blakester's 52 for 2010, Weeks 51 & 52 Page 12 (Finally Finished)

dlh said:
Another fantastic model Iain. I have no idea how you managed to get it to stand up in that first shot. If I had to choose one it would be #2, mainly because I love that fan :) I would like to see a little more separation from the wall as you've managed with 1 and 3, just to lose the texture. But these are all very creative once again.

I was struggling to find the link to transform, but it's clicked now. Doh!
Click to expand...

Thanks Darren, #2 seems to be the preferred option. I was working on top of a narrow storage unit and with the fan being a bit bigger, lost a wee bit of the separation between it and the wall. I am not too bothered about that as the wall is a plain colour and doesn't really distract.

daddy day care said:
All excellent shots again Iain.

Number 2 is my favourite as well. Reflections from the metallic surface on the fan are well controlled. You have a small shadow on the left hand side of the frame though.

Andy
Click to expand...

Cheers Andy, I noticed the small shadow and tried to clone it out but my PP skills aren't what they should be and I couldn't quite get it just right. :D

clud17 said:
Iain, i love your last couple of offerings, great work with the wires, it must have been fiddley creating the models, i'm no good at that sort of craft as my fingers are too big and clumsy.

Wired for sound is great and the spotlight set works really well with the theme you have set.

Your transform pictures all work pretty well to me, i think the fan version stands out for me, you have set a very good pose, the colours are fantastic and its a quirky image. Well done:clap:
Click to expand...

Thanks Chris, it is bit fiddly making the models, just needs a little patience. My transform images are a little quirky and am sure not for everyone but I am pleased with people's reaction to them.

ladysue said:
Definitely number 2 for me too in the transform set. I love the colour of the fan, the fact that the man appears to be turning the fan and that his hair is being blown. Good images and clever craft again Iain.
Click to expand...

Thanks to you too Sue, the fan shot it is then :D.

Mike Jackson said:
Another vote for number 2 but I love the way you have got him to stand up in number 1.
Click to expand...

Cheers Mike, it took a bit of manipulation to get the figure to stand.

justlooking said:
love the action in #2. Nice to see electric man's cousin !
Click to expand...

Thanks JL, glad you like #2.
 
Finally catching up here...

Endings: just to be different I prefer the cropped first version, with the gate in focus. Beautiful mono conversion brings out all the textures of the gate which marks the boundary or "ending" between the living and the dead, while the OOF graves beyond hint at the great mystery of death. :clap::clap:

Electric: clever and works well - the overcooked colours fit the theme.

Transform: Pure brilliance! :clap::clap::clap: I think my fav is in fact the first one, but it is very difficult to choose. You have created a real sense of personality in that little chappie.
 
Tracer said:
Finally catching up here...

Endings: just to be different I prefer the cropped first version, with the gate in focus. Beautiful mono conversion brings out all the textures of the gate which marks the boundary or "ending" between the living and the dead, while the OOF graves beyond hint at the great mystery of death. :clap::clap:

Electric: clever and works well - the overcooked colours fit the theme.

Transform: Pure brilliance! :clap::clap::clap: I think my fav is in fact the first one, but it is very difficult to choose. You have created a real sense of personality in that little chappie.
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking the time to look through my offerings Tracer. Your positive comments are much appreciated.
 
One of the things I really enjoy about the 52's is the way people interpret the themes. They are so diverse. Your last couple of images are really clever, Iain.

"Electric" is exactly what last week's is. The colours are stunning and I love the shadow and reflection. Very clever indeed :clap::clap::clap:

And now you follow it with his big brother. I like all three, but maybe slightly prefer number 2. This is because there is a reason why his hair is blowing back! I love the fan, the colours and the reflections. Excellent.

Jenny
 
Wow - love all three of your wire transformations. I love the implied motion in the shot with the fan, so going with that as the favourite, but all are great!

Phil
 
jennyb said:
One of the things I really enjoy about the 52's is the way people interpret the themes. They are so diverse. Your last couple of images are really clever, Iain.

"Electric" is exactly what last week's is. The colours are stunning and I love the shadow and reflection. Very clever indeed :clap::clap::clap:

And now you follow it with his big brother. I like all three, but maybe slightly prefer number 2. This is because there is a reason why his hair is blowing back! I love the fan, the colours and the reflections. Excellent.

Jenny
Click to expand...

Thank-you Jenny, some weeks have been more difficult than others to come up with ideas and some just seem to click straight away. Transform was borne out of electric for the idea. I wasn't sure if transform was particularly on theme but I enjoyed putting it together. I am pleased that the transform images have been well received, it is much appreciated.

philthejuggler said:
Wow - love all three of your wire transformations. I love the implied motion in the shot with the fan, so going with that as the favourite, but all are great!

Phil
Click to expand...

Thank-you too Phil for your comments.
 
Week 33 Mobile.
Below is my take on this weeks theme.
This is my youngest daughter Preparing to be Mobile



C&C welcome as always.

One part I am not particularly happy with is the blown area on the rear bumper. I waited for some nice sunny weather to take this and found that I had to position the vehicle so as the light was falling on the driver side. This was to throw some light on Lisa's face so as it was distinguishable in the mirror. I made the judgement to trade off this light and the blown bit on the bumper. Alternatively I could have used oc flash.
 
Last edited:
Hi Iain,

Another very clever take on the theme! I love it especially with the road and the white line disappearing into the unknown. This reminds me of a very stressful time when our son was learning to drive. I really like the fact that you have captured the driver in the wing mirror rather than through the window.

Excellent :clap::clap:

Jenny
 
jennyb said:
Hi Iain,

Another very clever take on the theme! I love it especially with the road and the white line disappearing into the unknown. This reminds me of a very stressful time when our son was learning to drive. I really like the fact that you have captured the driver in the wing mirror rather than through the window.

Excellent :clap::clap:

Jenny
Click to expand...


Thanks for your positive comments Jenny. This is Lisa, my youngest daughter who is just starting out on learning to drive, having been through it with my other daughter Emma, I know whats to come:eek:.
 
I'm glad I still have a few years left before I have to experience this. Nice idea for the theme this week and I like the way it's been processed. Only thing I might like to see is a landscape crop to lose the sky and rear tyre and really focus attention on the L and mirror/driver.
 
dlh said:
I'm glad I still have a few years left before I have to experience this. Nice idea for the theme this week and I like the way it's been processed. Only thing I might like to see is a landscape crop to lose the sky and rear tyre and really focus attention on the L and mirror/driver.
Click to expand...

Thanks Darren, how's this?
 
Last edited:
I prefer that thanks Iain. How long did you leave the poor girl sat there whilst you took photos? :)
 
dlh said:
I prefer that thanks Iain. How long did you leave the poor girl sat there whilst you took photos? :)
Click to expand...

Not long Darren, :D Lisa was dying to drive away and leave me standing in the road like a lemon:lol:
 
What a great picture for the theme! I really like it - the the way the bold contours and smooth colours of the car contrast with the background, and the driver's face in the mirror. I really don't think you need to worry about the highlight on the bumper - it just looks like a parody of a car ad.

I prefer the second crop but you seem to have darkened the image which I think is a pity, as it gives a rather gloomy feel. The brighter version for me is full of optimism and excitement.
 
Tracer said:
What a great picture for the theme! I really like it - the the way the bold contours and smooth colours of the car contrast with the background, and the driver's face in the mirror. I really don't think you need to worry about the highlight on the bumper - it just looks like a parody of a car ad.

I prefer the second crop but you seem to have darkened the image which I think is a pity, as it gives a rather gloomy feel. The brighter version for me is full of optimism and excitement.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your positive comments Tracer, much appreciated. I have adjusted the landscape image with regards to your comments about the brightness. As I said, C&C is welcome and I am keen to learn so your views and opinions are valued. Thank-you once again.
 
I agree with Darren. The closer crop would give more emphasis of the car and driver. I prefer the angle of the first with the road leading away. I would crop at the top of the road, just below the rear lamp and just to the left of the L plate.

The brightness, as Tracer has mentioned give the impression of embarking on something new and exciting.

I agree with your comment regarding the rear bumper but it's not too distracting.

Oh - I hope she was indicating as she pulled out! :p
 
Nice idea and good composition, its tricky getting the light right and i can see your would not be happy with the bumper. Not sure how you could address this other than a slight HDR treatment. Good luck to your daughter, will this mean you will loose the use of your car in the evenings?
 
Hi Iain,

Trying to stay in touch with people's 52's, although mine has come to a bone shattering halt (temporarily..)

Like yuor little guitar man you made and the one with the fan - was it the Electric wweek was very good both from a photographic aspect and a creative one.......... just how long did it take you to make him........

Onto mobile.......

Great take on this weeks theme and for me the landscape crop works a lot better as it draws more attention to the L plate (preparing / learning to be mobile) and also your daughter's reflection in the door mirror........

The cropped version adds something that the original was lacking... think it's more drawing the viewer to the points mentioned above............
 
Transform: All three are really creative and interesting, but #2 is my favourite. I love it. :)

Mobile: Both the original and the cropped version have merits and on balance I prefer the original. The blown area doesn't bother me, and I think it gives more of an impression of pulling out onto the empty road ahead - leading who knows where! I wish Lisa luck with her lessons. :) An excellent interpretation of the theme. :clap:

Jean
 
holryn said:
I agree with Darren. The closer crop would give more emphasis of the car and driver. I prefer the angle of the first with the road leading away. I would crop at the top of the road, just below the rear lamp and just to the left of the L plate.

The brightness, as Tracer has mentioned give the impression of embarking on something new and exciting.

I agree with your comment regarding the rear bumper but it's not too distracting.

Oh - I hope she was indicating as she pulled out! :p
Click to expand...

Cheers Paul, cropping as you suggest would certainly take away the bright area thanks. No indicators, Lisa was under strict instructions to touch nothing, just sit there and pose :lol:

clud17 said:
Nice idea and good composition, its tricky getting the light right and i can see your would not be happy with the bumper. Not sure how you could address this other than a slight HDR treatment. Good luck to your daughter, will this mean you will loose the use of your car in the evenings?
Click to expand...

The light was tough Chris, as I mentioned above, I needed the light on the drivers side of the car to light Lisa's face. The light colour of the car didn't help as it reflected quite a bit. Thanks for looking/commenting.

justlooking said:
that's good, I also like the wing mirror portrait. Hope the engine was off !
Click to expand...

Thank-you too JL

Lynton said:
Hi Iain,

Trying to stay in touch with people's 52's, although mine has come to a bone shattering halt (temporarily..)

Like yuor little guitar man you made and the one with the fan - was it the Electric wweek was very good both from a photographic aspect and a creative one.......... just how long did it take you to make him........

Onto mobile.......

Great take on this weeks theme and for me the landscape crop works a lot better as it draws more attention to the L plate (preparing / learning to be mobile) and also your daughter's reflection in the door mirror........

The cropped version adds something that the original was lacking... think it's more drawing the viewer to the points mentioned above............
Click to expand...

The models didn't take too long to make Lynton, maybe a few hours work in each of them. I do prefer the landscape image myself but posted the portrait one first as it had more of the leading line of the road. thanks for looking/commenting. I hope you make a speedy recovery and can perhaps rejoin the 52.

jeangenie said:
Transform: All three are really creative and interesting, but #2 is my favourite. I love it. :)

Mobile: Both the original and the cropped version have merits and on balance I prefer the original. The blown area doesn't bother me, and I think it gives more of an impression of pulling out onto the empty road ahead - leading who knows where! I wish Lisa luck with her lessons. :) An excellent interpretation of the theme. :clap:

Jean
Click to expand...

Thanks Jean, your comments are much appreciated.

Regards

Iain
 
Best of luck to Lisa with her driving lessons . . . I remember mine and it's not something that I'd want to ever do again.

I like both of these shots - the second cropped one has the most impact, but I prefer the feeling of space and openness in the first. The angle with the car looking like it's pulling into the road also works better in the first. It's a tough call this week, but I think it has to be No.1.
My only criticism on both shots is the reflections on the side of the car - I wonder if a polarising filter might have helped :thinking:

And I love transform :clap: :clap: :clap:
All 3 of these are absolutely genius, but I think I have to go with the crowd and pick no.2 as my favourite.
 
SarahLee said:
Best of luck to Lisa with her driving lessons . . . I remember mine and it's not something that I'd want to ever do again.

I like both of these shots - the second cropped one has the most impact, but I prefer the feeling of space and openness in the first. The angle with the car looking like it's pulling into the road also works better in the first. It's a tough call this week, but I think it has to be No.1.
My only criticism on both shots is the reflections on the side of the car - I wonder if a polarising filter might have helped :thinking:

And I love transform :clap: :clap: :clap:
All 3 of these are absolutely genius, but I think I have to go with the crowd and pick no.2 as my favourite.
Click to expand...


Thanks Sarah, Lisa wants to do an intensive course of driving lessons to hopefully get her licence quicker, I on the other hand would prefer her to take weekly lessons and practice in our car to get there a bit slower but with more experience:thinking:.
Those images were taken with a polariser on Sarah, it was a very bright day and I had washed the car prior to taking the photographs and it was particularly clean and shiny.
#2 for transform seems to be the popular choice, so #2 it is :)
Thanks for taking the time to look and comment, I know you have been a bit busy lately.
 
I had batted about a few ideas for this weeks theme but weather conditions weren't quite right for what I had in mind, it involved clear blue sky and reflections. The weather this week put paid to that idea. I went searching for inspiration and found the scene below...C&C welcome as always...

 
I like the shapes and lines here Iain. Unfortunately the sky and sea aren't helping at all. It looks like you've already bumped the contrast a bit, how about a desaturated conversion, boost the reds and really tweak those curves.

blakester-surfaces.jpg
 
Thanks Darren, I do agree with you on the sky and sea. I have quite a few B&W conversions on this scene, both portrait and landscape. They are very similar to yours, so no need for me to post them. Your suggestion about boosting the reds is a workflow of mine when converting to B&W, I think I learned that tip on TP, so great minds think alike ;). Thanks again for your comments and conversion, much appreciated.
 
I sympathise with you over the weather and light - landscape (or seascape!) photography doesn't favour the 52er at all. :D

I like the composition of this and the varying surfaces. I think a mono conversion is a good solution when the light lets you down and you had obviously considered it too. Darren's version is very eye-catching, although after a little while, I found it just a tad too contrasty on the tops of the groynes, Darren. But between you I think you can say you've done a good job with absolutely no co-operation from Nother Nature. :thumbs:

Jean
 
jeangenie said:
I sympathise with you over the weather and light - landscape (or seascape!) photography doesn't favour the 52er at all. :D

I like the composition of this and the varying surfaces. I think a mono conversion is a good solution when the light lets you down and you had obviously considered it too. Darren's version is very eye-catching, although after a little while, I found it just a tad too contrasty on the tops of the groynes, Darren. But between you I think you can say you've done a good job with absolutely no co-operation from Nother Nature. :thumbs:

Jean
Click to expand...

Thanks Jean, yes seascape, thats the word!
My mono conversion isn't quite as contrasty as Darren's but we are there or thereabouts with our thoughts on the conversion, so I didn't see a need to post mine. With the weather taking a bit of a turn, autumn upon us, I think the days of clear blue skys for this year will be few and far between. thanks again for your comments.

ladysue said:
Thats nice enough to go on the wall. The rusty reds and green look good and the curves are beautiful
Click to expand...

Thank-you too Sue, I do prefer colour in my images hence my posting this version, as opposed to mono. For a man-made groyne, I liked the curves/lines in this, and truth be told, I came across it by chance. This is in Felixstowe which isn't that far from our neck of the woods. I would recommend a visit. Iain
 
I like your orginal - like the colours and the curve leading into the picture .. also all the different surfaces !
 
Prefer the original, the various colours and the texture looks good, i do agree the sky is a little flat but personally i wouldn't worry about that as the focus is on the curves.
 
:thumbs: I love the composition of this Iain - that sweeping curve is just fantastic. For some reason it reminds me of a nautilus shell :shrug:
Definitely spot on for the theme, there are some great shapes and textures in the different surfaces.

Darren's mono conversion works well to give the sky and sea some of the lift it needs, but I'd quite like to see something in between the two. Maybe not quite as contrasty and slightly less desaturated to retain some of the green tones in the foreground.
 
A slight variation in response to comments.

 
davidh6781 said:
Prefer the original, the various colours and the texture looks good, i do agree the sky is a little flat but personally i wouldn't worry about that as the focus is on the curves.
Click to expand...

Thanks David, it was a bit of a compromise on colour/sky/sea. The focus is indeed on the curves, hopefully there is enough interest in there to hold the viewers eye and less emphasis on the sea/sky.

SarahLee said:
:thumbs: I love the composition of this Iain - that sweeping curve is just fantastic. For some reason it reminds me of a nautilus shell :shrug:
Definitely spot on for the theme, there are some great shapes and textures in the different surfaces.

Darren's mono conversion works well to give the sky and sea some of the lift it needs, but I'd quite like to see something in between the two. Maybe not quite as contrasty and slightly less desaturated to retain some of the green tones in the foreground.
Click to expand...

Thanks Sarah, I have posted a slightly tweaked version.

jennyb said:
Hi Iain, I like both of these. I love the curve to lead in the eye. I think the actual surfaces are more accentuated in the mono version. Definitely a very good fit to the theme.

Jenny
Click to expand...

Thank-you too Jenny, I happened upon this by chance and am pleased I did so. I think it is a very photogenic object for something man-made.
 
clud17 said:
Lovely lansdscape, what a great breakwater too. The Composition is strong, i think to nail the surface theme a longer exposure on the water( 10 stop:D:D:D) would have been spot on.
Click to expand...

Thanks Chris, I don't have any 'landscape' type filters.
I would definately revisit this location as I think it has a lot of potential for longer exposures, at different times of the day. Perhaps a sunset over this?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top