Justlooking's 52 for 2010 - week 52 together - page 18

[jeangenie]

Catch up time for me.

Stop: I agree with Dan that a bit more (or all) of the arm in the shot would give a better connection to the oof subject. I think the slight softness suggests movement and works in this context. The bracelet's verry pretty but my (female!) eye went straight to it. Neverthelless it's a good interpretation on the subject.

Isolation: I like this and the fact that sh'e on her mobile works well - phoning instead of talking face to face can fell isolating. Lovely shot and from me.

Quality: I definitely go with the 'they don't make them like this any more' comments and the craftsmanship is top quality. I like the angle - and in fact everything about it.

Jean

 

[davidh6781]

very nice, looks and goes well for the theme,

 

[philthejuggler]

Nice bit of workmanship - looks like you've gone for the motif in the middle as the focus point - it's not soft.

Phil

 

[chris321]

Oooh, it's definitely a nice-looking bit of wood

And definitely not soft, just the depth of field playing tricks! It's a different one to all the other's I've seen, so hats off for that too

Chris

 

[justlooking]

Very nice and a very unusual subject. Quality work no doubt!

That is a quality piece of wood and amazing how things back then were all hand crafted. i like the colours in the wood.

They dont make them like that any more do they! Wonderful, great subject and light, nice work

thank you

Quality: I definitely go with the 'they don't make them like this any more' comments and the craftsmanship is top quality. I like the angle - and in fact everything about it.

Jean

Thanks Jean

very nice, looks and goes well for the theme,

Thank you David

Nice bit of workmanship - looks like you've gone for the motif in the middle as the focus point - it's not soft.

Phil

Oooh, it's definitely a nice-looking bit of wood

And definitely not soft, just the depth of field playing tricks! It's a different one to all the other's I've seen, so hats off for that too

Chris

thanks Phil, Chris - I replaced the original image with one that was sharpened in Elements - I have had Elements for quite a while but never got to grips with it but I had some help to show me how the basics work. Sharpen is VERY useful . The original is still in my gallery.

 

[justlooking]

week 23 Post

not what I had planned ... I wanted to try a longer exposure and try and catch the letters coming though the letter box but I have run out of time and had no-one to push them through, so this will have to do.

 

[jgs001]

It's clearly post and therefore fits the theme. It feels a bit... I dunno really... flat ... no use I know, but I can't work it out.

 

[SarahLee]

Lovely shot for quality. I can almost feel the texture in that wood and I like the paleness of the sky as a backdrop.

It's a niggly little thing, but it's irritating me that the writing is upside down
Have you tried rotating it? Not sure that this would work the other way up, but it could be worth a try.

Post is a nice clean shot and it definitely fits the theme.
It's lacking a bit of oomph for me though. It's a shame that you couldn't find a helper to push them through and get a bit of motion there.

 

[DC2Z]

The photo is just lacking something. Can I ask what does it look like in B&W? might just create a bit more interest

 

[dan_yorkshire]

Have to agree with other comments about it looking a tad flat, the composition isn't bad but some clever pp'ing could rescue it.

Feel free in asking me to remove it but something like this could work

 

[Tracer]

I love 'Quality' - the simple colours and composition really show of the quality workmanship.

Post - it fits the theme! I think a play with a contrasty mono conversion could make it more interesting.

 

[foggy4ever]

Shoot...I prefer the second shot as the first needed the rear view screen to be more clear.

Single...Quite a hard choice of subjects to shoot with the engraving on the glass and the reflections. I would not have included the single which makes the composition too busy.


Stare...It is a shame the eyes are oof but the subect would be willing to pose again I hope.


Peace...Striking image for peace and as many have said remove the bush bottem left.

Indulgence...Oooo I love a nice scone and that looks very nice, although my first thought of the yellow was scrambled egg

Ingredients....Nice idea but shot straight on it looks a little flat with the lighting.

Stop...Ignoring the focus I like the light and shadows in this shot, the only niggle is the angle of the hand and forearm makes it look like it could be someone elses hand coming in from the side.

Isolation...Nobody would have known what she was doing without you saying you could have gone a little wider if possible.

Quality...Having seen a few close up at Breighton a few months ago I can agree with you about the quality of workmanship

Post...Simple shot for the theme, would have liked to see a few shots with the same composition but with the light changing through out the day.

 

[justlooking]

It's clearly post and therefore fits the theme. It feels a bit... I dunno really... flat ... no use I know, but I can't work it out.

Have to agree it is definitely missing something

Post is a nice clean shot and it definitely fits the theme.
It's lacking a bit of oomph for me though. It's a shame that you couldn't find a helper to push them through and get a bit of motion there.

Yip I would have liked to try getting motion blurr as it would have been something new to try and learn

The photo is just lacking something. Can I ask what does it look like in B&W? might just create a bit more interest

I will try it and B&W and see what it looks like ..any suggestions more than welcome as to how to make it better are always welcome

Have to agree with other comments about it looking a tad flat, the composition isn't bad but some clever pp'ing could rescue it.

Feel free in asking me to remove it but something like this could work

No probs with you editing - all suggestions very welcome ! Your version certainly looks less washed out than mine.

I love 'Quality' - the simple colours and composition really show of the quality workmanship.

Post - it fits the theme! I think a play with a contrasty mono conversion could make it more interesting.

Thanks Tracer .. Glad you liked the prop image. I will have a play with mono for the post one.

Post...Simple shot for the theme, would have liked to see a few shots with the same composition but with the light changing through out the day.

Thank you for taking the time to catch up! I really value everyones comments - it's the only way to learn !

 

[justlooking]

Week 24 - Metal

Wasn't sure which one to post so putting them both here.

Went up the tower of the local church. Up 40 steps on a spiral staircase to the room where they ring the bells then up a metal ladder to see the bells. The church dates from the 12-13th century but these bells are all fairly new as the orginals were lost in a fire in 1985. There are now 13 bells with the biggest weighing in at 35cwt. They are made of brass.

The bell room is very cramped - these were taken on auto as I was also looking after groups of 5-6 Brownies at the time.

While up in the bell room the clock chimed 7pm - doesn't half make your ears ring ... and small Brownies burst into tears !

#1


#2 - they keep all the bells upside down ready to ring, apart from the one that chimes for the clock

 

[mmcp42]

was gonna say #2 is upside down :nuts:
but now I see why!

shame you had to stick to auto
but if your hands were full of brownies...:shrug:

 

[SarahLee]

You're a braver woman than me - venturing into a bell room with groups of Brownies !!!!

It's a shame that you couldn't have got a wider shot with a whole bell in, but I guess that conditions were very cramped up there.

I like the fact that you've managed to get some of the brickwork and what looks like some of the mechanical gubbins in on the first shot. But I do like the writing on the bell in the second.

I'm currently wondering what these would look like in B&W. Particularly the second one, as I'm finding that the red is drawing my eye to what isn't the most interesting part of the image.

 

[clud17]

nice idea for the film and pity about the limited space. I think if i'd been stood next to that when it rang i'd have a few brownies

 

[DC2Z]

2 good shots this week, persoanlly I prefer the 2nd shot

 

[Tracer]

I find the first shot more interesting as it shows the clapper, wheel and brickwork as well, giving a pleasing combination of shapes and textures. The red is a bit bright and I would be tempted to try darkening it a bit.

I keep wanting to turn the second one "the right way up"!

Lots of brownie points for going in with the brownies! . Have you ever read Dorothy L Sayers' The Nine Tailors, which has lots about bell ringing and the effects of the noise in the chamber?

 

[jgs001]

That are both interesting, I think the first probably works better, although they both look upside down. As for taking your camera with you whilst looking after brownies (or any young children)... I'd have thought you'd have had you hands way too full to be able to take pictures.

 

[justlooking]

was gonna say #2 is upside down :nuts:
but now I see why!

shame you had to stick to auto
but if your hands were full of brownies...:shrug:

lol I did rote the image to see what it looked like "the right way up" but decided to leave it as "ready to ring".

You're a braver woman than me - venturing into a bell room with groups of Brownies !!!!

I'm currently wondering what these would look like in B&W. Particularly the second one, as I'm finding that the red is drawing my eye to what isn't the most interesting part of the image.

The Brownies were very well behaved and only had 5 at a time. I see what you mean about the red. I need to think more when using elements and not just up the contrast etc for the whole image .. note to self learn how to do this for bits of the image :bonk:

nice idea for the film and pity about the limited space. I think if i'd been stood next to that when it rang i'd have a few brownies

Strangely the bell wasn't as loud as I expected .. although I did have my fingers in my ears after the first bong !

2 good shots this week, persoanlly I prefer the 2nd shot

thank you

I find the first shot more interesting as it shows the clapper, wheel and brickwork as well, giving a pleasing combination of shapes and textures. The red is a bit bright and I would be tempted to try darkening it a bit.

I keep wanting to turn the second one "the right way up"!

Lots of brownie points for going in with the brownies! . Have you ever read Dorothy L Sayers' The Nine Tailors, which has lots about bell ringing and the effects of the noise in the chamber?

thanks for the comments .. I will learn how to select areas to up the contrast. The Nine Taylors .... rings a bell

That are both interesting, I think the first probably works better, although they both look upside down. As for taking your camera with you whilst looking after brownies (or any young children)... I'd have thought you'd have had you hands way too full to be able to take pictures.

The brownies were very well behaved and we only had 5 in the tower at a time AND the photos were all taken inbetween one group going down stairs and the next coming up.

 

[justlooking]

Week 25 Grunge



This is part of one of the London Elephant Parade elephants. Did an elephant hunt a few weeks ago but went to see them all gathered together at the Royal Hospital Chelsea yesterday, where this photo was taken. Has to be said it was more fun hunting than viewing.

 

[mmcp42]

crikey girl your sensor needs a bit of a clean!

love the picture though lots of detail and contrast
takes ages to "see" it all

 

[davidh6781]

Difinatly a lot going on, but i like it.

 

[philthejuggler]

An interesting idea for a shot - I think it wants -1/2 stop exposure, some extra saturation and a slight crop to get the best from it.

Phil

 

[sparrow]

I really like your 'grunge' shot great colours, detail and depth.

 

[jgs001]

Interesting... it works well... good colours if rather splattered .. not sure it quite shouts grunge to me, but .. that's ok, I like it..

I see how you got around that brownie issue ... very clever...

 

[SarahLee]

I need to think more when using elements and not just up the contrast etc for the whole image .. note to self learn how to do this for bits of the image :bonk:

Have a search on Google. There are tons of free tutorials for all sorts of PPing. It's how I've picked up most of what I know in Photoshop.

Speaking of Google, you've just set me searching for Elephant parade. It looks good fun - and I'm kicking myself. I was near the Westfield Centre for work last week and I could have popped in to see them if I'd known they were there. Oh well :shrug:

I'm not sure that this is very grungey, but I do like the splattered colours.
For me you didn't really need to compose with the eye in shot though (TBH if you hadn't mentioned elephants I wouldn't have known it was an eye).

I think a smooth composition of the elephant's side might have been stronger, just as an abstract piece.

 

[DC2Z]

Love your shot for this week, I was in London just a week or so back and unfortunately I didn't take any photos of the elephants otherwise I may have gone and used the same shot.

 

[Tracer]

I like it - looks a bit like a Jackson Pollock!

 

[justlooking]

crikey girl your sensor needs a bit of a clean!

love the picture though lots of detail and contrast
takes ages to "see" it all

Glad you liked it.

Difinatly a lot going on, but i like it.

thank you

An interesting idea for a shot - I think it wants -1/2 stop exposure, some extra saturation and a slight crop to get the best from it.

Phil

it is already a crop and I did up the staturation a bit .. no fiddling with the exposure though! Guess I could crop even more.

I really like your 'grunge' shot great colours, detail and depth.

thanks sparrow

Interesting... it works well... good colours if rather splattered .. not sure it quite shouts grunge to me, but .. that's ok, I like it..

I see how you got around that brownie issue ... very clever...

Glad you like it even if it didn't shout at you

I'm not sure that this is very grungey, but I do like the splattered colours.
For me you didn't really need to compose with the eye in shot though (TBH if you hadn't mentioned elephants I wouldn't have known it was an eye).

I think a smooth composition of the elephant's side might have been stronger, just as an abstract piece.

I was working on the definition of grunge "being covered on unclean things" so thought paint was unclean on an elephant !

Love your shot for this week, I was in London just a week or so back and unfortunately I didn't take any photos of the elephants otherwise I may have gone and used the same shot.

thanks for commenting and glad you liked it.

I like it - looks a bit like a Jackson Pollock!

wish it was worth the same as a Pollock

 

[justlooking]

Week 26 beginning

totally and completely uninspired this week.

So here we are at week 26 .. this is where is all began ...

 

[Tracer]

Maybe not your best picture but it fits the theme and works well - I like the diagonal arrangement and the overall simplicity. It all looks very slightly soft, though, as if you have missed the focus on the print. Also on my monitor the WB looks a tad blue - however I rather like it like this as it suits that awful cold January.

 

[jgs001]

I like it.. it clearly fits the theme well. I think there might be a slight focus issue, it's certainly OOF at the top edge. I also think that it might... be slightly underexposed leading to a greyish tint...

Focal Length: 28mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure Time: 0.0003 s (1/4000)
ISO equiv: 100

The shutter speed, I'm guessing, is at the upper limit, so it must have been bright conditions. Given the flatish nature of the calendar and surface it's on, I think I'd have stopped down the lens and reduced the shutter speed (and if I've got it right) metered for a little over exposed (about 2/3 of a stop) to keep the white correctly exposed.

 

[justlooking]

Tracer, John, thanks for taking the time to comment. I agree I think I missed the focus. I found it quite hard to get the camera to focus on anything.

 

[justlooking]

Week 27 Art

Went for a walk along the canal - I really wanted to find something with the traditional painted flowers on e.g. a pot or watering can but none to be found.

This was on the side of a narrow boat. I am trying to learn more about elements so here is the original followed by the one where I replace the backgound colour.

Not enjoying the 52 challenge at the moment so just using it to practise elements.

 

[jgs001]

Sorry to hear your not enjoying it, but sometimes that happens.. Glad you're keeping up. The image itself works quite nicely, and suits the theme, nice job on the background replacement.

 

[clud17]

This is another idea i had as the canal art is so colourful, im surprised you couldn't find any. I know its a tedious job but i'd be tempted to tidy up a few of the spots with a healing brush.

 

[SarahLee]

Here's hoping that you get your enthusiasm back soon.
It happens with these 52's, but it'll come bouncing back when you least expect it.

Good job with the background change on this one
Agree with Chris on those white spots - could be another good bit of PP practice to clone them out or use the healing brush.
(although if your b/g is pure black, it's probably easier to just paint them back in with a black brush)

I missed our beginnings last week (in fact I missed quite a few threads, so it wasn't just you)
Very good interpretation of the theme, but have to agree with Tracer and John on the focus issue.

 

[Tracer]

I love folk art like this, and your change of background colour has brought out the design better. I think the easiest way to get rid of the spots would be just to sample the background colour with the eyedropper and then just paint over the blemishes.