling water... ;) best I can manage... Yeah not long now... but... I was thinking the other week of doing this again next year... I must be :nuts:
I agree. Definitely picked the best one. It is missing that little something or other, but spot on theme. :thumbs:
Thanks KG... Yeah... but I don't know what
Well done John, No3 is indeed the best of the bunch. It is a bit "flat" though
Jon
Thanks Jon... it was defo gassy ;)... but yeah I know what you mean... I can't work out what it needs though... more light, higher shutter speed... just not sure....
SarahLee
28-10-2009, 12:20
I'm going to disagree with everyone else.
I like the shot that you picked, but it's lacking something for me.
Now No.1 . . . I really, really like :thumbs:
Lovely abstract and that green colour is great. It's something I could see people using as a screen-saver.
Thanks for the reshoot John, the composition is much better now IMHO (and it's Jill, not Jean ;))
As for Bubbles I think you've suffered from the same fate as me, great representation of the theme but it's lacking that je ne sais quoi. And I agree with Marcus, only 10 more to go :woot:
I'm going to disagree with everyone else.
I like the shot that you picked, but it's lacking something for me.
Now No.1 . . . I really, really like :thumbs:
Lovely abstract and that green colour is great. It's something I could see people using as a screen-saver.
Thanks very much Sara... It's not just you it's lacking something.. believe it or not...it's just... nah..
Thanks for the reshoot John, the composition is much better now IMHO (and it's Jill, not Jean ;))
As for Bubbles I think you've suffered from the same fate as me, great representation of the theme but it's lacking that je ne sais quoi. And I agree with Marcus, only 10 more to go :woot:
Thanks Jill, and I'm really sorry I got you confused... (must try harder not to get muddled on the names :nuts:)... yeah... I can't figure it out... but yes only 10 more... I dread to think what Simon has saved up in his bag...
I didn't get time to try what I wanted, and I'm therefore just having to put this in...
Bit of a quick snap really...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9468.jpg
Bubles, sorry I am going against everyone else, love the first one, and not really keen on the last two. Sorry.
Low Down - is on theme :) and I can see what you were aiming for too, a :thumbs: from me
Thanks Leanne... I can't help thinking that a pair of legs jutting from the shoes would just help make it better... nut finding the time, a volunteer, or suitably gaudy trousers (black jeans just aren't going to cut it) just wasn't going to happen...
karmagarda
02-11-2009, 13:39
Not a bad effort for a snapshot :thumbs: I can see what you were aiming for
Spartacus
02-11-2009, 13:41
Not a bad fill in shot...:clap:
Fits the theme, so works ok for me...:thumbs:
Thanks guys... I've a couple of ideas for doom and gloom... but... anyway, hopefully I'll be able to get something proper
kennysarmy
03-11-2009, 08:32
a low down view indeed!!
nailed the focus and exposure and actually for just a pair of shoes quite an interesting composition you have set up....
Thanks Jeff... but it could have been so much better... damn it ... ;) :lol: ah well...
We've all had weeks like this John so don't sweat it. I'm having one this week :(
Just getting a shot in can be challenge enough and while this one isn't up to your usual standard it's well composed, DoF is good and definitely fits the theme :thumbs:
Thanks very much Jill... I'm not sure I've done any better this week... and just when I'd thought the themes ought to be getting easier :lol:
What a theme... still... after some thinking I had an idea... just the one...
Anyway... In an attempt to add a little humour, I recruited Monkey
Monkey, after getting his latest credit card bill, could feel the sword of Damocles hanging over his head
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9529.jpg
I'm still struggling with creating my own lighting... this was shot with 2 flashes... the onboard popup, and my Jessops 300, handheld and pointed at the wall behind to blow it out (there's no control like this...).. It's also not easy, holding the prop and the flash during a 2.5sec exposure... This could be better if I could work out how to handle the lighting...
karmagarda
06-11-2009, 12:56
Hah, quite a funny shot :lol: I like it. :thumbs:
jeangenie
07-11-2009, 20:50
Thanks Fiona... Yeah not good for OOC...
Thanks Sarah
Thanks Jean... Hmmm...:thinking: well... what do you think ?
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9277-Version2.jpg
I'm still not convinced with it... If only I'd had more time
[Excuse-SobStory on]
I really didn't leave myself enough time for this... By the time I'd got to it (after taking some shots of the ducks in the park for the birds group shot challenge), I had 15 minutes to walk 1.5 miles to get back to work for a conference call... I managed to grab 2 shots, with a huge amount of guessing with the ND Grads (first outing and absolutely no clue) before I had to leg it... needless to say I was a few minutes late, but got away with it :bonk:
[/Excuse-SobStory off]
Still I feel it deserves a reshoot... Not sure when I'll get the chance.. but..
And just for you
Square...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_9245-Version2.jpg
John I'm sorry I've only just seen this to reply. I do definitely prefer the mono version, even though the light was totally against you. Well done for braving the land of ND grads. I can't comment, since I've never used them :$ except to say well done for giving it a go when you were really up against it. btw - you must walk fast to have got back to your conference call in time. :D
Awww - thank you for the 'square' rosebuds. Yes, yes, yes - for me that works perfectly. :love:
Jean
jeangenie
07-11-2009, 21:04
Still trying to catch up on your thread - you've been very busy in my absence, John. :)
Bubbles: I actually really like the first one. As Sarah said, the colours are great and it's got a contempory abstract feel to it. It could easily become a pattern for fabric, sunblinds, etc. The only tiny niggle for me is that it hasn't got a definite pocal point, but if it did have such a thing it wouldn't work so well as a designer pattern. :clap:
Bubbles #2 could be a bit punchier, but still has the same potential as #1.
Bubbles #3 The bubbles look good and I like the colours with the olive (?) giving a bit of contrast. The flash reflections on the glass are a bit distracting, but tbh, if this is what you produce when you're not inspired then you should be well pleased. :thumbs:
Low Down: This is no snap! The angle, composition and lighting all work really well. And it's bang on theme. :thumbs:
Doom and Gloom: Poor Monkeh! Was the £20 credit his modelling fee for the shot? :lol:
Excellent take on the theme and made me laugh out loud. :clap::clap::clap:
Wow - I seem to have caught up. :D
Jean
Spartacus
08-11-2009, 08:16
That's a fantastic shot John, such a fun shot and still works for Doom and Gloom...:clap::clap::clap:
I love it...:love:
SarahLee
08-11-2009, 19:25
I've been working away a bit this week and I seem to have missed out on a few shots for Low Down . . . so sorry for being so late catching up.
That is definitely NOT a quick snapshot.
I really like the angle on this - I think it's the lowest low down we've had. You've even got part of the soles in.
And I can see your thinking. A volunteer in gaudy trousers would have just finished it off perfectly.
Doom and Gloom : :lol: Fantastic!!!!
Another one that made me smile (I thought these doom and glooms were supposed to make me miserable??????)
Very inventive. I absolutely love this idea and it's brilliantly executed (excuse the pun) too.
You may have struggled with the lighting, but the finished product makes it look effortless. Working really well for me.
kennysarmy
08-11-2009, 21:06
Great setup and the lighting works for me....
flash & a 2.5secs exposure - now I'm intrigued.....
Thanks Conor
Still trying to catch up on your thread - you've been very busy in my absence, John. :)
Bubbles: I actually really like the first one. As Sarah said, the colours are great and it's got a contempory abstract feel to it. It could easily become a pattern for fabric, sunblinds, etc. The only tiny niggle for me is that it hasn't got a definite pocal point, but if it did have such a thing it wouldn't work so well as a designer pattern. :clap:
Bubbles #2 could be a bit punchier, but still has the same potential as #1.
Bubbles #3 The bubbles look good and I like the colours with the olive (?) giving a bit of contrast. The flash reflections on the glass are a bit distracting, but tbh, if this is what you produce when you're not inspired then you should be well pleased. :thumbs:
Low Down: This is no snap! The angle, composition and lighting all work really well. And it's bang on theme. :thumbs:
Doom and Gloom: Poor Monkeh! Was the £20 credit his modelling fee for the shot? :lol:
Excellent take on the theme and made me laugh out loud. :clap:
Wow - I seem to have caught up. :D
Jean
Thanks very much Jean, glad you liked the square crop buds;) Bubbles 3 is a grape... it was to hand (in a bowl, with it's friends, just out of shot). The £20 might have been his modelling fee, but he works for peanuts :D...
Thanks Marcus :thumbs:
No worries Sarah ;).. Thank you, it really was just a snapshot... honest... ok, I did adjust the shoes to try and make it a little more interesting... if that makes it not a snapshot... then... ok... As for Doom and Gloom, there's more than enough of that around at the moment, without us adding to it by taking dark and gloomy pictures... besides this was my only idea ;)... Thank you
Thanks Jeff... I've had issues with having too much of the wall show, and I wanted to make sure it didn't... I stopped down a bit to allow me to get a longer shutter speed, and delberatly underexposed a little, then about 1.5-2 seconds into the shot, manually triggered the Jessops flash from a bit lower then monkeh at the wall to white it out, and used second curtain flash on the popup to provide a bit of fill light to counter the flash on the wall. In hindsight, I could probably have done with a bit of +ve flash exposure comp to boost the lighting on monkeh a bit more... I guess this was a foray into off camera flash... although somewhat uncontrolled...
jeangenie
09-11-2009, 09:12
The £20 might have been his modelling fee, but he works for peanuts :D...
:lol::lol::lol:
Wow John puts my monkeh shots to shame :thumbs:
Thanks very much Ruth... but you're monkeh shots are always very good
SarahLee
09-11-2009, 16:33
I've had issues with having too much of the wall show, and I wanted to make sure it didn't... I stopped down a bit to allow me to get a longer shutter speed, and delberatly underexposed a little, then about 1.5-2 seconds into the shot, manually triggered the Jessops flash from a bit lower then monkeh at the wall to white it out, and used second curtain flash on the popup to provide a bit of fill light to counter the flash on the wall. In hindsight, I could probably have done with a bit of +ve flash exposure comp to boost the lighting on monkeh a bit more... I guess this was a foray into off camera flash... although somewhat uncontrolled...
Wow - that sounds complicated.
It makes me realise why I haven't gone down the off camera flash route yet :lol:
love it....go to the top of the class! :clap::clap:
Full marks for originality and creativity! You've managed to pull off the lighting well - it sounds distinctly complicated. :clap::clap:
Thanks :thumbs:
the lighting sounds more complicated than it was, although there was a huge amount of point, shoot and hope involved with the second flash :D
Well, this ought to have been an easier week, but I've had another one of those weeks... At one point this week, I was even thinking about selling all my kit... ( that's both Astro and photo as they just aren't getting any use)
So whilst it took a bit of doing, my flash didn't want to behave, and I had to get it off camera, as the angles for anything else, and a non rotating flash head meant it was the only way to get even light, even then I had to use my AP free reflector... I also couldn't work out how to do Monkeh's "Hanging on the Telephone"...
So this is it...
Let's Communicate - Old and New...
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg118/johns_bucketofphotos/projects/52/IMG_95801.jpg
SarahLee
14-11-2009, 18:51
Well, this ought to have been an easier week, but I've had another one of those weeks... At one point this week, I was even thinking about selling all my kit... ( that's both Astro and photo as they just aren't getting any use)
:nono: tut tut, you know that being down on yourself like that isn't allowed on these 52s.
I've had a few bad weeks myself and I know what it's like, but despite not getting the shot that you'd planned this is still a very good interpretation :thumbs:
Love the contrast between the new and old. It looks deceptively simple, but getting the exposure and clarity right on both the screen and the sheet of paper must have been a complete nightmare.
p.s. PLEASE don't give up your Astro stuff. I love looking at it and your Andromeda shot in the POTY last month was absolutely fantastic!
jeangenie
15-11-2009, 16:34
Well, this ought to have been an easier week, but I've had another one of those weeks... At one point this week, I was even thinking about selling all my kit... ( that's both Astro and photo as they just aren't getting any use)
Nooooo, John - Don't do it! :eek:
You'd regret selling your stuff the very next day, or next time there was an interesting sky. Like Sarah says, we all have bad spells, and you've encouraged lots of us through them. I hope next week gives you a bit more time to yourself.
It might have been a bad week, timewise, but your Communication shot works really well imho. All those shiny surfaces must have been a nightmare, but you've tamed them well, and it's a good, well-composed shot with a clear message. I like the way you've resolved the shadows issues and the almost monotone colours work well together. Definitely a big :thumbs: from me. :)
Jean
karmagarda
15-11-2009, 17:55
We're all taking a beating because of these 52s! Just look at my crowbar last week for heavens sake :lol:
Spot on theme, and keep it up :thumbs:
Very nice composition and lighting. Definitely don't give up!
maddog.mark
15-11-2009, 19:20
Wow I hadn't realised how far behind I'd fallen with your thread, very sorry.:shake:
Bubbles, the shot you've chosen works well for me, well composed and taken
Low Down, an amusing shot and more than just a fill imho
Doom & Gloom, again a well thought out and executed (scuse the pun) shot.
Communication, for me nearly there but not quite, this was a much tougher theme than I gave it credit for.
Sorry to hear you are struggling with your photography, it's still looking pretty good to me. Stick with it the inspiration and time for it will return.
Mark:thumbs:
John, I pop into this thread from time to time and enjoy the shots and interpretation you use. I am sad to hear that you are even having a small thought about selling your photography and astronomy stuff - You are an inspiration in so many areas, Don't give up and stick with it :thumbs:
Great take on theme but lacking a little in composition. Well Done :clap:
Thanks all... I'm not going to give up and sell up... as you say Jean, I'd regret it...
Sarah and Conor, it's not the 52's, that's about the only reason I'm using the camera at the moment...
Thanks for the catch up Mark, apart from a little more space on the left, and perhaps a little more DOF, what else would you suggest for Communication.
Thanks Jon, same question for you...
Thanks for the comments Sara...
I should probably clarify a bit...
My Astro gear has not been used thanks to this awful run of weather we've been having for more than 3 weeks, and I thought the summer was bad, this should be the best time of the year... long dark nights... It's driving me nuts... In the case of my photography... the family are demanding I take "snapshots" and not take the shots how I think they need to be to look right, then demanding that the snapshot I'd taken isn't what they want anyway and want that creative long exposure with a burst of 2nd curtain flash :bang: (I can't find a tearing your hair out smiley)... oh and any time spent processing the RAW's is wrong too... they are wanted as they come out the camera.. :bang::bang::bang:, none of them want to have photo's taken of themselves, even for the family album
On the plus side, I've been asked to go shoot the local AmDram companies next production (it's in March...phew so I've got some time) so I'd better go get reading that thread on shooting theatre.... This has made things feel better, of course, I'm not sure a 450d is going to be up to the job, based on some of the things I read saying ISO starts at 1600... but we shall see.
Dark Star
16-11-2009, 08:43
Wow John I've neglected your thread - so sorry!!!! I seem to be playing catch up all the time!
Passion: I love these flowers - and you've done it justice and the addition of the bee just makes it :)
Water: Beautiful Macro - it almost, on first glance , look like an insect head - well captured and great dof in use there
Out of context: The second church attempt wins for me and it fits the theme nicely - I'm always fascinated by old architecture in the midst of new stuff and this one captures it nicely...I like to think that the new stuff is out of context rather than the church :)
Bubbles. - hard one this and a good attempt :) I like the idea of using fizzy water - pre made bubbles :)
Lowdown: I refute your 'snap' comment - if you had to get that low down to frame and shoot a shot its not a 'snap' :) I like it lots! The detail and simplicity of the shot manke it and for the theme its spot on
Doom and Gloom: Poor monkeh (no wonder mines gone missing :() Well constructed and funny shot (although the knife makes me wince - I wonder why ;))
Communication: Simple sharp well lit and on theme :) Nice one!
And do not - do not - do not consider getting rid of any gear!!!!!!
Stick with it John - your shots are a joy :)
And once again my sincere apologies to you for the neglect of this thread!!!
No idea why I kept missing it :(
Thanks very much John
I just need to find some time to make some me time in... that's so hard... much harder than some of these 52 themes at the moment... ;) I'm not going to get rid of any of it.
Just to clarify... in Doom and Gloom... it's not a knife... it's way bigger than that... (but I understand the wince...) I cut myself on this in training once... didn't hurt but didn't half bleed, and it wouldn't hold an edge even if you tried...
Spartacus
16-11-2009, 14:03
Yes you should give up...:lol:
only joking...:D
you have had some excellent weeks on these 52s, and like all of us at sometime struggle with the theme...but we can all see the finish line now mate, so you hang in there...:bat:
and this weeks shot is a very good one from you, so well done buddy...:thumbs:
Gee thanks Marcus :lol:
I'm not giving up... so there... bad luck ;)...
Thanks Marcus
kennysarmy
16-11-2009, 17:52
nice idea - slightly too tightly cropped to the sides for me...
I did nt think anyone was allowed to give up on the 52's? :)
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.