weekly blakester's 52 for 2012, Week 52 "Busy (Beach Party)" Post 1215 FINISHED

excellent symmetry shot couldn.t work it out at all. I know what you mean about it becoming a bit of a slog, some topics are to me very uninspiring and frustrating, but most of the time I enjoy the thought process.
 
alsjazzera said:
excellent symmetry shot couldn.t work it out at all. I know what you mean about it becoming a bit of a slog, some topics are to me very uninspiring and frustrating, but most of the time I enjoy the thought process.
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Cheers Allan, it is an upwards view between the columns at the front of St Pauls Cathedral.
Thats exactly how I feel Allan, I enjoy the photography, I can think of few things better than just having a day out wandering around with my camera. Some of the themes have left me uninspired though and thats where the slog begins, hey ho onward and upward :D
 
I'm loving this image. It's very atmospheric and very symmetrical. The DoF and angle of view are both spot on as is the processing. Well done.
 
Iain I wish I could be as uninspired as you, this shot is superb! I actually thought it was something macro but didn't have a clue what!
So were you lying on your back taking this and getting funny looks?

Glad you're still with us, I hope your weekend away will give you some enthusiasm to carry on with this project.

Arlandria said:
amazeballs
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:lol: this needs to be some kind of emoticon :lol:
 
Another stunning shot. Like the tones and feeling it brings. You do not show a late of inspiration at all, you take great shots and I hope you can keep going. I think we've all been through that. Its tough!

Haha loving that amazeballs has been used to describe.
 
Iain, your work is, as always, totally original and fantastic, you have a way of looking at or seeing things which never fails to amaze me
 
Tezz450D said:
Iain, your work is, as always, totally original and fantastic, you have a way of looking at or seeing things which never fails to amaze me
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You want to see him in action...he's like a sniper. He finds something interesting and sits there for ages assessing the photographic opportunities...and then he'll go back the day after to the same place!

Cheers.
 
Right! Massive catch up on the comments folks, I have just returned from a fantastic TP meet in Northumberland with quite a few of the 52'ers and a few more besides, great to meet everyone :D


Delta Skies said:
I'm loving this image. It's very atmospheric and very symmetrical. The DoF and angle of view are both spot on as is the processing. Well done.
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Thank you Peter, its amazing what is around us if we take the time to look. I was mooching about (technical term ;)) St Paul's and noticed this view.

Dark Knight said:
Damn... Iain, right let me tell you, I give you my 'Lastmin.com' crown and you have ignored the main rules of the honour... Rush any old shot and through it up with no PP - You've let me down big style :suspect:
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:lol: Dean, I have taken the title right back for 'moody', I do have the shot and it was taken in the week of the theme, I just haven't got around to posting it.

posiview said:
Iain, like Symmetry. It has great tone and a real gothic feel to it. Well spotted.

Cheers.
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Cheers Andy, gothic feel, I like that description. It was great to meet you and put a not so symmetrical face to the name :lol:

Arlandria said:
I think everyone else has pretty much covered it with words like "striking", "excellent", "amazing", so I'll say it slightly differently: amazeballs.
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Thanks Vicky, amazeballs :lol: that is a first. Welcome to the forum and 52 by the way, I think you will fit in just nicely around here.

The goblin said:
Iain I wish I could be as uninspired as you, this shot is superb! I actually thought it was something macro but didn't have a clue what!
So were you lying on your back taking this and getting funny looks?

Glad you're still with us, I hope your weekend away will give you some enthusiasm to carry on with this project.



:lol: this needs to be some kind of emoticon :lol:
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My inspiration comes in fits and starts Marsha, I go along trying to think of a take on the theme and then it just hits me.

Yes I think Vicky should patent the amazeballs emoticon :lol:

ChickenDipa said:
Another stunning shot. Like the tones and feeling it brings. You do not show a late of inspiration at all, you take great shots and I hope you can keep going. I think we've all been through that. Its tough!

Haha loving that amazeballs has been used to describe.
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Thanks Alex, the lack of inspiration comes and goes but I am still here, and wont abandon the 52. I am going to keep plugging away.

Tezz450D said:
Iain, your work is, as always, totally original and fantastic, you have a way of looking at or seeing things which never fails to amaze me
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Thanks Tezz, your positive and kind comments are very much appreciated :D

posiview said:
You want to see him in action...he's like a sniper. He finds something interesting and sits there for ages assessing the photographic opportunities...and then he'll go back the day after to the same place!

Cheers.
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:lol: A sniper, more like lazy, just sitting about whilst others were being industrious and getting on with the shooting ;)
 
Again, a bit late with posting for the previous week :D
This shot was taken during the correct week for moody, just never got around to processing/posting.
I have went for moody sky, a literal take on the theme I know but this was one of my lacking inspiration moments. Onward and upward as they say.
C&C welcome as always.


Moody by iain blake, on Flickr
 
Hi, Iain, you can't see me but I'm shaking my head...in a good way.

B&W is cracking, the textures in the wood are great, the cracking sky and nice low angle.

It looks ever so slightly on the squiff (to pinch Lynnes phrase), possible the bridge :thinking:

Cheers.
 
Having just posted my shot for moody, it struck me that there is a bit of a pattern forming with some of my photographs for this 52.
I do seem to have something of an obsession with vanishing point, leading line composition. Vice, entrance, flight, abstract, symmetry and now moody all have a similar feel to them IMHO. I think I need to have a rethink and shake things up a little.
Just my thoughts, please feel free to ignore :lol:. I am thinking out loud.
 
posiview said:
Hi, Iain, you can't see me but I'm shaking my head...in a good way.

B&W is cracking, the textures in the wood are great, the cracking sky and nice low angle.

It looks ever so slightly on the squiff (to pinch Lynnes phrase), possible the bridge :thinking:

Cheers.
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Hiya Andy, on the squiff :D I think it may be a little distortion on the verticals which I hadn't noticed but I agree, well spotted :thumbs:
 
michael23 said:
Hi Iain, moody is very good. The processing works well, the moody sky is excellent.
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Thanks Michael, I decided on a mono conversion, the original just wasn't moody enough.
 
Hello Iain,

Symmetry -- I think this is really interesting. It took me a while to figure out what it was but I like it.

Moody -- It definitely fits the theme. I like the low angle. For me personally though, it looks a little too processed.
 
Nathalie said:
Hello Iain,

Symmetry -- I think this is really interesting. It took me a while to figure out what it was but I like it.

Moody -- It definitely fits the theme. I like the low angle. For me personally though, it looks a little too processed.
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Hello Nathalie,
Yes symmetry does take a bit of working out, doesn't it? I am pleased that you like it though.

Moody could be a marmite shot, I can see. Good point on the processing, I guess not to everyone's taste.

Thanks for looking/commenting, much appreciated.
 
Delta Skies said:
You've definitely created a moody image with this one. It really works well.
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Thanks Peter, the moody atmosphere was helped along in processing, I am pleased that's what's being conveyed.
 
Temperature: Great photograph. I like the whole set up.

Abstract: The narrowed down version for me. It's a superb picture with great work PP.

Symmetry: As above, great photograph with excellent work in editing.

Moody: I love this photograph and it's got moody written all over it.

Great work Iain. Your editing style is superb.
 
Very moody, and the mono works great with it... excellent, and almost symmetrical too ;)
 
Bilko said:
Temperature: Great photograph. I like the whole set up.

Abstract: The narrowed down version for me. It's a superb picture with great work PP.

Symmetry: As above, great photograph with excellent work in editing.

Moody: I love this photograph and it's got moody written all over it.

Great work Iain. Your editing style is superb.
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Thanks for looking in again Robert :thumbs:
I appreciate your comments about editing style, I am not sure if I am in, wont say a rut but pattern :thinking: or it could be that I am just developing my own style.


superpippo said:
Hi Iain

Moody - like it a lot - the textures in the wood compared with the smoothness of the metal rails and the sky, and your vanishing lines work well. Good exposure and very moody - spot on.
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Thanks Alan, as mentioned in my thoughts above, the vanishing lines seems to be a bit of a favourite of mine, don't know if I should try and change things a little.


jgs001 said:
Very moody, and the mono works great with it... excellent, and almost symmetrical too ;)
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Thanks to you too John, yes it is almost symmetrical but as per the comments above, I think I am in danger of my shots becoming a bit samey?
 
blakester said:
Having just posted my shot for moody, it struck me that there is a bit of a pattern forming with some of my photographs for this 52.
I do seem to have something of an obsession with vanishing point, leading line composition. Vice, entrance, flight, abstract, symmetry and now moody all have a similar feel to them IMHO. I think I need to have a rethink and shake things up a little.
Just my thoughts, please feel free to ignore :lol:. I am thinking out loud.
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Not ignoring :D

You have a really good style and a great pp skills. Just go with what you feel and even if a few are a bit similar you will have a cracking set at the end of it :thumbs:

The picture screams moody to me, nice B&W image.
 
ChickenDipa said:
Not ignoring :D

You have a really good style and a great pp skills. Just go with what you feel and even if a few are a bit similar you will have a cracking set at the end of it :thumbs:

The picture screams moody to me, nice B&W image.
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Thanks for reading my ramblings Alex :lol:
I think its a good thing to have an individual style but was wondering whether or not people viewing would think the images a bit samey. Iain
 
You have a really excellent set of pics always look forward to seeing what you do moody is a bit dark maybe in the sky but the decking is superbly processed :clap:
 
My 52 has momentarily stalled:(
I am still in it but I am suffering (time wise) from last week at work and playing catch up. I have an idea for JOY, nothing as yet for SMALL but there is still time before the next theme is announced.

Nathalie said:
Iain, I've just seen your Authority of Flickr, and wanted to say how much I like it.
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Thanks Nathalie :) glad you like it but for me, a self portrait :gag: :lol:

alsjazzera said:
You have a really excellent set of pics always look forward to seeing what you do moody is a bit dark maybe in the sky but the decking is superbly processed :clap:
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Thanks Alan, maybe I just need to bring the sky back a little to balance it withnthe decking? :thinking:
 
Further to my post above, I managed to grab my shot for JOY between rain showers. This does need a little explanation and crowbarring into the theme of joy but it keeps me up to date ;)
This is my car, my pride & joy. I love driving it, in no small part down to the subject of my photograph, its engine :D
Anyway, C&C welcome as always but not expected as I am sure this doesn't appeal to most. Iain


JOY by iain blake, on Flickr
 
Very nice Iain, bet that shifts... very nice processing and it suits the theme. I was wondering if it needs a slight straighten, but I can't decide if it's the diagonals at the top that's giving it that feel.
 
michael23 said:
Very nice car Iain! Processing works very well, and I like the picture. Does it need a slight straighten?
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Thanks Michael, with it being a silver car, I thought B&W would suit it.
I don't think it needs a straighten, could be wrong but I levelled it from the top of the numbers in the index plate, the Audi rings and the lettering on the engine itself. :thinking:

jgs001 said:
Very nice Iain, bet that shifts... very nice processing and it suits the theme. I was wondering if it needs a slight straighten, but I can't decide if it's the diagonals at the top that's giving it that feel.
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Thanks John, yes it does shift but shhhhhhh don't say that too loud :lol:
See above on straightening :D

Bilko said:
Really strong B&W I like that a lot. Good shot Iain.
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Thanks to you too Robert. It's late but it does keep me in the 52 and up to date (well apart from the reshoot ;))
 
Joy....3.2 litres....what's all the fuss about :D

Like it, especially the gritty processing...can you advise what PP was involved?

Only minor point from me, wonder what a slightly higher elevation, looking down, would look like.

BTW, I'm quite happy with my 999cc Lupo....:whistling:

Cheers.
 
posiview said:
Joy....3.2 litres....what's all the fuss about :D

Like it, especially the gritty processing...can you advise what PP was involved?

Only minor point from me, wonder what a slightly higher elevation, looking down, would look like.

BTW, I'm quite happy with my 999cc Lupo....:whistling:

Cheers.
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My only fuss is the fuel consumption Andy :lol: but didn't expect anything different when I bought it, it is just so much fun to drive :D

The pp, it is an HDR image to start with, 5 frames blended in photo matrix.
Then into photoshop where I applied my usual processing.
That is levels - I bring the left hand slider across to darken the image a little, then tweak the central grey slider until I am happy with the look.
I then give it a very gentle S curve.
Up the contrast, to the point just before the shadows are blocked out.
I added a vignette, a little sharpening and that's it.

I took this from a grass verge above where my car is parked at home and did think of a higher elevation but wanted as much of the front of the car in too so compromised with this view. I do see where you are coming from with that though. Cheers
 
Joy??? its just a car :)

Great shot though love the processing
 
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