John's Photo 52 - Week 27 Added (10th July) - Highlight

Thanks Maureen
 
Ok, Here's week 6. I'm going for simple again, although having said that, I'm still working out this use of flash game with the Jessops 300AFD.

The image itself, may not seem special to anyone else, but the content is very special to me. There are plenty of other special things, but the rest of the family tends to run and hide when I reach for the camera.... Anyway, the cuddly is my first, most loved and snuggled cuddly right back from when I was born, the book, is the last book my mum brought for me before she died when I was 14.

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What did I learn from this

1) Using the lighttent lined with white paper is fine if your zooming in, but the paper edges are far to obvious at wider angles.

2) Using flash properly should be easier, although I think I'm beginning to get my head around the angles and distance options of the Jessops flash.
 
Cheers Ruth :thumbs:
 
This is a very personal Special, John. Thanks for sharing it with us. :)

From a photographic point of view, it can be quite frustrating when you find that what works in one situation presents problems in another.

Compositionally, imho arranging 2 objects is really hard and I'm not sure what else you could have done here except possibly shoot from a lower angle, which might have given you a little bit of shadow under the book and softened the shadow under your cuddly. This isn't a criticism, btw, just me thinking aloud.

A lovely interpretation of the theme - and early too. :clap::clap:

Jean
 
Thanks very much Jean. I knew what I was going to do, it was just a case of sorting it out so no reason not to post it. I tried various angles, but was struggling with the background, and this was the best I could manage. In the lighttent I'd stood up the cuddly next to the book and that composition with the longer angle worked better, but then the damned paper edges were too obvious. If I can find some appropriate material to line the tent with (and some decent lights to shine on it too, the kit list is getting expensive :D) I may well have another go at it.
 
I like the interpretation of the theme John. I think we sometimes lose sight of what the word special really means, it has been diluted by it's use in the retail to convince we're getting a deal or the product is worth a bit more money.

Your picture truly represents something special. :thumbs:

My orginal idea for this week was to parody that to an extent, but I had the chance to record a genuinly special day so decided to use that instead.

Mark:thumbs:
 
Thanks very much Mark. I think, to be honest, that a lot of things get diluted and lost sight of in modern society which is a shame. I have to say that's one of the things that thinking about and shooting this bought home to me.
 
Thanks for sharing your special things with us...

the lighting looks ok to me, but seems to give it a floating feel...

But that said it fits the subject beautifully...:thumbs:
 
Thats a great representation of special John, some touching words and thoughts there too!

Good image :)

PS I wish I had kept hold of my early cuddly toys (ahem Brownie and Goldie if I recall them properly - sigh :))
 
Opposites - Great idea :thumbs: definitely prefer the second image

Special - Two items that really mean something to you. Great minds obviously think alike :lol: I have just shot my special photo; my childhood toy (will be editing it and posting it either tomorrow or Sunday). I think the photo does look a little sterile though, I wonder if you could have had the bunny (I presume it has a name) reading the book :shrug:
 
Spartacus said:
Thanks for sharing your special things with us...

the lighting looks ok to me, but seems to give it a floating feel...

But that said it fits the subject beautifully...:thumbs:
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Thank you, I know what you mean about the floaty feel, I've not sussed out a decent background for things like this.

Dark Star said:
Thats a great representation of special John, some touching words and thoughts there too!

Good image :)

PS I wish I had kept hold of my early cuddly toys (ahem Brownie and Goldie if I recall them properly - sigh :))
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Thanks John, Didn't we come up with imaginative names ? (this little chap was called... wait for it .... Bunny :D )

SimonTALM said:
Opposites - Great idea :thumbs: definitely prefer the second image

Special - Two items that really mean something to you. Great minds obviously think alike :lol: I have just shot my special photo; my childhood toy (will be editing it and posting it either tomorrow or Sunday). I think the photo does look a little sterile though, I wonder if you could have had the bunny (I presume it has a name) reading the book :shrug:
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Thanks Simon. I know what you mean about Sterile, my imagination fled me for anything more meaningful. Not sure about the reading the book, I'll have a think. Equally, that's part of what the challenge is all about, learning about how to improve :). I look forward to your special photo.
 
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I think you done really well with this one
Looks like you are concentrating on the music - not am I in shot and isn't 20 seconds a long time:thumbs:

I noted your comments in week 3 about lining up the shot on yourself.
I have wondered why digital still cameras don't have a flip out display as video cameras...it's really useful for candid shots and when you want to hold the camera at different levels.:thinking:
 
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Thanks very much. 20 seconds is quite a while, but... when you have to pick up the instrument, sort out the bow and position, align on the camera to get the third (when you can't see the screen) it's not that long.

I think a couple of the Sony's do, but you're right, it would be handy.
 
Lovely Special shot John and a very poignant story to go with it. :thumbs:

You've got the colours spot on, thanks for sharing that with us :clap::clap:
 
Thanks very much Jill :thumbs:
 
Stupidly, I've been looking through all the other great posts and shots in the 52 Crowds theme this week and now I don't want to post mine as, by comparison it's rubbish, but here we go...

The crowds gathered on the dock to watch the ship come in.
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When the theme was posted last week, I knew I was going to have trouble getting a shot of a real crowd. So I decided to make one. This was shot with the kit lens in close, with the Jessops 300AFD, and milk carton diffuser.

Lessons learned this week
1) I should have known this anyway from the Macro shots I've been doing, but the camera will reveal every speck of dirt when shot in close.
2) It's a safe bet that if the kids have been playing with them, the hats and hair will be no where to be found
3) My imagination needs a healthy kick up the proverbial
4) What should be easy and looked easy, doesn't mean it'll end up being that way

Just for fun, here's a second shot from the set, there are some famous faces in the crowd...
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Well it works for me...:thumbs:

The second one that is...I think you have already found that looking at other 52s is such a distraction...I stopped doing as it made me change me mind and not do my intended shot...:shrug:

I know that at some point I'll be doing something that someone else has already done, but that's the chance I'll take...

Good luck with the Wealth subject...I'm under the mattress as we speak...:lol:
 
yep liking the second image.... a good interpretation of crowds.
 
Cool photos - although an eclectic mix of 'people' in the crowd! The second photo is best for me - shame about the lack of 'sky' though!
I cant wait til I have kids - then I will have an excuse to buy lego and take photos like this!
 
Toothie said:
I Love lego, nice idea although i prefer the second image as you can see some faces :)
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Thanks Ruth. I went for the first one as I wanted to include the ship, OOF in the background. But I know what you mean about the faces. Hmmm... Could both have been achieved...

Spartacus said:
Well it works for me...:thumbs:

The second one that is...I think you have already found that looking at other 52s is such a distraction...I stopped doing as it made me change me mind and not do my intended shot...:shrug:

I know that at some point I'll be doing something that someone else has already done, but that's the chance I'll take...

Good luck with the Wealth subject...I'm under the mattress as we speak...:lol:
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Thanks very much. Yeah, I didn't look at updated 52's till I'd posted mine, as this is about my ideas and interpretation, if I do the same thing someone else has done, that's fine.

maddog.mark said:
yep liking the second image.... a good interpretation of crowds.
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Thanks Mark

ScotlandTheScare said:
Cool photos - although an eclectic mix of 'people' in the crowd! The second photo is best for me - shame about the lack of 'sky' though!
I cant wait til I have kids - then I will have an excuse to buy lego and take photos like this!
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thanks. Sorry about the background :D.... I don't have a suitable poster as yet :D.
 
Very nice, and yet another vote for the second shot.

well done :clap: :clap:
 
2nd one for me too :) Good colouful and inventive stuff John!

That'll teach me to go looking for a real crowd :D

Very nice :clap:
 
Clever one for this week! Much prefer seeing the second one with the faces.
 
Wow, there are alot of LEGO people there. The lighting in the second image is better as the first is a bit dark for me although I prefer the first image with the OOF ship as it gives a a bit of animation to the scene. Overall, a great interpretation of the theme.
 
kennysarmy said:
hehe 2nd one thumbs up for me too...

and I also don't look at anyone's weekly 52 until I have posted my own ....

I don't think your imagination needs a kick - I think you had a great idea!
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Thank you Kennysarmy

adrury said:
Very nice, and yet another vote for the second shot.

well done :clap: :clap:
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Thank you Angela

Dark Star said:
2nd one for me too :) Good colouful and inventive stuff John!

That'll teach me to go looking for a real crowd :D

Very nice :clap:
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Cheers John, I knew I wasn't going to see a real crowd, so had to some up with something else. An idea has just occurred to me if Simon has put Disaster in the pot ...

dizzy said:
Clever one for this week! Much prefer seeing the second one with the faces.
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Thanks Dizzy

SimonTALM said:
Wow, there are alot of LEGO people there. The lighting in the second image is better as the first is a bit dark for me although I prefer the first image with the OOF ship as it gives a a bit of animation to the scene. Overall, a great interpretation of the theme.
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Cheers Simon, we have a lot of Lego :D. I could have included some odd aliens and other things, but figured that might have looked out of keeping. There were quite a few I couldn't put head or legs on bodies, so I didn't include those.
 
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Lego crowd. Reminds me of when my son was young, must ask him if he still has the lego. Second shot for me too. The faces engage you. The backs of the heads make you feel a bit out of it. :clap:
 
Yep, second one does it for me, well done :clap:

Jon
 
John I can't imagine why on earth you thought your imagination was lacking on your Crowds photos. I'm just kicking myself that I spent all week looking for non-existent crowds and they were right there in the grandchildren's toy box, less than 2 feet away from the computer. :bonk:

Both piccies made me smile, but the faces and expressions of the second one are brilliant. I love the idea of the crowds watching a ship arriving/leaving and it would have been nice to see people on the ship waving back a bit more clearly.

I really identify with learning points #1, 2 and 4, and there seems to be a pattern of universal truths emerging from this challenge. :lol:

Good luck with Week 8 - it sounds as though you're already getting on with it. :)

Jean
 
Graulges said:
Lego crowd. Reminds me of when my son was young, must ask him if he still has the lego. Second shot for me too. The faces engage you. The backs of the heads make you feel a bit out of it. :clap:
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Thanks Frank, Am I spotting a trend I'm starting here...

corky said:
Yep, second one does it for me, well done :clap:

Jon
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Thanks Jon

jeangenie said:
John I can't imagine why on earth you thought your imagination was lacking on your Crowds photos. I'm just kicking myself that I spent all week looking for non-existent crowds and they were right there in the grandchildren's toy box, less than 2 feet away from the computer. :bonk:

Both piccies made me smile, but the faces and expressions of the second one are brilliant. I love the idea of the crowds watching a ship arriving/leaving and it would have been nice to see people on the ship waving back a bit more clearly.

I really identify with learning points #1, 2 and 4, and there seems to be a pattern of universal truths emerging from this challenge. :lol:

Good luck with Week 8 - it sounds as though you're already getting on with it. :)

Jean
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Thanks Jean. It was because I couldn't get what I wanted and saw in my mind. It didn't matter what I did. I knew I was going to see any crowds and there were all these lego people lying around in a box... :D

Hmm... Interesting, I may well give that a go at some point... See if I can get something on the ship..

As for week 8, at the mo, I only have a few ideas... not tried anything yet.
 
I like the second, good idea for a subject, the bright vivid colours work well.
 
Thank you Hyster
 
love the second image. well executed and band on the theme!
 
Hi John, another vote from me for the 2nd shot :thumbs: Don't know why you need a kick up the **** - seems like your inspiration is working hard enough to me. Don't be so hard on yourself :hug: :clap:
 
wrecker1971 said:
love the second image. well executed and band on the theme!
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Thank you

Bruja said:
Hi John, another vote from me for the 2nd shot :thumbs: Don't know why you need a kick up the **** - seems like your inspiration is working hard enough to me. Don't be so hard on yourself :hug: :clap:
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Thanks Jill, I think it's just where I'm at. My self criticalness (not a word but hopefully you know what I mean) is a long way ahead of my ability, so I think everything I shoot is a rubbish result :bang::bang:
 
jgs001 said:
Thanks Jill, I think it's just where I'm at. My self criticalness (not a word but hopefully you know what I mean) is a long way ahead of my ability, so I think everything I shoot is a rubbish result :bang::bang:
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Hey, you've read my 52 thread, and I feel the same way about my pictures. That's why this challenge is so good for us who are supercritical because people seem to be telling it like it is.

I think what you were trying to say is what you think you should be achieving and what you think you are actually achieving are not the same things. Well there's a lot of us in that club :D So welcome :wave: :D
 
:D Thanks Jill... That's the kind of kick I need ... :D :thumbs:
 
My first thoughts this week, turned to sweets again (it must be a thing this year :D), and I grabbed a pile of choccie coins that were in a tub...

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I struggled with this to make anything better of it, other than a pile of choccie coins, which might be nice to eat, but that's about it really.

So I had a think... Then it hit me... Where is there Wealth, Wealth, doesn't have to mean Money... it can mean all sorts of things. After mulling this over for a couple of days, a brainwave struck me (boy did it hurt :D), that a Library is full of Wealth, a Wealth of information that is. Now, I know there is/was no way I was either going to a) get to a library, b) did I think I was likely to get permission to just wander around taking photos, probably with the flash too... But I can picture the shot in my head, so maybe one day when I have the chance and the nerve, I may yet give it a try.

I settled on a trimmed down version of my idea, I know it's similar to shots that have been posted before, but I tried to cover a range of information and entertainment. I managed to get something on my two hobbies in there :D. I tried to shoot this with the Nifty, but I couldn't frame it how I wanted it, so used the kit lens instead. So here it is, my shot for week 8

Wealth
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Lessons learned,

1) The most obvious idea is not always the best
2) Shooting shiny things with a flash, even a compensated one, is going to produce obvious glared bits.
3) Whilst the Nifty Fifty has it's advantages and really makes you think, there are some occasions when no matter what you do, the physical limits mean you can't get what you want from it.
 
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