Kiwi Jaz's 52 - Week 51: Health

[Kiwi Jaz]

Week 29 - Easy

Thought I would give this weekly challenge thing ago..looks like a good opportunity to think more creatively etc and should be fun.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/3193/20090723-IMG_5459.jpg (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=63636)

Easy= Egg, Apple, Sugar, Yoghurt

Hope you dont think it is too Sugar, ham, ice, tarragon.

:)

[dod]

good idea but the levels need sorting, it's way too grey looking at it here.

[Kiwi Jaz]

Many thanks for your feedback dod. I didnt really think about that and have just seen now that it is very grey.

[Kiwi Jaz]

Have warmed it up a bit.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/3193/20090723-IMG_54591.jpg (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=63688)

[kennysarmy]

Hello!

Great idea...

Prefer the first one ;)

[SarahLee]

Welcome to the 52s.
It's good to know that I'm not the newest starter any more :)

Nice interpretation of the theme - but I'm not sure which of the 2 I prefer. maybe something in between the two ???? :shrug:

[adrury]

Hello Kiwi Jaz, welcome.

I really like the thought behind this shot, it made me chuckle (well the Sugar, ham, ice, tarragon, certainly did!!)

I agree with Sarah that something between the two would be good! :clap: :clap:

[Toothie]

I agree with the other about the tones and would suggest you stand the sugar up to give the iamge some hight within the frame.

[jeangenie]

Hi and welcome. :wave:

It's a very clever idea - full marks for originality. :thumbs:

I think Ruth's got a point about the composition - there's an awful lot of black space at the top. Or crop it to a panoramic-style to keep closer to your original idea.

Jean

[karmagarda]

I agree with all of the above too. Excellent idea.

[jgs001]

Welcome. I think someone between the two for the tones. I like the original idea and the well stacked setup, perhaps a pano crop ? It's a really good interpretation for the theme :thumbs:

[Hyster]

Good idea, I think the first pic needs to brighter not a warming of the colour temp.

A big bit of white card to the left of the shot would have kicked light back in and lifted the shadows, just a thought.

Its far from Sugar, ham, ice, tarragon!

[Bruja]

Hi and welcome. :wave:

It's a very clever idea - full marks for originality. :thumbs:

I think Ruth's got a point about the composition - there's an awful lot of blank space at the top. Or crop it to a panoramic-style to keep closer to your original idea.

Jean

I agree with JG, and welcome from me too :wave:

[Kiwi Jaz]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Much appreciated. I never thought about the blank space in the shot until it was pointed out and can really see it now.

Week 30: Colour

This was taken on Holy Island today. First time there and had a great day out.
Lots to see and do and photograph!

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/3193/20090801-IMG_6306.jpg (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=64476)

[jeangenie]

It's great to get out - especially with camera and time to use it! :thumbs:

Not sure what these are - boats/kayaks/canoes - but it doesn't really matter, the shot's got a nice abstract quality and the well-used appearance of them gives it a bit of gritty reality. A nice combination of colours ...



but ....




put me out of my misery, please ...











w h a t a r e t h e y ? :)


Jean

[Kiwi Jaz]

Thanks for the feedback Jean. They are Kayaks (I think!).

[maddog.mark]

Good to see another 52 challenge under way, welcome.

I like the idea of your easy shot, perhaps shoot it against a black b/g as the white balance is trying to make the white grey.

Colour is a great abstract shot, I think I'd be tempted to try a crop that loses the grass.

Mark

[Bruja]

Like the abstract nature of this, they look like multi coloured bananas :lol:

Good mix of colours but I'd lose the grass at the top :thumbs:

[Spartacus]

Easy... as said before a good idea and with some work on could still be made to work...:clap:

Colour perhaps a change in view, a little higher to lose the grass, tighter crop and colour boost, there is a nice shot in there ready to come out...:thumbs:

[Toothie]

Nice colour and i like the lines :D

[karmagarda]

Nice colour shot! I would maybe probably do a slight curve adjustment on this to try bump the saturation a bit. Still a nice photo all the same, well done :)

[Kiwi Jaz]

Thanks for the comments guys. I find it very interesting to get other peoples ideas..it is a great way to improve I reckon. Certainly makes me think in a whole different way.

[Kiwi Jaz]

Week 31: Food

Time for some pasta!

Great idea for a theme this week. Well, actually I found it a bit easier then the previous weeks. The great thing about this challenge is that it really pushes you and makes you think of taking shots you wouldnt normally take.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/3193/20090808-IMG_6561.jpg (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=64864)

[maddog.mark]

Nice dof of field and an interesting composition, it's nice to see peppers taking second place to the mushrooms.

Mark

[jgs001]

That's worked very well. The Mushrooms are good and sharp... as that knife appears to be :D... Only thing I would say, it looks like the stem of the red pepper has snuck into the plane of focus, possibly move it back a little ?

[SarahLee]

I must have had a really bad week last week. That's another colour shot that I missed. :bonk:

As has already been said, the lines work well and it has a good abstract feel. Maybe a little boost to saturation to really bring the colours out though.

Food :thumbs:
That's really working for me. Good clear focus on the mushrooms and the DoF is working well. I hadn't actually noticed the stem on the red pepper, but now that I can see it, yes maybe that would have worked better a little further back.

I'm with you on these 52s. They really do force you to think about what you're photographing.

[jeangenie]

IFood :thumbs:
That's really working for me. Good clear focus on the mushrooms and the DoF is working well. I hadn't actually noticed the stem on the red pepper, but now that I can see it, yes maybe that would have worked better a little further back.

I'm with you on these 52s. They really do force you to think about what you're photographing.

I'm with Sarah on this one. :) Well done.

My only other comments would be - that blade looks a bit scary. :eek:

Jean

[Toothie]

looks good to me, i agree with John about the stalk on the pepper though. Looks like it will be very tasty :D

[Kiwi Jaz]

Thanks for the comments guys.
Loved your reply maddog mark! I know it is a controversial subject but I say it is time for Mushrooms to outshine peppers! Peppers have had it too good for too long.:)

I see what you guys are saying about that stalk on the peppers. Will keep my eye out in future.

[Spartacus]

Excellent shot...:clap:

Can't add to the other comments other than, I like this alot...:clap::clap::clap:

[Shorty]

Oooh not commented on this thread before.
Colour - A good shot n nice idea, maybe a boost in contrast[or maybe I just really like high contrast pics :thinking: :lol:]

Food - really like this, awesome shot, love the DOF, and the colours and what actual foods n accessories you used, great composition :D

[corky]

How did I miss this, interesting takes on themes. I like the DOF in Food and think it fits the theme well. BTW , a belated welcome to the 52 ers

Jon

[karmagarda]

Nothing to add either except I like this a lot too! Very interesting composition which I very much like and the DOF is spot on.

[Bruja]

Excellent shot...:clap:

Can't add to the other comments other than, I like this alot...:clap::clap::clap:

:agree:

[Dark Star]

ooh first time here and sorry I've been slow! :)

So - EASY: Clever concept - works at two levels - but I agree the levels need lifting and that will really boost the image :)

Colour: Great idea - I reckon a close up, avoiding the grass, would be even more effective and would make a great abstract :)

Food: Ohh looks like a magazine shot :) Love the depth of field going on here :)

:clap::clap::clap:

[Hyster]

Hi Jarod,

Your colour pic just kind of misses the mark for me, good idea but the colours lack punch and the composition is not fantastic. Maybe a different angle and a bit of a saturation boost might have improved it.

Food pic, is way, way better. I really like this. Good colours and fine composition and the oof knife in the background pulls it together. Excellent shot.

[Kiwi Jaz]

Week 32: Exposed

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/KiwiJaz_2009/20090816-IMG_7054.jpg

Thanks for all the comments guys..much appreciated.

Especially in regards to the Week 30: colour theme as far as the tighter crop is concerned.

At first I didnt think that was a good idea but since examining it more, I feel that the feedback makes a lot of sense and it does look better with a closer crop.

I found this weeks theme to be very tough..a great challenge.
I have been having some trouble trying to process some of my photo's in B&W so kind of had B&W on my mind when I took this one.

I had a pretty cluttered background to work with and couldnt convince my wife to pose for the photo in the street! :D

I kind of think the photo would have been better if the door had been open (as it is quite dark in the hall way).

Anyway, will be intersted to see what sort of ideas you guys have about this one.

[karmagarda]

I think this type of photo was probably the first to enter everyones heads but none had the balls to do it... until now! Nice that you had a willing subject, and I like how you aproached it with subtly rather than being blatant ;)

I think the kind of sepia b&w really suits the picture too. Only criticism I would have you've already pointed out. Having the door open would have really set the photo off. Possibly even another person on the other side with a shocked look on their face!

All in all, super work on a tough theme! I love it :thumbs:

[maddog.mark]

I think this type of photo was probably the first to enter everyones heads but none had the balls to do it... until now! Nice that you had a willing subject, and I like how you aproached it with subtly rather than being blatant ;)

I think the kind of sepia b&w really suits the picture too. Only criticism I would have you've already pointed out. Having the door open would have really set the photo off. Possibly even another person on the other side with a shocked look on their face!

All in all, super work on a tough theme! I love it :thumbs:

I agree with karmagarda, you know what isn't quite right about it already, but it's still a great shot. :thumbs:

[Hyster]

Asda's car park on a Saturday would have worked well:D

Ok, perhaps not, I think you have done really well and the sepia adds a gritty dimension to the pic.

Only crit is that the frame should have been an old Polaroid surely :D

[Toothie]

As much as i like this shot there are a couple issues with it.

1. you have cut off her right hand side a bit much for my liking, the angle isnt a problem but with out her right hand side it seems a little unblanced.

2. The Shadow, easy done but can be reduced by bouncing the flash :D

I hope that helps :D

[SarahLee]

Definitely an idea that occurred to me, but I couldn't find any willing victims (and I'm not ready to inflict a self portrait on you just yet :D)

Normally I hate photos taken at funny slanted angles, but this one is working well for me. The B&W processing really adds to it too.
My only criticism would be that you've lost a bit of her right hand side.

All in all though, a great shot!
And well done to your wife for volunteering to pose.

[Spartacus]

Great idea and is close to working, as said lost a litle to much from the right hand side and she looks like a very tall young lady that her heads touching the ceiling...:thinking:

Now the good bits... looks good in B&W, brilliant idea,and works with the offset angle...:clap::clap::clap:

[Bruja]

Great idea and is close to working, as said lost a litle to much from the right hand side and she looks like a very tall young lady that her heads touching the ceiling...:thinking:

Now the good bits... looks good in B&W, brilliant idea,and works with the offset angle...:clap::clap::clap:

Totally agree, and you interpreted the way I wanted to but couldn't think how I could set it up 'cleanly' ;) :thumbs:

[Kiwi Jaz]

Umm'd and Ahh'd about this one for ages and played around with the mono processing for a long time.

I had taken 4 other shots with this theme in mind but thought this one had a bit more atmosphere about it.

Taken with my new 17-40 L lense that I receieved on Friday... I am rapt with it.

:)


http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/KiwiJaz_2009/20090822-IMG_7127.jpg

[Spartacus]

Wow thats a strange angle...bit too much for my taste, it a nice shot and there is a lot to like about it, not the angle...sorry:(

Well done on that lens...:thumbs: that's a nice piece of kit...:love:

[SarahLee]

Just to be awkward I actually like the angle . . . although I am finding myself tilting my head to try to read the inscription :D

Some good cloud detail to offset the silhouette of the weeds and a nice aged feeling to the stone.

I like this one very much :thumbs:

The subject certainly lends itself really well to a mono conversion.

[karmagarda]

I think this is gonna be a :love: or :thinking: photo :D. For me I love it! Maybe I'm finding my style, and it's definitely tending towards "strange"! So the odd angle here apeals to me. I like it :thumbs:

[jeangenie]

Just catching up. :)

Exposed: I love this - it's got a 1930s fashion shoot feel to it and the background gives it context. Very nice indeed. :thumbs:

Mono: The angle is growing on me - and I turned my head to try and read the inscription, too. I like the way the stone is 'looking' into empty space with the cloud and grass detail behind it, and the b&w conversion has worked really well. Good take on the theme, imho. :)

Jean

[corky]

love your exposed take. very ambitous!! Mono fits the theme well , but the angle is too steep for me. Good shot though ;)

[Toothie]

Wow thats a strange angle...bit too much for my taste, it a nice shot and there is a lot to like about it, not the angle...sorry:(

Well done on that lens...:thumbs: that's a nice piece of kit...:love:

I ahve to say i agree with that the angle is a bit too much otherwise its a lovely shot :D

[Bruja]

Love the conversion, it really suits this shot, but the angle is a bit extreme for me too sorry :(

Good take on the theme though and it would be boring if we all liked the same things ;)

[maddog.mark]

The angle is a bit confusing, but it's so far out that I can cope with it and actually quite like it. The processing is great and I think it fits the theme really well. :clap:
Enjoy the glass I'm not jealous really, ok I am!:lol:

[Dark Star]

Exposed : well thats a good un :) well done on the shot and well done on your wife for posing - its almost there! The white triangle bottom left is a bit distracting but top marks for interpretation :)

Momo: I absolutely love the angle and the whole composition! Its different, eye catching and engaging !!! Excellent :thumbs:

[Kiwi Jaz]

This one took a while. Took many shots at different angles and settled on this one in the end.
Quickly learnt how to edit out stuff with the Photoshop Clone Stamp Tool.
There was a bit of tomato sticking out on the top right hand side that I never noticed in the viewfinder.
It a bit of a rough job with the CST but I figure it kind of looks like it was cut roughly with the knife in that area.
Cant wait to see what other folk submit for this challenge.

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/KiwiJaz_2009/season.jpg

[ShrubMonkey]

Nice DoF in that shot

[steve.82]

Very nice, hungry again now!

[SarahLee]

I'm trying to find it and I just can't see the bit that you cloned out . . . so it can't have been that rough a job!

I said in my thread that I thought we'd see a lot of salt & pepper and the challenge would be seeing if we could make it interesting.
:clap: Well done - I think you have.

As already said very nice dof and I love the way that you've caught that little glistening seed on the tomato in the foreground.
Good colours & composition and a really nice summery feel.

[karmagarda]

Excellent shot! Really love the colours you achieved here. And I would never have spotted the clone only for the hint you gave about it being roughly cut! So it's a much better job that you're giving credit for :D

:thumbs:

[Spartacus]

Nicely shot good colour,focus with just the right amount of dof for me...:thumbs:

[kennysarmy]

MONO : I really like this....love the little bit of leaf creeping around the tombstone trying to envelop it...

SEASON : sharp and simple....and looks tasty :)

[Dark Star]

Good colour, good dof, very tasty looking too :) Nice one!

[jeangenie]

A tasty-looking take on the theme. Your tomato looks good and I can only guess at which bit's been cloned - I'd never have spotted it.

I like the dof and the portrait composition. Nicely seasoned, too. :thumbs:

Jean

[Hyster]

The Season shot is very good, like that alot.

[jgs001]

Well done on all three :clap:

[maddog.mark]

Another good interpretation of the theme from you. I like the shallow dof although can't help wondering if the whole of the cut face of the tomato should be sharp. A minor niggle though as the shot is great.

[Toothie]

I like the colours the pepper contrasts nicely with the tomato imo :)

[Kiwi Jaz]

Had fun with this weeks theme.
Took me a fair few goes (about 20) with the self timer of me playing some Alice in Chains on my Explorer. :cool:
Was going to crop out my big snout but when I looked at it, it seemed better with it in the shot.

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/KiwiJaz_2009/20090904-IMG_8197.jpg

[Toothie]

i like the composition and the tones you have in this, well worth the effort of 20 tries :D

[Spartacus]

That's a great shot...:clap:

and a lovely tone going on with this shot...

very nice indeed...:thumbs:

[jeangenie]

Very nice - lovely processing and great atmosphere. I'd have loved to produce a shot half this good for Grunge. Searching for 'jealous' smilie



Jean

[jgs001]

Very nice indeed Jaz, as Ruth said, the comp and tones are rally good.

[SarahLee]

Very, very good shot and well done for persevering with the self timer. The result was definitely worth it :clap:

Compositionally, I love it. The motion blur on your hand is great and I think you were right not to crop at the top.
The processing makes the shot for me though. Absolutely spot-on for this photo.

When it comes to the theme, this week has definitely separated the music lovers from the non :lol:
And if I had a criticism, it would only be that this doesn't really shout grunge to me - you could be playing anything.

That's maybe not such a bad thing this week. As far as subject matter goes, grunge didn't easily lend itself to inspiring images.
I think a lot of struggled with this one, so I'm glad that you found an interpretation that let you get such a great shot :thumbs:

[karmagarda]

I like the interpretation of grunge again! It was my original idea (something music related) but don't have any ideas yet. Well done with this, and I love the Post Processing :thumbs:

[maddog.mark]

Your perseverance has paid dividends this is a well composed and processed shot!

[Bruja]

Love the season shot, colours and composition are good and I love the DoF :thumbs:

Grunge, it's a well composed and exposed shot and the tones are really good. :thumbs:

But it doesn't really say grunge to me, sorry :(

[Dark Star]

When the theme came up the first thing I thought of was Pearl Jam!!!

As I work through these this is the first music interpretation I've seen :) (I bottled out!)

And its veeery good :thumbs: I think I would have preferred a tighter crop on the guitar perhaps losing your blurred nose....but as ever thats me being picky! Slaps wrist!

Love the tones you've achieved!

:clap:

[kennysarmy]

I like it with the top 1/3rd cropped away....

Love the composition and lighting...

I would do something about the "bit" of arm in the lower right hand corner though...don't know what but my eye keeps being drawn to it trying to work out what the light shape is...

[Kiwi Jaz]

Week 36: Respect

Sorry for the late submission of this one.
I was actually away for the weekend on a fantastic break in Amsterdam (fascinating city).
Actually got back on Tuesday to find an email to say I am losing my job in I.T at a college where I have been working very hard and performing well for the last year. Bit of a downer as they are only giving me 3 days notice (am a contractor)
A long story and one that is related to work place politics. Essentially we had put in a sexual harrassment complaint against our boss and he ended up with a sweet little promotion and 5 of us had to apply for our roles to be made permanent (of which not one of us was successful...strange that!) :lol:
At least I will have more time to take photos! :D

Anyway...

I had tried to think of something to put up before I left on Sat morning but couldnt think of anything.

Was going to put up a photo of an ambulance as those guys do an amazing job and I have always had a lot of respect for them for doing such a difficult role and they dont get paid anywhere near what they are worth.

However, went for this one in the end as I thought it was a little bit more thought provoking.

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/KiwiJaz_2009/20090915-IMG_8890-1.jpg

[jeangenie]

I'm really sorry to hear about your job - what a downer. As you say, looking on the bright side, more time for photography, and can I add 'as one door closes another opens'.

On to the photo: I think Respect was a really difficult thing to convey in a photo, and I 'get' your message in this shot, although the actual shot doesn't particularly appeal to me. Car-related stuff goes right over my head, and subtlelty is lost on me. Sorry. :(

I hope 'friends' shot is of a new employer. :)

Jean

[karmagarda]

Sorry to hear about your job loss too. Sounds like your last boss was a serious d**khead.

The photo is quite clever. I quite like how it conveys respect. I'm not big into car photos myself either so can't comment on the quality of the photo itself, sorry :shrug:

[SarahLee]

Sorry to hear about your job . . . and to be told by Email is just cowardly.
:annoyed: Office politics are the one thing that make me want to be self employed! Fingers crossed that you find something else soon.

Respect : something that your last employer seems to have been lacking.
And it's definitely something that's difficult to convey photographically . . . I really like your take on this. Totally different to anything I thought about and very clever. Lucky too. What are the chances of those two cars pulling up like that, just perfect for you to shoot?

I think you've done a great job of getting both of them in focus while maintaining some good dof.
In an ideal world, I'd like to see the background a little less cluttered. :shrug: but when you get these spur of the moment shots you just can't pick and choose - I had the same with my shot this week.

[Kiwi Jaz]

What a struggle this weeks one was (to think of that is).
Not my best work but if I didnt bite the bullet and get this weeks theme done..it would turn into a 52 year thing! ;)

Shot with a desk lamp on my kitchen bench with my 15-55mm IS kit lens. That is my free AP reflector in the background. Didnt seem to make any difference when I held it close to the subject (I guess it is for reflecting flash?) [I should have removed it from the background though eh!]

Will have to borrow a thinking cap as this weeks theme is a tough one too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3945362738_389bc18305_o.jpg

[Toothie]

I like your respect shot :D

Friendship is cerntialy respresented and i think the lighting works, but as you stated it could have done with a clean background.

[corky]

I like this shot, very well captured and as said above a clean background would have nailed it......but you know that! :thumbs:

[karmagarda]

Maybe it's not your best work, still a nice photo, and even if it is a last minute job! And I wouldn't even have noticed the AP reflector only for you mentioned it

[Kiwi Jaz]

Finally get a submission in early! (not such a hard task considering I dont have a job at the moment!)

Fresh Starts:

I am trying to grow some Thyme on my windowsill. I am a lousy gardener.

I have tried coriander, parsley, basil amongst others but they all died - even tried talking to them! ;)

Hopefully the Thyme will live to see the day - in my beef stew!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3950051501_3002d6dd6a_o.jpg

This was taken on the kitchen bench with window light. I used my 18-55mm IS kit lens on extension tubes.

[jgs001]

It's looking nice and fresh... a good idea, and almost the same sort of thing I've shot today. A couple of things, the colour looks a little orangey... white balance maybe ? also, as the exif data doesn't contain aperture information you were using manual tubes, did you stop down the lens at all ? Shooting at these distances gives a very shallow DOF, and I can't help thinking that more would be good. Having said that, you've focused it nicely (not easy with manual tubes as you lose focus confirm) on the small leaves to the right which has worked nicely, I like how you've put the shot together.

[Dark Star]

Major catch up time :)

Sorry to hear the job news :(

Respect - thats quite a comical shot - like Jean I'm not big into cars but I like the idea you've tried to convey :)

Friendship: yeah a clean background would've made the difference - cute though :)

Fresh Start: I kinda like the narrow dof - there is a bit of a colour cast but again that doesn't distract too much for me :) Good interpretation :)

[SarahLee]

Friendship : Sorry, I missed this one last week. Very cute and a clever interpretation. You've already mentioned the background, but TBH with the dof I don't think it detracts too much.
The lighting works well. There are some nice sparklies caught in the female bear's dress and you've caught all the detail in their faces.

All in all a good shot IMO, but I'd maybe like to clone out the gold cord on the right.

Fresh Starts : Another :thumbs: for the dof for me. I really like that extreme shallow dof in this context.
Interesting angle looking down into the pot and nice fresh colours - the WB actually looks OK on my monitor.
I like the lighting too. Good shadows and highlights on the leaves.

Good luck getting it to grow . . . funnily enough I've just made a beef stew for tonight :)

[jeangenie]

Friends: Ahhh - cute. :) The expression on the fairy bear seems to be saying 'please be my friend'. I like the oof background, even the reflector, and think it adds interest to the shot. :thumbs:

Fresh Start: This look good enough to eat! :) I love the vibrant colours and the shallow dof you've used. Very nicely judged, imo. One only very small niggle is the tip of the large leaf on the left being clipped off. btw - most herbs grow in impoverished, dry-ish soil, so don't pamper them too much - they surely won't be grateful. I've tried growing from the pots you buy in the supermarket with nil success and in fact basil, parsley and corriander are easy from seed - and cheaper. Good growing. :)

Jean

[maddog.mark]

Sorry to hear about your job, here's hoping you get sorted soon.

Like you're fresh start the detail is superb, possibly a tiny bit more dof, but not a major issue for me.

[jgs001]

Jaz... sorry I missed a couple :bonk: ..

Very sorry to hear about your job, sounds all a bit odd goings on there.. Glad you had a good weekend in Amsterdam though.

Respect, I like the idea and think that the picture works well.

Friendship, this, I think is a very good interpretation. I think it possibly looks a little warm from the tungsten light, but the sparkles in her dress are picked up nicely. Agree about the background, although moving the reflector in closer and using it as the background might have worked well (or maybe the white balancer as the background... I know I have other plans for mine, other than as a white balancer)...

[Spartacus]

Catch up time for me...

Respect works really well, and a clever idea...:clap:

Friendship better b/g and it would be a far better shot as you already know...:thumbs:

Fresh Start...now that's far better and a really well light and the focus works a treat, well done you for keep going even with your work problems, not sure I would be able to think straight till I got a new job sorted...:clap::clap::clap:

[corky]

I like this shot too, only niggle is DoF a tad too narrow. Well done :thumbs:

[Toothie]

Love the colour and the composition for fresh start :D

[karmagarda]

Love both the dof and detail on this. Well done :thumbs:

[Kiwi Jaz]

I thought that not having a job would give me more time for this sort of thing, but struggled with this one..sorry it is late.

As travelling is my passion, thought I would take a still life type shot of the kit that I mainly take when I travel.

I moved to Edinburgh with my wife to do a bit of travelling to the rest of Europe and we thought it would be a good base in which to do so from.

Most of our travels are long weekends away, so we take advantage of the cheap air fares and just take carry on luggage.

I quite like still life shots myself. The voyeur in me finds them interesting. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3986653667_e82baa2577_o.jpg

[karmagarda]

There's something awfully cluttered about the shot that actually makes me like it more :D. I think not only have you covered the theme, but you've portrayed the chaoticness travel planning can sometimes cause

I like :thumbs:

[Toothie]

i really like the composition, and think it fits the theme really well :)

[maddog.mark]

I can't quite make my mind up about this one. I like the idea and it fits the theme but everything seems to be escaping out of the frame. Perhaps a slightly different crop or one step back might help.

[Kiwi Jaz]

Played around with a pan of water, my tripod and the on camera flash to capture some water droplets with the blue aftershave as a background (as I thought it kind of looked fresh and watery).
However, rather than the water droplet shots I liked this one better.
I have a job again! Back at the college where I was working but in a different area. It is a tough job market out there at the moment so I am most relieved! :)
Now, I can justify buying a new zoom lens!


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3995094089_0baf8568bc_o.jpg

[brummierob]

I really like this! Keep up the good work! Oh btw, congrats on your new (old) job.

[karmagarda]

Really like this too. Only crit I would have is a slight larger DOF to get that 'B' completely in focus. But apart from that, it's excellent. I haven't seen many real ads with photos as good as this! :thumbs:

[Daysleeper40]

Passion - I really like the idea and the only thing I want to do composition wise is nudge the lenses a bit further into frame. Otherwise the cluttered approach works for me :thumbs:

Water - I'm struggling to relate this one to the theme tbh but I do love the shapness of the B in the reflection. I get what you've done water-wise but if I didn't already know the theme I wouldn't have connected the two.

[Shorty]

Passion - the cluttering works, nice.

Water, sorry, I might be being thick, but can't see what this has to do with water, otherwise an OK shot :)

[SarahLee]

Sorry . . . I completely missed your passion shot last week (seems like I somehow managed to miss a couple, so it's not just you)

Passion : Very nice shot and it tells a story . . . in fact the clutter is part of the story and really adds to the shot.
My only niggle, and it's a minor one, is the lenses as has already been mentioned. I'd like them just a bit further in frame.

Water : Brilliant!
I love this. Great composition and fantastic colours.
The B could do with being a touch more in focus, but it's still a lovely shot.

I'm guessing that it's stood in water to get the reflection ??????

[jgs001]

I really rather like Water, the colours and the reflection, although, if it weren't for the description, I'm not sure I'd have got the water connection, but then, I can't talk ... ;)

[corky]

Like the shot, but I think i would struggle to recognise the theme unless it was explained

[jeangenie]

Sorry I missed your last week's shot somehow.

Passion: As lots of other people have said, I like the clutter and the suggestion of all the stuff you have around when packing for a holiday. A Passion for travel fits the theme very nicely. :thumbs:

Water: It might not be strong for the them, but I really like the shot. The shallow dof works well for me and imo, you've judged the focus on the centre of 'Bulgari' just right. The slight blurring at the beginning and end of the word looks very arty. :clap::clap:

Really pleased to see you're back with the wage slaves. Seriously, you must be very pleased to have found work so quickly, and going back of your college is probably easier than going to a totally new environment. Good luck. :-)

Jean

[Toothie]

Great reflection on your water shot :thumbs:

[maddog.mark]

Took me a while to make the link to the theme as well, now I have I can only agree with what's already been said, great reflection, shame about the B. Well done for getting me thinking.

[Bruja]

Ooooh, forgive me, I've missed loads of your shots :(

Respect - well spotted, and I'd certainly have respect for the big one if I was in the little one :D

Friendship - you already know about the background (I use a piece of white card propped against something strong enough so I get a seemless shot, and it's dead cheap!) but I love the detail in the figures and it says Friendship to me :thumbs:

Fresh Start - it looks lovely and fresh to me, the WB looks ok on my monitor and I love the DoF you've got going on. :clap:

Passion - lots of stuff in there and I first thought it looked cluttered then I started being nosy and wanted to know what you take with you, so it works :clap:

Water - doesn't say water to me but it's a great shot. Pity you didn't have any Cool Water by Davidoff :D

Sorry to hear about the old job but really happy for you for your new one.

[Kiwi Jaz]

Which one of these is not like the other one?!

Have been on holiday in Italy so wasn't able to submit week 41's theme but did have it in mind all through my holiday! Was a fun theme, even though it was tough.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/4047379227_a91f37a22b_o.jpg

[Bruja]

Er, give in I think :thinking:

Unless it's the one in the middle as it's engine is in the back, or the Renault cos it's French, or the red one cos I can't figure out how the driver would get out.

Apart from that, and to be a bit picky, I'd crop out some of the road so it's more like a pano.

[Spartacus]

I'm not sure what part it Out of Context?

I'm thinking it's the tree stuck in the middle of the parking area...:thinking:

or it's the small car...:thinking:

Still you got your shot in and that's what counts...:thumbs:

[karmagarda]

It's a really cool photo! But it doesn't really say out of context to me. I do like the obscurity of it all though. The fact that the cars really look like they shouldn't be parked there. So in that way I suppose it does kind of say "out of context" :lol:

[Dark Star]

Catch up time :)

Love your passion shot - loads to look at and well put together - tells the story well and fits the theme nicely!

Water - I love the shot - colours, comp and dof but it doesn't quite hit the them for me :)

Out of context: What a great spot :) I read the 'out of context' as the tiny car sandwiched between the other two - well it made me smile even if I'm wrong :)

[Kiwi Jaz]

Dark Star had it right..it was the fact the little wee Fiat was dwarfed by the bigger cars (even though they would all be classed as 'small cars').
That is a great idea about the pano..I hadnt thought of that but will look into it. It is one thing I have not tried so would be keen to give it a go.

[Kiwi Jaz]

Been a busy last couple of weeks, coming back from a holiday and starting a new job (which I love).
Time for a catch up.

I struggled for a good hour trying to produce some bubbles.
Even to the point where I half filled a cup with Coca Cola and detergent.
Alas, my bubble making abilities are not great.
Also tried some chewing gum to try and make a bubble but I guess Bubble gum is more useful for that.
Anyway, it is lucky I dont manufacture hot air balloons as I failed to even inflate one decent bubble with my 1 Tbl measuring spoon and detergent.
So....
Here is a little wee baby bubble!
Taken with my 18-55 kit lens and extension tubes.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/4064804477_f6c9ae8e5c_o.jpg

[Kiwi Jaz]

Here is my baby...My Hamer XT Explorer.
Great guitar for metal and rock. Has Seymour Duncan pickups fitted as standard! A JB in the bridge and a 59er in the neck position.
:love:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4065616550_cbeb1f8bfd_o.jpg

[karmagarda]

I'm a sucker for guitar photos! Love this :thumbs:. Monotone is perfect too

[SarahLee]

Really glad to hear that you're enjoying the new job :clap:

I seem to have a bit of catching up to do here.

Out of Context : I got what you were trying to do with this one - small cars and even smaller car :D
It's actually quite an interesting shot, the more I look at it, the more I seem to get drawn into the little details in the background.
But I think I agree that a pano crop might add to it.

Bubbles : Made me smile. Those bubbles sort of look like eyes and there's almost a bit of a smiley face going on there :D.
The PP that you've used really suits the image (love the colour popping on the bubbles). All in all a very nice shot, despite your bubble problems. :thumbs:

Low Down : My favourite out of the three :clap:
Great composition and the B&W really suits the image.
I love the way you've used dof to emphasise the low angle and bring it right on theme.
I'm finding the heavy black of the guitar stand(?) at the top a bit distracting though. With that cloned out it would take it from a very good shot to a fantastic shot IMO!

[maddog.mark]

Catch up for me too.

Out of Context I got when as soon as I saw it, not the most obvious of interpretations, but that's not a bad thing is it. The more I look at the picture the more I like it. I know why you have blanked out the plates, but they do distract a bit.

Bubbles, nicely taken, but not doing a massive amount for me, sorry.

Low Down, composition is spot on, the mono conversion works well, I agree with Sarah about the stand though, lose that and its a stunner!

Mark

[Tracer]

I love the guitar shot, the mono conversion and the composition. I actually like the stand because it looks as if the guitar has arms, and is about to start playing a riff!

[SarahLee]

it looks as if the guitar has arms, and is about to start playing a riff!

:nuts: Are you sure you didn't eat any of those mushrooms? :razz:
I thought I was having a funny night :D

[Kiwi Jaz]

:nuts: Are you sure you didn't eat any of those mushrooms? :razz:
I thought I was having a funny night :D

:lol:

I just tried to clone out the arms, but it looked a bit messy. Was good practice for me to try the cloning tool in PS though and I will have another go this week.
Thanks for the comments guys..much appreciated.

[karmagarda]

:lol:

I just tried to clone out the arms, but it looked a bit messy. Was good practice for me to try the cloning tool in PS though and I will have another go this week.
Thanks for the comments guys..much appreciated.

Don't you go replacing the original with arms cloned out, I like em :bat:!! Seeing the arms there makes me picture the guitar on a stand :).

[Kiwi Jaz]

Don't you go replacing the original with arms cloned out, I like em :bat:!! Seeing the arms there makes me picture the guitar on a stand :).

I dont want any trouble Karmagarda! :D

[jgs001]

I'm with the arms removed crowd... although that may produce an odd look with no apparent support for the guitar... I like it though, on theme and well processed.

[karmagarda]

I dont want any trouble Karmagarda! :D

:lol::lol::lol:

[Spartacus]

Brillant DOF work...:clap::clap::clap:

Oh ...those arms...:thinking:

Too cut or not to cut that is the question...:lol:

Sorry they got to go...:nono: way to much distraction for me...

but a great shot which ever way you look at it...:thumbs:

[Kiwi Jaz]

Hopefully this fits the theme quite well. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2729/4078954452_597ee8c9d0_o.jpg

[karmagarda]

Very good! Really good interpretation, and I like the almost dark PP on it. :thumbs:

[jeangenie]

Wow - a lot of catching up for me - sorry I'm so behind with your thread. :)


Really glad to hear that you're enjoying the new job :clap:

I seem to have a bit of catching up to do here.

Out of Context : I got what you were trying to do with this one - small cars and even smaller car :D
It's actually quite an interesting shot, the more I look at it, the more I seem to get drawn into the little details in the background.
But I think I agree that a pano crop might add to it.

Bubbles : Made me smile. Those bubbles sort of look like eyes and there's almost a bit of a smiley face going on there :D.
The PP that you've used really suits the image (love the colour popping on the bubbles). All in all a very nice shot, despite your bubble problems. :thumbs:

Low Down : My favourite out of the three :clap:
Great composition and the B&W really suits the image.
I love the way you've used dof to emphasise the low angle and bring it right on theme.
I'm finding the heavy black of the guitar stand(?) at the top a bit distracting though. With that cloned out it would take it from a very good shot to a fantastic shot IMO!

I'm not really taking the lazy way out - but Sarah has said it all here - and better than i could have. The guitar shot could have come straight out of the manufacturer's glossy brochure. :thumbs:

Doom and Gloom: This fits the theme perfectly for me. Excellent take on the theme and i like the processing. :thumbs:

Jean

[Spartacus]

[Doom and Gloom: This fits the theme perfectly for me. Excellent take on the theme and i like the processing. :thumbs:

Jean[/QUOTE]

:agree: Yes I agree a great idea, and works really well...:clap::clap::clap:

Much better than my effort...:thumbs:

[SarahLee]

Doom and Gloom - Best interpretation I've seen so far :thumbs:
Bang on theme and the dark PP really suits the image.

I wish I had more to say, but I don't. It's a very good idea and very well executed. Well done :clap:

[Kdot]

Really like the PP on that - and it fits the theme well. :thumbs:

[kennysarmy]

Great job - simple yet effective...good work.

[jgs001]

Excellent idea, spot on theme, well executed and excellent PP... I really like it, nicely done.

[Toothie]

Just catching up 3 great shots imo :thumbs:

[corky]

Excellent photo and spot on theme. Love the lighting :clap::clap:

[Tracer]

Absolutely fantastic - I love the lighting and the processing, and it fits the theme perfectly. :clap::clap:

[Kiwi Jaz]

I thought this one would be easy but it was a bit harder than I anticipated as my first instinct was to take a photo of my mobile phone but then I thought there may be a few folk doing that.
I thought my keyboard was clean until I reviewed this shot!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4105984323_edc0a68d41_o.jpg

[karmagarda]

Oh my! That keyboard is filthy! :lol: Nice take on the theme. Although I think it might need some white balance tweaking? Love the DOF btw :thumbs:

[SarahLee]

Wow!

The DOF on that is absolutely amazing! :clap:
Love the concept. I was expecting a lot of mobile phone shots this week too . . . seems like we all thought the same and decided to do something different instead :lol:

Agree with KG that the WB is a touch off. Looks a bit too warm on my monitor.

(Notice that I've politely declined commenting on the dust? I dread to think what mine would look like that close up)

[Kiwi Jaz]

Thanks for the feedback guys...much appreciated.
Never really thourhg much about the WB until you guys mentioned it. Have corrected it and it looks way better to me (as it has bought out the reflection of the monitor on the keypads).

Thanks again.
Jarod.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/4106365201_51d817da93_o.jpg

[karmagarda]

Now we're talking! Only job left now is clean the keyboard :lol:

[jeangenie]

I love the dof, composition and pov on this, KJ. All excellent and making a stylish shot out of what could have been a rather ordinary one. :clap::clap::clap:

whispering ... I quite liked the warmth in the first version, and my keyboard wouldn't stand close scrutiny either!

Jean :)

[Dark Star]

Catch up time:

Bubbles: ooh that doesn't work for me sorry :( The ranibow colours on the left bubble are great but the rest doesn't really work (hate being negative but hey ho I guess we're here to learn and be honest :))

Low Down: I like lots :) My kinda shot well composed and the processing works for me :) Ticks my boxes!

Doom and Gloom: what great processing - gritty and harsh and on theme (although initially I thought 'thief' which would still work :)

Communication: Spot in theme, great detail and dof and the adjusted version looks the business :)

Thos last three are corkers :)

[SarahLee]

Thanks for the feedback guys...much appreciated.
Never really thourhg much about the WB until you guys mentioned it. Have corrected it and it looks way better to me (as it has bought out the reflection of the monitor on the keypads).

Thanks again.
Jarod.


It was a good shot before, but that tweak in WB has really made it :thumbs:
Love the reflection on the keyboard!

[Spartacus]

Yes the second version it spot on theme, works so well with the that dof doing all the work... I like this a lot...:thumbs:

[Kdot]

http://content.etilize.com/Large/11967878.jpg

:whistling:

Speaking as someone who has tried to take laptop shots, that's come out really white, especially after the WB adjustment. Nice.

[Kiwi Jaz]

http://content.etilize.com/Large/11967878.jpg

:whistling:

Speaking as someone who has tried to take laptop shots, that's come out really white, especially after the WB adjustment. Nice.

:) Hehe..that's what I need!

[Kiwi Jaz]

A pretty poor effort from me this week. I am in a hurry to pack as I am heading to Prague. Wish I could have spent more time on this one as it is a good challenge.

Anyway, here's me:

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/KiwiJaz_2009/20091118-IMG_1618.jpg

[Toothie]

looks much better with the new WB great shot :thumbs:

[karmagarda]

I'm sorry, but I'm crazy about you self shot :(. I think you know it's not your best work so I hope I haven't made you feel bad :lol:.

It's a tad out of focus (or possibly motion blur), and I think maybe these type of shots only really work if it's a full on macro :shrug:

[Toothie]

I agree with Karmagarda your self shot is a little soft but the composition really works :D

[jgs001]

Jarod, Love communication, especially with the tweaked WB. That's made it.

Self... I like the idea, but it's a bit too soft for my liking... The composition is good... but I think it really needs the eye itself to be sharp. Have a good time in prague

[Dark Star]

Agree with the other guys Jarod - nice idea but oof or too soft! That is one dilated pupil though :)

[SarahLee]

:( Sorry but I'm going to have to agree with the others on it being a bit too soft.
Not quite up to your usual high standard - you can tell that it was taken in a bit of a hurry.

I like the idea though. I did think about the eye close-up for this week, but couldn't quite get it right in LiveView.

I hope you have fun in Prague and I'm sure that you'll be back on form when you're back.

[kennysarmy]

not an easy shot to attempt - would like you to try it again when you get back from "the streets of prague...."

[Tracer]

Self: although it is a bit soft you can just about get away with it, as it makes it quite mysterious. I tried to do something similar and couldn't get anywhere near it! Well done :thumbs:

[jeangenie]

Sorry, but I can only follow the crowd on this one. A great idea (the eye being the mirror to the soul) but you've just missed the focus. Unless, of course, it was intentional so that your soul is still a hidden mystery. :thinking: :)

Have a great time in Prague. :)

Jean

[Spartacus]

Sorry as it's already been said, a tad to soft for my liking, but you got your shot in before going away on holiday....

So that's worth a :thumbs: from me...

[Daysleeper40]

I feel bad saying this as I don't want to labour the point - but it is too soft I'm afraid.

Enough said - hope you are having a great time in Prague and can we look forward to a reshoot on your return?

[Kiwi Jaz]

After a dismal attempt last week, put a bit more effort into this weeks challenge.

Just made some lovely mulled wine (tis the season!).

Hopefully this fits the theme as I organised each ingredient. Eg wet ingredients, dry ingredients etc.

Here is the recipe if you want it!

Half a bottle of cheap red wine (though a 10 year old bottle of £500 wine would probably be able to be substituted)
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 orange
1 lemon

Take some photos.
Change lenses.
Take some more photos.
Try a different lens.
Take some more photos.
Try a different lens.
Take some more photos.
Try the original lens.
Put it all in a pot on the stove (but not with the lenses or camera as it will make the wine too salty) and heat until it is hot (but not boiling as that burns off the alcohol of course).

This will make two cups worth.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4143535773_c8f8ee265b_o.jpg

[Daysleeper40]

I'm not at all sure about the border but I like the composition. Everything looks a bit rthereal as well - what processing have you done?

[SarahLee]

Never mind commenting on your photo. After reading that I'm off to make myself some mulled wine too :lol: ;)

Thanks for sharing that recipe - I'll definitely give it a try. Although I'll probably skip the camera and lenses bit.

Great take on the theme and very seasonal too.
I love the composition - particularly the way that the knife is poised and the shadows to the side of it.
I'd be interested in the PP too. There's definitely a dreamlike quality to it as DS says. In a good way for me - it adds something different to the shot that makes me want to keep looking at it.

[karmagarda]

Agree with the others words... but, I think you missed a corker of a shot there with the wine bottle in the saucepan! I'd have had that as the main focal point myself. Not sure how I would have composed all around it though :thinking:

[Kiwi Jaz]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
The PP was a plugin in Photoshop. It was the Poloroid filter in Color Efex Pro.

[jeangenie]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
The PP was a plugin in Photoshop. It was the Poloroid filter in Color Efex Pro.

Thanks goodness! I thought my eyes were going funny. :lol: It's added a different dimension to your shot, and I like the composition, the use of shadows, the colours and even the border. :thumbs:


I think you've missed an important aspect of the Method, though. I hope you don't mind my suggestions. :D


Take some photos.
Change lenses.
Sample wine to see if new lens makes a difference
Take some more photos.
Try a different lens.
Sample wine again because this lens must have made a difference
Take some more photos.
Try a different lens.
Shample wine 'cos ... well, you know why!
Take some more photos.
Try the original lens.
Shample lens to shee if wine has made a difference (hic!)
Put it all in a pot on the stove (but not with the lenses or camera as it will make the wine too salty) and heat until it is hot (but not boiling as that burns off the alcohol of course).

This will make two cups worth. TWO cups - my recipe only makes one!




Cheers - and thanks for making me feel Christmassy already. :thumbs:

Jean

[jgs001]

I like it Jaz... Very good... The dreamy affect of the filter and the muted tones really help I think. I like how it's lit...

As for Jean, exactly how big is your cup ;) ?

[kennysarmy]

Like it....

PP adds rather than distracts from the overall effect too

[Spartacus]

Not sure about the boarder...:thinking:

But I like the P&P work...:clap::clap::clap:

Good work from you this week...:thumbs:

[Tracer]

Now there's a shot to warm the cockles!! I love the arrangement, the colours and the processing. I think I would prefer a slightly different framing so that less of the table and more of the bottle was showing. Very nice, though :clap::clap:

[corky]

self....I'm not going to say what everybody else has said. My problem is I don't like pictures of eyes, but thats my problem ,not yours.

Organised....bang on theme :clap:

[Kiwi Jaz]

Was in London in the weekend (my wife's folks shouted us a trip for Christmas...spoilt eh!).

Joined the other 63,000 people at Twickenham to see the AB's get beaten by the Barbarian's. :'(

Spotted this in the Canary Wharf area and thought it was pretty confusing for me as a pedestrian, let alone a motorist!

I know it is probably going to get a bit of stick for the wild angle but I thought the shot lent itself to that because of all the crazy zig zig and angled lines.

What do you think? Too much?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/4167527304_8445e939c4_o.jpg

[jeangenie]

It fits the theme perfectly - I certainly wouldn't like to be driving along there.

The angle work really well - especially in view of the theme. So, all in all, a good week for you. :thumbs: It sounds as though it was a good week-end, too!

Jean

[Tracer]

I like the diagonal slant - much more dynamic. It also makes it even more confusing as I wouldn't have immediately identified it without your explanation!
A good 'un:thumbs:

[karmagarda]

Good photo, I like the interesting angle. It's missing a something or other I can't put my finger on. Maybe a traffic cone or island or something :thinking:

[Spartacus]

Confusion...spot on...:clap:

Not to sure about the angle...:thinking: seems a tad to much to me, yes it adds interest but a little to much angle for me...

But that's a great boarder works really well for this shot...:thumbs:

[Bruja]

Catch up time :D

Self - it's all been said.

Organised - I really like this, the composition and PP suit it and make it gentle on the eye with an almost 50s feel.

Confusion - Does what it says on the tin. Especially as I had to contort myself to figure out what it was :D :clap::clap::clap:

[Toothie]

organised looks good, as with the other not sure about the border but the pic works imo :D

Confused is perfect for me, i have no idea how drivers are ment to work that out while driving.

[kennysarmy]

Good idea for a "confusing" shot...would have prefered a "wider" rather than "wilder" angle to put it a bit more in context....

[SarahLee]

Good interpretation of confusion :thumbs:
Funnily, to my eye it fitted the theme for a different reason to your explanation :lol:
The confusing line markings totally passed me by . . . I was looking on it as being a "drunk's eye view" of the road or possibly from the point of view of someone who's just fallen over . . . or a combination of both :lol:

[Kiwi Jaz]

Pretty happy with this weeks challenge theme.

A subject near and dear to me!

This is my Hamer Explorer XT. I have submitted a photo of this before in this challenge and have chosen to do so again as I love this piece of kit.

I have a genuine Gibson Explorer at home and it is totally different to this cheap imitation, but this copy is an absolute bargain for it's price.

It is fitted with 2 Seymour Duncan pickups (a 59 and a JB) and is ideal for metal or rock.

I spent about an hour trying to setup HDR shots of my Explorer but I have never been able to process HDR shots with satisfactory results so decided to go with this one in the end.

It is shot with my 55-250 Canon IS lens.

Thank goodness I am getting a new tripod for Christmas as bits of plastic fell off my Velbon D-600 as I was shooting this!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4181507773_acf9c1e393_o.jpg

[Spartacus]

I love the tone to this shot and great use of DOF...:clap::clap::clap:

Bang on theme...

Excellent shot...:thumbs:

[Dark Star]

Great DOF, great detail, hit the theme (machine) head on :D!

Nice one!

[jgs001]

Very nicely done. Love the lighting and DOF... spot on theme :thumbs:

[kennysarmy]

Great composition and focus bang on with super depth of field...

only gripe is perhaps the white balance is a bit warm......

[Bruja]

Have to agree with everyone else. Cracking photo, great DoF and composition :clap::clap::clap:

[Tracer]

Have to agree with everyone else. Cracking photo, great DoF and composition :clap::clap::clap:

:agree: :clap::clap:

[SarahLee]

Have to agree with everyone else. Cracking photo, great DoF and composition :clap::clap::clap:

Me too!

Lovely shot, bang on theme and the composition is stunning!

[maddog.mark]

I love the tone to this shot and great use of DOF...:clap::clap::clap:

Bang on theme...

Excellent shot...:thumbs:

Marcus has said it all for me.... a superb shot:thumbs:

[karmagarda]

Lovely shot :thumbs: love what the DOF adds. Nicely done

[Kiwi Jaz]

Shot with my new Christmas present (which I opened today..long story!) a new Manfrotto 190 Pro tripod with a 488 RC2 ball head that I bought off someone on the TP forum (such a huge improvement on my old tripod..great piece of kit!).

Does the WB work or do you think it needs to be warmer? Was a fine line I felt between what I have here and being a bit too over-cooked (the WB that is, not my finger!).

I am celebrating my Christmas day today with my wife, so back to the champagne for me! And I have my Xmas party at work tomorrow. What a life! ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/4199989451_c66189b4da_o.jpg

[antc]

Quite like this, it would most certainly be painful to hold your finger there for more than a second or three. One thing i may have done with this is to crop off about an inch on the right so the glass is off centre and we just see your single digit over the glass. Im not sure the other finger (or two right in the bottom right corner) adds anything. Maybe also clean up the background a little?

[SarahLee]

I like this. I think you're right with the WB - any warmer and the skin tones would be off.
I agree that the background could do with being a bit clearer, but as a concept and interpretation of the theme I think it's great and so close to being a brilliant shot :thumbs:

Enjoy your Champagne and Merry Christmas!
Are you working on Christmas Day?

[karmagarda]

Nice shot. I actually think it would have been nice with a completely black background. Good effort all the same :thumbs:

[Tracer]

I agree that it would be better with a cleaner background but the colour and lighting is lovely, and bang on theme. Well done! :clap:

[jgs001]

Very well done... Bang on theme... I'm with the dark background crowd but good all the same...

Merry Christmas Jaz

[Spartacus]

Very well done... Bang on theme... I'm with the dark background crowd but good all the same...

Merry Christmas Jaz

:agree: Yes I agree, but it is a very good effort, and works really well with this theme...:thumbs:

Merry Christmas to you...:wave:

[jeangenie]

The trouble with getting behind with comments is that it's all been said! :(

Music: I love the colours and DOF and also your words on this one. Your passion for your music shines through! :thumbs:

Pain: Ouch - that would be painful! So spot on theme and again, I agree with the crowd who got their comments in earlier. :)

I hope you had a great celebration on Sunday. It sounds as though Christmas Day will be a working one for one of you!

Cheers :)

Jean

[Kiwi Jaz]

Had fun with this one.

Initially I shot my Garmin 305 heart rate monitor (I am a keen runner when the footpaths are not covered in slippery ice and snow!).

I then tried a still life with my Garmin 305 and my water bladder pack but wasn't satisfied with that.

Then I decided to shoot my Brooks Defyance running shoes instead.
Then I decided to shoot some multi-vitamins instead.

Then I shot my York barbell.

In the end I pano cropped a shot of my Brooks running shoes and here we are!
Shot with my nifty fifty at f8.0 for 1 second.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4207323778_ffe9b1370b.jpg

PS Many thanks for your Christmas wishes and Merry Christmas to you too!

I am not actually working but will be away on holiday on Christmas day (good excuse to open presents early and have an extra Christmas meal!)

[jeangenie]

Wow - I'm exhausted just reading the list of all that healthy equipment!

I think you've chosen well though - that's an interesting shot and I didn't immediately work out what it was. It's not easy to get a 'different' angle on a fairly everyday object but you've succeeded with this one. I like it very much. :thumbs:

Have a good Christmas holiday with lots of merrymaking. :)

Jean

[Bruja]

Very well done... Bang on theme... I'm with the dark background crowd but good all the same...

Merry Christmas Jaz

:agree: and hope you enjoy your Christmas break.

PS Your Health pic has disappeared :shrug:

[corky]

Music, bang on theme. good shot

Pain, very clever....hope you didn't burn your finger!!! :clap:

Happy Christmas too
Jon

[Kiwi Jaz]

Whoopsy, thanks for that Bruja. I edited it on flickr with Picnic and that lost the link.
Thanks again for the feedback guys..I am learning a lot.
And once again..have a fantastic Christmas!

[karmagarda]

Great idea with the runners. To nit pick I'd like to see them closer to white. Nice shot all the same :thumbs:

[Spartacus]

Wow way to healthy for me...:lol:

it's a good take on the theme...and a great view of the running shoe...I like it..:thumbs:

[Tracer]

I like this and think it is a great take on the theme. :clap: I'd be interested to see it in a contrasty black and white?

[SarahLee]

Good idea!!!
It took me a while to work out what I was looking at, but a really inspired shot.
Love the extreme close up :thumbs:

I'm not sure if the WB is a touch off - it looks a bit too warm on my monitor. Doesn't detract from the shot though, it still really works for me.

[Dark Star]

Pain - bloody hell - ouch!! :) Thats dedication! Good shot and theme fitting in spades - might have cropped a little bit of the empty space far left to move the pain point off centre a tad though

Health: I love that - almost abstract! Lets see a larger version please :) Great detail and very much on theme :) My first proper pair of running shoes were Brooks in '78 :D

[corky]

Wow way to healthy for me...:lol:

it's a good take on the theme...and a great view of the running shoe...I like it..:thumbs:

Have to agree with Spartacus....you could also use it for texture:)

[jgs001]

Health, very good Jaz :thumbs: on them and an unusual view.