Robs 52 for 2010 - Week 17 Peace

[holryn]

One of your best shots Rob. The detail in the eyes...excellent!

Only thing that let it down (and only a little) is the ear.

 

[SarahLee]

Here's hoping that "peace" inspires you to shift out of your grumpy phase . . . although a theme like that might just push you over the edge. Kill or cure this week methinks

Seriously, I hope things start looking up for you soon. I've been having a crappy time of it too lately . . . why does life keep getting in the way of the things we actually want to do?

Stare might be an old shot, but the PP's given it a lease of life.
Incredibly sharp, great detail in the eyes - and apart from the already mentioned ear it's a damn good entry this week . . . tired and grumpy or not!

 

[jeangenie]

Rob - you're going to hate this post - it might cheer you up!

The elements that make this sp for me are:

The absolute focus on your eyes

The shallow dof, throwing nose and ear into soft focus

The framing and composition - close, but just a suggestion of your mouth to reinforce the expression in your eyes, plus good use of negative space on the right.

The slightly desaturated processing

The fact that the background colour complements your eyes.

And, finally - it's a good interpretation of the theme.

Do I like it?


Yes!

Everybody has weeks (months!) when they wonder why they're doing this 52: work, family and other commitments get in the way, the themes don't inspire you, nothing works the way you want it to, there's no hope or possibility for the future and you wonder why you ever wanted to take photos in the first place!

Fortunately it doesn't last! I hope your mojo's back in action - and at least Peace is a nice, calm and well, peaceful, theme. Good luck,

Jean

 

[jollyjack]

Great start shot, detail so clear, a real winner

 

[Harlequin565]

A belting portrait Rob. Nothing wrong with it.

As to your competence. Take a look at this. (safe for work - need to scroll down for the graph)

Ian.

 

[jgs001]

The SP and processing are spot on Rob... very well done. As for the rest of it... I sympathise completely and I know exactly what you mean. Work, Life, Family, Thyroidal cat... and the general feeling that everything you do sucks...

 

[louise-knight]

Week 16 Stare


Ok, just ignore the following I'm just putting it here as some form of therapy.
Hopefully I'll look back at this in weeks to come and laugh at myself for being so childish.

Once upon a time I took pictures of abandonded buildings with an EOS300D and a crappy kit lens. I loved my photos, I loved to look at them, I loved to mess about with them in PS and I loved sticking them up on an Urbex site for others to see. Then I got the idea I could take pictures and that they weren't half bad, I upgraded my camera, got some rather expensive glass, aquired a copy of CS4 and now I am convinced everything has gone to ******. I can spend a day taking pictures and 10 minutes deleting the lot. I started reading threads on here and looking at other peoples photo's and am now of the opinion I need to quit and take up knitting. Still, I am blessed with grim determination (or am I just stubborn?) so here's my week 15. I honestly couldn't be bothered with taking a new picture or thinking of a new and inventive interpritation. I just found an old SP and faffed with it in CS4. It's all I could be arsed to do. Work sucks and my family are soooooo demanding I barely get time to take a pee. My oldest cat has a thyroid condition and short term memory issue which means it yaps it head off constantly until you feed him and then 20 minutes later he starts again, I've got a huge zit on the side of my nose and I'm bloody fed up. So, ironically this old SP is actually very current as I feel exactly how the face in this picture looks.

The processing on stare is just wonderful, I bet it'd look great in black and white too!

I know how you feel about your work, I feel like that sometimes.. perhaps next time you go out for the day to take photos, try to cut your shooting time down by half, and use the time you save to compose your shots perfectly. I tend to just snap away sometimes and then end up scrapping everything. Then I started putting a bit more effort into the execution of the shot and loved the results

 

[jennyb]

Rob, that's a fantastic photo. I love everything about it, especially the DOF.

Sorry to hear you are feeling so down You are not alone. I hope you feel inspired again soon to get out and about with the camera. I sometimes think it is the only thing that keeps me sane.

I rather like Louise's idea about spending more time composing the photos. I tend to just snap away and delete most of them. So, maybe a change of technique is a good idea?

Jenny

 

[RobC]

Firstly, my apologies for my recent 'episode' It was month end at work and the pressure was on to get as much gear on the floor and powered up as possible. I think I pulled 92 hours last week, even with a day off !! I was running on coffee and fags and not much else.
Additionally I've a young family who fail to comprehend that sometimes 'Rob needs and evening off from football, ballet, swimming, homework etc' and a Dad who know has to be driven to his hospital appointments in the evening. In short, life's pretty full at the moment.

So, I've come to a few conclusions over the last few days regarding my photography.

1. Photography is my hobby, not a chore, not a task but a way of relaxing and I must not force myself to do it, if there's time then great, if not I mustn't sweat it.

2. My style of photography has to change, and it has. Oddly enough I adopted Louise K's suggestion about 48hours befor she posted and I'm pleased to say there's been an improvement even I can see.

3. The 52 is a real challenge, when I decided to do this I tought it would be fun, it is, but it's also taught me lots, stretched me, shown me my faults and taught me a few things about myself as well. I'm going to try to keep up to date BUT if I fall behind then so be it.

4. My togging buddy kept me from 'going over the edge' without even knowing it. I suggest you all get one

I owe a lot of you comments on your submissions and responses to the feedback you've left here, I'll endeavour to get round to all of that over the next few days.

Thanks for all your support and hopefully I'll be back to normal (whatever that is) for a few months now until the 2nd quarter end draws near!!

 

[Briony]

Longleat here we come

 

[RobC]

An Apology

Firstly, my apologies for my recent 'episode' It was month end at work and the pressure was on to get as much gear on the floor and powered up as possible. I think I pulled 92 hours last week, even with a day off !! I was running on coffee and fags and not much else.
Additionally I've a young family who fail to comprehend that sometimes 'Rob needs and evening off from football, ballet, swimming, homework etc' and a Dad who know has to be driven to his hospital appointments in the evening. In short, life's pretty full at the moment.

So, I've come to a few conclusions over the last few days regarding my photography.

1. Photography is my hobby, not a chore, not a task but a way of relaxing and I must not force myself to do it, if there's time then great, if not I mustn't sweat it.

2. My style of photography has to change, and it has. Oddly enough I adopted Louise K's suggestion about 48hours befor she posted and I'm pleased to say there's been an improvement even I can see.

3. The 52 is a real challenge, when I decided to do this I tought it would be fun, it is, but it's also taught me lots, stretched me, shown me my faults and taught me a few things about myself as well. I'm going to try to keep up to date BUT if I fall behind then so be it.

4. My togging buddy kept me from 'going over the edge' without even knowing it. I suggest you all get one

I owe a lot of you comments on your submissions and responses to the feedback you've left here, I'll endeavour to get round to all of that over the next few days.

Thanks for all your support and hopefully I'll be back to normal (whatever that is) for a few months now until the 2nd quarter end draws near!!




Week 17 Peace

Tricky one this. I was 'coming up' after my critical mass hissy fit last week and spent the afternoon on Sunday down my hole (My friend and I have an ROC post (bunker) we are restoring)). Nothing too taxing, just tidying round and putting the finishing touches to the very stylish new poly tiles on the wall, running some new wiring and then Terry turned up with some newly aquired 'goodies'. One of these was an FSM, a fixed survey meter. Simply put it's a device for measuring radiation in the event of a Nuclear blast. If you're into this sort of thing then an FSM is, if you'll pardon the expression 'pure porn'.

Anyway, I took a few snaps, this is my fave and so I present my submission for week 17, something not normally seen during peace time. On the downside it's boring, poorly taken and far from interesting. On the plus side it's a museum piece, as rare as rocking horse poo and the photo was taken in an 18foot square concrete box 20 feet underground in the pitch black.

 

[TheTimeChamber]

Now that is an old one!! I have a later model sitting around in a cupbaord at home (it is actually Eds)

p.s. - don't you always run on coffee and fags, I don't think I have seen you eat

 

[Harlequin565]

Nice shot for the week Rob and a very interesting back story too.

As to the current stesses you're going through - it sounds like you need a holiday!

Ian.

 

[Briony]

Now that is an old one!! I have a later model sitting around in a cupbaord at home (it is actually Eds)

p.s. - don't you always run on coffee and fags, I don't think I have seen you eat

He eats cake

 

[Briony]

An Apology

Firstly, my apologies for my recent 'episode' It was month end at work and the pressure was on to get as much gear on the floor and powered up as possible. I think I pulled 92 hours last week, even with a day off !! I was running on coffee and fags and not much else.
Additionally I've a young family who fail to comprehend that sometimes 'Rob needs and evening off from football, ballet, swimming, homework etc' and a Dad who know has to be driven to his hospital appointments in the evening. In short, life's pretty full at the moment.

So, I've come to a few conclusions over the last few days regarding my photography.

1. Photography is my hobby, not a chore, not a task but a way of relaxing and I must not force myself to do it, if there's time then great, if not I mustn't sweat it.

2. My style of photography has to change, and it has. Oddly enough I adopted Louise K's suggestion about 48hours befor she posted and I'm pleased to say there's been an improvement even I can see.

3. The 52 is a real challenge, when I decided to do this I tought it would be fun, it is, but it's also taught me lots, stretched me, shown me my faults and taught me a few things about myself as well. I'm going to try to keep up to date BUT if I fall behind then so be it.

4. My togging buddy kept me from 'going over the edge' without even knowing it. I suggest you all get one

I owe a lot of you comments on your submissions and responses to the feedback you've left here, I'll endeavour to get round to all of that over the next few days.

Thanks for all your support and hopefully I'll be back to normal (whatever that is) for a few months now until the 2nd quarter end draws near!!




Week 17 Peace

Tricky one this. I was 'coming up' after my critical mass hissy fit last week and spent the afternoon on Sunday down my hole (My friend and I have an ROC post (bunker) we are restoring)). Nothing too taxing, just tidying round and putting the finishing touches to the very stylish new poly tiles on the wall, running some new wiring and then Terry turned up with some newly aquired 'goodies'. One of these was an FSM, a fixed survey meter. Simply put it's a device for measuring radiation in the event of a Nuclear blast. If you're into this sort of thing then an FSM is, if you'll pardon the expression 'pure porn'.

Anyway, I took a few snaps, this is my fave and so I present my submission for week 17, something not normally seen during peace time. On the downside it's boring, poorly taken and far from interesting. On the plus side it's a museum piece, as rare as rocking horse poo and the photo was taken in

an 18foot square concrete box 20 feet underground in the pitch black.

Well I did not know you did Football swimming ballet and homework now there's a first Rob in a Tu Tu !!!!!

Will you stop putting yourself down by saying this shot is "boring, poorley taken and far from interesting"

I actually like it in a strange sort of way - don't know why but it reminds me of my late grandpa who was always tinkering with stuff like this, things always worked before he got hold of them

The shot itself is very sharp (once again, you really are getting spot on with this) and very very different. Great use of flash also, with the brilliant lighting.

Lets hope when you get your new lens (and you will!) you will really enjoy togging !

 

[SarahLee]

Glad to see you bouncing back Rob - and don't worry about your rant. This goes on for a whole year, so all of us are bound to have at least one crisis week in here.

for your lessons learnt too.
The thought of taking just one good photo a week seems so easy, but it really isn't - and remembering that this is for fun as well as a way of stretching yourself is really important.

As for your shot this week - I have to disagree with you.
It is very interesting and given that it was taken in the pitch black, brilliantly composed and well executed.
In fact this is one of those shots that I want to keep looking at, trying to work out what all the buttons and dials do.

 

[jgs001]

Rob, that's an excellent idea, and it's worked really well. A very good take on the theme. Considering it was in pitch black it's superbly shot. The only thing would be to move it all down slightly to remove the blurred thing along the top, but I'm not sure that would be possible with the setup, it looks fixed in place.

 

[foggy4ever]

Nice choice of subject for Peace, a little more front on for me so I can see all the writing on the top rhs but as it was taken in pitch black that would be very tricky.

 

[RobC]

Now that is an old one!! I have a later model sitting around in a cupbaord at home (it is actually Eds)

p.s. - don't you always run on coffee and fags, I don't think I have seen you eat

It is rather ancient isn't it? But we're trying to get that '68 feel to the place so it's kinda perfect. I'm relieved your response to the picture wasn't the same as Ed's when he saw it

Oh, I do eat cake on occasion

Nice shot for the week Rob and a very interesting back story too.

As to the current stesses you're going through - it sounds like you need a holiday!

Ian.

Thanks Ian, you're right, I do need a holiday, hence to stupid hours I'm working..... so If I slow down I won't need a holiday

He eats cake

Well I did not know you did Football swimming ballet and homework now there's a first Rob in a Tu Tu !!!!!

Will you stop putting yourself down by saying this shot is "boring, poorley taken and far from interesting"

I actually like it in a strange sort of way - don't know why but it reminds me of my late grandpa who was always tinkering with stuff like this, things always worked before he got hold of them

The shot itself is very sharp (once again, you really are getting spot on with this) and very very different. Great use of flash also, with the brilliant lighting.

Lets hope when you get your new lens (and you will!) you will really enjoy togging !

Thanks Hun, I've stayed away from this entire part of the forums for a while and I think it's actually done me some good. I'm certainly feeling a lot more positive about my photography since I calmed down and started thinking about all my shots (no more machine gunning and hoping for the best).

Glad to see you bouncing back Rob - and don't worry about your rant. This goes on for a whole year, so all of us are bound to have at least one crisis week in here.

for your lessons learnt too.
The thought of taking just one good photo a week seems so easy, but it really isn't - and remembering that this is for fun as well as a way of stretching yourself is really important.

As for your shot this week - I have to disagree with you.
It is very interesting and given that it was taken in the pitch black, brilliantly composed and well executed.
In fact this is one of those shots that I want to keep looking at, trying to work out what all the buttons and dials do.

I'm runing out of ways to say thanks for all the cooments and crit !!

Suffice to say it was a b*t*h to shoot and this was more luck than judgement but am I ashamed to say that - NO I am not, I've a sneaky feeling there are lots of 'lucky' shots flying around the boards. Anyway, I appreciate you dropping in to take a sqizz at this and as soon as I find more than a spare half hour will be off to visit my subscriptions in the 52 thread.

Rob, that's an excellent idea, and it's worked really well. A very good take on the theme. Considering it was in pitch black it's superbly shot. The only thing would be to move it all down slightly to remove the blurred thing along the top, but I'm not sure that would be possible with the setup, it looks fixed in place.

Nice choice of subject for Peace, a little more front on for me so I can see all the writing on the top rhs but as it was taken in pitch black that would be very tricky.

Thanks guys, it was a real struggle to get this and I am (in retrospect) very happy with the results, yes it can be improved on and I may well have another crack at it but I can't promise anything, I'm in a 'once it's done, it's done' frame of mind these days.

 

[RobC]

Week 18 Indulgence

Over the past 2 or 3 weeks (it's all a blur to be honest) I've managed to clock up about 180 hours at work and somewhere in the region of 900 miles travelled to and from customers and worryingly I've been tasked with teaching a bunch of 'plug monkeys' from a 3rd rate 3rd party vendor how to do my job. In between all this I've tried to sleep, spend time with my family, keep my head on straight and improve my photography. Seems to me Photography is a hobby for those people with time, understanding partners (or no partner), artistic flair and buckets and buckets of patience.

I have time on occasion and that's about it !!

So, without further ado here it is, Indulgence :



































Sweet huh ? That's right, there's chuff all, I had two whole days on my todd whilst my wife and her kids visited friends in London and so I indulged myself by doing squat. I read, I watched pap on the telly, drank gallons of posh coffee and I ate 'man food' (fish fingers, beans and cold pizza, that sort of thing) . I couldn't even be arsed to charge my camera batteries.

 

[Briony]

Rob I have no picture on my computer screen :shrug: from a "plug monkey" ha Ha

 

[Harlequin565]

Hi Rob,

I have thought about doing a shot similar to this in the past. Composition is great, your lighting is spot on, and I think the PP is excellent. If there was something there to see, I'm sure it would be spot on sharp too!

Clearly a lot of time and effort went into this week, and it looks like you've deservedly indulged yourself.

Seriously: Take a week or two off. Chill out and relax. It is supposed to be a hobby, not just another job. We'll be here when you come back!

Ian.

 

[Briony]

Right, now get your a**e in gear and get out there and spend some QUALITY time with your camera pick up the toys and put them back in the pram :baby: Honestly!:shrug:


I am going to be in desperate need of a togging buddy to moan at seriously soon as well.



"Indulgence" very funny !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kites are waiting

 

[TheTimeChamber]

I just spent far too long thinking my browser was not loading an image

It is rather ancient isn't it? But we're trying to get that '68 feel to the place so it's kinda perfect. I'm relieved your response to the picture wasn't the same as Ed's when he saw it

Oh, I do eat cake on occasion

.

Haha, what did he say? Something geeky I suspect. And anyway, give me a padded door anyday

 

[RobC]

There seems to be some confusion....I wasn't throwing toys, or climbing outta my playpen, I'm actually very relaxed and unbothered atm. I really couldn't be arsed to shoot anything and just indulging in a weekend of nothing in particular

S8 it' wasn't geeky, it was SICK (he needs help I swear) !

 

[Briony]

Tha is soooooooooooooooooooooooo lazy but a good feeling though

 

[foggy4ever]

 

[jgs001]

Good man Rob..... probably the best indulgence shot of the 52's wish I could find some time to indulge in some of that ...

what's the secret, how did you get the family to go away for a couple of days