weekly blakesters 52 for 2013 Finally Complete! Last 3 weeks added

[superpippo]

Hi Iain

Tacky - good idea for the theme and well handled. The bright colours fit the shot. Good focus and dof, but still colour in the b/g. You query whether your trainers should be considered tacky but i would be more concerned with the boyz in the hood jeans :nono:

Value - I get the link to the theme ok. Like the comp and agree with Graham that the marble slab seems to be hovering over the stone floor. Odd perspective but interesting nontheless. Is the grey marble vertical in real life and against a stone wall and you have shot from ground level up? But then I see the triangle cut stones left and right and that leads me to think that they are floorng stones and thos cuts are taking account of a change in level. Intriguing.

Focus seems to fall off slightly at the bottom which i find draws my eye.

 

[posiview]

Cracking way of looking at life. Very positive. It's on theme for me.

I can't get my eye/mind around it I suspect it's not in the floor, but seems to be floating. I'd prefer more symmetry, mainly because the vertical line to the right of the stone draws my eye. There seems to be some kind of haloing (for want of a better word) all around the dark stone. Not sure if the blur was added in post.

The thing is, Iain, when you post such high calibre photoghraphs one compares them all to them. What I'm trying to say is, although it's on theme, it's not one of your best.

Sometimes, this happens.

Feel a bit bad for saying this, and I don't usually feel this way when giving crit

Cheers.

 

[greenoak]

I always look forward to seeing your images Iain, but this one just feels wrong.

I will be honest and say the only thing I like about the image are the text.

I am sure you will soon be impressing me again with really bold dynamic photos, just not this week.

Hey even Man U cant win every week, but well done for trying something different from your usual stuff...

 

[blakester]

Its certainly a value, Oscar Wilde I believe, not sure i am getting the picture I cant make out how much or little PP has gone into that, its not your usual thing.
there is definitely a clash between the stone the quote is on and the BG.

Thanks fo looking in/commenting Allan, you are quite correct Oscar Wilde
I tried to process this a little bit differently to take it away from a straightforward record shot.

Composition works - better than if it were square.

Like the juxtaposition of the black stone set against the background stones, agree something looks possibly a tad unnatural about the relationship between the two - the bg looks like ground level, which would make the black stone be hovering above the ground horizontally?

But far from detracting that adds an extra dimension of wonder for me - which keeps my eyes on the image for longer which surely must be the aim.

Thanks Graham
I have provided an explanation with further image to maybe provide a bit of perspective to my submission this week.

The quote is on theme for me.

Strange image, kind of spooky. I'm not sure if I like it or not, however that's not important.

Good use of a wide aperture to isolate the stone from the BG which was your aim so well done

Cheers Brian

Hi Iain

Tacky - good idea for the theme and well handled. The bright colours fit the shot. Good focus and dof, but still colour in the b/g. You query whether your trainers should be considered tacky but i would be more concerned with the boyz in the hood jeans :nono:

Value - I get the link to the theme ok. Like the comp and agree with Graham that the marble slab seems to be hovering over the stone floor. Odd perspective but interesting nontheless. Is the grey marble vertical in real life and against a stone wall and you have shot from ground level up? But then I see the triangle cut stones left and right and that leads me to think that they are floorng stones and thos cuts are taking account of a change in level. Intriguing.

Focus seems to fall off slightly at the bottom which i find draws my eye.

Thanks Alan, boyz in the hood jeans indeed

Explanation below for the composition of the marble plinth.

Cracking way of looking at life. Very positive. It's on theme for me.

I can't get my eye/mind around it I suspect it's not in the floor, but seems to be floating. I'd prefer more symmetry, mainly because the vertical line to the right of the stone draws my eye. There seems to be some kind of haloing (for want of a better word) all around the dark stone. Not sure if the blur was added in post.

The thing is, Iain, when you post such high calibre photoghraphs one compares them all to them. What I'm trying to say is, although it's on theme, it's not one of your best.

Sometimes, this happens.

Feel a bit bad for saying this, and I don't usually feel this way when giving crit

Cheers.

Cheers Andy
The haloing is as a result of my processing I'm afraid.
Don't feel bad at all matey, C&C is always welcome. Say what you see

The idea for this sprung to mind, I had it all worked out in my head about shooting this monument but in practice it didn't quite work out. The processing was to take it away from a snapshot

I always look forward to seeing your images Iain, but this one just feels wrong.

I will be honest and say the only thing I like about the image are the text.

I am sure you will soon be impressing me again with really bold dynamic photos, just not this week.

Hey even Man U cant win every week, but well done for trying something different from your usual stuff...

Thanks Carl for looking in and commenting, onwards and upwards to next weeks theme eh?

 

[blakester]

Just a little explanation to add perspective to this weeks submission.


A Conversation by iain blake, on Flickr

I was actually kneeling on top of the horizontal part of this Oscar Wilde memorial and shooting down towards the slightly sloping part of the plinth, just above the inscription on the end (if that makes sense)

I think I will chalk this weeks submission up to experience

(note to self: you can't polish a turd

 

[NickD]

Yay... finally... something that I don't love!

I really like the idea, the separation between the quote and the background works well for me, and the quote itself works for the theme, it's a good spot. I'm not sure about the comp though, it's almost not far enough off centre to look deliberate (although I'm sure it was). Central and symmetrical would probably suit me better. The processing suits the shot though, the colours add weight to it.

 

[blakester]

Yay... finally... something that I don't love!

I really like the idea, the separation between the quote and the background works well for me, and the quote itself works for the theme, it's a good spot. I'm not sure about the comp though, it's almost not far enough off centre to look deliberate (although I'm sure it was). Central and symmetrical would probably suit me better. The processing suits the shot though, the colours add weight to it.

Cheers Nick................I think
I have various compositions so had to make a choice, the slightly off centre was deliberate to add interest.
I can see this week is a miss but hey ho onwards and upwards eh?

 

[The goblin]

Hi Iain I really like your Tacky shot, the over saturated feel and the vignette really work. The gum is a little too false for me and not got that horrible 'never going to get it off your shoe again' look but I totally understand why you've gone for the none gummy stuff!

BTW the rest of us are on value now - keep up!

Nope, some of us are further back than that

 

[blondie606]

Hi ya Matey

sorry for taking so long to catch up with your thread

Tacky...for someone uninspired ( & I feel your pain on that ) you've managed to deliver the goods again......Like the vignette , the brightness/saturation of the plasticine...& that's one very clean pair of trainers mister....blue suede shoes in my head know minor very minor crit would be the black vertical pole thingy on the lhs...pulls my eye a smidge

Value ....& now I have the Pretenders song in my head...interesting find , almost feels like I'm looking at a headstone with the church in the BG , like the gritty processing as well Had to giggle when I read where you were positioned to get the shot

 

[blakester]

Hi Iain I really like your Tacky shot, the over saturated feel and the vignette really work. The gum is a little too false for me and not got that horrible 'never going to get it off your shoe again' look but I totally understand why you've gone for the none gummy stuff!

Hi Marsha
Thanks
I would have used real bubblegum, in fact I did buy some bubbilicious strawberry flavour thinking it would be pink but unfortunately not. It has (quite rightly) no artificial colouring in it nowadays and was in actual fact a pale grey colour So I had to have a substitute.
I am quite pleased with tacky but its not a theme I will be reshooting anytime soon, I seriously struggled with that one. I think this weeks theme will be similar.
When the themes are not so good IMHO, it makes me question myself in doing the 52. Its supposed to be fun but feels like a slog at times.

Hi ya Matey

sorry for taking so long to catch up with your thread

Tacky...for someone uninspired ( & I feel your pain on that ) you've managed to deliver the goods again......Like the vignette , the brightness/saturation of the plasticine...& that's one very clean pair of trainers mister....blue suede shoes in my head know minor very minor crit would be the black vertical pole thingy on the lhs...pulls my eye a smidge

Value ....& now I have the Pretenders song in my head...interesting find , almost feels like I'm looking at a headstone with the church in the BG , like the gritty processing as well Had to giggle when I read where you were positioned to get the shot

Hi Lynne
No apologies required matey, I haven't been around anyones threads as I just haven't had the time through work.

Tacky, yes they are my new trainers thats why they look so clean
Yes, the vertical pole has been mentioned and it would be an easy fix I know.

Value, I did attract some strange looks when I was taking the photograph but I am immune to it now as I am sure a lot of otheres are too. We as photographers put ourselves in odd places to get a shot

 

[The goblin]

I would have used real bubblegum, in fact I did buy some bubbilicious strawberry flavour thinking it would be pink but unfortunately not. It has (quite rightly) no artificial colouring in it nowadays and was in actual fact a pale grey colour So I had to have a substitute.

What? You're telling me that 'bubble gum' as I remember it is no longer bright pink? Shocking, what is the world coming too!

I am quite pleased with tacky but its not a theme I will be reshooting anytime soon, I seriously struggled with that one. I think this weeks theme will be similar.
When the themes are not so good IMHO, it makes me question myself in doing the 52. Its supposed to be fun but feels like a slog at times.

I know what you mean! Greed so soon after gluttony is a bit, repetitive!

Anyhow I never got a chance to comment on your value shot. The words can mean so much, for those with a positive outlook this is correct, for others they never feel like looking up from such a place. So I think it's very fitting for the theme as we all have different values and outlooks in life!
I spent ages trying to figure out how you had taken it, the halo makes it look like it's floating. I certainly didn't think it was a monument that you had climbed on :bonk: I was wondering if you had turned your artistic hand to engraving!
I think the composition works well and I like the processing, just the halo bothers me a bit!

For all your lack of motivation for some themes you still get the shots in

 

[foggy4ever]

Week 14 -Value

I am not sure if this needs a little explanation or not

I always need an explanation

I like the processing and pov on this, as already spotted the focus drops away as you get to the last line but for me I think it needs rotating counter clockwise a tad with a crop that puts it central.

 

[blakester]

What? You're telling me that 'bubble gum' as I remember it is no longer bright pink? Shocking, what is the world coming too!

I know what you mean! Greed so soon after gluttony is a bit, repetitive!

Anyhow I never got a chance to comment on your value shot. The words can mean so much, for those with a positive outlook this is correct, for others they never feel like looking up from such a place. So I think it's very fitting for the theme as we all have different values and outlooks in life!
I spent ages trying to figure out how you had taken it, the halo makes it look like it's floating. I certainly didn't think it was a monument that you had climbed on :bonk: I was wondering if you had turned your artistic hand to engraving!
I think the composition works well and I like the processing, just the halo bothers me a bit!

For all your lack of motivation for some themes you still get the shots in

Firstly apologies for not replying sooner, this has been the week from hell for hours at work this week :shake:

Thanks Marsha, some of the themes have been uninspiring to say the least but I think that we just have to accept that that is part of the challenge as tough as that is.
The halo is my processing I'm afraid. I do agree with your comments but I am going to leave it and move on

I always need an explanation

I like the processing and pov on this, as already spotted the focus drops away as you get to the last line but for me I think it needs rotating counter clockwise a tad with a crop that puts it central.

Cheers f4e
I looked at the rotation and agree it does look a little 'on the huh' as they say round these parts but the letters seem to be level . It may be as a result of it not being central.
Thanks again for commenting.

 

[blakester]

Another one bordering on being late but as I mentioned above, work hours have been mental this week, started with a 22hour shift on Monday into Tuesday
I shot this weeks theme this afternoon, my thinking behind it is Want outweighing Need = Greed?

C&C welcome as always.

I will be attempting to getting round everyones thread over the weekend.


Week 15 - Greed by iain blake, on Flickr

 

[Harlequin565]

Another really inventive take on the theme... This is the reason I fail with themed 52s. It's my own harsh critique of myself.

Really inspired take on the subject Iain. I like the way I'm left wondering how the physics on this works too. Makes it more surreal.



Ian.

 

[blakester]

Another really inventive take on the theme... This is the reason I fail with themed 52s. It's my own harsh critique of myself.

Really inspired take on the subject Iain. I like the way I'm left wondering how the physics on this works too. Makes it more surreal.



Ian.

Thanks Ian
We are our own worst critics, sometimes deserved but I think mostly being too hard on ourselves. There is a philosophy of post and be damned which I agree with. Sometimes its best to get something in the bag then if something else/better comes along shoot that too.

This was a lastminutedotcom idea for me, simple but I am pleased with it. I can now look forward to the new theme tomorrow.

Wonder no more the physics are the magic of blutack

 

[Allan.H]

works for me, did wonder too about the physics you can't beat a bit of blu tack. The one thing I admire about what you do is you never resort to the obvious.

 

[blakester]

works for me, did wonder too about the physics you can't beat a bit of blu tack. The one thing I admire about what you do is you never resort to the obvious.

Thanks Allan, sometimes a literal take on a theme is the way to go but I try to steer away from the obvious if I can.

 

[Brian_of_Bozeat]

Well though out, and well executed too. Great job


Oh, and as for the physics 7 is heavier than 5 (everyone knows that)

 

[blakester]

Well though out, and well executed too. Great job


Oh, and as for the physics 7 is heavier than 5 (everyone knows that)

Thanks Brian
The scrabble score was a more subtle reference which was a happy accident

 

[posiview]

Where do theses ideas come from

I'm on my phone but it looks well composed and lit. Shadows emphasis the see saw.

Nice and sharp.

Looks a tad yellow on my phone?

Good show.

Cheers.

 

[blakester]

Where do theses ideas come from

I'm on my phone but it looks well composed and lit. Shadows emphasis the see saw.

Nice and sharp.

Looks a tad yellow on my phone?

Good show.

Cheers.

Thanks Andy

I don't really know where these ideas come from, I honestly didn't give this theme much thought throughout the week as work consumed most of my waking hours. I had a very early start on Friday so was home at midday and thought I must get something for the theme. It had to be another indoor shot and this is what I came up with.
It is a tad yellow I agree, the scrabble tiles are pretty much that colour so I don't mind too much.

Cheers

 

[The goblin]

Hi Iain, I'm rather stumped on this theme as everything is too close to gluttony :bonk: I like your interpretation, unusual again and clever as always. I like the lighting, composition and crop

Now I'm off to find some mojo and try not to give up on this years 52.

 

[blakester]

Hi Iain, I'm rather stumped on this theme as everything is too close to gluttony :bonk: I like your interpretation, unusual again and clever as always. I like the lighting, composition and crop

Now I'm off to find some mojo and try not to give up on this years 52.

Thanks Marsha
As I mentioned above, I never gave the theme much thought until yesterday. It was just one of those where I thought 'meh' not really bothered if i got something or not, so I understand completely about finding your mojo.

I also see where you are coming from about giving up on the 52, it had crossed my mind but on reflection, it would annoy me having not completed it. That would play havoc with my OCD'ness having it incomplete

I am going to crack on with it, this weeks theme is particularly appealing to be honest.

Thanks again

 

[The goblin]

I also see where you are coming from about giving up on the 52, it had crossed my mind but on reflection, it would annoy me having not completed it. That would play havoc with my OCD'ness having it incomplete

I am going to crack on with it, this weeks theme is particularly appealing to be honest.

My OCD and stubbornness wouldn't key me quit either:bonk: Although I'm just abusing works time to get some comments in. Maybe this week I'll catch up with my shots, certainly got plans to take lots of photos this coming week

 

[posiview]

It is a tad yellow I agree, the scrabble tiles are pretty much that colour so I don't mind too much.

Cheers

Looks just right on my iPad

My OCD and stubbornness wouldn't key me quit either:bonk: Although I'm just abusing works time to get some comments in. Maybe this week I'll catch up with my shots, certainly got plans to take lots of photos this coming week

You two, there will be no quitting. If you quit you can't join us in the end of project meet

 

[The goblin]

You two, there will be no quitting. If you quit you can't join us in the end of project meet

I'll be in Cyprus sunning myself then

Now if I could get even one comment on my Tacky shot that might help

 

[blakester]

My OCD and stubbornness wouldn't key me quit either:bonk: Although I'm just abusing works time to get some comments in. Maybe this week I'll catch up with my shots, certainly got plans to take lots of photos this coming week

Quitting isn't really an option Marsha its just sometimes lack of inspiration lets me think that way.

Looks just right on my iPad



You two, there will be no quitting. If you quit you can't join us in the end of project meet

Nah, we won't be quitting, will we Marsha?

I'll be in Cyprus sunning myself then

Now if I could get even one comment on my Tacky shot that might help

I was out all day yesterday, so its my intention to have a comments catch up session this evening.

 

[blakester]

Well this is a first in a long time being quite punctual in posting a weekly theme. I went walkabout with my camera yesterday in London managing to get quite a few which I think fit the theme but the one below is one of my favourites from the day. C&C welcome as always.


Week 16 - Angles by iain blake, on Flickr

 

[blakester]

Thought I'd post some others in here which were considered for the theme.


Multicoloured by iain blake, on Flickr


Reflection of Light by iain blake, on Flickr


Shape & Shine by iain blake, on Flickr


On Reflection by iain blake, on Flickr

 

[blondie606]

Hi ya matey

Greed....another original take on the theme....can't add to all the positive comments already left so from me....if I was to be hyper criticalI'd say the stone is very slightly soft ??

Angle.....really liked your 1st shot when I saw it in the photos thread , fab colors , really sharp & bright & cheerful...then I saw the other version & now I'm torn...nope , 1st version still wins the day...what a fab display to come across

of the others posted....They are all fab for differing reasons...Reflection of Light...great capture of the reflection & some neat pp....

The one with the pinky people...another great find & again...slight HDR which suits to a tee

On reflection... again cracking reflections & blue sky plus a great angle...you have surpassed yourself this week mister

 

[blakester]

Hi ya matey

Greed....another original take on the theme....can't add to all the positive comments already left so from me....if I was to be hyper criticalI'd say the stone is very slightly soft ??

Angle.....really liked your 1st shot when I saw it in the photos thread , fab colors , really sharp & bright & cheerful...then I saw the other version & now I'm torn...nope , 1st version still wins the day...what a fab display to come across

of the others posted....They are all fab for differing reasons...Reflection of Light...great capture of the reflection & some neat pp....

The one with the pinky people...another great find & again...slight HDR which suits to a tee

On reflection... again cracking reflections & blue sky plus a great angle...you have surpassed yourself this week mister

Thanks Lynne, I appreciate your comments and critique on all of the shots above. Unexpected as I just put them up as a reference so cheers

I was using a shallow dof for my greed shot with focus on the scrabble tiles so the stone looks a little soft. Thanks again for your comments.

 

[superpippo]

Hi Iain

Greed - original idea and well handled. Simple and effective. A good photo

Angles - fast off the mark here. Your submission is excellent - cheerful bright colours and the pov is what seals it for me as being on theme. #2 good but does not have such a good interpretation of the theme.

Of the others, Reflection of Light is brilliant - good colours and an exceptional pov to capture the Gherkin in office block. Shape and &Amp puzzles me as I think that I ma missing something because it has little effect on me. And On Reflection is another shot enhanced by the pov and colour.

All in all a very good set to come out of a walkabout.

 

[HWest]

Love th over-processed look on the Wilde slab. Nice variation on the theme, too.

I am deeply, deeply in love with the umbrellas. I actually prefer the second shot of them slighty, although I can see why you went with the first - the arch in the lower right is a little jarring.

 

[blakester]

Hi Iain

Greed - original idea and well handled. Simple and effective. A good photo

Angles - fast off the mark here. Your submission is excellent - cheerful bright colours and the pov is what seals it for me as being on theme. #2 good but does not have such a good interpretation of the theme.

Of the others, Reflection of Light is brilliant - good colours and an exceptional pov to capture the Gherkin in office block. Shape and &Amp puzzles me as I think that I ma missing something because it has little effect on me. And On Reflection is another shot enhanced by the pov and colour.

All in all a very good set to come out of a walkabout.

Thanks Alan
#2 of the umbrellas I do like this one slightly more but as you said, #1 my choice is more on theme.
Shape and shine, I chose because of the light reflecting on the wall behind the figures. I don't think you are missing something maybe its one of those 'you had to be there' type of shots to put it in context.

Love th over-processed look on the Wilde slab. Nice variation on the theme, too.

I am deeply, deeply in love with the umbrellas. I actually prefer the second shot of them slighty, although I can see why you went with the first - the arch in the lower right is a little jarring.

Thanks Tony, I too like the second umbrella shot. Short of cropping the arch, there wasn't much I could do about it I'm afraid.

 

[Allan.H]

The first umbrella pic is superb great colour well handled as the sun looks really bright. I know the others are there as ideas but "Reflection of light" and "on reflection" are also very good, superb colour in them all

 

[overbez]

two gret submission there Iain, love the pure simplicity of your greed shot - contrasts the usual thinking behind greed of excess and extravagance with a more thought provoking descriptive image of greed. technically faultless too.

Loving the view up into the umbrelas for angels - superb colours and great composition.

Also like the Reflection of light one - the juxtaposition of the sharp angels with the reflected curved angles, even down to the jaunty angle of the shot. Ita ll works well.

Good early submission too - feet up for the rest of the week.

 

[Brian_of_Bozeat]

Angles, Really like your chosen favourite Iain, but I prefer the reflected Gherkin myself.

Nice to see that you go outside occasionally!

All in all a top notch set of pics.

 

[blakester]

The first umbrella pic is superb great colour well handled as the sun looks really bright. I know the others are there as ideas but "Reflection of light" and "on reflection" are also very good, superb colour in them all

Thanks Allan, the weather was lovely on Saturday when I took my photowalk so yes it was very sunny.
The images I posted as extras were considered for the theme but I had to choose just one as my submission and of them, the umbrellas jumped out

two gret submission there Iain, love the pure simplicity of your greed shot - contrasts the usual thinking behind greed of excess and extravagance with a more thought provoking descriptive image of greed. technically faultless too.

Loving the view up into the umbrelas for angels - superb colours and great composition.

Also like the Reflection of light one - the juxtaposition of the sharp angels with the reflected curved angles, even down to the jaunty angle of the shot. Ita ll works well.

Good early submission too - feet up for the rest of the week.

Thanks Graham
My idea for my greed submission came to me late on in the week, it was a simple set up (as you can see) but I am glad you feel it is effective nonetheless.
Saturday walkabout yielded quite a few images which I am very happy with which as you say means my photographic feet are up for the rest of the week.

Angles, Really like your chosen favourite Iain, but I prefer the reflected Gherkin myself.

Nice to see that you go outside occasionally!

All in all a top notch set of pics.

Cheers Brian,
Yes I do go outside occasionally

As I mentioned above, I managed to get quite a few keepers and a good few which fit this weeks theme so I had to make a choice, which is unusual for me in having a range to choose from.

 

[posiview]

5 Angles....:nono:

Of the set it's #1 for me. Great angle and the colours are fantastic. Angle of view, yup on target

Must be great to live in London and have access to all these opportunities.....and the art galleries and museums.

Cheers.