Karma's 52. Updated with all!

[karmagarda]

I think bubbles has been one of the most fun themes that we've had.
There might be a few niggles with the shot, but well done for getting the bubble in flight and in focus too!!!!!

Personally, I like the blue bottle and the way that it intersects with the bubble. . . was that deliberate or just the way that the shot came out? Either way I think it adds a splash of colour that's needed in this one.

I'm not quite decided with the angle. I keep swinging between loving it (adds interest) to being irritated by it (keep holding my head to one side)

Thanks Sarah! The bottle was indeed intended. The fact that it intersects the bubble was more of a fluke than intended though. There was a green washing up liquid bottle there too that I ended up cropping out.

 

[Spartacus]

I like this one...

Great capture getting the bubble on the move...

I like the blue in the shot, it give it a bit more to see as the shoot looks almost mono, very well done...

 

[corky]

haha well done , I too know how difficult it is charging around the kitchen chasing bubbles

 

[Bruja]

From another bubbles 'survivor' I really love this shot The spash of blue really lifts it and I love the angle you've shot it at. from me Conor.

 

[karmagarda]

I like this one...

Great capture getting the bubble on the move...

I like the blue in the shot, it give it a bit more to see as the shoot looks almost mono, very well done...

haha well done , I too know how difficult it is charging around the kitchen chasing bubbles

From another bubbles 'survivor' I really love this shot The spash of blue really lifts it and I love the angle you've shot it at. from me Conor.

Thanks for the nice comments folks! It was my first time to try out my new flash as well

 

[karmagarda]

My photo this week reminded me of a story about renting our current apartment (Yay, I get to ramble this week!).

My OH still smokes razz and when looking for an apartment a balcony was something she was hoping for. We came across this particular apartment and were shown around it by the agent. The previous owner was present when we were given the tour. So when viewing the sitting room we were pointed where the balcony was, but herself didn't want to venture out as the tenant was in the room thinking: odd I know!). Anyway, we were happy with it so decided to go with this place. Day of move in she went with the removal van, I stayed behind to do the "move out" with our previous landlord. When I eventually arrived at the new place all excited etc I was greeted by a grumpy face. "Not happy?". "No!" and points me to the balcony... she never read the juliet balcony part so imagine her disappointment when she opened the doors! I forsee us moving out when the contract is up

Anyway, so what's with the major invasion of the ladybirds recently? They are all over the place! There was about 6 of them walking on our juliet balcony doors. Well, they did give me a subject to try something new I've been meaning to do for a while. Reverse lens macros . And this one was walking quite low down when it got photographed.



I know, I know, the DOF is awesomely bad! Which means the front is OOF. And his head is OOF. And I should have maybe shot the b****r face on instead of to the side. But he upped and flew away on me before I could get a better shot.

I do love the "peeled" detail I captured though.

 

[Dark Star]

I like it Conor - it has an otherwordly quality - kind of ladybird in a dream

Detail and dof are fine by me

Shame about the balcony !

 

[SarahLee]

You had me wondering right up until the end, what that story had to do with ladybirds
Oh dear . . . I bet she was really disappointed.

I really like this shot, and I'm impressed by the amount of detail that you got with that technique.

I've heard about those reverse lens macros but never tried them . . . I'm guessing that you need to get some kind of adapter???
Is that vignetting because of the reverse lens or have you added it in PP?
Either way it really adds to the shot.

Dof is working well too. It might have been better if he was head on, but that really doesn't detract from the shot that much for me.

 

[Shorty]

I'm glad ladbyirds did eventually link to story poor OH!! Serves her right, BUT, you shoulda read juliet balcony and pointed it out to her, if you wanted to be a good Oh

The DOF is a little too much for me, can't seem to see the focus point enough, but otherwise, well done! Cos reverse lens ain't easy[so I've heard!]

 

[karmagarda]

I like it Conor - it has an otherwordly quality - kind of ladybird in a dream

Detail and dof are fine by me

Shame about the balcony !

Thanks you! I think she's over the balcony thing by now, but I still reckon a move is on the cards

You had me wondering right up until the end, what that story had to do with ladybirds
Oh dear . . . I bet she was really disappointed.

I really like this shot, and I'm impressed by the amount of detail that you got with that technique.

I've heard about those reverse lens macros but never tried them . . . I'm guessing that you need to get some kind of adapter???
Is that vignetting because of the reverse lens or have you added it in PP?
Either way it really adds to the shot.

Dof is working well too. It might have been better if he was head on, but that really doesn't detract from the shot that much for me.

Thanks! I don't have an adapter, I just hand hold the second lens. The vignetting is because of the lens. It's a bit like stacking filters on a lens too. I didn't crop/clone it out because I liked the effect too

I'm glad ladbyirds did eventually link to story poor OH!! Serves her right, BUT, you shoulda read juliet balcony and pointed it out to her, if you wanted to be a good Oh

The DOF is a little too much for me, can't seem to see the focus point enough, but otherwise, well done! Cos reverse lens ain't easy[so I've heard!]

I agree on the DOF. It's a bit much for me too. Not sure if I can fix this doing reverse lens macros, but I can only but keep trying to see if I can perfect it! In regards to telling the OH, I never realised she didn't know it was a juliet balcony until we moved in

 

[Spartacus]

Well thanks for the information with this shot or I would have not giving it much thougth...althought it's way out of focus it still works in a funny way...

I saw it as a giant ladybird walking on the moon...

yes a different angle may have worked better, but you got the shot you got before the choice was taken away from you...:shake:

So it fits the theme and your ready for this week theme...

 

[kennysarmy]

sounds like a good excuse to give up the fags!

reverse lens macro - very interesting....

it's good to try something new....push the boundaries...you should be proud of the shot...

 

[karmagarda]

Ok, so I was thinking about this theme for a while. And to be honest nothing really came to me. How the hell do you get Boom and Groom into a photo anyway? So while at the fire works at Guy Fawkes night, they were well loud, and I thought... "Boom!". And, I was at a wedding recently, so I said why not do a Diptych for a change.

So here's my attempt at "Boom and Groom":

... wait what did you say? It's not Groom and Boom, it's Doom and Gloom? Gah shucks...

*Grabs an extra large crowbar to force photo in*

Doom and Gloom? I was close to posting my out of context photo in the thread when I saw this one

Anyway. Self critique on the crowbarred photo:

1. Left photo is out of focus because of bad light, nearly saved with B&W and an overdone vignette. Not particularly happy with it.
2. The firework is also out of focus ever so slightly. I might have disguised this in the smaller photo size
3. It's very very cheesy, but to crowbar this one in I had to do it

List of flaws are endless. Needless to say, this was not done for appreciation of art purposes. So here, have another free photo on me:



Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

[jeangenie]

Wow - loads for me to catch up with, KG.

Bubbles: This is my fave of this batch. I love the blue and the way the bubble intersects it. The angle is good, imo and adds to the overall interest. How on earth did you get such a substantial-looking bubble? It was well worth the time it took you.

Low down: I love the story behind this and who knows with winter coming it may encourage your OH to give up the ciggies.

At first I thought the dof was too shallow, but when I looked at it again it fitted with the flaky appearance of the wing casings. An interesting and different shot and well captured - you just have to go with what you can get with unpredictable wildlife. btw - I can recommend slugs!!

Boom and Groom: Full marks for turning the theme round. You must be candidate for the best 'crowbar' shot in the whole 52. I'm not a great fan of Diptychs but well done for out-of-the-box interpretation of the theme. I do agree with your own critique, btw - so another well done for honest evaluation.


Jean

 

[karmagarda]

Thanks Jean!

I won't lie to you. Not a fan of Diptychs either.

And I think I've run away with the crowbar trophy too!

 

[jgs001]

Ohh... missed these sorry Conor...

Bubble(s) very nicely done... it works so well, and spot on for getting a bubble "in flight"

Low Down... a very different take... try stopping down the reversed lens (set the aperture on camera, press the DOF preview, then whilst holding that down, remove the lens). This will provide somewhat more DOF. I like the effect you've managed though.

As for the crowbar'd shot... A very different take, albeit twisting the theme, on the theme... Not even as easy as a hard theme this week. As for the diptych, it works... how about loading the bride and groom as a layer over the firework... and adjusting the opacity ?

Well done on the freebie ...

 

[SarahLee]

Boom and groom!
Well I'm going to give you 10/10 just for making me laugh.
I was expecting to be depressed by all these doom and gloom shots, but this is the first one I've looked at and it put a smile on my face.

You've already pointed out what's wrong with it, so I won't repeat it, but there is something about that diptych that I like.
I'd also like to see you try John's suggestion and overlay the firework on top of the B&G - could be interesting.

Freebie shot :
Well done. I like this kind of shot - and the one good thing about the dark evenings is that I might actually get a chance to go out and do this sort of thing.

Now don't you go running off with that extra large crowbar. I might just need to borrow it before this 52 is over

 

[Spartacus]

that's a cheeky way of getting around the theme...

but I like it all the same...

 

[Daysleeper40]

I like your style!!

Low Down - you already know what's worng ith this so I won't repeat it. I do like the peeled effect though

Groom & Boom - what can I say... fit's your theme perfectly!

 

[karmagarda]

Ohh... missed these sorry Conor...

Bubble(s) very nicely done... it works so well, and spot on for getting a bubble "in flight"

Low Down... a very different take... try stopping down the reversed lens (set the aperture on camera, press the DOF preview, then whilst holding that down, remove the lens). This will provide somewhat more DOF. I like the effect you've managed though.

As for the crowbar'd shot... A very different take, albeit twisting the theme, on the theme... Not even as easy as a hard theme this week. As for the diptych, it works... how about loading the bride and groom as a layer over the firework... and adjusting the opacity ?

Well done on the freebie ...

Thanks, and thanks for the tip on the reversed lens. Will give that a test when I try this technique again.

Boom and groom!
Well I'm going to give you 10/10 just for making me laugh.
I was expecting to be depressed by all these doom and gloom shots, but this is the first one I've looked at and it put a smile on my face.

You've already pointed out what's wrong with it, so I won't repeat it, but there is something about that diptych that I like.
I'd also like to see you try John's suggestion and overlay the firework on top of the B&G - could be interesting.

Freebie shot :
Well done. I like this kind of shot - and the one good thing about the dark evenings is that I might actually get a chance to go out and do this sort of thing.

Now don't you go running off with that extra large crowbar. I might just need to borrow it before this 52 is over

I'll keep the crowbar warm for you... I think I'll be using it again before you need it

that's a cheeky way of getting around the theme...

but I like it all the same...

Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do!

I like your style!!

Low Down - you already know what's worng ith this so I won't repeat it. I do like the peeled effect though

Groom & Boom - what can I say... fit's your theme perfectly!

If you can't beat em... well, slightly change and twist it a bit so you can :nuts:

I do like the suggestion of overlaying them on the firework though, and just because I'm crazy, I went and did it. I messed up the transparency a bit, but the fact that the 2 images I started with are a bit rubbish anyway I don't think I can justify putting much effort into it!

Here was a 5 minute attempt:

P.S. You've been given full permission to laugh at this too. I just reopened my thread and laughed out loud! What a couple of rubbish photos

 

[kennysarmy]

oh dear oh dear....

what levels have we stooped too LOL....

at least the rest of us need never worry about crow-barring again....how could anyone top THIS hehehe

anyway....great idea....(coughs)

 

[karmagarda]

oh dear oh dear....

what levels have we stooped too LOL....

at least the rest of us need never worry about crow-barring again....how could anyone top THIS hehehe

anyway....great idea....(coughs)

 

[jgs001]

Overlaid Groom and Boom

You know... it's a very odd looking shot like that with them overlaid... but it actually works very well indeed. (cue soppy music...) and it shows how one feels when you get married an a sort of abstract way ...

 

[Toothie]

I like your bubble

and frankly you deserve real points for effort with that amount of shoehorning

 

[SarahLee]

For a 5 minute job I think you did a good job at combining those two for the overlaid version
It's like one of the worst, cheesiest wedding shots - but so OTT that I actually like it

 

[karmagarda]

Overlaid Groom and Boom

You know... it's a very odd looking shot like that with them overlaid... but it actually works very well indeed. (cue soppy music...) and it shows how one feels when you get married an a sort of abstract way ...

I like your bubble

and frankly you deserve real points for effort with that amount of shoehorning

For a 5 minute job I think you did a good job at combining those two for the overlaid version
It's like one of the worst, cheesiest wedding shots - but so OTT that I actually like it

All I can say is :nuts::bonk:

 

[corky]

Good pic, but, sorry doesn't do anything for me theme wise

 

[karmagarda]

Good pic, but, sorry doesn't do anything for me theme wise

It's ok Corky, it was just me being silly to be honest I couldn't think of a shot for the theme so just did something daft

 

[Tracer]

Full marks for lateral thinking! I rather like the 2nd version with the overlay -- have you the nerve to send it to the happy couple together with the original title? As in, "Oh, hi -- there was this competition for a photo on doom and gloom, so I immediately thought of you..."

 

[karmagarda]

Full marks for lateral thinking! I rather like the 2nd version with the overlay -- have you the nerve to send it to the happy couple together with the original title? As in, "Oh, hi -- there was this competition for a photo on doom and gloom, so I immediately thought of you..."

I wouldn't dare risk my life

 

[karmagarda]

I had so many ideas for this week it wasn't funny. Ended up doing a bit of street photography down Oxford street today and picked up so many mobile phone shots it was hilarious. This was the best of the bunch. I like the fact that people walked into my shot. I feel it helped convey how packed Oxford street was today. Was getting bumped into left right and centre, definitely not ideal circumstances for street photography!

As always, would love to hear your thoughts

 

[SarahLee]

Well Done! A brilliant shot.

Street shots are not really my thing, but I think this one is very good.
The thing that normally puts me off street photography is the loose composition - not a problem with this one, it almost looks planned.
The stationary man with the phone amidst the blur of hustle and bustle around him works perfectly.

 

[Tracer]

I love it - fantastic! Well done

Just out of interest, what focal length were you using? I never have the nerve to do these kind of shots. Years ago I had a twin lens reflex and that was much easier, as people never realised I was actually taking a photo.

 

[karmagarda]

Well Done! A brilliant shot.

Street shots are not really my thing, but I think this one is very good.
The thing that normally puts me off street photography is the loose composition - not a problem with this one, it almost looks planned.
The stationary man with the phone amidst the blur of hustle and bustle around him works perfectly.

Thanks for the nice comments!

I love it - fantastic! Well done

Just out of interest, what focal length were you using? I never have the nerve to do these kind of shots. Years ago I had a twin lens reflex and that was much easier, as people never realised I was actually taking a photo.

Thanks. Focal length was 200mm to get right into his face, but he was only across the footpath from me! It was my second photo of him too, he spotted me take the first one so it wasn't truly candid. So I started taking photos around him until he forgot about me. Then returned to him, and he caught me right after the shot again! It was quite funny. I was laughing, I think you have to, because if you laugh and smile you get better reactions from the public as opposed to getting confronted

 

[Daysleeper40]

Thats a great shot - and kudos to you for doing street photography. I've tried once and never again for me!! The B&W treatment works well and the composition is spot on

 

[jeangenie]

What an excellent shot. You couldn't have set it up better - the hallmark of a great candid, imho.

I always bottle out of street, so I think this is doubly good. Love the b&w treatment too.

No sign at all of a crowbar this week - well done!

Jean

 

[corky]

Very good shot. Bang on theme

 

[karmagarda]

Thats a great shot - and kudos to you for doing street photography. I've tried once and never again for me!! The B&W treatment works well and the composition is spot on

Thanks Fi! What happened when you tried street? I find it exhilarating.

What an excellent shot. You couldn't have set it up better - the hallmark of a great candid, imho.

I always bottle out of street, so I think this is doubly good. Love the b&w treatment too.

Jean

Thanks Jean! Street photography is about 1 thing. Bring brass b*lls with you . The thing you have to do is *just take the photo* and then smile. That's it.

Very good shot. Bang on theme

Thanks Jon!

 

[jgs001]

Very nicely done Conor. A braver man than I... I've been tempted a couple of times to try street, but never managed to find enough bottle... So Kudos for getting the shot, and even more for standing there close with a long lens... This shot has just come together superbly and is spot on theme

 

[karmagarda]

No sign at all of a crowbar this week - well done!

Jean

thankfully it wasn't needed in this thread this week! I dread to think of trying a triptych with fireworks and a mobile phone :nuts:

Very nicely done Conor. A braver man than I... I've been tempted a couple of times to try street, but never managed to find enough bottle... So Kudos for getting the shot, and even more for standing there close with a long lens... This shot has just come together superbly and is spot on theme

Thanks John! I find half the fun about street photography is the slight fear you encounter at the start. For some people that fear is much stronger than the ability to overcome it, which possibly removes the fun factor. I know one thing, it's definitely become my most favoured photography style.