Massive thanks to everyone who's commented on my shots so far and apologies that I haven't been able to respond or in some cases even comment on your own. I certainly hope to get around everyone at some point.
2 Great images for Happy and Abandoned wit out the explanation for Happy not sure I would of understood it but it fits the theme perfectly, loving the DOF in Abandoned fits the theme nicely
Thanks for commenting. I am partial to shallow DoF and am prone to over doing it now and again. Was happy with this one so good to see others who agree with my eye!
Hi Ian. Yes, I've had the same problem with the latest themes - just can't get my mind into gear. I like your submission for Happy though - nice concept and thinking behind the image. As for Abandoned, poor Bing but inevitable I suppose - no competition with the telly there. I like the 3-stage drop off in DoF from Bing to Ethan to TV.
Thanks. The TV wasn't initially part of my thinking and more a happy coincidence that it sat well within the frame, source of light and held my son's attention! Out of the two, I'm far happier with the Abandoned shot as the happy one isn't that interesting or obvious without the back story.
Hi Ian, sorry I missed your thread until now.
Metal... well well, I recognise that esplanade

I think they all make good shots but for the theme probably #1 for me. Shame we've had such bad weather - it's made our skies a bit crap.
Captive... I really like the processing on the first one - I think you've nailed that "old print" look. Could bear and EV lift but I like it. Second has nice light coming in through that large patio window. Mugshot is a cracker too - and I've realised the stripey sleepsuit makes it even more appropriate for the theme!
Miniature is a cracking set. For me, the second one is stand-out. The DOF really works well and by placing the OOF behind the main subject, it jars less than #3 which I find slightly uncomfortable.
Happy - I like this, but...
I love Abandoned! I think this is a fantastic take for the theme (as a parent of young kids myself) and I think the camera work is spot on. Very carefully thought through and all the decisions are made wisely as far as composition and "setting". Lighting is good. Spot on!
By the way, if you're based in Inverclyde give me a shout by PM...
Thanks for taking the time to catch up, it's something that I'd love to do but sadly just don't have time so it's very much appreciated. All comments taken on board and yes, the striped sleep suit was intentional for the Captive theme!
Abandoned is probably one of my favourites so far, though there is always room for improvement of course. I have sent you a PM (I think) btw
Hi Ian, love the DOF in the abandoned shot and the compo too.
Many thanks. Definitely one of my better shots so far I think.
The Abandoned shot works very well for me mate. Can be taken to represent growing up or modern life. Either way, it's well composed and bang on theme. Nice one
Nice to see a different take on how the image might fit the theme, even if it wasn't intentional!

I'm finding more and more that my attention is drawn to shots that provoke thought rather than just, "yeah that's a nice shot" and think the 52 pushes both the photographer and viewer to look at photos differently.
I love your take on abandoned for all the reasons above and the way the reds lead you through the shot. My son has a bedroom full of 'Bings'...though usually their time does come again for a brief few weeks!
Poor Bings! The reds were sadly accidental I must admit. Something for me to consider intentionally next time around though. Thanks for commenting.
Two great pictures, first one i like for its simplicity, the second shows the power of the tv
As above really, Clive. Love that someone can take something different from a shot even if it's not intentional. The TV was certainly powerful enough to hold Ethan's attention for a few minutes at least!
nice take on themes there ian, like the happy take well thought out, poor bing sure looks abandoned, nice use of DOF
Cheers, Wally. DoF is a favourite of mine to play about with.
Hi, very good interpretation of the abandoned theme says it all how screens have taken over our lives to an extent
"Happy" I must say I have heard the expression "tying the knot" but never really given it much thought, you learn something new everyday
Tying the knot was something we had to include as soon as we found out about it which was only just prior to the wedding and via our celebrant. Plus, it gives us another item to cherish from the day
The screen certainly won't be taking over Ethan's life if I can help it, but sadly that does seem to be the way things are going for us in general (as I sit typing on my laptop haha).
2 superb images for Happy and Abandoned, Happy means so much more to the viewer with the explanation. Abandoned is every parents feeling after Christams, when the telly will do and the toys are neglected.Love he lighting and the DoF on Bing is perfectly controlled
I agree that happy is almost nonsensical without the explanation, though with it thought it was a nice image and clearly would invoke more feelings / thoughts for myself than anyone else.
Bing was indeed one of Ethan's Christmas presents. A few weeks later and he's done
