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

*Sarah* said:
Hi Iain, it's lovely to see your wire models being reused! I like the subtle shadow. White backgrounds are a nightmare to edit, I have gone loopy trying to sort them out!!:lol:
Click to expand...

Thanks Sarah, yes white backgrounds are a nightmare, I had to compromise in the end with it as I was losing some detail in the models.

fazer said:
Lovely shot Iain, reminds me of using my dad's pipe cleaners to create these types of shapes. As others, I would liked to have seen the shadows deeper to add depth or not at all, as you say though, a compromise. Can't take away the fact it's a brilliant idea.
Click to expand...

Thanks John :thumbs:

BobBCN said:
Spread is a wonderful shot! Very original. Got to be my favourite for week 43!!

Together - another cracker! I also thought it looked like a pencil drawing! Brilliant work.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the favourite vote Bob :thumbs:

I agree it does look a little like a pencil drawing, now that would be a talent to be able to sketch like that, I wish!
 
mtjhome said:
Hi Iain - Together - I really like the lighting on this one. Would be interested to know how it was achieved.
Click to expand...

Hi Mike, it was a very simple set up as I only have one flash.
I set the figures up on a sheet of white paper and had a desk lamp with a 50watt bulb positioned above and left.
Off camera flash, I held it facing towards the white background to try and bleach it out. Trial and error where I pointed the flash. Nothing more complicated than that. HTH Iain
 
A bit of catchup!

Friendship - as mentioned on flickr, I love this one. Just a great capture and sums up friendship and love so well.

Change - Good SOOC, I think I may prefer it to the edited one. Nice take on the theme, had not thought of anything like that for change.

Natural - Love these shots with the pebbles, great tones. Good combo of the paw and foot prints. The vignetting adds to the shot.

Age - what grumpy looking faces lol. Brilliant for the theme and great way of presenting your findings. The edit nails it, B&W brings out the textures well.

Spread - outstanding. You just cant help it can you?? Taking stunning shots like that, well executed!! I love the clarity of the light and the halo is a nice touch.

Together - the shot has a great sense of movement, I think the 'hair' helps with that. Well composed!
 
ChickenDipa said:
A bit of catchup!

Friendship - as mentioned on flickr, I love this one. Just a great capture and sums up friendship and love so well.

Change - Good SOOC, I think I may prefer it to the edited one. Nice take on the theme, had not thought of anything like that for change.

Natural - Love these shots with the pebbles, great tones. Good combo of the paw and foot prints. The vignetting adds to the shot.

Age - what grumpy looking faces lol. Brilliant for the theme and great way of presenting your findings. The edit nails it, B&W brings out the textures well.

Spread - outstanding. You just cant help it can you?? Taking stunning shots like that, well executed!! I love the clarity of the light and the halo is a nice touch.

Together - the shot has a great sense of movement, I think the 'hair' helps with that. Well composed!
Click to expand...

Wow Alex, thank you for such kind comments :)
Out of the shots, Friendship is one I am particularly pleased with, I was lucky to find the padlocks as the Corporation of London regularly remove them from the Milennium Bridge. These were quite photogenic, which helped enormously in their capture.

superpippo said:
Hi Iain

Together - good idea, well executed. I have been looking for people riding a tandem and there you are making your own. :lol:

Good exposure and love the flowing hair - that really makes the shot have a dynamic feel. good comp with the figures to the left.
Click to expand...

Thanks Alan :thumbs:
I too was searching for people on a tandem but unfortunately were thin on the ground ;) so had to resort to making it :lol:
 
blakester said:
Wow Alex, thank you for such kind comments :)
Out of the shots, Friendship is one I am particularly pleased with, I was lucky to find the padlocks as the Corporation of London regularly remove them from the Milennium Bridge. These were quite photogenic, which helped enormously in their capture.
Click to expand...

Well deserved Iain, I like what you do and you do it well!! :thumbs:

We came across a padlock yesterday at Ladybower and wondered if it was the same kind of sentiment.
 
WOW....is there no end to your talents mister....great with a camera & also with model building :clap:

Brilliant shot ,love the lighting, really does look almost like a pencil drawing,your attention to details like the "hair" blowing in the wind...beautiful work & a beautiful image.....could we be seeing a series of these like your Pebble images ?

the slight grey top left has been mentioned & thats about the only really small crit I can see:thumbs:
 
ChickenDipa said:
Well deserved Iain, I like what you do and you do it well!! :thumbs:

We came across a padlock yesterday at Ladybower and wondered if it was the same kind of sentiment.
Click to expand...

Thanks again Alex.
The padlock probably was the same kind of sentiment, some are engraved to a high standard such as the ones in my friendship image. Others are scratched or written on but with the same sentiment/feeling behind them.

blondie606 said:
WOW....is there no end to your talents mister....great with a camera & also with model building :clap:

Brilliant shot ,love the lighting, really does look almost like a pencil drawing,your attention to details like the "hair" blowing in the wind...beautiful work & a beautiful image.....could we be seeing a series of these like your Pebble images ?

the slight grey top left has been mentioned & thats about the only really small crit I can see:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Wow! Thank you so much Lynne for such kind comments.
I am not sure about a series for the figures :thinking:
I think I would use them sparingly, I know I run the risk of over-use with my pebble feet series so I wouldn't want to saturate the forum with wire figure photographs.
 
Iain, that's extremely clever bit of building. Very well lit, love the bit of shadow, and the wind in the hair. Fits the theme perfectly.
 
jgs001 said:
Iain, that's extremely clever bit of building. Very well lit, love the bit of shadow, and the wind in the hair. Fits the theme perfectly.
Click to expand...

Thanks John, I did enjoy creating the figures and bicycle as much as photographing them.
 
I am a bit late posting last weeks theme of Pack, I did have one or two ideas but couldn't quite achieve them. Below is an alternative take on the theme. To me this looks like a jet or power pack so this is my submission. C&C welcome as always.


Week 45 Jet Pack by iain blake, on Flickr
 
The goblin said:
Hi Iain, I can see your thinking for pack and I think it just about fits the theme. Some cracking detail in that shot considering how dark it is.

Superb 'art' work though, could you double theme it :thinking:
Click to expand...

Thanks Marsha, yes it is a loose fit to the theme but it keeps me up to date so I am going to run with it.

I have an idea for art, it is another table top one but I should be able to get it done and dusted.
 
Hi, Iain, I saw your Pack on my phone and thought it was a real object hanging from a museum ceiling. As has been said it's a shoehorn but keeps your current. As a photograph in itself I'm liking it more so after just watching Batman Begins :D It also has a sinister, Blade Runner feel to it.

What processing, because it works.

Cheers.
 
I like it its a loose fit as you say but really nicely exposed a lot of detail in there
 
A very small crowbar to squeeze it in, but you know what, that's ok. Cracking shot, loads of detail and textures, I like it
 
michael23 said:
Hi Iain, I like that a lot, I was going to suggest a b+w conversion, but I then saw it on flickr, the colour really makes it work.
Click to expand...

Thanks Michael, I put the B&W up on flickr as a comparison, but I am more inclined towards the colour version too.

posiview said:
Hi, Iain, I saw your Pack on my phone and thought it was a real object hanging from a museum ceiling. As has been said it's a shoehorn but keeps your current. As a photograph in itself I'm liking it more so after just watching Batman Begins :D It also has a sinister, Blade Runner feel to it.

What processing, because it works.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

Thanks Andy, it is a wee bit of a crowbar into the theme but I am happy with that, its just been one of those weeks/themes ;)

The processing has an hdr base to it, but I run it through photoshop too, to boost levels, curves and contrast. It is also desaturated a little too.

alsjazzera said:
I like it its a loose fit as you say but really nicely exposed a lot of detail in there
Click to expand...

Thanks Allan, the level of deail is as mentioned a result of the hdr treatment. I know some have a hatred of hdr, but I like it (hdr) for the very reason you mentioned, the amount of detail it brings out.

jgs001 said:
A very small crowbar to squeeze it in, but you know what, that's ok. Cracking shot, loads of detail and textures, I like it
Click to expand...

Thanks to you too John, a wee crowbar now and again you can't beat it :lol:
 
Iain,

Together - I think this is super. I like the comp, the light, the shadows.

Pack - It may be a bit of a stretch but it's still fab. Some people go overboard with the HDR (well, in my opinion at least!)... I think what you've done here is perfect. Oh and I had a look at the BW version too, but colour works much better for me.
 
Nathalie said:
Iain,

Together - I think this is super. I like the comp, the light, the shadows.

Pack - It may be a bit of a stretch but it's still fab. Some people go overboard with the HDR (well, in my opinion at least!)... I think what you've done here is perfect. Oh and I had a look at the BW version too, but colour works much better for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nathalie :)
I am a fan of hdr when it isn't overcooked. It must be used sparingly IMHO.
Yes, I prefer the colour version too but wanted to see a B&W conversion for comparison. Thanks again for looking/commenting. Iain
 
I must admit to not getting the pack connection without the explanation but now see what you mean. I like the desaturated approach you've taken with it.
 
Hi Ian, catch up time. I'm sure I must have missed some of yours; please let me know if I have.

Spread; stunning, just stunning! If anyone here should be doing this for a living, it's you!

Together; lovely shot! Did you make the model too?

Pack, again a great shot which has a 3D feel to it. Not bang on theme, but close enough for me :)
 
mtjhome said:
Hi Iain. Like your 'jetpack' a lot - much prefer the colour version. Looked at your other flickr pics too - great work at Tower Bridge.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike, I prefer the colour version too. Thanks also for looking at flickr, I should post some of them on TP for some critique.

jgs001 said:
And I guess if anyone wants to argue, you can just beat them with the crowbar :bat::lol:
Click to expand...

:lol: yes too true!

Delta Skies said:
I must admit to not getting the pack connection without the explanation but now see what you mean. I like the desaturated approach you've taken with it.
Click to expand...

Thanks Peter, it does need a wee crowbar into theme :lol:

Dark Knight said:
Loose take.... so loose it's fallen off :lol:

Great picture Iain, some lovely detail in the bricks still despite the dark look - I like it
Click to expand...

Thanks Dean :lol:
I do like to use a little hdr now and again for the detail it brings out.

Southdowns said:
Hi Ian, catch up time. I'm sure I must have missed some of yours; please let me know if I have.

Spread; stunning, just stunning! If anyone here should be doing this for a living, it's you!

Together; lovely shot! Did you make the model too?

Pack, again a great shot which has a 3D feel to it. Not bang on theme, but close enough for me :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Mark :thumbs:
Praise indeed about doing this for a living. I would love to, I really would but thats quite a leap.
Yes together was all my own work, making the props through to photographing them.
Guilty as charged for crowbarring photos into theme ;)
 
Hi Iain,

So sorry i have not been around earlier with my sea commitments and all that...

Spread - ingenious! thats a brilliant example and one I could only aspire too. You're lighting technique is sublime and thanks for the helpful explanation too!

Together - I liked your 'wire men' the addition of a bicycle is a nice touch. Looks very good in black and white with a gentle shadow. A very pleasing image I could se this on a gift card.

Pack - Yep guess it is a sort of a jet pack so I guess it fit the theme. I really like you're processing and works well for the subject. All in all you have a very nice emerging style of work :-)
 
PAck...shoe horned in to the theme ?....who cares...that looks fabulous :clap::clap: I love the processing you've done ( always have liked HDR especially when I see results like this ) , great stuff mister :thumbs:

only little niggle & I suspect it's due to the angle you shot at....the floors sloping a bit :thinking:
 
Blank_Canvas said:
Hi Iain,

So sorry i have not been around earlier with my sea commitments and all that...

Spread - ingenious! thats a brilliant example and one I could only aspire too. You're lighting technique is sublime and thanks for the helpful explanation too!

Together - I liked your 'wire men' the addition of a bicycle is a nice touch. Looks very good in black and white with a gentle shadow. A very pleasing image I could se this on a gift card.

Pack - Yep guess it is a sort of a jet pack so I guess it fit the theme. I really like you're processing and works well for the subject. All in all you have a very nice emerging style of work :-)
Click to expand...

Absolutely no apology necessary Nick, glad you could pop in :thumbs:
Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments.

blondie606 said:
PAck...shoe horned in to the theme ?....who cares...that looks fabulous :clap::clap: I love the processing you've done ( always have liked HDR especially when I see results like this ) , great stuff mister :thumbs:

only little niggle & I suspect it's due to the angle you shot at....the floors sloping a bit :thinking:
Click to expand...

Shoehorned? Moi? :lol: sometimes some photographs just need a little nudge and this was one of those occasions :lol:

To be honest, I never looked at the floor/horizon :lol: I shall go back and have another look Lynne.

Thanks for looking and the feedback/critique it really does help :thumbs:
 
Well another week and another late entry :(

I am struggling to be honest, with outside influences and inspiration.
I decided on another tabletop take on last weeks theme and more play with off camera flash. One of these figures made an appearance in my 52 of 2010 for funnily enough "Art" :lol:

I am reasonably pleased with this, but putting it down to another week where I hope I've ticked the box and can move onto this weeks theme(s).

C&C welcome as always


46 - Art by iain blake, on Flickr
 
michael23 said:
Like it Iain. Very nicely lit and I like the positioning of the people.
Click to expand...

Thanks Michael, its a simple image but one which I am reasonably happy with which keeps me up to date.
 
It certainly fits the theme some of the edges of the models are a bit washed out due to the harsh light but only a minor crit
 
Hi, Iain, nice Art there.

I'd like to see some moody shadows, maybe. Adding a bit of furtiveness?? Also might bring out some textures on the wood.

Slight hot spots here and there. I'd also like to see a slightly smaller figure in front.

I am being picky because.....that's what we're here for.

Cheers, now where's your week 47s. ;)
 
Iain,

Art - Another interesting interpretation. The light from the back is a little bright, but this has been mentioned already. I'm not sure about the shadow (if that's what it is?) in the bottom right corner.
 
alsjazzera said:
It certainly fits the theme some of the edges of the models are a bit washed out due to the harsh light but only a minor crit
Click to expand...

Cheers Allan, I agree about the edges.

Dark Knight said:
OOo now that I really like, very nice Iain, well set up and exposed nicely with such a bright background :thumbs:

What did you use... 1 or 2 light ??... Position ??
Click to expand...

Cheers Dean, similar light set up to the tandem wire model shoot, single flash onto the background with a 50W desk lamp lighting the front.

posiview said:
Hi, Iain, nice Art there.

I'd like to see some moody shadows, maybe. Adding a bit of furtiveness?? Also might bring out some textures on the wood.

Slight hot spots here and there. I'd also like to see a slightly smaller figure in front.

I am being picky because.....that's what we're here for.

Cheers, now where's your week 47s. ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks Andy :lol:
I used manual ocf for the background, I just kept dialling down the power until I got something I was reasonably happy with. I would need a more powerful front light to add deep/moody shadows or perhaps really dial down the power on the flash :thinking:
I appreciate your critique and certainly don't think it nit picking as you ahve been very consistent through the year with your comments and crit :thumbs:

Nathalie said:
Iain,

Art - Another interesting interpretation. The light from the back is a little bright, but this has been mentioned already. I'm not sure about the shadow (if that's what it is?) in the bottom right corner.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nathalie, the shadow bottom right corner I think is exactly that, a shadow from the lamp on the figures. I didn't have a wide background to shoot onto so was quite restricted as to where the shadows fell.
 
Hi Iain

Pack - good spot and just about on theme - one of those where if the viewer sees it as a jet pack (an expresso pot, a soda syphon and what looks like philishave razor heads!!) then it is spot on. Otherwise the explanantion makes it clear. Super pov ,detail, cplour and PP. Really like it as a photo :thumbs:

Art - another original take on the theme. :clap: Like the comp and the detail in the wood. Probably just a little washed out in parts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top