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

JohnN said:
Really nice shots there - speed of light is great and the step shot - a great take on it, excellent texture and light and what a odd thing to find :)
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Cheers John :thumbs:

Yes odd thing to find but lucky eh? ;) :lol:
 
cowboy said:
Great lighting on those steps, almost metallic.

Once again a great idea and shot :thumbs:
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Thanks Mark, I am currently waiting for inspiration to strike this week :thinking:
 
Hi Iain

Steps - fabulous shot. What a super colour you have achieved and the swirls and texture. I would not even want to find any crit cos I like it so much. :clap:

Also thanks for advice about glycerine , but in passing how did you put it on the surface ? A dropper? And how did you create the shapes - cloth (dry or damp), fingers, something else. And how big are the feet? A centimetre, an inch, 3 inches ???
 
superpippo said:
Hi Iain

Steps - fabulous shot. What a super colour you have achieved and the swirls and texture. I would not even want to find any crit cos I like it so much. :clap:

Also thanks for advice about glycerine , but in passing how did you put it on the surface ? A dropper? And how did you create the shapes - cloth (dry or damp), fingers, something else. And how big are the feet? A centimetre, an inch, 3 inches ???
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Hi Alan,

Thanks for looking in :thumbs:

The glycerine I used a dropper, which I also used to manipulate the glycerine.
I just dropped the glycerine to create the basic shape and the tip of the dropper could 'drag' it into shape IYSWIM.
With the glass being textured, it helped the glycerine stay in place. The toes were individual drops from the dropper, being careful not to have them too close as the glycerine settles, it spreads a little.
The feet are about 4-5" long, difficult to put something beside them in the image to give a sense of scale.

HTH iain
 
superpippo said:
You sound a bit down Iain? Hope that you are not .

I like that shot - lovely subject. I like the graduation of the b/g , f/g
Very subtle features of the moth emphasised by the gradual curve in the base.
It's an understated calm image which I like a lot.
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Thanks Allan,
This 52 has become a bit of a drag for me lately I feel.
Inspiration did not strike this week and the result of which i posted above.

You are too kind with your comments sir for which I thank you.

Onwards and upwards eh?
 
Yes keep going because your shots are always worth seeing. You seem to have a tremendous 'viewing' following on Flickr - like 200+ views and I get 2 :shake::gag:

You have a really good quirky eye for shots and your home made art is very original.

Per ardua ad astra indeed
 
superpippo said:
Yes keep going because your shots are always worth seeing. You seem to have a tremendous 'viewing' following on Flickr - like 200+ views and I get 2 :shake::gag:

You have a really good quirky eye for shots and your home made art is very original.

Per ardua ad astra indeed
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Thanks Alan, I had to google your Latin quote :lol:

I am not sure about the flickr thing though, I don't know where the views come from to be honest.

I do have regular 'such&such a body added you as a contact' 'make them a contact too' which I do, I don't really get the point of it though.

I use flickr mainly to host my images but with the occasional comment on images of some people whom I know on there but other than that....

Thats probably not using it in the spirit of how its intended but I find it a bit overwhelming at times and couldn't possibly comment and interact with all my 'contacts'.

It is a task in itself keeping up with comments on the 52 threads, which I do know I am not the best at but try to add a few comments here and there.
 
Only you could be disappointed with this :D

Great tones, detail,and BG. Well composed and overall lighting, just a tad more lighten the upper wing, maybe, or was the wing a little darker?

Cheers, and chin up :thumbs:
 
Hi Iain
Mono is a good picture, cant really fault it. I do know what you mean about losing interest in the 52, have done myself in the past, but some subject will crop up and get your interest again.
So keep going it wouldn't be the same without you :thumbs:
 
That moth looks so spooky in b&W! You have such good ideas Iain. and your presentation is flawless as usual :clap:

btw. we all have downers from time to time. but we always bounce back don't we? Remember to have fun with this project. :)
 
posiview said:
Only you could be disappointed with this :D

Great tones, detail,and BG. Well composed and overall lighting, just a tad more lighten the upper wing, maybe, or was the wing a little darker?

Cheers, and chin up :thumbs:
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I am happy(ish) enough with it Andy, its just a little bit of a dip in my enthusiasm for the 52 :(

I honestly never posted this and my comments to elicit a particular response from the other 52'ers, more just my expressing my thoughts/feelings over it generally.

I wouldn't say in these words to another 52er but speak of my own image, "it doesn't do anything for me".

Yes, its a competent enough image, in focus, no blown highlights etc etc but......MEH "it does nothing for me"

Thanks for your kind comments Andy, much appreciated :thumbs:

alsjazzera said:
Hi Iain
Mono is a good picture, cant really fault it. I do know what you mean about losing interest in the 52, have done myself in the past, but some subject will crop up and get your interest again.
So keep going it wouldn't be the same without you :thumbs:
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Thanks Allan,
As i said in response to Andy, just a little dip ;)
I do hope a theme comes up which will spark my enthusiasm for the 52 again.

Brian_of_Bozeat said:
That moth looks so spooky in b&W! You have such good ideas Iain. and your presentation is flawless as usual :clap:

btw. we all have downers from time to time. but we always bounce back don't we? Remember to have fun with this project. :)
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Thanks Brian :thumbs:

Thats the key to the 52 Brian, enjoying it, I agree.

I hope I bounce back I really do, I wouldn't want it on my CV as unfinished :lol:
 
Lovely moth shot, the placement really makes the image, great balance
 
JohnN said:
Lovely moth shot, the placement really makes the image, great balance
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Thanks John, I have a few different crops but this one made the most sense IYSWIM
 
mono - the more you look at it - there's more things to like.....

the gradient from black at the top down, the sharp line of the top edge of the moth contrasting with the raggedy bottom edge, the lines in the wooden background.... The way the moth occupies the top left diagonal, with "empty" space filling the lower right....
 
overbez said:
mono - the more you look at it - there's more things to like.....

the gradient from black at the top down, the sharp line of the top edge of the moth contrasting with the raggedy bottom edge, the lines in the wooden background.... The way the moth occupies the top left diagonal, with "empty" space filling the lower right....
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Thanks Graham :thumbs:
I appreciate your comments & crit
 
I see what you;re doing with the first and both images are really good, for me though its the second that stands out.
 
Hi Iain
Second image for me, it has a sinister feel to it, marionettes i find quite scary i think its how they move and this conveys it very well.
I really like the PP on it too not sure what you have done there but it works. :clap:
 
I think lit from underneath then inverted, but it really adds to the creepy feeling.
 
Back to form Iain - first for me with the wooden hand controlling the wooden puppett....

A really rather powerful image - the bowed head of the puppet really setting the tone of the shot.
 
Dammit, I must remember to comment on here and not just on FB :bonk:

:wave: Hi Iain

Pair, absolutely brilliant, love the really black BG making the two characters stand out with just the right amount of detail :clap:

Shape, FIVE!?!? Did you go a bit fork bending bonkers?

They’re all superb, I think I prefer the Paddle boat for it’s tranquil simplicity, but laid on a plate made me laugh!

Plenty, your attention to detail as always is spot on. The fact they all have exactly the same time is very clever.

Speed, wow, this is what you produce when you don’t have any time :notworthy: It worries me when I read that you’re inspiration is lacking, yet you come up with this :bonk: Can I borrow some of that ‘lack of inspiration’ ;) Obviously no C&C from me!

Steps, there had to be feet somewhere :thumbs: What is the BG? I like the texture, what is the BG? I don’t know if you did it deliberately but the shape top right looks like a shoe upside down!

Mono, post and be damned :suspect: I agree with everything Alan said. The detail throughout again is excellent and yes a very calming image. My only crit would be to rotate it slightly so that both wings are the same distance from the top edge,

Connection. It has to be number two for me, it looks very sinister and the black BG adds to the mood. I think there isn’t enough contrast in the first one and it just seems to lack something, can’t quite figure out what but I think it would suit better on a black BG with different coloured rods with the strings on. I hope that makes sense!

I hope you keep on going; your shots always give me something to look forward too :thumbs:
 
'ello, Iain :wave:

#2 for me. Has a really eerie feeling to it.

105mm is a cracking lens, isn't it.

Great detail and good lighting. Nice black BG and I can even see the strands of thread in the string.

I also like the wisps of light near it's feet.

Cheers.
 
Now then ,now then....not gonna harp on about it but know exactly where you're coming from....I know you'll not quit , it's not in your nature & in case I forget to say it in the future ....you've been a huge inspiration to me ( & many others I suspect ) & I love seeing your submissions each week .....soppiness over with :D

Right...back to the task in hand.......Mono.....beautifully simple but very effective , can imagine this in a lovely toning frame in a classy living room , as you say....technically spot on & quite a different type of image for you I think....just shows how accomplished you are :clap:

Connection......another vote for #2 .....that little model really does have a sinister feel to him with that lighting , superb detail as well ....lovely jubbly :clap:
 
I'm in the number 2 group (there's a joke there somewhere Iain).

Nice work, very creepy feelings about that shot, I wouldn't want it on my wall! (erm. that's a compliment by the way)
 
JohnN said:
I see what you;re doing with the first and both images are really good, for me though its the second that stands out.
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Thanks John, I am undecided between them :thinking:

alsjazzera said:
Hi Iain
Second image for me, it has a sinister feel to it, marionettes i find quite scary i think its how they move and this conveys it very well.
I really like the PP on it too not sure what you have done there but it works. :clap:
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Thanks Allan,
It was lit by natural light, set up on a table with the window light camera right with a reflector camera left.
Nothing fancy in pp, basic levels, curves etc once complete, I inverted the colours to give the effect.

JohnN said:
I think lit from underneath then inverted, but it really adds to the creepy feeling.
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Cheers John, nearly ;)

overbez said:
Back to form Iain - first for me with the wooden hand controlling the wooden puppett....

A really rather powerful image - the bowed head of the puppet really setting the tone of the shot.
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Thanks Graham, your kind comments are much appreciated but unexpected as my feelings are slightly different towards the images.

ams99 said:
I really like the lighting splashing on the figure with the black background. This is something i am still trying to achieve but as yet haven't managed it.
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Thanks Alan, please see above as to how I achieved this, quite a simple set up and processing.

Brian_of_Bozeat said:
I'm in the number 2 group (there's a joke there somewhere Iain).

Nice work, very creepy feelings about that shot, I wouldn't want it on my wall! (erm. that's a compliment by the way)
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:lol: Thanks Brian,
I agree, it does look quite sinister and I wouldn't want it on my wall either but for different reasons to you............

The phrase "you can't polish a turd" springs to mind with this weeks submissions....
 
posiview said:
'ello, Iain :wave:

#2 for me. Has a really eerie feeling to it.

105mm is a cracking lens, isn't it.

Great detail and good lighting. Nice black BG and I can even see the strands of thread in the string.

I also like the wisps of light near it's feet.

Cheers.
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Hi Andy,

Thanks for looking in/commenting.

Yes, I do like the 105mm lens, it does take a bit of getting used to though.
 
blondie606 said:
Now then ,now then....not gonna harp on about it but know exactly where you're coming from....I know you'll not quit , it's not in your nature & in case I forget to say it in the future ....you've been a huge inspiration to me ( & many others I suspect ) & I love seeing your submissions each week .....soppiness over with :D

Right...back to the task in hand.......Mono.....beautifully simple but very effective , can imagine this in a lovely toning frame in a classy living room , as you say....technically spot on & quite a different type of image for you I think....just shows how accomplished you are :clap:

Connection......another vote for #2 .....that little model really does have a sinister feel to him with that lighting , superb detail as well ....lovely jubbly :clap:
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Thank you Lynne,
I really appreciate your kind comments :)

I hear what you are saying about the images but maybe I am blinkered by them and they do say we are our own worst critics but BUT, I can't shake the way I feel about the last few weeks photography :(

The jury is still out on my 52, we will have to wait and see where this goes.

I need to find something to shake this feeling/lack of inspiration out of me.
 
Hey Iain!! I know I've not commented for Yonkers and yonks! No excuses really except getting so far behind, but I do see them and still never cease to amaze me on your artistic talent!

I've just seen your last comment about inspiration and stuff... Hang in there I'd hate to not see your work regularly :-)
 
The goblin said:
Dammit, I must remember to comment on here and not just on FB

Hi Iain

Pair, absolutely brilliant, love the really black BG making the two characters stand out with just the right amount of detail :clap:

Shape, FIVE!?!? Did you go a bit fork bending bonkers?

They’re all superb, I think I prefer the Paddle boat for it’s tranquil simplicity, but laid on a plate made me laugh!
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Hi Marsha,
Once I had started on the fork bending, the ideas just flowed.

I am glad there is something there that you like and others that made you smile :D objective achieved ;)

The goblin said:
Plenty, your attention to detail as always is spot on. The fact they all have exactly the same time is very clever.

Speed, wow, this is what you produce when you don’t have any time :notworthy: It worries me when I read that you’re inspiration is lacking, yet you come up with this :bonk: Can I borrow some of that ‘lack of inspiration’ Obviously no C&C from me!
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Thanks, I read somewhere about photographing watches and manufacturers suggest this is the best time as it is symmetrical (ish) and best displays the makers mark.

Speed, the idea came to me quickly and it was a simple set up so I cracked on :D
I am not fishing for comments/compliments when I say inspiration has been lacking, honestly but say it as I feel it. Maybe I set my own expectations too high and it annoys me when I (frequently) don't reach them :(

The goblin said:
Steps, there had to be feet somewhere What is the BG? I like the texture, what is the BG? I don’t know if you did it deliberately but the shape top right looks like a shoe upside down!

Mono, post and be damned :suspect: I agree with everything Alan said. The detail throughout again is excellent and yes a very calming image. My only crit would be to rotate it slightly so that both wings are the same distance from the top edge,

Connection. It has to be number two for me, it looks very sinister and the black BG adds to the mood. I think there isn’t enough contrast in the first one and it just seems to lack something, can’t quite figure out what but I think it would suit better on a black BG with different coloured rods with the strings on. I hope that makes sense!

I hope you keep on going; your shots always give me something to look forward too :thumbs:
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Thanks,
yes, had to get feet in there somewhere :lol:
The background is a glass worktop protector/chopping board sort of thing that I got from the pound shop for another photography idea.

Mono, the moth was on my shed sheltering under one of the boards. The board is horizontal, the moths wings aren't. I thought I'd leave it as is and not rotate it but I do agree with you. On further looking at it, I could probably get away with the board being askew as it is so black it wouldn't be noticeable.

I agree entirely with you on connection, and you make perfect sense ;)

I can't say I am particularly enamoured with my last few weeks photography and I don't really like what I have shot. As mentioned above, I am unsure about the rest of the 52 :thinking:
 
blakester said:
I hear what you are saying about the images but maybe I am blinkered by them and they do say we are our own worst critics but BUT, I can't shake the way I feel about the last few weeks photography :(

The jury is still out on my 52, we will have to wait and see where this goes.

I need to find something to shake this feeling/lack of inspiration out of me.
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Oh no. I hope you're not considering quitting :nono: Just do what I do and leave the camera in its bag until inspiration/ motivation strikes.
 
Cg_Girl said:
Hey Iain!! I know I've not commented for Yonkers and yonks! No excuses really except getting so far behind, but I do see them and still never cease to amaze me on your artistic talent!

I've just seen your last comment about inspiration and stuff... Hang in there I'd hate to not see your work regularly :-)
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Hi Trace :wave:

Thank you for such kind comments :D
I am just in a bit of a dip photography inspiration-wise, can't seem to shake it but we will wait and see.

The goblin said:
Oh no. I hope you're not considering quitting :nono: Just do what I do and leave the camera in its bag until inspiration/ motivation strikes.
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Thats not a bad idea Marsha, take note of the weekly themes but don't sweat it if I don't get an idea and wait until something comes up.

the only danger is if I get so far behind that I would just end up sacking it altogether :(

The goblin said:
Well it seems the answer is simple, just set lower standards :D
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:lol: classic :lol:
 
The dark shot for me!:thumbs:

The lighting, the detail and the pose are all just spot on. Reminds me of something from a Tool video. There's a real dark, depressing, forboding feel to it which I love. That to me is art.
 
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